Horse to Mexico
"Okay so," Aria Blaze said, ticking off points on her fingers. "We have our wings back, we have pony ears. We have our voices back, but we don't have our gems back." She frowned. "So...do we actually have our powers back, or what?"
"I don't think so," Adagio said. "Not entirely, anyway." She examined her fingernails. "It's strange that we transformed at all, especially after what those...Rainbooms did to us."
"Maybe we could try it out and see?" Sonata suggested. "I know the perfect pla~ace!"
Aria facepalmed. "If you say—"
"Let's go to LOS TACOS HERMANOS!" Sonata cried enthusiastically.
"—that," Aria finished lamely, groaning.
Adagio shrugged. "It's not a bad idea...for once. We need to be someplace there are people, and since it's Saturday, Los Tacos Hermanos is likely to be packed." She frowned. "Besides, I'm hungry, and tacos actually sound good right now."
* * * * *
Rarity frowned thoughtfully as she stretched her measuring tape along the length of Sunset Shimmer's body. "Hmm," she mumbled. "I...I have to be honest, darling. I have no idea what I'm doing here." She tilted her head. "How does one measure a pony for clothes?"
Sunset's muzzle furrowed. "Croup, dock, haunch, shoulders, hip?" she guessed. "I...honestly don't know. To be honest, the only time I ever wore a dress was at formal affairs like the Grand Galloping Gala."
Rarity grimaced. "I...I'm sorry, darling. I just don't know if I can—"
Fluttershy rolled her eyes. "Give me that," she said, snatching the measuring tape away from Rarity. She crouched down next to Sunset and began taking numerous measurements, a frown of concentration on her face. Sunset squirmed uncomfortably. "Got it," Fluttershy said. She took Rarity's sketch pad and started drawing.
"Hey!" Rarity cried. She moved over to take her sketch pad back, then paused, looking at what Fluttershy was drawing. "Oh...oh my," she said. Her lips quivered. "That...that might actually...yes!"
Applejack squatted down next to Sunset. "Might wanna run," she stage-whispered.
Sunset's ears wilted.
The door opened, and Pinkie Pie walked in. "I'm ba~ack!" she called. She carried four bulging bags of groceries. "Sorry it took so long, I had to go ten whole blocks to find a decent supermarket."
Sunset stared at her. "Wow, Pinkie! I only sent you after a couple of things!"
"Oh, I know!" Pinkie said cheerfully. "But I saw so many good things on sale I just knew you'd like! Besides, the rest of us will be stopping by so often, it's a good idea to stock up, don't you think?"
"I guess," Sunset said. "Here, I'll help you put that stuff away."
Rainbow's phone rang. "Hey Dad," she said into it. "Yeah, I'm still at Sunset's place. Yeah..." She sighed. "Yeah, I'll be home later on. Probably around dark." She pocketed her phone and looked around miserably. "I'm gonna have to go soon," she said.
Applejack checked the time on her own phone. "Shoot," she said. "It's gittin' mighty late, ain't it? Ah'm gonna need t' git on home soon too."
"Oh, I do wish I could stay," Fluttershy said, "but...I'm going to need to go home too..."
Sunset smiled. "Hey, don't sweat it, girls. You being here last night and all day today? That's more than I could ask for. Besides, your families need to know about...all this," she said, gesturing with a hoof. "I'll be fine by myself, don't worry! Just go home and relax for the rest of the weekend, take care of whatever else you normally do..."
"If...if you're certain, darling," Rarity said.
"Positive," Sunset said cheerfully.
The girls gathered up their things and, with farewells and promises to call and text often and to check in with her on Monday, left the apartment. Once they were gone, Sunset locked the door behind them, then trotted into the living room, curled up on the couch, and sighed.
"I wonder how Twilight's doing..." She lowered her head into her hooves. "I don't want to be stuck like this any longer than I have to..."
* * * * *
"This is magic I've never even heard of before," Moondancer said. She frowned; her bushy eyebrows drew together in the center of her forehead. "I've spent my entire life doing research, and only in the last few months have I really started to realize just how much I don't know."
"Don't despair, my little pony," Celestia said. "I'm millennia old and I'll be the first to confess I don't know anywhere close to as much as some ponies think I do." She frowned. "For instance, I honestly don't remember ever seeing you before, even though you were a student at the School for Gifted Unicorns—"
"Whose attendance rolls you do not oversee personally," Moondancer said, adjusting her glasses, "because the school is merely named for you."
"Well...technically, I founded the school," Celestia said. "But I haven't had much direct involvement in its administration for quite some time."
"Focus!" Twilight snapped. "Ahem. Your Majesty."
"Forgive me," Celestia said. "You're right. We need to stay on task." Her ears wilted. "I must do everything I can to help Sunset Shimmer..."
"Wouldn't it be easier just to have her return to Equestria and seal the portal forever?" Moondancer asked. "I mean, doesn't she belong in our world in the first place?"
Twilight sighed. "I don't want it to come to that if I can help it," she said. "Sunset Shimmer has found friendship for the first time in her life. I remember when...when I first met my friends in Ponyville. I...I was so happy to have met them, and then I realized I might have to leave..." She smiled and wiped away a tear. "When Princess Celestia assigned me to Ponyville to study friendship, it made me so happy, and...and it didn't take long for me to feel like I was where I belong." She looked up at Moondancer. "Sunset Shimmer is where she belongs. I feel it in my heart. And...and I don't want to take that away from her."
"Nor do I," Celestia said with sadness and resignation. "As much as I would love to see my former student again, to forgive her and ask her to forgive me...I can't fathom separating her from her friends, from her life in the other world..." She frowned at the book she was reading. "Somewhere in all this mess, Starswirl has the answer. He has to."
Moondancer's muzzle crinkled thoughtfully. "Friendship and belonging..." Shaking her head, she selected a new book from her pile and began scanning the text.
*I may be new to this whole friendship thing, and I don't completely understand what's going on, but...I'll do whatever I can.*
* * * * *
Pinkie's tummy rumbled as the girls reached the curb. "I don't know about you girls, but I'm starving," she said. "I skipped lunch."
"I could do with a bite myself," Rarity said.
"I could eat," Rainbow agreed with a shrug.
"Heck, Ah'm not gonna make it home by dinnertime no-how," Applejack said.
"Oh, umm...well...I wouldn't mind a quick bite," Fluttershy said. "I'm still full from lunch, though."
"Hey, why don't we all go to Los Tacos Hermanos?" Pinkie suggested. "It's not too far from here, and I've been wanting to go there!"
"Sounds good to me," Rainbow said.
"Heck, Ah could go fer a taco or two," Applejack agreed.
"I suppose...as long as they have a low-fat taco salad," Rarity said.
"I'll probably just get chips and salsa, but I'll go with you girls," Fluttershy said.
"Okay, let's go get our taco on!" Rainbow declared, throwing a fist in the air.
Fifteen minutes later, the girls arrived at a modest-sized fast food restaurant. The parking lot was crowded, and several cars were queued up in the drive-thru. "Maybe we should...go someplace else," Fluttershy whispered.
"Nah," Rainbow said dismissively. "It's cool. It just LOOKS crowded! Trust me."
The five girls entered the restaurant and looked around. Two thirds of the tables were occupied, and two lines of customers stood at registers. After several minutes, they stood across the counter from a brown-skinned man of indeterminate age, who had short dark hair, faint wrinkles, wire-rimmed glasses, and a placid expression. "How can I help you, ladies?" he asked, raising an eyebrow slightly at their unusual appearance.
"Gimme th' number two combo," Applejack said. "An' a large soda."
"I'll have the number four," Rainbow said. "And the fiesta nachos and a large soda."
"I'll have the gigante nachos, two crunchy beef tacos, and a large soda," Pinkie said.
"I'll have a taco salad with extra sour cream and a medium soda," Rarity said.
"I just want some chips and salsa and a medium water," Fluttershy said. After a moment, she added, "Oh, and a bean and cheese soft taco, I guess."
The cashier finished ringing up their order and gave them their total. They each pulled a few bills from their wallets and pooled the money, handing it over; they split the change, then moved to an empty table to wait for their food.
As they waited, they noticed they were drawing quite a bit of attention. People were whispering; some had their phones out and were taking pictures. Fluttershy hid her face, Applejack frowned, and Rainbow posed proudly, flaring her wings.
"Yeah, our lives are gonna git crazy," Applejack said.
Almost five minutes later, their food was ready; Pinkie and Applejack brought it to the table.
"Aww yeah!" Rainbow cried as she unwrapped the first of her four tacos. "Fartbomb time!"
"Ugh!" Rarity huffed. "You are so crude sometimes, Rainbow Dash!"
Applejack chuckled as she peeled the wrapper off a burrito and took a huge bite.
"So," she said after chewing for a moment, "y'all reckon we'll have a hard time at school on Monday?"
"I doubt it," Pinkie said. "I mean, the whole school's seen us like this already. Sure, we might get some funny looks, but they'll get over it." She frowned. "Honestly? As crazy as things are at our school lately? I'm pretty sure Sunset Shimmer could go back to school the way she is now and by about Thursday nobody would even care."
"I don't think we should try that," Fluttershy said. "Especially not when there are still people who have a grudge against her. Like...Trixie."
"Ugh, Trixie," Rainbow groaned. "Yeah, Trixie seeing Sunset right now would be the worst—"
Aah-ah-aaah, aah-aaah!
Rainbow blinked, bits of lettuce and beef hanging out of her mouth, as she looked up, eyes wide.
The other girls followed her gaze.
"Whoa nelly," Applejack said, her ears folding down.
The Dazzlings stood in the center of the restaurant, making as much of a spectacle of themselves as they could. With their new fin-like wings and pony ears, that wasn't very difficult; they stood in a circle, backs to one another, and raised their voices in perfect harmony. Several people were watching them curiously. A few phones were pointed at them.
"Oh no, not again," Fluttershy whimpered.
Rarity frowned. "How could they possibly have their magic back?"
Pinkie tilted her head. "I don't think they do," she said. "Look. Nobody's getting all mind-control-eyes. It's...it's more like they're just curious."
Indeed, as the Dazzlings fell silent, there was some polite applause, then everyone went back to their food and conversations.
"Huh," Applejack said, tilting back her hat and scratching her head. "Ain't that a thing."
Rainbow stood up suddenly, slapping her palms on the table. "YO! ADAGIO!"
The Dazzlings—along with half the restaurant—turned to face Rainbow.
"Yeah, I'm talkin' to you, you big walking hairpile!" Rainbow pointed dramatically. "You may think you're back on top, but we've got Equestrian magic too!"
Adagio smirked. "Well, well, well. If it isn't Rainbow Dash. Love the new look."
"Rainbow," Rarity hissed, "you're making a scene..."
Rainbow ignored her. "If you sucky Sirens try to start anything, we'll kick your sorry butts again!"
Adagio laughed theatrically. "My, my. I do believe the gauntlet has been thrown down."
"Uhh, Adagio?" Aria said nervously. "We don't have any magic."
"Yeah, we'd need like, lead pipes or guns or something to take those girls on," Sonata said.
Adagio rolled her eyes. "We will meet again, Rainbooms!" She swept dramatically to the doors. "Come on, you two."
"But...I never got my tacos," Sonata whined.
Adagio paused. "Oh, for..." Facepalming, she rejoined the customer queue. A lot of the restaurant patrons started chuckling at her; she glared murderously at them.
"Wow," Fluttershy said quietly to her friends. "I almost feel sorry for them. They're...kind of pathetic."
"Still...we probably should tell Sunset Shimmer about this," Rarity said. "I don't think we should dismiss them so easily. After all, they have transformed..."
* * * * *
Twilight, Celestia, and Moondancer, all nursing headaches, decided to take a late afternoon tea break. "I shall need to leave shortly to attend to the sun," Celestia said. "You two should break for the evening soon. Get some rest so we can get an early start."
"I'm pulling an all-nighter," Twilight said. "I can't just—"
"Twilight," Celestia said mildly, "whenever you pull an all-nighter, your judgment and, frankly, your sanity lapse severely." She smiled. "I seriously doubt Sunset Shimmer's world will fall apart overnight if you stop to get a good night's sleep." Draining her teacup, she left the Aethenaeum.
"She's right," Moondancer said. "You need to pace yourself. I know how it is to get lost in research and let hours and hours pass until it's almost dawn, but...this is important, right? You need to keep a clear head."
Twilight sighed. "You're probably right. I just—"
The journal started glowing and vibrating. Blinking, Twilight opened it.
My friends just ran into the Dazzlings. They've grown wings and ears and have their voices back. We don't know how much of their magic they've regained, if any at all.
Twilight's eyes widened and her ears pinned back. "Oh no," she whispered.
Moondancer sighed. "Should I get Lemonhearts to keep the coffee coming?"
"Yes," Twilight said. "Coffee. Lots of coffee."
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*Calls out into the distance.* HEY! DO WE STILL HAVE THAT BATCH OF COFFEE THAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE FOR A FULL WEEK!!!??? WE DO!!?? OKAY!!! SEND 10 BATCHES OF THAT COFFEE TO THE ROYAL CANTERLOT LIBRARY!!!
The moment Fluttershy called the SIRENS pathetic, I was all like, "Really, bitch? Really? Bitch... Really??
6261490 If FLUTTERSHY says someone's pathetic, they need to reconsider their lives.
No, she's not.
I love how direct Celestia was there
6261489
THE EXTRA STRENGTH, DECAF OR REGULAR??!! WE GOT ENOUGH OF EACH TO KEEP ALL EQUIS AWAKE FOR 100 MOONS!!
Well, at least the Sirens can't put anyone under mind control. Any more than three good-looking women normally can, anyway.
With those very words, I believe you've just activated the principle of Murphy's Law, Celestia...
6261490 Yeah, that's how you know you've really hit rock bottom... and broke the floor.
6258137 I found the joke rather funny though.
And it's just a part of the story anyway, it's not like the whole story is about Sum Ding Wong.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN OTHER TIME COMMITMENTS?!?
it's cool man
Right now I'm just wondering how the heck you write so damn fast. You update like every other day and I'm impressed....and jealous but that's another matter.
Anyway entertaining so far, though I don't see the Dazzlings getting their magic back since that was tied to their gems and those are history so they might be able to sing but that's probably as far as it will go. Still story is engrossing and I'm intrigued to see where you take it.
6259733 Wha-?
Okay, this looks awesome. Great fic, hope to see more soon!
6261663 and continued on to make a decent sized hole in the basement floor.
6261635 Celestia just love to tempt fate, doesn't she?
Has anyone ever thought about how old Princess Celestia is?
And where does she get her make up?
6261624
ADD THE "ZERG CAFE'S SPECIAL" INTO THE MIX AND WE GET 700 MOONS. ZERG NO NEED SLEEP BECAUSE OF IT.
6261987
Loved the update and I look forward to the next!
I think it would be amusing if normal folk began transforming
6261489
Great chapter please make another one.
I wonder how if at all the other Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle from the human world are being affected by this. I also wonder how they might interact with the other characters. Does anypony have any thoughts on this?
6261980 , But not quite reached the planet's core, right?
...
Twilight's going to make this worse before it gets any better, isn't she?
6262324 No, not quite.
Los Tacos Hermanos sounds like it was founded by a couple of American dudes with just enough knowledge of Spanish culture to pass high school Spanish class with D's. "the tacos brothers?" really? At least I got C's in Spanish class.
Another enjoyable chapter. Well done.
Okay I can understand the desire to include references whenever possible, as a nod to something you either think is funny or you enjoy, but it has to have purpose!!! Just calling the taco place "Los Hermanos Tacos" for a reference isn't a good joke or a good reference- basically just might as well nudge us and say, "Hey! Hey! Remember Breaking Bad!? Wasn't that a cool show!?"
Just saying, there are better ways to make a reference than just outright saying it.
Also . . . you missed a joke that was practically gift wrapped for you!!!
That should've been Rainbow Dash's line!!!
Unrelated to the chapter (which was good, by the way), but until I read this in one of your responses:
I had always mispronounced 'equine'. I always thought it was three syllables, 'eh-quee-in', so thanks for clearing that up before I said it to someone and embarrassed myself.
That is all.
I've not watched Breaking Bad, so I had no idea that "Los Tacos Hermanos" was even a reference. Though I got the point that it's supposed to be some good Mexican joint.
I love the Dazzlings. Glad to see they're here, involved in Taco-based shenanigans.
Here's hoping the wait for the next chapter isn't too long!
6262526
Well, the show already made a Game of Thrones reference, so I say it's free game!
Hey, kids! Can you say "tempting fate"?
good use of song lyrics
the mental image I get of Sunset squirming like a foal while getting measured is too cute
a bean and cheese soft taco... sounds interesting. Fluttershy sure is judgmental these days! patience wearing thin I suspect. I don't really see the pathetic-ness, as far as anyone else was concerned, they were just 3 random girls breaking out in song and then being dramatic... that happens all the time
laughs were had and interest retriggered, I'll wait patiently for whatever is next. life is important
or so I'm told6261789 I once heared a headcanon about Dazzling's gems were made by ancient wizard,so they could use their powers on the Earth.
Thing which supports this is what sending monsters into another dimension while they are keeping their powers - not the best idea,even for the ponies,who are,as we know,kind.
Another thing - I don't know how sirens could use their powers in magicless world without "earth magic".If earth magic exists,of course.
Also this is,probably,the thing why Adagio said "This is Equestrian magic" at the beginning of the EqG:RR.
But you can have your own thoughts,I do not force you to believe me.
Well... that escalated... not quickly. But it was fun. So no magic so far, only transformations. Well, no magic except Sunset.
The moment Adagio wanted to leave but realized they didn't have their food yet, that was great. Made me chuckle.
Also if only Celestia knew what Twi found out in the end of the chapter, I wonder if she'd still stood by her decision to not pull an all-nighter
6262429 Yeah, yeah, but it's based on Los Pollos Hermanos from Breaking Bad, what're ya gonna do?
6262600 Oh god I'd forgotten about Shiny's keytar from that comic!
6262611 References do NOT have to have a purpose. They are more often than not used for funny one-shot gags. Unless you're saying there was some plot-centric REASON Time Turner and Roseluck were running around together in the Breezies episode and TT was wearing 3D glasses. Or that the Lebowski Ponies contributed in some meaningful way to The Cutie Pox. Or there were greater implications to pony versions of Mad Men characters in Rarity Takes Manehattan.
References are just that. Little things writers like to throw in. If you don't like them, fine, but complaining about references you don't like isn't scoring you any points.
6262658 It's a play on Breaking Bad's Los Pollos Hermanos chain of chicken restaurants, which are very popular, owned by a man who is well loved and respected in the community, and totally a front for the largest meth empire in the Southwestern US.
At least they didn't mention a pony's heat cycle........................................................................................................................................................quadruple biscuits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6262214
The only ones affected so far are either native Equestrians (Sunset and the sirens) or have a connection to the Elements of Harmony (Humane 5). It's highly unlikelylikely that it will have any effect on any other human world conterparts.
Edited: meant to say 'unlikely' instead of likely
I see what you did there.
6262891 am I a bad person for wanting this to be a thing? I mean, I don't want this to become a clopfic, but it would be funny seeing them freak out getting them Being stupid horny Come spring.
LOL
*generic message of approval and an upvote*
In hindsight, they could have asked Twilight, and if she didn't know, have her ask her Rarity. Granted, that's a fairly petty thing to ask of her in the middle of such a vital research project, but the option was there. Still, not that surprising that Fluttershy could do that. She did have a rather surprising amount of knowledge of fashion to combine with her zoology. I think Rarity had her thunder stolen a bit there, though.
I'm liking where this is going.
Freaky knowledge of sewing plus love for all living things equals tailor for all species. Makes sense to me.
Also, the sirens may be laughingstocks now, but that could very well change as the background magic rises.
This could get a lot worse before it gets better, especially with Twilight pulling an all-nighter. I just hope Moondancer can act as a regulating influence... though it seems equally probable that she'll worsen Twilight's instability, and vice versa.
6263176 I'm of the opinion that Moondancer's eyebrows have a negative influence on ponies, including Moondancer herself. Prolonged exposure to those eyebrows can cause moodiness, short tempers, general irritability, and habitual shunning of other ponies.
6263182
How do they interact with Tree Hugger's eyebrows?
6263207 You know matter and antimatter?
Like that.
I've forgot about comics.Didn't even knew what comic about sirens is already out.I think there will be some info about their gems.
But still I think what throwing their problems on someone's shoulders isn' in style of the Equestria.