Trancsending love
Chapter 4 HIDE
A pillar of light rained down from a cloudless sky with a deafening boom before dissolving into nothing. Six mares lay unconscious where the pillar struck. One of the six, a cyan pegasus stirred. Her rosy eyes fluttered before finally opening. With a groan she stood up eying her surroundings. The pegasus’ friends were still out. “Well that could have gone smoother. It feels like somepony did a sonic rainboom right next to my head.” Shaking her head the pegasus staggered over to a lavender unicorn. “Twilight wake up.” Her only reaction was some mumbling from her friend.
“The energy needed for transportation is equal to the cubed root of the total mass divided by the distance to destination multiplied by the square of objects being transported.” The lavender unicorn rolled over becoming silent. All that her friend said went straight over the pegasus’ head. That egg headed rambling was what she needed now so she continued to pester the sleeping unicorn.
“Come on Twilight now isn’t the time for you to be sleeping.” Prodding Twilights back didn’t do anything but grant another mumble.
“Five more minutes princess. I don’t want any pickles.” An idea clicked into the cyan head.
“Princess Celestia. What a pleasant surprise to see you here.” Purple eyes snapped open. Their owner jumped to her hooves in the blink of an eye.
“Princess Celestia! Oh I’m a complete mess. I’m sorry for my sloppy appearance.” Twilight bowed low. The snickering pegasus brought her back to reality. “Rainbow Dash that wasn’t funny you almost gave me a heart attack.”
“Well it worked didn’t it your back to the world of the living.” Rainbow Dash was barely able to say anything through fits of laughter. “You’re going to have to explain the whole pickle thing some time.”
“I was talking in my sleep wasn’t I?” Twilight was rubbing the back of her neck in embarrassment. Rainbow Dash simply nodded in the lapse of laughter. Twilight’s blush pushed the rainbow mane pegasus flat on her back with a new laughing fit. The commotion seemed to have woken Pinkie Pie as the pink pony was laughing next to her cyan friend.
“What are we laughing at?” Pinkie Pie was back on her hooves just in time to be knocked flat onto Rainbow Dash. The shockwave brought everypony back to consciousness instantly. “Wow Dashie how’d you do it huh?” The pink party pony was bouncing around her friend
“Do what Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash was even more confused now than when Twilight spouted out the magical mumbo jumbo earlier.
“The sonic rainboom, duh.” Pinkie said pointing off towards a prismatic streak coming at them.
“Uh Pinkie Pie if I’m right here how could I have done that over there?”
“Um excuse me.”
“Does this mean that theirs two of you?” Pinkie Pie stopped for nearly a second. “This calls for a party! A Rainbow Dash Has a Twin Party!”
“Um Twilight.”
“Pinkie Pie Rainbow Dash doesn’t have a twin. It’s probably Rainbow Blitz.” Twilight corrected.
“Twilight!” The butter yellow pegasus shrunk back behind her mane when the other five turned to look at her. “Um maybe we should leave. I mean if that’s ok with you.”
“Fluttershy darling whatever for? Aren’t you curious to see this Rainbow Blitz? I know I am.” Rarity cooed trying to lull her friend out of her shell.
“Um no never mind.” Fluttershy’s voice was nearly a whisper
“Tell me.” The tone and look that Rarity used was almost identical to the ones she used when making the gala dresses last year. Fluttershy gave up before it could progress any farther.
“Fine. Um a direct confrontation of our dimensional counterparts may upset the balance in the space time continuum resulting in a fissure along the universal threads.” A blush formed on her cheeks as her friends just stared at her with dumbfounded looks.
“I never considered that Fluttershy. Uh girls, run.” Twilight took off down the hill away from Rainbow Blitz and Ponyville. The others followed suit none of them wanting a repeat paranoia outburst. The six mares were able to dive into some bushes just before ‘Rainbow Blitz’ touched down. Though it was more of a crash than anything. It was possible to see the stallion clearly without being seen themselves. He had picked himself up brushed off and was currently acting like nothing had happened. Applejack’s heart skipped a beat when she got a good look at him. His size reminded her of Big Macintosh. The tail was a bit shorter than Dash’s and even more unkept than hers if it was even possible. Blitz’s mane was short and spiked, each spike having its own color.
“Hello Equestria to Applejack you there?” Rainbow Dash waved a hoof in front of the cowpony’s face.
“Ah’m fine RD now quit movin’ around.” Applejack hissed.
“What’s got you so flustered Aj? If I didn’t know any better I’d say you fell for me, him, oh you know what I mean.”
“Ah have done no such thing.” Applejack spit through clenched teeth. Rainbow Dash ignored the threatening vibes from her friend and simply smirked.
“Quiet you two before were heard.” Twilight interrupted. Rainbow Blitz glanced over to where they were hiding. ‘Oh no were caught.’ Twilight thought as Blitz’s gaze tried to tear the shrubs apart. His attention was soon diverted when a voice called his name.
“Rainbow Blitz what are you doing here?” A lavender unicorn trotted up, a baby dragon riding on his back. Twilight nearly had to tackle Fluttershy to keep her from rushing over. Luckily Rarity pounced first. Twilight at first thought that Spike had somehow managed to get here before they did. Until she noticed some slight differences. This dragon was smaller than Spike but not by much. The spines were the same way. The last difference besides being female was the scales on the sides of her head were rounded and angled down.
“Dusk Shine, Barbara.” Rainbow Blitz gave a small nod in greeting. “I’m here because of that pillar thingy.”
“Blitz I wouldn’t have guessed that you had any interest in scientific studies in the field of magic.” Dusk seemed impressed and shocked at the same time. Barbara simply rolled her eyes.
“Huh? No I just thought that Ponyville might need its local hero. And this seemed like the only place to get some action around here.” Rainbow Blitz puffed out his chest when mentioning his ‘hero’ status. Dusk rolled his eyes not understanding why he even asked. “So whatcha think happened?” Dusk Shine’s horn lit up as his friend spoke.
“When Dusk first felt the power he was frantic thinking that Prince Solaris had come to visit without sending prior notice. But the light was red; the Prince’s magic is gold. So we came to investigate.” Barbara concluded with a satisfied nod. Dusk Shine meanwhile had lowered his head to get a whiff of some scent left on the grass. Rainbow Blitz eyed his friend closely as he straightened up. A grin formed on his muzzle when Dusk looked away and coughed into his hoof blushing all the while.
“What’s got you so embarrassed huh?” The teasing tone sounded way too similar to Rainbow Dash for Applejack not to notice.
“Imagine Elusive as a mare and that’s basically it.” Dusk muttered through his hoof. Blitz was at his friend’s side in an instant.
“Dude get your head out of the gutter and let’s go find the mare.” Rainbow Blitz gave his friend an elbow to the ribs and a wink.
“Mares, Blitz. There’s more than one.” Dusk corrected getting over his embarrassment.
“Even better. You’re not gonna keep them all to yourself now are you?” Blitz crouched ready to take off. “Well let’s get going.”
“Hold it Blitz it would be more effective to have some help besides they probably went into town.” Dusk Shine completely ignored his friend’s latest question and started walking towards Ponyville. He looked over his shoulder without stopping. “That and Bubble Berry knows everypony in Ponyville. Chances are he’s already found them. If not then he is the master of hide and seek. He, if anypony should be able to find them.” Rainbow Blitz lost some of his previous enthusiasm.
“Let me guess. Once we’re done at Sugar Cube Corner then you’re going to want to get the rest of the gang in on the search.” Blitz sighed planting a hoof to his face. Dusk Shine stopped in his tracks. Tapping a hoof to his muzzle Dusk Shine’s next comment made Rainbow Blitz face hoof with plenty of force.
“Huh you know I never thought of that. Thanks Blitz. The more eyes we have the better our chances.”
“Fine then, I’ll see ya there.” With those words Rainbow Blitz was gone leaving Dusk to ponder what might have happened.
“Hmm. I wonder why she didn’t just rush to the library in the first place.” Dusk mumbled to himself.
“Oh you say something Dusk?” Barbara asked. She had been more interested in some rustling bush than in the conversation that had taken place.
“Nothing really. Just thinking to myself.” Dusk was glad that his companion paid little attention to what he said when there was something to study. Barbara shrugged as they continued on their way.
“That was too close for comfort.” Twilight sighed leaving their hiding place.
“I do suggest finding some place to hide so my mane doesn’t get ruined every time one of them comes near.” Rarity complained pulling leaves and twigs out of her mane.
“One problem with that sugar cube, any place we can think of ta hide in, so can they.” Applejack was the last to step out of the bush. “And besides how in tarnation are we supposed ta get somepony to hide six full grown mares and not utter a peep ta nopony about it?”
“Pinkie Pie where would be the last place you would look if you were in their hooves?” Twilight asked figuring if anypony could hide it was her.
“Hmm the last would be first and first would be first so.” Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing to ponder the question. “The royal palace.” She nodded to finalize her answer.
“Pinkie Pie the royal palace is crawling with guards. Did you also forget that Dusk Shine is Twilights counterpart? If we go there then Princess Celestia’s counterpart….” Rainbow Dash started.
“Prince Solaris.” Twilight interrupted.
“Whatever. Prince Solaris would realize this and that definitely would be worse case scenario.”
“Well duh silly I know that. There is more than one palace though.” Pinkie Pie said resuming her endless bouncing. Fluttershy was the first to catch on.
“But it’s so dark and scary.” The rest of the six caught up right then.
“Ugh. All that dust and dirt I don’t know if it’s worth it.” Rarity whined prancing in place.
“The Everfree Forrest! Pinkie Pie what in tarnation are ya thinkin’!” Applejack nearly screamed at the party pony.
“It’s perfect! Pinkie Pie you’re a genius!” Twilight squealed tackling her friend with a hug.
“Yeah, a real genius.” The sarcasm dripped from Rainbow Dash’s words. Everypony ignored the comment.
“Twilight sugar cube not that Ah don’t trust ya and all. But how in Equestria is this a good idea?”
“Oh Applejack don’t you see. If you’re all hesitant about going in then so would they.” Twilight explained.
“Ah can’t argue with that logic.” Applejack said defeated.
“Nopony in their right mind would set hoof in there if they can avoid it though.” Rarity said trying to succeed
where the cowpony failed.
“Exactly, nopony in their right mind would set hoof in there making it the perfect place to hide.” Twilight said using Rarity’s own argument against her.
“I agree it would be for the best.” For the second time all eyes turned to Fluttershy. “Well I mean um it’s scary but it’s even more frightening to think of what would happen if we get caught.”
“If Fluttershy is willing, then the rest of us have nothing left. We better get going before they come back.” Rarity hated to admit defeat but Rainbow Dash’s words struck home. If their timid friend was going into the place she feared most; they had nothing to complain about.
The path was clear for only the first few steps, Having only been there once they had forgotten most of the way to their destination. Resulting in the group of friends getting lost almost instantly. Blind wandering finally led them to a landmark. Twilight remembered the cliff and recognized it right away. Fluttershy proved invaluable after that. Asking her animal friends to help guide them they soon came across a river. “Oh I do hope there’s away over without getting wet.” Rarity said backing away from the still water.
“Well girls the only way that I can see is to just go head first.” Twilight exclaimed looking around.
“Twilight dear that is an absolutely dreadful idea, I refuse to set hoof into that deplorable river.” Rarity stomped a hoof and stuck up her nose in defiance.
“And just what makes my home so deplorable?” The question was more of a demand. Everypony looked frantic as a deep purple sea serpent rose out of the water.
“Thanks Rarity now we know we’re on the right track but now you all don’t have a way across.” Rainbow Dash threw her hooves up to show just how annoyed she was. The serpent had, her was their best guess, arms folded looking even more annoyed than Rainbow Dash.
“Well I’m waiting.”
“I can easily fix that dilemma Rainbow darling but please refrain from making any ruffian decisions.” Rarity said walking up to the water’s edge. “Um hello. Would you mind telling us your name?”
“Hmm well if you insist my name is Selene.” Selene flipped her orange hair as she said this.
“Selene what a lovely name, perfect for such a lovely serpent like yourself.” Rarity cooed beating her eye lashes.
“I am quite lovely aren’t I?” Selene ran a clawed hand through her hair.
“Quite so darling. Why your scales simply shimmer in the light. Quite a bit more enticing than your home. Not to mention your lovely hair. You must spend hours on it.” Rarity’s compliments seemed to make Selene forget why she was there in the first place.
“Oh yes it takes hours out of my day but it’s worth it.” Selene crossed her arms before continuing. “But back to the reason I’m here. What makes my home so deplorable?”
“Why nothing dear your home is absolutely lovely. However from one fashionista to another it would be dreadful to ruin something lovely. Water would completely devastate my mane. I’m sure you can understand how deplorable that would be.” Rarity was laying it on incredibly thick.
“You do have a fine mane. Yes it would be deplorable to ruin it.” Selene thought out loud. “I can forgive your previous statement.”
“Oh thank you I really didn’t mean any offence.” Rarity sighed. “I might be asking a bit too much here, but would it be too much trouble to help us across.”
“Hmm. No just tell me why.” Selene seemed to enjoy gossip just as much as Rarity did. A weak smile and an apologetic look to Applejack and Rarity quickly told a partial lie.
“Well you see there are some stallions that are stalking us. We were hoping to lose them in here. Normally I wouldn’t mind but their just so creepy. One of them tried to peek at me while I was in the shower.” Selene gasped with an exaggerated no way. She instantaneously formed stepping stones with her body. Leaving her head above the water she had one question on her mind.
“Do I know the ruffians?”
“I’m not sure but I assume so. One of them did say they met a lovely sea serpent in here. I can’t imagine that he meant anyone but you.” Rarity’s latest compliment seemed to fill in any doubt Selene might have had. With a satisfactory nod Selene dipped her head completing the pathway. The six mares moved across. Pinkie Pie being last thanked Selene, waved good bye and asked if she would please not tell anypony that they had come. With a nod and a respondent wave Selene slipped back beneath the waves. Applejack made sure that they were out of earshot before rounding on Rarity.
“What in the hay did ya lie for?” Applejack’s voice sounded closer to an angry cats hiss than anything.
“My dear Applejack though I know you hate any lies but you must agree that the truth does sound much more farfetched and wouldn’t help us out in any way.” Rarity exasperated shocked that her friend could be so close sighted. Applejack merely grumbled. She couldn’t deny the truth in those words.
“That doesn’t mean Ah have ta like it.”
“Nopony’s saying that you have to Applejack.” Twilight chimed in. The path was strait forward after the river. At last the ruined castle came into view. “You know now that we don’t have to rush anywhere or have the fate of Equestria at stake, this place doesn’t seem so …. Um.” Twilight tapped a hoof to her chin.
“Depressin’.” Applejack supplemented.
“Frightening.” Fluttershy added as well. The six paused in front of the rope bridge. With the gentle breeze floating through a slight sway made the bridge seem even less stable.
“No that’s not it. Uninviting would be a better fit.” Twilight concluded. “well girls were not getting there by just standing around.” She had determination more towards actually examining the ruins than using them as a hiding place. One hoofstep towards her goal rewarded a long splintering groan. The second had Twilight on a one way greeting with the well of the chasm.
Rainbow Dash thanked Celestia for having such a short reaction time. Twilights bone chilling cry barely left her muzzle before the two ponies were back on solid ground. One thing Rainbow Dash had to admit was that for being an egg head her friend had a fine figure. That and she was heavier than she looked. “Geez Twilight can’t you find another way to get my attention.” Twilight had recovered enough to glare at her friend.
“I’m grateful that you saved me but this isn’t something to joke about Rainbow Dash.” Twilight scolded accompanied by a look that could shatter rocks. “We have a bigger problem now. How are we supposed to get across?” A wave of her hoof made her point.
“Really? Twilight I can just fly you across.” True to her word Rainbow Dash hooked her forelegs around Twilight. With a few burst from her powerful wings Rainbow Dash had Twilight off the ground. A few more flaps and they were over. “If the most awesomest pony in all of Equestria can’t carry a few ponies over a small gap like this then how is she supposed to make the cut for the Wonder Bolts.” With no more arguments coming from anypony their method was decided. Fluttershy flew herself across, while Rainbow Dash carried the others over, at great delight to her ego, in one pass.
“Rainbow Dash really, did you have to carry us over at the same time?” Rarity started to complain much to everypony’s annoyance. “It was absolutely dreadful. I had Pinkie’s tail shoved in my face the entire time.”
“Aw come off it Rarity it wasn’ that bad.” Applejack was straitening her Stetson while she spoke.
“That’s easy for you to say Applejack. You didn’t have it so bad hanging from her hooves.” Rarity’s comeback made short work of the cowpony’s already short fuse.
“Ah dang near lost mah hat durin’ tha’ there flying lesson.” Applejack got right up in Rarity’s face. A shoving match soon followed broken only when Twilight intervened.
“Will you two knock it off? We don’t need to be fighting amongst ourselves. Now let’s get inside before nightfall.” Twilight pushed the two apart. “The throne room would probably be best seeing as that’s the only room with a roof that’s still in one piece.”
“Uh Twilight dear it looks like there was somepony else here before us.” Rarity said indicating the open doors. “Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea.”
“Well there’s no going back now.” Twilight swallowed to alleviate some anxiety and strode forward. First sense that was kicked off was sound, a gentle squeak and sway and nothing more. The sight made them gasp. On the floor was writing in white ash. That wasn’t what bothered them. What was above the writing disturbed them. A rope hung above it tied in a noose. The noose was not empty. Rainbow Dash’s stutter addressed what was on all their minds.
“I-is that a p-p-pony.”
A/N
Yeah yeah I know not my best chapter but with all that I've been through it shouldn't be suprising. Anywho not sure now if I should change some things namely the rating. I'll explain the last part in the next chapter if anyone is still reading this. call it a cliff hanger that doesn't work. Anyone kind enough to explain how to change fonts please do. Thanks.