A story about how no matter where you are you can always find friends
Robin was just lonely, no one understood him. his family, his coworkers/friends no one was interested in My Little Pony, like he was. That is until the day an unusual storm takes Robin to the land of his dreams...
"But well yeah thats basically how it goes with me Mr.Alder!
"Thatssss interesting you mean to tell me NONE of your friends know your a 'Brony'?"
"Yeah thats right but thanks for listening and you know, NOT FREAKING OUT!"
"Oh please sir you're a nice lad, and there are few of those nowadays have a good day!"
"Sure! You too, OH and thanks for the shade!"
Robin let go of the tree branch he was making talk to him, and continued on his hike. He didn't need to worry about anyone listening in, after all, next to no one even thought of hiking anymore. So really, he didn't need too worry much. "Well as suspected my third time up this mountain this week and I'm still alone"
Robin started thinking about his friends at work, and the usual jabber that they always went on about.And how no matter how many times he tried to comprehend it, he'd just rather not bother!
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"But yeah, that's how I got promoted to lead staff, all in one day!" John had just finished repeating the SAME story for the sixth time, continuing to be the center of attention at the water cooler right next to Robins desk. Robin was just simply tapping away on his keyboard, finishing up fixing all the errors and simple fixes a I.T. specialist had to do. Same thing, day in, day out the usual complaints, the people who didn't know a THING about computers, and yet their low IQ somehow gave them a bigger paycheck?
"Hey, anyone else hear of that stupid show 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'?", And sure enough there was Regy, right on cue.
"Who cares about a girls show?" Lorence asked, another of Robins 'Best Buddies' they worked in the same vicinity but didn't talk much until after work
John decided to grab his chance and join in "Hey I got a better question, anyone here troll another 'Brony'?"
"OH GOD YES, god those pathetic morons are freaky aren't they?" Regy nearly shouted for most of the office to hear "Regy, I'm right here no need to shout at everyone just because you're at the water cooler with the rest of them." Robin thought to himself
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Yeeeaah those were some good friends. Robin slapped himself for thinking that, the only reason they were his 'friends' was so his parents wouldn't complain about him being alone and gave him one less thing to worry about. Then he remembered when his parents figured it out he watched My Little Pony when they 'accidently' put a spy camera in his wall right next to the computer!
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"Son we know of your love for that show 'My Little Pony'"
"Your mother and I are worried you don't go out enough, I know you go out and excersize, hike mountains, and many other things like THAT. But Ithink possibly you should make an account on Eharmony, instead of watching a little girls show!"
"Look Dad, Mom you don't need to worry okay? I'm fine where I'm at in life I have a job, and an apartment at 18 years old! Which I have to say you VIOLATED putting that camera in my room! Why would you even do that? I gave you that key for emergency NOT for spying on me!"
"Robin we're just worried-"
"WELL YOU CAN STOP WORRYING!", Robin smashed his phone on the table, sadly realizing, that now he needed a new phone and to get rid of the camera. How could his parents do that? Violate his space like it was non-existent! He didn't give it much thought since now he was gonna be late for work.
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Robin saw the summit just ahead and decided to try and make himself feel better "Near the summit, good job Robin this is the third time this week, WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO NEXT!?" Robin shouted to himself as he ran on top of the final sandy summit looking over the town he was born, raised, and currently working in.
"I'M GONNA GO WATCH MY LITTLE PONY, AND CELEBRATE THE DOUBLED FUN, AND POSSIBLY EXPLODE TWICE!!" Robin laughed a little inside realizing what a complete nerd he was. About a quarter of the way down the mountain the wind kicked up. "strange weatherman said clear breezeless day....But thaaaat's not clear!" Robin stared at possibly the largest storm cloud he'd ever seen! But, this wasn't normal what were all those colors in the clouds? The lightning was almost rainbow, some clouds weren't even grey! Some pinks, blues, reds, OKAY I know for a fact I don't do drugs!
Robin had no time to contemplate this when another surge of wind, knocking him off balance and tumbling towards the cliff wall when he stopped his foot had crashed into the wall in a particularly strange angle. "CRAP!" he shouted he felt a immense pain shoot through his foot, he had sprained it! But he had no time to worry the wind was picking up, and lightning was everywhere! "If I can just dash to Mr. Alder I'll have some cover". Sadly his sprint was a waste, when he was about to touch the tree he flew of the cliff but, stopped, mid-air!? Robin started to feel something, impossible! Pain, fear, luxury, adventure, desire, EVERYTHING he could have ever dreamed all hit him in a split second when one of the bolts hit him straight in the back!
The feelings, all of it was overwhelming, when a bigger surprise occurred, he started to shoot up into the clouds! Colors morphing, figures changing all of this was just too much. Robins world started to fade away as new colors took form only this form was unknown to him for he had fallen unconscious.
"Spiiike get up! I know it's near midnight, but Luna's going to give a speech! From what I heard from Celestia it's a forgiveness speech for all she's done, come on!" After shouting at the dragon and stomping her hooves for a whole hour, the dragon finally grumbled and hopped out of his small bed.
"ALL RIGHT TWILIGHT I'M UP!!" spike yelled, obviously aggravated.
"Thank you." Twilight happily trotted back to the front door of her home, heading for the town square where the speech was to commence. I wonder if all those rumors might be true "Strange happenings in the sky!" but I don't see anything right now? Meh probably just what it is, a rumor!. Twilight shrugged off the possibility of anything bad occurring and continued along, the moon high in the sky, lighting her path.
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Outside of Ponyville, Fluttershy was giving her chickens their midnight snack.
"Here you are little chickens some food for all of you, no fighting now!" Fluttershy smiled and looked up at the sky only to find it blotted out by large storm clouds Where did all those clouds come from? They weren't here a moment ago. As she processed this thought the clouds started to part, colors exploding from the clouds and lightning bolts the color of the rainbow were shooting everywhere! "OH goodness, oh goodness, oh goodness! Come on little chickens back inside QUICK!" As Fluttershy finally corralled the last chickens into the pen she saw that from the parted clouds shot a bolt of what looked like a magical charge or gem, for it was much larger than the lightning and was constantly changing color. The lightning bolts that were constantly connected with it were making even brighter flashes! She realized that the bolt was headed straight for town. Oh NO! I must go find Twilight! Another lightning blast changed her mind as she raced inside her house terrified.
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Back at the town square everything was incredibly exciting! Everyone was curious as to what Princess Luna would say! She hadn't come out of the palace ever since. She was defeated for a second time and convinced, by her sister, to return home. Finally Luna came up onto the platform. She was as regal as her sister, only smaller and of a darker color. She looked at the written speech in front of her, then looked up at her sister sitting on a balcony seat made just for her next to the stage. With a gentle nod from her sister she continued "This speech was not writteth for me, no I personally wrote it to showeth you how I truly feel and what I truly want to say." As she commenced her heart felt and absorbing speech Rainbow Dash hurried to find Twilight!
"Twilight where are you?"
"Right here Rainbow Dash" Twilight said as Rainbow Dash bumped her and nearly ran into the crowd. She heard Twilight in time and came to a screeching halt.
"Oh, hehe sorry." Rainbow Dash gave a nervous chuckle and was shooting her eyes up at the sky to Twilight several times.
"Whats wrong Dash? You're never this nervous."
"Well I was doing my usual flight practices when I saw some clouds form out of NO WHERE! And they started having this crazy weather, lightning bolts were shooting EVERYWHERE! Thankfully with my great flying skills I was able to dodge them. But noticed something shoot out of the clouds. I raced back here to warn you that its headed straight for the town square!"
"What!? Why didn't you stop it?"
"I didn't want to touch it! who knows what it could have done to me.Oh no! There it is!" A large magical blast was falling from the skies straight for Luna! Everyone was so mesmerized by this tear inducing speech no one saw it. Twilight shouted straight at Celestia who was above the sobs and heavy breathing's from the crowd "Princess!" Celestia looked her direction and saw the magical bolt, headed straight for Luna!
Time slowed, as a flash of white scooped up the dark form of Luna. Saving her as the glowing magical bolt blasted through her stage. Sliding all the way to the fountain and stopped at the fountains rim. The town square was in utter confusion, no one knew where it came from! Ponies were screaming, running, and just standing there trying to figure out what happened. Until finally Celestia drew a deep breath
"SIIIIIIILLLLLLLLEEEEEENNNNNNCCCCE!" No one had ever heard the princess ever raise her voice THAT loud!
"Please let us all just calm down! Please calmly take yourselves and any family member back home as this incident is investigated!" Immediately the entire square had emptied. Except for Twilight, Rainbow Dash, AppleJack, Rarity, Pinkie pie (who was still twitching almost violently!) along with Fluttershy running up to her friends.
"Oh my gosh, I'm sooooo sorry I should have come to warn you, but the lightning. It scared me." Fluttershy looked ashamed, Applejack placed a hoof on her shoulder.
"Oh that's alright sugarcube, no one got hurt!"
Twilight looked over to Celestia and Luna who were heading to the crash at the fountain. "Come on guys, they may need some help." The gang all followed Twilight as she walked beside Celestia. The crater was surprisingly small, big enough for only one pony to fill actually! But it did go a distance. Down the town square straight to the fountain where something was. Was somepony sitting in the path of the blast? That's weird how did they get there in such short notice? Twilight asked herself. They all started to reach the Pony at the Fountain. Finally with a clear view of the form, all the ponies got a good look at it.
Wait a second, that's not a pony! Indeed, it wasn't! The being sitting there in front of them was what looked to be a human! (in the text books and historical documents that is). This one looked to be a male of the human species and had Light brown hair, almost covering about half of his forehead. He wasn't muscular persay, he seemed more like to be big boned, but in the healthy way! Not bulging like in some of the text books. His attire though, was obviously from ponyville but for humans. It was what looked almost like a robe, it had long sleeves, fingerless gloves, but once it hit the waist it strayed into several strands of fabric. Somewhat cloaking the lightly armored leggings underneath. The legs were of a sky blue but the rest seemed to be teal, embroidered with magic symbols and a silver outline along the seams. Strangely even with how amazing he looked, there were no weapons to be found on his person.
"Hmmmm, most interesting!" Celestia looked the human up and down until she heard a small moan from him!
"Mmm...What, nnagh!" The ponies noticed that his foot started to twitch and crack out of a awkward position into a good, normal position. He must have hurt his foot while falling or possibly right before. Celestia gave Twilight a little nudge, urging her to talk to him. After a few minutes the human started to focus a little more, Twilight, seeing her chance to get his attention, cleared her throat. "Hello there, my name is Twilight Sparkle, apprentice to princess Celestia" as she was saying this she nodded towards Celestia "But I have to ask, why were you falling from the sky? You nearly killed princess Celestia's sister Luna!" The human looked up at her his eyes showing both shock and confusion. Then his eyes lowered and he started to hang his head.
"You know, I think I may have actually had drugs" his head started to nod "Since after all ponies don't talk, and what I'm wearing doesn't make much sense either. Plus you're simply a funny carto-" His sentence was cut off as he fell unconscious again, obviously still not ready to do much after THAT fall. Celestia looked from the human to her apprentice and her friends
"Twilight, I have an idea!"
"What is it princess?"
"I want you and your friends to take care of this human, make him feel comfortable, teach him our ways. You think you can do that?"
Twilights eyes nearly shot out of her head hearing that! "Ummmm, could I talk to my friends about this?"
"Of course, you go right on ahead, Luna and I can wait."
Twilight turned to her friends and immediately Pinkie said the obvious.
"Can we keep it!?"
Twilight sighed "It's a HE Pinkie Pie and I guess in a way we are, possibly keeping it, what do you guys think of Celestias idea?"
Applejack Nodded "We might as well if he's gonna be here for a bit sugarcube, we should make him feel comfortable,like the princess said."
Rainbow Dash stomped excitedly "Oh man this is gonna be SO awesome! We'll make him the coolest thing in all equestria!"
Rarity made a humble, and graceful bow "I would be honored to help make this stranger feel comfortable. In what must be a new and terrifying world"
Fluttershy looked up with a hint of excitement "oh yes, this will be so exciting! Oh I hope I don't mess up."
Twilight turned back to the princess with a broad smile "We happily accept Princess" They all bowed to Celestia who had a humble smile and a gentle giggle in her throat.Luna on the other hand, stared in astonishment. This thing nearly killed her and her sister wants it to feel comfortable and happy!? She'll have to talk to her about this later, back at the castle.
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After Celestia assisted in carrying the human with her magic to Twilights home, she and Luna took off. Back to Canterlot and the palace. Applejack, now done waving asked a rather good question "Soooo how exactly are we supposed to make a human feel comfortable?"
Twilight thought for a moment, putting a hoof on her lower jaw "I think the best thing to do is sort of like how I came along,this is practically the same. All we need to do is be friendly and treat him as an equal and he'll be happy in no time!"
Rarity spoke up realizing the time. I might not get enough beauty sleep at this rate! "I think the best thing we can do right now is to go home and let him rest up, he's got an interesting future ahead of him."
Once this statement was made they all realized just how tired they really were! So after a few subtle goodnights everypony made there way back home and rested, for the remainder of the night.
"Sister! You cannot expect me to accept a near death 'coincidence' as but a mere accident!"
Celestia sighed, her sister was still as stubborn as usual. "Please Luna, you must understand the human meant no harm to you. It was just a simple accident with some very powerful magic involved. You must at least see th-."
"Do NOT give me that pathetic excuse again, I will not be treated such as would befit a common peasent! I, your sister nearly died at that humans hands and all you want to do." At this point she made a disgusted face and over exaggerated "Is make him feel WELCOME and HAPPY. Oh dear Twilight teach him our ways!"
Celestia finally was sick of this argument "ENOUGH! I've had enough of this argument, I sent you to the moon once I can do it again if it comes to it!" Silence immediately fell upon the room. Luna looked at her sister both astonished and terrified, Would she really send me back? After that thought Luna ran across the room,out the door and on her way slammed it shut!The princess looked at her bedroom door and realized the error in what she just said. "Luna." Celestia knew her sister was out of ear shot, too late to apologize. She felt hot tears start to well in her puffy eyes. As she opened her window and placed her head on the window sill, she started to cry.
Luna,now in her room decided to demolish some of the fine furniture "How DARE SHE! My own sister treateths me like the common rabble! She appreciates that fool Twilight Sparkle more than me!" Immediately an idea cracked into Lunas mind "If I made the human at fault for a crime he 'committed' then Twilight will look as though she taught him all the wrong things! Then Celestia will banish both of them and I will be back at my sisters side!" As she commenced to find a crime worthy of banishment in the castle archives. The sun was rising and the human was opening his eyes. __________________________
As Robin looked up he saw a wooden roof, rather much styled like a real tree trunk. He didn't pay it much mind after the amazing dream he just had!What a funny dream last night! I sprained my ankle, fell from the sky, and met the ponies! Oh man that was a good one.Robin giggled a little to himself which turned into a startled gasp as a figure that appeared to be Twilight Sparkle, was hovering over him.
"Hello there!"
"AAH! Why would you just lean over someone like that? Who's half asleep?"
"I do that all the time, does that matter? Let me introduce myself." She took a step back so he could sit up and get a full view of her That does look like Twilight Sparkle one hundred percent on the dot, maybe the dream was true?
"My name is Twilight Sparkle." Robin rolled his eyes and shrugged OF COURSE it's Twilight Sparkle!
"Um, did I do something wrong?" Twilight noticed his rather vulgar shrug and eye roll.
"Well for one how could I possibly be here? This world is in a TV show!"
"Yeeeaahh I really don't know how to respond to that, it just well....Happens sometimes." She looked down and around a little avoiding his eye contact. Well, I am in the world of equestria OBVIOUSLY since Twilight Sparkles here! Maybe I should cut her some slack. Robin looked around the room And this does look like her house and I know for a fact my 'friends' aren't smart enough to pull of this amazing a prank, that is if they even knew I was a brony.
"Alright, sorry for acting like that. My names Robin, nice to meet you Twilight Sparkle." With that they politely shook hands (and hooves).
YES this is working already! That's another thing to scratch off the list. "Well would you like a tour around?"
"Well to be honest with you I've seen your house plenty of times in the show."
"But Mr.Robin that wasn't in real life. I have a feeling it will be much different in person than through a TV"
Robin, still surprised he was actually talking to Twilight Sparkle from his favorite show. Finally nodded and smiled. Something he hadn't done in a long time "I'd love to have a 'real' tour." And so within about an hour and a half Robin now knew every room, even all the little nooks and crannies. He was also introduced to Spike, who didn't have very much to say sense he really didn't know what to talk to a human about. After the tour had ended Twilight started to head for the door.
"Robin, don't you want to meet everybody else?"
Robin, still stunned and overjoyed at the fact of he was going to meet the rest of them. Just whispered "I'd like that, VERY much!" ____________________________
As the duo walked outside and headed for Sugar cube corner where Twilight knew her friends were getting a party ready for the newcomer. Ponies all over just gaped and awed at the human, his clothes looked almost regal! They had never seen a human before, so this was quite the major shocker! Most just gaped while others attempted talking only to stutter and fall short. Finally near the bakery where Pinkie Pie lived on sugar cube corner, they were about to enter when AppleJack came shooting out! Slamming the door behind her shut and leaning on the door with all her weight.
"OH I guess your the human, howdy-doo my names Applejack. Twilight I need to talk to you!" Applejack had raced through that sentence faster than was comprehensible as she grabbed Twilight and pulled her in the door.
"Uhm, you just stand out here for a bit mister?" Applejack gave him the confused look of 'I don't know your name please tell me it so I can finish my sentence'.
"Robin, the names Robin."
"Robin, good name I'll let you in, in a minute, need to talk to Twili-."
"A ROBIN!?"
"Oh, apple tarts!" As Applejack raced inside out came a cheery and excited little pony, searching the clouds for the cute little robin she was expecting. Robin from seeing the show enough knew this animal excited, yellow colored, pink maned pony was none other than the adorable Fluttershy.
"Why hello there." Robin gave her a friendly smile, responded to with a shy glance and absolute silence.
"Hey come on, no need to be shy of me. My names Robin, I was the one Applejack was talking about, not a bird!"
"Oh...I'm sorry..I'll uh, just head inside" Fluttershy quickly rushed back inside, leaving Robin alone to the awe and surprised faces of passerby ponies.
"What do you mean the cakes been destroyed!? Was it Pinkie?"
"Well, no Twilight nothin like that."
"Then care to explain! We've got to make him happy and I don't think telling him I wasted his time coming here will help with that!"
"Well ya see, it's a funny story actually. The cake was just finished, it looked real nice Twilight especially covered in the icing design we picked out. But then some little imp thingy snuck in and destroyed it! Honest." Twilight stopped pacing and looked at Applejack, the only imps were in the ever free forest and didn't come out until midnight. Not in the middle of the day where everypony can see them! This thought train crashed though as they heard Rarity give a shriek and run out of the kitchen!
"It's back! That horrible ugly thing is back!"
Right behind Rarity came a short, blue bat winged creature that proceeded to zoom about smashing through the counter, ripping up pastries. Just ruining the place.
Robin heard the commotion and rushed inside! "Hey, is everything okay?" Immediately the imp stopped the mayhem and locked eyes with the human. A devilish smile started to spread on its face, between its fingers sparks arose and soon its hands were flaming, until between its palms it bore a large blue fireball.
"Robin! Get out of the way!" Twilight shouted but to no avail. Robin was transfixed he had never seen such an amazing feat of magic (or any magic in general). He only realized the danger he was in when the fireball was thrown right at him! Twilight immediately dashed out in front of it ready to take the blast to save him!
Time froze to Robin, Twilight was there in front of him ready to take the blast and save him. No,you've done enough Twilight, it's my turn to do something. The huge ball came ever closer,until finally it collided.
Silence reigned for a few minutes as the ash from the fireball cleared, Twilight thought for sure she was injured and slowly but reluctantly,opened an eye. Ready to see a broken hoof or severe burns all over her side. Oh please don't let it be as bad as I think it is! But instead of seeing pain and broken hooves she saw that Robin was now in front of her! HOW!? In such a short time span? How fast could he possibly be!? She glanced at his hands to see if they were burned sense they were crossed in front of his face. But instead of seeing burns she saw a most wonderous sight! In his right hand was a deep blue dagger, the blade only connected to the hilt by a magical stone between the hilt and the blade. In his other hand was a golden white long sword, the hilt and handle were adorned with jewels of many different colors and sizes!
As she glanced again about his person she saw no real proof of a burn, in fact he was unscathed! Before she could ask him how he did it he leaped into the air, dodging other blasts from the imp. He feigned left and right, jumped off counters with grace and ease, he'd appeared to be as acrobatic as the imp! Until finally within reach. His eyes closed and to Robin time slowed he had never moved this fast but it all came so natural. With this final, brief wonder in his mind the sword came down upon the imps head slicing the little devil in two! Before it fell to the ground it dissipated and burned into ash. Wisked away with the breeze from an open window.
"That was amazing! Thank you so much!" Mrs. Cake came running down the stairs absolutely jumping with joy! Her husband, Mr. Cake was right behind her.
"You did a good job there son! How can we repay you?" Mr. Cake then proceeded to look around the room "But a better question, how did that thing even get in here?" Robin looked at them then at the weapons in his hands. As he contemplated there question Fluttershy came out from under a desk
"Well...umm I did accept a few magical creatures for a time being to take care of for this circus. One of them was an imp, this morning it was gone. I guess that was the imp that went missing.
Twilight heard this and sighed "Fluttershy you should really think about caring for less powerful creatures, that could have been a lot worse!"
Pinkie pie, still distraught over the ruined cake butted in "Hey! Who cares? Were safe, he's safe" The 'he' was of course Robin "I think were okay but we need to make another cake right now! Or else the party will be ruined!" With that she dashed into the kitchen. already they heard pots, pans, stoves, she was already baking the next one!
Rainbow Dash flew over and helped Robin back to his feet, nudging him to the kitchen with everyone else.
"Come on! One cake won't do anybody any harm!"
"Well, I guess making ONE cake wouldn't be too bad."
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Luna inside the archive found several crimes perfect for banishment! Murder, deception, use of magic against other ponies. Oh so many different choices! She looked up at the shelf to find a rather odd book, it was small, lightly colored, and looked incredibly old. Older than most of the books on the shelves. The tittle read 'Diary of A Princess' Whats this? a pathetic little story book in the grand archive? As she flipped through it's pages she realized that it wasn't a story book, it in fact was her sister Celestias diary! By the moon! Why would she leave it out here for all to read? As she continued to flip through she found a page with the date of when she was banished. The diary page read like so.
"This is the final straw! My sister has gone too far, she has become a burden upon the entire equestrian kingdom! And now she wants to bring forth an eternal night? I am sick of her, she's always been jealous of me. But now she has gone over the edge! This has to end and it will, for Equestrias sake let this be the only painful choice I have to make for a thousand years." The rest of the page had small scribbles and a few dried water stains.
So....That is what she truly thinks of me? With this horrible thought lingering in her mind. Luna left the archive and went straight back to her chambers.
Celestia stopped at her sisters door, she could hear the crying from inside
Why did I say that to her? My own sister? She recalled the argument from the morning, she had threatened to banish her sister again! How could I? I could barely do it the first time around.
Celestia slowly nudged the door open,she could see Luna at the fireplace her head in her hooves. As Celestia opened the door fully and walked in Luna glanced up at her, but went back to staring at the ground.
"I found your diary in the archives. Is, is that truly what you think of me?" Luna was still staring at the ground, but Celestia could see the tears and pain she had caused her sister a thousand years ago,still scorched her mind.
"Luna, that was a long time ago. Things have changed, you know I don't think of you like that. I was young, annoyed, flustered, but most of all. I was scared what would happen to you." Now Celestias eyes started to swell and she could feel tears form in the corners. "You really are amazing Luna, I should have just tried to convince you more, I went to such extremes I, I don't even know what to say except." Celestia walked over to her sister and gently sat down next to her, placing a hoof on hers "I am so sorry." Lunas ears perked up and she looked up at her sister, but after having what seemed to be a regretting thought she shot her head back down.
"I'm sorry too sister." Luna started to cry harder, but this only confused Celestia, what did she have to be sorry about? She was the one apologizing.
"What are you sorry for?"
"Take a look!" Luna used her magic and tossed a few books in front of them and flipped to the pages about banishment.
"I wanted to banish the human, to make him look guilty so Twilight would fail, and you'd put me back at your side! I was letting my jealousy get the better of me. I thought you cared for Twilight and the human more than me! I'm so sorry." As Luna started to bawl, Celestia placed her head next to Luna and cried right there with her. Neither of them needed to explain anything at the moment Their tears told all the story they needed. Every pain, every guilt, every regret from a thousand years came surging back as a streaming river from the two sisters eyes. After what seemed like a year Celestia remembered something she wanted to show Luna to cheer her up.
"I came in here to show you something, two things actually."
"What were they sister?" Luna gasped and bubbled between sobs and gulps of air.
"As I was examining the human when he crashed, I used a memory spell to figure out how he got here. I found something that might make you feel much better about everything you rule and control, and how much it's really appreciated!"
Luna stopped sobbing, but continued to cry "What in equestria do you mean sister? did he use the moons magic to get here? or a pattern in the stars for a portal?"
Celestia giggled and shook her head "I think it would be better to show you." Celestia leaned her head forward as her horn came to magical life and gently tapped Lunas forehead.
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"Alright! Almost at the top, second time this week!" Robin was now nearing the peak of the mountain, he never was truly surprised no one hiked the path, it was steep, rocky, and honestly rather barren of plant life except a tree three quarters of the way up, and a patch of grass at the summit. As he looked up it was a clear star lit sky, the moon hung in the center and illuminated the whole sky as brightly as the sun!
"Man I'll never get tired of seeing you good old mister moon. A lot of people sleep, obviously, during night time. But I always have to say hello to you once before I head to bed! Might as well get as close as possible." Finally on the summit, Robin opened his pack and brought out the blanket he had inside. He unrolled it on the flat patch of grass, and laid down on his back, his eyes staring up at the moon and the stars.
For a few hours Robin just contently laid there, his eyes drifting from one star to another, each one alight with a cosmic flame he would never understand. As he looked up he thought of all the people and companies who were big shots and thought they were the greatest. It really didn't matter in the span of space and time. All life on this earth is but a tiny thread, upon the tapestry known as the universe. Even if our thread were to be pulled out, who would notice? Who would see our grand empires? Our great rulers? Our great machines? Who would see their love, passion, songs, music? The answer is no one. With this humble and sensible statement in his mind, Robin packed up the blanket and headed down the mountain.
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Luna stared blankly across the room, her mouth gaping at what she just saw and heard. "I had no idea.. I'm...Stunned I..." Luna was for once without words, she simply looked at her sister then nuzzled her gently and happily. "Thank you for showing me that sister! Thank you." Celestia looked upon her sister with a smile, but slowly frowned and said grimly.
"That wasn't all I wanted to show you." Celestia used her horn and summoned a book with her magic. She had been studying this book for awhile and the humans arrival finally made the books contents a clear picture in her mind. "I want you to look at this page. What do you see?" Celestia flipped to a page baring an old drawing of a dark blue mare shaking hands (or in her case hoof) with a human, the page was of a light hue, making the page warm and inviting.
"Why that's me! And that must be Robin! This must be from one of the old sages isn't it?" Luna knew of the old sages who knew and foretold any and all future events. Few of them remained in equestria, most wandered of into unknown lands, and distant territories.
"Yes Luna that is you and Robin, making a pact of friendship, swearing never to leave each others side. But there's another picture that...Disturbs me." Celestia flipped to nearly the end of the book, the entire page was black, a pair of eyes and mouth were lit white above the page, underneath it was a spotlight, shining faintly upon a feather and dagger, both caked with blood. "I think you can easily tell whos feather that is?"
Luna paused for a minute, to her it felt like ages. Finally her mouth slowly opened and a faint whisper gently rolled out "...That's my feather, isn't it?" She looked at her sister who responded with a slow and gentle nod. Luna looked back at the picture, the dagger next to her feather seemed to be of a magical craft with the blade and hilt only connected by a small gem between them Could this be his dagger? And this our fate? She looked back up to her sister who had started to look at the book herself, worry engraving her face like the writing on a tombstone. "Sister, may I make a request?"
Celestia looked up, but the books warning still dug into her mind. "Yes sister?"
"Do you think we could have Robin and the others come to visit? I have a feeling they'll be sending a report soon and I was thinking, why not have them bring it in person?" Celestia giggled a little shaking her head. "Did I say something funny? If you want we could visit them or-"
"Luna I had already invited them! I was hoping the human apologizing to you in person would help you lose your grudge, but I see that it's already gone now isn't it?" Luna nodded her head enthusiastically, like a young filly, wanting that freshly baked cupcake or brand new toy. How could I tell Twilight to not come? With a princess like her doing that! Celestia grinned "Well I hope your ready, they'll be here tomorrow, at around noon."
Luna immediately stood up and walked to her bed "Goodnight sister, see you in the morning!" Luna slid into bed and immediately started to produce a gentle snore. Celestia looked at her sister and giggled Such an innocent little pony. She looked back down at the book and picked it up as she was leaving her sisters room. As she walked down the halls to her room she flitted back to the page with the feather and blood I worry for you Luna, he may become your greatest friend, only to break that most sensitive part of you. But I can't just deny you happiness. If only...I could insure it's hold on you for longer than either of us could last. Celestias final tear that night landed between the feather and the dagger, connecting them with her bright tear. With the dark and hidden face, smiling right above it.
"Come on everyone! Into the balloon." Twilight was excitedly trotting up to the hot air balloon. Her favorite transport for getting to canterlot and the castle. She had just received the note this morning, inviting them to come and tell Princess Celestia there findings on the human. Especially those mysterious blades, they hadn't found a way to do what he did with the imp, magically form them from thin air. So instead he made some simple holders for them (tools and fabric given to him by Rarity). After everyone was aboard, the hot air balloon roared into life! Floating off the world like a feather in the breeze.
Robin was more than excited for this! He was going to have dinner at the princesses castle! Robin looked down at the ground watching it all start to dissapear, he noticed a scarecrow in a nearby field of Applejacks, it looked normal but the head was facing the opposite direction of its body, towards them. Its head was angled up and if it was alive, would have been staring right at him! If he looked closely he could make out a faint smile on the scarecrows head, a smile that deeply disturbed. He turned away to find Applejack, he wanted to ask her about it.
"Hey Applejack, what's with that scarecrow in your field? It's staring at us."
"Now that ain't right, our scarecrows look forward like normal ponies. Let me take a look" Applejack looked over the edge of the balloon.
"What are you talking about? It's facing the right way."
Robin looked over back at it, it's head was in the right position, away from them, slightly dangling as if it didn't have enough hay in its head. He gave it one more glance.
"That's....Weird"
"Aaaah you're just over excited for the party!" Rainbow Dash dove by and pointed out, on her second swoop she shouted.
"We're almost at the cloud line! Get ready."
"Oh! By the way Robin, I suggest you be on your best behavior and don't do anything crazy." Twilight stated almost like a teacher watching her kids on a field trip.
Robin laughed a little."Well I already knew that! But you make it sound especially important Twilight, why?"
"Well you see, when you crashed you sort of umm.. Well nearly, you know, killed princess Luna. But don't-"
"I NEARLY KILLED PRINCESS LUNA!? Why didn't you tell me that before I got in the balloon? She's going to be mad as all get out when she sees me sitting at the grand banquet hall!" Robin started to pace in the already small basket the balloon carried under it.
"Now, now, just calm down. I'm certain she can't be THAT mad." Rarity calmly stated trying to ease the nervousness out of silly Robin. "I'm certain if she wanted to hurt you she might have tried by now." She gave a little smile to this factor.
"Thank you Rarity, that helps SOOOOO much!"
"Can I finish what I was going to say?" Twilight butted back into the conversation trying to get her words out before another interruption.
"Alright, what did you want to say Twilight?"
"But don't panic, Celestia has asked you specifically too meet Luna in private, and apologize to her for nearly killing her. She knows it wasn't your fault, but Luna would appreciate that."
"You sure in private? No guards, no magical barrier? Just us!?"
"Yeah that's right."
"Twilight, how will you know if she won't try anything?"
"Celestia wrote in parenthesis at the bottom 'Don't worry, it'll be okay'. So I'm assuming she means you won't actually come to harm when talking to her!"
Robin thought about this, it did make sense, and Celestia wasn't one to lie to people for no good reason. But this was Luna! The Luna of the moon, who was imprisoned for a thousand years! She could probably hold a grudge. He took a breath, and slowly rolled it out his throat. "That is slightly comforting I'll admit, but I'm still going to be paranoid. You know that right?"
"Robin, if you weren't paranoid, then I'd worry."
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The rest of the trip slowly floated along on the pink hot air balloon. When the balloon gently tapped the courtyard of the castle, as lightly as a feather. The group strolled out of the balloon, filled with a never ending excitement, no matter how many times they went to the great castle of Celestia. It always awed them, the sheer beauty of the place. There was always a sense of safety, and happiness in every hall and corner of the castle! After several hallways and passages they finally reached the banquet hall, it seemed so different with only these seven small beings inside this large and amazing hall, with an arched roof reaching the heavens.
You will wait here, the princesses will arrive shortly." The guard firmly spat as he left the room, no one knows why. But the guards seem to always be upset! shutting the large, decorated door behind him. The room was silent for awhile, everyone just stared, wondering how amazing it must be to live in this beautiful castle! The sun was shining brightly through the stained-glass windows, reflecting off the shined and polished silver ware. Decorating the room in a rainbow of colors! Finally Robin broke the silence.
"Okay, who memorized the way in? I'm gonna guess you Fluttershy?" Everypony immediately looked at him, except Fluttershy who blushed and buried her face in her mane. Confused over such a silly question. Twilight broke the awkward silence.
"I do, but why?"
"Twilight, I need to know where I'm running if I mess things up and make Luna mad!" The entire band all slapped themselves on the face Unbelievable! He still thinks he might get hurt! Twilight let out an annoyed sigh. .
"Robin! You're not going to mess anything up!"
"What if I do? Do you think I'm okay with a mad blue pony trying to zap me into dust!?"
"Look, do you have any idea how paranoid you are right now?"
"Hey, do you think it'd be fun to die? I most certainly don't think so!"
"What's all this talk about dying?" With the argument going on among them, no one noticed Celestia and Luna walk in right behind Robin and listen to most of the argument. Celestia had announced the question rather cheerfully, almost like a mother interrupting her child's long conversation. The interruption sent Robin into a shaken, distorted, and stammering position.
"OH! Uh, well...."
"Yes?"
"It was....Uhmmm, that well, you know." Robin wore a weak smile on his now paled face.
Luna walked up to him, she was about his height (a little taller than the gang). As she stepped forward, Robin moved back.
"Hello Luna! It's so nice to meet you, I'm Robin. It's nice to meet you, hi!" Finally Robin had bumped into the table, unable to continue without getting on the table. Twilight, I knew something bad would happen! If only I listened to Rainbow Dash and just calmed down!. Luna leaned a slight bit forward, she was now right on his personal space bubble; nearly popping it! She started to get a small grin crinkling the corners of her mouth. Luna stared for a minute, it felt like a year to Robin. She pulled her head back and put on a full fledged smile! Giggling to herself.
"Ha! I got you." Luna cheerily grinned at the human, she whipped her head around to look at the other ponies.
"Hello everyone! I see our human is still not used to our world?" The others giggled at the question, Fluttershy piped in.
"We've been trying to make him comfortable...But he's a mad rabbit when it comes to what might happen to him when he goes outside." Now everypony in the room started to loose a joyous laughter! Fluttershy stared at the ground, grinning. Robin was standing there, rather awkwardly Okay, I guess that was funny?. Robin slowly scooted out from between the table and Luna Alright, just gonna look her in the eyes and say I'm sorry, okay, on one. Three, twoo-
"Robin, would you please come with me? I want to show you something!" Luna said with a slightly nervous squeak in her voice.
God! Da-
"I'd be... Happy too." Thank god i didn't finish that last thought!
Lunas eyes nearly popped with joy OH THANK THE MOON! She looked over at Pinkie "I get this overabundant joy from you!" With the last little giggle Luna and Robin departed, leaving Celestia and the others in the banquet hall. Robin gave the gang a look stating he'd wished Twilight did give him the directions. They only responded with a big grin and everypony saying!
"HAVE FUUUNN!"
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After walking down the halls the two finally reached the dark blue doors of Lunas chambers, she was about to open them but stopped.
"Is something wrong princess?"
"I scared you didn't I? You expected me to be mad, and that you would have to grimace at my feet. and beg for mercy, didn't you?"
Robin had to look away, that was exactly what he was expecting! But this felt like a friend greeting a long lost companion, someone you haven't seen in years! This was the complete opposite of what he expected! "I'm sorry princess, I just didn't expect you to be sooo, happy."
Luna turned her head and looked him right in the eyes, she smiled a little "When you crashed, I was angry, I wanted you gone. Back to where you came from, but my sister showed me a memory she saw in your head when she was inspecting you to find out how you got here. I saw just how much you appreciated me, and my powers." She looked down at her hooves, her blue mane covering her face.
"I never thought anyone cared for me, or what I ruled, but then I saw that you did. You cared for what no one else did." She looked up at him, a smile sincere and sweet spread across it. "I'm so glad to have met you Robin."
Robin stared for a moment, not knowing what to exactly say. He looked her dead in the face, they both just stood there and stared for a few minutes. Finally Luna spoke up "I brought you to my chambers, because I have a big surprise for you, are you ready?"
"Yes, princess."
"Please Robin, call me Luna."
She opened the door to her room and ushered him in, slowly Robin walked into a completely dark room, once they were both in she closed the door. The room was completely black. Robin could hear her hooves against the floor, until she was right next to him. Her horn slowly came to life, beautiful arks of magic sprout from her horn. The magic slowly went up into the air until several had gathered around a large sphere, all the other arks swooped and wizzed by, planting themselves in other floating entities.
finally the room was lit up by a replica moon! All around it constellations, solar systems, and other galaxy's were all lit up above their heads. Slowly it all started to spin, lighting every corner for a brief moment only to roll onto another surface. Robin looked at this marvel above his head, he had always loved seeing panoramas of the moon and space, but this topped them all! He felt as if he were in space, just floating there, watching it all go by. Behind him Luna pulled out the blanket that Robin had been carrying up the mountain when he crashed. When he had fallen, Celestia had taken the liberty of 'securing his equipment'.
"I believe this is yours. Shall we sit for awhile? Gaze at the stars in the middle of the day?" She giggled a little at the last part, since it was only 12:30 at noon.
"I really do think that's a good idea prin-! I mean, Luna." Luna walked over to Robin and layed the blanket out on the ground. She sat down in a comfortable sitting position, as Robin laid on his back, the same way he did the night he said hello to the moon. After this no words were said, both just laid there, staring up at the most beautiful spectacle either of them had seen.
_______________________________
Back at the banquet hall, Celestia had just finished explaining her sisters happiness, and the warning of the book from the sages. After a long dreaded silence, filled with thoughts of Robin or Lunas demise. Applejack looked up at Celestia.
"So, what you mean to say is, that after they become best friends, some horrible monsters gonna ruin the whole thing?"
Celestia slowly nodded her head "I'm afraid so. There is no way to deny this, either he, or my sister, will die."
No one really wanted to say anything after that, in fact they regretted ever eating, nothing was going to cheer them up for a bit. It had been nearly 3 hours since Luna had taken Robin to her quarters. Whatever Lunas surprise was, it must really be something! Pinkie nearly shouted in her mind. I wonder what it could possibly be? Finally she piped up.
"Speaking of humans, what in EQUESTRIA! Are those two doing? How amazing was this surprise?" She slumped down into the chair, only her head was visible.
"My dear Pinkie, you must understand my sister's forgiving him for what she did. She's also trying to make a friend, and that takes time." Celestia responded gently, assuring Pinkie that he would come back eventually. Twilight was still stumped about this she had more questions. She had to ask them!
"But princess, is there any way to avoid either of them from getting killed?"
Celestia shook her head solemnly, Twilight could tell she was thinking the same thing.
"No, I'm sorry Twilight, to all of you, but there is no way to avoid any of what will occur. All we can do is prepare and hope when it does happen...We are ready for the fate either of them will take." After another long span of silence Celestia finally stood up.
"I think it is time you all went home, get some rest my dear ponies."
"Wait! What about Robin?" Rainbow Dash had asked. Celestia thought for a minute.
"You go on ahead to the balloon, I'll go get him."
__________________________________________
Celestia was at the door of her sisters chambers, inside she could hear talking, laughter, and the occasional tap or bump. She is so happy with him here, a friend she can call her own. I'm so sorry your life has been lead in such a horrible fashion until now. I hope you have enough courage for the end. She felt a sudden chill down her spine. A faint, distant voice whispered in a hushed and malignant tone.
"So, the boy has finally arrived. My time is at hand!"
"Who are you!? Show yourself!" Celestia whipped her head back and forth but no sign of any other being was present. Was that, my imagination? That voice, that being was of a great evil and darkness, just the voice told her that much. Is this the being he must fight? Would he even stand for a minute? Celestia shook this out of her head for the time being. She put on a believable smile, and strolled into Lunas room.
"Ohhhhh Luna! It's time for your friend to go." Luna rose up off the blanket and grimaced a little.
"Can't he stay a little longer? Or perhaps I could go with them?"
"No sister, I'm sorry but you can't"
"Well than!" Luna twisted around to Robin who was finishing up folding the blanket.
"Will you write me whenever Twilight writes to my sister? We could be pen pals! Until you visit again?" Robin had put the blanket away and walked over to Luna, he wrapped his arms around her neck, giving her a big hug.
"Of course I will you silly princess!" Robin left the room with Celestia and Luna leading him back to the hot air balloon. Finally everyone was aboard and the balloon took off, immediately questions flew! What was Lunas surprise? Was it big? Was it crafty? Was it this and that all the way out of earshot.
"Sister, thank you so much for everything!" Luna ran up and nuzzled her sisters neck. Celestia missed this, she missed when they could just be sisters, and forgot the horrors of the past.
"He will be the ultimate wall of light,against my wreathing shadow. Be warned princess of light. I AM COMING!"
"Sister, are you alright?" Celestias skin had become a freezing cold breeze! She shuddered and shook, suddenly she stopped and looked at Luna.
"No sister. I'm not alright, I believe I know who will die...When it comes."
A few weeks had passed since Robins very first visit to the castle. His life seemed to go into a routine, walk around, help where needed, and eat the occasional cupcake. He had to admit though, every time he sent a letter to Luna he was always more than excited for the next letter! They always carried a small trinket, a caring and feeling paragraph, and usually a funny picture to boot. This day was different from most, usually he was as he put it 'Swapped' around with the gang so one night he'd sleep and learn from Twilight, another he might practice sowing from Rarity. The list just keeps going on! But instead of 'swapping' to another ponies house, instead they all planned on a picnic/camp out in the apple families orchard!
Robin and Twilight were the last to make it though, on account of Twilight needing to carry nearly thirty books for how to make picnics fun! Dear Celestia! Does she really need all these books!? Robin had to carry most of them sadly sense Twilights bags could only hold so many. Finally they were at the apple orchard gate. As soon as Twilight opened the gate, a rainbow blur shot by! Scaring both of them, and causing Robin to drop all twenty four books in his hands. Robin and Twilight both gave Rainbow Dash a nasty glare, but she only laughed harder at the sight of their faces.
"Rainbow Dash! Why would you do that? Do you have any idea how hard it is to hold twenty four books!?"
"Ah calm down. Heehee you should see your faces, Ohh man. Okay, okay.." Rainbow Dash tried to hold it but only busted into more laughter. At the same time, AppleJack and Pinkie had noticed the laughter as Rarity and Fluttershy were setting up the blanket and dinner.
"Hey, what's goin on over here?"
Robin pointed a thumb at Rainbow Dash. "Ask Mrs. Speedsalot." Pinkie immediately started to giggle and tear up a little.
"Mrs. Speedsalot, that's a good one!" Pinkie finally started an outright laughing riot! rolling around, bumping into trees, jumping around. Was it really that funny? Robin thought to himself for the entire duration of her laughter. She finally stopped, took a deep breath and said. "Who's ready for cake?"
Twilight looked back at her books, then to Pinkie. "What about my books? I can't just leave them."
"I got'em Twilight!" Pinkie calmly stated as she carried all the books over to the picnic. Robin leaned closer to Twilight
"How did she do that?"
"It's Pinkie, I don't bother trying to figure out any more." Twilight shrugged and kept walking. Robin looked at Pinkie, then to Rainbow Dash who gave an equally agreeable shrug and flew off. Robin shrugged as well Screw physics, It's Pinkie Pie!. Finally everyone was assembled at the picnic blanket. The sun was starting to set so a few stars started to come out. The meal so far was down right delicious! And Robin was only halfway through the appetizers. Man, you'd think they had an entire feast planned out!. Twilight was looking through her books and found an idea for a mid-dinner game.
"Hey! How about we play truth or dare?"
AppleJack gave Twilight a funny, almost confused look. "I thought that game was for sleepovers?"
"Well isn't this a picnic, sleepover mix?"
Rarity noticed this and piped in, excited to see what she could get Pinkie or Robin to tell or do. "You do have a fine point there Twilight, why not? Who wants to start us off?"
Rainbow Dash Immediately raised her hand. "I call it!! Pinkie!" Pinkie looked up from the platter of cupcakes she was consuming at an ungodly rate. "I dare you to throw a cupcake at a tree!" Pinkie gasped, her eyes nearly leaving her head.
"Are you crazy!? These aren't boring normal snacks, these are cupcakes, CUPCAKES!"
Rainbow Dash gave a sly grin and slowly floated by Pinkie. "If you don't you loooose." Pinkie frowned.
"Oh fine!" She selected the nearest tree, grabbed a chocolate cupcake. She took aim, and threw as hard as she could! A loud doughy slap filled the air as the cupcake collided with the tree.
"My cupcake!!" Pinkie went sprinting over to the tree and started to lick up the remaining cupcake, she slowed and thought for a minute. "You know, the tree sap really compliments the chocolate!!" Immediately Pinkie took her cupcakes and started to throw them left and right, eating off the remaining sappy cupcake remains. AppleJack, now thoroughly disgusted shot Rainbow Dash an angry stare.
"Now look what you done! If she eats the tree on accident..." AppleJack started to grumble a little to herself, watching pinkie eat the tree flavored cupcakes. Rarity looked around the circle.
"Alright, who's next?" Silence was the answer for a few minutes until Fluttershy piped up.
"Robin." Robin took heed of his name being called and looked up from his salad.
"Yeah Fluttershy?"
"Truth, is Robin your actual name?"
Rarity saw the interesting gossip worthy information she could get out of this one. "Oooh! Good one Fluttershy!"
Robin looked at the ponies, he flung his head down, giggling a little to himself and shaking his head. "You won't believe this, but it actually isn't."
"Well then what really is it?" Fluttershy was almost as intrigued now as Rarity!
"Well. I can't just tell you, I have to explain it, see. It goes a little something like this. My parents wanted to call me Robin based on this book and movie series called 'Winnie The Pooh'. Well, They were going to but everyone in our family said I would just be made fun of and it wasn't a name in our family bloodline. So finally after enough complaints and pointers, my mom went with 'Tailer' my dads last name, for a middle name."
Rarity was a little confused as to who this Winnie the pooh Robin was, "But darling, we don't know who this Robin you've nicknamed yourself after is."
"Oh! Right, in the books. Christopher Robin was this human boy, the world it was set in was his imagination for his toys, a bear, a tiger, and a few other animals. The reason they wanted to name me after him was because they think I was as imaginative and creative as him, well they kept the Christopher part."
"So what is your full name?" Fluttershy and Rarity were leaning closer to Robin, intent on hearing every syllable of his name.
"Hey I'm not done yet. The reason I decided to take it as a nickname was because first off everyone in our world automatically nicknames Christophers Chris, which I find incredibly annoying. Secondly, I feel like my parents were onto something, I don't know if it's just me or there really is a connection. Bah who knows, anyways onto my name! Fillies and gentle colts. My full honest real name. Is Christopher-" Robin was cut short. Lightning blasted somewhere nearby. Clouds had started to form overhead, the wind was starting to howl. Robin had to nearly shout.
"I thought the weather was going to be clear?"
Rainbow Dash was looking over head. "I don't know! There was nothing on the schedule." The light from the stars was starting to fade, the shadows grew deeper, and longer. A voice called from the skies, its malignant tone sent chills down there spines.
"I have arrived! you pathetic little beings, calling yourself entities makes me sick. It is time you were erased from the universe! Prepare for shadow!" The area became even darker than before, they could barely see the barn.
"Prepare for suffering!" AppleJack looked around terrified, she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Sis?" AppleJack whipped around to see Big Macintosh there.
"Big Mac! Where's everyone else? How di-" As she stepped closer, her brother started to rot, his eyes started to glow a faint crimson red, after only a few brief moments, AppleJack was staring at a grotesque, rotting monster! It slowly started to limp to them, keeping straight eye contact with AppleJack at all times.
"Prepare, for the ending of the light. Prepare for DEATH AND DARKNESS!" Immediately from the shadows sprouted several other rotting forms. Some small, skinny, large, frail. Any shape of any pony was limping towards them, soulless, lidless eyes, not a word upon their dry husked lips. Robin looked around disgusted, what was all this!? He looked around, the gang was all around the picnic.
"We have to get back to town! We need a light!" Twilight and Rarity both immediately, without a second thought. Brought a magnificent light in the darkness. The monsters faces could more easily be distinguished, they knew these ponies, there! That was Cheerilee. Over there was Mister and Misses Cake! Even Applebloom was among them. These were relatives, friends, even acquaintances. All turned into monsters! Robin saw the gate was still open, they had a clear shot! Immediately he stood up and pulled out his weapons, he started to shuffle to the gate, the others took heed and followed, Cheerilee was right in front of him, slowly walking to him.
"Cheerilee, don't make me do this! Your a good teacher!" The monster that was once Cheerilee took no heed, it attempted a charge, head-first to Robins stomach. Robin deftly jumped over the charging carcass I'm sorry! Robin brought the dagger and blade down, striking through the soft rotten flesh. Immediately the monster screeched, the screech was nothing of pony nature! It was a noise that could never be conceived by any living thing! As it fell to the ground it started to dissipate, slowly the monster melted back into the shadows it originally spawned in. The group was finally out the main gate and on the road, they sprinted to town! Terrified of what they may find there, but hoping for an answer! Luna! I hope you're safe!
___________________________________
At the castle, the courtyard had become a battlefield. The monster had arrived at the castle just as badly as ponyville! Celestia was right in the fray, feinting left and right, shooting magical bolts, setting barriers where needed. She had done this before it was not new. She suddenly felt a warm and calming thought in her mind, it wasn't hers, it was Robins! She didn;t know why she was the one to hear it. But faintly she could hear Robin think. Luna! I hope you're safe! Celestia remembered the book, if there was any hope they had to be together! She slew a few more of the monster and looked around frantically calling over and over. "Luna! Luna! Where are you!?"
From the middle of the courtyard she could finally catch a glimpse of her sister, she wasn't as weak a child as she used to be. Luna was dashing around top speed! Impaling foes on the spot, shooting magic arks at any foe trying to get close. Finally Celestia had fought her way to Luna.
"Luna! You must get to Ponyville!"
"Why sister!? I am needed here!"
"The darkness wants you here! What is at Ponyville?"
Luna thought for a moment but realization hit her like a carriage "ROBIN!!" Immediately she flew off. Already out of site.
"Fly sister, and please make it, for all our sakes." Celestia let a tear drop. Only to be interrupted by another of the ugly beasts.
____________________________________
Finally at the center of town. All was quiet, no one was around, the monsters were gone, even the weather died down. In place of Celestias statue was a scarecrow, its head was limp, as if it didn't have enough hay. Its head slowly raised up and sniffed a little, only to put on the grin that disturbed Robin weeks ago.
"Soooo, the wall appears. It must know how pathetic it must be? You have only slayed one of many. Heehee, I hope you are prepared, wall of light. For you shall CRUMBLE!! Just like the rest of the universe!" Immediately from out of the nearest shadows, the monsters all slowly dug there way out of the darkness, only to look more horrifying than before. There eyes were now pure red, organs showed and leaked. skin was frail and torn. Robin looked at the gang, they were petrified, he knew they wouldn't attack, they were scared stiff! He looked at Pinkie This is my only chance! No, this was our only chance.
"Pinkie!" Pinkie slowly glanced at Robin. Keeping slight eye contact with the monsters
"What did your Grandmother tell you when you were little?" Robins voiced became gentle, he started to lightly sing, the others started to take notice.
"When I was a little filly and the sun was going dooown, the darkness and the shadows used to make me frooown."
All the ponies knew the rest, there hope was slowly returning! They all sang together.
"She said Pinkie you gotta stand up tall, learn to face your fears, you'll see that they can't hurt you!" There faces wore grins, there eyes a flame of bravery! He had them back from the clutches of fear. As they continued the rallying song. Robin faced back forward, his weapons drawn, he stared right in the scarecrows blank eyes as it tore itself off its post, claws extending from its gloves.
"Now that the field is leveled." Robins face had no fear, he knew they could do this! He was confident, fear could only go so far! "Let's see you crumble the wall of light!" Immediately they sprang into action, the main six were dispatching the monsters left and right. As Robin and the Scarecrow met half way to the center of town.
Robin was fatigued. This thing knew dodging like a second language! It lazily flowed left and right, dodging any and all attacks. Never once did it strike him though. It's trying to get me tired, I have to conserve my energy. Robin slowed, he jabbed, feinted, followed the scarecrow left and right. It was a dance, a dance of battle, dodges, jabs, misses, this went for what felt like hours to Robin, finally he expected the next feint, he understood the monster, with a side swing his sword had cut the side of the Scarecrow. It was a light cut, barely going through the leathery fabric. The scarecrow stopped and stared at where he cut.
"So, you really can fight? Let's make this interesting then." The grin had become wider, nearly stretching behind its sack head. Without a second thought its arms shot out from its sides, Robin could only barely dodge as the blades gashed his side. The scarecrow brought back the claws, blood on its claws was visible, it stuck a claw into the smile.
"Mmmm, the blood of light is different than others. It tastes... Innocent, sweet, and so much more delectable."
"Get out of Equestria you disgusting, ugly, freak!" Robin attempted a cut to the side, only to miss and have it spin behind him.
"Oooh, did wall forget the dance?" Before Robin could turn around one of the scarecrows legs came straight up, kicking Robin to the ground. The scarecrow jumped up and collided with the center of Robins back, its heels digging into Robin.
"Tsk, tsk. I was hoping the wall of light would stand to see the end." Robin felt the heels dig into his back, he grimaced then finally let out a scream as the heels let out a blade, puncturing his skin, he felt the warm blood across his back. The scarecrow bent down and lifted Robins head. Robin saw the gang, they were fighting to the end!They all had nicks and bruises, but they were okay! In the name of Celestia, don't stop fighting! It doesn't matter what happens to me. I'm a visitor to this world, but you live here! Don't stop! Not for anything!
The scarecrow let go of Robins head, it stood as straight as a tree. The scarecrow brought its arms straight in front of it, claws dangling down like little, horrifying charms. The grin was now all the way to the back of his head, each end of his mouth slightly touching on the back of his head.
"And now, wall of light. Defender of this world. Crumble, and see the world and universe swallowed in my eternal darkness." A loud impaling ring bursted through the air. All the ponies looked back to Robin, even the monsters stopped and stared. A dark blue mare, had impaled her horn into the chest of the scarecrow. Robin could slightly see her tail dangling down, he knew it was Luna! His strength and confidence returned, his greatest friend, was here at his side to defend everything they knew to the very end. He grabbed his dagger and held it backhand, he swung his arm up, stabbing the dagger into the scarecrows side.
"Screw you! Your darkness has no place here!" As he finished this, Luna let off a magical blast, her horn still inside the scarecrow! The bag of hay went sailing across the town square and collided with a nearby house. When it collapsed on the ground it started to twitch, convulse, and have what appeared to be a seizure. As this continued, it slowly started to stand up, blood was visibly pouring from the dagger and horn wound.
"The wall of light shall crumble, the wall of light shall crumble. All who side with the wall shall die and fall under its heavy bricks, THE WALL SHALL CRUMBLE!!" As it shouted each statement, its limbs started to stretch, the baggy rags were now ripped and stretched on the ever growing scarecrow, after it finished transforming, it stood almost as tall as the house it collided with! Muscle, tendon, and bone were visible from where the rags could not cover. Its entire being was dripping with blood.
Luna was finally in a rage. "How dare you harm my friend!" She took off and charged the scarecrow, he was expecting this with a hand lowered, ready to grab her. Robin saw this and raised his hand to try and stop her to no success.
"LUNA NO!!" The monster grabbed Luna by the stomach and threw her on the ground in front of it, the monster picked her back up and threw her across the square back to where Robin laid, she collided with a support beam. A loud recognizable crack filled the air as Luna fell to the ground, one of her wings were in a completely off position. The monster with a few easy steps, made his way over to her limp form. it raised one of its mangled claws high into the air.
"And now, The wall of light shall suffer, as the first blockade is shattered!"
Robin shut his eyes tight, he didn't want to see her die. He didn't want any of this Dear Celestia, why me?. Robin opened an eye and could see the hand coming down, shooting straight for Luna No! I can't let him do this. I have to get up! He slowly tried to get up, the pain unbearable, his back was a scorching throbbing mess! He thought he might faint. When he saw a light. a beautiful light from the stars. The light started to spin and morph into many colors. The lights comforted him, he knew everything was right. This light slowly filled the area, no one else seemed to notice it. As Robin looked around, he noticed everyone was frozen in place What is this light? What truly is it? As this question came to him a feminine voice gracefully echoed through the square. The colors vibrating with each syllable.
"This is not what will be, dear human, she is not the one to die."
"It's me, isn't it?"
"Yes. I am sorry you must end it like this."
Robin let a tear fall down his cheek as he remembered what he said on that second hike up the mountain.
"Even if our thread were to be pulled out, who would notice?"
The voice went silent, but slowly answered "The universe."
Finally the claw struck down. A deep, sickening noise rang out. Luna was staring into the face of Robin! She looked down to see the claws go straight through his stomach, nearly touching her. Luna looked back up into Robins eyes, a brilliant light shown from them.
"Robin, please don't end it like this." He brought up a comforting smile, he lifted his hand to her cheek. Robin let a thumb trail from her cheek, to ear and back. Robin slowly pulled against the hand toward Luna, he leaned forward and whispered in her ear.
"Hello, my name is Christopher Tailer Gilland, and it is a honor to make your friendship, Luna." The monster finally tugged Robin up and brought him into the air. Dangling him like a skewered pig.
"Any final words wall of light? Before your blood is mine?"
The smile on Robins face became a full feature, his eyes purely glowed, his face beamed with a celestial light!
"All life on this earth is but a tiny thread." From Robins back protruded several arms made of pure magic, these arms glowed with the light of an entire galaxy! Two of the biggest limbs pulled Robin off the claws.
"Upon the tapestry known as the universe." Another limb brought forth a sphere made of complete magic and light! The sphere was forced into the Scarecrows chest, immediately he started to char and burn.
Even if our thread were to be pulled." Other arms with celestial weapons charged the monster, slicing limbs, stabbing muscle, impaling him to the where the statue of Celestia once stood.
"Who would notice?Who would see our grand empires? Our great rulers? Our great machines? Who would see their love, passion, songs, music? The answer is no one. But I have learned something." Robin leaned close to the bloody and horrified face of the Scarecrow, still holding a grin. "I learned, that no matter where you go, no matter what you do. There is something that notices. Not a being, not a god, not a king, not a peasant. Something is what sees you do either harm, or pleasure, or help to the universe. Because you know what? It is the universe. Goodbye, Scarecrow, go scare another flock of crows." With these parting words the magical sphere inside the scarecrow exploded! Sending Robin flying back, he landed next to Luna. The weather started to rain, but the remains of the scarecrow continued to burn. All the ponies who were turned into monsters slowly returned to a more living form, but it took its time. All the group that had been with Robin rushed over to him.
"Robin! No you can't go away, not yet!" Twilight sniffed and started to cry, she looked down at his wound, he was bleeding from the stomach and side, his hand was all that kept his organs from spilling out onto the floor. She knew he wasn't going to make it.
"Robin, please don't you still have so much potential!" Fluttershy started to cry and whimper, like an innocent pup.
"Nah, this just ain't right, it ain't fair! You should get to stay a little longer at least." Applejack sat down, the tears streamed down her face.
Robin finally sputtered, he looked to each one of them and smiled. "You all taught me so much this past month or so. You taught me how to care, you taught me how to smile, you taught me how to be brave. Most of all, you taught me something very important." He looked over at Luna who was just staring at him, there eyes met, he saw the tears, the strain, and the grief his death would cause her. He felt so sorry but this was what came to be, he finally spoke a few more words.
"You Luna, you taught me this very important thing." He leaned a little closer and whispered into her ear, her eyes finally filled with tears and she let them drain down the side of her face, she didn't want him to go! She learned just as much about happiness as he did! Why did the future have to be cruel? Robin leaned back, he looked at all of them, gave one last nod. With his final breath he whispered.
"I hope, that when I'm gone. You all can still carry the happiness and courage to smile and continue on. Goodbye my little ponies..." Robin slowly closed his eyes, his face seemed calm and quiet. His head went limp and the others all stared for a minute. Finally, Luna shakily stood up put a ear on his chest. "Robin? Robin?" No response came from the body laying before them, they all stood there for awhile, grieving there friend. As they started to grieve, the rain stopped, the clouds parted. And the most beautiful and clearest rainbow shone through the sky, over Ponyville that very same day.
"There, it's almost done! Just need to finish the engraving." Luna was in the middle of the maze at the Canterlot garden. She had worked days and nights on this, most with little to no sleep or food! As she took a step back to examine her work, she bumped into her sister.
"AGH! Sister, why did you sneak up on me?"
"I wanted to see the progress Luna, I almost came to say you need to rest." Celestia looked at her sister, she was covered in dust and sweat. Her mane was a mess. She smelled strongly of masonry and work. "You need to take a bath, eat a feasts worth of food! And go to bed."
Luna stomped her hoof, planting it firmly on the grass. "I won't leave until I've accomplished this! I only need to put on the final engraving. I need to put on what we learned from eachother so others might learn as well." Luna looked down, Celestia understood the pain her sister was in right now. She also had seen many good friends come and go. She finally nodded.
"Alright Luna, finish the engraving but then you will be taking a bath and eating, I'll make sure of it." Celestia gave a light giggle. Luna looked up at her big sister and smiled. She nodded and immediately picked up the hammer and chisel again, slowly carving the words to perfect formation. She stood up from her labor and took a few steps back.
"I miss you Robin, I really do." The statue was of the moment when Robin had looked his bravest, when he smiled at her, when he was impaled through by the scarecrow. She did regret never finding a way to put in a light in his eyes I wish I could have done him that one last service. As she turned to follow her sister, bright lights slowly seeped from the sky, these lights were familiar to her.
"Luna, what are all these lights? They seem, different from most lights."
"I'm not sure sister, but they are familiar." As Luna continued to stare the lights slowly flowed to the statue, like a river amongst a mountain. The lights all streamed up and into the eyes of Robins statue. His eyes glowed a brilliant multi-colored hue His eyes, that's the light he had when he died. Luna looked up into the sky, she smiled a little and faintly whispered.
"Thank you."
Celestia looked at Luna then to the statues eyes she smiled and shook her head Some things are best kept between friends.
"Come along dear Luna, you need some rest."
"Yes sister." As the two slowly trotted out of the maze, Luna looked back the first of many times at the statue of Robin, she looked at the inscription, finally she turned away, following after her sister. The inscription has been seen by many a pony visiting the castle, of those who see it, few truly comprehend the power in it. If you were to go to the castle, and read the inscription it would read:
Christopher Tailer Gilland, Defender of the light and Ponyville
This brave soul fought against a most terrifying monster, darkness in the form of a scarecrow.
This monsterous being tore through the fabric of nightmares and attempted to swallow the world
in darkness...
But Robins soul was stronger.
His soul never wavered from the truth, it was just and honorable. He always knew right from wrong.
This greatness is what gave him the light that stopped the monster before it could achieve its
grisly goal.
On that night, he was impaled through by the monster, but even then, dying on the cold, bloody floor
of the town square in Ponyville he still found words and told Princess Luna what he had learned.
His final words to our dear princess Luna were these exact words.
"The one thing you'll always find...Is Friendship, love, happiness, and care no matter where you go,