Celestia's Flare

by Spica


Magic Mishap

Beads of sweat ran down Twilight’s face as the chariot sped through the sky, above the clouds, golden light shining upon them. Her mind flashed with memories.

The Night Princess stood before Twilight, her shining blue eyes fixated over the unicorn. “Are you coming back to Ponyville, then?” Her voice was but a soft whisper as she asked the question. Twilight nodded.
“We are going to consult our friend Zecora, the zebra. She might know something about the strangeness that has befallen upon Celestia. I’ll write you as soon as we know something, it that is fine with you.”

With Luna’s permission they had turned back to the village. The carriage landed in front of the forest’s border, going beyond was difficult for the airborne vehicle.

From the depths of the Everfree came a strong blow of wind that ruffled their manes, Spike climbed into Twilight’s back and they set off towards Zecora’s hut trotting lightly. Along the path, very few creatures were found; Twilight suspected they were being affected by the current predicament as well. As they finally arrived to their destination Twilight knocked at the door, which opened after a few seconds, revealing the white and black striped zebra, whose face was invaded by a broad smile.

“My dear ponies, is good to see you. What do I owe to this charming view?” the zebra’s singsong voice greeted the group, as she exited her house. “I’d invite you inside, but in this heat, that’s such a rash thing to decide. It doesn’t bother me none, very warm is the land where I have grown.”

As Pinkie trotted away and laid on her back in a patch of grass near them, rolling her tongue out, the others surrounded Zecora.

“The wave of heat that has affected not only Ponyville, but all of Equestria in the recent days is the product of a sickness that has affected Princess Celestia. This sickness not only affects the climate, but it’s also interfering with the magical ability of unicorns,” explained Twilight, showcasing this to her striped friend by trying to levitate a single stone that laid near, with the same success rate as before. The female zebra nodded in understanding, rubbing a hoof against her chin.

“I beg of you, please continue.”

“We went into the Castle by invitation of Princess Luna and were witness as to what Celestia’s symptoms were. Her magic has been increased tenfold; it is safe to say she has lost control over it. Her whole body shines with a blinding yellow light and the nearer one gets to her, the hottest the air becomes; also the magical pressure is enormous. ”

Zecora fell silent as she walked around, circling the group a couple of times before she came to a halt and addressed them.
“I think, dear Twilight, that now I know the source of your plight,” said she finally. “Please, sit down; get some comfort, so you hear what I have to report.”

She went inside her hut and after a couple of minutes, came out, a bag in her teeth. She sat down, forelegs clamped in the earth; Rarity and Twilight laid down on their four legs, the white unicorn not even minding the dirt below. Spike simply sat, Pinkie still laid on the same spot; her loud snoring now filling the air. Dismissing it, they beckoned for her to continue.

“Where I was born, has always been a place of tradition. Deep jungles arise, where many kinds of plants do rise. And with them we prepare concoctions; we conceive lots of different potions. This art has been passed down for eons since our kind’s dawn. And we’re quite glad with what nature has let us had. However, as fillies, we heard such stories. As ones of a country where there’s magic plenty. With this curiosity I was filled, desiring to see the tales fulfilled. That which I pursued had interested very few. I never relented though, determined to see it through. And when finally I did, I discovered it was magical indeed. “

Three pair of ears perked up, receiving every word of her story. Twilight’s eyes shone brightly as she heard all of it; very little material was available on the faraway country of zebras and other species seldom seen in Equestria.

“The portents I saw left open my jaw. But with time I noted what these ponies lacked. That was the expertise on herbs and all this. Many I had brought with me; most I’ve planted with glee. Poison Joke and Heart’s Desire have gotten you in trouble dire. How is dear Apple Bloom? I’d like to see her soon. “

The zebra let a small chuckle out after these words, a small smile crowning her lips before she continued, the shine in her gaze flickering away as suddenly as it came.

“And the truth that we face, that is here also the case. Magic Mishap is its name, and for unicorns it is shame.“ She untied her bag and threw some powder in the air. A green glow materialized, taking the shape of a flower with very big petals.

“And how would that be, exactly? I´ve never seen such a thing like this,” said Twilight, a slight annoyance betrayed in her voice.

“As I have told you before, you ponies need learn much more,” answered Zecora, her voice the same kind tone. “And what is it with this flower? Well, it messes big time with your power!” chanted the zebra, a slight rise in her speech.

“It breaks down your horn, and that’s bad for an unicorn. How an alicorn might get, you have all reason to fret.”
Gasps were heard from the two unicorns and the dragon, who all looked to her, the worry etched in their faces. However,
Zecora smiled brightly, making a reassuring gesture.

“All that you need is a small seed. This flower can be found where magic has seeped into the ground. When a unicorn stepped in, the seed grow would then begin. Said seed was thus given a little magical plus. And that’s its origin, and the trouble you’re now in. If magic could be injected, it would be quickly completed. But things are quite sour, you can only your magic pour. ”

Both unicorns screamed In panic, Rarity’s mane losing its bright and deforming a little, her curls falling straight. Twilight spoke, her voice pitch going up, her hoof waving in panic.

“But Zecora, we’ve told you we can’t use any magic!”

The zebra dismissed her words with a shake of her head. “Doesn’t matter a little bit; you still have a lot of it. True, the process might be faster, if you were an able caster, but it’s not absolute need, you can it your magic feed. Should you two start now from, around four weeks it’ll blossom. ”

Twilight and Rarity looked at each other. The purple unicorn turned her gaze back to the zebra.

“Then, all we need to do is to stand in there and the magic will flow down to it, right?”

“I assure you this is undoubtedly true.”

Twilight looked at the ground for quite a while in silence. Finally, she turned to look again at her friend, her face tense in doubt.

“Will you help me, Rarity?”

“But of course, Twilight dear. I might not have your vast magic, but I will help a friend, and a pony in need.” Rarity threw her hooves around Twilight and brought her into a strong embrace. “I’ll be there for you, and the Princess.”

“Thank you, Rarity, thank you,” the purple unicorn blurted, returning her friend’s embrace. A comfortable warm, unrelated to the climate around them, spread around her body, filling her with a bubbly feeling.

Once they separated, Zecora led both unicorns and Spike to a spot near the hut. It was a clear between some trees with soft soil and the shade provided by its neighbors, perfect for the germination. Twilight nodded strongly with her head, turning to her companions. Her voice echoed across the trees, its tone loud and determined.

“Very well, everypony, we’re going back to the village to make our preparations. It is ok to meet at the Library at five, Rarity?”

“That will be fine, my dear. Let us go, then.”

They went to wake Pinkie up; the hyperactive pony jumped with glee after shaking away her slumber.

“Oh, I had such a wonderful nap. I can totally get Rainbow Dash now! So how did it go? Are we saving Equestria again? Maybe the Princess needs a cake!” The whole group chuckled and Twilight nuzzled lightly her pink friend’s cheek.

“It’s ok, Pinkie. Come with us and we’ll explain everything. And I think I’d like to eat a pastry at Sugarcube Corner, don’t you all?”

Spike jumped with delight at the proposition “I’d like a ruby!”
Rarity smiled softly. “Of course, Spikey, I’ll give you one as soon as we’re back.”
The small dragon chest’s filled up, happy. “You’re the best, Rarity!”
They said their goodbyes to Zecora, who went back to her hut and trotted out of the forest.
As they made it to the center of Ponyville, while eating at the bakery, Twilight called Spike

“Ok, Spike, you can have your ruby later, I need you to help me with a couple of things. We need to gather provisions for Rarity and me, organize the library and send a letter to Princess Luna explaining our discovery.”

The baby dragon nodded in understanding. “Sure thing, boss.”


Twilight walked towards the library. Spike had been sent to Sweet Apple Acres to pick up the food she had ordered to the farm. The sun was midway down the sky and the heat persisted. She opened the door with a push of her hoof and settled to pick up some books in a saddlebag, alongside towels, some plates and cutlery, anti-bug spray and a small tent. Zecora had assured them there would be not worry about wild creatures; she would give them a special dry leaf whose smoke would keep everything at bay. Once she had everything packed, she trotted over to a sofa and laid on it, letting a prolonged sigh escape her lips.

“Oh, Celestia, how long these days be.”

Just as she was sliding into the world of dreams, however, the ringing of the bell as the door opened brought her to her senses again. She lifted her head groggily to see Spike coming alongside Applejack; the orange pony carried a good load on her back.

“Hullo, Twi! How d’ ya do?! Spike here told me everything. It’s pretty good that ya managed to find the solution. I hope it all gets righted soon, we can’t endure much more,” said Applejack as she set her load in the floor. “These are your provisions, Sugarcube.”

Twilight rose, smiling weakly, walking over to the farmer. “Thanks, Applejack. According to Zecora, growing the flower will require around four weeks. We’ll have to take it to Canterlot, prepare the medicine, give it to the Princess and wait for it to make effect. So it’ll be a little longer before everything comes back to normal, if it all goes right. It is still better than nothing, don’t you think?”

“Ah reckon so, Twi. Just hope there’s not much damage. We’re already at our wits end with this.” Applejack lifted a hoof to fiddle with her hat, looking around everywhere. “Good luck, girl.”

The knock at the door interrupted the moment. Spike went to open the door and let Rarity in. She was surprisingly light packed. At her friends’ expressions, she smiled.

“Oh, Twilight said she would take care of mostly everything, and I don’t want to carry too much in this awful heat.”

“Very well, Spike, bring parchment and quill, we’ll write to Luna.”

The dragon complied and brought the requested items in a hurry.

Dear Princess Luna

We have found the cause of your sister’s suffering and what is affecting the kingdom. My wise friend Zecora the zebra explained us about the flower called Magic Mishap. It blooms when its seed is bathed with unicorn magic, and it also can affect it deeply, which is what has caused the misbalance in the Sun. With help from my friend Rarity, we will bring forth a blossom of this flower to make a cure for the Princess’ ailment. It will take about three weeks to a month to complete, though. It is the best clue we have. We will write to you with more news as time passes.

Your faithful subject

Twilight Sparkle

The letter vanished in the mist of green flames. With all the preparations ready, they settled off towards the forest again, Applejack and Spike acting as carry help.

“What d’ya think these flowers are like? She’s always had weird ones, that Zecora,” said Applejack, frowning slightly at the memories of previous plants. “I daresay at this pace, Equestria’ll be destroyed by the goshdarned plants,” the earth pony spat bitterly.

“Applejack, please do not be such a hate-filled pony. Zecora has never meant any harm to us. Her plants are certainly exotic, but I assume we must get accustomed to them.”

“Rarity is right, Applejack. We need to learn from her and all she has to teach us is very valuable. I can’t wait to learn from her after all this has passed.” Now Twilight’s eyes were gleaming with excitation.

“Ah’m just saying. I trust your judgment, Twilight. I hope you’re not wrong.”
The rest of the walk was made in silence.





They arrived to the clear where the zebra greeted them.

“Welcome again, dear friends. Ready to get everything through until it ends?”

They all nodded and set on putting up the tent and preparing everything. Once everything was done, the sun was already almost hiding behind the horizon. They said goodbye to Applejack and Spike, who trotted back to Ponyville.

Zecora brought over a steaming pot, which she put down in front of them.

“Some soup I have prepared; it’d be an honor to have it shared.”

Rummaging in her saddlebags, Twilight brought out her plates and a serving spoon, which they used to enjoy the warm meal as dusk fell over them.