The Dresden Fillies: Great Power
Written by: psychicscubadiver
Edited by: SilentCarto
Proofreader: Coandco
Cover arrangement by: Novel Idea
Disclaimer: I don’t own The Dresden Files or My Little Pony, that is Jim Butcher and Hasbro, respectively. This is a fanfiction only. This story takes place between Seasons Two and Three in MLP and between books Eight and Nine in the Dresden Files.
Prologue
Marge had spent thirty-odd years serving truckers, drunks, teenagers, insomniacs, and whatever odds and ends washed up around 1 AM at a small all-night diner off of I-94. It wasn’t the easiest life, but she had managed to raise a kid and keep herself out of poverty without ever needing a government handout. As a side benefit, Marge had never needed to travel to see the strange or exotic; at a place like this, the weird stuff found its way to you.
It was close to sunset, and her shift had just started when some of that strangeness showed up. The college students peering in the front window weren’t the strangest folks she’d ever seen, but they certainly made the top ten. There were three girls in their late teens or early twenties. That wasn’t too strange; sometimes the diner got kids up from the University of Minnesota looking for directions. It was their appearance that made these three stick out. Two of them nodded to each other like soldiers readying themselves for battle, and the third tapped her foot impatiently and pouted. At last, one of them opened the door and they entered.
The first girl through was thin and taller than most men, with skin that hadn’t seen much in the way of sunlight. The dignity of her sensible haircut was undermined by its deep purple color and the pink accents. She must have been wearing contacts, because her lavender eyes matched her sweater-vest. The rest of her clothing, a blouse and long skirt, was royal purple. Marge figured she could guess the girl’s favorite color without too much trouble.
A short black girl stormed in behind her, warily hostile. Her hair put Ms. Purple’s to shame; it was dyed every color of the rainbow in alternating streaks and looked like it hadn’t been brushed this year. Her pink eyes – must’ve been another set of contacts – blazed as she strode into the diner like she was the toughest thing in town. Despite the girl’s lean, corded muscles, Marge doubted she’d have an easy time backing up that attitude.
A pair of bright blue eyes peered here, there and everywhere as the third girl stared at everything in the diner with an almost comic sense of wonder. She was rosy-cheeked and built like a Bavarian barmaid. Her dress was a frilly, overly busy pink thing not often seen outside of little girls’ birthdays, and it struggled to contain her chest as she bounced between her friends with the energy of a sugar buzzed toddler. Her curly, wildly frizzed hair was dyed almost neon pink, which was only par for the course with this bunch.
Marge waited for them to take a seat or come up to the counter. They did neither. Instead, Ms. Purple closed her eyes and stood perfectly still. Ms. Attitude glared at everybody in the diner, protectively circling her friend. Bouncy Girl hopped over and started playing the claw game, though Marge didn’t recall seeing her put in any money.
Right about then, the lights started to flicker throughout the building. The cash register turned off and on, making that horrible start-up noise, and a whining buzz of static squealed briefly from the TV that muttered in the corner. Marge cursed the lousy wiring in the old place under her breath. The cooks in back did it at the top of their lungs – thank goodness there weren’t any kids in the dining room to hear them. Ms. Purple opened her eyes and smiled. She leaned over and whispered something to Ms. Attitude. They retreated to the entrance of the diner and both yelled something that was lost in the roar of the nearby highway.
Whoever it was meant for must have heard, because another three girls and a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old boy came into view.
When Ms. Attitude strutted in this time, she had a shadow. A short little slip of a girl in a yellow summer dress almost hid behind her. Marge couldn’t decide if the new girl’s trembling was because of the early September breeze or the nervous expression that she guarded behind her rose-colored bangs.
An Asian girl watched her steps carefully as she entered, trepidation clear. Expertly applied makeup and an elegant hair style suggested money; the diamond studded necklace and bracelets confirmed it. Indigo hair and royal blue eyes were a strange combination, but hardly worse than any of her friends. Her dress could have been mistaken for an evening gown, and Marge would’ve sworn she was wearing actual glass slippers. Her hourglass figure filled out her dress perfectly, which quickly grabbed the eye of every man in the place. The fact that it was a chilly evening and she wasn’t wearing a bra made that a guarantee.
All that interest wasn’t missed by the Hispanic boy close at her side. He glared at anyone watching her with the same expression that Ms. Attitude gave to everyone, but at five-two and thin as a rail, he wasn’t going to slow down much of anyone. Still, there was something about him that made Marge uncomfortable, and it wasn’t the baggy jeans or plain black t-shirt. His canines seemed too long and his nails looked sharp. Then there were his intense eyes: emerald green, the same color as his spiked hair.
The last girl to enter was the only normal one in the bunch. Tall, muscular and corn fed, she looked like she could have just walked off of any farm in the Midwest. No crazy hair colors or outfits, just blond and blue jeans with a plaid flannel shirt and a worn Stetson. Whether those other girls had always been weird or if college had just encouraged them to ‘go wild’, this one looked to be the group’s voice of reason.
They all gathered together for a whispered conference, except for Bouncy Girl, who was still busy hunting stuffed animals. The dinner rush wouldn’t come until another hour or so, but Marge’s patience was still starting to fray. At last they finished, and Ms. Purple cautiously drew up to the counter.
“Hello,” she said with a careful smile. Her nose wrinkled, and her smile faded for a moment before she forced it back. Marge crossed her arms and tried not to scowl. The Cold Country Diner wasn’t exactly a five-star restaurant, but they ran a clean place and served better food than any stereotype would give them credit for.
Her reaction didn’t go unnoticed. “Sorry,” Ms. Purple said with a sheepish smile. “I’m not used to the smell of cooking meat. It’s… difficult to adjust. I just need directions to a friend’s house.”
Not used to meat? Her parents must have been hippies, or some other flavor of vegetarian. That would go a long way towards explaining her appearance. In an instant, Marge’s heart went out to the poor girl. “Sure thing. I’d love to help. Where does your friend live?” And if it got these kids out of the diner, that was just a bonus.
Ms. Purple beamed, and the boy celebrated the news with a fist pump. The rest looked hopeful, but they were a little more reserved in their reactions. “Thank you. His name is Harry Dresden, and he lives in Chicago.”
There was a moment of silence as Marge digested this information. With anybody else she would’ve sworn this was some kind of weird prank, but these girls had an earnest look that couldn’t be faked. Maybe they were Canadian? And somehow hadn’t checked a map before setting off on a trip to Chicago? “Well, the good news is that you’re on the right road. The bad is that Chicago is around five hundred miles southeast of here.”
Their jaws all but dropped. Ms. Attitude shook her head in disbelief. “You’ve gotta be kidding me! What, does he live on the other side of the country?”
“Dash…” Ms. Purple scolded quietly, her shoulders tense.
“No...?” Marge ventured cautiously, the weird meter ticking higher and higher. That settled that they were foreign, but for the life of her, Marge couldn’t imagine where they were from or how they’d ended up in the middle of Minnesota with no idea where they were going. She grabbed a road atlas from the small spinner next to the counter and flipped it open to the ‘Continental US’ page. They gathered in closely to get a look. “This is about where we are,” she said, then traced the thin line that represented I-94 down to the southeast. “This is where your friend lives. He’s only a couple of states away.”
“It appears we underestimated the size of our friend’s country,” the Bombshell Asian said.
“Well, all right. Is there a train station nearby?” Cowgirl asked in a strong Southern accent. Which was an odd thing to hear from somebody who was supposed to be foreign.
“Maybe in Minneapolis, but not around here. Besides, you’re on the right road. Why not just drive it? Is there something wrong with your car?”
All she received was a sea of blank looks. Ms. Purple forced a smile and chuckled nervously, a couple of locks of hair springing out of place. “Right. Our car. Because we definitely have one of those, like normal humans.”
Bouncy Girl wandered back to the group, her arms overflowing with stuffed prizes, even though Marge hadn’t noticed her win anything. Pushing a Pikachu knockoff into Ms. Shadow’s hands, she stage-whispered loud enough for the whole diner to hear, “What’s a car?”
And so it begins....
Let the hijinks and good times roll! :D
SO EXCITED!!
Welp, looks like good ol' Chicago is going down.
I'm curious. Where in the series timeline is this story set. Is it after (spoiler redacted) or when he (spoiler redacted).
In other news, I just finished Skin Game and I'm eager to get a new fix of snarky wizard. I can't wait.
Booyah. A.J. has entered the building
Looks like Harry has some time before ponies mess up his life again
...unless Little Miss Overpowered teleports them, that is
5208832 Between books 8-9
Also yeah! New Dresden files hahahahahahahhahahaha
Hold on to your butts, humanity. The Mane 6 (and Spike) is on a roadtrip!
Ha! I knew it! I was certain this would be the next step, I was HOPE so much for it, and it is! Ah ha!
Great prologue! Really, so much! Can't wait for more.
Ohhh I am so excited, this sounds like it's going to be the best thing ever.
of all timeAnd as I said you have no idea how much better my night is after reading even this much. Thank you, psychic
Halloween starts off with a bang!
Of course Pinkie would be the one to bankrupt the claw machine...
All of the yes. I had hoped the next would be set on Earth, and it's just as entertaining as I imagined, so far.
You made Rarity asian? Interesting choice, actually that'd be kinda hot. I'm so looking forward to more of this. I'm curious though, in the last story, didn't Celestia tell him to stay out of Equestria? You know cause of the hand thing. Why would they be inviting him to things if he isn't allowed to return? Or did he fix the hand thing? I'm also curious as to whether he ever warned them about Obsidian.
Interesting choice with the nationalities.
Kinda disappointing Luna wasn't in the party, what with them being pen pals and how and cover art Twilight still needs her hat, but ah well.
And I can see the meeting now...
Twilight: Hi Harry, it's us!
While Harry is torn between going "huh", or screaming in terror at all the trouble the five of them could cause and jumping into whatever part of the Nevernever his house opens up to escape it, his dog walks up to Fluttershy
Fluttershy: Oh hi Mouse, you grew up fast, huh?
Mouse: Woof.
Fluttershy: So what's Harry been up to?
Mouse: Woof Woof.
Fluttershy: Really? Vampires?
Mouse: Woof Woof Woof.
Fluttershy: Oh! Sparkling vampires.
Harry blinks and turns to Mouse. "You can talk?"
and of course once Bob hears the news...
Bob: Harry you monster! You said the girls were here, the naked pony girls. These aren't ponies, and they're NOT NAKED, you lied to me Harry!
But a nice start nonetheless, and I'm glad your back on with the Dresden fillies. While your other works were okay, alternate universe stuff just doesn't bring the same emotional attachment that the 'real' mane 6 do, and it makes it so much harder to get interested in the story.
5208896
This takes place before White Night (book 9), so Dresden still has the coin but if I remember correctly his relationship with Lasciel has changed.
Won't go further into that in case I spoil the story for those that have not read Dresden Files.
OH MY GOSH
mlpforums.com/uploads/post_images/img-2854800-3-140331772714.gif
Hopefully if he bothers to bring a bunch of guns somewhere, he will bother to use them.
5208896
I would assume, while Celestia tells him to stay out, they didn't tell the rest of Harry's Equestrian friends that he was on the ban list.
So they can ask him, he can't tell them he can't because of Celestia, so he makes excuses.
I doubt Celestia would be the type to deny them pen pal status, or anything. She just doesn't want Harry inside her borders.
IT BEGINS!
My brain lobes tremble with anticipation.
Insta fave!
10 bucks on Molly accidentally catching Spike's 'attention', after all, Rarity or no Rarity, Molly is supposed to be one of the most attractive women in the series and he's a 13-14 year old boy.
This chapter is great. I enjoyed your interpretation of the girls as humans, particularly given how awkward they behave around Nancy. Your choice of nationalities was great, as I didn't expected an Asian Rarity (pun) or an African-American Dash, as it serves to give diversity to the group. Anyhow, thanks for finally publishing this story, as I think it's a great Halloween gift, and I hope the next chapter comes soon.
Can't wait for several things: Rarity meeting Thomas, Applejack meeting Mac, Mouse and Fluttershy, Murphy and Twilight...
Though I have to ask: until now the Dresden Fillies could have taken place in conjunction with Dresden's canonical story, the fics taking place between books and only Harry knowing about Equestria. The gang meeting with Twilight and Co would change that I'd imagine, thus allowing the story to deviate from Dresden's canonical fate?
5208896 - Why bother telling them about Obsidian? He died a 'true' death at the point of a few knights of the cross. He ain't coming back this time.
5209068 Oh come on, Obsidian the Undying? Who says he died a true death, they might be wrong about that. And- HOLY CRAP IT'S YOU! IT'S OBSIDIAN! RUUUN!
hehe
5208896
Obsidian is extra special dead for good.
And Celestia's warning was not mentioned to the others.
Best MLP crossover series is back! My body is ready.
5208915
Somehow, I don't think Bob will have too many complaints beyond Harry not doing the needful (letting him use Mister to get 'closer'). Also, Bob was there for the previous story, so he's already been introduced.
Edit:
Humanized black Rainbow Dash headcanon accepted.
Its back! And as insanely awesome as ever!
Rejoice world, for today is a good day.
Last book in the series just come out. Nice. I think you did a great job making the main six and Spike into humans. This is going to be great. I can't wait to read Harry's reaction to seeing them. I don't think he is going to believe it is them. Great job. Thanks for the new story.
Since Rainbow's clothing wasn't described, I'm imagining her in a blue hoodie with either jogging shorts or workout sweatpants.
I'm so excited for this story, I can't even begin to describe it! I've been waiting for this, and I'm so glad that psychicscubadiver finally let it drop. I'm hoping that he gives us the first couple chapters after this prologue soon, because I can't wait to see Harry's reaction. Or the inevitable shitstorm that will ensue when Molly and Murphy find out about this.
So, a typical Pinkie Pie cosplayer?
I wonder where they got the clothes...
*sharpens poking stick*
I wonder if this might lead to any formal relationships between the ponies and other supernatural powers now that some of the others might become aware of them.
I have one complaint. Twilight's magic had the same effect on human technology that Dresden and other humans do. Unfortunately... this is in flagrant disregard to Dresden canon. Non-humans, even Fey, which are pretty damn close to humans, don't affect technology when they practice it unless they mean too. Twilight's abilities shouldn't be causing localized disruptions unless she actively seeks to hex or something.
5209214
Unless she turned herself into a proper human sorceress?
5209214
Well, Equestrian magic seems to have a few exceptions to the usual rules, like the Second ( transmogrification)
Oh my dearest telepathic aqualung user, you are a marvel. The naivety, the innocence, the presumptuousness, it's superb. I have a premonition of what will happen when the women in harry's life meet the mares in his life...
(Note: watch from 0:38, I still can't work out how to link to a certain time on this site)
This is one of those times where I hate myself for only wanting to read completed stories... here we wait again ._.
5209214
Well don't forget that she currently has to cast her magic in a different way than usual - it's like the way that when Harry was transformed into a unicorn, he gained the special telekinesis all unicorns have. Plus it's not clear what sort of spell Twilight cast. It could turn out that Twilight's magic is drastically less disruptive than human mages, except when she's casting fairly powerful spells.
Doesn't Twilight and pinky know Dresden's House? in the first oneshot when Pinky visit Desdren out of no where, wasn't it Tiwlight and Rainbow who apppear in his doorstep looking for her? I wonder what happend to them if they don't know, you must explain that, otherwise I'm glad this little series is goning on, I've been waiting for this since the las fic :D.
5209138
DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT.
I damn near had a panic attack thinking I'd missed a Dresden release somehow. Besides, Skin Game isn't even the last book.
i.imgur.com/7drHiqrh.jpg
This is going to be fuuuuun, and I loved your description of the girls. Given Twilight's bit of a crush on Harry, it makes a lot of sense that her human form would be somewhat modeled after his own, being tall and thin. As was mentioned by others, the racial diversity is pretty cool. I've seen Twilight and Rarity depicted as black or dark-skinned in humanized art, but almost never Rainbow Dash. And I definitely approve of curvy Pinkie. Heheh... bouncy... The 'bavarian barmaid' description made me picture her as being built like Greta Gravity from Spinnerette
5209294
Aren't the one shots non canon? I'm pretty sure they are "what if?" stories.
5209297 I was talking about this fanfic. You should have known that.
5209322
...Fanfic != book. Fanfic is fanfic. Further, I tend to assume people don't state the obvious (we're here, thus this story must obviously be out).
I take no responsibility for this misunderstanding.
5209308 O.O , OH Fuck, I confused the fics, I though this was a sequel of My little Denarians, in the description it's mentioned a new apprentice of Harry, I though it was sunset shimmer, she was made apprentice of Harry in a one-shot of the fic I mentioned, but anyway, now I can focus more in this one now that have the perspective, it will be an interesting fic :D.
5209343 Fine.
I apologize, I could have done better in saying this fanfic series, not the Desden Files series. Anyway what did you think of the human mane six and Spike? I like the changes. It was interesting to think Rarity has being Asian while AppleJack as being Hispanic. I think that was a nice touch on the authors part. The problem is now if the wizard counsel finds them, all seven of them are in violation of the transformation law. Also how long do you think Twilight and the gang have before they change back into their original forms?
5209357
I had no idea that there was another Dresden Files crossover fanfic out there. That explains why I did not find a reference to what you were talking about in the Extra Stuff (was pretty confused).
Don't think I could follow two stories that share the same crossover. And Sunset Shimmer as Harry's apprentice? Yeah, I can see that. Molly has got the makings of a high school turns-into-a-she-demon villain.