//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Secrets in the Shadows // by Moon Solace //------------------------------// I woke up the next day bright and early, I got out of bed and sneaked over to the balcony and saw my dad kiss mom good-bye as he took off. Time to put my plan into motion. I closed the balcony doors and curtains as I walked over to the center of my room. I closed my eyes and relax remembering Rarity's advice as I cast the clone spell. An almost perfect copy of me stood there, he was a tad lighter but barley noticeable. My strength dropped big time, but it seems that Rarity's tip on relaxing helped since I didn't collapse. “Okay Solace, I need you to go the kitchen and tell Skillet to keep you there for about 30 minutes, then return to me. If mom sees you tell her good morning and tell her that you are going to kitchen, if she says anything else, disregard it and say, 'I'm just going to get something to eat.' Got it? And no using our powers.” My doppelganger nodded, “Got it.” Not-Solace trotted out the door, making sure he closed the door on the way. Ok, next is a hiding spot. I looked around and quickly jumped into my closet and closed the door. Thankfully it had slits so I could see who was entering and leaving. Not even five minutes later, I heard the door open as a pair of royal blue hoofs entered. “Now, if I had an item that my parents didn't want me to have, where would I hide it......” Mom was using her normal voice, when ever she had guest, she would use a terrible Prench accent, makes me cringe every time I hear it. This is too perfect. I drew the circle for the levitation spell on my mom's foreleg, I connected my magic with the circle and lifted her into the air. “Wha....HEY”, Mom was freaking out, seeing the unknown aura carrying her did not settle with her well. I pushed open the closet door, “Looking for something, Mom?” “Solace! Oh thank Celestia, go see if there's a stalker around here, he seems to have me.” “But why? I mean if they wanted you to move left......” I moved Mom to the left a bit, “they would, and if they wanted to move you to the right......” I moved my mother back to her original position, “they would.” “You, cast this?” mom sounded shocked, “But how?” “The same way I cast that clone of mine, with magic. Now, I'm going to put you down, and I want to know what you and dad are protecting me from, I am trying to trust my parents a bit more, but you need to tell me what's going on.” Mom lowered her head, “Fine.” Wow, that was easy. I set my mother down as she brushed herself off, ridding herself of any 'dust'. “But I can only tell you what I know, the rest you'll need to get from your father.” Ok, fair enough. “Do you have that book? Lunar Spell Circles: An earth pony spell guide?” I went over to my saddlebags and grasped the book in my magic, then I walked back and showed her. “This book, has been in your father's side of the family for many generations. So many I couldn't name anypony in the family properly without saying ten or so “greats”. When Princess Luna had to battle King Sombra with her sister Celestia, she needed a way to fight more efficiently, and more elaborately. With the help of Star Swirl the bearded, they created: 'Lunar Spell Circles: An alicorns spell guide'. This book contained numerous combat spells that her and in some cases Celestia used while fighting the horrible tyrant. After the war, Luna wanted to present this spell type to ponies, but unicorns already had magic, and pegasi used the magic in their feathers to keep them flying as long as they were flapping their wings. So she turned to the earth ponies, after hundreds of failed earth pony test subjects, she came upon one who was able to use it. He was the first of what they called, 'earth pony sages,' after years of practice and skill, he was a powerful stallion, capable of doing great things. His family clan was called, the Shadow Wing clan, although I have yet to figure out why they are called that.” Woah, this is amazing, an earth pony as powerful as the princesses when it came to magic. “Ok, but what about this book, the earth pony spell guide.” I asked. “Well, from my guess, this is a collection of the spells you can use as an earth pony. And it seems your wandering eye has picked up on two.” “Actually Mom”, I wasn't sure about how to explain this, “the clone spell I learned from Princess Luna herself in one of my dreams so I could leave the house. The other one.......I learned in Ponyville so I could move things around more easily since I didn't want to hold the book in my mouth constantly.” Mom stared at me, she looked shocked and a bit amazed, suddenly she burst into laughter, “I'm impressed that you were able to leave the mansion. That crowd is always blocking the gates during the day. That's why your father and I leave so early, we don't need to go until about lunch time” Okay, that one was excusable. I chuckled a bit, “You have no idea.....” Mom closed the mystic book and returned it to me, “Well, I still need to find something that would make you crave adventure so that your father doesn't go on a rampage, if you give it up now, I might return it later when your father doesn't know about it.” “Well.....”, I looked over at the rug where my hiding spot was for my small collection, ”Remember those books that you took from me a while back? The Daring Do ones.” “Let me guess”, Mom said, she had a bit of a 'I'm-annoyed-but-I'll-let-it-slide' tone in her voice, “You ordered another full set and hid it somewhere. And I'm guessing it was a reason to see your retarded friend as well.” I sighed, “Mom, Ditzy isn't retarded, she's actually very smart and one of the best mail mares in Canterlot and Ponyville, she got hit by lightning when she was a filly and it messed up with her eyes. The doctors said it was called 'strabismas' meaning her eye alignment is off, giving her a 'derpy' kind of look, which is why her nickname is Derpy Hooves. She doesn't mind if her friends call her that, but she doesn't like it when it's used as an insult.” Mom smiled, “Putting those closest first, you certainly have your father's loyalty, maybe even Rainbow Dash's.” “How did you know about Rainbow?” She chuckled, “Don't forget Solace, I work with the princesses, I do get to meet the bearers of the Elements every once in a while. Now, about those A.K. Yearling books.” I sighed and nodded as I walked over to the spot in the rug and lifted it revealing the trap door. “A secret compartment, clever”, Mom used her magic and reveal the contents inside, “and you even have it in a treasure chest. Where did you manage to get a chest?” “It came with the collection.” I replied, feeling a bit embarrassed. Mom laughed at the idea, she picked up the box with her magic and used her fake Prench voice that she uses most of the time, “These books are simply too exciting for my son, they are not something we Canterlot pony folk should be reading. We should be enjoying things like Sherclop Pony, or the Reigner Witch Hunts.” “Oh Celestia, the Witch Hunts, I hate that story.” I cringed and laughed. “Don't worry honey, I hate it too.” Mom said, using her normal voice. I never thought of my mother being like this. I always thought of her as a snooty, rude, annoying show off, but now that I've actually spent some time with her, she's no where like that. Mom is kind and caring, and she isn't afraid of getting in trouble with Dad. Rainbow was right, they know more than I thought, although I might have more trouble getting Dad to talk to me. I know him well enough to know that he is a much tougher shell to crack. “Hey Mom.” I started. “Yes Solace?” “I kinda promised Derpy that I would meet her with Rainbow Dash in Ponyville, may I?” Mom gave a warm and welcoming smile, “Well I can't keep you here forever, but make sure you get back well before your father gets home. I don't want him going on a rampage.” “Not a problem, I'll make sure of that.” Some sneaking around and a train ride later, I was back in Ponyville being greeted by Derpy and my two new friends. Rarity had a big feathery hat made of peacock feathers, Rainbow and Derpy were deep into a conversation. “Oh, come on Derpy”, Rainbow argued, “how could a hot air pocket be helpful? They put a lot of wet air onto the under side of your wings, and that causes more weight.” “Updrafts”, Derpy corrected, “help you rise into the air more quickly and efficiently, and it only adds weight if you're too close to the ground, where the cool water particles are instead of warm dry air that lifts you. Try and fly over the Everfree, that place is full of natural and powerful updrafts.” “I still think it's a hindrance.” Rainbow hufted, being told by Derpy. “Hey everypony”, I chimed in, “what's up?” “Oh, just these two going at it over weather patterns and flying techniques. I honestly think that the checker board design I created with the sky was simply amazing. Even if it was too out of season.” Rarity flipped her hair. “Um Rarity, that was a bit too 'all season'.” Rainbow frowned, facehoofing herself. Derpy shrugged, “I wasn't there for that. I had to go to go north for the year to help some family. I was able to stop by for a little bit, but only if I needed something urgently.” “You're lucky then, that was a complete disaster, although the results were simply fantastic.” Rarity squealed slightly. “Yea, who knew Twilight was going to be a princess, and the Princess of Friendship at that.” “Sounds like it was some event”, I stated, “speaking of events, if I remember right there's a lot of festivals here in Ponyville. Anything going on?” “As a matter of fact”, Rainbow replied scratching her chin, “the Running of the Leaves is today, me and AJ were going to try and make first place this year.” “Running of the Leaves?” I tilted my head in curiousity. “It's when a bunch of ponies run by the trees and make the leaves fall down because of the shaking of the ground”, Derpy explained, “Anypony can join, but earth ponies are best at doing it since they're more connected with the land.” “Hey maybe I can join, I might not be as athletic as you, but I'll be happy to help anyway I can.” I offered. “Sounds like a great idea Solace, the exercise can help with you endurance too.” Rainbow said as she flew over and landed next to me. “I would join, but I'm not one for running, I might chip a hoof.” Rainbow and Derpy rolled their eyes at the unicorn's remark, I covered my mouth as I snickered. “Well, I think we should get going, don't want to be late”, Derpy led the way to where the competition would take place. “Hey Derpy..... I'm really sorry about my dad, this is the first time he's done something like that, and don't worry, things will be back to normal, be sure of it.” “It's ok Solace, I've gotten used to it.” Derpy's reply didn't sound convincing at all, but I couldn't say much else about it. “Speaking of your parents, your keeping that Pinkie Promise you made right?” Rainbow gave me a raised eyebrow of interrogation. “I'm still here and alive, so yea.” I said. I explained to Rainbow the series of events that happened the night before and earlier this morning as she, Rarity, and Derpy were listening to the tale. “See, what did I tell you”, Rainbow grinned, “your parents do know more than you thought.” “Yea, and I'm happy to hear that conversation before, or I wouldn't very pleased that my books were gone again. Thankfully, Mom said she'll sneak them back into my hiding spot soon as long as we keep it a secret from Dad until he thinks it was time to tell me everything.” “Yea, I don't think I would want to carry a package like that again”, Derpy laughed nervously. “Speaking of mail, shouldn't you be on your route today?” I asked. Derpy shook her head in response, “I got the day off today for the race, I'm not the only mail mare in Ponyville you know.” “Touche.” I rolled my eyes. We strolled along through the town until we got to a field where the starting line was for the race. Rainbow flew ahead and got the attention of a orange pony with a 'cowpony' hat, she had a blonde mane and tail, and her cutie mark showed three apples. “Hey Solace, this is my friend Applejack”, Rainbow introduced the pony in question, “she's running the race too.” “Well howdy there partner, Ah'm mighty pleased to see a new pony in town”, Applejack said, grabbing my hoof and violently shaking it, I was practically bouncing up and down in the air due to the pony's strength. “Good to meet you too Applejack”, my eyes were spinning for a few moments, I refocused and gave the earth pony a smug look. “Oh, sorry there partner”, she said apologetically. I brushed it off, accepting her apology, “It's fine AJ.” I decided to look around to see the competitors, many of them were earth ponies like Rainbow said,with the occasional pegasus or unicorn. I heard some trumpets as I turned to see the Princess and.....my father. My heart dropped like an anvil, this is going to end very, very badly. I sprinted to my group as quickly as I could, I drew a levitation spell on my hoof and tagged Rainbow's tail with it as I dragged her into the edge of the forest behind some shrubs, in turn the rest of the group followed. “Hey! What was that.....” Rainbow started but stopped as soon as I saw my panicked state. “My Dad is here”, is all I could say, and it was enough for everypony to know why I freaked. “Well, is there something we can do?” Applejack said, she didn't seem to know what was going on. Great job on not filling AJ in guys, gold star for all. “Solace darling, is there a spell you could try?” Rarity suggested. Hey, that's not a bad idea. I grasped the book with my magic and pulled it out of the saddlebag, the look on AJ's face was hilarious. “How in Equestria is he able to do that?” she gawked. “I got a knack for it”, I replied as I scanned through the Table of Contents, “Let's see: Summoning, Traps, Enchanting, Illusion...... ah here we go, Alteration.” I turned to the page as I flipped through and picked a fairly simple looking spell as I read it out loud (more or less) “Changling Spell: this spell allows the user or the target to become another, the time length depends on the amount of magic used. Requirments: in order for the spell to work, the caster needs to have a vivid image of the pony he/she wishes to become, in the situation with a different species of pony, you will not be able to use the talent of the other pony. Warning: casting another spell will cut short the current spell's effects.” I closed the book and looked at the group, “So who should I turn into?” “Well it can't be Rarity 'cause she ain't one of dem runnin' types”, Applejack said. Rarity hmph'ed in response. “I can't be Rainbow or you either because you two are entering, what about you Derpy?” “I'd be happy to help, but will it hurt?” Derpy asked. “Nope, all I need is a good mental image. If you could, spin around slowly a couple of times.” Derpy nodded as she turned about, I took mental notes of her coat color, mane color, and other essentials, I avoided trying to be too detailed or I'll probably get smacked, I would deserve it too. The spell consisted of three moons: one new moon and two crescents. Inside the circle was a triangle connecting the three moons together. I drew out the spell below me, I had to act quickly but I needed to make sure I drew this correctly. After drawing the spell, I stomped a hoof to activate it, poring in a large portion of my magic. While doing so, I place the mental image of Derpy into my mind, including her voice and derped eyes. I opened my eyes, seeing in two completely different direction. I knew that this is what would happen, but it's difficult to imagine it and wow is it difficult to see. I started waving my hooves around feeling for something to hang onto. I managed to grab something soft. “Hey, that's my tail!” Rainbow yelped, snapping back her tail. “Oops, sorry Rainbow”, I apologized, I wasn't even used to my new voice, it was much higher and sounded more innocent, this isn't going to be an easy spell to learn. “Derpy, how do you see with these, no offense but this isn't easy.” I walked around trying to figure out my surroundings. “Pick an eye, any eye.” Derpy said laughing in my expense. Left eye since I'm left-hoofed. I focused onto my left eye and ignored the other more or less. Everything refocused into my left eye, I was now able to see everypony in front of me, looking slightly annoyed since I may have smacked a pony or two. “Hehe, sorry ladies”, I said, trying to act as adorable as possible, which was easy since Derpy's voice was high enough to do that. I went over to the real Derpy and stood next to her, “How does it look?” “Lookin' good Solace”, Applejack remarked, “I mean the accuracy of course.” “Hmm, you're an inch taller and your mane is a bit more saturated than our friend here, other than that, you'll pass as our friend here.” Rarity commented. “Well it's time to test it”, I smirked as I looked over the bushes to see Celestia and my dad. “Good luck y'all, may the best pony win”, Applejack said as she went for the starting line. “You too”, I replied as I refocused on the royal family. I jumped over the bushes and walked over to Celestia so I could greet her, I bowed to the princess and she gave a small bow in response. “Hello there Ditsy Do, it is good to see you racing today, and if I understand correctly, this is your second year running?” “That's right Princess, and I'm really happy to be back for this year.” I smiled to the princess, happy to see her. “Princess, you know this pony?” Dad questioned accusingly, “Why would you even care to know her? She's not like the other ponies.” I hung my head in shame, now I know how she feels when ponies act like this to her. It's cruel and horrible, it must have been worse when he called Derpy retarded. Maybe I should have Skillet bake some muffins for her, I heard she likes them. “Well Mr. Eclipse, I do not value a pony for who they are, but what they have done and how they are able to change Equestria for the better.” Celestia glared at Dad, that must have been painful, being stared down by the princess. “My apologies princess, but I've met this pony before with my son, and she didn't seem to be somepony to trust.” Dad replied. My anger was broiling, I know that he was being overly protective, but come on, this is ridiculous. “Maybe next time, you should take a look, before judging the cover of the book.” Celestia sounded like she was quoting somepony, and she was very right. I mean look at my current position. Dad huffed as he walked away to talk to the pony who was announcing. “Princess....” I called. “Yes Ditsy?” I showed a small Lunar spell circle to show Celestia my identity. “Ah I see, avoiding your father from finding out?” I nodded. “Well your new spell is certainly doing it, I'm guessing it has a timed effect?” “The spell should last until I get out of the forest, before then I'll switch out with the real Derpy and she'll cross the finish line so I can re-transform into another pony.” “Sounds like an excellent plan”, Celestia grinned slightly. “Last thing princess.” “Yes, my little pony?” “Thanks for telling my dad not to judge a book by it's cover, it'll give him something to think about.” “Not a problem.” Celestia turned around and walked up to the hot air balloon telling a small baby dragon something in his ear so that my dad couldn't hear her. I smiled as I walked over to the starting line, and what I heard as I got there erased that smile immediately. “Hey look, it's Derpy Hooves.” “Look. It's 'navigational issues'.” “Don't get lost, Derrrpy.” Next time I visit, I got some choice words for those ponies. A loud intercom sounded as a high pitched voice came on. It sounded joyful and very bouncey. “Hey everypony! Welcome to the Running of the Leaves! I'm your announcer Pinkie Pie, and with me is my co-host, Spike the Dragon!” Another voice sounded off, it was child-like and equally optimistic. “We got a good line up this year, many of our usual pony folk have returned to race, that even includes Rainbow Dash and Applejack.” “Now last time they were in the race, they were in a competition on who was the most athletic in Ponyville! Unfortunately, they were so caught up with themselves, they managed to tie for last!” “That was a sad year for them.” Pinkie Pie pulled onto the ascension rope as the balloon flew up into the air. “Will our friends make last place one again?! Or will they boop each others noses like in that one video?!” “Um Pinkie, what are you talking about?” Spike asked, I was actually curious to know what she meant as well. “Ok everypony! Let's get this show on the road! In 3!” Everypony lined up at the starting line, Rainbow and AJ stood next to me as Applejack tied a rope around Rainbow's wings. “Just in case Rainbow, don't want you pullin' any funny business.” Rainbow glared at the orange earth pony. “2!” I got into a running position, this isn't going to be easy with my current vision, I'll need to make do though, and probably apologize to Derpy about anything rude I'll most likely say. “1! GO!!!” I used as much energy I had left in me to throw my body forward in a full sprint, I was dodging other ponies to prevent any chaotic collisions, but with the amount of ponies in the race, and my current sight, this is going to be a challenge in itself. Everypony steadily came together and created a huge cloud of stomping hooves, wings and heads. I finally managed to jump out of the cloud of hooves and heads and ran ahead, my right eye was bobbing about so it became a bit distracting, I decided to switch eyes so it would stop bothering me, thankfully my left eye was still somewhat focused, after that whole event I managed to catch up to Rainbow and Applejack. “What's up Solace, nice job getting out of that mess back there.” Rainbow complimented smirking, “maybe you'll make third, just maybe.” “Aw come on RD, give the kid a chance.” Applejack argued. “I'm not exactly trying to win here Applejack”, I replied, “I just want to see the leaves fall.” “Well that's not a problem there sugar cube, look behind ya.” I looked back past the chaos of the pony cloud and saw hundreds of colorful leaves falling, browns, reds, yellows, and every color in between. So this is autumn in Ponyville, amazing. “Eyes forward kiddo”, Rainbow warned as we came to the mountain area, “we get a lot of falling rocks around here because of the hoof stomping.” “You do know I'm the same age as you right?” I corrected. “Yea, but when it comes to this race, I beat you by experience.” Rainbow snickered as I rolled the eye I was using, speaking of which I need to switch again. We came into a large valley in the mountains, small rocks and gravel falling everywhere due to the rumbling of the ponies behind us, Rainbow, Applejack, and I were dodging many of the slightly larger rocks that could actually hurt us. After about ten minutes the rocks started becoming larger and more lethal. “Woah!” I screamed as I dodged a large boulder, “These things are getting bigger, much bigger.” Rainbow barely managed to dodge another boulder, “Yea, rocks like these bad boys don't usually fall.” “Applejack, you doing ok up there?” I called, but Applejack was too far ahead to hear us. “Horse feathers”, I cursed as I jumped over a boulder. Rainbow glared at me as she moved her trapped wings, “Oops, sorry.” Rainbow Dash and I were dodging through large boulders that were steadily getting larger as we were getting to the end of the valley, I looked back behind me seeing the pony cloud somehow dodging the boulders with great ease. Ok, how in Luna's name is that possible. Suddenly the ground below me started shaking violently, I looked up on the side of the mountain, a giant boulder came rolling down towards Rainbow, my instincts took over immediately as my eye-sight was restored, and I felt a huge blast of magical energy rush through my body. I jumped over Rainbow Dash and kicked the large object above her, the impact sent a wave in agonizing pain through me as the boulder bursts into thousands of pebbles, the magic left my body as quickly as it came and I collapsed. “Ohmygosh, Solace!” Rainbow Dash reached back and bit the rope off her wings, “cheating shmeating, I need to help my friend!” Rainbow Dash started flying towards me, grabbing my tail and dragging me out of the way of the pony crowd rushing towards my previous location. I got back to my full senses and looked at my rescuer. “Thanks for getting me out of the....OW” Rainbow Dash slapped me across the face, leaving a burning sensation. “What were you thinking?!” Rainbow yelled, she sounded scared, “You almost died! And now, you're out of your shape shifting spell, meaning your father is going to find out!” Damn it, she was right. I looked down and saw my crimson coat. My leg was throbbing, crying out for a healing spell or a cast. But now that I think about it..... “Then I made the right choice Rainbow.” I struggled to get up onto my hooves, another wave of pain got me from the leg I used to vaporize the rock, “That means I can come clean and face my father properly, and I can keep my promise while saving my friends.” “You are one crazy pony, you know that right?” Rainbow commented as she helped me up, “Come on, we got a race to finish.”