/Chapter 12: Start of the Timeline
Edited by: Chrome Masquerade
Midnight Gear
“(Sigh) Really Nava, I would have imaged that after your first time experience flying in a Balloon that you would take it much easier than the last time.” Flitter sighted while looking down on me.
I simply crossed my forelegs. “Well for starters, I wasn’t prepared to take yet ANOTHER ride so freaking soon. Also, just because I already took a ride previously doesn’t mean that I am suddenly NOT scared of heights anymore…IN FACT judging from my previous experience it just made me EVEN more wary flying on one of these unstable things than ever BEFORE!!!” I protested.
“So just leave me be, ok.” I quickly added, feeling highly annoyed at the situation I found myself in.
Our pilot, Steam Tool, looked down at me with furrowed eyebrows. “Seriously dude, if you are so afraid of high places then why did you even travel up to Cloudsdale in the first place?”
I simply ignored him as I continued to sit silently in my little corner feeling more annoyed than worried that I was back inside this stupid Hot Air Balloon thing.
Steam Tool simply sighed as he went back to piloting the thing through the air.
I always knew that the summer sun celebration was going to happen, but I never imagined that both me and the two sisters would attend it as well. Well, to be honest, when you worked your ass off to prepare before hand and even break your wings while doing so, then you might as well go to make all of the work and trouble worth it. Plus I can’t stay all alone at their home while they go off to Ponyville, that would be just… no… just no.
The rest of the week was… refreshingly normal, especially comparing it to all the previous days before them.
Cloud and Flitter eventually managed to get their wings checked and fixed up, which was great for the both of them simply because that enables them to finally do what Pegasi do best.
I remember how particularly happy Cloud was during that day. She flew all across the district and sending the neighbors complaining about it to Flitter. Silly mare.
Besides that little incident that (for a change) had nothing to do with me, the rest of the week was pretty normal, and honestly boring if I may say so.
Flitter did well to fulfill her promise in redecorating my room with all the things that a livable bedroom needs. A Closet, table, desk, shelves, and even a poster for the wall, and even rugs for the floor have become part of my new room.
I helped, of course, moving all of the stuff from the basement over to the main floor and to the room, but I was stunned to see just how well she and Cloud managed to decorate and furnished the room for me.
I was extremely grateful to say the least.
Besides that, nothing else happened. Just me trying to learn to tap into my magic with the help of the books I borrowed from the library a few days back. Suffice to say I was not going anywhere with it, to my utter frustration at the time. No matter what I did, no matter how much I tried to follow the book’s instructions to the letter, I just couldn’t do it. My magic was just untappable, at least on my own. And unsurprisingly both Flitter and Cloud were no help at all because of their Pegasi heritage.
But now I am here, again inside the damn gondola of the balloon, huddled up in my little corner feeling both sick and annoyed and on my way back to Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration.
Which means I have to witness the return of Nightmare Moon in person and probably Celestia as well. Something I was planning to avoid as long as possible.
That also made me realize. Today is the day where Twilight gets kicked out of her comfort zone and send to clichéville for things that will eventually jump start everything I know.
This idea got me thinking. Since that I basically know what will happen in the future, what will I do about this knowledge? Should I tell them or act on the events still to come or am I going to sit by and watch things play out?
Because for one I am not afraid of diverting the timeline for better… or for worse. Which means if I do choose to intervene I have to be careful with how i do it, so that I don’t make things even worse than they might already are.
Should I inform both Flitter and Cloud about the events that MIGHT take place or not?
At that moment the gondola once again started to swing, which disrupted my train of thought as I was forced to keep myself steady in my sitting position.
Cloud chaser noticed this as she leans her head towards me with a shit eating grin. “Having fun there Nava?” She asked amusedly.
I simply gave her a deadpan stare. “What do you think?” I asked back with a flat tone.
She snorted at that. ”Gee, don’t shower me with your overexcitement there Nava. Calm down before you fall off or something.” She responded with another grin which made me glare at her.
Flitter once again stepped in. “Cloud, leave him alone. You know very well he doesn’t feel very comfortable with it.” Flitter said while hitting her sister on the head.
Cloud Chaser winched as he rubbed her head. “Fine, fine, jeez. Don’t have to hit me so hard for it.” She complained.
Cloud Chaser, to my surprise sat herself down next to me after that and looked at me. I was a bit confused for sure. I was going to ask her before she beat me to it.
“Hey… uh… sorry for making fun about you being scared of heights, dude. I really was just teasing a bit that’s all.” She apologized with a sheepish grin before she leaned in close to whisper something into my ears.
“We have to fix that though, one way or another. For one those private Balloon rides are not cheap and two those big wings of yours need to be put to good use as well. What’s the point in having wings when you don’t fly with them?” She quickly added.
I didn’t want to believe her, but in a way… she was...kinda right. I am an alicorn, so learning how to fly was another thing I needed to do besides magic, and who knows, maybe having the ability to fly might one day even save my life or something. Especially when living in a city that constantly hovers over 2000 meters above the surface.
“Plus it could perhaps remedy my fear of heights in the future… just maybe. I wonder if RD can help me teach how to fly.” I thought to myself.
RD for two good reasons. One: I don’t really trust Cloud to teach me properly judging from her character and the way she constantly teases me. Two: Because Flitter has already once told me that she was a pretty poor teacher anyway.
Plus if i decide to ask RD to teach me how to fly i need to eventually spill the beans to her as well. I just hope that she can understand and keep the secret if i do.
“In terms of finding a magic teacher? Well, Twilight of course, if possible. Though I would have to be really careful around her when hiding my identity. She is by far the nosiest pony I know and if she realizes that something is off…. well, she will never leave me alone.
Plus, she kisses Princess Celestia’s ass like no other, so if she ever finds out that I am infact an alicorn she is going to freak out, and report me to her mentor for sure no matter how much I plea or try to reason with her. Especially this early version of twilight.
A sudden poke to my shoulder brought me back to reality as I shook my head.
Cloud giggled beside me. “Spacing out again, aren’t we?” She asked knowingly.
I rubbed my head to try and get the last few thoughts out of my mind. “Well, yeah… as usual.” i said. “On the bright side, it gives me something else to think about.” i added, optimistically
Cloud simply shook her head, smiling, before our pilot began to announce something.
“Ponyville in sight, everypony. Just a few minutes before touchdown.” He announced.
Both Cloud and I stood up to take a look over the edge of the Gondola, and true to his word the small town is just below.
“Quiet the strong contrast between this town and Cloudsdale.” I thought to myself the Balloon slowly began to decent.
“Well let’s see if the timeline still holds true even in this reality. Oh wait…I think it does. That thing there in the distance looks suspiciously like a royal carriage pulled by two guard pegasi.” I thought as the balloon finally touched down.
Let's see how my second time in ponyville is going to turn out? Hopefully less awkward and stressful.
……………………………………………………………………………………
“So, what now?” Cloud ask after we disembarked the Hot air Balloon.
“You know what, we are supposed to help with the final preparations before the princess arrives.” Flitter answered.
Cloud began to groan in response. “Ugh… why the hay are they making us work during holidays?” She said with her head dropped.
“I mean, look! A lot seems to be already done, what in Tartarus would they need us for, anyway?” Cloud complained while gesturing with her hoof.
I followed her hoof and, true to that, the entire town was already busy preparing everything, from Earth Ponies sweeping the streets, to Unicorns hanging up flags and banners all over the roofs with their magics, to Pegasi pushing clouds away and what not.
“Hey, guys! I see that you three made it.” Another voice suddenly shouted from above us.
We all turned our heads upwards and to our surprise it was none other than Rainbow Dash herself who was hovering overhead.
She eventually flew down and landed right in front of us.
“Hey there.” She greeted with a smile.
“Hey Dash.” All three of us greeted her in unison, followed by the two mares chuckling while Dash simply raised her eyebrow.
After that it was Flitter to speak. “Anyway, me and Cloud have to get going then. We have to help with clearing the skies and hanging up flags and banners over the streets.” Flitter announced which again made Cloud groan in annoyance.
“Come on, Cloud, lets go before our boss back in Cloudsdale rips our manes out when he hears from the rest of our colleagues that we were present during the preparations. And DIDN’T help.” Flitter added as she trotted of.
“Fine, fine. See you two later, I guess.” Cloud said in a defeated tone as she followed her sister leaving me and Dash alone.
“So, uh… what now?” I finally ask while looking at Dash.
She took a while to ponder on my question before looking back at me. ”We could go to Sugarcube Corner, maybe see if pinkie has anything good on the counters.” Dash suggested.
“What about those tricks you always wanted to show me?” I questioned her while rubbing my head.
She simply shook her head. “I’d love to, but today is a holiday which basically means I can be lazy. Plus, I need to reserve my strength later for the party tonight. I'm going to finally beat AJ in a drinking contest. So again, sorry but not today.” Dashi explained while rubbing her neck awkwardly.
“Oh… too bad, then. But I understand.” I replied while giving her smile.
“Well, that was to be expected, honestly. This certain info was never mentioned in the show as far as I know, but i at least can understand her reasoning in not wanting to work during specials days, I can still fondly remember feeling disappointing when i still had to go to school despite being a national day back where i used to live. I was or still am pretty lazy myself.” I thought afterwards.
Dash accepted my reply before she eventually trotted off and beckoned me to follow her with a hoof.
I did so and soon the both of us were trotting along the streets of Ponyville.
The obvious difference that Ponyville had, in comparison to the first time I was here, were the decorations. Everyone here was busy preparing, even the little ones seem to be helping, as I both saw Ruby and Tootsie helping out their moms. Or at least I think it’s their moms.
The fandom back then was never really that clear on who their parents were, but I can at least see the connection between Ruby and Berry Punch, somewhat.
“So… why aren’t you helping out Flitter and Cloud? I thought that you are ponyville's weather captain now. Shouldn’t you be up there with them?” I asked her after having spotted a pair of pegasi pushing clouds away above us.
Dash looked at me as we continued along. “For the same reason I already told you, and besides, who likes to work on a holiday anyway?” She responded with a big grin at the end.
I simply shook my head at her as we continued our way to Sugarcube Corner.
“Well, besides that I also wanted to…” Dash began before she accidentally collided with another pony when the two of us rounded a corner.
I was simple forced to stop and watch on as these two ponies tumbled about on the ground.
A small purple colored lizard creature stood opposite from me, also confused and surprised at the sudden event.
At first I didn’t recognize the purple lizard in front of me, but then it hit me.
“Wait... is that Spike?” I thought to myself as I stared at him.
Indeed, it was none other than Spike, the little dragon assistant/little brother/son of Twilight Sparkle, which only means that the pony Dash crashed into was-
“What the hay, girl? Watch where you’re going.” Dash said which immediately brought me back from my thoughts.
“Well, I am sorry, but it seems you weren’t paying much attention either.” The second pony replied as she slowly got back up and all fours.
“Well whatever. I guess we’re both at fault then.” Dash replied also getting back up.
Yup, that’s Twilight Sparkle, right here in front of me, with Spike behind her. Again, if only bronies could see me now they would probably cry out from jealousy...even more so when they realize that the first human who ended up in equestria before them isn’t really a brony and doesn’t give a dam.
It was than when Spike finally noticed me as well as he stared at me as well, I simply stared back at him as the two of us keep silent while the two mares spoke to one another.
“Wait…are you… Rainbow Dash by any chance?” Twilight asked while eying Dash curiously.
This seemed to remedy RD’s annoyance as she started to took on proud stance. “The one and only. Fastest flyer in all of Equestria, at your service.” She boasted while puffing her chest out.
Twilight simply gave her a blank look. “Right… anyway you were supposed to help clear the sky of clouds, yet I still see some of them and you not doing anything.” She accused while pointing a hoof up at the sky.
Dash simply raised an eyebrow. “And who are you to tell ME what I should and should not do?” She countered with an annoyed tone.
Twi sighed before answering. “Somepony told me that she was going to be brash.” I heard her mutter which luckily Dash didn’t. ”I am Twilight Sparkle and I was personally send by her highness, Princess Celestia herself to oversee the preparations for the celebration, and to make sure that everything will be perfect before her arrival.” She eventually explained.
Dash simply snorted at that before looking at me for any comments or ideas. I simply shrugged at her and she sighed before opening her wings.
“Fine, fine, Miss Princess Pet, I will clear the clouds for you, then.” Dash said as she took off to hover over us.
“Watch and learn, meine Dame.” Dash said, using a little of the impromptu language lessons i gave her, “I will clear these clouds for you in ten. Seconds. Flat.”
Twilight looked kind of dubious. “Prove it.” She dared, narrowing her eyes.
Dash zoomed off up into the sky faster than I have ever seen her do.
“That’s good, now that she… wait… Princess Pet? meine Dame?” Twi responded after realizing the nicknames which made Spike chuckle behind his claws.
Twilight glared at him, which made Spike immediately stop and whistle innocently while looking off the side.
“Hey, what about the other pony that was with her?” Spike pointed out, probably trying to switch Twi’s attention to me.
Twilight took the bait as her attention switched to me for the first time. I simply smiled awkwardly at her which caused her to raise a curious eyebrow at me.
“Greetings.”I simply greeted.
“Hello there, mister…?” She began.
“Nava… just Nava.” I answered for her.
“Nava… what an odd name, not particularly pony-like at all.” She said while eyeing me curiously.
My smile quickly faltered after she said that. “Gee, Twi. Great first impression there, judging a random stranger's name. Is this how you greet every new person you meet?” I thought as she continued to stare at me, mostly at my horn, as her curiosity quickly turned into shock.
I quickly started to feel nervous but before she could even ask or do something (knowing her) that she might quickly regret, Dash came back swooping down looking all proud and accomplished.
“See, what did I tell you? Ten. Seconds. Flat. Not a single cloud in the sky anymore.” She boasted as she landed back right beside me.
Thankfully that quickly broke Twilight’s attention on me as her gaze switched back at my companion beside me.
“Wait… seriously?” She ask skeptical before looking up, followed by Spike.
“Hey she totally did it. Just moments ago there were clouds, Twi. She really must be than the fastest Pegasus in all of Ponyville.” Spike commented before looking back at the Pegasus in awe.
“All of Equestria, not just Ponyville.” Dash corrected which made the drake nod.
“Well, okay, I have to admit, that was impressive.” Twilight commented as she looked back at us. “But if you had the ability to clear the clouds so quickly, then... why didn’t you do that before?” She quickly ask.
RD simply shrugged at that. “Just too lazy to work on a holiday. That’s all.” She casually responded which made the unicorn facehoof.
“Anyway, thanks for finally doing your job then, I guess… now if you excuse me I have other places to inspect as well.” Twilight announced. “Come on, Spike.” She added.
“Ok, Twi.” He simply responded as he hopped onto her back.
Me and RD watched as these two slowly disappeared around a corner we just came from.
Dashi sighted. “Well, that was something new. Also, was that really a dragon that was with her? How the hay did she got her hooves on that little guy?” She questioned to no one in particular.
“Probably from an egg.” I casually answered which was true.
Well this definitely went a lot differently from the way it did back in the show, I can remember that much. If my present alone can so drastically change things already on their own, then I guess there’s no point in me worrying about altering the timeline anymore. I might have already done so with my present alone.
“Wait a minute… isn’t she the Twilight Sparkle pony you ask me about a week ago?” Dashi asked as she looked at me curiously.
I simply shrugged. “Well… no… no, it wasn’t her. the Twilight I was talking about was different pony.” I lied and semi-not, for one good reason. I have no idea how i can explain to her how i know her and why. Also i wasn’t really lying in the first place as well, because this EARLY twilight is somewhat foreign to me too.
“Well… ok, I guess it doesn’t matter then. “ Dash shrugged, to my relief.
“Anyway Sugarcube Corner, yes?” She announced before again leading the way again.
I followed her, letting my mind wander off again as we made our way to the Pink One’s sugar dungeon.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
“Hey Pinkie? You there?” Dash called out as she entered Sugarcube Corner.
Seriously though, when I first saw this shop with my own eyes I was sure as hell that it was literally a gingerbread house by how vivid and real all those candy canes and chocolate chips on the roof looked like. Imagine the disappointment I felt when I found out that these decoration where just that… decorations, vivid but not real. A part of my childlike imagination and fascination died right then and there. But luckily only a really small part.
I quickly followed her inside and was immediately greeted with a pink mare zipping all around the shop faster than my eyes could track her. In and out of the kitchen, up and down the stairs and vise versa. A very confused Mr. and Mrs. Cake standing on the sidelines as pinkie continuously zips past them.
I simply shook my head already being long familiar with pinkie's antics while Dash simply stood there imitating the Cakes’ fish like expressions.
“Wha… what the… what the hay is Pinkie doing?” Dash asked out loud, completely confused on Pinkie’s behavior.
“That’s… honestly what we’d like to know as well. We just came back to the bakery a few moments ago and found her like this when we arrived.“ Mr. Cake explained after having shaken himself out of his confusion.
It was then when pinkie finally stopped in midair right in front of the four of us while holding a large box full of party huts in her hoofs.
“Wait, don’t you guys know? THERE IS A NEW PONY IN TOWN AND I AM GOING TO THROW HER A WELCOME PARTY OF COURSE!!” Pinkie announced excitedly with the biggest grin on her face I have ever seen on a physical being.
Something that just send shivers down my spine as it reminds me of a certain… creepypasta fanfic I read.
The less said about that the better.
“Wait… new pony? What new pony…wait you mean misses purple butt me and Nava here just ran into today?” Dash asked while somehow not noticing the physics breaking stunt her friend was accomplishing.
Pinkie gasped. “You know her?” She asked in an overdramatic way.
Dash shook her head. “Nope. No idea who she is, besides being the Princess’s personal pony pet according to her. We just bumped into her on our way here.” Dash answered.
Pinkie gasped again, somehow louder and more dramatic than the first one.
Seriously what is up with her? Also, does the universe just sometimes forget that she even exists? She is still just hovering in the air with that box in her hooves.
“She is the personal pony pet of the princess herself? I didn’t knew that ponies could be pets, let alone to the princess herself. THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING!” Pinkie declares dramatically (again) before her mood quickly switched back to her cheerful old self faster than I could blink.
Wait…what?
“That means I have to re-spell the front banner-”
“You don’t need to do that, Pinks. Just add her name to it instead.” Dash suggested. “I… don’t think she’d take well to actually being called that.” she added
“Oh. Okay, That changes things even more. Still, oooooh! So much work to do, yet so exciting as well! Sorry, can't chat right now gotta ‘dash’ and get the preparations done.“ Pinkie explained, winking before zipping off again to the kitchen.
“Well... that happened. Also, interesting to see what Pinkie was actually doing after gasping and dashing off from Twilight right after they met for the first time.” I thought to myself as the others were still trying understand things.
RD was the first one to recover from the nonsense as she slowly massaged her head with a hoof.
“Just remember Dash, it’s just Pinkie being Pinkie.” She muttered to herself before she remembered something.
“Oh, wait. Horseapples, we wanted to buy something here before she disappeared again.” Dash announced in realization.
It was Ms. Cake who finally stepped in. “Oh, that’s no problem at all, sweetie. We can simply take your orders, since we are back.” She suggested kindly before she placed herself behind the counter.
Mr. Cake simply excused himself as he disappeared into the kitchen as well, probably to check on Pinkie.
Me and Dash made our way over to the counter before she turned to me after having a good look at the sugar coated goods there were on display.
“So… what do you want?” She ask me.
I gave her a surprised look. “Wait… you’re going to get something for me as well?” I asked.
Dash simply chuckled while shaking her head at me. “Well, of course. I can’t just get something for myself and leave you out. That would just be unfair.” She answered with a smile.
“Really? Well… thank you then, Dash.” I replied smiling back.
“Don’t mention it. I never leave those i care about hangin’.” She replied as I took a look at the things that were on display.
There were cakes, cupcakes, cookies and donuts of varying styles and flavors to choose from, all of them looking absolutely delicious and over-coated in sugar, to be sure.
“Hmm… Cakes are too big, even the smaller ones they have for sale, so those are out. Cupcakes are a big no no as well, thanks to a certain… fic I once read. I am not really in mood for cookies so I guess the only choice left for me are those over-glazed donuts.” I thought as I finally made my choice.
“I think I would have some donuts, then.” I said while pointing them.
“How many and what flavor, dear? We have many more than just one.” Mrs. Cake asked kindly.
I simply shrugged. “For how many, I think I’ll just let her decide since she is buying.” I replied while looking at her.” For the flavor, I guess it doesn’t matter, just surprise me.” I added while smiling back at Ms. Cake kindly.
She nods before switching her attention to Dash. RD pondered for a while before replying.
“I guess I just take 5 cupcakes, same with the donuts for my friend here.” She replied. “Also, just like him just surprise me with the flavor, I can’t really choose.” She added.
Ms. Cake nods as she started acting on our orders. Me and Dash went to a nearby table to the side of the shop and sat yourself down with Ms. Cake soon coming over with our orders as Dash payed her for it.
The two of us began to eat our orders while sometimes engaging in small talk about stuff that has been recently happening to the both of us. Just in general getting to know us better while sneaking in a few jokes here and there.
“I wonder now how the evening is going to go down now, with the inevitable return of Nightmare Moon tonight.” I thought to myself as looked out the window to watch the slowly setting sun off in the distance.
Well only one way to found out than.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
“Nava! Hey Nava, over here!” Cloudchaser called out from the crowd.
I sighed in relief as I quickly made my way over to her while carefully snaking my way through the sea of ponies around me.
“I hate large crowds, I really do.” I thought to myself while almost bumping into a pony’s flank.
That would have been awkward, especially when bonbon herself was literally just standing right behind her.
I hate large crowds for two good reasons, One: you can’t really move through them without ever bumping or stepping on someone unless you are really careful, which can even lead to trouble or misunderstanding if you accidentally do so. Plus they are hot and smelly as well, when it’s in an enclosed space. Two: they can get you lost or separated from whoever you happened to be with.
Which pretty much happened to me as I almost lost both Cloud and Flitter after we got the central plaza where the reveal of the princess (or more specifically Nightmare Moon) will take place.
Too bad these ponies don’t know that, but I can’t just also run around and shout that nightmare moon has returned and kidnapped the princess, that would just put me in a bad light with these equines and give me unneeded negative attention, at best. Plus Cloud and Flitter will think I am crazy, too.
“Now where the heck did Dash fly off to after our time in Sugarcube Corner?” I ask myself as I reached the two pegasi sisters.
I greeted them with a tired smile. “Please, don’t run off so fast next time, you two know that I can’t run so fast or for that long.”
Cloud chaser simply grinned. “Well, it’s not our fault that you are such a lazy flank when it comes to galloping. You should seriously workout more though. Could also become really helpful when trying to impress the mares.” She said with a smirk and a wink at the end.
I simply shook my head. “No thanks, it’s already uncomfortable enough as it is I don’t need to have it worse.”
Cloudchaser simply chuckle as the three of us began to face the podium in the front of us where the princess herself should supposedly reveal herself.
I say supposedly because I know the truth, which was confirmed when I noticed that Nightmare Moon’s image was missing from the full moon above us.
Off in the distance I can see a somewhat distracted twilight on the front of the crowd with RD and the rest of the main 6 (seeing Fluttershy for the first time) standing further behind her.
“Oh, this is so exciting! I never had the chance to see the princess this up close!” Flitter announced, all giddy, making Cloud roll her eyes.
“Look who’s childish now.” Cloud commented with a smirk.
I simply kept to myself at this point just anticipating the event I know for sure will cause mass confusion and panic afterwards. And the worst part? I will be right in the middle of it. There are ponies literally all around me, anticipating the big entrance of their beloved oversized and incredibly slender sun princess.
Again, too bad they don’t know what I am aware of. All I can do at this point as just watch from the sidelines and hope I won’t get trampled to death later when “Herd Instinct” kicks in.
“Now I wish that I did learn how to fly.” I thought to myself as the announcer pony finally came out from behind the curtains.
Here we go, I am going to get a full first person view of the show’s first villain.
I should be scared or nervous about knowing this but for some strange reason I was calm and collected. Was it maybe because I already knew how everything is going to turn out? Maybe… but… I had a feeling that there was more to it than that. It was like… like…
“Welcome everypony to this year’s Summer Sun Celebration!! This year her highness Princess Celestia has chosen our lovely town of Ponyville as this year's location the celebrations and grace all of us with her presence!!” The front announcer shouted, which caused many ponies to stomp their hooves and cheer in excitement.
I simply kept still and silent as my eyes were firmly glued to the podium and the curtain behind it.
“Let’s all give a big welcome and thank you to the ruler of Equestria herself…HER HIGHNESS PRINCESS CELESTIA!!!” The announcer shouted which caused the curtains to open and everybody to go wild. Same for both Cloud and Flitter as they cheered and stomped their hooves in sync with everybody else.
But as soon as the cheering started it quickly died down as well, as no princess revealed itself behind the curtains.
I again simply keep silent as the seconds ticked by. They ticked… and they ticked… and they ticked. Soon a full minute had passed and everybody was still silent. Looks and whispers of confusion quickly dominated the crowed as nobody had any idea on what was going on .
But I did. My ears began to swivel back and forth as a sound suddenly penetrated my ears. I am not sure if any of these ponies heard it, but I could have sworn that I heard someone crying… crying and pleading for help in a really desperate and soul crushing tone.
“What the… It’s… it’s like a distant echo. It seems like nobody here can hear it, for some reason, which is strange because I can hear it very well… it… it sounds like a little girl crying. Why I am the only one who can hear it?” I thought to myself in confusion as I tried to locate the source.
“The…echo seems to be coming from…” I continued to wonder until suddenly from behind the darkness of the podium a figure slowly emerged into the open.
Everybody around me gasped as the figure revealed itself, and as I predicted it wasn’t their beloved sun princess that everybody was hoping to see.
“Nightmare Moon.” I heard Twilight shout in the distance.
“Wait… the echo… comes from her?” I thought again is I continued to snake my way to the front of the crowd.
The black mare on the podium began to look around the sea of ponies around her, before snorting and holding her head high.
“What? Am I not royalty enough to be cheered on? 1000 years of banishment on the moon and this is how MY subjects greet me, with confusion and fear?” She announced.
For some reason I have the feeling that I need to get closer, not because of her but the echo that keeps assaulting my ears. I need to get closer to hear it’s plees more clearly and hopefully find out from who they are.
“Where is Princess Celestia, Nightmare Moon? What have you done with her?” Twilight asked while moving forward towards her.
Nightmare Moon simply chuckled. “Ah, so at least somepony remembers me. And don’t worry about her, my little pony, because you will never see your beloved sun princess ever ag….” She announced before suddenly stopping herself as her gaze finally fall upon me for the first time.
I stopped right in front of her and looked up at her from the podium she was standing on.
The world around us seems to drown out as we stare at one another, the panicked whispers of all the ponies, the continued accusations of Twilight, all of it seemed to slowly fade away as I was solely focused on the mare in front of me.
“Please… stop… please stop… somepony… please help me…” I finally heard the echo though barly.
It definitely seems to come directly from her. I can hear it.
For some strange reason I felt calm, no fear, no worries, no nervousness like how I would normally fell in situations like these. Especially in front of an individual I know could just end me with one single thought.
I just glared up to her, never moving or saying anything to her as she did the same, though her expression was more out of curiously and surprise.
“Who… who are you?” She slowly asked. “You are… you are not like all the other ponies around here… you… you're different.” She continued while I simply kept silent.
My glare intensified when she first spoke, replacing my previous clam demeanor with a hint of anger towards her.
“That voice… that little echo… this little girl is suffering inside her… she is doing it… she is causing her the pain she is feeling… how dare she tortures such a sweet helpless girl?” Were some of the many different thoughts running through my mind, those ones being the most prominent.
I don’t know what is was, how, when, where, why, but something inside me was once again awakening. Some form of… force. Something I had never felt before yet also completely different from the one I experienced the day before I came to this world.
It screamed at me, begging for me to notice it… but before I could… it suddenly disappeared again. Whatever that force was, it felt…. strong, powerful, empowering even. What was it though? Whatever it was, it was too brief for me to fully notice at the time. Though Nightmare did, as her expression quickly morphed into shock and eventually in realization as well.
“That… that aura… I have felt something like this before… only… only when i was with… Tia?” She stuttered to herself in slow realization before her expression quickly morphed into one of rage as pointing an accusing hoof at me in anger.
“How could this BE? YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A UNICORN! EVEN WITH HAVING A SUCH A LONG HORN, SUCH IMMENSE LEVELS OF POWER ARE ONLY LIMITED TO-” She started to shout in rage before she suddenly stopped as an expression of realization came back at her.
The world around us slowly faded back into existence as the panicked screams and shouts of ponies suddenly assaulted my ears. I quickly shook my head to clear all these unknown feeling and thoughts out of me. I began to look around in surprise, surprise that the crowd that was here just a moment ago was being scattered, ponies all running away and screaming in panic.
Well, there’s panic, and then there’s... complete chaos. I mean, seriously, at least when a group of humans panic and run away they generally run away in the same direction before eventually splitting up, but these ponies just seemed to love running all over the place and even in circles with no rhyme or reason.
I mean I get it, panic doesn’t need to look good or make sense because… well, they are panicking. But this is just comical on how they try to all run away screaming.
A tap on my shoulder quickly brought me back as I noticed that it was Flitter.
“What the HAY where you DOING just walking up to… to that mad mare?! Come on! We need to go!” She said in panic, with Cloud behind her looking not too well off herself.
I simply raised an eyebrow at her. “Go where, exactly?” I ask.
“...... Good point.” She said in realization before Cloud stepped in.
“More so… because the stupid bitch is gone now, see?” Cloud pointed towards the podium.
True to her words, NM was gone, the podium completely void of anypony.
“…wait did I just use the term anypony?”
“Well…” Flitter began. “Still, anyplace is better than just standing around here. Who knows if she will suddenly come back?” Flitter explained before quickly trotting off. “Let’s just go back to the weather office before stuff gets even more out of hoof around here and I do not want to meet that nightmarish pony face to face again.” She quickly added.
Cloud Chaser nodded to that as she quickly followed her sister, leaving me standing.
A thought quickly entered my mind as both Cloud and Flits looked back at me.
“What the HAY are you still standing there for Nava?! Come on! We’ve got to go!” Flitter urged while beckoning me with a hoof to follow her.
I simply shook my head. “I need to quickly check on something. You two just go ahead, I will be back to the office as soon as possible, ok?” I announce before quickly running off.
“What the… hey! NO, NAVA! COME BACK! WAIT!!” I heard both Cloud and Flits call out as I galloped towards the place I needed to check out.
The Golden Oaks Library.
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“Where was it again...” I muttered to myself as I tried to find the big old tree house that should normally NOT too hard to miss.
“Where, where, where!? Oh. Right here.” I say after I finally spotted my destination as I rounded a corner.
I slow my gallop into a gentle trot as I made my way over to the closest window of the Golden Oaks. From the lights coming out of them it seem that the main 6 are there as well, probably discussing and doing the same thing as they did in the cartoon and standing right next to the window pretty much confirmed my guesses, as I could faintly hear the muffled voices of all the girls speaking.
I have no idea why I had the urge to come here in the first place. Maybe curiosity regarding the accuracy this world to the show? I don’t know, what I do know is that I am here now, pressed against the wall next to a half-open window and eavesdropping on them.
“Maybe I can even risk a little peek and….” I muttered before someone tapped me on my shoulder.
I turned my head to see a panting Flitter and Cloud right next to me.
I just stared at them surprised, not having expected them to be here with me as well.
“What…what the… I thought you two went to the weather office?” I whispered trying to keep low from the mares on the underside of the wall.
Flitter simply glared at me while still panting. “Are you crazy? We are not going to just leave you behind while a previously believed foal’s tale is running rampant around the area.” Flitter whispered back with a stern look.
“Plus, just running off like that without telling us where you’re going is not cool dude.” Cloud added joining her sister’s side.
I simply dropped my head. “Yeah… I know. I am sorry for just running off like that. I will be more... specific next time.” I promised.
Flitter simply smiled. ”It’s ok. We were just worried, that’s all.” She admitted while rubbing my shoulder. “Though… why did you specifically run over here? As far as I know this …well, treehouse used to be empty, for a couple of years now, as far I heard. Is somepony living in there now?” She quickly added while looking at the half open window above us.
I nod my head as I stood up to my hind legs and supported myself on the trunk to peer over the window above us.
“What are you doing?” Cloud whispered as she looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
“Checking on something.” I casually whispered as I peered into the interior of the library.
I watched in silence as the six mares (Dash included) began to gather around a book, probably regarding the Elements of Harmony, when all of the sudden i felt something. A presence, a presence i have felt before.
I froze up as I felt i somehow recognized it. The same echoing whispers I heard earlier returning to my ears as a feeling of dread quickly envoloped me.
But… but that can only mean…
With that realization in my head I immediately jumped back on all fours as I followed my senses, a sudden sense of both urgency and anger driving me forward as I ran around the outside of the library.
This is not normal...something...something is off about it...i just know it.
Cloud and Flits were confused at first at my sudden change of character but quickly followed me as well, around the corner of the tree.
I immediately stopped dead on my tracks as I spotted what my senses were guiding me to.
The dark, shadowy entity of Nightmare Moon hovering above one of the windows probably doing the same thing I was doing just a few moments ago.
But for some reason...i knew that it was more than just that...far more.
I could once again feel an unknown force welling up inside me of the sight of her. Again, the same aura I felt earlier when I first stared up at her.
I don’t know how or why I felt particular angry at her. It’s as if another me was controlling me from the inside or something, giving me this drive, these thoughts and feelings.
The only thing I knew at that point was that I could hear the cries for help clearly again, fueling my anger and inner strength at the same time.
The entity above me finally seemed to notice me as well as it quickly turned around and flew off into the night sky.
“NO WAIT… STOOOP!” I called out as I tried to immediately give chase to it, but was quickly stopped on my tracks as a door suddenly slammed directly onto my face.
I fell onto my flank with an audible *oof!* as five mares quickly began to gallop out of it, followed by RD, as she was the only one who noticed me at the end.
“What the… Nava? What the hay are you doing here?” She asked as she hovered above me.
“It’s currently too dangerous to stay outside. Don’t you know that Nightmare Moon herself is back and has kidnapped the princess? Equestria might suffer an eternal night if she is not stopped!” Dash quickly explained as I slowly got back to all fours while rubbing my sore snout.
“Yeah I know… that is why I wanted to…” I tried to explain before Applejack’s voice cut me short.
“Hey Dashie! What are you doing over there? Hurry up! We need you as well to help find the elements.” AJ called out, which made RD look in her direction.
“YES, I AM COMING!” RD responded before switching her gaze back at me.
“Sorry there, Nava, but I gotta fly, need to save the whole world and all from a mad-mare with serious issues… I’ll fill you all in when I get back. If I come back.” RD explained, muttering that last part under her breath before she flew off, following her friends in the direction of, I would guess, the Everfree Forest.
I shook my head again to get rid of all those unknown feelings and thoughts. Cloud and Flitter came up to me from behind with worried expressions etched on their faces as they looked at me.
Flitter again was the first to voice her troubles. “Hey, are you alright Nava? You seemed… different back there.” She asked, worried.
“Yeah, dude. Did Nightmare Moon do something to you when you two were staring at one another?” Cloud added, eying me worriedly.
I sighed. “It’s ok, I am fine and no Nightmare hasn’t done anything to me, so don’t worry about that.” I answered tiredly while shaking my head a bit.
Thought i hope she didn’t because all actions i have been subconsciously doing we're definitely not something i would naturally do
Cloud looked skeptic. “Are you sure? Again, as my sister said you had a completely different feel on you for a few moments. Are you really sure you’re ok, there?” She asked while placing a hoof on my shoulder.
I simply gave her a smile in hopes of easing their worries a little. It seemed to work somewhat, as both of them started to relax just a little bit, but still kept a somewhat worried and watchful eye on me.
“Do you think RD and the gang are going to be ok?” Flitter eventually asked while looking on at the direction these six disappeared to.
I simply nodded. “I am sure they will, don’t ask me how, but I can feel it. They will be ok, so don’t worry.” I replied calmly to ease her fears.
I know that these six will be alright because of the show. But then again this is not the show and it seems that my mere presence alone has already managed to change things, even if they were just minor to begin with. Which honestly makes me worried as well, regarding the possibility of a different outcome entirely.
But again only time can tell that now.
I yawned. “Well… I guess that there is nothing else for the 3 of us to do than to just hope and see what will happen.” I announced as a sudden wave of sleepiness struck me. “Let’s just head over to where ever we are supposed to stay and hope that tomorrow the sun will raise.” I suggested with another yawn.
“I guess… you might be right on that. All we can do now is wait, and I am feeling pretty exhausted as well. What a day.” Flitter agreed as she adopted a tired look as well before cloud had adopted a look realization.
“Wait… Nava, why didn’t you just go with them? I mean keeping a secret or not, you are an Alicorn, one of the most powerful beings in Equestria, which is currently in great peril by yet another alicorn. So why didn’t you just go with them? They could really need somepony like you now.” Cloud suddenly asked as she looked at me.
I look back at her. “Because even as an Alicorn I can’t do anything. No flight, no magic and no real courage, remember?” I simply replied. “Well, besides some instincts that I can’t control.” I quickly added with a worried tone.
Both Flitter and Cloud simply stared at me in confusion at the last part. I simply sighed before turning around and trotting back from where we came.
“What is going on with me? These thoughts, these feelings, as if something inside me as trying to wake up. I just… lost control of myself...again. What is going on with my new body? And why?” I thought to myself in great worry as both Cloud and Flitter called out for me again, asking me to wait up as they quickly followed me.
“So many more questions and things to worry about, like the reasons why I had this urgency to come over here in the first place. Did I somehow sense that Nightmare was also going to be here? Did I feel it? If so, then what would have happened if I didn’t? I know for a fact that something similar happened as well in the cartoon, that the shadowy form of Nightmare Moon spied on the 6 girls when they were trying to figure out the location of the elements.
In the show it just left on its own, but here, in this scenario, I just had the urgent feeling that I had to be there. Was Nightmare planning to actually do something horrible? If so, did I somehow manage to foil that by just being there? Did I unintentionally protect the girls from her?
I really don’t know. all these instincts are just too unknown to me. Is this what being an alicorn feels like?”
I again shook my head to get rid of all of these ideas and worries as Flitter and Cloud quickly joined me, though they kept silent despite their worried looks for me. They could tell that I wasn’t really in the mood for talking at the moment.
“Last thing I need today is to accidentally run into another pole or even a building to finish up the day. I am too puzzled and too exhausted for that now.”
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(hours later)
Deep within the Everfree Forest in a place long forgotten a huge amount of magic was suddenly released to the world, a magical rainbow coloured light erupted from the abandoned castle, breaking Nightmare's spell of eternal night and giving way to a new dawn as the sun finally rose from its near eternal slumber.
A certain group of six mares were to thank for this, the return of Princess Luna and much more quite soon.