//------------------------------// // Wish Weaver - Chapter 8: It ain't a party if you can't come round. // Story: Wish Weaver // by Limescale //------------------------------// My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Wish Weaver : Chapter 8 It ain’t a party if you can’t come round. “It seems like me you are quite arcane. Every day you surprise all again!” Zecora commented as she listened to the latest account of Equinox’s trials, narrated with gusto by Apple Bloom. - While you are kind to say that, Creator Zecora, I still would rather attempt to dispel some of the mystery around myself.- Equinox lamented as she scanned through the data collected from her little test. – While being able to utilize my higher functions when I desire will be a start, I must now also acknowledge the even greater challenge of figuring out who I am and why I was sent to Equestria. - Both zebra and foal stopped and share a sideways glance, each feeling slightly disappointed at their friend for abruptly killing the jovial mood. “Dearest Equinox, you are too dour. There are many who would vie to have your power.” Zecora replied. The robot did not look assured by this. - Even if I cannot wield it properly without a drastic turn of circumstance? More so if the cost is a complete loss of my identity? – Apple Bloom opened her mouth to voice a protest at such sudden and rampant pessimism, but Zecora held up a hoof for her silence. “The pain of your words are, to me, well known, but take heart alicorn, you are not alone.” The zebra smiled. “I once met another like you, who came to me without name or clue. To her I gave the means to cope: some simple words that carried hope. You can help yourself, of this I’m sure, for life itself is the cure!” Equinox swiveled her ears in opposite directions, trying to make sense of this supposed remedy parable. Fortunately, Zecora had the answer for her immediately. “You have made new friends, gotten a new start, and with them new memories to fill your heart. Even if it is not the same as before, you have already made yourself a name of lore. Take heart, Equinox, embrace who you now are, for we all agree, you are a star!” Now both ears on the silver alicorn’s head were aimed squarely at the zebra, her mouth hanging loose as the wisdom of her words struck her like a bolt of lightning. Though it seemed unnecessary to get a second opinion, Equinox still looked to Apple Bloom, and felt her whole body whirr upon seeing her smile of agreement. The newest and most powerful emotion yet coursed through the robot’s body like a raging river, not pride, nor satisfaction this time, but exactly what Zecora had promised. Hope. - I see your point, Creator Zecora. Forgive my previous negativity; I had not considered such a viewpoint. - Remembering the saddlebags on her side, Equinox reached over and drew an invitation out from them. - If you find you have the time, I would be honored to have you attend my introductory party. Entertainer Pinkie Pie has planned it to coincide with the phenomenon that gave me my name.- Zecora accepted the card with pleasure. “The honor would be entirely mine, to get to see you amaze and shine!” Zebra and robot regarded each other with a new air, one that despite being so different, they had forged a bond, and could now explore if there was any other common ground between them. Sadly a nudge to their legs indicated that such would have to wait as there were more pressing matters to attend to. “Uh sorry to interrupt, but Ah just noticed the time. Miss Cheerilee will be expecting me back at school now.” Apple Bloom said. She now seemed disappointed in herself for having to halt such a wonderful moment, but neither of the ponies could find the will to fault her. “A shame our talk must yet again end, but no matter, we will see each other soon, friend.” Zecora said, enunciating the final word to show Equinox deserved to be addressed as such. The metal alicorn reacted by nodding with noticeably more vigor. - Indeed, and thank you for your advice.- She replied. *** - How strange, I copied her looks without her permission, and yet she bears me no ill will. - Equinox played the conversation over again as she and Apple Bloom re-entered Ponyville. “Why would she? Yew didn’t mean anything bad by it, and yew apologized immediately after. That’s more honesty than some others around here have shown.” Apple Bloom replied, getting a slow nod as her friend absorbed this in. - Indeed, which in turn would be even more reason for me to abide by her suggestion that I embrace whom I am now. – Equinox retracted her visor and dipped her head in contemplation. – If you will permit me, Scholar Apple Bloom, I will modify my programming to include Creator Zecora’s words as a new directive.- The metal alicorn promptly froze in her tracks and emitted a soft beep. - Modifications completed. New fourth directive established: I am to continue developing a new identity for myself, and determine how my higher functions can be utilized for its benefit. - Equinox resumed walking as if nothing had happened. – Now I shall return to my previous investigation towards trying to re-activate those higher functions. - Thought slightly freaked by the spontaneous behavior, Apple Bloom told herself not to worry. This, like her other quirks, were just part of what made Equinox unique. “Ah’m sure we’ll think of something soon.” She replied. The two finally came to the Ponyville School house, finding a group of other small fillies crowded around a mauve toned earth pony who was looking very worried. “Huh? That’s weird. Recess was supposed to have ended 20 minutes ago.” Apple Bloom said before running up to the mare. “Miss Cheerilee, what’s going on? Why are yew all still hanging around the playground?” The mauve mare jumped at the little foals voice. “Oh! Oh you’re back Apple Bloom!” She sighed and place a hoof against her head. “I’m sorry but class has been a little delayed. We had to have the locks changed yesterday and I clean forgot to check that I had the right keys with me when I lead everyone out to recess. We’re just waiting for the locksmith to come and open the school house for us.” Cheerilee looked up at the clock on top of the building and sighed. “He’s apparently also running late it seems.” Among the gathered foals one with a lighter purple tone to her coat, and a small crown on her head spoke up. “I still say we should just break one of the windows and climb in. We have plenty of rocks lying around.” Cheerilee sighed with even greater dismay. “For the last time Diamond Tiara, no. It’s dangerous and those windows are expensive!” Apple Bloom empathized with her teacher’s plight, but Equinox now looked utterly fascinated with the door leading to the school house’s interior. - Instructor Cheerilee, may I try something? - Looking with trepidation at the strange metal equine, Cheerilee considered her options and stepped aside. “If you think you can help, then sure. Just be careful.” Equinox stepped up to the door and peered intently at its locking mechanism. Summoning her visor she scanned its mechanics, and immediately felt the infernal buzzing return to her mind. Kssssshhhhhh….four locks this time….kssssshhh…two minutes…..ksssshhh…break previous record…..ksssshhhh…begin when ready….ksh…when ready…ksh…when ready…ksh….when ready…..KSSSSHHHHHH A detailed schematic of the lock materialized in front of her eyes, and the cybernetic alicorn promptly shoved her horn into the keyhole. In the darkness she felt sections of the metal plating rise up to press against the tumblers, rotating them into the alignment needed to disengage the lock. With a gentle twist of her head, Equinox pushed against the door, and was given a round of cheers when it swung open. “Huh. Well, that was anti-climatic.” Diamond Tiara mused at the back. “Though considering she hangs out with Blank Flank there, I guess I shouldn’t have expected much.” The fillies filed back into the classroom, with a now relieved Cheerilee coming in last. “Okay everyone if you could please be seated, I just need to speak with Miss Equinox for a moment.” She turned to the robot and duly bowed her head. “Thank you so much, I was getting desperate out there.” - It was nothing serious. I am merely glad my test proved successful. This has given me new insight, as Scholar Apple Bloom hoped. – Equinox nodded to the little foal, who couldn’t possibly have looked more pleased. Seeing this, Cheerilee looked distinctly uncomfortable. “Yeah well, on that…um, I think I should apologize for how I reacted the last time you showed up in Ponyville. When I saw you I immediately feared you like I did Zecora, and like Zecora you’ve shown I was wrong to jump to conclusions. “ Equinox looked taken aback, not because of the mare’s admission but because of her own self-degradation. -That too is of no concern, Instructor Cheerilee. However, there is still something you could do for me. – Cheerilee blinked in shock as she was presented with an invitation. - We will have more time to bond if you can make it to my party. - Without a second thought, the mare swiped the card up and smiled. “Certainly, I’ll be there!” *** “Hmmm, I don’t know girl, Iron Will’s heard some crazy rumors around town that you’re some manner of a power house who gets her kicks from ursa wrestling! While Iron Will fully supports that as a hobby, you don’t look so tough to me.” Equinox gazed questioningly at the towering minotaur. - It would seem there is a variance in opinions then. – She softly replied. The hulking bovine laughed uproariously. “Okay so you don’t bend easily to intimidation. Iron Will likes that.” He scratched his chin and then flexed his biceps. “How about this, you prove your worth in a test of strength. If you can floor this manly minotaur, he’ll be at your party with bells on!” Equinox pondered this as the bovine snorted and slammed his fists against each other. With a shrug she threw off her saddlebags. - If it will quell your doubts then I accept. – She stated. With a gleeful grin, Iron Will charged at her full force, snorting in bemusement as she simply stared blankly at him. To an onlooker it would seem the metal alicorn was indeed proving how brave she was by not even bothering to dodge her opponent’s attack. In truth, however, it was because seeing several hundred pounds of muscle and beef coming at her like a freight train had yet again triggered the damn buzzing in her mind. Unlike before, however, there was no garbled speech or imagery, only the sudden, maddening urge to act. When Iron Will sent his fist hurtling at the robot, she simply put her hoof out to stop it. Her claws extended again to get a good grip, and Equinox then watched as the plating on her leg separated to expose the joint underneath. Now free to rotate her hoof however much she pleased, Equinox simply spun it a full 360 degrees to twist her opponent’s arm around, then throw him easily over her shoulder. It was hard to tell which of the two was more surprised as the bovine crashed onto his back. “Ugh….uhh…Iron Will is convinced! He’ll see you bright and early on the Equinox, erm, Equinox.” The minotaur dusted himself off as the metal alicorn looked at her leg. Though she willed it not to change back, her systems returned it to its normal appearance anyway. The danger was passed and she no longer had any need for her defenses, regardless of how frustrating it was for her to have no say in the matter. “Iron Will would, however, like to ask just how the heck you did that though…and could you possibly teach him?” All confidence vanished from Equinox’s face as she bowed her head. – I wish I knew. As of right now I can only describe it as an emergency reaction. If there is no emergency I can’t do anything. – Rather than be disappointed, the minotaur laughed again. “Sounds like you need Iron Will’s help as much as he needs yours. Why don’t you stop by one of my seminars later this week and we’ll work on bringing some of that oomph to the surface!” Retrieving her saddlebags, the metal alicorn exchanged one invitation for another in return. - Regardless, I thank you for giving me another chance to test my merits, Speaker Will. - “That’s what Iron Will is here for!” The bovine boasted while flexing his might again. “See you soon warrior, and remember, don’t be sorry, be assertive!” - Duly noted. – Equinox muttered. *** “Hmmmm. Well I’d love to, but we’re in the middle of repainting the house right now so….” The tall black changeling said. Equinox looked around at the various paint cans and walls that were half bright pink and half a more somber shade of nighttime blue. - It is only if you can make it, Queen Chrysalis. I have no intention of forcing you.- “It not that….it’s just, at the same we also haven’t been out in ages so…” The sound of something breaking through the floorboards drew both ponies’ attention. From the next room emerged a pink earth pony with a huge fluffy coat. A glowing red horn was strapped to her forehead and she had a piece of rock crystal in her mouth. “Ugh, what did I say about playing around with that thing again?” Chrysalis scolded. The fluffy equine crunched the crystal thoughtfully between her teeth. Swallowing it she blew a raspberry at the other two ponies. “You know what, if you can promise that there’ll be tacos at this party we’ll make sure to be there!” Chrysalis quickly said, pleading with her eyes for Equinox to answer yes. - I am certain the catering could accommodate that. - The pink fluff ball gasped happily and snatched the invitation out of Equinox’s mouth. She then proceeded to chew softly on it, then gulp it down to chase the crystal. “Thank you.” Chrysalis whispered. *** - I know you’re in something of the same situation as me concerning other ponies being afraid of you, but just as Pinkie Pie was willing to speak highly of me, she also spoke highly of you.- The thin ghost like pony dipped its featureless white head and swirled its tentacles around in thought. - Consider it a joint exercise between us in being social, and quelling the concerns of Equestrian society. - The tentacles paused then elongated to phase through the metal alicorn. When this failed to produce any reaction, the silent equine pulled them back as if puzzled. - It is of course your choice. – Equinox said flatly. The tentacles came at her again, only this time they snatched the invitation she was holding and tucked it into the breast pocket of the black suit jacket the gaunt pony was wearing. - Understood. I will accept that as your answer. - *** “Ooooh, now isn’t this a surprise? Usually ponies of your caliber are trying to kill me, not invite me around for drinks and a bit of chat.” The tie wearing brown stallion mused. - You have encountered others like myself before?- Equinox asked in surprised. “Mmmm, well yes and no. Word’s gotten round that you’ve got the same chutzpah as a few folk I’ve run into, but they didn’t really have your class or your elegant design.” With her moment of hope now vanquished, Equinox returned to her stoic visage while the stallion looked her over. “Seriously this is some fine work that’s gone into you. Haven’t seen anything like it since the time of the Empire of Calabrese.” Now Equinox had to trade stoic back for surprise. –I believe that period ended over 5,000 years ago. - The stallion blinked as if realizing he’d just made a major slip up. Hesitantly he scratched at his flowing brown mane. “Yeah well, 500 years, 5,000 years, it’s not really that big of a gap in the great expanse of time.” Behind the stallion a pretty red mare peeked her head around the corner and stomped her hoof to get his attention. “Uh Doctor, sorry to interrupt but can we please get going? I want to be back in time for dinner with Mum.” She said in annoyance. “Won’t be a moment, Rose!” The stallion quickly replied before turning back to Equinox. “Look, I’ve gotta take care of a little issue in the Crater of Falabella, but if we make it back alive we’ll be more than happy to attend your gathering.” With a winning smile and a bow, the stallion swiped his invitation and ran off. “Wish us luck!” Equinox silently watched the pony depart, glancing to the hourglass cutie mark on his flank as she thought over his words. - The Crater of Falabella…a lunar formation completely inaccessible from here… – Equinox glanced around the corner, but both the stallion and his red mare companion were gone. A faint flash of light, accompanied by an odd ‘VWORP’ sound indicated they had used some manner of magic to depart. - But not for some it seems.- Equinox shrugged and moved onto the next name on her list. *** “So you’re the one they say is the hottest new thing around town. What a pleasant surprise it is to finally meet you!” The mint green unicorn exclaimed as Equinox slid two invitations across the table, one to her and one to the beige colored earth mare sitting next to her. - Likewise that I was fortunate enough to run into you. I understand that you both are rarely seen these days around Ponyville. - The two ponies across from her shared a sideways glance and a nervous giggle. “Well….we’ve both been busy as of late with each other…I MEAN not ‘with each other’ just we’ve been working together…her and I…I mean…” The beige mare frantically backtracked and stumbled in an attempt to cover for her Freudian slip. Equinox politely nodded. - I comprehend your intended meaning. – She soothed, earning herself another nervous giggle. “Yeah well, now we’ve felt it’s high time we started getting out more again. Stop worrying about whether anyone is still talking about us in…that manner.” The mint unicorn smiled. - Then I can expect your presence tomorrow? – Equinox asked. “Sure, be our pleasure.” The unicorn rose from where she’d been awkwardly leaning against the table and offered her hoof. “Least I can do for the honor of shaking your hand.” Looking down at the hoof, Equinox was momentarily stumped. – Shake my hand?- The unicorn promptly went wide eyed upon realizing she too had made a verbal faux pas. “I mean hoof! Not shake! No, hand!….um…we’ll see you then!” She grinned with a tightened jaw and beads of nervous sweat running down her face. Sensing that it might be best for her not to ask for further data, Equinox pressed her hoof to the unicorn's. - I look forward to it then. – She replied, watching as both ponies braced themselves against the table again and elevated onto the tips of their hooves to sip at their drinks. Deeming there was nothing else that needed to be said, she turned to leave, catching a snippet of conversation from behind. “Damn, why did all the benches have to be occupied today? This isn’t as fun standing up.” *** “Wow, you managed to hit almost everyone on the list, Equinox!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she studied the checked off names. - It was enriching to see what other unusual folk call Equestria home. Likewise that they all, on a personal level, found me suitable company. - The robot alicorn said as she stared out the window at the setting sun. – While my initial introduction may have caused unrest, I am confident that tomorrow will be as big a hit as you hoped it would.- From where she was enjoying another glass of cider, Applejack raised her hat and peered at her friends. “Well from what Ah heard from Apple Bloom, yew’ve got quite a line up planned. She tells me yew found a new way to exercise those special skills o’ yers and intend to use that to wow everyone at the party.” Equinox nodded, betraying just a hint of pride as she flung her mane back. – My time interacting with the locals, particularly Creator Zecora, allowed me to further research how to work around the damage to my systems. Even if bypassing all the fried circuits remains a monumental challenge, I find myself encouraged to attempt it. – Next to Applejack, Rarity looked up from the magazine she was reading and raised a curious eyebrow. “Dear me, Equinox, you’re sounding unnaturally cheerful tonight.” Turning from the window, Equinox walked over to sit with her friends, looking from one member of the Mane Six to another. -I have considerable cause to be, Designer Rarity. Though my chances of remembering who I actually am or where I come from remain minimal, your actions, and those of your fellow ponies have shown me a way to compensate. If I cannot remember the past I will strive to approach the future, utilizing the aid you have given me, and the new identity you are helping me develop. To summarize: you all have given me hope. Hope that I may yet prove my worth, despite my broken state. A silence fell as pony regarded pony, though unlike before there was no awkwardness or discomfort. The Mane Six merely wished to let their fellow equine’s words make their impact, to settle upon them and imbue them with the satisfaction that through their efforts, they had yet again made life better for another soul. “Hey, as the old saying goes, that’s what friends are for!” Twilight Sparkle replied with perhaps the happiest smile she’d had in a long time. *** “Make sure you get a sonogram done soon. Return to me if there are any problems.” Out of a familiar tent emerged two ponies looking like Celestia herself had just graced them with her presence. The male, a rust colored earth pony , was beaming bright enough to nullify the quiet night’s darkness, while his wife, a gold toned unicorn, was rubbing her tummy and trembling with joy. “I’m sure everything will be fine. You gave us the last piece we needed. We owe you our eternal thanks, Miss Calypso!” A sharply clearing of a throat expressed the bashfulness of the tent’s remaining occupant. “Thank you, but your payment will suffice. Good night.” The door to the tent was propped shut and the sign above it taken down. The two ponies merrily skipped back to their homes, whispering sweet nothings to each other of the new developments that were about to befall them. “A boy and a girl, an earth pony and a unicorn, just as we wished. Is this really happening?” The unicorn asked with sudden fear. Looking to his spouse, the stallion stifled a chuckle as she tried to bite the skin of her leg as a means of waking herself. “It’s happening! It’s happening! Come let’s not put this gift to the test!” He soothed, watching his wife blush as she put her leg down. “Sorry it’s just, this is everything I dreamed of. I feel so giddy….l think I’m going to faint….” The stallion chuckled again…though he quickly had cause to cut himself off when his wife actually did as she promised. Quickly he dashed forward and caught her, now caught up with his own worry as he lead her over to a bench and let her collapse wearily against it. “Whoah easy there, girl. Let’s not be too literal here!” He said, still trying to maintain a cheery attitude. “Oooh…oh I’m sorry dear…I just…I suddenly feel so drained….so tired…like I just wore myself out casting magic spells.” That promptly brought the mood straight to the ground. “Oh no, that’s not like you at all! Usually you’re more jumpy and energetic than I am. Heck, you were exactly that till a second ago.” The stallion commented, no longer with a smile on his face. Breathing heavily and trying to sit up, his wife did the smiling instead as she reached out and placed her hoof upon his. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Pregnancy does weird things to us unicorns. Let me just get home and rest.” Soothed by his wife’s gentle words, the stallion let her lean on him again as he guided her to their home, and thus to what would soon be a wonderful new life for both of them.