Jason pushed through some of the bushes and branches, his flashlight leading the way. “Lyra, where are we going?” He asked her.
“The Castle of The Two sisters.” Lyra responded, “According to Legend, the Princesses Celestia and Luna lived there 1000 years ago, before Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon, who returned tonight.”
Emily looked at her, “Do both of them look like a unicorn and a pegasus fused together?” She asked.
“Is one of them white with multi colored hair? And the Other one dark blue and wears scary armor?” Jason added.
Lyra looked at both of them, “Yeah, that fits Celestia and Nightmare Moon perfectly.” She turned her head towards Emily, “And the term is Alicorn.”
Emily shrugged, pushing past some branches, “Whatever. I guess the name makes sense. So, when you say it was a legend...”
Lyra shrugged, “It was 1000 years ago, the only texts detailing events from back then are all foals tales and myths.” She turned forwards again, “I take some inspiration from ancient myths and legends for my music.”
“What instrument do you play?” Jason asked, “I’m guessing its a lyre.”
Emily rolled her eyes, “Just because her name is Lyra doesn’t automatically force her into playing that instrument.”
Jason pointed towards her flank, which held the image of a lyre, “That might give one a hint.”
“Or it just means that she can play a lot of instruments, and not just one specific thing. Its a branding! A tattoo for ponies.” Emily replied.
Lyra’s ears folded back, “It’s called a Cutie Mark…” She mumbled.
“Cutie Mark?” Jason asked, “What is that?”
Emily tilted her head, “Cutie Mark sounds like a cutesy name for a brand...”
Lyra glared at Emily, “Brands are used for slavery, something that any good pony would never do.” She took a breath, “A Cutie Mark is a mark that lets somepony know what they’re good at, mine is a lyre, because my special talent is playing the lyre.” She snapped.
Emily raised her hands, “Ok! Your a touchy pony. I guess branding would be considered slavery here to ponies...so thats all your good at? Playing music?” she asked, walking closer to her.
“No. As a matter of fact I am also a mythologist. That doesn’t pay much, so its more of a hobby.” She growled, “And for your information, I have a right to be touchy, my marefriend has been enslaved by Nightmare Moon…”
Emily frowned, “Point taken, lets get going then. If what we saw in the cave with the pictures was true, and this Nightmare Moon is really that bad, then we need to go after her before she kills anybody. I assume...because your ponies, you don't have guns?” she guessed.
Lyra raised an eyebrow, “Guns?”
“Weapons on the caliber of twenty thousand of the highest quality swords.” Jason said, “Very dangerous, and very lethal, probably cut through high quality un-enchanted armor like it was butter.
Emily nodded, “Yeah...so I guess thats a no...do you actually have magic?”
Lyra’s horn lit up, yanking the flashlight out of Jason’s hand in a sea green color, “Yes.” She said simply.
Jason froze, his eyes wide, “The Force…” He whispered.
Emily glared at him, “She isn't a jedi! Shes a unicorn. I think magic and ‘the force’ are two very different things,” she looked back at Lyra, “do unicorns have a lot of power like the myths about them said?”
“It all depends on the Unicorn, most use it to help their special talent, like me and my lyre playing, but others, whose Cutie Mark’s are directly linked to magic, they are the most advanced mages in Equestria.” Lyra explained.
Jason snapped out of his amazement, “So not The Force?”
Lyra glared at him, “No, this isn't Star Mares…” She mumbled.
“I told you.” Emily said triumphantly, “Wait...Mares? Is everything a pun here?”
“You know what a Jedi is?!” Jason exclaimed, “How?”
“It’s a bucking movie…” She muttered, looking up, “We’re here.” A ruined castle loomed in front of them, broken windows and towers that appeared to have been torn down. “The Castle of the Two Pony Sisters.”
Emily looked at it, “Looks like a haunted house.” she said, stopping in front of it.
“It’s been derelict for over 1000 years, of course it does.” Jason snapped.
Emily stuck her tongue out at him, “No need to get snappy with me just because I made an observation.” she muttered.
Jason didn’t respond, instead pointing towards the gates. Six different ponies, two unicorns, two pegasi, and two normal looking ones, were entering the castle, “Looks like we’re not the only ones here…” He muttered, leaning down into the bushes.
Emily smiled, “That's good for us, more hands helping us out...why did you run out here again by yourself?” she asked Lyra.
Lyra glared at Emily again, “My love was captured. I came to get her back.” She snarled.
“Both of you stop it.” Jason hissed, his normal goofy demeanor gone. “This is serious. People’s live are at stake, and we can’t be messing around like children.”
“I am a child. An older one, but still.” Emily said, “A child that was put through a headache rainbow portal, and is now with a pony trying to save another pony. I am on an acid trip.” she rubbed her eyes.
“Lets just get on with this.” Jason hissed, “The main entrance is likely to be guarded, since the six mares are probably expected, and Nightmare doesn’t want them to escape. Let’s find a side entrance.” He whispered, sneaking to one side of the castle.
Emily held onto the branch he had given her, and followed him, “I'm going to have to sharpen this...make it a spear somehow for later...” she muttered, searching around the wall, turning on her own flashlight a bit too late, falling over some of the broken wall, “Ow...” she groaned.
“Keep it as a staff.” Jason whispered, “Less lethal, still dangerous.” He reached out a hand to help her up. “Lyra? Know any healing Magicks?”
Lyra nodded, “A basic healing spell, should be enough for as much as a broken arm.”
Emily stood back up, dusting herself off a little, “I'm fine...some of the fallen debris stuff hurt my back, but I can move just fine, found an entrance....” she said, cracking her back, looking at the big hole in the wall.
Jason nodded, “Good, Here’s how it’s gonna go. Emily, you go up front, since you have the best weaponry, not expecting much of a fight, but it’s best to be careful. I’ll go in the middle, as a backup, and Lyra, your support, healing us when we get hurt.” He explained, “Sound good?”
Emily stared at him, “The weapon I have, is a branch from a tree. Not exactly a weapon dude.” she said.
“It held that door open for 1000 years without a crack, I don’t think it’s gonna break anytime soon.” Jason muttered, “Just use it.”
Emily sighed, “It just means its a really strong branch, that broke apart over time. We don't even know if it was there for that long a time, but fine, ill use the branch.” she said.
Jason nodded, “Good,” He glanced to the floor and picked up a small metal pipe of sorts. “Should work for now.” He muttered, grabbing his other flashlight from his bag and shining it down the hallway. “Everybody ready?”
Lyra nodded, “Ready.”
Emily held the stick like she was about to throw it, “Ready to die because I'm in the front and the alicorn is crazy.” She said, walking through the hole carefully and into the hallway, looking around.
Jason entered the hallway behind Emily, Lyra following closely, “Nightmare would have the captives in a very defensible place, like the dungeon.” He muttered, walking forwards into what appeared to be a throne room.
Lyra stifled a frightened squeak, “N-N-Nightmare…” She trailed off, shaking terribly.
The pictures in the temple did nothing to show what she really looked like. Nightmare Moon stood at least a couple feet taller than Jason and Emily, and her whole body seemed to shimmer with an evil black aura.
Emily turned to them, putting her arm down, tired from holding it up, “Any sort of game plan?” she whispered.
“Normally I would suggest sneaking around her, but since she is an age old evil deity, I don’t think that’s going to happen.” Jason whispered back.
All of a sudden, the six mares from before charged into the room, “We’re here to stop you!” The blue pegasus with prismatic hair yelled.
Nightmare moon laughed, one of the cliché laughs that all villains share. “And how will you do that without your precious Elements of Harmony?”
“There dead...” Emily muttered, keeping out of sight from them.
Nightmare’s horn lit up, and the purple Unicorn disappeared with a flash, before Nightmare turned into a cloud of blue mist. Jason took a step out of the shadows and called out to them, “Hey!”
The orange pony with the stetson looked at him, “What tha hay are ya supposed ta be? Are ya helpin tha Nightmare er somethin?” she asked, glaring at him.
Jason snorted, “Couldn’t be farther from the truth, we’re here to get the hostages that Nightmare took and bring them to safety.”
The prismatic Pegasus glared at him, “Nightmare didn’t take any hostages. Who are you trying to fool.”
Jason turned back to face Lyra, only to be slammed back with a hammer. Jason slammed into the wall, unconscious. Lyra’s right fore hoof took the shape of a black hammer, before her body morphed into a being of dark smoke with evil red eyes.
Emily looked over at him, before she glared at the monster, “I get to hit something with this stick now at least...” She muttered, running at the smoke like abomination, hitting it with the branch, which surprisingly, didn't go through the smoke like she had worried about. As soon as the branch made contact with the smoke, a great bang echoed throughout the hall. The smoke being flew backwards into a window, which shattered, letting the beast fly outside.
Emily looked down at the branch in her hand, “What the fuck just happened?” she asked herself, looking around.
The yellow pegasus looked like she was going to have a heart attack, and the stetson wearing regular pony was at a loss for words at what had just happened.
A groan from the wall echoed throughout the hall, “Owww…” Jason muttered. “While that hurt, how the hell do I not have any broken bones?” He got up slowly, wincing at every movement. “Ugh, what happened?”
Emily stared at him, a bit glassy eyed, “A monster hit you...and this branch threw it away...somehow...” She said, looking down at it again.
Jason smirked weakly, “Told you that staff was important.” He glanced at the five mares, “Now that’s out of the way, My name is Jason Schmidt, and this is my friend, Emily Tucker, can we be of any assistance?”
A scream rang out from the highest tower, drawing all their attention, “That sounded like Twilight!” The pink pony yelled, causing the rest of them to race towards the tower.
Jason charged right after them, grabbing Emily’s wrist again, “ADVENTURE!” He yelled excitedly, his previous pain forgotten.
“What's with you and grabbing me when I can run well on my own?” Emily growled, unamused, debating weather to hit him with the branch as she ran with him.
Nightmare Moon stood over Twilight, a triumphant look on her face. “The Elements have failed you foal!” She roared, flaring her wings, “Any Last words?”
“Yeah.” Came a new voice that Nightmare did not recognize. Looking up, she saw two bipedal creatures, one male, one female, based on their mane length, standing in the doorway. “Could you be any less cliché?” The male one quipped, before turning to Twilight, “Don’t worry, you’re friends are on their way.”
Nightmare’s wings flared again, “Who are you to insult the Queen of Nightmares!?”
The male figure gave a mock bow, “My apologies, your highness,” He said mockingly, “My name is Jason Schmidt.”
The female smiled, “I’m Emily, and I apparently have a strong ass branch that can throw things out a window. Fear me, or get hit with my whacking stick.”
“I am not a whacking stick!” Another new voice rang out, ”I am the soul of the great wizard Imloch in his favored staff!
Emily dropped the stick, backing up slightly, “You can have it now Jason.”
“I will work only with a human of my bloodline, which is you, young Emily.”
Emily frowned, “I don't know anyone in my family who was a mage.” She said.
“Is this really ah good time fer this? We needa take care of helpin Twilight!” The orange pony exclaimed.
Twilight stared at the whole thing, before a spark appeared in her eye for a split second, and turned to Nightmare Moon, trying to ignore the oddity of two new creatures and a talking piece of wood, “You're wrong, the elements havent failed me.” she said proudly. “The elements of Harmony are right here!” she exclaimed, looking at each of the other ponies assembled, as the crystals at Nightmare Moons hooves glowed and flew up into the air.
“Applejack, when she reassured me when I was doubtful, represents the spirit of Honesty.” some of the crystals flew over to the orange pony, and circled around her.
“Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her kindness and gentle compassion, represents Kindness!” Twilight exclaimed, as the crystals circled the shivering yellow pegasus.
“Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents Laughter...”
Emily picked up the branch slowly as Twilight continued talking, and looked at it carefully, turning to Jason, “I want to know where that other monster went...” she whispered.
“Let’s hope it’s gone for a while.” Jason whispered back.
“Yeah, but I want to find-” Emily was cut off by a rainbow light and Nightmare Moon screaming, and turned back to watch.
Jason sighed, “More rainbow lights…” He turned to Emily, “Headaches again?”
Emily shook her head, “No, Im fine, it isn't swirling continually...” she said, “Nightmare Moon...looks adorable.”
“Huh, She kind of does,” Jason replied, tilting his head, “Is she trying to get away?” He wondered.
Emily shrugged, “If she is...she doesn't look like she would be able to leave.” she observed.
Their attention was drawn to the sun, which was finally seeming to be rising. Through one of the broken windows, a pure white alicorn came through the window, landing gracefully on the floor. A pure white alicorn, with a flowing rainbow mane and tail, and sun cutie mark, appeared from the light.
Twilight ran over to her, “Princess Celestia.” she said, nuzzling her.
Princess Celestia smiled, “My faithful student, I knew you could do it.” she said proudly, nuzzling her back.
Twilight looked up at her, confused, “But you told me it was all an old pony’s tale.”
Celestia shook her head, smiling, “I said make friends, I never disproved of the legend. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moons return the same as you, and knew you had the magic inside to defeat her, but only with true friendship inside. Now if only she will as well...” she walked over to Nightmare Moons prone form, her wings out, “Princess Luna, it has been a thousand years since I have seen you, its time we put our differences aside, we were meant to rule together, little sister.”
“Sister?” Emily asked, confused, “Must have been some huge sister spat...”
“Don’t you remember what not-lyra said? Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon.” Jason responded.
“Yeah...didn't realize the evil ghost monster was being truthful though, about anything it fucking said.” Emily replied, looking at him.
“Well apparently it was.” Jason grumbled.
Everything was quiet, and when both humans turned, Celestia and Luna were looking at them, along with the apparent Elements of Harmony. Princess Celestia walked slowly over to them, “May I ask, but who are the both of you? I don't believe we have met.” she said calmly.
Jason bowed, “My name is Jason Schmidt, it is an honor to meet you Princess Celestia.”
Emily bowed with him, “Emily.” she said simply, putting the branch on the floor.
Princess Celestia smiled gently, “You don't have to bow, it is nice making your acquaintance. I have not seen creatures such as you though, what are you?”
“We are humans from the planet Earth, while exploring through the woods we were chased by a black mist, and we took shelter in a temple,” Jason pointed at Emily’s staff, “That is a talking stick that held the door open. Not joking.” He shook his head, “Along the walls of the temple were carvings, of you and Nightmare moon doing battle. We apparently entered a Rainbow portal and ended up a couple of miles away, where a smoke creature that was disguised as a pony named Lyra Heartstrings found us and took us to the castle, under the pretense of rescuing hostages.” Jason explained.
“I still say I'm on an acid trip, and the stick is talking to me because of that.” Emily said.
Princess Celestia tilted her head, thinking about that information, “That sounds like a bit of an issue, I am sorry for what you had to go through.”
“Yeah well, At least one of us got a magical Item out of it.” Jason muttered, glancing at Emily. “Other than that, we should be able to get home, I mean from what I’ve gathered, you’re practicality gods!”
Princess Celestia sighed, and walked closer to them, away from the new element bearers, “As much as the ponies wish to believe us to be gods, all me and my sister truly are, is nothing like a god. My magic, although powerful enough to move the sun, is not at a level to rival that of what you call a god, I do not, and neither does my sister, have the power to send creatures between dimensions.”
Jason stared at Celestia, “So we’re stuck here until we die, is that basically correct!?” He yelled, charging towards her.
Celestia stopped him in a yellow glow, staring at him sadly, “I am afraid thats correct, and trying to attack me will not help the matter.”
Princess Luna walked over, “Why is thine creature attacking Us?” she asked.
“Because I am stuck in magical pony land!” Jason yelled, waving his hands in the air, “I had a life, a family back home, and now they’ll never know where the hell I went! Same goes for Emily!”
Emily looked at him, “I'm good, the acid trip I am on will wear off, and I'll be grounded.” She said, looking at the branch, “And this thing won't be talking.”
”Emily, this isn’t some drug induced hallucination, this is real, you are in Equestria, which is a Alternate Universe U.S.A, on the planet Earth. Yes its the same bloody name, deal with it.” The staff snarked.
“Says the talking stick.” Emily replied.
The staff, in response, whacked her in the face without any magic behind it. ”I am not a bloody stick, I am a staff, I, simply do not have enough energy to change my shape to my normal staff form…” The staff muttered angrily.
Emily rubbed her head, dropping the offended staff, “That actually hurt...” Her eyes widened, “Shit...”
”Yes, now pick me up.” The staff snarked.
Emily looked like she was going to have a mental breakdown, the excuse of an acid trip being the only thing making her calm. She lied down on the floor and curled up into the fetal position.
Jason turned to Celestia, “Let me go!” He said, “Please.” He begged her. Celestia nodded understandingly, and her magical aura disappeared from his body. Jason rushed over to Emily, pulling her up and wrapping his arms around her, “It’s gonna be alright.” He whispered, “We’re gonna get through this, together.”
Princess Celestia sighed, “If you wish, you can live in Canterlot, with my Student Twilight Sparkle, and perhaps get a bit of comfort.” she suggested.
Twilight walked over to Celestia, “Actually Princess...” she said.
Celestia looked down, a small frown adorning her face, “Yes Twilight, what's the matter?” she asked worriedly.
“I...would actually like to stay in Ponyville with my friends. After getting them not to long ago, I don't really want to leave them.” Twilight admitted, smiling sheepishly.
Celestia smiled, “I am so proud to hear that. As your teacher, and Princess, I will say you may live in Ponyville in the library, and continue to study the magic of friendship with your friends.” she said, turning to Jason, “And if you wish, perhaps you can help them as well? If they so choose?” she suggested.
Twilight nodded, “I will.” she said, as she got hugged by the other five.
“Nice to see everyone hugging while we’re freaking out…” Jason muttered, “If you’ll take us, we would be grateful for a place to stay.”
Applejack looked at him, “Ah know of ah house thats fer sale in Ponyville ya two can live in, ifn ya decide ta live there.”
Jason nodded, “Thank you.” He glanced back down at Emily, “It’s gonna be alright Em.” He whispered.
“That isn’t helpful...in any way.” Emily muttered, a little better.
Celestia and Luna looked at them, “Since you have all decided, and I do think it may help dear Emily, I can send all of you to Ponyville.” Celestia said.
Jason groaned, “More horse puns.”
Celestia sighed, and her horn glowed, the ponies staying close to Jason and Emily, as they disappeared in a flash of yellow light into a library.
Jason groaned, “That was weird…” He muttered, “And nauseating…”
Twilight nodded, “Sometimes teleporting does that to ponies who haven't teleported before.” She studied him for a second, “You are something I haven't seen before, perhaps I could...” She noted Emily still in Jason’s arms and hesitated, “Maybe later...”
Applejack turned to them, “Ah can show ya the house, even give ya some startin bits ta git it an a few supplies ya might need.” She offered.
Fluttershy flew over to him, “M-may I see her, please?” She asked quietly.
Jason looked at each of them, “Twilight, questions first, we’ll see how it goes from there,” He turned to Applejack, “Thank you, that would be appreciated.” He turned to Fluttershy, “Please, Be careful…” He asked her, turning to her fully.
“I will.” Fluttershy said, taking Emily out of his hands gently and flying onto the ground, petting her hair as she talked to her softly. Surprisingly, Emily started to look calmer, and eventually fell asleep.
Jason smiled, “Thank you.” He turned back to Twilight, “What kind of questions?”
Twilight sighed, “It can wait until later...you're probably tired, and everypony still needs to get back home. Maybe tonight you can sleep here in the guest room, and tomorrow Applejack can help you get the house.” She said.
Jason nodded, “Thank you, really,” he turned to face all of them, “I might have seemed very rude earlier, and I just wanted to say thank you.”
”Well, this has been a grand old adventure.” The staff began to say, making Rainbow Dash stare at it. ”And I don’t doubt there will be many, many more to come, and I hope I shall be able to get Emily ready in the way’s of Magicka.” The staff paused, “Call me Imloch, it was my name when I was alive.”
Twilight sighed, “I'll see you girls tomorrow, I need to get the guest room I found earlier ready, and...Rainbow, Pinkie, leave Imloch alone please.” she said exasperatedly, “Come on, I’ll show you to the room Jason...” She said, picking the sleeping Emily up in her magic.
“Thanks Twilight.” Jason said, picking up Imloch and following Twilight upstairs, as the other mares left.