> The Equestrian Portal > by Pegasister614 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: The Hunt > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Daddy!" Cried Anna, "Really?!" Her father chuckled in response, "Yes dear, we are going hunting." He grins The ginger danced as she heard those words, she then stopped and exclaimed, "When are we going?! Huh huh?! When?!" "Tonight." "Tonight?" "Yes, we are camping out for a while to snatch the good ones!" She gasped, "I'm packing right now!" As he chuckled at his daughter response he decided he should start as well. Soon she came rushing out with her backpack, laptop bag, and her camera around her neck. Gleaming with excitement, the tomboy ran and knocked on her fathers bedroom door, "Daddy, Daddy!" Her father comes out and asked solemnly, "Homework?" Then rolling her eyes she sighed, "Ok, fine." Her father grins with a sweet, but devilish smile. Then they load the truck with their belongings, tent, guns, etc. then they hurriedly hoped into the truck. They were soon in the woods. "Ah," sighed Anna, "finished." She and her father finished setting up their camp site, but for some reason she felt something was a bit odd about the woods, of course, this her first time in the woods, but still, she thought something was out of the ordinary. She pushed those thoughts aside, she wanted some quality time with her father. Her father saw her confused face as she looked around, "Anna? Anna!" She shook her head, "Huh?" "Are you okay?" "Yes," she lied, "I'm fine.." Later that day, they prepped to start their hunt, dressing in camouflage, and loading their guns. They smile and give each other thumbs up signifying they're ready. With her young wisdom, Anna decided that that they should climb the trees to get a better look. So with little struggle, they climbed a tall tree. After thirty minutes of silence, Anna's father sighed then whispered: "I miss her.." Snapping her from her concentrating, blank mind, she turned to her father, understanding what he meant, she sadly replied: "I miss her too.." Thinking of her mother, she silently prayed. When her father looked over to her he knew what she was doing just by her mouthing "God... mama... please... love her... miss..." so he scooted over and hugged her as tears rolled down her cheeks in remembrance of her mother "It's okay angel, she is very proud of you.." then Anna looked up to him questionably, then like he knew what she was asking, he sighed then answered her, "You remind me of your mother so much.. She used to give me the same look when she heard of the words 'woods, guns, hunting' and the similar stuff.. Heh.. it was like it was yesterday when we first kissed, when we said our vows, then saw you on the.. umm.. baby scanner thingy.." "Heh," she giggled, "you mean an ultrasound?" "That's the word!" Then she and her father burst out in quiet laughter, but her father then heard a twig snap. "Shh!" Hushed her father, "we got somethin'!" Anna moved her binoculars to see what her father was pointing at, there was a deer grazing the grassy land. "Ladies first." Grinned her father, "Now remember...." Anna's father reminded her how to do it, and then with a grin, she takes aim but realized her foot was kinda in an awkward position, so fixed it on a thin but seemingly sturdy branch, then takes aim and whispers to herself: "This is for you mom." A tear ran down her cheek then cocks the gun, but then.. *SLUURRP* The deer than looked like it was sucked into the ground! The confused Anna and her father look at each other, curiously Anna look over some more, than she heard something bad, real bad. *SNAP* The branch broke in two, letting Anna fall down a long ways. "DADDY!!" She screamed in sheer terror. "ANNA!!" Her father yelled after her. Then Anna thinking this was it closed her watery eyes and was killed, or so she thought. > Out with the Old and In with the New > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ooh.. Ugh.. Moaned Anna "Wha..?" As she fluttered her eyes opened, she found herself in a small white room with a disturbing heart monitor noise. "Why am I here?" She thought as she journeyed the depths of her recent memories. "Oh," she sighed, "my dad brought me to the hospital." Oh how wrong she was, she realized that soon enough. A white mare nurse walked in with charts in hoof, Anna at this sight, she shrieked, this scared the mare and she yelped. The nurse then galloped to get strong stallions to restrain her. "HELP ME, HELP ME, OH DEAR LORD IN HEAVEN HELP ME!!" Screamed Anna. "Calm down ma'am, please calm down." Soothed the nurse. "CALM DOWN?!? CALM DOWN?!? HOW CAN I CALM DOWN WITH TALKING PONIES?!?" "Please princess, cal-" "Princess?" Questioned Anna as she settled down some, "I'm no princess, I'm just a normal person." "But your highness, your an alicorn." "I'm NOT an alo-corn or whatever, I'm just a regular human being." At her words the nurse was wide-eyed with shock like she had seen a ghost, then she slowly backed out then galloped to the receptionist stallion whispering something Anna couldn't understand. So she rolled on her stomach and started weeping. "Daddy..." she moaned softly, a few minutes later she heard someone come in her room, but she didn't bother to look up, but then she heard a soft but strong voice say; "Are you alright?" Anna then looked up to see a tall white pony with a colorful flowing mane. "Who are you?" Whimpered Anna. "My name is princess Celestia, I've heard that you were once a human? "Y-yes, I am human, your majesty." "No need to be formal," Celestia chuckled, "what is your name?" "M-my-my na-" "Don't be afraid, dear." "S-so *ahem* Sorry.. My name is Anna, Anna Day. Then Celestia thought aloud, "What an interesting name," then she looked at Anna, seriously, "we might have to call you by a different name, a more pony type name, is that alright?" "Of course, Ms. Celestia. But.. Do you happen to have a mirror? I'd like to see myself, if that's okay." "That fine, dear, but lets do that when we go to your temporary home, you will be staying with my student, Princess Twilight Sparkle, she'll take care of you for the time being. In the meantime, we will build a home for you here in ponyville to whatever you like." Anna, thinking about the possibility's, agreed to this, so the two princess's left the hospital then got on a royal carriage to go to Twilight's house. They then landed in front of Twilight's house, and got out of the carriage. *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* Hoofsteps where heard inside the house, "COMING!" shouted the hurried voice of Twilight. *CRASH* "OUCH!" The two flinched at the noise as it continued. The door then opened, reveling the flustered Twilight, "Hello Princess Celestia! Hello Princ- " *GASP* gasped the young princess "P- Pr- Prin-" "Umm," Anna cut in, "You must be Princess Twilight?" Awakened from her stare, the purple alicorn shook her head, then replied, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be rude." blushed Twilight, "Yes, your correct, and you are?" "Uhhhhmm.." Anna looked up to the sun princess, the princess nodded, "Her name is Anna." "Uhh, a h-human name?" "Yes." There was a short silence so Anna started to feel awkward, Twilight noticed, "Ah, so sorry for my rudeness, please come in, make yourself comfortable!" Anna, without hesitation, politely trotted in and hopped on the couch with Celestia next to her. Celestia sighed, "Well, we will explain everything. The two guests took turns explaining their day to Twilight, she listened closely, levitating her note pad as she wrote everything down. "Uh-huh.. okay.. right.." She mumbled as she wrote. "Oh my!" exclaimed the white alicorn, " It's getting late and I have to lower the sun! Anna, Twilight will take care of you, and I will check on you every once in a while. Goodbye! Celestia grinned then left the room, leaving the two young alicorns alone. Twilight inspected Anna, then noticed her flank had no cutie mark. "Where's your cutie mark?" "My cutie what?" "Your cutie mark, your special talent. Here's mine." She showed Anna her flank, her cutie mark was a large magenta star with white stars surrounding the bigger star. Anna was in awe, so she whipped her head around to see her own flank, but there was nothing there but soft yellow fur and a light pink and lavender tail. She then remembered she wanted to see herself. "Umm, do you have a mirror?" The alicorn scholar giggled, "I understand, I did the same thing when I got wings! Follow me, I have one in the bathroom." Anna followed her to the bathroom till she was in front of the large mirror, she scanned herself head to hoof like she was a complete stranger, she was a yellow mare with her same blue eyes, she turned her head to the side to see her mane to her dislike she had a bow in her mane, while Anna stared at herself, Twilight interrupted her, "I know it's a lot to take in, but we should probably make your uh, pony name." "Oh, right" So they trotted over to the couch, Anna sat down, but Twilight stopped and asked: "Oh, umm, are you hungry or thirsty?" Anna noticed that she was really hungry with a dry throat screaming for a drink, so she nodded, "Well, I would love a drink of water, with a.. well.. d- do you have umm.. steak?" Confused, Twilight cocked her head to side, "Steak? I've never heard of it, if it's meat, we don't eat meat here, we're more of the vegan type." Anna, on the inside, was crying out 'Are you SERIOUS?!' but she, on the outside, showed little expression, "Oh, that's fine!" "How do you like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Do humans like that?" "Ooh, okay sounds good!" The purple mare smiled, "Okay, I'll be right back!" She trotted off. Alone, Anna became lost in her thoughts as she stared into the distance, a few minutes later she was interrupted. "I've made extras," said Twilight as she entered the room, levitating a plate full of sandwiches, cups, and a jug full of water, "Just in case." She set everything down, grinning, "So, any ideas? I mean for your pony name." "Now that you mention it, no I haven't. To be honest, I've been thinking more of.. my past." Anna looked over to hide her face as her eyes teared up, but Twilight noticed, "Oh, I'm so sorry.." She embraced her, and held her tight. "I'm sorry.. the past is the past. Let's work in the present." Anna whimpered, quickly wiping away her tears. "Okay, let's get to work." *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* A purple and green baby dragon came in, "Twilight, I'm home" "Oh, Spike this is An-" Anna intervened, "Uh, HARMONY *ahem* Harmony." Shocked, Twilight slowly nodded. He looked over to the new alicorn, "Ooh, your prett- uh umm pretty cool!" Anna giggled, "Nice save, Spike." She's never been complemented by a boy before, all the boys were her friends in her neighborhood, she never bothered to make 'lady-friends' as her friends called them. A little while later, they all three sat and ate dinner. Twilight was asking lots of questions to Anna while enjoying her sandwich, and Spike was making a meal of gems which shocked Anna a little bit, so she turned her focus to Twilight's questions, nodding or shaking her head as replies. "Oh my!" exclaimed the purple scholar as she looked at the clock, "It's getting dark out, and we haven't checked the evening list yet! Spike where's the list? Spike sighed, "Here it is," He belched a stream of green fire, he grabbed a rolled parchment within the flame. A hour later, Anna and Spike half asleep, finished checking, double checking, and triple checking the evening list with Twilight. "Check.. che.. *yawn* ..ck.." "Oh, Look at the time! Did we really go a hour?" She said surprised. Anna and Spike simultaneously shrugged sarcastically. Twilight catching on, chuckled, "Okay, Okay! Now, let's talk sleep! You can sleep on the couch here" Spike gives Twilight pleading eyes, she caught on, "Or," she said with a glimmer of annoyance, " I have a bed mat if you want to sleep on it upstairs." When Spike heard those words he gleamed with excitement. Anna giggled on the inside, "I'll take the mat." "All settled then." chucked Twilight They all went up stairs, said their goodnights, and settled in. Anna said her prayers, like always. "Goodnight, Daddy. Goodnight, Mom." She soon drifted off to sleep. > New Friends: Part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Haahaha, wheee!' laughed the young Anna with her parents. It was such a beautiful spring day, it used to always be like that. Her father, mother and her playfully chased each other around the backyard. 'TAG, your it mommy!' shouted the red-headed child with a grin as she tapped her mother on her leg. 'Oh no you don't!' her mother cooed playfully as she crouched down with her hands clawed, she shook her head to get her bouncy ruby curls away from her face, revealing her emerald eyes, 'I'm going to get yoouu!' Anna screamed with glee as her mother chased her, but the sky suddenly got dark as a storm chimed through the clouds, her mother clutched her chest, where her heart was, and slowly collapsed, her father rushed to her side, his light brown hair swayed as his once happy sea-blue eyes turned dark with agony. 'MOMMY!' Anna shrieked, trying to run back to her mother, but her mother was only getting farther. She kept running towards her, but as she ran everything but her was getting darker. "HARMONY!" Anna ignored everything but her mother as she screamed again, 'MOMMMMYYYYY!!!' "HARMONY!" Anna's eyes shot open, to see Twilight and Spike shouting at her with concerned looks. "Harmony, are you alright? You were screaming and crying in your sleep!" stated the worried mare. Anna sat up and burst into tears, "I had a- a dream a- about m- my mother.." Both Twilight and Spike gave each other confused looks. Anna realized she forgot to explain yesterday about her past. She sighed, "My mother died when i was very young.." She told them about her mother and changed some parts that were human into a more pony story. Twilight levitated a note pad and quill as Anna talked, she was in deep interest, Spike sat next to Anna with wide eyes like he was being read to from a sad book, and every time she shed a single tear, he hugged her to try to avoid a break out of tears that would stop her story. ".. and that's all I remember.." Twilight levitated a box of tissues with her magenta aura grasping it, set it down as the three grabbed for a tissue. Spike quickly thought of something that would cheer the two up, "Umm, maybe we can show you around town! Won't that be fun?" Twilight caught on, "Oh yes! I can show you around while Spike can talk to Pinkie Pie about doing something special when we get back!" She winked at her assistant, who understood and almost burst in excitement. "Okay, sounds like a plan!" Anna exclaimed, "Um, do you mind if I bathe first?" "Alright, we ready?" questioned the purple alicorn Anna smiled, "Heh, I think so!" The two grinned at each other, Twilight then made her way to the door, and opened it for her guest. As they walked out to the open world, Twilight's horn glowed her magenta hue, and a short parchment gently glided out of her saddle bag with the same hue surrounding to in front of her, she began to read, "Okay, first we will visit Rarity, then we can go see Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, then Pinkie Pie." "Huh, nice but odd names.." Twilight glanced over, "Well, they might seem a little different to you, but I'm sure you'll catch on." she said with a reassuring smile. Anna smiled back, but was cut short by a blue unicorn mare crashing into the both of them. The dust settled with the three on the ground, rubbing their heads. "OUCH! Please be more careful, the Great and Powerful Trixie bumped her he- *GASP* Sp- Sparkle?" "Trixie?!" "Trixie?" She darted her eyes side to side, "Wh- Well, Sparkle, it's been awhile.. Umm, who's your friend? Another royal Trixie presumes?" Anna lowered her muzzle to Twilight's ear, "Why does she talk in the third person?" Trixie heard the whispers, "Trixie likes to talk in the the third person, and makes the Great and Powerful Trixie seem more.. uh.. Great and Powerful! Now, you didn't answer Trixie's question, are you royalty?" Twilight quickly thought of a cover, "Uhh. she is royalty, but from, umm, Manehattan, yeah, Manehattan!" she smiled nervously. Anna quickly copied her smile, but the unicorn shifted her eyes, "Alright, Trixie will believe you, for now." They both breathed a sigh of relief. "Well it's nice to meet you, Trixie! My name is Harmony." Trixie cocked her head to the side, not used to manners, "Uhm, nice to meet you too, Harmony. Trixie likes you, because your the first mare who has ever been polite to Trixie." "Oh, okay." Twilight intervened, "Well, I'm sorry to cut, whatever this is, short. But we have to go continue our errands. Nice to see you again, Trixie!" "Nice to see you too, Sparkle. As well as you, Harmony. You and Trixie should show each other our magic, Trixie knows of Sparkle's magic too well, so it would be nice to-" "Oh my, look at the time. We had best be going now." said the worried purple mare. "Of, course," said the annoyed Trixie. She started walking by Harmony, and noticed her flank, "Where's your cutie mark, Harmony?" "Oh, umm.." "Oh dear, we are late, so very late, we have to go now, bye-bye!" Twilight stated hurriedly. Trixie shrugged and walked off, Anna and Twilight trotted away till they reached a store called, 'Carousel Boutique'. Twilight went to the fancy door and knocked. *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* Inside, there was the clopping of hooves approaching the door. The door was gripped with a light blue aura, and gracefully swung it open. The bearer of the aura was a beautiful, white unicorn with curled purple mane and tail. "Oh, hello Twilight, darling!" missing the sight of Anna, "Your just in time to try on a lovely gown I just finished! It would go so well with your mane!" She then shot a glance at Anna, with wide eyes and mouth agape, "Oh. My.Goodness! You are the perfect one to try my other outfit! It would simply look so divine on you!" "Umm, my name's Harmony, and you are?" "What? WHAT?! YOU HAVEN'T HEARD OF ME?! HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK?!" Anna flinched and slunk back, Twilight then glared daggers at the unicorn, "She's new here, Rarity! This is her first time in Ponyville, and I'm showing her around." Rarity quickly shot back, "Then where in Equestria is she from? Everyone, of course, knows my name." Twilight sighed, "Where she's from is a long story.." "ANNA!!" Her father leaped from the tree to the ground, next to where his daughter disappeared, and patted all over that spot. "ANNA, ANNA?! No, no, NO! I can't lose you too!! PLEASE, please, please..." He started sobbing and fell over to his side, still weeping. "Dear God," He silently prayed, "Please, oh Please bring her ba-a-ck!" His voice cracked as he cried out for his daughter. But nothing happened. "Oh my, the poor darling, please forgive me for the words I have lashed at you." Rarity apologized, "I never knew that, that a human could come here. But how through that, dirty, nasty ground?" Twilight shook her head, "I'm not sure, but I'm going to look through all my books of natural portals. Then we can figure out if she can be free to come and go as she pleases, or if she's stuck here." As the two talked, Anna looked around and studied the room she's in, and noticed a beautiful, bedazzled dress in the corner. It would usually be too girly for her taste, but she didn't care now. Rarity caught her spying her dress in awe, "Let's forget that right now, and have some fun, instead." She trotted over to Anna, Anna noticed that she was caught staring at the shimmering artwork, she blushed. Rarity grinned as she began her work on the new alicorn. > New Friends: Part 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "My! Oh my! You look absolutely fabulous in that outfit!" cooed the fashionista. The neon yellow mare posed the too tight dress, though to her surprise, she didn't mind. Anna and Twilight changed out of their outfits and met the white unicorn at the door, "It's so dreadful that you must leave now, I was thinking about pleading you to stay and try on some more lovely outfits, but I understand you must continue on your tour." Anna put her hoof on Rarity's shoulder, "We can always plan a date where I can be your fashion dummy! Hehe!" She giggled in return, "Sounds fun, darling! I will write!" Twilight and Anna waved as they left the boutique. Twilight pulled out her list again, "Alright, Rarity is checked off so next is Applejack. You'll have a blast there, trust me! "Okay," Anna nodded. They begin there way to the farm. "Whell, howdy there, sugercube! How ya been?" Greeted the friendly, orange earth pony. Twilight trotted over and hugged the cowpony, "It's been a long day, but well worth it! Anyway, let me introduce my friend here." The royal bookworm told Applejack all she could about Anna, but was interrupted by a light grey pegasus with a choppy yellow mane, and what disturbed Anna the most, her gold wall-eyes. "Sorry to intrude," She apologized, "but I have lots of invitations to give out. Pinkie assigned me to deliver her invites because she said she had a lot to do." Applejack shook her head smiling, "Oh that Pinkie! Ah wonder what kind o' party she's planin' today. Do ya know Der- uh Ah mean Ditzy?" "Haha! That's okay, you can call me Derpy, I don't mind. But sorry, she didn't say much but 'what do you think she like's?' 'Do you think she likes pink and purple or purple and pink?' 'I need to make her happy!' Blah blah blah.." "That's okay, Ditzy." comforted Twilight, "er- I mean Derpy." Ditzy grinned as she brought her head around to reach her saddle bag full of mail, her eyes straitened as she focused on digging through the mail, which creeped Anna out, and grabbed three envelopes with her teeth. She walked close, eyes returning wall-eyed, handed one to Applejack, Twilight, then Anna, "Hope you enjoy ponyville, Harmony!" Before Anna could reply, the gray mailmare turned, opened her wings and flew up with little grace, and attempted to make her way to the muffin cart in the market, but went sideways and smacked in to a tree, she shook her head and continued on like nothing happened. "That's an odd pony." Anna whispered as she and the others tore open the envelopes, though Anna had some trouble using her hooves, but managed. She finally opened the card, which popped with confetti, it read; Dear Harmony, You are invited to the most super-duper best 'Welcome to Ponyville, we hope you love it' party, and YOU'RE the star!!! Please oh please oh please, come to your party!!! But its a surprise party so I can't tell you where it will be!! Hope to see you there!!!!!! Your super best friend even though we haven't met yet, but will soon be so close you can't imagine, Pinkie Pie! PS: My Pinkie Sense was tingling, so tell Twilight to crawl all day today so she doesn't get hit with a bowling ball, puppy, cider bottle, and a toothbrush! PPS: My Pinkie Sense was going off again to tell you to I'll tell you about Pinkie Sense later! PPPS: I LOOOOOOVVVEE PS's!! "Umm, okay.." said Anna while putting the letter in her saddle bag, "Umm, Twilight, my letter told me to warn you to crawl for the rest of the day or something.. something about Pinkie Sense going off or whatev-" "WHAT?!" Twilight shrieked as she ducked with trembling legs, "Di- did she say what was coming?" Confused, Anna reluctantly pulled out the letter, "Umm, a bowling ball, puppy, cider bottle, and toothbrush..' "Whell, Ah thaink we should all duck down!" stated the worried Applejack as she as well crouched down, tugging on Anna's mane as a signal. Still confused, she went down too. "I- I have to call the police!!" Anna's father shouted, "Wait.. no no no, bad idea! They'll think I've gone insane! Take me to an asylum! They'll shock me till I forget Anna!" He was in a fast circling pace trying to think of a way to save his daughter, but all that came to mind was to just go home, calm down, and pray. He wasn't sure, but he gave in and walked home leaving everything behind in case she reappears. He finally got home after a half hour walk. feeling more calm, and went to his favorite recliner, leaned back, closed he eyes and prayed, "Dear God, Thank you for my life so far and thank you that wherever Anna is, she is safe.." He prayed for what seemed like hours, but got done at last, "... Amen.." He felt so relaxed after being with God, he drifted off to sleep. 'She's safe.' whispered a gentile woman's voice. His eyes snapped open and he sat up to look around, "Honey?! Is that you?!" he shouted as he recognized his wife's voice. Silence. "Whell, t'was nice meetin' ya Ann- uh Ah mean Harmony!" Anna chuckled, "It was nice to see you too, and your family!" The two alicorns waved to the cowpony as she returned the wave. They then set out to their next destination, "Okay, so Rarity and Applejack are checked off. Next is my dear friend Fluttershy! But let me say this, she is really shy. Trust me, the first time I met her she could hardly even whisper to me.. until she saw Spike.." Twilight giggled. Anna got a little nervous, "Oh, umm, well, how should I introduce myself if I have no exzotic pet, no offence to Spike." "Well, since you being introduced by myself, then she will probably not be so shy." "I'll take your word for it." "Oh! One more thing," Twilight added, "Don't make her mad!" Confused and a little bit afraid, Anna questioned her, "Wha- what do you mean?" "She'l- she'll give you The Stare!" she shuddered. "Umm, okay?" They continued on towards the Everfree. *KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK* 'Oh yes, I'm coming.' whispered a soft voice inside the cottage. The door was gently opened, "Oh, hello Twilight," She said softly like her voice was a delicate fabric. Not knowing Anna was there, she continued, "How are you today?" "Oh just fine! But I'd like to introduce you to Harmony." Anna came into Fluttershy's view and she ducked down hiding her face in her baby pink mane, "Uhm, hello..." She whispered almost out of earshot, but Anna heard her, "Hi I'm Harmony! Nice to meet you Fluttershy!" She said as she extended a hoof for a hoof shake not knowing how Fluttershy felt. Fluttershy slinked away, whimpering. Anna felt embarrassed, brought her hoof back, and glanced at Twilight with a 'What did I do wrong' face. She replied with a small grin as she crouched down next to the shaking mare. "She likes animals and wants to see some." She said trying to be persuasive. Fluttershy immediately shot up with a big grin, eyes saucers, "Ohmygoshohmygosh, Oh My Gosh!" She said excitedly but softly as she flapped her wings and floated a few inches off the ground. She landed and lead them both inside as she quietly explained each animal and breed types. Anna felt like she was in school. A little while later Fluttershy finally finished, "....And last but not least, my pet bunny, Angel. Bunnies are a typ-" Anna cut in, "I'm so sorry to cut you off, but you don't have to explain bunnies. I have most of every animal in my worl- umm.." Twilight sighed as she figured out it was her turn to speak, so she explained everything she could remember from the last three times she has explained Anna. "Oh, oh my," Fluttershy whispered as she listened to the tale, "I never imagined something like that.." Anna sighed, "Nor did I," "You must be so traumatized, you poor thing," She cooed while wrapping her feathery wing around Anna gently, "You came out of your so well-known world to this strange world, but at least you know how to fly and do magic from your world." The yellow alicorn cocked her head to the side, "Do what and what?" "Fly and use magic. You do know how right?" "Umm, about that, humans are like... ummm.." Anna had thousands of thoughts go to and fro in her mind on how to explain, "Uhhh.. Well, humans are basically Earth ponies, but they stand on their.. hind legs like this," She demonstrated by standing on her hind legs, and walked around like she would as a human. Fluttershy was in awe and surprisingly showed deep interest. "Oh my," Fluttershy whispered. Twilight, in more interest than Fluttershy, whipped her notebook and quill out and started writing, "Hind le.. up tall.. earth pon.." She mumbled as she wrote. Anna flopped back down on all-fours, 'Hmm,' She thought, 'I wonder if I should learn how to fly and use magic. I could fit in better!' "Hey Twilight?" "Uh-huh?" she mumbled. She was still writing and drawing charts. She was hardly paying attention. Anna fiddled with her hooves, "Can you teach me how to fly and use magic?" Twilight looked up, she levitated her notes and quill back into her saddle bag, "I can teach you how to fly, but I can only teach you levitation, we need to figure out your cutie mark before I can teach you any other magic." That was all Anna needed to hear, "Oh thank you Twilight!" she exclaimed. The three paused, then they all had a laughing fit. But outside, a lurker peered through the window. The character cackled, "So, you're the new all powerful alicorn?" It whispered, "Well, tomorrow is your lucky day! You will be mine! > New Friends: Part 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anna and Twilight waved Fluttershy goodbye and began their way towards Rainbow Dash's home. "Soo.. she lives in the clouds? That's like every humans dream!" Twilight chuckled, "Well, you're one in a... umm.. how many humans live in your realm?" It was Anna turn to chuckle, "Probably billions." "Okay then you're one in a billion!" The two laughed as they continued their walk, Then suddenly, WOOOSSHHHH A rainbow streak pierced through the sky. ZOOOMMMM The streak did twists, flips and turns. VRROOOMMMM "What is that?!" Twilight smiled, "Rainbow Dash." Then the rainbow maned pegasus landed next to Twilight with a skid, "Sup Twi?" "The sky," Anna remarked. Rainbow Dash leaned over to look at Anna and smirked, "Well, what do we have here?" She walked around Anna repeatedly, studying her, "You've got some wings," Rainbow Dash extended Anna's wing, which was very large to Anna's point of view, "and you've got some attitude! I like you!" Anna blushed, "Umm, thank you!" Twilight intervened, "Dash, this is Harmony! Harmony, this is Rainbow Dash!" Anna and Rainbow Dash bumped hooves in greeting, "Wanna race?" She smirked. Anna backed up fearfully, "Umm! Umm! I'm okay right now! I- I think I've come down with something!" She faked a cough to seal the deal, but the aqua pegasus pursued her, "Oh really?" Rainbow Dash continued, "Well, I think tha-" "Dash!" Twilight scolded, then calmed down, "Let's go to you house and I'll explain everything." Rainbow Dash stopped and turn to her royal friend, "Explain what?" Twilight said nothing, just jestered towards the pegasus' cloud home. Anna and Rainbow Dash took her sign and started their way to the clouds. They found themselves in a mansion like cloud and to Anna's surprise, most of the furniture and decorations were cloud too. Twilight just finished telling Dash Anna's story. "Whoa! Really? That's epic!" the racer praised, "What's it like to be hue-mon?" "It's pronounced human and well.. it's not as great as here, but.. it's okay." Anna sighed. Twilight looked outside and gasped, "Oh my! It's already sunset! We probably should get going." Anna looked out the window and nodded, "I guess so," She stood up, "It was nice to meet you Dash!" "You too," then Rainbow whispered,"Anna." The two giggled as they walked out the door. "Well, let's get home before dark. I have a surprise for you!" Anna smiled with a pink tint to her cheeks, "Aww, you didn't have to." "Consider this a welcome present!" Twilight chuckled. But, once again, the lurker was hidden, watching Anna like a predator seeks out it's prey, "What a pretty child," it cooed, "She'll go perfect with my power. She. Will. Be. All. Mine! Outside the library, the two trotted up to the door. "Ready?" "Ready!" Twilight grabbed the door with her purple glow and slowly swung it open to darkness. Twilight and Anna went inside. "SURPRISE!!" Anna jumped and the lights flicked on to a library full of ponies in party hats, beads and other party accessories "Oh wow!" Anna exclaimed. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy were there as well, all waving at her. Anna returned the wave with a big smile. Then a pink, bouncy pony bounded towards Anna gleefully. "Hi Harmony! I'm Pinkie Pie! I like yoouuu!" She nearly knocked Anna over as she embraced her. Anna sat there unsure of what to do, "Oh, umm.. thanks!" Pinkie let go and tugged her to follow, "Come on silly willie! Pin the tail on the pony is starting right now!" "Oh, Okay!" she replied as she followed the pink earth pony. Twilight giggled and joined the party activities. With the library was cleaned up after the party, Anna and Spike lie asleep on the couch next to each other, exhausted from the day. With a smile, Twilight picked the two up with her magic and brought them upstairs to their respected beds and as soon as she set them down, covered them with their blankets and headed to her bed. Twilight snuggled under her own covers, and fell right to sleep. Anna's father woke up that morning with a blank mind. He didn't know what to do. So he went back to the campsite and prayed that Anna was there waiting for him. He looked around, hoping that she was back, but found no sign of her return. Just tore open bags of food infested with rodents. He fell to his knees, hopeless and alone. "God, Pleas-" "Our daughter is in a safe place." Anna's father stood up and this time wanting a conversation with his wife, "Janie? Is she dead?" "No my dear. Just in another place, but is nowhere on this Earth." "Then where is she?" Again, silence. The morning sun glistened through the windows as it broke through the darkness. Twilight sat up and stretched, "Ohh," she yawned, "Morning already?" Twilight slid out of bed well-rested and looked over to where her guest and Spike were sleeping, 'Oh they look so peaceful!' So she went downstairs to make some breakfast for everyone, got out some ingredients, and started cooking. Spike woke up feeling nauseous, he knew what it was, then, BURRRPPP His green flame recreated a scroll, and it plopped on the ground. He got up, grabbed the scroll, and headed downstairs. He then immediately smelled what Twilight was making. 'Waffles..' he thought as he licked his lips, and ran down. Spike sped to the table, "Two please!" "Well you're awake early!" she chuckled as she continued baking the waffles. "Oh yeah, Celestia sent a letter, so I-" "WHAT?!" she exclaimed dropping her spatula and teleported to the table, "GIMMIE!" She snached it up from the table, tore through the seal, and unrolled it. She gasped and dropped the letter, "Emergency! Gotta go!" "But wha-" FLASH Spike sighed, "Of course.." he got up and turned off the stove. "I guess I should nap until Twilight gets back.." He went back to bed and dreamed about gem-filled waffles. Then there was a chuckle, "It's time my child!" whispered the figure as it swept Anna out of her bed and flew away. Twilight ran into the throne room as fast as possible, "I came as fast as I could Princess!" The sun princess looked at her student with worry, "Anna's in great danger! Luna reported a sighting of-" The doors burst open as a royal guard came speeding in and he stopped and bowed, "Your Highness, we've spotted it carrying her towards the Everfree," Celestia then commanded, "Gather the army and follow it! Bring Princess Luna here right away!" "Yes your Majesty!" he replied then galloped out of the room. Celestia turned and levitated gold armor onto herself, "Twilight, get your armor on. We need to be protected from this menace!" Twilight obeyed, "Who are we up against?" The tall alicorn turned, "It's-" Luna trotted in, knowing exactly what was going on and immediately started to put on her silver armor, "When do we leave, Sister?" "Right now!" "But who is it?" Twilight questioned as she slid her pearly white helmet on her head. The two sisters turned and said simultaneously, "One of the many sisters of Nightmare Moon." > The Nightmare > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The captor swiftly made her way towards the Everfree, holding on tight the the sleeping princess. She finally came to her destination, The Castle of the Two Sisters, and gracefully landed in front of the door. Anna slowly yawned and rubbed her eyes. Alarmed, the figure quickly sprinkled Anna's body with lavender powder and the neon alicorn smiled and scrunched to a ball. The creature smiled, then walked inside with her still in her grasp, walked over between the twin thrones, and pressed a stone block into the wall. The wall between the thrones turned halfway in and revealed a secret room only equipped with a bed and a chair. She stepped in and gently set Anna in the bed and covered her up. Anna rolled over and continued her falsified slumber. She grinned as her magic closed the door. She turned back to Anna and use her lavender magic to wrap repeatedly around her yellow body. "Oh, what a perfect filly you are for me," the wicked mare cooed, "I always knew that you'd be mine!" Anna's coat darkened from neon to deep mustered as the dark magic traveled through her body. Then suddenly, the figure heard a noise from the throne room, "Search this place well! We need her safe!" "Ahh.. Celestia. Who knew that mare would come around for this human?" the figure cackled to herself. "Why not put on a show to entertain our guests?" Anna's coat once again darkened to a dark brown shade. From her hiding place, she casted a simple storm spell, which caught the alicorns and royal guards by surprise but quickly recovered and continued to look around. The shadow mare turned towards her victim, who was now grey, walked to her side and placed her transparent horn on her head. Her dark horn glowed with her lavender energy and whispered into Anna's mind 'My child, I can't believe your mother never told you about me. She certainly was the stubborn one.." "Nightmare! Show thyself!" bellowed Luna's voice. She continued, "..You meant nothing your mother! You're supposed to be my child!" Anna sent out a head-splitting shriek and started to cry despite her deep slumber as a sign that she was ready for her. She smiled wickedly and slowly started to flow inside of Anna. She completely filled her captive and stood up taller than normal, her mane, a long and flowing violet wave, her body, pitch black with blue cat eyes, shouted "YOU ARE TOO LATE!" The possessed Anna broke through the wall and laughed, "YOU WILL ALL BOW TO ME!" Her horn shimmered to life, and shot all present. They all fought the spell, but failed almost immediately. "I AM YOUR EMPRESS NOW, AND NOTHING WILL STOP ME!" Twilight continued to fight the spell, "Anna! This isn't you! Fight her!" Anna glared at her, "BECAUSE OF HER, I'M FREE! NOW BOW!" She cast her spell again, stronger than last, and shot Twilight again. But Twilight shielded herself and broke free from the lavender shroud, "Stop Anna! Don't do this!" Anna grinned and grabbed her with her aura, "WATCH ME!" She threw Twilight through the wall and sent her sailing. The dark alicorn turned back to her captives, "ANYONE ELSE?!" Twilight conveniently landed near ponyville but was in deep pain, 'I guess I will have to..' she thought with sadness. She teleported all of her friends in front of her. "What the hay Twi? Why are we here?" Dash complained. "Long story, I'll tell you on the way. It's a case where we will have to use the Elements." Fluttershy gasped at Twilights bent wing, "Oh my! This is serious! Let me tak-" The alicorn interrupted, "No time! Lets go!" She gave everypony their element and teleported back. "Anna! Enough of this!" the sun princess pleaded, "She's corrupted you! Fight back!" "BE QUIET YOU WORTHLESS IMP! I AM NO LONGER THE MARE I ONCE WAS, NO LONGER ANNA! I AM YOUR EMPRESS! I AM-" Twilight and the others burst through the door, cutting Anna off, "Not so fast Anna! We have the Elements of Harmony and we are going to get you back to normal!" Twilight shouted. "TRY FOOLS!" the dark Anna hissed. Twilight turned her head to hide a tear escaping her eye. She turned back to face Anna, "Fine.." "Afterwards, can we have a party? I'll call it 'Glad you're not an evil empress trying to hurt everypony and survived th-" Rarity turned and glared at the hopping, party expert, "Is that really relevant right now?" Pinkie shook her head with a grin, "Nope!" "Uh.. anyways." the bookworm signaled them all to start. The elements, one by one, started to shine as they all lifted off the ground. But as soon as they were in the air, they plummeted to the ground. Twilight stood up in confusion, "But- But how?" Anna laughed in delight, "DON'T YOU SEE? ANNA WAS HARMONY HERSELF! NOT BY FALSE NAME, BUT BY ELEMENT! ONE REASON WHY I HAD TO OVERTAKE HER!" "Anna was en Element?" Applejack questioned. Twilight's ears perked up, "That's it!" Dash walked up next to her friend, "Don't mean to be a hoof in the mud, but what's 'it'?" She turned around to the group, "Give me the Elements!" Before anyone could protest, She ripped each element off of her friends. Turning to her opponent, she held the elements up, "You know what? I've got a deal for you! Give us Anna and I'll give you the Elements!" "WHAT?!" Everyone but Anna exclaimed. Luna turned her head slightly, "Twilight! What is thou doing?" "Trust me." The corruption then nodded and tried to grab the elements, but Twilight shook her head, "Anna first." She grinned wickedly, fire in her eyes, "NOT TODAY!" Suddenly, the wicked mare transformed into a wisp and snached the elements right from Twilight magical grasp. She flew away with great speed. The magic holding down the princess' and royal guard lifted. The sisters rushed over to Twilight, "Why did you do that Twilight?" Celestia cried. Luna added to her sisters cries, "The Nightmare flew away with thyn Elements! What was thy thinking?" Twilight smiled, "If she is the Harmony Element and the Elements were rendered powerless against her, she will be powerless against us." The violet wisp spiraled away from the castle with the elements, tight in her magic grip, finally made her way to ponyville. She returned to her physical self, combined all the elements into one crown with her dark magic and placed it upon her head. The mare flew up high into the clouds and came soaring down right towards the town hall. She destroyed the building, sending fear throughout ponyville. With her magic, rebuilt the town hall to a large, dark castle and shouted, "BOW YOU FOALS! FOR I AM YOUR NEW EMPRESS!" Her horn lit up vibrantly and encased all of the civilians in her violet shroud and forced them to bow. She smiled, her plan was working perfectly and had the elements too! Her grey horn glowed once again and a thick, black shield surrounded the town. Anna then clothed herself in black armor to match her black crown with seven colored, oval gemstones, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple, embedded in it. Her eyes burned with a blood red glow and climbed up to the top of her castle, "GRAVEL TO ME, FOR I AM EMPRESS HEMATITE!" She bowed her head and whispered, "Sisk, come rise and seek the secrets of the night and morning," The ground shook fiercely.