//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Assets // Story: Since the Dawn of Time // by Starlight Fire //------------------------------// Chapter 6: Plans (I do not own My Little Pony. Please support the original series.) * * * * * * * * * "...Where we come in?" asked Applejack. "What'll we be doin'?" "Well... that depends on you," started Dawn. "If I'm judging correctly from what I've been told," she said, snatching a quick glance at the Princesses, "it also depends on a wide variety of other factors as well. The magic that has been influencing dreams has been... how has it been, Luna? I remember you saying you were unable to assert control earlier this week; have you tried anything tonight?" "It has been... difficult. It has... eluded my influences and it felt as though it was occasionally laced with evil intent." "Anything else?" asked Dawn. "Not yet. But I am certain there will be something soon." "And Canterlot mountain hasn't done anything remarkable yet... and you still have control of the sun, Celestia..." "Is short term memory loss part of not having a physical form, Dawn?" asked Celestia with a grin. Dawn gave her a flat look. "Hilarious. I think I've thought out loud quite a bit before. I would have thought you would have remembered... Is long term memory loss part of having a physical form, Teacup?" "...teacup?" asked Twilight. Celestia was attempting to glare at Dawn, but failing due to a need to smile. Luna was simply laughing. "'Twas an old nickname Dawn had for our dear sister," the Night Princess answered when she caught her breath. When she was younger, Celestia's coloring was similar to that of Dawn's favorite teacup. I think we had kept her up particularly late one night--" "Kept Dawn up?" asked Applejack. "Yes. In the morning she would almost always have a cup of tea using her favorite teacup--" "I had to re-enchant that thing against damage so many times before I figured out how to make it indestructible," muttered Dawn. "--and Celestia, being the morning pony she is--" "It sort of comes with raising the sun," said Celestia. "--bounced in and greeted Dawn. We have always thought that Dawn was simply looking at the colors and not any other identifying characteristics. It would explain why she called Celestia 'Teacup.'" Luna was met with six blank stares. "...Well, it was funny at the time, at least." "The nickname certainly stuck," Celestia muttered. "I think part of that was because you were still a filly. A cute, bouncy, energetic filly with a white coat and bright pink hair, and those colors were on my teacup. My favorite teacup that I lost several years later. Thank you so much for that. I'm just glad I could recover Luna's blanket, although I've never been able to figure out why, when I got it back, it came with another one just like it." Celestia cleared her throat and Luna tried not to look guilty. "I've always wondered why you liked that teacup above all the others," Celestia ventured. "It was my mom's," Dawn answered. The room got very quiet. "I liked it so much when I was little that Mom just gave it to me. I kept swiping it anyway... it probably saved her some time that she would have spent looking for it otherwise." She looked at her sisters. "It probably ended up in some other dimension. I'm sure it's somewhere in the multiverse. Where was I? Ah! I was thinking out loud about how much time we have left until Theoretical Doomsday. Right, Teacup?" Dawn said with a grin. "...Yes. Yes, we were. Do you know?" she asked. "No," Dawn answered. "Well... not with any close precision, anyway. This is something that we'll have to play by ear. That... prophecy, I guess it's become, may not even be accurate. The main entrance to where The Oblivion lies in wait for a chance to escape is somewhere beneath Canterlot Mountain. The mountain will probably shake quite a bit when it escapes. I'm guessing on the sun turning black part... it happened before, so I would think it could happen again. I don't know if it will. The peace turning its back bit is about the magic that influences ponies' dreams at night turning... inhospitable. You have nothing to worry about if you can't get it back under control, Luna. That would not be your fault," Dawn made sure to clarify. "I don't think we'll have a time-crunch problem, but we should still get moving. That is... if you ladies are willing to do this." Twilight and her friends were quiet for a moment. "Aside from the fact that we don't know what we'll be doing, who will if we don't?" Twilight asked. "Probably no one," said Dawn. "We need the Element Wielders for this." "So if we don't, no one will, and Equestria would be doomed, right?" asked Rainbow Dash. Celestia and Luna looked at each other. Some fear showed on their faces. "Yes," answered Dawn. "Count me in, then. Somepony's gotta do what needs to be done," said Rainbow. "Me too," said Twilight. "We've saved Equestria twice now, we can do it again as long as we stick together. Right girls?" "Absolutely! I will not have some... some thing terrorizing my friends, family, home, and life!" exclaimed Rarity. "Yeah! If there was no Equestria, I wouldn't be able to throw parties! And if I couldn't throw parties..." Pinkie froze. "Looks like we'll have to teach Mr. Meanie McMeanerson a lesson!" "Shoot, if all y'all're gonna be doin' this, Ah may as well, too," Applejack said with a small smirk. "Count me in, Yer Majesties." Fluttershy's eyes were wide as she nodded. "It won't be easy. I don't suppose that would deter you six, though, would it?" asked Dawn. She received various forms of 'no' from the group of friends. "Good. Over... the course of history... wow, that feels weird to say. Over the course of history, I've been making preparations for this. Unfortunately, they were sensitive and had to be spread out. You six will have to get to them somehow. I hope some of you like big adventures; this is sure to be one." Rainbow Dash had to stifle a squee of joy. "This should probably happen in several stages. Also, you will need training. If my estimates from what I've learned of you are correct, you will all become Alicorns soon." The room was quiet. "I'm sorry if that upsets you. Judging by your faces, you all seem worried." "...Wouldn't we have to go live in Canterlot? I'd never get into the Wonderbolts then," said Rainbow Dash. "Ah! I think I understand now. I will make sure to explain if needed, but for now just know that if you wished your lives to be like they've been up to this point in time, they could be. If you did it right, you wouldn't even have to worry about being called a princess if you didn't want to be. You would be seen as the normal pony you've always been." Six relieved sighs confirmed that this had been the right thing to say. "Umm..." Luna rubbed one of her forelegs with her opposite forehoof. "Yes?" asked Dawn. "Will we not play a part in this? We are responsible for the lives of our subjects in times such as these." said Luna. "And we're not fillies anymore," added Celestia. "Don't you two have to take care of business at the castle? You know... running the country?" asked Dawn. "We recognized the signs of what may be coming earlier today and arranged to be out for the rest of the week. I think we can use that to make other, longer-lasting arrangements which will allow us to help," offered Celestia. "And we'd really like to help." "Then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't," said Dawn. "Actually... that helps matters tremendously, now that I think about it. The Wielders are going to be split up multiple times. If at least one of you could go with a group when there are groups, that would be good. Do you know how long those arrangements will take to make?" Celestia answered first. "I'll begin my work tomorrow... I'm sure I will have to hold a surprise Day Court for all this. Luna?" "We will begin when we return to the palace." "Wonderful. While you two are doing that, you six should get some early training. Just in case," Dawn added when she saw some worried expressions. "I doubt you'll need to know what I can teach right now early in your adventure. But it's good to be prepared." "Dawn?" "Yes, Twilight?" "Couldn't you just... well, take us all back in time if we run out of time?" Dawn paused for a moment. "...No. For two reasons. First of all, we don't know how much time we have, and if we run out we will be caught by surprise. I can't do much if we're not properly prepared. Second of all... as I'm sure you've noticed, I can't do everything I used to. I can sense and simulate right now. That's about it. Even that is taking effort." "Simu-what now?" asked Applejack. "Simulate. When you look at me right now, what you actually see is a simulation spell. Specifically, a simulation of what I might look like or what I might be doing. I doubt it's perfect, but it's apparently working." Twilight 'ooh'ed. "Can you teach me how to do that sometime?" she asked. Dawn smiled. "We'll see. There's something else I need to teach all of you first, though." "Before you do," said Celestia, "what exactly are we fighting in all this?" "Ah! Excellent question. I don't know," said Dawn. Celestia face-hoofed. "Sorry. I really don't, though. I only have a vague idea of what The Oblivion really is. It hates everything that ever was and wants to destroy it all, but it never clearly physically manifested. We'll probably deal with it at some point. We may have to deal with Annihila." Dawn paused momentarily. "If the Elements saved Luna... could I get Silvia back? ...I shouldn't get my hopes up. For all I know, she's gone." "There is a chance Discord will break free, but I have no idea if he will or not." "What would the worst-case scenario be?" asked Luna. "All three of them at once. There's no way we'd survive that," said Dawn. "Discord alone could take us down at full power, and he is the weakest of the three, in my opinion. I don't think it's a likely scenario, though. If anything, assuming Discord does break free, which he might not, it will probably be somewhere around the halfway point in all this. We may still have to take on Annihila and The Oblivion at the same time. If not, it will likely be in close succession. Both have their good and bad sides," she mused. "Any other questions?" To everypony's surprise, Fluttershy spoke up. "Umm... will the nine of us be the only ones doing anything?" "Hmm," said Dawn. "I suppose that depends on you. Allies, if you can find them, would probably increase our chances of success." "Pardon me, but what are our chances of success?" asked Rarity. "Slim," said Dawn. Everyone cringed. "We've got to try, though. You've all beaten the odds before; I can picture you doing so again." "Ain't there anything else we kin do to increase the odds of... uhh... winnin'?" asked Applejack. "Not tonight... I think I've talked at you enough for now. Tomorrow, though, perhaps we can begin some basic training. You two--" Dawn began talking to the Princesses, "--should probably see about getting some practice swords from the castle. I'm assuming you have some sort of armory there." Celestia nodded. "Do you also keep the Elements there?" "Yes, they're locked away in a vault." "You might want to get them. I'm sure they will help the Wielders." "Wait a minute," said Twilight. "Are we going to have to wear the Elements for long periods of time? Necklaces I could see, but mine took the form of a tiara... and if I need to move quickly, I don't want it falling off. Not that I've had that much trouble before..." "A tiara? Really?" asked Dawn. "The spark is currently shaped like a tiara. ...Fascinating. Are you the spoken or unspoken leader of your group?" Twilight shook her head no, and the other five shook their heads yes. "...I see," said Dawn. "Either way, I'm sure Celestia or Luna could teach you how to keep a tiara secured on your head wherever you may find yourself. I could probably tell you myself, but it's one of those things that's more easily understood through demonstration." "I suspect you won't have a problem, Twilight," said Celestia. "It's the Element of Magic, after all; there's no reason it can't magically stay on your head no matter what happens," she explained with a smile. "Wait. We get to use swords?" asked Rainbow Dash. "I would recommend learning how to, yes," said Dawn. "That. Is. So. Awesome!" Rainbow nearly squeaked. "Another question. Does anypony here have any prior experience with any form of martial arts?" asked Dawn. One hoof shot up and nearly took the rest of the pony with it, one hoof rose gracefully, and one hoof was raised tentatively. The three non-Alicorn ponies who had not raised their hooves stared at those who had. Twilight spoke first. "...Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy?" They nodded. "How did I never know this?" "You never asked me, silly!" said Pinkie Pie. "I normally try to avoid resorting to such... uncouth tactics." "I... um... eep!" said Fluttershy. Dawn smiled a little. "Alright, Pinkie, what exactly do you have experience in?" "Ninjutsu!" "So... you're good with at least basic offensive and defensive maneuvers, some stealth, and, at least theoretically, some weaponry?" "Yeppers!" "Wait," objected Rainbow Dash. "How can you possibly be a ninja when you're the loudest pony I know?" she asked. "That makes no sense!" "Oh, but Rainbow Dash, that's what she wants you to think," said Fluttershy. "How does-- eep! Umm... well, you know how sometimes she just appears out of nowhere?" "Well, yeah, but... oh..." "And... maybe... those pranks she likes to pull with you are practice?" "Aww... Pinkie, why didn't you share the awesome? When did you learn all that, anyway?" "I grew up on a rock farm, Dashie. There wasn't that much else to do," Pinkie explained. "...Wait. Is the Pinkie sense part of this?" asked Twilight. "I know I said I'd just accept it, but that doesn't mean an explanation will never come up!" "No, that just happens," said Pinkie. "Rats," thought Twilight. "Just curious," she said. Pinkie smiled in response. "I was trained in Karate," said Rarity. "I also know a little bit about wielding a sword, but it has been awhile. Not that I have any complaints." "How did you wield the sword? Do you remember?" asked Dawn. "With my mouth. It was not... pleasant," said Rarity with a shudder. "You held it in your mouth and you're a Unicorn... I take it you were young?" "Yes. I had not gotten my Cutie Mark yet," said Rarity. "When you get a sword, if you do not already have one, I suggest using your magic to wield it. It will both give you a slight edge and not leave a bad taste in your mouth," said Dawn. Rarity seemed relieved at this. "Fluttershy, I believe you also raised your hoof. What area was your training in?" Fluttershy mumbled something in response. "I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that," said Dawn. "Mixed Martial Arts," said Fluttershy. "I have a black belt." Three seconds of silence passed before Rainbow Dash muttered something about needing to work harder to keep her title of 'Most Awesomest Pony in Ponyville.' "Twilight, you're good with magic. Would you consider this a skill you could add to the mix?" asked Dawn. Twilight nodded in response. "Rainbow Dash, Applejack, do you have anything you'd like to mention? Aside from a Sonic Rainboom? Which... actually, if you can do that on cue, that's something you can mention." "I did it at Twi's brother's wedding recently, so yeah, I can do it when I want to. And I can fly... and... uhh..." "She blew up mah barn, once," said Applejack. "On purpose?!" asked Dawn. "Ah needed her to. Fastest way t' tear it down so we could all build a new one." "So... a demolition expert, then?" Dawn asked Rainbow Dash warily. "It came with the training for my job. I'm a weather pony." said Rainbow Dash. "So... yeah." "Applejack?" "...Ah buck trees all day long back on th' farm. Does that count?" "You can kick hard, yes?" "Eyup." "Alright, so at this moment we have the Light Guardian; the Dream Guardian; three martial artists: a mage; a weather, aerial stunt, and demolition expert; and a hard hitter. That's... not bad, actually," Dawn thought aloud. "And it helps that you all get along with each other. At least, I assume you generally do. We can work with this. I should probably let you all get some rest now," Dawn said. Her form flickered a bit. "Are you alright, Dawn?" asked Celestia. "All things considered?" Dawn asked. "It's just taking significant effort to stay materialized, that's all." "So... we can't add the Guardian of Time to our list of assets, then," said Luna. "I'm on your side, but I can't help you as much as I might like to, thanks to my current condition," said Dawn. "If we keep talking like this, we won't be able to add energy to the list, either..." "Right, I get it," said Twilight. "If anypony wants to spend the night here, you're welcome to do so. We could hit Sugarcube Corner for breakfast in the morning. Not literally, of course," she said while shooting a look towards Pinkie. Luna said her goodbyes for the evening and went back to Canterlot to take care of things. Everypony worked together to convince Celestia to take the couch; they could sleep on the floor or somewhere else. Rainbow had dragged clouds in for Fluttershy and herself. Pinkie Pie snuggled up with some cushions under the tea table, and Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight went upstairs like they had done during Twilight's first sleepover. Everypony said their goodnights and dimmed the lights. Twilight waited until everypony else was asleep before she lit her horn. "If I could just remember how to--" "Twilight, you don't need to summon me when I'm still here," said Dawn. "I suggest you don't, actually." Twilight had to work very hard not to jump out of her bed and hit the ceiling. "Sorry," said Dawn. "That's why I was trying to remain visible down there. Is there something you wanted to ask me?" "Well... you said our chances of success are slim. What do you mean exactly?" Dawn sighed. She didn't materialize completely, but she did project the red mist that she had managed earlier so she could give Twilight something to look at. "Even I don't know. All I know is that I was trying to be optimistic for once. In the end, it will all depend on you and your friends. I think you can do it, but I suspect you'll meet many challenges along the way, some of which may push you to your limits, if not past. You will need to help each other and build each other up. The stronger your friendship, the more likely we'll all survive." "So... Equestria depends on our friendship, then," Twilight stated. "Replace 'Equestria' with 'the world' and that's what it basically comes to, yes." Twilight stared into space for a minute. "Dawn?" "Yes?" "You'll be here in the morning, right?" "Absolutely. And Twilight?" "Yes?" "Just take things as they come. Believe in your friends, and in yourself. OK?" Twilight nodded and snuggled under the covers. * * * * * * * * * * In Canterlot, Luna was fleeing an army of darkness. (To Be Continued...) Author's Notes: Now (slowly) transitioning from exposition to action. Fasten your seatbelts. Special thanks to Glassed (pre-reader) and The Equestrian Gentlecolt (proof-reader). Comments? Please? Please? Please?