Chapter IV: "Glimpse the Unthinkable"
(Canterlot Castle)
(Optional Background Music: Fantasy Music - Northwind)
Finishing the last order of business, Celestia and Luna looked over their hastily-formed council following the events of the humongous magical impulse that had plagued the peace of Equestria. Since the energy wave fizzled into nothingness, the Royal Diarchy received reports of widespread migraines in unicorns shortly after; from the Crystal Empire, all the way to Griffinstone. Since the Elements of Harmony were not present, Celestia decided to brief them on the situation soon via 'Spike-Mail', as it was nicknamed.
"If there is nothing more to say," began Celestia with a sense of closure, "We believe this will be a good point to end this emergency council. Thank you, our little ponies, for attending in a time of such confusion. Your input on the situation at hoof is invaluable to use against the unknown. With that said, Luna and I will carefully consider your words before a decision is made. Again, we thank you. Luna?"
Luna gave a nod to her sister, and spoke.
"And remember, dearest subjects," said Luna, "the information discussed at this council is on a need-to-know basis. We ask that you do not share this information with anypony until authorized, lest we risk widespread panic across Equestria. There are snacks and refreshments in the Royal Plaza for all of you, as our way of thanking you for attending on such short notice."
The convening of the greatest minds of Equestria, regarding the dimensional boundary breach, had drawn but one conclusion: whatever that magical impulse was, it was not natural. However, to Princess Luna, this was no need to call upon a national emergency, nor perceive this as an act of war, as the rest of the council had thought. To the Princess of the Night, this was a learning experience.
As the gathering finished, Luna and Celestia were alone, save for eachother. Since no onlookers could witness Celestia's plight, the Princess of the Sun let her true colors flow in front of Luna.
"Lu-Lu," Celestia lightly said, "I'm kind of...scared."
"While it certainly is frightening, Tia," reassured Luna, "you must also admit that this is an exciting time!"
Celestia, who was at this point unfazed by Luna's constant crave for adventure, simply smiled at her sister's optimism.
"Exciting how, exactly?" Celestia asked.
"Think about it for a moment," began Luna, "an interdimensional being! Do you know just how much we may learn from it?"
Celestia furrowed her brow as her sister's optimistic impulses continued to conflict her.
"You're right," said Celestia, "there could be a treasure trove of secrets to pillage. However, we don't know the full extent of the situation."
"Oh puh-lease, Tia," scoffed Luna, "you're so stressed that you've started using your court-speech again. Remember, sister dearest, we are philosophers and scientists that have lived for twelve millennia!"
"Yes, Luna, I know. But times are different. We can't just announce to the modern world that a being with unknown intentions, with immense magical power, has appeared in our dimension. We don't even know where they are. News spreads too fast, and widespread panic would surely follow."
"That's part of the challenge," said Luna, smirk in tow, "and challenges are fun."
"Shouldn't you be sleeping, or something?" asked Celestia
"Shouldn't you be writing a letter?" Luna retorted.
After some well needed giggles, Celestia knew she had been bested by her beloved sister, and resolved to contact the Elements of Harmony.
(Meanwhile in Ponyville)
(Optional Background Music: Hans Zimmer - Air)
With haste, Fluttershy, Discord, Twilight, and Spike temporarily parted ways to search for the remaining Elements. Fluttershy flew to Sweet Apple Acres to retrieve Applejack. Spike volunteered to retrieve Rarity as Twilight flew to Rainbow Dash's house, and Discord teleported into a very busy Sugarcube Corner to retrieve Pinkie Pie, much to the amusement of Pumpkin and Pound Cake.
Since Spike went to Carousel Boutique in search of Rarity, he was tasked by Twilight to help her get to the Castle of Friendship in the event that she suffered a migraine, from the massive magical impulse from earlier. Spike strode ever vigilant to his beloved's home, rapidly knocking on the door. A very disgruntled Rarity answered the obnoxious battering.
Even when she's vicious and cranky, thought Spike, she's still the most beautiful mare ever!
"Ugh," said Rarity, wincing as the sun's rays caused her head to pulsate in pain, "what is the meaning of this barbaric rattling, Spike?"
"Sorry for being in such a hurry," said Spike, "but we may have a crisis on our hooves. Twilight wants everypony to meet in the castle and wait for a letter from Princess Celestia!"
"Can't the crisis wait?" Rarity whined. "I just broke out the emergency ice cream stockpile for severe headaches!"
Hearing his true love raise her voice caused Spike to break into a cold sweat, fidgeting his claws.
"W-why not... take the ice cream with you?" asked a nervous Spike. He chuckled uncomfortably.
Rarity pondered for a moment at Spike's proposal. Walking while eating? How unladylike! Complete, unadulterated heresy. However, Rarity's Element prevailed.
I suppose I could risk being seen as a hussy just this once, thought Rarity. After all, there's a potential crisis at hoof, and that means a threat — *GASP* — to fashion everywhere!
"Very well, my Spike-y-wike-y," said Rarity. Spike sighed in relief as she hauled an unnaturally huge tub of neopolitan with her. "Let us be off, at once!"
Spike's jaw hung agape at the pace of which frozen delight was consumed by the time he and Rarity arrived at the castle. Standing outside of the main door, Rarity noticed Spike's expression towards her empty tub of ice cream. He eventually came to at the thundering sound of Rarity dropping her empty tub.
"Where's the logic in combating magically-induced migraines with brain-freeze?" asked Spike.
"When you are practiced, such as I," began Rarity, "the sensation of brain-freeze becomes a novocain of sorts."
"That's deep," said Spike. "Deeper than your tub of ice cream."
Rarity and Spike entered the main corridor of the castle and made way for the map room, where the six Elements, plus one Spike, may sit in circumference and observe all of Equestria. Around that table-map sat the other five Elements and Discord.
Discord erected from Rarity's seat and greeted her. "So nice of you to join us, Rarity!"
"Hmph!" said Rarity. "That ice cream wasn't going to enjoy itself!"
"That ice cream seemed to clear your migraine, silly!" exclaimed Pinkie.
"Wait a second, Pinkie dear," said Rarity, "how did you know I had a migraine? Is this another one of your "Pinkie Sense" abilities?"
"Nope," said Pinkie, "apparently, an interdimensional being of immense power breached through our dimension's barrier using sheer magical power alone —" *GASP* "— and a magical shock wave was created by the extra-dimensional energies flooding in, giving every unicorn in Equestria a huge headache! What a meanie!"
Pinkie received strange looks, like that of which a professor would receive when explaining advanced quantum astrophysics to children.
"...Okay, can somepony please say that in Equish?" asked Rarity.
Just then, a fiery belch erupted from Spike, revealing a scroll with the royal crest of Equestria adorned. Spike promptly laid the message out on the table for all to see.
"I hope this answers some of our questions," said Twilight, beginning to read the letter.
Dear Friends,
As Discord might have told you, something unorthodox is occurring in our corner of Equus. This is the second time in recorded history that an event such as this took place, the first being when Discord entered our dimension about ten thousand years ago.
A being from outside our universe has entered it earlier today. When it entered, a magical shock wave roiled across Equestria, causing unicorns everywhere — myself and Luna included — to suffer from sudden migraines.
That being said, it cannot be predicted what aftermath this will bring. While we're not sure of the being's intent, everypony must be ready for anything that may happen. So far, after the initial event, it's been awfully quiet; eerily so.
If you are all ready and willing, I wish to ask of your assistance again, dear friends. Should you all accept, a catastrophe may be prevented.
Please help us locate this being and learn of its intent, whether it be malevolent or benevolent. Luna will search the dreamscape this night while Shining Armor and Cadence will keep their eyes peeled in the north. I will keep the citizens calm and collected while this flurry of activity commences. It is not required for you to report to Canterlot for this mission, but it would be greatly appreciated if reports of your progress are sent regularly.
Furthermore, the information contained in this letter is not to be shared with anypony, lest we risk widespread panic across Equestria. And no, Pinkie Pie, we cannot throw this being a "Welcome to Equus" party. I hope you understand.
Please reply posthaste with your acceptance or rejection. Thank you.
Your friend,
Celestia.
Twilight looked around to her friends after reading. She watched their expressions, which surprisingly were not ones of fear, but of excitement. After the letter was read by everyone, Twilight asked the million-dollar question.
"Well, everypony," said Twilight, smiling, "are you in? Do you accept Princess Celestia's request for help?"
"Yee-haw, 'nother adventure!" exclaimed Applejack. "Count me in!"
"If I can't throw them a party," said Pinkie Pie, "I'll give them interdimensional cake!"
"I wonder what kind of animals lived on their world," said Fluttershy. "I'm in!"
"I wonder if their sense of fashion matches ours," said Rarity. "Oh, I'm eager to find out!"
"I was always with you then, Twilight, and I'm with you now!" exclaimed Spike.
"HOLD UP!" yelled Rainbow Dash. Everyone in the room looked at her with concern at her sudden outburst.
Rainbow met their looks of concern with her own looks, as if they all had gone collectively mad.
"You mean to tell me that you've never even met this being-dude," said Rainbow, "and you already want to be their friend?"
"Well Dashie," said Pinkie, "that's only if they're not a total meanie-pants!"
The others voiced their agreement with Pinkie, all except Discord.
"You all have good intentions," said Discord, "and it really is heartwarming, but I must agree with Dash here."
"What do you mean, Discord?" asked Twilight.
"To be honest, I'm not originally from this dimension," said Discord as audible gasps were heard. "As Celestia said, I first entered this one about ten thousand years ago, but before that, I traveled other dimensions. What I saw was not pleasant, even for me. Let's just say that the inhabitants were... less than hospitable."
The truth of Discord's words seemed to put a damper on the Elements' moods to the Draconequus.
Perhaps that was a little much, thought Discord.
"Now, everypony, that's not to say that this being is purely evil," said Discord, "I just want you all to be careful, my friends; who knows what they're capable of. So, count me in as well."
The Elements, including Spike, all nodded in understanding at Discord's wisdom, except Rainbow Dash. Everyone turned and faced her, expecting her answer. She huffed in annoyance.
"Fine, I'm in," said Rainbow, "but I don't have to be happy about it! At the first sign of trouble, we kick their flank!"
"Then it's settled!" exclaimed Twilight. "Please take a letter, Spike."