My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver Chapter 15 : Digging deep and getting nowhere.
Everything had its moment, and then life moved on. No matter what one did to upset the balance of society, sooner or later things somehow managed to return to a sense of normalcy. Ponies loved having excitement in their lives, but only to a limited extent. When the furor died down and the world resumed its normal pace they welcomed it just as they welcomed the change that had come before. To many there was comfort as the days passed without event, and the previous incidents that had shaken up Equestria were left where they belonged: in the past.
In Manehattan, on a beautiful sunny day, a blue mare walked along the avenues seemingly finding contentment in simply watching the passing of her fellow equines. Her eyes swayed to follow everypony that walked by, letting her be immersed in the flow of life doing its usual thing. Save for the hassle of an average day, everything was mercifully at peace, and soon she let herself be swallowed in the mirth of those going about their lives.
The next day, in Ponyville, an orange pegasus enjoyed a day at the spa, the simple act of being able to just lie down and rest after so much turmoil having brought her to an almost Buddha like state of contemplation. As Aloe and Lotus worked to oil her wings and beat the tightness from her joints she stared lazily at the others relaxing around her, ears turned to absorb whatever bit of gossip might be mentioned from the other patrons.
The day after, in Canterlot, a green secretary went about searching through the reams of records in the Royal Archives with notable enthusiasm. While many might decree such a task boring and mind-numbing, she seemed keen to just be able to do it, to perform her daily task of reading, memorizing and filing the endless papers without having to fear for her life.
The following day, in the Crystal Empire, a yellow unicorn levitated a sponge to the windows of the royal residence, idly staring through the film of suds at the action going on inside. Sadly there was little to be seen besides servants going about their duties, and maybe the occasional glimpse of either Princess Cadence or Prince Shining Armor when they passed by a doorway, but she didn’t seem to mind. If the rulers were showing no sign of distress then that meant all was well, and thus as she squeegeed the windows clean, the mare satisfied herself with just watching the passage of standard fare.
For the population at large everything could not be better, but as always there had to be at least one being who found some fault with the state of things, no matter how petty. In this case it was a purple earth pony watching the scenery pass by as she rode the train home. The same fields and small towns slid across the window as they always did, providing nothing in the way of novelty or interest. Many ponies could forgive her for finding the view boring, but that wasn’t actually why she was upset. The reason for that became clear as she stepped onto the platform, found a nicely unoccupied closet, and promptly dispensed with her disguise. Like the yellow unicorn the day before, and the green pony before that, and the orange pegasus before that, and the blue mare and so on, the equine did away with her colors, shook out her mane and let her horn and wings out again, revealing herself to be none other than Equinox, the enigmatic robot alicorn and now secret operative for the Equestrian diarchy.
Effortlessly melding herself back into the flow of the rush hour crowd, Equinox followed their lead to the residential sector of Ponyville, idly examining the data she’d gleaned from the latest round of her investigations. As the ponies around her went their separate ways to their homes, or other locations of social interest, she walked back to Twilight’s castle with a subtle air of defeat. For almost three weeks she’d been combing the lands for any scrap, any hint as to what may be causing the constant fluctuations of magic, and so far she’d failed to uncover anything. Whatever the cause may be, it was doing a marvelous job of keeping itself hidden, and that was assuming it was still on going. Ever since Discord had paid a visit to the so called ‘Wish Weaver’, Calypso, he’d reported no further sensations of change or magical meddling, suggesting the phenomenon was already over, yet still Equinox had tried to do as Princess Celestia had asked her, and still she returned home every day empty hooved. Ah well, at least she still had the smiles and cheer of her friends to look forward to, if only for a few hours.
Equinox paused as she came to the sturdy metal doors set in the great tree trunk that the castle was built upon. She’d never really thought of Twilight or any member of the Mane Six that way before. Sure they were good ponies, helpful and considerate in many ways, but she’d never actually experienced a sense of pleasure from thinking about them. There had been satisfaction of course, and the odd, odd concept known as hope, but both of those had resulted from her proving her worth to them, not from just thinking about them. And ‘friends’? They’d used that term for her, but she’d never defined them the same way in return.
Equinox looked up at the lit windows of the castle, thinking over the time she’d spent so far with those that dwelled within. Ever since she’d been reactivated the ponies had done what they could to help her make a new life for herself, and for no other reason than that was simply what friends did for each other.
Friends. The term seemed to take on more significance with each passing day, more significance and more positive connotations. Equinox had friends, and because of them she now also had purpose, a reason to exist.
Friendship was good. The truth of that could not be plainer.
“If you’re looking for the new doorbell, I’m afraid it’s still on order, Equinox.”
The metal alicorn returned from her musings to see Spike poking his head out.
-Pardon?- She said.
“I saw you from the kitchen, just standing out here staring vacantly at the door. Was wondering what’s up.” The dragon smirked. Acknowledging her distraction, Equinox gave an embarrassed whirr.
-I was re-examining some of my gathered data, and drawing new conclusions.- She replied.
“Anything useful?” The dragon queried as he pushed the door open for her. Equinox dipped her head as she stepped inside.
-Yes and no. It seems the more I study your world, the more I simultaneously become better informed, and further lost.-
Spike nodded, as if this was a concept he was familiar with. “Well everyone else is still out, and I’ve got dinner in the works. If you want to share anything you know where to find me.”
Equinox looked down and noticed Spike was wearing one of his decorative kitchen aprons, which was splashed with several patches of what appeared to be red sauce. Taking a sniff of the air she detected a mixture of pleasing smells: baked breads and roasted vegetables.
-That is an acceptable offer, Assistant Spike. It has been…a while since we last conversed.-
The two walked back into the kitchen, Spike hopping back onto a stool positioned in front of the stove while Equinox took a seat at the breakfast table.
“Well, from what I understand Celestia tasked you with something very important…although Twilight hasn’t really said much about what exactly that is.” Spike replied as he checked on the food. “How’s that coming along by the way? That is, if you don’t mind my asking.”
-Unsuccessfully.- Equinox plainly stated. Looking over his shoulder, Spike noted that she was staring glumly at the various lines running across the table’s wooden surface, as if hoping they might at least shed some new light on her problems.
“I see. I’m sorry to hear that.” He replied, much to the robot’s confusion.
-It is no fault of yours. An apology is not necessary.- She said, which in turn made Spike slap a hand over his eyes.
“You still don’t get the concept of caring about others do you? Just because I have no involvement doesn’t mean I can’t empathize with your plight!” He shot back, perhaps a bit harsher than he intended but Equinox’s seeming inability to grasp such basic concepts was getting on his nerves. Fortunately she at least seemed to recognize this as she dipped her head lower.
-It was not my intention to cause offence.- She said, polite as ever but with a shameful little grind of her servos. Taking a deep breath, Spike nodded.
“I know, I know, it’s just…you’ve been spending more and more time away from the castle, doing whatever the Princess wants you to do. We’ve kind of been missing you, even though we know you have good reason.” He said. Equinox raised her ears.
-‘We’ have been missing me? You are including yourself in that statement?-
Realizing he’d let the proverbial Opal out of her bag, Spike shrugged and turned around to face the alicorn.
“Well let’s be honest here, you’ve been doing your thing, I’ve been doing mine. Ever since Twilight made you the Captain of the Castle Guard I’ve stayed focused on my jobs around here and been glad you aren’t doing them for me. Admittedly that’s a very selfish attitude to take but I now acknowledge that. I wanted to make amends sooner but the only time you’re home these days is after we’re all asleep.” The dragon sighed. Equinox whirred in surprise. “The thing is, while you’ve been gone I’ve had time to contemplate, and realize you and I are more alike than any other pony.”
-How so?- Equinox queried.
“You’re the only machine here in Ponyville, and I’m the only dragon. Both of us have no clue why we happened to be charged to live among ponies but we’re both adapting ourselves to find purpose. The only difference is I’ve already had a chance to check out what the alternative might be, and frankly I don’t know if I’m ready yet to go and live with other dragons.” Spike explained. Equinox duly listened and thoroughly dissected his words.
-I am aware of your history, Assistant Spike, however, you are correct that I failed to see the correlation with my own situation.- She replied.
“Yeah well, neither did I until recently. But now that I have, I feel I was wrong to keep ignoring you.” The dragon said with heavy shame. For a brief moment Equinox’s mane changed to a scarlet red, perhaps a sign she shared Spike’s feelings, before she changed it back to its usual neon blue.
-I have hardly acted any more acceptably towards you. This mission of Princess Celestia’s has become an increasingly high priority for me. Ironically it is for reasons similar to those that made you pursue life with your fellow dragons.-
Now Spike was curious. Checking that dinner was still coming along well he hopped off his stool and pulled a chair up to the breakfast table.
“I don’t suppose you could tell me more, could you?”
Equinox nodded. –As you sought out your own series for clarification on what your true purpose might be, I have been promised similar assistance in discovering my previous identity, but only if I am successful in my mission.-
“Which so far you haven’t…ah, yes I see how frustrating that must be.” Spike mused. “Does it really bother you that much? I mean you’ve forged a whole new identity and life for yourself, how bad is it if you have to leave whatever came before in the past?”
Equinox’s gaze returned to the table, though her body whirred and chirped to indicate she was giving the argument some serious thought.
-You make a very valid point. By all accounts I should not be concerned at all considering what I have accomplished in my time here. My motivations for continuing to seek out who I am could best be classified as a need to know how important my presence here truly is. The abilities I have exhibited all suggest I was intended to serve a purpose of some critical need, and as long as I cannot fulfill that purpose….the ramifications could be severe.-
“Sounds like you’re worried.” Spike replied.
-That would be an accurate term to use, perhaps along with ‘frustrated’.- Equinox glumly stated. –I am…concerned about my inability to perform whatever function I was intended for, but simultaneously I ponder if it might be better that I not keep trying to uncover the truth behind my being here.-
Spike blinked in shock as the robot revealed some very familiar fears to him. He’d felt exactly the same when he first began pondering whether it was time for him to leave and discover what it truly meant to be a dragon, or to stick to the life he knew and was comfortable with. As those softly glowing eyes rose to stare questioningly at him again he reconsidered just how much really separated him from the machine. With every day the line seemed to grow thinner.
“Well for what it’s worth, I can honestly say I know what that’s like. I don’t know if I have an answer for what the right course of action is but I think you’re at least going about it the right way.”
Now Equinox looked surprised, if the stiffening of her ears was any indication.
-Then you support my desire to keep searching for answers?- She asked.
“The best decision is an informed one. I remember reading that in one of Twilight’s books…at least I think that’s how the quote went….” Spike pondered for a moment, then realized he was getting off track. “Anyway, even if you don’t like the options you have to choose from it’s best that you at least know what they are.” Spike uncomfortably rubbed his arms. “My time amongst other dragons may not have exactly been pleasant, but I’m still glad I did it. Least now I know what I’d be letting myself in for if I ever decided to leave again.”
Equinox leaned forward, looking at the dragon with renewed interest. Quietly she repeated his complaint about the two of them keeping their distance from each other, and acknowledged that perhaps she had indeed been ignoring what could be a very worthwhile source of advice and new data.
-For one your age, you display an outstanding level of wisdom.- She commented much to Spike’s delight.
“Hey, I’m not known as Twilight’s Number One Assistant for nothing!” He proudly stated. “And anyway, I’m well into my teens you know! Well…mentally at least. I’m not a kid anymore.”
-Of course not.- Equinox smiled. –You are also correct that we should converse more often. I would enjoy seeing what other common ground exists between us.-
Spike smirked and hopped off his chair. “Me too. I’m kind of curious what other cool stuff you can do with that body of yours.”
-And I have many queries on the developing relationship between you and Designer Rarity…-Equinox commented before getting a wooden spoon jabbed in her face.
“Whoah there, let’s not get too personal just yet. That’s still….well, we’re taking it slow, okay?” The dragon glared.
-Duly noted.- Equinox replied before hearing the front door swing open. Presently Twilight poked her head in and happily sniffed the air.
“Mmmm…thought I smelled something good cooking!” The lavender pony replied as she stepped in. Spike quickly whipped around and checked the oven again.
“Well give me five more minutes and you’ll be tasting it too. Everything’s almost ready.” The little dragon proudly beamed. Twilight smiled as she then noticed Equinox bowing to her.
-If I may, Princess Twilight Sparkle, I wish to request permission to join you and the others for dinner tonight.-
The lavender alicorn arched a confused eyebrow, while Spike quietly facepalmed again.
“You hardly need to ask for that, Equinox, we always love to have your company. But…ummm…I thought you didn’t require food like we do…”
-That is correct, however, I wish to discuss the progress of my assignment for Princess Celestia. You previously offered your consultation if I required it, and now I feel it would be of benefit. If possible I would also appreciate the input of our mutual friends.- The robot replied.
Nodding softly, Twilight looked to Spike and then leaned in closer to Equinox.
“So you basically want to do away with the secrecy at this point?” She asked.
- By now I feel it is proving more a hindrance than an advantage for me to remain silent.- Equinox argued. Nodding again, Twilight took a deep breath.
“Alright, it’s your call. I’ll go set another spot at the table for you.”
***
A few dishes later everyone was feeling decidedly cheerful and full. Spikes exquisite cooking had done the job of sating their hunger and raising their spirits, and much to Equinox’s surprise, her accounts of what she’d been up to and witnessed over the last few days seemed to provide everyone with more laughs than shocks.
“So Princess Cadance gets ice cream delivered to the palace daily? What the hoo-hay is she doing with all of it?” Applejack asked.
-Initially I assumed she was planning a social event. However, on every occasion she gives specific instructions to have it dropped off outside the private chambers…and on several nights I’ve witnessed her carrying a gallon to her bedroom, after inquiring what flavor Guardian Shining Armor would prefer to ‘experience’ –
There were several mirthful ‘ooooohs’ at this, accompanied by a few curious stares in Twilight’s direction.
“Is there something we should know about your brother?” Rarity giggled, causing her friend to blush redder than a beetroot.
“I refuse to comment, save for insisting that Equinox please exercise a bit more discretion.” She glared at the robot who merely nodded that she would obey. “That said, how have you managed to sneak around without being spotted?”
Looking around the table, Equinox closed her eyes and raised her head in a prideful manner. To everyone’s combined shock she assumed the appearance of a golden chestnut pegasus with a silver mane.
“I may finally have achieved a work around for my higher functions, at least some of them. By recalling the feedback I experienced during my first venture into Ponyville; the desire to remain unseen, and the negative sensation of being so easily visible, I have been able to gain control over the system which lets me mimic the appearance of others.”
Six jaws dropped to the table as the robot addressed them not in her usual synthesized voice but in a perfectly normal and wholly non-robotic tone. Changing back to her usual self, Equinox bowed her head as if accepting applause for her little trick.
- While the approach has not worked for my other functions, this at least has permitted me to covertly observe all that has been happening around Equestria.-
Discord whistled in amazement. “And you didn’t think to inform me about this? Oh how unfortunate! We could have had so much fun together teasing the changelings! They’ll be so jealous to know someone else has learned their little party trick!”
Twilight shot the draconequinuus a death glare. Fluttershy politely hid her giggles behind her hoof.
“Yes, well, that aside, you haven’t discovered anything informative yet?” The alicorn asked to get the conversation back on track.
-Regretfully no. Indeed with Discord’s confirmation that no further fluctuations have occurred as of late, it seems the cause has taken care of itself. –
“Well that’s good, right?” Pinkie Pie asked in her usual attempt to keep the mood up. Sadly the rest of the table did not share in the cheer.
“Yes, but Celestia offered a very attractive reward if Equinox found something. I suppose I could still talk her into doing as she promised even if Equinox can’t find anything, but that seems…” Twilight searched for the right word.
-Greedy?- Equinox suggested. The lavender alicorn made a face signifying she’d been looking for something a little less derogatory.
“Umm…well, could I suggest something?”
All eyes turned to Fluttershy.
“You could ask Calypso…I mean…if you think that’d help.” The butterscotch pegasus meekly said.
“Calypso?” Twilight asked.
“Yes, the Wish Weaver, a fortune teller/magic enthusiast who’s set up shop in Ponyville.” Rarity replied. “Sort of like Trixie, but with more modesty, and humility, and common sense, and restraint…and manners.”
“She fixed Discord up, and she seems to have done similar good things for much of Ponyville.” Fluttershy added.
Equinox’s ears rose as she recognized the name. –This is also the one who foretold Astronomer Star Gazer of my supposed arrival?-
Fluttershy nodded. “I think so.”
Twilight arched an eyebrow. “And she’s now here in town? Huh, that’s unexpected.” The alicorn propped her chin on a hoof. “However, given what we’ve seen of her track record I do ponder if Fluttershy has a point.”
Equinox whirred in contemplation. –You believe she may be able to lend assistance in my task?-
“Well…it certainly can’t hurt to try. I certainly would love to see just how she’s accomplishing these so called miracles that fly in the face of all known science and magic.” Twilight replied. “I say let’s go ask her tomorrow. At the very worst she can’t offer anything that we don’t already know, right?”
Equinox thought it over and made her decision. –If you all believe I should, then I must abide by your consensus. Friends are meant to trust each other. – She mused much to everyone’s delight.
“Perfect! I need to go and drop off the stylish new robes I made for her anyway.” Rarity said.
“And I still have a thank you card to give her. I just needed to figure out how to fit a conga line of dancing and singing paper cut-outs in it first.” Discord replied.
Equinox stared at the table again as she processed this new plan of action. Asking somepony versed in the questionable practice of psychic cognition seemed an unwise option, but again her friends had yet to steer her wrong so what reason did she have to refuse.
After all, as Twilight had said, what was the worse that could happen?