Chapter 34 - With Questions
Spark and I stared at the cloth covered crate for a moment, trying to come to grips with the weird situation. I grabbed the tablecloth and yanked it off revealing the crate underneath. The wood was rough cut and honestly, the thing was pretty ugly. We had covered it was a tablecloth for good reason but I was having trouble justifying using this over a normal table in my mind.
“Why did our parents keep this as furniture anyhow? It’s pretty ugly.”
“I don’t know, Spark. It wasn’t exactly an important object in our life. It’s just an end table.”
“But it’s not just furniture Silver. It’s a crate. A ratty old wooden crate that is absurdly heavy.”
“I’m more worried that it’s an oddly forgettable crate,” I replied. “We’ll have to take a closer look a the real thing when we wake up.”
“Sounds like a plan. Let’s see if any of our friends are having nightmares before we go get Sunset and Fluttershy for those dance lessons.”
Thursday December 8, 2016
I was still trying to wake up as I walked from my car towards the school; a travel mug of coffee from home in hand. I had spent four hours of the night in the ballroom dancing classes with Sunset and Fluttershy. There was no doubt the shared dream was taxing my energy but the rewards would be well worth it. Less pleasant was also the irritating feeling that I had forgotten something. It had been sitting in the back our mind ever since waking up but neither Spark nor I could recall what it was.
“Silver! Wait up!”
I turned around to find Sunset jogging towards me. Rarity and Dash weren’t far behind. Sunset was wearing her usual outfit but had a huge smile on her face. I let out a gasp of air as she slammed into me. In an instant, she had her arms wrapped around me in a big hug. I could help but smile at the difference between a dream hug and a physical hug.
“Hey Sunset,” I said happily. “You’d think I hadn’t seen you for days.”
Sunset held me for a moment. “I can't wait till you see what Rarity picked out for me,” she whispered before letting me go and pulling out the journal.
“I look forward to it,” I murmured, brushing my free hand across her cheek. “You know, I missed you this morning when I got up.”
Sunset smiled at me and held out the journal. “Missed you too. Look at this!”
Princess Luna has asked me to inform you she will be arriving with the dagger at 3:00 today by your clock. She seemed extremely eager when I told her there might be some ways to locate the lost daggers. I will come with her to help her adapt. See you soon.
I blinked a couple times as I stared at the page. “Princess Luna is coming through the portal today?”
“Yup, Canterlot High is getting another royal visit,” Sunset said with a chuckle. “Bit more serious than Twilight coming to visit though.”
“Another Princess is coming!?!” Rarity gasped in surprise as she walked up. “Oh my goodness, this will be an experience. Do I look ok? Oh dear, this won’t do! I’m going to have to get a nicer outfit!”
“I wouldn’t worry too much Rarity,” Sunset replied. “What you’re wearing is more than appropriate for meeting an Equestrian Princess under the current circumstances. The average pony just wears their fur. Even Princess Celestia only wears a crown, an ornamental peytral and her shoes while holding court.”
“We’re going to have to hurry to let Micro Chips know we’ll need them ready and waiting to take the pictures,” I said. “I doubt Luna wants to have that thing out of the vaults for a moment longer than necessary.”
“So she’s bringing one of those daggers?” Dash asked, the excitement in her voice growing. “Oh my gosh! I just realized it’s a real cursed artifact! It’ll be like something straight out of a Daring Do novel! I can’t wait!”
I raised an eyebrow at Dash. “That’s interesting. Your counterpart mentioned something about Daring Do posters when we were in Equestria.”
Dash stopped in her tracks and slowly turned to face me with a suddenly serious expression on her face. “You mean there are more Daring Do stories?”
“Ummm, maybe?” I replied nervously.
“I MUST HAVE THEM!” she exclaimed with startling enthusiasm. “Please! The next book isn’t coming out for months! Can you ask Twilight if I can borrow one of the books from her world?!?”
I glanced over at Sunset who had an amused smile on her face. She pulled a pen out and began to write in the journal. “It can’t hurt to ask. It wouldn’t surprise me if Twilight has a copy in her library.”
“I had no idea you were into reading at all Dash,” I commented. “Daring Do is a surprising choice.”
Dash suddenly looked nervous. “I started reading the series when I had to do a book report last year. Could you not spread it around? It’s not a big deal.”
“If you insi-“
Behind us, quick!
I immediately spun around, raising one arm defensively while gripping my coffee cup in the other hand. Aria had come up behind me while I wasn’t looking. I just barely registered the amused glint in her eyes as her fist flew towards my face. I blocked the punch with the hand holding the coffee, relieved I had chosen a spill proof travel mug I noticed it wasn’t a powerful strike and countered with a light punch of my own, intended to stop just before hitting her nose. She easily blocked my counterstrike and tried to grapple my hand. I twisted my hand out of her grip and stepped back.
“Morning Aria,” I said, holding up fist towards her while holding out my other arm to stop Rainbow Dash from trying to attack her.
“Yes it is that time of day,” she responded in a grumpy voice thought she did uncross her arms to bump my fist with hers. “I nearly had you there. You need to watch your surroundings.”
“You might be surprised how aware I can be,” I said with a shrug. “Nice try though.”
“What the hell was that!?” Dash exclaimed, her eye twitching while I held her back. “She just tried to punch you, Silver!”
“She wasn’t going to hurt me,” I replied.
“You really believe that!” she asked, looking at Aria with a skeptical expression.
Aria shot me a surprised glance before smirking at Rainbow Dash. “What, don’t you trust me? Honestly, I'm surprised he was still walking when I was done with him. He really knows how to get a girl going you know?”
She gave me a sultry and totally obvious wink which unfortunately made me blush bright red. Dash glared at me while Rarity just looked appalled. Fortunately, I heard Sunset giggle-snort beside me which was a bit of a relief. Still, I was stuck there speechless trying to figure out a response to Aria’s unfortunate innuendo. Salvation came when Adagio walked up and unceremoniously shoved a cup of coffee into Aria’s hand while glaring at her.
“It’s the first time in decades Aria hasn’t pestered me and Sonata about unnecessary combat practice. So thanks for taking that irritation off my hands Silver Spark. Keep her occupied in the future and I might actually think there’s some value to this association.”
“It was a delight to have a properly skilled sparring partner, Adagio,” I replied, relieved to be spared the interrogation from Rarity and Dash. “Steel Rain is also in for a surprise if Aria’s skill with blades equals her hand to hand.”
“Why did you have to open your big mouth and ruin my fun Adagio? I had at least a couple of them fooled,” Aria grumbled, glancing “Oh for tide's sake Rainbow Dash, I'm not going to throw a playful punch at anyone who isn't a fellow warrior.”
I chuckled ruefully. “This is going to be a regular greeting isn't it?”
Aria didn't respond though she had a sly look on her face when she glanced at Sunset. “So, what are your thoughts on your boy toy here looking at other girls?”
Oh crap.
Sunset raised her eyebrow at Aria and wrapped her arm around my waist. “He can look at as many girls or mares as he likes long as he's respectful,” she said calmly. Then her voice turned sly. “Oh, and if I'm with him he'd better point them out to me. Why do you ask?”
Well then, I guess we're clear.
“He just seemed to like what he was seeing last night, that's all,” Aria replied flippantly.
“Oh really?” Sunset asked, glancing up at me with a raised eyebrow.
I groaned quietly as we walked towards school but Sunset just chuckled at my discomfort. I glanced over at Aria and Adagio and let out a deep sigh.
“Hey Aria, I feel it is necessary to warn you that Princess Luna is going to be visiting this world briefly after school today.”
“Ugh, are you still stuck on that sick joke?” Adagio snapped suddenly. “It wasn't funny last night when Aria told me and it's even less funny today.”
“I understand this isn’t a joking matter,” I countered. “Don't rush off after school and maybe you'll discover I’m being honest. Your call of course; I just thought it would be polite to warn you so you're not caught by surprise.”
Adagio just gave me an irritated look and stomped off with Aria close behind.
“How terribly rude!” Rarity huffed. “What was their problem?”
“It's a long story that Aria wasn't willing to share,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose. “All I managed to figure out was that Princess Luna was important to them and they are convinced Princess Celestia killed her a thousand years ago. Oh, and don't ask Sonata about any of if you value your life.”
“Weird,” Dash muttered. “Why am I not surprised they have another chip on their shoulders?”
“Luna was banished to the moon so it's entirely possible her followers would have thought she was dead initially,” Sunset said thoughtfully. “Thought I wasn't aware she had anypony following her. The stories all say she fell into darkness because she was ignored.”
“Aren't there any official historical records from that time?” I asked curiously. “The only reference you and Twilight have mentioned about Luna's fall is a mythological story from only a thousand years ago. We have solid historical records going back at least three times longer in this world.”
Sunset sighed. “Anything older than about 500 years might as well be mythological in Equestria. Even before you factor in how the average pony tends to ignore history, there was a forced migration from the original pony homeland, the near collapse of civilization thanks to Discord's chaos and then Princess Luna's fall all within a few centuries. Princess Celestia only told me that the years after she lost Luna were focused on rebuilding from Discord's destruction, not on recording history. I never thought to ask why she didn't fill in the holes later though.”
“Well maybe Adagio can fill the missing bits if she decides to stop being a bitch,” Dash grumbled.
I glanced over at Dash. “That’s right, you were with here weren’t you? What happened last night?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
The girls waited on the front steps of the school when three o-clocks rolled around. Aria, Adagio, and Sonata had decided that real or not, Micro Chips and his friends were waiting inside for the arrival of our guests. Principal Celestia had been told as well and she said she would tell Luna. While we waited, the six of us were comparing notes on our latest visits with the Dazzlings who were conspicuously absent. Adagio and Rainbow Dash hadn't gotten along well but that wasn't entirely surprising. Neither was Dash's reluctance to discuss what had happened.
“So how did things go with Sonata last night?” I asked Fluttershy.
“It was just awful,” Fluttershy whispered. “She was trying so hard to be gentle but something about her approach just put the animals on edge. She was cheerful and fun the entire time, even when the kitties were clawing her while I cleaned their cages.”
“That’s a right puzzle,” Applejack replied rubbing her head. “At least it sounds like you two got on well.”
“That’s true,” Fluttershy murmured. “Sonata was very nice to help.”
“Why are you talking about this when we have a two princesses visiting?” Rarity asked, fussing with her hair the whole while. “I'm positively horrid!”
“Relax Rarity,” I said. “Princess Luna is pretty cool.”
“See, that just doesn’t help!” Rarity replied, her tone bordering on panic. “I was never sure I did right by Twilight either but Princess Luna is- oh dear, they’re here.”
Rarity was correct in her observations, the portal began to ripple. A mere moment later two figures stepped out into our world. Twilight was easy to recognize in her usual outfit but our attention was immediately drawn to Princess Luna as she walked calmly towards us like she'd been human all her life. Her appearance was enough to make us all freeze for a moment.
Princess Luna was a startling sight and there was no doubt she wasn’t our Vice Principal. She was wearing an incredible floor-length navy blue and black gown with a modest cut. A black section down one side of the skirt had her crescent moon cutie mark emblazoned on it. The same symbol formed a clasp around her neck. There was a midnight black crown on her head framed by navy blue-black hair. Her hair wasn't quite as overtly magical as her mane in Equestria but it was close as it sparkled with an internal light.
I quickly recovered and stepped out to greet them. I resisted the urge to give Twilight a kiss and settled for winking at her which put a nice smile on her face. I turned my attention to Princess Luna. “Welcome to Canterlot City, Luna,” I said, holding out my hand as she approached.
“Well met Silver Spark,” Luna said, striding up to the stairs and taking my hand in hers. “It has been more than a thousand years since I last visited a human world. Tis a relief I remember how to walk on my hind legs so as to not look the fool. I would ask for introductions but tis impossible to mistake the Ladies Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie for anypony else. Even in human form, their spirits shine through. It is a pleasure to see you as well, Sunset Shimmer. Are your dreams peaceful?”
Sunset smiled at Luna and her voice was relieved. “My dreams have been quiet since we last spoke and Silver has been checking in on me every night. Thank you, Luna.”
Our friends looked stunned by Luna's casual acknowledgment of their identities. Well everyone except Pinkie Pie who just had an ecstatic grin on her face as she leaned over to whisper in Twilight's ear. Twilight shot a confused and worried glance at me and Sunset but I just mouthed the words 'It's Pinkie Pie'. She face-palmed but seemed to relax.
Rarity was the first to recover her wits. “You . . . you know our names, your Highness?!”
“But of course Lady Rarity,” Princess Luna replied. “Thy counterparts were instrumental in helping Twilight Sparkle purge my darkness just as you did for Lady Shimmer in this world. Please do not stand on ceremony with me in this world or the other should you ever visit. I understand there is a Luna of some importance in thine world already so please simply call us instead Selena.”
Selena!?!
“Begging your pardon ma’am, but have you visited this world before?” Applejack asked politely as we walked into the school. “Silver told us an old story about someone named Selena a few weeks back.”
“A fair question Lady Applejack but we do not believe so,” she replied. “Even though it has been centuries since I last visited another world, I do not recall a human world where the residents bore skin as colorful as the fur of my ponies. Tis merely a coincidence which should not be a surprise given thine familiar appearances. To answer thine question Lady Dash, mine full name before titles is Luna Selena Galaxia. For the sake of thine unspoken question Twilight, mine sister is named Celestia Helia Galaxia. We have not used any names but our first since our return from our banishment.”
Twilight's face had gone pale at the revelation of the two names and she looked at me with a worried expression on her face. She shook her head and mouthed the word 'later' at me when I looked like I was going to question her. We were just approaching the office when the door was pushed open. Celestia stepped out with a grin on her face, closely followed by Luna.
“I don't understand why you need to drag me out to look at some random graffiti, Sister. Discord will take care of it eventually and I need to finish my paperwork . . . before . . .” she drifted off when her eyes registered the presence of her counterpart.
“Welcome to Canterlot High Princess Luna,” Celestia said with a mischievous grin on her face. “Sister, say hello to your counterpart from Twilight Sparkle’s world.”
“You didst not speak of our arrival, didst thou Celestia?” Princess Luna chided, shaking her head. “A prankster in every world it seems. Hello Luna, tis a pleasure to meet you.”
“I-I-I’m pleased to meet you, Princess Luna,” Luna stuttered nervously.
“Prithee, call us Selena for this visit,” she replied, chuckling. “Our middle name shall be more than sufficient to avoid confusion since this is thine world and our title is meaningless in this world.”
Vice Principal Luna nodded and took a deep breath to compose herself but her eyes still betrayed her surprise. “Well Celestia, you got me but I will have my revenge. What brings you to Canterlot High, Lu- Selena?”
Selena gestured at Twilight. “Princess Twilight carries one of the Sakitan Daggers securely in her saddlebags for thine students to examine. Tis mine responsibility to see it and harmony willing, its brethren, back to Equestria. We have complete trust in Twilight but the chance to visit a properly hospitable world was also quite appealing.”
“Fair enough,” Luna replied, though she still seemed a bit stunned. “If you're my counterpart why are you taller than me? You're not wearing heels are you?”
“Tis likely a result of our ascension,” Luna replied, lifting her dress slightly to show the flats the portal had provided. “Truth be told, mine sister stands a full four hooves taller than I.”
Luna and Celestia stepped in beside Selena and began asking her questions about her life which I mostly tuned out. Twilight was walking slowly and a bit unsteadily, her brow furrowed in thought. I fell in beside her as we drifted to the back of the group but I was sure she hadn’t noticed me. I put my arm around her waist and chuckled when I felt her jump at the contact.”
“Hey,” I whispered in her ear. “What's on your mind?”
Twilight shook her head. “It never occurred to me that Luna and Celestia had longer names. Even worse, those names match the names in your story. Helia is the female version of Helios, right?"
"I believe it is, but it's still just an old story."
"I can't help it," She said with slight panic in her voice. "Worrying about old stories about Nightmare Moon was what lead me in Ponyville and the Elements of Harmony in the first place. There have been a frightening number of ancient legends are crawling out of the pages of my books since that day. I can’t dismiss anything out of hoof, no matter what Princess Luna says.”
“How many could there possibly be?”
Twilight snorted. “Discord, Lord Tirek, the Alicorn Amulet, the Sirens, the Sakitan Daggers, the Mirror Pool, the Crystal Empire, King Sombra and even the Changelings have all appeared seemingly out of nowhere since Nightmare Moon returned. The other things in stories that could show up make it hard to sleep some nights and I'm half expecting the Windigos to show up next Tuesday. Some of our victories have been pure luck so I’m trying to prepare for anything that might be coming. If it contains even a glimmer truth, your family book could be important.”
“Tell you what,” I said, giving her a gentle squeeze. “We'll make some time for me to read some more stories to you and Sunset this weekend. That one story was only a couple pages from that massive book but the later pages are mundane family history which can narrow it down.”
“I'd like that,” Twilight whispered.
“We’re here if you need us as well. How is the winter preparation going?”
Twilight growled unhappily. “Somepony has been disrupting the start of winter. We were supposed to have our first dusting of snow this morning but half the clouds went missing. I’ll need to hurry back to supervise the new delivery this evening.”
“Mind if Sunset and I tag along?” I asked. “We need to see your world’s Rarity about those measurements and getting outfits for the gala. Ugh, is it just me or are names going to become a major headache if we travel back and forth?”
Twilight nodded in agreement and a moment later we arrived at the computer room and Celestia pushed the door open. Inside the room were Micro Chips, Photo Finish, Wiz Kid and Scribble Dee. They were sitting on the teacher's desk up front chatting and they scrambled to their feet when we arrived. Their eyes bounced back and forth between Luna and Selena in surprise. Vice Principal Luna quickly introduced the four to Princess Luna who stepped forward.
“We are Selena of Equestria and we thank you for your generous offer to help locate these lost artifacts,” she said. “Their presence in your world is a blight we must try and correct. Wouldst thou reveal the artifact Princess Twilight?”
Twilight had slipped her backpack off and pulled out a wooden box. She put it down on the desk and opened it, revealing a weapon that had once haunted my nightmares. I was transfixed she gingerly lifted the dagger by its handle wrapped in cloth. The etchings on it were a familiar sight and were exactly what I remembered and I felt a chill run down my spine.
I can feel the malice radiating from that weapon.
Me too Spark. It’s awful.
I shuddered involuntarily, catching Sunset's attention. I leaned over to her. “Can’t you feel the hatred pouring off that thing?”
Her eyes narrowed and she watched it suspiciously. A moment later she shook her head and gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
“The danger of the Sakitan Dagger cannot be dismissed,” Selena lectured. “It may look like a simple blade, but a mere prick is fatal within days when in close proximity to a source of magic.”
“Ya, ve shall use ze care. Place ze dagger on ze cloth over zere by da table and I shall begin . . . ze magic!” Photo Finish said, gesturing at the back of the room.
There was a sheet of green cloth stretched across the floor and lights shining down at every angle. A high-end digital camera was mounted pointing straight down at the cloth, ready and waiting. Twilight gingerly placed the dagger in the indicated spot and stepped back while Photo Finish began adjusting the focus and taking photos.
“We must admit to being confused about this plan in spite of thy confidence,” Selena admitted. “How a photograph can help find a lost item is a mystery to us.”
Micro Chips stepped forward nervously and gestured at the computer. “Do you have computers or calculating machines where you come from ma'am?”
“We have orreries used to plan the movement of the sun and moon,” Luna said thoughtfully. “There are mathematical calculating machines I am unfamiliar with in the modern era as well but nothing such as this computer device.”
“I will try to keep this simple then,” He said gently though he raised his eyebrow at her turn of phrase about planning the motion of the sun and moon. “Among other things, a computer is a machine capable of manipulating and comparing images in a virtual format.”
“Ahh, like adjusting an illusion of an object?” Selena asked curiously.
“I suppose that’s a reasonable analogy,” he replied. “These days, most computers are linked to millions of computers all around the world through a system called the Internet. There are sophisticated programs on the Internet that can compare our photograph to billions of others and show us pictures that are similar. We are going to ask these programs if there are any photographs that look like your dagger.”
“Incredible,” Selena breathed. “Tis a truly a marvel to think so much information could be found in such a small box.”
“There are no guarantees,” Scribble Dee interjected. “The engines aren't omniscient, just efficient. The next step will be to crowdsource and ask people through social media if they have seen something resembling the weapon. It'll be just like putting up a wanted poster for a criminal! Are these artifacts all identical?”
“Yes, the etchings allow the magic inside this weapon to flow into the victim,” Selena replied in a sad voice. “The dark curse itself is stored in the blood crystal embedded inside the metal of the handle.”
“Zee photographs are completed!” Photo Finish said in a satisfied voice while she took her camera apart. “I go now but ve are at your service should you need more photos!”
Micro Chips nodded and quickly pulled an image up on the computer to show Selena. “If we find anything we will let you know. I assume we should notify Sunset Shimmer or her friends?”
“That’s right,” Twilight replied. “They’ll inform me and we’ll figure out our next steps from there. You have no idea how much we appreciate your help with this project.”
A new voice suddenly piped up from the door. “Are you ready to leave, Luna? Who is . . . I didn't know you had a twin sister?”
We all spun around and found Steel Rain at the door. Vice Principal Luna gestured at her counterpart frantically. ““Oh, she's not my Sister, well not entirely. This is Selena. She’s from . . . ugh.”
“Silver filled me in on the magic stuff last night,” Steel Rain interrupted, glancing over at me with a raised eyebrow. “So she's from the other world he mentioned?”
“Oh thank goodness,” Vice Principal Luna exclaimed. “Yes, this is Princess Luna, my counterpart from the other world, though she is going by Selena while she visits.”
"This business of other worlds is mind boggling." Steel Rain shook his head and held out his hand with a smile on his face. “It is a pleasure to meet you . . . are you ok?”
Selena’s face had gone pale the moment she heard Steel Rain’s voice but when he turned to greet her, she began to tremble. Her hand went up to her mouth and her eyes had widened in shock. She began swaying on her feet like she was going to collapse so I hurried over to steady her. She leaned on me and took a deep breath.
“We thank thee for thine kindness, Silver Spark,” Selena said in a shaky voice, glancing around the room nervously. “Twas a pleasure to meet all of you but we are feeling ill and must return home. Could’st thou assist me to the portal, Silver Spark? Princess Twilight, please bring the dagger once you are ready. We will speak again; thou hast the thanks of Equestria for thine generous aid.”
With that, she began slowly drifting towards the door. Everyone in the room was exchanging worried glances as we left. Selena only paused briefly beside Vice Principal Luna who looked stricken by Selena's reaction. Selena leaned over to Luna and breathed something in her ear. I could just barely hear her words with Spark's help.
“Hold on to him with all thy strength mine Sister. We swear thou shalt never have cause to regret even a moment spent with that stallion.”
Vice Principal Luna nodded silently as I walked Selena out into the hall and towards the portal. I heard the conversation explode in the room as the door closed behind me but I ignored it, focusing on helping Princess Luna.
“Luna, I heard what you said to the Vice Principal,” I said quietly. “I don't know if I ever told you, but Steel Rain is my Godfather and the one who has taught me the art of sword fighting. Did you know his counterpart?”
“If thou truly heard my words then you already have your answer,” Selena whispered her voice cracking in spite of her effort to hold herself together. “Perhaps on a future day it will be easier to tell you the story but int truth, we cannot bear to speak further on the matter at this time. We beg of you, keep mine words to thyself, even from thine two mares.”
“I promise Luna. Not a word will leave my lips."
She nodded gratefully while I paused for a moment and then glanced over at her. "Wait, did you say two mares?”
"The stability of Princess Twilight's dreams is of great importance," Luna replied. "We know the generous offer made by Sunset Shimmer and thyself.
Rest assured it will remain a secret from all others."
We walked the rest of the way to the portal silently. Luna put her hand against the portal causing the surface of the stone statue to ripple slightly. Before she committed, she paused and looked at me. I wasn't surprised to see her eyes were wet with unshed tears.
“We should have spotted his mark on you,” she murmured sadly. “Steel Rain's influence on you is clear as the moonlit night. We shall speak of this more in the future Silver Spark. Tis too much for mine heart to bear on this day.”
With that, she vanished into the portal leaving me alone with my thoughts while I waited for Twilight and Sunset to arrive. I slid down against the statue and was about to close my eyes when I noticed movement nearby. I turned in time to spot Adagio, Aria, and Sonata walking up the street away from the school. Adagio glanced back at the statue so I raised my hand to wave at her. She turned and quickly hurried away with her sisters so I closed my eyes to think for a minute. With Spark, it was more of a conversation.
So let's go over what we know now Spark.
Sure thing. Princess Luna knew Steel Rain's counterpart sometime in the past.
Yes. More importantly, he was an important pony to her. One she trusted.
What she said to Vice Principal Luna though. . .
She had to know him but we're fairly certain his counterpart isn't alive today.
Wait but if he's from before Aria's time in Equestria. . .
Yes, she lost someone she loved a thousand years ago.
More than that. Steel Rain was history a thousand years ago according to Aria.
So does this mean counterparts can be born thousands of years apart even if they’re not immortal?
Actually, Celestia and Luna are the same, aren't they?
You're right. Oh hell.”
What is it?”
Our godfather's counterpart apparently died centuries ago in Equestria. What does that mean for us?
Oh . . . Oh dear.
When Twilight and Sunset caught up with me at the statue, they asked how Luna was doing. I merely told them she was sad but didn't want to speak of it right now. While they both expressed curiosity about what Luna was upset about, they graciously held off on their questions. I decided to save my suspicious about my counterpart until the weekend since Twilight had too much on her mind already. We went through the portal and quickly made our way out to Ponyville. We were about halfway to town when a tan colored mare with a silver mane was galloping towards us with a panicked expression on her face.
“Princess Twilight! We need your help!”
“What is it, Mayor?”
“Clouds are still vanishing, leaves have been put back on trees and even some birds are flying in the wrong direction! We need your help fixing this before we wind up late to start winter! We'll never hear the end of it especially since we just got winter wrap up sorted last year!”
“Is there anything we can do to help?” Sunset inquired.
Twilight shook her head. “Ponyville can handle this once I get them organized and figure out what's going on. Your time here is limited so I'll send Rarity to her shop to meet you.”
“If you insist Twilight,” I said. “Call us if you need a couple more pairs of hooves.”
Sunset and I walked through town and I couldn't help gaping like a tourist at the bizarre sight of winter being literally crafted. Icicles were hanging from the eaves of every house even though there wasn't a flake of snow on the ground. Even more surreal was the sight of Pegasi hauling clouds through the sky and positioning them overhead. The most spectacular sight was where they were flying in from. In the distance was a massive cloud formation with rainbows arching here and there. It took a moment for my brain to realize the formation was dotted by hundreds of Roman style buildings nestled in the clouds.
“That's Cloudsdale, the Pegasus City” Sunset explained when she saw my expression. “According to legend, the original cloud formation dates back to the Hearthwarming Migration. It is the center of weather manufacturing for all of Equestria. It moves around as needed.”
“Amazing,” I said in awe. “A whole city in the clouds.”
“It's just a shame only Pegasi can visit,” Sunset said wistfully. “It would be a neat place to visit but I'd just fall through the clouds.”
“Well that's not entirely accurate darling,” Rarity interrupted as she walked up beside us. “Twilight found a cloud walking spell that let my friends and I visit a while back.”
“Seriously Rarity?” Sunset asked, whirling around to stare at her. “You've been there?”
“Yes, I have,” Rarity replied, though her face flushed. “I made an utter fool of myself but it was still a wonderful opportunity. I'm sure Twilight could teach you the spell.”
“Sounds like we should plan a trip to Cloudsdale in the future, right Sunset?”
“It's a deal,” Sunset said happily, nuzzling me happily.
Rarity cleared her throat as she pushed the door to her shop open. “So Twilight has informed me you need a suit, Silver Spark. What's the occasion?”
“She has asked me to escort her to the Grand Galloping Gala,” I replied evasively. “I believe she is hoping my presence will discourage any unwanted advances from the nobility.”
Rarity's horn glowed and a tape measure floated over to me. “Some of those nobles are simply disgusting opportunists. I have no doubt Twilight will appreciate your support. What about you Sunset? Will you be joining us at the Gala?”
“I’m not sure yet,” Sunset replied wearily, levitating a large envelope over to Rarity. “I'm not quite prepared to face Princess Celestia but I would like to order dress anyhow. I have a couple special requests and I’ve noted down the details are in there.”
“Ooh, I'm intrigued,” Rarity said gleefully as she floated the envelope over to a shelf. “I shall review these later then.”
“I’m intrigued as well,” I interject, glancing over at Sunset who just winked at me. “I should warn you, I don't have any Equestrian currency to pay you Rarity. However, I have a couple different ideas how Sunset and I can cover the costs.”
“Pish posh darling,” Rarity replied cheerfully. “I wouldn't dream of asking a bit for a friend's first Carousel original.”
“You sure about that?” I asked in a surprised voice. “I mean, it's wonderfully generous but I'd hate to think you're doing all this work and not making enough to support yourself.”
“Don't fret about it,” Rarity said. “Rest assured I am on solid ground financially. However, I must admit that I am curious what you had in mind.”
“I actually had two ideas how Sunset and I could pay for your efforts,” I replied. “I am a journeyman welder and blacksmith so I can work with a fair number of metals. I was thinking I could offer an exchange of services. My other idea was to pick up some magazines and fashion books from my world for you. The body structure of humans is different but inspiration is inspiration right?”
“Indeed it is,” Rarity said thoughtfully. “Actually, I may wish to hire you for your metalworking skills at a later date, particularly if you can do detailed work.”
“Oh, he can do detailed work,” Sunset said. “I saw him make a gorgeous cast of a seashell a few weeks ago.”
“Wonderful!” Rarity exclaimed. “Ponyville is still a small town, even with Princess Twilight's castle here. The local blacksmiths are skilled but there isn’t really anypony who has the skill or interest in making small, detailed items for my dresses. I have to send away to Canterlot half the time. Now, why don’t you pop up on the stand so I can take your measurements?”
Over the next hour, Rarity took my measurements and Sunsets. There was a strong sense of deja vu since I had a very similar experience when human Rarity took my measurements. In fact, the only differences between that event and today were the absence of swimsuits and how the notes were being taken. Rarity's horn was aglow with magic as a tape measure wrapped around me like a live snake while a quill was writing down the results at a nearby table and Rarity compared swatches of fabric to my coat. It was an incredible show of skill with telekinesis that I could only watch with quiet awe. After she was done with me, Sunset received the exact same treatment.
When we were done, Rarity closed the door of her shop and the three of us walked down the street, intent on finding Twilight and trying this world's equivalent to the Sweet Shoppe for dinner. The streets were fairly quiet with most of the ponies getting things ready for winter. Sunset pointed her hoof at Twilight and a few other ponies up ahead talking. The Pegasi flying overhead towing burgeoning clouds filled with snow put a smile on my face. The idyllic scene was shattered by a thunderous boom that made us all jump.
“What the heck was that?” I asked, spreading my wings quickly.
“Oh sweet Celestia, look at Cloudsdale!” Rarity gasped, pointing a hoof at the sky.
Every other pony was looking in the same direction. I looked over at the massive cloud city in the distance and felt the fur on the back of my neck shiver. It was quickly being engulfed by a flood of storm clouds that grew upwards into a thunderhead. Flashes of lightning and rumbling thunder illuminated the eerie scene. We galloped up next to Twilight who was watching with absolute horror.
Just as we reached her a white mass detached from Cloudsdale and flew through the air towards Ponyville. Pinkie Pie reacted almost instantaneously.
Pinkie's tail began to twitch spastically and she galloped away yelling. "TWITCHY TAIL! TWITCHY TAIL!" at the top of her lungs.
Everypony else began running and screaming the instant Pinkie reacted. Sunset and I stared at the white mass trying to figure out what it was. I felt the hair on the back of my neck tingling as it got larger and larger.
“RUN!” Twilight screamed at me and Sunset.
She turned and started to gallop away so Sunset and I took off after Twilight. I swear I heard a whistling noise as I ran up behind Sunset and Twilight. There was an explosion behind us and I spread my wings to try and shelter my two mares as best I could. I knew it was a futile gesture in the face of the wall of fire I was braced for but the slightly overcast day turned into the most horrifying blizzard I had ever been in. Granted, calling it a blizzard would be an understatement since it was more like a wall of snow and ice that sent pain screaming through my wings and back.
I was sent flying by the impact and slammed into Twilight and Sunset. The force of the snow sent us tumbling and pinned my wings around them. The snow muffled everything except the comforting sound of Twilight and Sunset breathing heavily. We laid there under the snow for a moment, dazed but slightly comforted by the physical contact.
“What the buck was that Twilight?” Sunset snapped in a dazed voice.
Twilight's voice was exhausted. “A whole month of winter snowfall I think. Are you two alright?”
“This would be almost cozy if my wings and back weren’t screaming with pain right now,” I groaned. "How the heck did Pinkie do that?"
"You answered that question earlier," Twilight said with a sigh. "In either world, it's Pinkie Pie. Don't question it if you value your health. What about you Sunset?"
“Ugh, I'll be ok,” Sunset grumbled. “If somepony did this on purpose they deserve a kick in the head.”
“Somepony’s going to be out of a job after this at the very least,” Twilight agreed. “Let’s get out of here.”
The snow began to lift away from me like it was being pushed by an invisible hand. Once the weight was off my back, I gingerly folded up my aching wings and scrambled off my marefriends onto the surface of the fresh snow. There had to be at least two feet of snow on the ground. I looked around and winced at the streaks of red staining my wings from the ice shards clipping my wings. They were just scrapes and nicks but they were still enough to elicit worried gasps from my two mares as they got up on their hooves.
“Why didn't you use your weather magic to protect yourself?” Twilight asked curiously as she examined the nicks and scratches on my back.
I couldn't help chuckling in spite of the pain. “I barely have enough control to walk on clouds Twilight. I wasn’t even aware that was something I should be able to do.”
“Right,” she sighed. “You know, you're too comfortable in your pony body. It's easy to forget you're from another world.”
I pondered that for a moment. “Yeah, honestly I think I have to blame Spark for that. You know, it's funny what we can't practice while we're dreaming.”
Our attention was drawn by a defeated groan nearby. Rainbow Dash was sprawled in the snow nearby with a tortoise of all things in her arms. Her mane was completely disheveled and she looked exhausted. I was curious where she came from since I was fairly certain she wasn’t on the ground with us when the snow hit.
“You ok there Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.
She looked at Twilight blankly and let out a huge sigh. “No.”
She flopped back into the snow despondently. Twilight looked over at me and Sunset with a sad look on her face.
“I think you'd better head back to your world for now,” she said. “I have to sort out this mess and everypony is going to be busy digging out. Oh dear Celestia, the paperwork is going to be a nightmare.”
Sunset leaned in a whispered a question in Twilight's ear. Twilight nodded in response.
“Ok, you take care then,” Sunset said. “Thank you Rarity, we'll be in touch.”
We began trudging through the snow towards Twilight's castle. After about twenty paces of stumbling through the deep snow, my patience was gone.
“Hold still Sunset.”
“Why, what is i- eeek!”
She squeaked with surprise as I wrapped my front hooves around her and began flapping my wings with all my might. They were twinging with pain from the scratches inflicted by the ice but it wasn't enough to stop me. A moment later we took off and began slowly climbing into the sky and towards Twilight's castle. The entire of Ponyville was completely buried by two feet of snow in some places. Winter had arrived with a speed I could never have imagined.
“Hope this is ok Sunset,” I said over the wind. “I think walking back to the castle would have taken ages.”
“I'm alright!” she said in slight shock. “Just don't drop me!”
“Wouldn't dream of it hon. Let's go back to my place since I'm pretty sure I can hear the hot tub calling our names.”
“Yes please!”
Half an hour later, I walked up towards the hot tub with Sunset. I shouldn't have been surprised to discover she had left her swimsuit at my place to dry after her last visit so she was ready to go in mere minutes. It was already dark and the air was chilly but it was positively balmy after the snowstorm we experienced. I slipped my t-shirt off and draped it over a chair when I heard Sunset gasp. I turned and saw her expression had become concerned.
“Silver, your back is covered with nicks and scrapes.”
I twisted and turned trying to look at my back. “I'll have to take your word for it, but I'm not surprised. I did take quite the beating from those ice shards.”
“Could you pony up? Please?” she asked.
I looked at her curiously for a moment and then shrugged. I summoned the image of Spark forth in my mind's eye and tapped into the magic. I felt the pleasant sensation of wings sprout from my back but then I gasped at the unexpected pain that seared across them. My knees almost buckled from the surprise but I held my place. It wasn't intense pain or anything but the pain caught me off guard.
“Well, that totally obliterates one hypothesis about the portal and magic,” Sunset sighed. “We already knew those wings aren’t magical constructs but now I know where they come from. They're covered in the same nicks and scratches from that disaster in Ponyville which means they’re essentially your real wings. We already knew injuries transferred to our human bodies as indicated by your scars but now we know magically acquired body parts will also retain long-term injury.”
“Ugh, that's actually a bit unnerving. So if someone breaks a wing while ponied up we'll have to stay in Equestria till it healed?”
“It’s probably the safest plant,” Sunset replied, as she slid into the hot tub. “It wouldn’t be as bad as you fear. Healing a broken bone is a matter of days, not weeks thanks to magic.”
“That’s a relief. It’s still a bit unnerving to think these wings might not heal.”
“Enough worrying, we’ll figure things out if something like that ever happens,” Sunset said playfully. “Come join me and relax.”
With that small reassurance, I shrugged the wings away and slid into the hot tub next to her. The nicks and scratches on my back stung a bit but the discomfort quickly faded. I leaned my head on Sunset’s shoulder and sighed happily.
“After all the drama over the past few days, it’s good to just relax,” I murmured.
Sunset wrapped her arm around me and kissed my forehead. “It has been a bit of a crazy day, hasn’t it? Ponyville is a crazy town.”
“I just hope Twilight doesn’t run into too much trouble with that disastrous start to winter.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s all on Cloudsdale and the weather factory. She’ll be fine.”
“Well that’s good,” I said. “It would suck if she couldn’t come on our first official date as a trio.”
We snuggled quietly in the hot tub for another half an hour before heading inside. I decided to settle in for an early sleep but Sunset decided to stay up a while longer and read before joining us to start the night's dance lessons. I laid my head down on the pillow and let Spark pull me into unconsciousness.
Spark and I stood side by side staring at crate beside our recliners. The aggravation began to boil over as we stared at the offensive pile of lumber.
“SCREW YOU COFFEE TABLE! SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE BUCKING HELL!”
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Found a mistake:
Everypony else began running and screaming the instant Pinkie react.
*reacted
8223476 - Thank you for catching that!
More!!! When's the next update?
8302822 Hi! Glad you're enjoying the story so much!
The next chapter is actually almost ready. I got kicked over by some RL and a bit of writer's block but I think I'm back on track now.
everytime she talks i have to read out loud cause of how much i love her accent .
8418862 She's a fun character to write for. Way easier than Zecora.