Star Dust
Chapter 13
In the Mountains
All six ponies and dragon looked in shock at what they saw. Twilight stood before them, next to her troll ponynapper. Her lavender eyes glinted in confusion at the behavior of her friends.
Oh no! a sudden thought crept to Star’s mind. Is Twilight being...
“NO!” Spike suddenly screamed. “They must have put Twilight under some kind of spell!”
“Huh?” Twilight exclaimed, tilting her head in confusion.
“Don't worry Twilight!” Rainbow exclaimed, ready to strike the big troll with all she had.
Before Rainbow could lay a hoof on the troll king, he had reached inside his pouch and threw what looked like a ice ball at the headstrong mare. When it hit Rainbow right on the head, there was a small “puff” as Rainbow's body was engulfed by blue fog.
Moments later, the frozen body of Rainbow few out of it, right past Twilight and the troll. What followed was a crash and a loud “OW!”
The troll hadn't wasted any time, quickly throwing another one at Star and company. Soon, the rest of them were also encased in ice. “No, stop!” Twilight exclaimed at the king. “There’s no need to do this!”
“Ya have ta when de ponies are trying to bust yer face,” the King replied seriously. “Now, tell yer piece before tat other unicorn blows de ice away,” he then said, pointing at Star’s glowing horn.
Twilight nodded, her own horn glowing. Her violet aura enveloped and levitated the still-frozen, annoyed, and very upset Rainbow from the corner where she crashed.
“Okay,” Twilight started. “I'm going to melt the ice away, but I really need you all to hear me out. And no, before any of you start again, I'm completely myself,” Twilight deadpanned at Spike while she melted the ice away.
“Then how do you explain those trolls taking you like that?” Star asked, taking couple steps forward, looking badly upset.
“Well,” Twilight rubbed back of her head. “From what I understand, some trolls aren’t exactly fond of us... I mean all ponies in general...” She turned to the King. “Why won't you explain this part?”
He, in turn, took a deep breath. “Alright. But I believe we could be in nicer place. An don't ya worry,” he added, noticing the rather unconvinced looks on Star’s and the others’ faces. “If my trolls see ya with me, they know there ain't nothing to worry.”
The seven of them remained skeptical. “Don't worry,” Twilight then said. “I know this is a bit weird. Truth be told, it is still strange for me, but I'm sure he is trustworthy.”
There were still a few uncomfortable murmurs coming from the group, but they followed Twilight and the troll. Suddenly, Fluttershy gasped. “But- but, what about those guards...”
Star’s horn was already glowing. “Done.” she said. Twilight gave her a confused look. “I, I uuuh... used a simple sleep spell on them...” she said quietly. She was unsure why she suddenly felt so shy when she was around Twilight.
“Really?” Twilight asked, sounding impressed. Star’s face instantly flushed. It was just a compliment!
“I have forgotten to introduce myself,” the king said, interrupting Twilight’s inquisitive barrage. “I am Hjond, De King of De High Mountain and the chief ruler of de Trolls of de High Mountain.”
“High Mountain?” Rainbow asked, her brow raised. “That's what it's called?”
Pinkie jumped in. “Why not ‘Smoky Mountain’? Oh wait, that doesn't work now since that dragon is gone.”
The king gave her a confused look while Twilight and others all looked at her with deadpan expression. “Or better yet “Adventure Mountain”! No, no, no wait! “Former-Smokey-Adventure-Mountain”! Now that's got some ring to it!”
“What?” the king asked, clearly befuddled by the manic mare.
There was a moment of silence before Twilight decided to break the tension. “You were going to tell us about the history between the trolls and ponies?”
“Yeah,” Hjond said, unsure of how to start. “Yeah, my people haven't been much popular with yer kind. An' that's mostly because back in de old days we liked to play with yer kind an' things at some point got outta hand. Dat was until yer Sun Goddess put an end do things...”
“What about Princess Luna?” Star asked, surprising herself that she would bring her alter ego in question. It sounded awkward to ask about herself like that.
“Yer talking about the Moon Goddess?” the king asked. Star resisted the urge to roll her eyes or huff. Flattering is never bad, but there needs to be a line about that. Tia said it had taken a while until ponies stopped addressing us as such.
“She wasn't around that time. An' that was kinda the reason why most of us took things further,” the king explained. “After big confrontation with yer Sun Goddess, ou' kind have been hiding in de shadows.”
The king fell silent. First the group was unsure why, but the sudden loud drum beats, large bonfires, and of course the dancing and cheering explained everything. “We're here,” the king boomed. Many trolls suddenly turned to the king and bowed. The dancing and drumming stopped immediately when other trolls noticed what others were doing and quickly followed suit. The king then raised his arms high and spoke with a loud and booming voice that seemed to echo all around them.
“De trolls of High Mountain! There ain't no need for dat! Continue yer celebration as we have de Learner of De Sun!” he declared, instantly making Twilight and the others very uncomfortable and uncertain. “Soon everything will be like it always was.”
A large cheer filled the hollowed interior, which was almost deafening.
Hjond raised his large hands; the crowd quickly fell silent. He then turned to the seven ponies and one dragon. “An' these are also our guests. Let de celebration continue!”
With that everything seemed to return normal, only now with even more joviality. “Ooh, ooh! Can I join them!?” Pinkie asked, jumping excitedly.
Hjond chuckled at that. “Soon, maybe,” he said before making his way towards the center of the celebration.
“Um... King Hjond...?” Fluttershy suddenly asked, halting the king. “I don't wish to pry or anything, but what this all has to do with that... history you told us?”
“And why exactly are you center of most unicorn nightmare tales?” Star asked.
While the history had sounded fascinating - at least for Twilight and Star - it hadn’t told them why the trolls were hiding here and had ponynapped unicorns in the past.
“Yes. Well de history ain't over yet,” Hjond said. “When de Sun Goddess defeated us, we were really hated by ponies around. An' our feelings weren't exactly humble either, as the defeat was big thing for many of dem and deir pride.”
“So that's where those stories about you trolls and unicorn horns came from?” Spike asked.
“Not really,” Hjond replied. “After my people fled to dis mountain, we had a problem.”
“A problem?” Rarity asked.
“When my people found this mountain an' made this place.” He waved his hand around, emphasizing this point. “There was no light or warmth for us. An' it was also bit hard to find food inside a mountain...”
“Boy, do I know that feeling,” Pinkie interjected, earning another bit quizzical look from Hjond.
“But then we found something,” Hjond continued, looking at a certain object in the vicinity. “De Heart of de Mountain!” he said loudly, pointing at a large rock. “It might not look much right now, but if ya give it enough magic, then it is somethin' much more beautiful.”
“Wait!” Star interrupted. “Are you telling me you've taken unicorns because of their magic reacts to this stone?” she asked, wanting to make sure that her thoughts were correct. “Then what are these stories about you taking unicorns horns?” she asked, confused.
“We never took ya against yer will,” Hjond countered. “Well, mostly...” he added.
“Mostly?” Applejack asked.
“Yea have to understand, we couldn't just come up and ask,” Hjond tried to explain. “An' most of yer kind never did take de whole thing so well...”
“Well of course,” Rarity added. “What else do you expect when you have suddenly changed from your comfortable home to inside some horrid cave?”
Hjond sighed at Rarity's comment. “I told ye already. We couldn't exactly ask ye ponies, I mean, look at me fer example!” he pointed himself. “Would ya even tried to listen what I want to say to ye?”
All of them rubbed back of their head from slight embarrassment, realizing that the king had a point.
Star then spoke up. “I'm still confused.”
“Yes?”
I just need to ask the question carefully. No need give out myself just yet. “It's just that, these stories about your kinds seems to go even further back from the time of the Princesses. And you said that it all began when Celestia defeated you, so...” Star trailed off from her question, not sure how to continue.
But her question brought out a good point and she could see that Twilight's brain was already processing what Star had said, while her other friends gave thoughtful looks. King Hjond just looked at her with a patient look.
“To put it simply: Stories tend to change over time,” he said, shrugging his massive shoulders. “And things did change a lot with our defeat by the Sun Goddess.”
Hjond realized that at some point the music had stopped. He glanced over the other trolls, noting that the entire crowd had ceased their celebration to listen in on the conversation between their king and his pony guests.
“But was the attack on me and Twilight really necessary?” Star asked, upset. “Then to bind us and disable our magic?”
Hjond sighed again. “No it wasn't, but ye already know why they did that. I can't really fully change what my subjects feel, but I certainly won't let them go without punishment. But if ye still are feeling angry because of my subjects, then I apologize for them.” He then made a small bow to Star, which seemed to surprise her. “And I hope ye can still help us.”
“An' I hope ye others can accept my apology.” He said to rest of Twilight's friends.
“Well, since you asked so nicely, I'm sure we can forgive you...” Fluttershy said timidly.
“What she said!” Pinkie grinned, placing her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder.
“Ah suppose so, since ya did admit it was a mistake.” Applejack shrugged.
“Sure,” Rainbow said. “But just make sure not to do it again, or then you’re gonna to have yourself a hard time!” she then added, half jokingly. Hjond laughed out loud.
“Since your words were sincere, I believe I can accept your apology.” Rarity offered a friendly smile.
“I’m with her!” Spike proclaimed almost immediately after Rarity.
Star nodded approvingly, then turned to Twilight, knowing what her answer would be. “Of course I'll help you,” Twilight said, still smiling. “And I believe I can forgive you as long as you don't do it again.”
Hjond seemed to become relieved and his smile widened. He offered his giant hand to Twilight, who in return offered her hoof and the two of them shook.
“It seems I made the right call on wanting you do 'ave this honor, Learner of the Sun,” Hjond said.
“So you knew about Twilight then?” Spike asked.
“Ye could say that, but when ya live inside a mountain, you don't hear that much news or rumors,” Hjond joked. “But we have heard a lot of her feats. Like with de Nightmare” Twilight gave a slight nervous grin when the kings eyes were on her. Where as Stars left eye fliched.
“So Twilight Sparkle, would ya do de honor of lighting de Heart of de Mountain?” he asked in a very serious tone.
“I am ready to do what you've asked,” Twilight answered. “So that your people can have a brighter future.”
As Twilight finished her talk, she suddenly gasped and her eyes widened, from realization as Star could guess. “Twilight? Are you alright?” Spike asked, slightly concerned. He and everyone else knew that look, and sometimes it wasn't a good thing.
What are you thinking now? Star thought.
“I'm sorry to delay so much your highness, but,” Twilight said, “does this... stone react to any kind of magic?” she asked. Even her tone was now thought -and even hopeful.
“Yes...” Hjond replied, with a wondering tone. “I believe so. Why would ya ask?”
Twilight turned to her friends, now wearing an almost determined smile. “Because I think we can give your stone a magic that will keep alive for many years.” Twilight's friends looked uncertainly at each other, not exactly getting what Twilight meant.
But then Applejack seemed to understand. “Ye mean we’re going to use our Element Magic on tha' stone right there?” she asked, pointing at the large, dull stone.
“Yes!” Twilight nodded. “That's what we’re going to do!”
“Uuuh... hate to break it to you Twilight,” Rainbow spoke. “But there there is one, tiny problem here: We don't have the Elements of Harmony with us.”
Rainbow's comment didn't take away Twilight's determination and delight. “I don't think we need the Elements themselves, Rainbow. I think it we can conjure up something from them.”
“So you are saying that, since we are the bearers of the Elements, we also, somehow, are carrying some of their magic with us?” Rarity asked.
“Something like that, yes,” Twilight replied. “I just need all of us concentrate hard enough so I can conjure it out. There is a slight chance of succeeding.”
“A slight?” Star asked, sounding concerned. “And what might happen if you fail?”
“Nothing too serious,” Twilight shrugged. “I hope... I mean, there is the chance of dizziness and, or losing consciousness. Or just a slight headache...” she awkwardly trailed off. Her friends gave her slightly unsure looks. Even though the situation wasn't so bad, none of them felt like taking the risk of not exactly knowing what might happen if they did this without the Elements themselves.
But there is a chance, Twilight, Star said in her mind. And I happen to be that chance.
“Would it help if someone outside your inner Element circle might help you?” she offered. That seemed to ease Twilight's mind. “It could make bringing the energies of the Elements much easier when there is a extra to make sure that it will fully succeed.”
Twilight couldn’t help but look at Star with a impressed look. “Actually, yes. Maybe. Possibly,” Twilight answered thoughtfully. “No one has ever done anything like this. Well, at least not in the books I've read anyway...” She let out an awkward laugh.
“And there have been so many,” Spike quietly pointed out, earning a few giggles from the group and a glare from a slightly blushing Twilight.
“Well, I don't know about any of you, but I'm game!” Pinkie grinned, raising her hoof. “And so is Flutters here!” She raised Fluttershy's hoof.
“Well, uum, not really... but if it means helping Hjond's people, then I guess I could do it...”
Rainbow snorted at that, placing her right hoof on her chest. “Well, if you two are like that then, I guess I could lend my awesomeness. Time to save some trolls!”
There was rather long awkward silence between the ponies. “Wow,” Rainbow then said. “Didn't know I would ever say something like that...” With that everyone circled around Twilight who took a deep breath before starting her spell.
The effects were immediate. Twilight's magic started to spread all around her friends, except Star Dust, who seemed to be left completely outside. As I had suspected, she thought with slight disappointment. Because I'm no longer connected to the Elements, and because of the way I severed the link, there is no connection like that anymore.
Now the magic had fully surrounded Twilight and her friends. Slowly, they started to levitate above the ground. All of them concentrated hard, desperately trying to summon up the magic. But it wasn't so easy, not without a conduit, or in this case, the Elements themselves.
But that doesn't mean I can't help you all. Star fired up her own magic and joined the circle. Her field of vision disappeared into blackness, yet it didn't change what Star, or Luna, couldn't see. She could just as easily feel. Now she could feel that the six ponies were struggling to find that certain spark they needed to activate the Elements’ magic.
But she knew how to do it. Tia will probably have to teach it to all of you one day, she thought, ensuring that none of them “heard” her. She started to channel her feelings towards them. Don't doubt, she encouraged them. Whatever doubts you have, forget them. They only hinder what you are trying to do. Try to imagine, no, remember anything good about you and your bonds. Think about what brings you together.
She could then feel as warmness started to emanate from all six of them. She could feel Fluttershy's love and kindness that seemed to have no bounds. Pinkie’s energetic and simply happy personality. Applejack and Rainbow Dash's determination to prove themselves. Rarity's elegance and generosity.
And finally, Twilight’s hunger to learn more about everything and her desire to share it, while also be with her friends. Star, Luna, couldn't help but let her own feelings flow free for a moment. At that moment, she let loose her emotions and the feelings she had felt when she had first met Twilight back in Canterlot, and then to Ponyville.
The first meeting’s unsureness. I never really wished to make any new friends, besides Octavia and Vinyl, she let out. But then... the more daring feeling as she talked more with Twilight. I felt that I could trust another pony too besides my other friends and... sister...
Her first welcome party at Sugar Cube Corner. That unicorn, Lyra. She was nice company. And that drinking contest. She chuckled. I never had had so much fun like then...
Her time at Rarity's. Even if it was a bit short, I learned more about you. And learned to appreciate you even more. And your little sister and her friends are something no doubt. She laughed. Knowing they couldn't exactly hear her, but feel in a sense, made Star more comfortable sharing her feelings with the group.
Her short visits to Applejack and Fluttershy. Even though you two were busy, you still found enough time to how me your true selves.
And finally, her times spent with Twilight. You are something, Twilight Sparkle. Never had I seen someone getting so worked up at so many little things. She could feel Twilight's blush, but continued on. But you also have a strong heart in the right place, and you always think about your friends. With you, I remembered some of the times I thought I had forgotten. With you, I've felt some emotions I thought I had almost forgot. For some reason that last thought made Star blush.
And for that, I really wish to thank you for all you have done. And same to your friends. Thank you, thank you so much.
And then, everything seemed to blow up in a bright light.
All of that searching might have felt like a long time. On the outside of the circle, barely a second had passed. One second, Star joined with Twilight and others, taking her place right in the middle of them and then her magic combining with them. A blast, almost bright as the sun itself, blasted to the very peak of the mountain, taking the form of a rainbow that shot itself down at the Heart of the Mountain. At first, nothing seemed to happen, but as Twilight and other slowly descended to the ground, the large stone started to shake violently and cracks started to form around it.
All the inhabitants of the High Mountain were terrified of the possibility that the ponies had done something wrong. But then the cracks burst with light and were pushed aside by a powerful shockwave. Everyone quickly covered their eyes from the dust and dirt that flew into the air.
And when they were able to lay their eyes back on the stone, the sight was something no one had expected to see. The large stone shone brightly with a colors of a rainbow. Slowly, it started to ascend above far above them, close to the ceiling. There, another flash of light burst and suddenly, the streets were running with small, multicolored aurora streams. Each stream had one color that many of the habitats could connect to their pony guests.
King Hjond looked at this wonder and then turned to his pony guests who looked rather worn out, as they slowly came to their senses. “Did...did we do it?” Twilight asked, tired.
“Did ya do it?” Hjond asked, almost in shock. “Ya did it alright! YA CERTAINLY DID! OH DIS IS THE MOST PERFECT THING THAT’S HAPPENED!” He laughed even louder from the happiness he was feeling.
“De Heart has never been anythin' like dat! Whatever ya did, did something much, much more dan anyone has ever done!” All eight of them saw large tears dropping from his eyes. “My people now have something new and bright to look into. And it's all thanks ye! I feel like dancing!”
“Then what are you waiting for!?” Pinkie suddenly jumped. Her weariness, seemed to be forgotten. “Let's Paaaaaar-TY!” With that, the king waved his hands, and soon the music returned. Pinkie soon joined with the other trolls in their dancing and celebrating.
“Come on girls!” she called her friends. “It's a troll party! JOIN IN!”
Rainbow and Applejack both chuckled. “Can't really say no to that, can you?” Rainbow asked Applejack.
“Sure can't.” Applejack laughed. “Maaybe a small party wouldn't hurt...”
“Now you’re talking!” Rainbow said, leaping in to join the celebration. Applejack wasn’t far behind.
“If any of you don't mind, I'm going to ask the dear king if he might have a nice place for me to rest,” Rarity said. “This, whatever we did, certainly took a lot from me,” she said, placing her hoof over her head.
“Don't worry Rarity, I'm here to help you if you need anything!” Spike said, immediately going to the white unicorn’s side.
“That is appreciated, Spikey-Wikey,” she smiled, giving a quick pat to the dragon’s head.
“I... I might stay around a little while,” Fluttershy spoke awkwardly. “In case I might actually want to join Pinkie and others... if that is no problem for anyone...”
With that, only Twilight and Star were left sitting alone. While everyone else had went for different directions, they remained where they were. “Wow... this has been a rather interesting day,” Twilight finally managed to say. Fatigue filled her voice.
“I certainly can agree with that,” Star replied. “I doubt you had planned all of this?” she then joked, tapping Twilight with her hoof teasingly.
“Oh if only...” Twilight laughed.
A moment of silence fell between them.
“Star...” Twilight began, and Star for some reason felt really nervous about it. “Whatever happened at the... whatever it was...” she said. Star's heart was now beating faster and she wanted it to stop. There was nothing really that should have made her feel like this! “Were those, feelings...were they really true?”
Star felt she was loss at words at first. And all that seemed to come out of her was illegible mumbles, which started to worry Twilight. But she quickly collected herself by taking a few deep breaths. Come on Star, why are you acting like this!? What you felt was true, there is nothing to be ashamed of...
“You should know that, in that kind of state, it is not really easy to fake such emotions,” Star replied, trying to keep her pounding heart beat under control. “What you felt...was real...and I meant everything with it.” A hot blush formed around her.
Twilight stared at Star for a moment. Her expression gave nothing away as to what she was thinking or feeling and that made Star even more nervous and flustered. Why am I feeling like this? Why is my heart beating up like I'm in a race? Why does my face feel like if Sun itself had kissed it!?
“Well,” Twilight finally said. “I'm very glad that's true,” she said softly, closing the small distance between them with a warm hug. A hug that felt warmer, and nicer than any other hug she ever had. Come on Star, get a grip! You don't need to nervous about anything! It's not like you have a- a hug that seemed to make her feel even more special. NO... am I... have I...
Time seemed to slow around Star. The next thing she knew, was the sudden warmness leaving her. “Wait, Twilight!” she quickly said, stopping Twilight. I really am...
“Could... could you just, stay here for a while?” she asked, embarrassed. “Please?”
Twilight stared at Star, then offered her a smile. A smile that should have been like any other smile, but it seemed to have an effect on her. “Sure,” Twilight said. Seating herself so both she and Star were in comfortable position, Twilight leaned in for a deeper hug. “I think I would like that.”
Star noticed that Twilight had her own small blush around her cheeks.
Oh, by the Moon... I really have fallen for Twilight Sparkle...!
But the moment was soon broken. “Star…” Twilight began. There was a uncertain edge in her tone that Star was fearing for some reason. “There is something I want to know,” she said.
And Star could feel the hair on her back rising from fear. Oh no!
“How did you know exactly what to do?” Twilight asked in a calm tone. “You seem to know more about many forms of magic than any regular unicorn and you have only so far told me that you live close to Canterlot Castle, and I know there aren’t that many spell books in its library that are accessible to common ponies.”
“And the fact that you were able help me and my friends, when we tried to unlock our Elements...no one should even know about that!” she pointed out. Her tone remained amazingly calm. Star, by contrast, was now shaking horribly. I’ve been so careless!
“So, what exactly are you still hiding?” Twilight continued asking. “Why are you acting this way?” Twilight could feel Star’s trembling, which made her regret her forwardness. “There is no need to be like that, Star. I’m your friend. I just want answers.” Twilight tried to comfort her.
“From what I have learned from you, you exactly haven’t had the best life.” Twilight then began. “Being shut from outside world so long, even with your loving mother and sister.” Twilight could have sworn that she heard small sounds of sobbing coming from Star.
“And you haven’t made many friends,” Twilight soothed, now placed a comforting hoof on Star’s head. “But now, with us being friends, I have seen you open up to show more of your true self. And that is a wonderful thing. But you are still trying so hard to hide something, that you don’t want me - or my friends - to find out. So please, please talk to me. There is no need to keep things from a friend. Keeping secrets from the ones close to you is never a good thing.”
Star couldn't help but blush slightly at the “one close” comment. And as much she wanted to deny it, Twilight was right. Just like Tia.
Star sighed. “I know, Twilight,” she said sadly, not daring to look at Twilight. “But this is just - too big for me,” she said. I’m now trying to find excuses!
“And I don’t feel like telling you, or your friends just yet. Right now, everything seems to be so…confusing to me.” Then she looked at Twilight, as hard as it was. “But I promise you, that I will tell you all you want to know. Just- just not yet.”
Twilight was about to say something, but Star quickly stopped her. “Please,” she pleaded, giving Twilight a desperate look. “I… I don’t want to deal with that yet. And after what I...we have been through.”
Twilight sighed, disappointed. Not what I had hoped. But today’s been rather exhausting. Especially to Star and others.
“I think I understand,” Twilight said, suddenly resting her head on Star’s, which surprised both of them. The simple act also made them both blush harder. “I think I can let it go...for now, at least.” She smiled.
“So, we can now enjoy the moment?” Star asked, slightly amused.
“Yes. Yes we can.” Twilight smiled, letting out a small chuckle.