> A Pegasus' Dream
>  by PrincessDashie
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prolouge : A Dream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I remember the first time I met her, on that day twenty-two years ago.  I was assigned a task by my mentor and teacher, Princess Celestia, to visit the town of Ponyville and study the magic of friendship.  I could have cared less about making friends; that's what the old me would say at least.  Upon meeting my friends: Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash, my views did not last, and I was soon drawn towards them: for what reasons... I really can't say. 

From a young age, my life was dedicated to the study of magic: from the time I was young, I always adored the Pegasus race and their natural ability of flight.  I wished one day, I could perfect a spell in which I would adorn myself with wings of my own.  Upon reaching Ponyville and making friends for the first time in my life, I began to give up on my dream of having my own wings, and pursued learning about friendship, as per my teacher's request.  This did not last long, as my interest was soon rediscovered after a successful spell, resulting with giving my friend Rarity, a set of temporary wings.  Sure, they lasted only three days, but it confirmed outside of academics, that perhaps with some tweaking, a set of real Pegasus wings could be given to a Unicorn, and perhaps even an Earth pony.

Three short years passed in the blink of an eye.  Outside of saving Equestria from a deranged Changeling Queen, a power hungry Unicorn, and the reform of a Draconequus, whom despite my view, has proven beneficial to the kingdom: I had plunged myself muzzle-first into my studies and soon had true visions of a future with wings for myself.  However, despite my intentions, I was gifted with wings, in exchange for my mortality.  Celestia failed to mention her plans in which I would become her successor after my transition into a member of the Alicorn Royal Family.  Was I happy?  Perhaps.  Was I upset?  Definitely: I dedicated the majority of my life to the study of Pegasi anatomy, and magical manipulation.  But in the end, the emotion that overpowered me was the feeling of betrayal.  

Why would I feel betrayed when I was finally gifted with what I longed for my entire life?  To put it simply, I fell in love.  The only thing I loved more than my gift of magic, was my love of reading.  And what happened upon one of my closest of friends discovering her love for reading?  I fell head over hooves in love with her, and sought to do anything within my power to pursue these feelings.  Hearts and Hooves day was soon upon us, and I felt as if the time was right.  Love was never my specialty, so I read a book about the history of the Holiday.  I know... sounds exactly like what I would do right?  However: I only managed to read the first few pages before I loaned it to Sweetie Belle and her friends.  Soon after, I found the Pegasus I was searching for, napping on the outskirts of town.  She wasn't exactly difficult to find, the sky was fairly clear that day, and it was quite unusual for a lone cloud to hang around so close to the ground.  Looking up, I wished once more for wings, however I did my best at what I could do given my circumstance...

“Rainbow Dash!” I yelled towards the cloud.  A few moments passed, and I proceeded to yell again.  “Rainbow!  I know you're up there!”  I waited another minute, but never received an answer.  To this day I still feel bad for what I did next, as I closed my eyes and with a quick dissaperating spell, I dematerialized the cloud, resulting in my best friend plummeting to the ground below.  Freaking out, I ran to her side as she slowly sat up, rubbing her head with the frog of her hoof.

“Darn it egghead, what was that for?” she asked, and I could tell she weren't very happy at my antics.  Sitting down next to her, I apologized for my previous actions, to which she forgave me... reluctantly.  Furthermore, I endorsed my apology by inviting her to lunch.  The small cafe on the corner by 'sofa and quills' was always her favorite go to eating establishment, and I must admit I was quite partial to their daisy and hay sandwich they served on Sundays.  Our 'date' went well, at-least, as well as 'well' could be.  Rainbow Dash however, discovered my feelings and although was not in the least pushed away by them, she did not pursue them either, so despite my new found depression, I continued on with my studies.  

A year later however, my magical talents exceeded even those of Star-Swirl the Bearded.  But upon this I was immediately forced into a life as an Alicorn, and recognized as the new Princess of Equestria.  Years passed, and one by one my friends seemed to grow distant, yet my love for that Pegasus did not fade.  It has been ten years since I last saw her and my newest spell has just been completed.  Princess Celestia, does not approve of this, and for good reason too.  Upon casting this spell, I will cease to exist in this time-line.  I will not die, rather, I will change my destiny at an earlier point in my life, where that point is, I don't know.

Giving my scroll one last glance, I close my eyes and with a soft glow from my horn, a small glowing blue sphere appeared on the ground directly in front of me.  Looking back and taking a deep breath, I walked into the sphere and closed my eyes.  It took a moment, but the glow from the sphere intensified, and with it, the feeling as if all my cares in the world were slowly melting away, as my vision slowly went dark.  “This is it” I thought, “my dream.”
> Chapter 1 : The Birth
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winter in Canterlot was always exceptionally cold; It's kind of expected, being situated on the top of a mountain.  Hearth's Warming Eve was only a day away, and all sorts of ponies lined the streets, partaking in their yearly Hearth's Warming shopping.  

“Honey, take a look at this.” Twilight Velvet called out to her husband, Nightlight.  

“Shining will love this” Nightlight stated, looking at a 'Royal Guard Action Set' before placing into their shopping cart.  “You know” He said, “Shining is going to be ten in a few months.”  Twilight Velvet pressed into her husbands side and nuzzled him affectionately.  

“Three more years and he'll be old enough to enroll into the Royal Guard Training School” Twilight said.  Nightlight nodded as he paid the clerk and led his wife out of the store, and into the overly congested streets.

Nightlight led Twilight down the street, and into a busy cafe on the corner.  Like the shops and streets, the cafe was no different; and was packed to the brim with ponies looking to eat and escape the cold for a while.  A few minutes passed, but a hostess soon showed Nightlight and his wife to a corner booth at the back side of the cafe.  Minutes later, a Unicorn waitress placed a set of menus before them, and took their drink orders; leaving them once more in idle chat.

“You know” Nightlight said; taking a sip of his sweet tea.  “I'm quite proud of Shining, for taking after his grandfather, pursuing a future as royal guard.”  

Twilight placed her cup of tea onto the table, gave a nod and quickly placed her hoof to her stomach and let out a soft moan.  

“Honey, are you alright?”  Nightlight asked.  

“It's time” Twilight replied.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Nightlight quietly paced to and fro in the waiting room: taking a look at the clock every couple of minutes.  He wished for nothing more than to be by his wife's side as she gave birth, but he was quite displeased as the Hospital did not allow for anypony besides the patient and medical staff.

Eighteen hours she spent in labor; the pain, a constant reminder that this would be her last foal.  Twilight Velvet let out one last scream before the delivery room was filled with the crying of a newborn foal.  

“It's a filly.” Spoke the doctor, as he placed the filly onto the belly of her mother, while gently drying the newborn off.  A few moments later, a nurse returned with Nightlight who quickly took his place beside his wife, and nuzzled her affectionately.

Twilight Velvet looked down at her daughter; whose purple eyes stared back from behind locks of purple and pink mane.  Twilight Velvet ran her hoof down the filly's soft purple fur, trailing the leading edge of her tiny purple wings.  “Honey” She spoke to Nightlight.  “I didn't know one of us had a Pegasus in our family.”  Nightlight stroked his daughter's mane, placing a soft kiss on his wife's cheek.  

“I didn't know either” he replied, kissing Twilight Velvet on her cheek. “But it doesn't matter, she's beautiful... just like her mother.”

“Miss Velvet, have you thought of a name?” The doctor asked, as he walked back over, hovering a clipboard in front of his face.  

Twilight Velvet looked into her daughter's eyes, and into her husband's eyes, before shrugging her shoulders.  “We... actually never talked about this” Twilight Velvet said, “we skipped the ultrasound, to let the gender be a surprise.”  Nightlight took his daughter's hoof in his own. 

“What about...” Nightlight started.  “Twilight... Sparkle?”  

The filly looked back and forth between her two parents.  Twilight Velvet kissed her daughter on her cheek and smiled.  “Twilight Sparkle... my daughter.”


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Three years later; in a quiet suburb in downtown Canterlot, a shattering crash emanated from a tiny house on the corner, followed by a filly's cries.  

“Twilight!  Oh Nightlight! What do I do?”  Velvet asked her husband, while picking her daughter up off the floor, while Nightlight lifted the overturned bookcase and sat it upright once more.  

“I have no clue dear” he replied, “I have no idea how to teach her to fly.  I thought she would learn this naturally but...”  

Velvet sat her daughter down on the couch, and checked her over for injuries.  “Just a scrape, but I'm worried dear, we really need to find somepony to help us with this.”  Nightlight nodded, taking a seat next to his wife.  

“What about Shining's friend Cadance?” Nightlight asked.  

“Well...” Velvet replied.  “Isn't she a bit young?”  

“Mama.” Twilight squeaked out.  “I wanna fwy.”  Velvet rubbed her daughter's head and smiled.  “Soon sweetie, we'll see if we can find somepony who wouldn't mind teaching you.”  

Twilight smiled upon hearing this.  “Yay!” 

That evening, Shining Armor walked up the stairs to her bedroom, and let himself in to find her still awake looking through a picture book.  “Hi big bwother” Twilight said, while running to him and giving him a hug.  Shining Armor returned the hug, and with a glow of his horn, picked her up and placed her into her bed.  

“Time for bed squirt” Shining Armor said, only to be met with a 'awww' from the little Pegasus.  “Now don't give me that look Twilight” Shining Armor said, “I'll read you a story if you promise me you will go to sleep, ok?”  Twilight's eyes snapped open in glee as she settled down under her covers as Shining Armor pulled up a chair and hovered a book in front of his lap.

“It's called, the pony who wished she could fly.”  Shining Armor said, reading the title.  Turning the page, he began the story.  

“Once upon a time, in the land of Equestria.  There were two best friends, one Pegasus, and one Unicorn.  Everyday, the Unicorn would go to school, while her friend would play in the clouds.  Why can't I fly? Asked the Unicorn... The next day, the Unicorn started studying, for a way to grow wings.  One day, Princess Celestia visited the Unicorn, and asked why she was sad.  After telling the Princess her wishes, the Princess agreed to give her wings.  The next day, the Unicorn met with her Pegasus friend, and they spent the whole day flying amongst the clouds together, and they lived happily ever after.  The End.”  

Shining Armor placed the book down, and looked at the peaceful sleeping filly in front of him.  Using his magic he pulled the covers up to her chin and kissed her on the forehead.  “Goodnight, love you little sis” he said, before turning to leave the room.  As he reached the door, a soft voice overtook his ears.  

“Wuv you too big bwother.”


	

> Chapter 2 : Meet The Foalsitter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning Twilight awoke to the smell of her favorite breakfast in the world; pancakes. She immediately threw herself out of bed and jolted out of her bedroom.  Running as fast as she could; she opened her wings upon reaching the staircase and threw herself over the edge, she glided quickly before losing control and crashing into the front door.  “My head..” she whimpered, as Velvet came running into the living room.  

“Aww, my poor baby, are you OK?” Velvet cooed, rubbing her daughters head gently.  

Twilight looked up at her mother through tear filled eyes and replied, “Y..yeah... Ah'm... OK.”  

Velvet finished surveying her daughter for injuries, before placing her back onto her feet.  “Come on sweetie, breakfast is almost ready.”  Twilight's ears perked up at the sound of this, she scrambled to make her way into the kitchen, where she quickly jumped up into her chair, impatiently awaiting her prize.

“Morning,” said Shining Armor as he sleepily made his way into the kitchen, doing his best to avoid tripping over his own hooves.  

“Morning Dear” Velvet said, giving Shining Armor a peck on the cheek, causing him to blush in embarrassment.  

“Mom... not cool” he said.  

“What?  Can I not give my only son a good morning kiss?” Velvet asked.  

“Mom... kisses are for little fillies and colts, I'm a grown stallion” Shining Armor replied.  

Velvet chuckled as she gave him another small kiss, “Last I checked you were only 10 years old... that still constitutes as a colt in my book dear.”  Shining grumbled as he took his seat next to Twilight, who giggled away at her brothers embarrassment.  

“Morning squirt, what's so funny?”  He asked, causing her to sit straight up.  

“N..nothin....” she replied, hastily shaking her head side to side, before letting out another giggle.  Shining let out a chuckle, his little sister always had that effect on him.  No matter what happened, he could always count on her for a smile.

“OK everypony, who wants pancakes?” Velvet asked, levitating a plate with a giant stack of pancakes on it, towards the table.  

Immediately Twilight threw her hoof up in the air, waving it back and forth while chanting, “Oh! Me, me, I do!”  

Velvet placed a few onto Twilight's plate, before turning to face Shining.  “And what about you dear?” she asked.  

“Yes please mom” he replied. “By the way... where's dad at?”  

Velvet finished placing three pancakes onto Shining's plate, before placing two onto her plate.  “Your father had to go to work early, you know how it is being an adviser to the royal family and all” Velvet said.  Shining nodded, while taking a bite of his pancake.  He looked over to see that his sister had demolished hers, and sat idly by, with an empty plate in front of her, and a sticky mess of syrup coating her muzzle.  Shining placed a hoof to his forehead, and let out a chuckle while shaking his head back and forth.  

“Come on squirt, let's get you cleaned up” he said, hopping out of his chair and levitating Twilight above him.  

“Big bwother!  Your magic tickles.” She giggled, as she attempted to escape his hold.  Shining laughed as he levitated Twilight up the stairs towards the bathroom, while Velvet giggled at the sight.  

“You know Twilight... we REALLY need to work on your eating manners” Shining suggested, as he scrubbed away at Twilight's muzzle with a soapy damp rag.  

“Well” Twilight began, “Ah don' have magic like you do big bwother.”  

Shining placed the rag down on the edge of the sink, before grabbing a fresh one to dry Twilight off with.  “You know, my friend Cadance used to have trouble eating.  She was a Pegasus once.  If she can learn how to eat without magic, then I'm positive you will too little sis.”  Shining stated.  

Twilight squinted an eye at this.  “Whatcha mean she was a Pegasus once?”  

Shining smiled, “Well... she's a Princess, an Alicorn... like Princess Celestia.  Princess Celestia is her aunt.  Princess's aren't born as Alicorns you know... She was a Pegasus, and when Princess Celestia felt she was ready, she transformed into an Alicorn.”  

Twilight's eyes were as wide as they could be.  “Oh I wanna be a pwincess!” Twilight cheered, causing Shining Armor to laugh.  

“Maybe some day squirt.  After all, we can't have a Princess who still gets their muzzle covered in pancake syrup now can we?”  Twilight squinted her eyes in mock anger as she stared her brother down, causing Shining to keel over in laughter.  Seconds later Twilight nuzzled up into his side.  

“Big bwother?”  Twilight said.  

Shining pressed into his sister's side and replied, “Yeah?”  

Twilight layed her head into her brothers shoulder and closed her eyes.  “I wuv you big bwother.  You are the best big bwother and best fwiend eva... my... big bwother best fwiend forever.... right?”  

Shining felt his heart melt at the affection.  He closed his eyes and pressed his lips against his sisters forehead and replied.

“I love you too Twily.”

Later that afternoon, Twilight was seated on the end of the living room couch, looking through a picture book with Shining Armor.  Shining read the book; as Twilight pointed at the pictures, following along.  Velvet smiled at the two and took a seat next to them, and joined in on the story.  

Hours flew for Twilight as Shining and her Mom told her stories, and played games with her.  Before Twilight knew it, she was fast asleep for her evening nap.  Velvet nuzzled Twilight as she slept, and levitated a blanket from across the room to place over her.  

“Shining?”  She spoke.  

“Yes Mom?” Shining answered.  

“Well your father and I were talking last night, and well... we are thinking of asking your friend Cadance if she would mind teaching Twilight how to fly.”  Shining blushed, as his Mom spoke about his best friend and crush, hoping she wouldn't take notice.  

“Well um... Mom... I'm sure Cadance will agree.”  Shining said.  

Velvet chuckled as she watched her son become more flustered as the seconds passed until she heard the front door open.  She let herself off of the couch and walked towards the door, embracing Nightlight as he walked through.  

“Welcome home dear” Twilight said, placing a kiss on his cheek.  

“Good evening Velvet” Nightlight replied as Shining entered the kitchen and met his father as his mother placed Nightlights briefcase onto the kitchen table.  

“Good afternoon son” Nightlight said.  

Shining walked over and hoofbumped his father and replied, “Hi Dad.”  Nightlight nodded before turning to the door, and signaling for another to enter.  

“You really should say hello to your friend as well Shining,” Nightlight chuckled, as Princess Cadance walked into the house.  

“Thank you for inviting me over Mr. Nightlight” Cadance said, “And hello Shining Armor, and you too Mrs. Velvet.”  

Shining looked shyly at his crush, trying to find the nerve to reply.  Mustering up the courage; he replied, “Umm... H..Hi Cadance, n.n.nice day.”  Cadance put her hoof to her muzzle in an attempt to hide a giggle.  

“Hello Princess Cadance, thank you so much for coming over this evening.”  Velvet spoke.  

“Oh please Mrs. Velvet, we've known each other since Shining and I were foals.  You really don't have to address me as a Princess.”  Velvet smiled warmly at the sincerity in what Cadance had said.  

“Then... Cadance?  Would you join me for tea?” Velvet asked.  Cadance politely accepted and followed Velvet into the living room.

An hour passed: Velvet and Nightlight excused themselves and went for a walk into town, leaving Cadance and Shining Armor to spend the time catching up in the living room.  Shining Armor sat on the far end of the couch, as Cadance sat in the middle, gently stroking Twilight's mane.  

“I ran into your dad today at the castle.  He was in a hurry taking some documents to my aunt, but as soon as he ran by me, he asked if I would come by this evening.”  

Shining nodded.  “Yeah, that sounds like my Dad: Always in a hurry.”  

Cadance laughed.  “Yeah, he asked me if I would be interested in teaching Twilight how to fly, I agreed, but also requested to be her foalsitter.”  It took Shining a minute to register what she had said, seconds passed and he snapped his eyes open once he realized what she had said.  

“Y... you really want to be her foalsitter Cadance?” Shining asked.  

Cadance nodded her head, “I really do.  You're my best friend Shining, of course I want to be your little sister's foalsitter.” she said, blushing slightly, yet not noticeable through her pink fur.  

A few silent moments passed, but sure enough, they were interrupted by a small sleepy yawn.  Twilight slowly opened her eyes to see a strange pink pony rubbing her mane.  She quickly shut her eyes, causing Cadance to smile warmly.  

“Hey there little one, don't be frightened” Cadance cooed softly.  

Twilight slowly opened her eyes once more to look at the new pony in front of her: purple eyes that matched her own, her pink fur adorned with a purple, pink, and yellow colored mane, and a blue heart gem cutie mark adorning her flanks.  

“H... Hi...” Twilight squeaked shyly.  Cadance gently pulled Twilight up, and sat her back onto the couch.  

“Hi there Twilight, I'm Cadance... I'm sure your...”  Twilight's ears perked up the moment she heard the name.  

“Your Shining's fwiend.” She blurted out.  

“Yes... I am” Cadance giggled.  Twilight smiled, instantly being drawn to this new pony before her.  

“I'm so glad I finally get to meet you Twilight.”  Cadance said, giving Twilight a soft hug.  

“Me too Pwincess.  Shining tawks about you all da time.”  Twilight said.  Cadance just so happened to notice the blush forming on Shining Armor's white cheeks.  

“Is that so Twilight?” she asked, to which Twilight nodded.  Twilight spent a moment looking at her new friend, analyzing every detail.  

“So...” Cadance said, “I hear that you want to learn how to fly?”  Twilight nodded, slowly extending her wings.  “I would be more than happy to teach you Twilight.”  

Twilight gasped, “Y...You would!”  

Cadance nodded, rubbing Twilight's mane gently.  “Yes silly.  So starting today, I am your new teacher, and foalsitter.”
> Chapter 3 : A Dream World
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Twilight's eyes, Princess Cadance was quite possibly the greatest pony in existence, perhaps the epitome of perfection: more so a goddess in her eyes.  A month had passed since Cadance had taken Twilight under her wing, as a teacher, mentor, and as her foalsitter, and in the short time together, Twilight had fallen in love with this pony, seeing her as an older sister figure.  

Cadance looked forward to the lessons she made for her young student.  Originally she was to teach Twilight how to fly, but this soon expanded into history lessons, math, science, and what she believed to be Twilight's calling, astronomy.  Despite her young age, Twilight had a gift of absorbing knowledge, and seeking out more.

Normally, Sunday is a day of relaxing for the young Princess.  This one was no different until the familiar sound of toppling objects brought Cadance out of her day dream.  Rushing down the stairs of her parents house, she gasped as she saw Twilight pulling herself out of a pile of books.

In a panic, Cadance charged full speed and began pulling the books off of Twilight.  “Twilight! Are you ok?”

Tumbling out of the pile and onto the floor, she replied.  “Yeah... I'm... [cough] ...ok”

“Don't scare me like that.” Cadance pleaded, as she dusted Twilight off.  “What in Celestia's name were you doing anyway?”

“Well...” Twilight said.  “I was outside, pwacticing tricks.  I did a loopy loop, then I flew in the window and cwashed... I'm sowry.  Pwease don't be mad at me.”

Cadance reached out with a hoof and wiped a tear as it trickled down Twilight's cheek.  “Oh Twilight, I could NEVER be mad at you.  Just... slow it down a little.  Ok?”

Twilight hung her head in shame, as she tried her best to hold back her tears.  “O...Ok...Cadance.”  

“Come on Twilight, I have something for you that will cheer you up.”  Cadance said, as she picked Twilight up and placed her on her back.  

“Whatcha have for me Cadance?” Twilight asked.

“You'll see.” Cadance replied, as she trotted up the stairs towards her bedroom.

Once inside, Cadance picked through a stack of books on her nightstand.  Picking one from the middle, she handed it to an eagerly awaiting Twilight, who took it with a smile.  “Oh!  Thanks Cadance!  'The Hi... Hiss... His..tory of Canterlot'” she said, as she opened the book and began to read it.  

“Mhmm” Cadance nodded, taking a seat on her bed next to Twilight.  “It hasn't been released yet, but... I pulled a few strings as I know a very special filly who would love it.” Cadance said, watching Twilight's ears perk up with glee.  Cadance watched on as the filly dove into and devoured the information within the book.  Page after page Twilight read: every now and then stopping to re-read a page or two.  

“Are you enjoying it Twilight?” Cadance asked, only to be answered by a quick nod, as the filly turned another page.  Using her magic, Cadance brought over a blanket from the dresser and laid it across herself and Twilight.  A few moments passed and Cadance laid her head down; nuzzling into Twilight's side, and falling asleep for an afternoon nap.

As she slept, Twilight engrossed herself further into her reading.  Everything she read fascinated her, everything about the Princess who ruled the land; Celestia, who resided in the regal palace, created after the banishment of Princess Luna, turned Nightmare Moon.  The customs, the nobility, the regality, but there was one thing that stood out most to her: The Summer Sun Celebration.

“The Summer Sun Celebration was created approximately 985 years ago, in response to the aftermath of destruction left by Nightmare Moon.  The Celebration would take place on the first day of summer every year, marking the longest day of the year.  Also; Princess Celestia would publicly raise the sun, while a plethora of parties would take place all across Equestria to honor the Princess and her gift of the sun.  Each year, a different city would be given the honor to hold the celebrations, where the Princess would grace the town with her presence and partake in the festivities afterward herself.  When asked what her thoughts were on the Celebration, the Princess declined to comment; only stating, 'it pains me to speak of this'.”

As she finished reading, Twilight placed the book on the bed next to her, and curled up into Cadance's forelegs, falling asleep.


★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★ 



“Twilight....”

Twilight slowly opened her eyes.  Looking around, she noticed that Cadance was no longer in the bed with her.  Hopping out of the bed, she landed on the floor with a soft thud, and commenced to stretching her hind legs.  Unfurling her wings, she gently flew from the room and made contact with the living room floor below.

“Cadance... Where are you?” Twilight called, only to be met with silence.  A few seconds passed until she called out once more.  “Cadance?  Come on... where are you?”

She glanced over the room carefully.  Nothing was out of place, yet there were no signs of her teacher anywhere.  

“Strange” Twilight whispered, as she glanced out the window into the night sky.  Opening her wings she exited the window, flying up above the house to glance at the sky.  “I... didn't sleep... that long... did I?” she said, as she stared at the moon.  

“Twilight....”

“Who's there?” Twilight called out into the night sky.

“Twilight...”

Twilight scanned the sky, almost as if the voice were coming from thin air.  

“Help me Twilight...”

“Who's there?!?” Twilight yelled, unable to see anypony in her presence.

Twilight gasped and screamed as a blanket of darkness fell upon her and the rest of Canterlot, leaving everything besides her, shrouded in darkness.  

“Twilight please... here me out,” the voice cried, it's voice echoing eerily through the darkness.

“Who are you!” Twilight cried, “I wanna go home.”  

A faint purple orb appeared in front of Twilight's muzzle, causing her to push back in surprise.  “Please... Twilight Sparkle, there is no need to fear us.  Please hear us out.”

Twilight reached a hoof out and caught the orb, placing it on the bottom of her hoof.  Slowly it materialized into the shadowy figure of a unicorn.  

Twilight's ears drooped in fear, as she slowly backed up once more.  “Who... who are you.”

The shadow took a seat in front of her listener.  “Me....  I am... well that doesn't matter really.” She said.  “What does matter is that I have been imprisoned Twilight... My destiny was forcibly changed, and I am currently being forced to live a life that should not have been mine.”

The orb floated from Twilight's hoof, landing on the ground in front of her, the shadowy unicorn followed.

“Twilight... I've been watching you since the day you were born and, well...”

Twilight shook her head, sitting down in front of the shadow, tears streaming from her eyes.  “But what can ah do to help?  Ah don't know if I can do anything on my own” she cried, pleading the unicorn not hate her not outright agreeing.

The shadow shook her head, and placed her hoof against Twilight's cheek, well... attempted to at the least.  “All you have to do is live Twilight... Live and everything else will follow in it's place...”

“Just... live?” Twilight asked, meeting a smile from the shadow.

“Yes.” she nodded.  “Just live.  Live... learn... get strong... you can do it Twilight, I have faith in you.”

Twilight smiled, feeling a little at ease around this strange pony.  Almost instantly the darkness that shrouded them was relinquished it's hold on the area, and Twilight soon found herself sitting in the middle of a flowery garden.

“Where.... am I?” She asked.

“Oh this?” the shadow replied.  “It's your soul.”

Twilight's ears perked up, while she took a look around.  “My... soul?”

The shadow of a pony slowly lost her silhouette, slowly reforming into a solid pony.  In a matter of seconds before Twilight stood a mare of pure black fur, an equally dark violet mane, bright red eyes, and a horn that would rival the size of Celestia's.  As she finished taking form, she took a seat on the ground next to Twilight, rolling over on her back to look up into the sky, to which Twilight followed suit.

Twilight stared into the night sky for a few moments, before one particular detail made itself known to her.  

“The sky is night, but the ground is day... that can't be possible?” Twilight whispered.

The black pony nodded, extending one hoof into the air as if to reach for the moon.  “True,” she said.  “In your world, this would be an impossibility.  But... this world... is a representation of your soul.  Your innermost feelings are projected here, creating a world in which you can feel contentment, a world that truly defines who you are.  For example... the boundless open fields, signifies your love of flight, while the night sky, signifies your love for astronomy.”

“I... see.” Twilight whispered.  After a few more moments of sitting in thought, a dull throbbing pain began to form from the confines of her head.  The black pony took notice as Twilight put a hoof to her head.

“You will be waking up soon.”

Forming her lips into a pout, Twilight frowned and replied.  “So... this is all just a dream?”

Her 'acquaintance' nodded her head.  “It is but a dream Twilight, but at the same time it is very much real.”

“So...” Twilight said, trying to find the right words.  “Who... just... who ARE you?”

“Me?” the black pony replied, causing Twilight to nod.  “Well... I’ll tell you that some other time.  But for now it's time for you to wake up.”

“Wait!” Twilight called, as the pony stomped the earth with her front left hoof, causing Twilight to float up into a forming vortex in the sky.  “Will I ever see you again?” she called out.

“Indeed you will Twilight Sparkle.” 

“What is your name?” Twilight asked, as the vortex took hold of her hind legs.

The pony down at ground zero smiled, and replied.  “My name is '$&#@@@#'”

“I can't hear her name...” Twilight thought to herself as the darkness consumed her once more, throwing her back into reality as she shot up in bed, violently awaking from her sleep.















  
> Chapter 4 : Realization
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight bolted from her sleep, launching herself into the air, ultimately falling onto the floor, startling Princess Cadance who was abruptly awoken from her slumber.  

“Oh my, Twilight!” she yelled as she frantically went to Twilight's aid, picking her off the ground and cradling her in her forelegs.  “Are you ok Twilight?”

Twilight nodded, looking around the bedroom to get her bearings set.  “I had a dweam... kinda bad one” she spoke, remembering the over-washing darkness that comprised the majority of her dream.  

“You poor thing” Cadance cooed, as she carried Twilight out into the living room and placed her onto the couch.  “How about I make us some dinner sweetie?”  she asked, only to be immediately met with a satisfactory grin from Twilight.

“Yay!” She cheered.  “Umm Cadance?”

“Yes sweetie?” Cadance replied.

Twilight fumbled her front hooves together, as she sat in silence.  “Umm well... can you make that fwied gwass noodle salad?  You know... the one with the wittle cherry tomatoes and the cwootons on top?”  

Cadance smiled and nuzzled softly into Twilight's neck.  “Sure thing sweetie” she whispered, before turning to head into the kitchen.

Once Cadance disappeared into the kitchen, Twilight walked to the window: unfurling her wings, she gently flew out, and took a seat on the roof.  Laying down, she looked off into the distance: dusk had arrived, and the sun's last ray of light disappeared as it dipped beneath the horizon.  She watched, as the stars appeared one by one, making their presence known throughout Equestria, if only for a few hours.

Twilight didn't have any friends, not that it bothered her or anything.  Being a Pegasus in a Unicorn dominated society could have that impact, but perhaps it was more than that.  Twilight watched as groups of ponies made their way home for the night, and as she watched them she couldn't help but think if having friends was really such a necessity.

After a few moments of star gazing, Twilight was pulled back into reality as a warm sensation hit the back of her neck.  

“I knew I would find you up here silly” Cadance stated, causing Twilight to jump in surprise.

As she made contact with the roof once more, Twilight gained her composure as she relied to her foalsitter.  “You scared me Cadance.  Dat wasn't berry nice.”

Cadence chuckled as she took a seat next to Twilight.  “So...” She began, while looking up into the starry sky,  “what were you thinking about Twilight?”

A few moments passed and not a word was spoken between the two.  Cadance watched Twilight as she in turn continued watching the last of the ponies on ground level disappear out of sight.

“What's fwiendship?” Twilight asked, utterly surprising Cadance.

Cadance froze in disbelief, not once had she ever thought twice about Twilight's lack of peers.  “Well... friendship is... it's kind of like us....when... two or more ponies care for each other, almost like a family.”

Twilight pressed into Cadance's side, and continued staring into the sky.  “Why do ponies wanna have fwiends?”

Cadance sat in silence for a few moments, gently rubbing twilight's side.  “Well Twilight... I guess it's normal to want friends... otherwise, we would all be alone.”

Twilight turned to face Cadance.  “But what about our famiwy?”

“Family is nice,” Cadance replied, “But... sometimes family alone isn't enough.”

“I don't understand,” Twilight said, returning to star at the stars.

“You will some day,” Cadance replied.  She watched on as the stars glimmered in her young students' eyes.  She enjoyed the peace her student felt as she looked on, as if waiting for the stars to pull her into the sky, to allow her to fly amongst them.  “But for now, how about we go eat?” Cadance asked, standing up and pulling Twilight up onto her back.


★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★
 


After dinner, Cadance cleaned up and escorted Twilight home for the night.  Cadance carried Twilight in her forearms as she flew across Canterlot towards Twilight's home.  Cadance flew slowly, taking in the sight's of the night sky, watching a few lone Pegasi fly by, undoubtedly on their way towards Cloudsdale.

As Cadance touched down in front of Twilight's home, Twilight Velvet was already waiting by the door for them.  As Cadance approached, Velvets horn glowed a soft pink as Twilight was lifted from Cadance's arms, and hovered gently in front of her mother.

“Thank you for watching over her today Princess” Velvet said.  

Cadance walked over and after giving Twilight a soft kiss on her forehead, she replied, “Please, you really don't have to refer to me as 'Princess'” 

“Of course Cadance,” Velvet giggled.  “Would you like to come in for tea?”

Shaking her head, Cadance replied, “no thank you, I really must be going home.  I have a surprise for Twilight during her lessons tomorrow.”

“Oh?” Velvet giggled, “and what kind of surprise would that be?”

“Field trip!” Cadance squeed, as she slowly unfurled her wings.  “I'll be by in the morning to pick Twilight up.”

Velvet nodded, as she turned to go inside.  “Thanks Cadance,” she said, as she turned back around.  “Thanks for putting so much effort in for Twilight, it means a lot to us.”

“There's really no need to thank me miss Velvet” Cadance replied.  “I really enjoy spending time with Twilight, she's like the little sister I've always wanted, but never had.”

Smiling, Velvet sat Twilight softly on the grass, and hugged Cadance softly.  “Thank you so much” she said through tears.  “Twilight doesn't have anypony else.  She has us, and you... we try to get her to play with the other fillies and colts at the park, but she insists on reading instead.”

“It's hard,” Cadance said.  “It's hard growing up as a Pegasus in a Unicorn dominated society, trust me I have been through it.”  Cadance slowly approached Twilight, who despite the chatter, remained in deep sleep, and placed her into her forelegs as she slowly flew above the ground.  “Before I became an Alicorn, I was raised in an Earth Pony village.” She paused, taking a moment to nuzzle the filly in her forelegs.  “I lived there for a few years, and like Twilight I did not have many friends, though for opposite reasons than Twilight.  I wanted friends, but the other fillies and colts viewed me as an outsider, and would not come near me.  Twilight on the other hand, just doesn't want friends... I assume since the ponies her age are Unicorns, they do not share much in common with her.”

“So...” Velvet began, “What do you suggest we do about Twilight?  Cadance?”  

“Well...” Cadance said, as she placed Twilight on her back.  “My Auntie thinks if I introduce her to other Pegasi ponies, she may have a better time adapting.  Tomorrow I will take her to Cloudsdale, and perhaps she can have a chance at being around ponies like herself.  Friendship lessons, as my Auntie says.”

Velvet giggled as she approached Cadance, “would you like to put her to bed Cadance?”  

Smiling, Cadance replied.  “Yes.”



★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★
 


“Twilight?”

“Twilight... can you hear me?”

A moment passed as Twilight opened her eyes.  Her eyes widened as she began panicking as she floated through what she knew to be space.  Flailing her legs, she cried as she floated aimlessly amongst the stars.

“Twilight, calm down.”

Twilight continued crying as a shadow of a black pony came into view and placed it's foreleg onto Twilight's.  “It's ok, I'm here.”

Twilight sniffled, looking at her 'savior'.  “You're.... fwom my dweam last night.”

“Indeed I am.” She replied, as she looked throughout the space that surrounded them.  “I must say, I am rather impressed by the amount of detail in your soul plane.  You really do love astronomy, don't you Twilight?”

Twilight nodded as she walked, or attempted to.  “There's Canis Major” she said, as she pointed her foreleg in the direction she was talking.  “And here is Monoceros, and Gemini”, she spoke as her face eyes widened at what she saw next.  “And this one over here!” Twilight said spreading both her forelegs opened as wide as they would go.  “Is my favowit... Orion.”

“You really do love astronomy I see.”  

Twilight nodded as she sat, staring into space.  “So this is a dweam too then?”

“It is, and I'm quite surprised you are able to figure this out so quickly.  Most ponies are not aware of their consciousness during their dream cycles.”  

“What can I do here?” Twilight asked.

The black pony took a step next to her and replied, “the real question my dear, is what can you NOT do here?”

Twilight closed her eyes and pictured Cadance's house.  She thought about the exterior, the white slab stone siding, the pink and sliver shutters, and the sea blue shingles which formed the roof.  She pictured the inside; royal white walls adorned with photos of herself and her family.  In the bedroom, beside the single king sized bed, on a simple yet elegant white nightstand, sat a picture of her with the pink princess.  

A cold wind rushed over Twilight's fur, and when she opened her eyes, she found herself standing in the center of Cadance's living room.  Twilight watched as Cadance walked in the front door and took a seat on the couch, looking utterly exhausted.  Twilight ran over to her and jumped on the couch next to her.  

“Cadance!” She cheered.  “You're in my dweam too!”  However Cadance did not reply, she did not react to Twilight's voice at all.  “Cadance?”

“She can't hear you Twilight.”

“Why not?” Twilight asked.

“Because what you see is reality, yet you are a dream... do you follow?”

Twilight shook her head.  “No, not really.”

“Ok, let's take this a little slower then.” the black pony said.  “When you enter your soul plane like you did last night, and tonight, you have the ability to 'exit' it to say.  Basically you are projecting your consciousness into the mortal world, while keeping yourself within a dream.”

“So.... I can go anywhere I want to just by thinking of that place?”  Twilight asked.

Her companion nodded, taking a seat next to her.  “Yes, but only places you have already visited.”

Twilight smiled, “That is so cool but.... wait... how do I know this is real and not just a dweam?”

“I wonder...”

Twilight once again closed her eyes, this time thinking about her own bedroom.  Her single purple bed, the lone desk in the corner; over flowing with books, and the tiny window opposite the desk.  One more cold wind gust later and Twilight was standing within her own room.

“My room...”  Twilight whispered.  She opened her eyes as she saw herself sleeping in her bed.  “How do I know this is real?” Twilight thought.  She looked around and saw a paper on the desk that wasn't there earlier.  She approached it and read it.


My dearest Twilight,  

I just had to write this after I set you to bed as I never got a chance to tell you goodnight.  Your mom will probably tell you before I do, but I'll be around tomorrow morning about an hour later than normal.  I have a surprise in store for you: a new set of lessons I would like you to attempt.  But until then, I pray you sleep well, and I just know we will enjoy ourselves tomorrow.

Cadance


“Is this note real or not?”  Twilight asked.

The black pony turned towards the door and replied. “You will find out for yourself in the morning, but for now I must depart you.”

“Why?  Where are you going?” Twilight asked.

“You are beginning to wake up, as such it is time for me to sleep.”  

“I see.  I guess this is goodbye then?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, but we will meet again soon.”  



★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★



Twilight's eyes fluttered open as a soft light peeked through the window into her bedroom.  

“5 more minutes.” She groaned, as she pulled the cover over her head and flipped herself over to face the wall.  A couple seconds passed before she shot up in bed, remembering last night.

“The Note!” she yelled.

Twilight frantically untangled herself from the mess of bedsheets and flew to her desk, and right where the note had been last night...

“It IS real!” Twilight gasped.










> Chapter 5 : Cloudsdale
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight sat at her desk as the morning sun peered into the bedroom.  She stood in utter disbelief as the note she had dreamed about, was in-fact very much real.  She scanned the note, and reread it 3 times to make sure, but even on the third reading, the note matched the one in her dream one hundred percent.  

“What is going on with me?”  Twilight thought, as she walked over to her personal bookshelf and searched through the books diligently.  “This one?” Twilight asked, pulling a book off her bookshelf before quickly placing it back and removing another one.  “Maybe.... this one?” She whispered, as she skimmed the index before becoming frustrated and placing it back on the shelf.

Twilight ran her hoof along the bookshelf and stopped upon an old tattered brown burlap wrapped book.  The edges were frayed, and the corners almost non existent from the years of use.  Twilight opened it, and smiled upon reading the first few pages.  

“Twilight... Sweetie... are you awake yet?” Called Twilight Velvet as she opened the bedroom door.

“Morning Mommy!” Twilight spoke, as she walked over to receive a nuzzle from her mother.

A few seconds passed before Velvet broke away from the embrace.  Twilight backed away a step or two and was soon engulfed in a soft violet light as she floated above Velvet's head.

“Mommy stop, that tickles!”  Twilight giggled, as she flailed her legs wildly in the air as Velvet brought her into the kitchen.  Twilight was soon placed into her chair at the table as her breakfast was levitated onto the table in front of her.

“Thank you Mommy.” Twilight spoke before placing a napkin in her lap.

Velvet took her seat opposite of her daughter and began to work on her own meal.  She ate slowly while keeping an eye on Twilight, chuckling as she fidgeted with her fork for a few minutes before having it settle properly into her hoof.

“So does my little filly have any plans for today?” Velvet asked as she took a bite of her salad.

“Mhmm...” Twilight moaned through a mouth of food.  After swallowing she replied, “Cadance left me a letter last night.  She say's I have a new lesson to stawt today, so ah'm we..we..really es..ex... excited.”

Velvet giggled as she watched her daughter correct her grammar.  

“I'll pack you a lunch if you would like sweetie.” Velvet offered, as her daughter quickly nodded her head in agreement.  

Twilight sat in silence as she munched on her salad.  It was good, but to Twilight, it could not compare to Cadance's fried grass noodle salad which she oh so adored.  As she ate, she glanced out the windows a few times and watched as a few lone birds flew by.  She couldn't wait to get outside and stretch her wings, Twilight hated being cooped up inside for long periods of time.

“Here you go sweetie.” said Velvet as placed a series of food into a saddle bag placed by the front door.  “There should be more than enough for you and Cadance in there.”

Twilight smiled as she finished the rest of her breakfast and replied, “thanks Mommy.”

Not a second later a knock was heard from the front door.  Velvet opened the door only to be greeted by Cadance as she stood outside, smiling softly as she always does.

“Good morning miss Velvet.” She said politely as she smiled towards the young filly who was now flying softly behind her mother.  “And good morning to you as well Twilight.”

Twilight flew around Velvet and into Cadance's forelegs as she shared a quick hug.

“Morning Cadance!” Twilight cheered, as she pulled away from her embrace.  “So what lessons do you have for me today?”  

“Field trip!” Cadance said in a sing-song voice as Twilight tackled her, sending them both crashing into the floor giggling.  As Twilight rolled across the floor, Cadance levitated her up a few feet, and placed her back down on her hooves.

Velvet strapped Twilight's saddlebag firmly onto her haunches and placed a few last minute items inside.

“Cadance, I made a few daisy sandwiches, and a fresh salad for the two of you for lunch, I know it's a fairly long flight.  I've also left a few bits to pay for anything she may need while you are gone.”  Velvet said, as she snapped shut the saddlebag and tied the drawstrings.

“You really didn't need to leave any money Miss Velvet.  We'll only be gone for a few days to a week at most, it's really up to Twilight when we return.” Cadance said, as Twilight watched a butterfly whom had found its way into her house.  Cadance and Velvet shared a giggle when the butterfly landed on Twilight's nose, causing her to sneeze and tumble backwards on her behind.

“You'll take very good care of her, and watch out for her, won't you Cadance?”  Velvet asked as she gave her daughter a hug.

Cadance smiled.  Nuzzling the young filly she replied, “of course Miss Velvet.”


★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★



The flight was indeed long, much longer than Twilight had thought it would be.  Cadance and Twilight had been flying for three hours now, but after the second, Twilight was exhausted and took to riding upon Cadance's back until she had recouped her energy and continue on her own.  

Twilight took in the details, watching the groups of birds flying in small packs, and the few lone Pegasi flying to where she thought would be their homes, being as there were many small cloud houses spread out between Canterlot and Cloudsdale.

“So Twilight.”  Cadance spoke, making conversation despite knowing the answer to her next question. “Have you ever been to Cloudsdale?” 

Twilight shook her head and continued flapping along the clear sky.  “No...” She replied, as she came to a stop.  “I wr...we...r...read about it, in one of da...d...the... books you gave me.  I've always wanted ta...to go.”

“Well, you're going now.” Cadance smiled, as she embraced the young filly.  “I know it's hard... being a Pegasus in Canterlot... I really do.  So, I'm taking you to Cloudsdale, so you can see and meet others like you.”

Cadance lowered the filly onto her back once more, and continued flying.  She made her way up above the upper cloud layer, bringing a new sight to Twilight's eyes.  For what had been hidden to her a few moments ago, was now visible thanks to the new heights.  Cloudsdale was in the distance: the first thing Twilight noticed was the trademark Rainbows and waterfalls cascading to and disappearing in the clouds below.

“Wow...” Twilight whispered as they grew ever closer to the city.  Her eyes widened as the sights overtook her.  Cadance touched down in the middle of downtown Cloudsdale, and within moments Twilight was awestruck at the number of buildings towering over her.  “It's.... Evewything is so..... big.”

Cadance chuckled, giving the filly a slight nuzzle.  “Of course it is sweetie, it...IS the weather capital of Equestria.”  

“I know dat!” Twilight retorted.

“Come on sweetie.” Cadance said.  “There's a park nearby, we can eat our lunch.  Then afterward we'll get settled into our hotel room.

“Kay!” Twilight cheered, as she pumped her hoof into the air, much to Cadance's amusement.  

Twilight followed Cadance a few hundred feet into a fairly large clearing which made up the park.  There were many families spending the day with their foals, eating, napping, and playing in the vast cloud fields.  Cadance found a spot under a cloud gazebo, there were a few families, but for the most part, it was fairly secluded.

Cadance opened Twilight's saddlebag, and placed a cloud walking spell on a blanket she removed.  As she spread it out on the cloud below them, she lined it with the sandwiches and salad Twilight Velvet prepared, along with some watermelon slices, and two bottles of sweet tea Cadance brought.

Twilight removed a book from her saddlebag which she had packed away, and placed it in front of her place on the blanket.  

“Astral Physiology: An Inside Approach..” Cadance read.  She couldn't make out the author, as the cover was so worn, the author's name was illegible.  “Why Twilight, don't you think it's a bit advanced for you sweetie?”

Twilight shook her head.  “I've been having these really strange dreams lately.  Maybe... there's some answers in here.  I hope so at least.”  She said, as she began reading from where she left off that morning.

Cadance sighed, taking a bite of her watermelon as she curled up next to Twilight.  She watched the families near her play with their foals.  One pony however, caught her eye as she approached.

“Princess?”  

Cadance smiled, pulling this pony into a gentle hug.  “Nice to see you Wildfire.  I thought I told you to forget the formalities?”  Cadance giggled, as Wildfire blushed a light shade of pink.  “What are you doing in Cloudsdale?” Cadance asked, as she let go.  Wildfire smiled, taking a seat next to Cadance, revealing a tiny golden filly with a curly burgundy mane.  “Oh my... is this little Golden Glory?” Cadance asked.

Wildfire nodded, motioning for her daughter to join her.  Cadance tapped Twilight softly, catching her attention and bringing her over to meet the filly.

“Twilight.. this is Wild Fire, and her daughter Golden Glory.”  Cadance spoke, as Wildfire smiled warmly at Twilight.

“Nice to meet you Twilight.  I'm surprised your sister never mentioned you to me, but I'm sure you know as well as I do how forgetting Cadance can be at times.”  Wildfire chuckled.

“No offense miss Wildfire, but I don't have a sista... I wish Cadance was my sista though.”  Twilight said softly.

“Oh?” Wildfire asked.  

“Right...” Cadance said.  “Twilight, why don't you and Golden go play together, while Wildfire and I catch up.”  

Twilight looked towards her mentor nervously, and did a double take back to her book.

“Don't worry, you will have plenty of time for reading later sweetie.”  Cadance assured, as Golden Glory took Twilight's hoof and persuaded her to follow.

Cadance and Wildfire waved to the fillies as they left.  

“So, she's not your sister.... so who is the little cutie?” Wildfire asked, as she was offered a bottle of tea.  “Thanks.”

Cadance smiled.  “No problem.  Twilight is... my student?  Little sister figure?  I'm not sure exactly.  See I have a crush on her brother Shining Armor and...”

“You have a crush on Shining Armor!”  Wildfire shouted, resulting in the surrounding families to glare towards her as she blushed.  “Seriously Cadance?”

Cadance blushed as she took a sip of her tea.  “Yes I do...”

“Wow...” Wildfire stated.  “I always thought you would go for the older colts.”

Cadance placed her hoof at her mouth to prevent her from giggling.  “He's only six months younger.”

Wildfire smiled warmly, as she lowered herself completely onto the cloud ground, and rolled over onto her back, to which Cadance joined her.  “I won't question it.”  She said.  “Because you ARE the princess of love after all.”

Cadance giggled, as she stole a quick glance towards Wildfire.  “You remember when you were my foalsitter Wild?”

Wildfire giggled.  “Of course I do.  When Princess Celestia adopted you as her niece, she picked me from all the other attendants to be your foal sitter.”

“You WERE the only Pegasus in the castle after all.”  Cadance replied, being met with a nod.”

“Quite frankly, I miss those days.”  Wildfire spoke.  

“I missed you dearly after you left Wild.  The other foalsitters really were the most boring ponies I had ever met.”  Cadance chuckled, chewing on a single daisy she removed from the lunch pouch.

“And I missed you as well.”  Wildfire said.  “While I regret my actions of eloping with a royal guard, I do not regret birthing my daughter.  The Princess however, found out quickly and had that guard and myself removed from the castle... he... kept himself distant from me.  It was my fault he was fired, I cannot blame him for resenting me.”

“Don't worry about it.” Cadance spoke.  “One day my auntie will give me a town, city, kingdom, or other area for me to rule myself.  And I wouldn't mind hiring you as my personal advisor... if you would accept that is.”

“I would love to!” Wildfire responded with glee, as she pulled Cadance into a gentle hug.


★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★



Twilight was led by Golden Glory to a smaller play area of the park where they joined up with a few other colts and fillies.

“Twilight, this is Hoops... Dumbbell... Silverspeed.... and Score.” Golden said, as she introduced Twilight to the ponies.

Twilight took a few steps back, unnerved by the size of the three colts.

“Hey Glore.... where'd ya find the newbie at?”  Hoops spoke as he approached Twilight.  Twilight backed off as he towered over her, his breath coating her face as he snorted lightly.

“She's Princess Cadance's student.”  Glory replied.

Dumbbell and Score chuckled in the back.  

“Seriously Glore?”  Score said.

“Yeah Glory.”  Replied Dumbbell.  “You're going to bring us the goody goody two-shoe Princess's student?”

“Oh stop it you big bully.”  Silverspeed said, as she approached Twilight.  “I'm sorry deary, they can be rather dreadful, but those big brutes are just that... dreadful.” 

“Silverspeed, you're not much better than she is.”  Hoops said, as he approached her.  “You know we're only friends with you because your boyfriend.

“You keep Filthy Rich out of this Hoops.” Silverspeed retorted.

“Why Silver?”  Score replied.  “Mister money bags can't stand up for himself?  Well I guess he doesn't have to, between his daddy, and his girlfriend... that model, what's her name?  Fleur I think?  I can see why you would be so infatuated with him.  He'll buy you anything to keep you close, won't he?”

“And what of it?” Silver giggled.  “Some times... money can buy much better things than love.”

Golden Glory chuckled amongst herself.  “Spoken like a true moocher” she complimented Silver, earning a few chuckles and hoof pumps from the colts around her.  “And you...” she said, turning to Twilight, who had left the area.  “Where did the goody goody go?”  Glory asked, being met with confused faces.

Twilight flew as fast as she could.  She didn't know where she was, and didn't know how to return to Cadance.  She flew across the city, just to gain as much distance from the foals as she could.  

“Stupid meanies...” she sniffled to herself.  She flew for a few more minutes.  Exhaustion soon overtook her and she landed in a small park on the west side of Cloudsdale.

“Oh my...” Came a soft voice.  Twilight turned around only to see a few bunches of clouds behind her.

“Hello?” Twilight said, as she approached the cloud, resulting in a frightened filly tumbling out of it.

“Ahh please don't hurt me.” The crème colored filly spoke, as she waved her fore legs in the air, clamping her eyes shut.

Twilight approached the scared filly and sat down.  “Why would I... hurt you?  I'm not like the other meanies I saw.”

The filly calmed down and slowly opened her turquoise eyes.  “I've never seen you before... are you new here?”

Twilight nodded.  “You could say that... I'm Twilight Sparkle, what's your name?”  

The crème filly became silent.  Twilight swore she could hear her mumbling something but couldn't make out what she had said.

“I'm sorry, I can't understand, could you say that again?”  Twilight asked.

“I'm...” The filly started, as a blush overcame her face.  “I'm... I'm um... I'm Fluttershy.”








> Chapter 6 : Twilight Makes a Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The afternoon dwindled away as Twilight and Fluttershy spent their time together playing in the park.  Every now and then, the two fillies would take a break, roll over onto their backs, and stare into the sky, watching the occasional bird fly by. 

“Twilight, I’ve umm, never seen you here before... are you new here?” Fluttershy asked, keeping her voice soft as to not attract attention.

“You're so quiet,” Twilight giggled, as she rolled over to look towards her new friend.  “I'm fwom Canterlot.  Me and my teacher Princess Cadance are here for my new lessons.”

“Oh,” Fluttershy whispered.  “What's Canterlot?”

Twilight's eyes opened in amazement.  She could not believe there was a pony, despite being her age, that did not know about Canterlot.  “Well,” she said.  “Canterlot is the biggest city in all of Equestria.  It's where Princess Celestia lives, and almost everypony there is Unicorns, everypony... except me.”

Fluttershy nodded her head, listening intently to Twilight's story.  “So um... why do you live there if you are a Pegasus?  You should be here in Cloudsdale.”

“My Mommy and Daddy are Unicorns...” Twilight said, earning a look of shock from Fluttershy.

“That's, wow that's....”  Fluttershy stuttered.  

Twilight rapidly shook her head, hoping to dispel her new friend's disappointment.  “No no, it's OK.  I love being a Pegasus, I love flying” she said, as she waved her forelegs into the air.  “But... sometimes I wish I was around more ponies like me.”

A thought exploded within Twilight's mind as she jumped to her hooves.  “Oh I know what we should do!” Twilight cheered.

Fluttershy looked away nervously; pawing the ground she replied.  “Umm... what?”

Twilight took Fluttershy's hooves into her own, gently pulling her up.  “Let's go flying!”

A moment passed.  Twilight was saddened when she saw her friend sit back down.  “Umm... are you OK?”  Twilight asked.

“I umm...” Fluttershy whimpered, as she slowly crept backward.

Seeing this, Twilight crept forward to match Fluttershy's pace.  

“Umm.... I ummm...”  

“Yes Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, continuing to match her pace.

“I umm..... I can't....fly” She whispered, as she shut her eyes and covered them with her forelegs.

“What?” Twilight gasped.

An awkward moment of silence befell the two, as they sat there together.  Twilight watched as a lone tear fell from Fluttershy's eye, and slowly approached her.  Twilight sat beside Fluttershy, and pushed softly into her side as she slowly lowered herself to the ground.  Seeing another tear fall, Twilight spread her wing gently to flick the tear away.

“I'm sorry” Twilight whispered.

Fluttershy rested her head upon Twilight's forelegs for a few moments.  “Umm... I'm not good at flying... I can float for a second or two but... I always end up falling.”

“Fluttershy?” 

Fluttershy's ears twitched at the sound in the distance.  She quickly recognized the sound as the voice of her mother. 

“Fluttershy dear, where are you?” she heard call out again.

Fluttershy sat up quickly before calling, in a somewhat still quiet voice, to Twilight's amusement.  “Momma, I'm over here, behind the cloud bush.”

A few seconds passed until an older mare flew gently over the bushes and landed.  Her long pink mane trailing gently over Fluttershy, before falling back upon her own white fur.  

“Oh sweetie, what are you doing behind here?”  She said, before noticing Twilight who was still pressed up into Fluttershy.  “Did you make a new friend dear?”

Fluttershy nodded, “this is Twilight Momma.” 

“Nice to meet you Twilight.”  She said, as she reached a foreleg out to help Twilight up.  “I'm Morning Dew, Fluttershy's mother.  Please excuse me for one moment.”  she said.

“She's over here Cirrus!” Morning Dew called out.

Within a few seconds a stallion came flying in, at a much faster rate than Morning Dew had.  “Blast.  Fluttershy, you had us worried.  Why did you run off like that?”  He asked in a forceful tone, quite opposite of Fluttershy's timid voice.

Twilight observed her friend's father.  She determined where Fluttershy received most of her physical traits from.  She and her father shared both their fur and eye colors, however his mane was short and black, with a few red streaks running through it.

“Cirrus, please lower your voice.  You're frightening her.” Morning Dew stressed, seeing the scared look in her daughters eyes.

Cirrus looked toward his shaking daughter on the ground, and quickly scooped her up into a hug.  “I'm sorry sweetie.  You know how I get when you go missing without telling us.”  

Fluttershy wrapped her forelegs around her father's neck, and silently sobbed.  “I know daddy, I'm sowwy.”

He gently pet her head as he sat her back onto the ground.  His soft eyes hardening once more when he caught sight of the purple Pegasus.  “And who are you?  Are you one of those bullies? If I catch you picking on my daughter I swear I'll.”

“Daddy Daddy!” Fluttershy pleaded as she hugged his forelegs.  “That's Twilight, my friend... She's not a bully...”

Cirrus calmed down when Morning Dew stroked his mane softly.  “Dear, she's not a bully.  Look at her... she wouldn't hurt a firefly.” she cooed softly into his ear.  “Sweetie, where are your parents?”  Morning Dew asked.

“They're in Canterlot,”  Twilight replied.  “Why do you ask?”

Both of Fluttershy's parents stood there wide-eyed.  “They went to Canterlot and left you here alone?”  Cirrus asked.

Twilight shook her head.  “No... We live in Canterlot.  I'm here on a field trip with my teacher Cadance.”

“I see,” Cirrus said.  “And does your teacher know you're here with my daughter?”

Twilight once again, shook her head.  “I don't even know where she is right now.  She met one of her friends, and I left with her daughter.”

“Go on sweetie.” Morning Dew coaxed.  

“Well, she led me to a bunch of her friends, and they were a bunch of meanie pants.  They made fun of me, and they all said hurtful things about another filly there.  I... I flew away as fast as I could, and I ran out of energy here.”  Twilight said as tears slowly leaked from her eyes.  With her motherly instincts tingling, Morning Dew picked Twilight up and embraced her tightly.

“I'm sorry sweetie.  They are probably the same bullies that are giving Fluttershy a hard time.”  Morning Dew whispered.  “Cirrus, can you try to find her teacher?  And I'll take the girls back home for some dinner.”

“Sure thing dear.” Cirrus said.  “Twilight, what does your teacher look like?”

Twilight sniffled and replied with a few sobs.  “She's pink... about as tall as you, maybe just a little bit shorter... umm... she's an Alicorn and...”

“Whoa woad.  An Alicorn you say?”  Cirrus said, being met with a nod from Twilight.  “You mean to tell me, your teacher is Princess Cadance?  The niece of Princess Celestia?”  he asked through gasps, only to be met with more nods from Twilight.  Cirrus nodded, and placed Fluttershy onto her legs and took off flying in search of the Princess.  “Just who is that filly?” he though to himself as he sped off, determined to search all of Cloudsdale in under an hour.

“OK you two... how about some dinner?”  Twilight smiled, as did Fluttershy, as they were led across town.  The walk was short, but Twilight was now able to take in some sights she had been unable to earlier.  “Well girls,” Dew said as she opened the door to a quaint little cloud home.  “We're here.”  The three walked inside, each taking turns wiping their hooves on the floor mat.  “I'm going to get dinner started.  Why don't you two go play in Fluttershy's room and I'll call you down when it's ready?”  Dew suggested.  Without hesitation the two fillies smiled before leaving and heading up the stairs.  

Fluttershy opened the door to her room, leading Twilight inside.  “Umm.... it's not much but please....” she said quietly, shyly hiding behind her mane.

Twilight shook her head.  “No no no, this is great Fluttershy, really!” she cheered.  She glanced the room over quickly.  A small bed with earthy green linens, a small white dresser in the corner, and...  Twilight's eyes widened when she saw the small bookcase in the opposite corner.

“Oh!  You like reading?”  Fluttershy asked, as Twilight eyed the bookshelf.

“I love books.” Twilight said through excited gasps, earning a small giggle from her friend.  One book caught her eye, and she hesitated, but soon removed it from the shelf, setting it onto the table and reading the cover.  “Emergency Procedures For Small Woodland Creatures.”

“Umm... I like taking care of birds when they are injured.”  Fluttershy whispered.  “So....”

“That's so cool!” Twilight cheered.  

Fluttershy smiled as she sat down next to Twilight.  “I like helping the birds... they are so helpless on their own when they get hurt.  I can't just sit by and watch them... It's just... to me it's...”

“It's the right thing to do?”  Twilight asked, receiving a nod.

“So... what do you do for fun?  In... Canterlot I mean?” Fluttershy asked.

Twilight laid her head onto her forelegs.  “There's not much to do for fun in Canterlot...” Twilight said.  “Well... I guess that's not true... there's lots to do there but...”

“Nothing for a Pegasus?”  Fluttershy added.

Twilight nodded.  “If I'm not flying, I'm either with Cadance, or at the library.”

“You don't have any friends?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

Twilight shook her head.  “No... except for you... we're... friends right?”

Fluttershy smiled, and slowly nodded her head.  “If you really want to be friends with me,then sure.” She said with another smile, and a soft hug.

Pushing into the hug, she replied.  “Why wouldn't I want to be friends with you?  You're so kind.”

Fluttershy lowered her head and softly pawed at the floor in front of her.  Closing her eyes she let a single tear fall.  “Nopony wants to be friends with scaredy mare me.”  Fluttershy cried.  

Twilight pulled her trembling friend into a friendly embrace.  “But I do.”

Unbeknown to Twilight, a pink Princess flew softly outside the bedroom window, accompanied by Cirrus flying close to her side.  Cadance smiled as she watched her 'student' make her first friend.

“This is why I brought her to Cloudsdale Cirrus.  I wanted her to make a friend.”  Cadance said.

Cirrus smiled.  “Flutters is so shy, I never thought she would make a friend.”  

Cadance nodded as she watched.  “She's the complete opposite of you Cirrey.”

Cirrus playfully swatted at Cadance as she flew and gained a few feet of distance.  “Don't remind me of my nickname Princess.”  He chuckled.  “For Flutters... it can't be easy... being the daughter of a military corporal... you know?”

“But... Auntie really enjoys having you on her personal force.”  Cadance said.  “But it must indeed be hard on her... Only being allowed to see her 'daddy' every few months.”

Cirrus chuckled.  Normally, he wouldn't dare show an emotional side of him to a Princess.  “I remember when you were Flutter's age... no... you were a little older.”

Cadance nodded.  “When Auntie first adopted me.”  

The two continued to watch in the window, both of them sharing a laugh when they saw the two playfully rolling across the floor, Twilight being the stronger one and occasionally pinning her down playfully, before Fluttershy would roll out from under her.

“You know, if they were older I'd be worried.”  Cirrus said, earning a giggle from Cadance.

“What?”  Cadance asked, playfully sticking her tongue out toward Cirrus.  “Scared of Fluttershy liking another mare one day?”  

Cirrus forcefully coughed.  “I um... don't even wanna think about that.”

“Fair enough.” Cadance replied.

Cirrus lowered himself to the ground, closely following behind was Cadance.  “You going to join us for dinner Princess?”  

Cadance nodded and smiled.  “I would love to, if you would have Twilight and myself.”

Cirrus opened the door, showing Cadance the way in.  “I'm going to go check in on Dew, why don't you go up and get the girls.”  He suggested.  “Up the stairs, second door on the right.”

Cadance nodded as she slowly trotted up the stairs.  Truth be told she didn't need directions, as the sounds of the fillies giggling was all she needed to locate her 'student'.  Reaching the door, she opened it, and within a second, was met with a gasp and a purple filly clinging to her foreleg.

“Hiya Cadance!”  Twilight giggled.

Cadance picked her up and cradled her into a loving embrace.  “I was so worried... I'm glad you're OK though.”

Twilight giggled as she playfully pushed away at Cadance's nose.  “I'm OK, really I am.  Umm....”

“Hmm?” Cadance moaned.  

“Cadance... this is my friend Fluttershy.”











 




> Chapter 7 : The Morning After
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After dinner: Cadance, Morning Dew, and Cirrus had retired to the living room, while the two fillies had fallen asleep, curled up in the corner of the room.  A cool breeze blew in through the opening of the window, the howling of the wind resonating from the hallways.

“I never knew just how noisy the wind is inside a cloud house.”  Cadance stated, as she closed her eyes, content to keep listening.  She could hear the wind rustling off of every nook and cranny of the house, and was soon brought out of her daze by the sound of a tea cup being placed onto the coffee table.  “That reminds me,” Cadance said. “Just... HOW do you manage to keep the furniture from falling through the clouds and down to the ground?”

“Enchanted furniture,” Cirrus chuckled, which ended when he received a playful nudge from his wife.

“Behave Cirrus,” Morning Dew giggled.

Cirrus placed his foreleg around Morning and pulled her into his side.  “So Princess, how long are you and little Twilight going to be here for?”  Cirrus asked.

Cadance smiled when she saw Twilight curled up with Fluttershy.  “About a week or so.  To be honest, I'm going to hate taking her home now.”

Cirrus nodded.  “Well, she's welcome here anytime, you as well Princess.”

“Thank you Cirrus,” Cadance whispered.

Morning Dew stood up and gathered the coffee cups.  “Who would like dessert?”  she asked.  

“Sounds great babe.” Cirrus said, as he gave her his cup.

Cadance took the cups with her magic.  “Let me help you Morning,” she said, as she followed her into the kitchen.

“Place them by the sink if you don't mind Cadance”  Morning said, as she removed a lemon cake from the refrigerator, and placed it on the counter.  “Could you remove three plates from that counter?”

Cadance sat the plates onto the counter, while Morning Dew cut a slice of cake and placed one on each plate.  “Anything else Morning?”

Morning shook her head as she returned the cake to the refrigerator.  “So how did you meet Cirrus?” she asked Cadance.

Cadance smiled as she volunteered to wash the cups.  “He was my personal guard when Auntie first adopted me as her niece.  About... 6 years ago?”

Morning Dew smiled as she placed the now cleaned cups, into the cupboard.  “It's really hard you know... being married to a royal guard.  It's even harder for Fluttershy.  All she talks about is how she misses her daddy, or how she wishes he was here to play with her or...”

“Or how she wishes I would take her with me for a day.”  Cirrus said as he trotted into the kitchen.

“Does she know you're leaving in the morning Cirrey?”  Morning asked.

Cirrus shook his head, as he accepted his cake from Morning.  “No she doesn't, but I'll tell her when we put her to bed tonight.  Which reminds me: where will you and Twilight be staying Princess?”


★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★



Morning came too soon for a couple of fillies.  Celestia's sun rose slowly over the horizon, pulling Twilight from her dreams.  Slowly opening her eyes, she first noticed she was in a new, but familiar room.

“Not my bedroom...” Twilight groaned, as she pulled the green comforter off of her head and flipped her self over.  As she opened her eyes a bit more, she jumped back in surprise when was met by a sleeping Fluttershy.  “Oh yeah..... I remember” she whispered.

“Ohh.”  came a soft grumble.

“G'morning...” Twilight groaned, as she snuggled up into her friend.  They laid there for a few moments, relishing the warmth from the sun as it lit up the room more with each passing moment.

Fluttershy was muzzle deep in a sea of purple mane when her bedroom door slowly opened.  She slowly backed out and slid deeper under the bedding as she saw her mother eying her questionable.  

“Good morning you two.” Morning Dew said with a smile, as she pulled the bedding off of the two fillies.

“Good morning mommy” Fluttershy whispered, as she pulled herself out of bed and landed on the floor with a soft thud.  

“Morning..” Twilight said as she closed her eyes at an ill attempt to reclaim sleep.  Morning Dew however, was not going to have that and picked Twilight up into her forelegs.

“Goooood Moooorning sleepy filly” Morning cooed as she placed Twilight next to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy smiled as her mommy took the hairbrush and ran it through her pink mane, slowly bringing out the natural swoop at the bottom.  Once she was satisfied with Fluttershy, she took to working on Twilight's mane.  Morning struggled as she attempted to pull the brush through her mane, but the vast amounts of product prevented just that.

“Twilight, what does your mother use in your hair?” Morning said, flabbergasted at her failed attempt to tame the purple mess atop Twilight's head.

“Well, Cadance and my mommy use a straightening crème, and an extra firm gel to keep it straight.”  Twilight said.  “Plus they don't use brushes, only magic.  I like flying fast, so Cadance says keeping my mane straight helps me go faster, and helps me keep better control so....”

“OK then come on” Morning said, as she led Twilight to the bathroom.  “I don't have any hair products like that, let alone any magic to use, but in the mean time we can wash the old out so we can at least get your mane somewhat under control for the day.”

Fluttershy giggled as her mother picked Twilight up and placed her chest deep into a tub of warm water.

“Oh you think it's funny dear?” Morning whispered.  

Fluttershy's eyes went wide as her mother picked her up as well and placed her into the tub next to her friend.  This time however, it was Twilight who was giggling.

“Oh you girls, whatever will I do with the two of you.” Morning joked as she set to cleaning Twilight's mane, using a bottle of 'butterfly kisses' mane and tail shampoo.

“Oh that stuff is girly, totally not cool at all.”  Twilight joked, as a bucket of warm water ran over her head.  Morning Dew set to cleaning Twilight's tail next, as she playfully slapped her wings into the tub, splashing water into the direction of Fluttershy, who only held her hooves up to keep from getting her face wet.  “Water fight!” Twilight yelled.

Twenty minutes later, two clean and dry fillies walked out of the bathroom, while a sopping wet Morning Dew laughed as she dried herself off.  “Those two...” She thought.  “I haven't ever seen Fluttershy this outgoing.  I'm glad she finally made a friend, if only for a week, maybe... just maybe Twilight will help do away with her shyness.”  

Morning finished brushing her pink mane and proceeded into the kitchen where to two fillies sat at the table, both very hungry-eyed.  “Who want's pancakes?” Morning called.

Smiles formed on both of the fillies faces as they both extended a foreleg into the air saying “I do!”

“OK then, while I get started on this, why don't you two go to the back porch and get some berries for me?”  Morning asked.

Fluttershy led Twilight to the back door of the house.  She opened it and was greeted with the warmth of the days sunshine.  Out back, the two fillies were picking a few black berries and raspberries from a small flower pot that sat upon a cloud pillar.  Two minutes later, a measuring cup was filled to the brim with a mixture of berries.  Fluttershy sat it onto the patio table, and turned to face Twilight, who wasn't anywhere in sight.

“Twilight where are you?” Fluttershy said.  She looked around the back yard, but did not see her friend anywhere.  “Twilight?  Don't scare me, come back please!”  

Unbeknownst to Fluttershy, Twilight was indeed very close by.  Twilight hovered a few feet above Fluttershy, taking care to follow her movements to avoid being caught.

Twilight took her time as she slowly descended upon her prey.  Forelegs stretched out, she did what any reliable friend would do.  She slowly approached her friend.  Twenty four inches, twenty, sixteen, twelve, eight...  Once Twilight was but a mere six inches above Fluttershy.  She leaned her head down, so her muzzle was but an inch from her ear and whispered.  

“Boo.”

Fluttershy shrieked and jumped forward in surprise as Twilight tackled her, ending up rolling half way across the backyard.  Twilight giggled as their roll slowed to a stop.  

“Twilight!”  Fluttershy screamed.  “You scared me!”

Twilight stood up, grinning very widely.  She extended a hoof to Fluttershy and helped her up.  “Come on Flutters, we have to bring the berries in.”  Twilight sang.

“Flutters?” Fluttershy whispered, as she smiled softly.

Twilight and Fluttershy waltzed back to the kitchen, and gave the cup of berries to Morning Dew.

“Thank you girls.”  She said as she washed the berries off in the sink, before placing a small portion onto each of the three plates.  

Twilight and Fluttershy took a seat at the dining table as a plate was set down in front of each of them.

“Thank you” the two said in unison, as they both picked up their forks and began eating.

Breakfast passed in relative peace and quiet.  The two fillies ate in silence as Morning kept watch on the two while she finished her plate.

“Miss Dew, where's Cadance at?”  Twilight asked, as she placed her fork onto her now, empty plate.

“Well...” Morning started.  “You two fell asleep in the living room last night right after dinner... She had a few things she needed to do today, so she asked me to keep watch over you.  And well... here you are.” Morning giggled, as she collected the plates and placed them into the sink.

“So...” Morning said, as she filled the sink with water.  “What would you girls like to do today?”


★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★



On the other side of town, Cadance was walking through an upscale neighborhood.  After roughly twenty minutes of searching, she found her destination, '4823 Pegasus Way'

She approached the front door, and gingerly knocked on it.  A few moments later, she heard some rustling behind the door as it opened.  In the doorway stood Wildfire.

“Cadance!” she spoke happily as she embraced her friend.  “What brings you by this early in the morning?”

Cadance gently pushed Wildfire off of her, and said.  “We need to talk... now.”

“About what?” Wildfire said with a smirk.  “Didn't we do plenty of that yesterday?”

“Hopefully about something you're not already aware of.” Cadance replied.

Wildfire sighed as she led Cadance inside.

“Is Golden Glory around?” Cadance asked.

Wildfire shook her head.  “She's still sleeping.  Now what did you need to talk about?  I'm very busy today Cadance.”

Cadance snorted as she slowly approached Wildfire.  “I want to talk about how your daughter bullied my student yesterday.”

“MY Daughter?”  Wildfire exclaimed.

“Yes.” Cadance replied.  “YOUR daughter.”

Anger formed in Wildfire's eyes as she stared down the Princess of love.  “I assure you my daughter did no such thing.  She is a well behaved filly, unlike that ruffian student of yours.”

“What was that?” Cadance asked, as she slowly trotted towards Wildfire.  

However, Wildfire stood her ground as Cadance closed in on her.  “What?  Didn't you know?”  She asked, mocking the Princess.  “The reason she doesn't have any friends in Canterlot isn't because she's a Pegasus... PRINCESS.”  Wildfire turned and walked towards the bar in the corner.  She pulled out a bottle of whiskey and filled a shot glass.  Downing the shot she continued, “My little Golden Glory has no problem making friends in Canterlot, and she is also a Pegasus if you remember... the difference is she isn't a shy crybaby who show's off her flying talent in order to try and make friends... My Golden Glory is a very outspoken filly, who makes friends by inspiring others.”

“You mean by joining up with other bullies.”  Cadance said, as she glared towards Wildfire.  “I see where she get's it from too.”

“Oh?” Wildfire cooed, as she downed another shot of whiskey.

“Twilight doesn't show off her flying abilities.  Sure she loves flying... but she enjoys studying just as much, if not more.”

“So she's a Princess's pet... just another reason for the other foals to pick on her and stay away.” Wildfire said.

Cadance turned and approached the door.  She stopped for a moment to glare towards Wildfire.  “Tell your daughter to stay away from Twilight.  Auntie would be very.... displeased if any harm were to come to my star pupil.”  

Wildfire snorted in anger as the Princess slammed the door behind her as she exited.

“Mom?” A voice called out.

Wildfire turned to see Golden Glory peeking down the stairs.  “Good morning pumpkin.”

“Don't call me that.”  Glory spat.  “Am I in trouble with the... Princess?”

“Oh...” Wildfire replied.  “You don't have to worry about her... she's always been nothing but talk.”















> Chapter 8 : The Soul's Existence
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

High above the city of Canterlot, Twilight laid among the clouds, watching as the stars came out for the night.  One by one they appeared, always in the same order.  Twilight shivered as a cool breeze blew through the air.  It had been six weeks since she had returned home from Cloudsdale, and already she felt lost without her friend.


★flashback★


“But Cadance, do I have to go home now?” a disappointed Twilight said, as a tear ran from her eye.

Cadance knelt next to her student, and gently rubbed her mane.  “Yes Twilight, we've been here a week... I'm sure your parents are just dying to see you.” 

Twilight looked away, not wanting the others to see the tears flowing from her eyes.  “But... but... I don't wanna go... I have.... I have a friend here and.... there's so many ponies like me here.... I don't wanna go.”

Fluttershy approached Twilight and wrapped her forelegs around Twilight's neck and pulled her into a loving hug.  “I don't want you to go either but um... it's not like you will be gone forever right?  I mean... we will see each other again... I just know we will.”

Cadance scooped Twilight into her forelegs as Morning Dew pulled Fluttershy into an embrace, while hiding her own tears. 

“Thank you Cadance...” Morning dew whispered.  Cadance smiled sadly as she unfurled her wings, and took off into the evening sky, cradling a weeping filly in her forelegs.



★★★★★★



Another tear fell, as Twilight pulled her forelegs further into her body.  She stared intently in the direction of Cloudsdale, and... her friend.  Twilight gasped as a shooting star flew by, and she followed it until it disappeared by Canis Minor.  

Shivering, Twilight looked down to her house.  Shadows danced in the light of the living room, and she watched as one moved towards the door, ultimately opening it to reveal her mother, Twilight Velvet, exiting the house.  

“Twilight, come inside sweetie, it's getting late, and it's cold.”  Twilight Velvet spoke into the sky.  

Twilight huffed as she rolled off of the cloud, quickly plummeting to the ground below.  Twilight kept her eyes closed, she loved this feeling: the feeling of the wind rushing through her mane, her fur, her feathers.  In these few seconds, nothing else mattered.  It was a state of euphoria for her.  

Twilight Velvet however, gasped in shock as she watched her daughter fall lifelessly towards the ground.  She summoned up what magical ability she had, and focused into her horn, resulting in a pale blue light to emanate forth from it.  She aimed her magic towards Twilight, attempting to slow her fall, but held back as she watched Twilight open her wings when she was but a few meters from the ground.

“OK mother...” whispered Twilight, as her hooves touched solid ground for the first time since that morning. 

“Twilight...” Velvet cooed, but soon she was overcome with a sense of guilt as she watched her daughter walk in the house; not paying her any attention as she passed her.

“What am I supposed to do?” she thought to herself.

Minutes passed as Velvet sat on the front lawn, staring into the sky, thinking of a way to cure her daughter's sadness.  She sat deep in thought, her only companion being the wind's howl, and the glow of the waxing moon.

“It's not fair to her...”

Velvet looked to her side to see her husband, Nightlight, laying down on the lawn next to her.

“It's not fair... being born a Pegasus into a Unicorn family... let alone a mostly Unicorn city...”  

Velvet closed her eyes, and snuggled up into her husband's side.  “What... can we do Nightlight?”  She asked, looking up into his deep golden eyes.

Nightlight shook his head, looking up intently into the night sky.  “I... don't know.”

“Her entrance exam is tomorrow you know...” Velvet whispered, as she watched the candle light fade from her daughter's bedroom.

Nightlight lowered his head, laying it atop of his wife's.  “She is definitely smart enough, and witty enough to take on anything they throw to her but... I hope she is mentally ready for this.”

“Do you... have any idea what they have for an entrance exam?” Velvet asked.  

Once again, Nightlight shook his head.  “No I don't but... If anypony would have any insight into what the test consists of... it would be Princess Cadance... and I'm sure she has been preparing Twilight for this.



★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★     ☆ ★ 



Twilight floated amongst the stars deep within her soul plane.  She kept her eyes fixated upon Orion, seeking comfort from the outside world.  She inhaled deeply, no particular scents came to mind.  

“You've come to realize your own soul plane very quickly Twilight Sparkle.  I must say I am most pleased with this.”  

Twilight smiled as the pony from her dreams entered her “soul.”  

“Good morning, or is it Good evening?” Twilight asked.  

The black pony chuckled as she took a seat next to Twilight.  Her horn lit up with a lavender glow, dimming the stars, leaving but a few present.  What happened next, was truly magical for Twilight, as a plethora of auroras came into existence, covering the entire sky.

“Wow...” Twilight gasped.

The black pony smiled, lowering her head to meet Twilight's.  “Are you impressed little one?”

Twilight's ears perked up.  “You bet!” she cheered.  “This is truly amazing!  One, I've never seen an aurora in person before, two... you can control the stars, and three... this is all within MY soul plane.  I... I never thought anypony other than myself would be able to influence what happens here.”

“Well...”  the black pony started.  “You are right, only you can affect what happens in here... only you.”

“But...” Twilight said, but was interrupted as a black hoof was placed in front of her muzzle.

The black pony smiled, with a glow of her horn, the scene changed to the Canterlot Archives.  “When you go to the castle tomorrow for your entrance exam... go a little early.  There's a book I would like you to look over beforehand.” 

The scene moved in onto a particular book shelf in the far back of the castle.  

“This book here.”  She said, as she pointed her hoof towards it.

Twilight squinted her eyes, and turned her head as she read the title.  “The Sanctification of Souls... The Embodiment of Latent Magical Abilities?”  

The black pony nodded her head.  

“I've heard of this before... but where?”  Twilight whispered.

“Twilight... there is... much more to yourself than you may realize.  I am, in a way, a part of you.  I can see the innermost workings of your soul...” the black pony said, as Twilight stared intently into her eyes: captivated by her words.  “While I would love to tell you exactly what to do, and where to go, I simply must not.  Life is short, and discovery of who you are is a wonderful part of it, as most ponies never quit learning new things about themselves.  This is what makes life bearable for most.”

“Come...” she whispered as she unfurled her wings and took off with Twilight close in tow.  

Twilight smiled at the chance to fly with somepony else.  “Where are we going?” she asked.  “Couldn't you just change the scene to bring us wherever it is you wish to take me?” 

The black pony chuckled.  “I wish not to bring you someplace, but only to take a flight.  It has been far too long since I've used these babies.”

Twilight smiled, as she watched the black pony glide gracefully amongst the stars.  

“Think you can keep up?” She smirked.

“You're on!” Twilight growled.

In a flash, Twilight sped off.  Each powerful thrust of her wings subjected her to heightened speeds.  The lack of gravity helped increase her wing power, and coupled with her reduced body mass, she was rocketing to speeds she had yet to realize possible.

“You're not bad Twilight Sparkle.”  The black pony said as she effortlessly passed Twilight.  Twilight growled as she pushed her wings even faster, propelling her to a new sense of realization of her abilities.  

One thing Twilight noticed, was the lack of wind... It was a strange feeling, to fly without the comfort of the wind in her mane, but still she pressed on.  Moments later, she began to slowly catch up to her flying partner, who was now beginning to flap her wings in a more steady pace.

Twilight huffed, and gasped for air as she was now at equal pacing, one moment she would take the lead by a nose, only to lose it a second later, and yet would regain it once more a few seconds later.

“Twilight...” the black pony whispered.

Twilight folded her ears back, closing her eyes she pushed herself just a bit harder and began to slowly pull away.  “I can't hear you!” she called out.  “Try catching up... to... me...” she stuttered as her flying partner once again effortlessly reclaiming lost ground.

“Twilight... you are trying to hard.  Close you eyes.”

“My eyes are closed already.”  Twilight retorted, earning a chuckle from the black pony.

“Indeed they are.... tell me... what do you see?”

Twilight stared into the black abyss.... “absolutely nothing...”

The black pony called forth her magic, surrounding Twilight in a lavender glow.

“Anything now?” she asked.

Twilight stared into the darkness once more... “Still nothing but.... it's warm now...”

“Good.”  The black pony said, as she closed her own eyes.  “All she needed was a push.”  she thought to herself.

“What you are sensing Twilight... is the souls of the stars.” the black pony said, as she slowed to a stop, with Twilight following suit.

Twilight gasped as she collapsed.  “What...do you... mean... souls of the.... stars...?”

The black pony chuckled once more.  “It is as I said.  Each one of the many stars here... share a soul with that of their counterpart in the real world.  Every star here was created thousands of years ago, and with each one, a soul was placed within to ensure the stability of the Universe's magic... Tell me Twilight... have you learned to enter your soul plane at will?”

Twilight sat for a minute and thought before shaking her head.  “No... I seem to enter it only when I sleep.”

“Page 782 of Sanctification of Souls.  Remember to read that page especially before your test.  There is a bit of an... experiment on it I would like you to try.”

Twilight nodded, a buzzing was beginning to fill her mind.

“It seems my time here is done... until next we meet Twilight Sparkle.”