Twilight fights the Smooze, vistis Asgard, deals with Luna and the Queen of bat ponies arguing, and most terrifying of all, an old earth pony.
Twilight sparkle has a lot to accomplish, but she has a schedule, so for the most part isnt' that worried. The Smooze is dangerous, but she has the solution to that problem well in hoof. Asgard isn't by any means safe, especially when she finds it has it's own resident chaos god (or maybe goddess, that part is confusing) but she's at least mostly prepared. After all Twilight brought Blossomforth and Sweetsong, two of Luna's guards just in case a fight is required. At the end of the trip Luna meeting with her long abandoned daughter and queen of the bat ponies can't be planned for well and could end very badly, but it probably won't. Yet most terrifying is meeting a seemingly normal earth pony mare who lives in Reinia, in a village outside Mooscow. Spike and her other traveling companions can't figure out why that worries Twilight the most.
So far everything was going great. I had a few places I needed to go, and starting here would result in a little backtracking, but it was the ideal starting point. Celestia teleporting us all here also saved so much time for everypony. It had taken a few days to get everything set up but I think we were finally ready. Spike was still complaining about this being boring but he was now sitting securely on my back regardless. Besides today would be anything but boring. Though I was sure he wouldn’t like it once he knew what I was going to do, and even less when I left him behind.
I walked out of the inn to be greeted by the roiling purple goo not too far away. It pressed against the invisible barrier, making its contours clear. There were actually quite a few buildings around the barrier that sealed the valley and surrounding land that was also infected. The Smooze was an utterly fascinating subject, and thanks to the barrier a relatively safe one. I felt a little guilty staying in the inn while Luna's guard were in the tents outside, but catering to small groups of scholars is in no way enough hotel space for an army, even a small one. Firecracker then appeared next to me in a fiery flash. Like the rest of the Lieutenants the color changing spells had been stripped from her armor so she was her normal teal and her mane orange and yellow.
"Hey Twilight. We totally have everything ready. We were just waiting for you to wake up. Sweets and Blossom have their girls in position too."
"Excellent. You can take Spike while I get started."
"Huh, started with what?" asked Spike "Are we finally going to do something?"
I levitated Spike to Firecracker's back. "No, we are not. I want you here where it's safe. I have confidence in my abilities, and in Luna's soldiers to pull me out if I'm wrong."
"And faith in my armor too obviously." Added Firecracker
"But I want you here, where it's safe."
"Safe? Aww, that's so nice."
Then Firecracker hugged me. I sighed. I'd come to trust Firecracker a great deal more as I got to know her, but she still had her issues. Honestly if Spike wasn't fireproof I might still be a little worried. I would have really have preferred Trixie was here, instead on some secret mission with Captain Sky. In retrospect it's obvious, but I still can't believe that tough military mare is Fluttershy's sister. Still Firecracker has proven herself very professional despite some of the things she says, and her fire mastery worked well for adding the glass runes around the barrier I needed. The pegasai were also far more use with that than I thought. Precision lightning can be very useful.
"Uh, I'm still confused." Spike scratched his head. "Where exactly are you going?"
Firecracker laughed. "Where do you think you awesome little fire starter. She's gonna go through the barrier. You can make a workable array without a center point, but not one this big. But don't worry, she'll just burn that purple goop away."
"I'm actually just using my brother's shield spell. Specifically the banishment version. Anything meeting certain criteria is pushed out instantly. It's mostly used for crowd control, but it can be modified for anything. Including the Smooze."
"Wait, you're going in there?"
I nodded and tapped the gem on the torq around my neck. Instantly I was in full armor very similar to Firecracker's. The only major difference was instead of the moon emblems on the breastplate it was a six pointed star just like my element and cutie mark. Then I cast the shield spell, followed by teleporting to the other side of the barrier. Nothing else would work. The only reason the loophole existed at all is because one of the fail-safes was teleporting anything remotely jelly like near the barrier to the other side just in case there was a leak of some type. Which is also why I couldn't get jam on my toast for the duration of this visit. Getting out was possible, but not remotely easy. I looked down to see a small patch of stone cleared of Smooze. This near the edge the layer on the ground wasn't that thick, though very quickly the bubble was attacked by probing tentacles. I took a breath. From here it should be easy.
"Twilight!" shouted Spike
"I'm fine. It's not getting in."
"Yea, and even if it did our armor is super awesome. If she can't get out herself we can pull her out right quick if need be."
"From here it's just a pleasant walk down to the center of the valley, I carve six runes to finish the array, and then we see if I'm right."
"Right about what?"
I rolled my eyes. He really hasn't been paying any attention at all, has he? I mean sure I hid this part of the plan from him, but he should know the rest. I then started walking. I could try to teleport in deeper but that wasn't the best plan. The terrain underneath the Smooze might have shifted, and it's been a long time since anypony has seen Dream Valley. Who knows what it's like now? Well all except the area around a certain wooden bowl. Thanks to scrying I know what that's like exactly, but that is by far the riskiest place to teleport. Or at least I am nearly certain it is.
They were a little crude, but they should work. The important thing is they were made of the one substance we were sure the Smooze couldn't eat, glass. There are a couple more it probably can't, but glass has been peer tested countless times. I couldn't see the sigils anymore except the one I was standing on, but it didn't matter. The array was complete which meant I could cast. All around me was a sea of purple. It was pretty in a way, but there was so much I could prove with this single test, and it's not like the Smooze had any other redeeming qualities.
"Become one with us. All shall be the Smooze."
I took a deep breath and did my best to ignore the discordant chorus of voices. Part of me was still yelling there is no way this can work. That I simply don't have that kind of power, even with the array and other unicorns supporting me once I start it up. Another part was terrified that Moonfire was right and I wouldn't even need their help. But I can't ignore reality forever. So I sparked my horn and began to cast. In a way it was a simple spell. Stripping one set of components from another. Usually used to separate alloys or other compounds, with only a minor modification. I even tested it so it should work here. Except I can't find a spell anywhere that works quite the same way, and this is very different and on a huge scale.
"All shall be one. Nothing shall escape our joy."
I smiled. Moonfire was wrong. It was far more than any unicorn should have, but I couldn’t quite do it. I put everything into it I could, my horn glowing with more magic than I'd ever used before in my life, finally after so long pushing my limits, but it still wasn't enough. Maybe I am the most powerful unicorn in the world, but I'm nothing else but that. After a while of holding it as planned I felt other energy being added to my own, filling in the gaps in the magical array. Then I cast the spell with not much, but some borrowed magic. It felt amazing, but was over in an instant, a bright flash the only sign anything had happened initially. I collapsed a moment later.
The purple sea churned like mad, but then rolled out like the tide, most of it's mass gone. It still covered everything several hooves deep. It was probably a bad idea but it was literally everywhere so I took a little lick. Even though it was logically hundreds of years old that was some really great grape jelly. I then looked up at a grape colored pony in front of me. His mane was pink I think, but he was covered in jelly like so many other things in the distance. I noticed not just a plethora of ponies, but plants, and various other animals as well. His cutie mark was a jar with a pie in it. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be filled with jelly, or his mark just let his coat show through there. He was exactly the same shade as the mass of jelly around us.
"You…" I gasped. "Jelly?"
He blinked. "What? What's going on, what happened?"
I took a deep breath and tried again. "Are you…" again a deep breath. "Are you Jelly Pie, the town baker?"
"Uh, yes, but…" He paused. "I think something might have happened. Before I woke in this wonderful sea of jelly."
"That's, safe to, say."
Then suddenly realized I didn't have the energy to even keep my head up anymore. The jelly was cold, but oddly comforting.
I woke up in my hotel room. Spike hugged me the second I was standing. I felt, oddly okay. I think I could have easily gone way over my limit but I was, fine. I felt a little drained, but as long as I avoided any big spells I probably wouldn't even notice. Firecracker was indeed in the room. I smiled.
"So the results…"
"You are crazy magical. I wrote it down so you can know exactly how much you put out. I had the girls wait just like you said. You really didn't need our help."
"Uh, Twilight, isn't that like Princess Celestia sort of…" said Spike
"What?" I yelled
"I was just saying…"
"Not you Spike. What do you mean you didn't help me?"
"There's another way to interpret that?"
"No, I mean yes. I mean…" I screamed. "That makes no sense. I know I didn't finish it. I didn't have enough magic. If none of you helped me where did it come from?"
"Uh, I dunno. There was some weirdness where it seemed to come from somewhere else but we were only to step in if you had trouble holding the magic steady. I thought you just pushed yourself harder."
"Well I didn't. I didn't have anything left so…"
I stopped. It didn't make any sense. I hit my limit. It had to come from somewhere but I can't imagine the Smooze would have tried to help me. I got out of bed and started pacing. It just didn't add up. The spell was easy enough, but the large area complicated things. I tired to make the runes as efficient as possible making the spell easy as could be, but I don't think I could have just miscalculated the energies necessary. Also I felt the spell it wasn't ready, then it was. Then I blinked.
"Wait, did the spell shift?"
"Huh?"
"The spell, I couldn’t do it but did it shift, you had to be watching regardless so did it shift somehow, even if it didn't make any sense."
"Oh, uh. Yea, but I figure that was just the stress of casting it."
I sighed. "So you're sure it's not say, me altering the spell on the fly to make it work with the power I was able to pull out."
"Nah, it definitely came from you, it even has your signature. We checked because it seemed like it didn't but it did."
I just stood there for a long moment. Okay, so the good news is making such a major subconscious change to spell against all the laws of spellcraft really is impossible. The bad news I seemed to have subconsciously added power to my own spell in some way even though I was fairly sure I had hit my limit. I hung my head.
"Oh forget it. I can try to figure out this later. I have an itinerary to keep."
"Okay then." Firecracker laughed. "So what now?"
"First a question. I'm regaining my reserves faster too, right?"
"Crazy fast boss mare. By the way, you were right. That is a ton of refugees."
"I still don't get what any of this was about." Said Spike
I sighed. "I don't think I have to explain about the Smooze in general right? It's in tons of movies and comic books."
Spike nodded. He was still standing on the bed. "Yea. It's actually less scary up close. Especially after it turned into jelly."
Firecracker laughed. "Nah, it was always jelly."
"Yes. Though scrying the past is tricky and sometimes you can't get the detail you want, it was always known somehow the Smooze was created in a baking accident by one Jelly Pie. And before you ask yes he's related to Pinkie."
"So one of Pinkie's ancestors baked a monster?" Spike was nodding as he said it. "Yea, that makes sense."
"I still want to know how to make a jelly pie." Said Firecracker. "I mean warm jelly melts and becomes juice and stuff, and it doesn't really work."
"Huh?" said Spike
"She toasts everything."
I laughed at Blossomforth's comment. She came in followed by Sweetsong. Of course in truth there was such a thing as a normal jelly pie, in which you simply waited for the jelly to congeal and served it cold. Then there was the family recipe that Pinkie managed to recreate that baked the jelly rather than melting it. I tried not to think too much about it.
Oddly Sweetsong had the wings of a bat-pony even without the armor. Technically the black torq was her armor, but the magic to turn it into that from blocked all it's other effects so it was odd. A lilac bat pony with pale pink hair just looked odd. Sweetsong trotted over to my bed and sat down. Blossomforth came to attention once she stopped, even giving me a salute. She was white with teal and pink hair.
"Everything is going smoothly." Said Blossomforth "We also cordoned off the area in question immediately."
"Well as smoothly as dealing with every pony the Smooze ate over years can be." Added Sweetsong. "Seriously, it's a huge mess, and that's even ignoring all the jelly."
"Wait, so that spell killed the thing?"
I rolled my eyes. "Spike, the whole point is the creature was all those ponies, and trees, and everything else alive. Somehow it all got magically fused and could continue fusing more and more into itself."
"Yea, and Twilight is so awesome she blew it all apart." Firecracker then made a not especially surprisingly accurate explosion noise.
"Did you really have to put it that way?" asked Blossom, then sighed.
Firecracker laughed. "Duh, of course I did."
"That's also why the elements only sealed it when used. It was made up of countless ponies, their pets, and any wild animals in the area as well."
"Uh, but you guys fixed Luna, and isn't this sorta the same."
"Well yes, but it obviously didn't do that the first time. In fact I mentioned to Celestia the possibility of us attempting to use the elements on the Smooze for just that reason, but she said it's too much of a risk. So I tried something else."
"Why didn't anypony else try this?" asked Blossom "I mean they couldn't do it themselves but I'm pretty sure you didn't have to either, right?"
"That was the plan. I thought eventually I would need help, but…" I sighed "I might have been wrong. I'm not sure but maybe I really am that powerful."
"How is that bad?" asked Spike
Oddly Firecracker sighed at the same time as her fellow guards. I guess as odd as she acts she is fairly good at her job, or at least understands this well enough. But even if the exact amount of power is in question, in the end I did control it. I really let loose in the first time in so long and I controlled it. Then I smiled. That fear has been there so long but now it's just, gone. I laughed.
"I suppose it makes sense really. If I get understanding of magic far beyond normal it only makes sense to get control too."
"Oooookay." Spike shook his head. "Anyway, so how did an earth pony manage that? And again, why didn't anyone else try this."
"They assumed there had to be some other factor they were missing. Also they didn't know the cause and couldn't modulate the spell right. I did."
"Eh? How?"
"It's a bowl Spike. One we really need to go recover. Because if I'm right it's part of Gaia and infused with a ton of Discord's power as well."
"What?"
Everyone screamed it and I just smiled. Once I had an idea what to look for it wasn't hard to find something that fit the criteria. I didn't know it was a bowl at first, but it's the only thing in the whole valley intact that isn't glass. I could be wrong, but I really doubt it. It probably would have been easier to just teleport it out, but I had a theory to test, and most likely ponies to save. And I was right on all counts.
I was rechecking the sealed mythril container again. It was a pale green and though you couldn't see it in the sunlight had a faint glow. It was also so covered in runes it was hard to tell it had ever been smooth. I stowed it in my saddlebags. Pegasai and unicorns in dark armor were busy setting up the rest of the extra tents I had them pack. Firecracker was biting her bottom lip.
"Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean I know you're going to meet up with Luna soon enough so…"
"I asked Luna for your assistance specifically so I could get your help no questions asked. That's the whole point."
"I know you can't help it when you're really in charge…" began Sweetsong from next to me "But you shouldn't worry about this. Chill." She then grinned widely
"I'm not sure about that." Said Blossom from my other side
"Well I have Luna's word you'd serve me as needed. She also specifically assigned you two to help me when we separate from the main force."
"By the way." Said Spike from my back "Aren't there some earth ponies?"
"Luna took those and the stallions with her. It's all they're really good for."
Sweetsong took a step forward, shaking her head. "That really isn't cool Blossom."
"Oh you know what I mean. Let's just go if we're going. I’m sure I could be a great help here, but for some reason Luna wants us to help the most powerful unicorn in existence, because she so clearly needs it. It seems like a waste of resources to me."
Firecracker laughed. "Mare, you're both totally missing the point, aren't you. And I thought it was just Sweets."
Firecracker then laughed again, turned around, and walked away. I stared after her for a bit. What is she talking about? Blossomforth then sighed.
"There is no point in asking, is there?"
"Nah, she only ever says what she wants." Said Sweetsong So fearless leader, now that we have the bowl of doom, what next?"
"First we see a griffin in Griffany about an orb, then Valhalla, then Reinia, specifically a town outside Moosecow that as far as I can tell has no name."
"Griffany is in the other direction." Said Blossomforth
"And so Cavernus is last?" asked Sweetsong
I nodded. "Yes. I know it's backtracking but…"
Sweetsong sighed. "You don't really care since you're not going to do any of the carrying? Just great."
"No, I requested two pegasi because I wanted flying guards for Valhalla in case there is any trouble. Also aerial threats are one thing I'd have some trouble with."
"So we're taking an airship?"
"Yes. This entire outing until we reach Luna is considered research and it's been easier than ever to get grants. I'm starting to feel guilty."
"And that's new?" asked Blossom "I mean you are Celestia's personal student. It seems like any board would be unlikely to…"
"They're not supposed to show favoritism. In fact I think it's made it harder. Now though it seems like no one will refuse anything I ask for."
Spike laughed. "She still hasn't figured out she's so smart she always finds something interesting. All that changed is they started noticing that."
I stomped a hoof. "Spike. There is no way it's that simple."
Sweetsong smiled. "Ooo, I know."
I blinked. Were her teeth always that sharp? Blossomforth looked normal, and as far as I could tell Sweetsong's armor wasn't altering her appearance at all. Which included her ears on top of the teeth and wings. I hadn't even given it a second thought, but I looked between the two mares and sure enough Blossomforth was a standard pegasus in every visible way. Only Sweetsong had the bat pony look about her.
"Geesh, just tell us already." Said Spike
"It's inspiration." Sweetsong closed her eyes "See leaving Canterlot shuffled everything up in her life and dealt her a new hoof. Sometimes you need that. Sometimes it all changes and bridging the fragments into a workable song goes from impossible to easy."
"Are you saying…" I began
"I am saying Twilight, is that I know music and I know inspiration. I imagine lots of things are like that, and friends can inspire no matter what you do."
I then just nodded, and slowly started walking off. Okay, that makes way more sense than Spike's idea. There could be some mysterious variable I'm missing but the timing fits too. It seems like there is always more I owe them. I smiled.
This was a great airship. I had forgotten that along with all of Pinkie's mad attempts at lawmaking we got something useful accomplished too. Griffany had always been a bit isolationist. They obviously accepted some visitors, and they even let ponies and others settle in the country if they wanted, but it was never easy. Now there were regular airship routes opening up. Even better some of Griffany's own former warships were on those routes. I really never expected that Pinkie would be the one to stand in the way of re-purposing even more of them, but she had. Of course military or not all griffin airships had party supplies on board now, but that wasn’t the point. Though all evidence suggests having an excess of warships did make the griffins happy somehow.
I shook my head and just enjoyed the sunset from the huge upper deck of the ship. It was roughly shaped like a bird in fight, or maybe a griffin, but it had no legs and was fairly indistinct so it was really impossible to say. Unlike most Equestrian ships it was in no way a balloon, fully supported by magic and technology. It gleamed gold in the sunset even though it was a mix of countless metals, none of the ones visible on the deck actually gold. Though a lot of the trim looked golden at least. The engines were all on the bottom or rear of the ship so up top was a seemingly clear expanse. Of course the reason was because this had been one of the warships and the entire crew could be assembled up here and launch directly into combat when the ship got close enough to the target.
"Twilight, I'm still confused about a lot." Said Spike from my back
I laughed.
"What? I didn't even say anything yet."
"No, it's just I completely forgot you were back there."
"Really? Didn't you used to complain about heavy I was like only a few months ago?"
"I guess I have been getting a little more exercise lately. So much running."
"Anyway, what are we really doing? I mean why are we hiding the bowl from Luna and why is it important we keep it if you don't know or care what it does?"
"Because of what it is. I found it by scrying for anything that wasn't eaten by the Smooze. Manually. Simply focusing on a kitchen related object in Dream Valley should have been enough, but it wasn't. Do you know why?"
"Twilight, just tell me."
I laughed. "The same reason Luna and Celestia can't find them themselves. It resists all magic trying to target it, whether it be scrying, a locator spell, or anything else. Except if I touch it, or get near it outside the container it feels weird. Like Discord."
"Oh, and Fluttershy says the pieces feel like Gaia."
"Exactly. So I figured they all should be both. I've all but proved it. Also the reason Luna and Celestia wouldn’t let me see any of the other pieces is because like the bowl they're terribly dangerous."
"Oh, cause it's not just the power of a goddess, but Discord's too."
"Yes, but more than that it's both fighting each other. So it's positive and safe effects but laced with pure chaos. It's so tempting because it seems like it can't possibly be bad, but eventually it will get out of control."
"Except the carrot."
"Even though Dash didn't really think it through she might be right about it driving the griffin kings to be so aggressive. So it's probably everything. The problem is I really need one artifact once we get to Reinia."
"Why exactly."
"I'd rather not say."
"So what does Griffany have to do with…"
"Nothing. It's just I've been looking everywhere for a very hard to find item and I think I finally found one. Under Equestrian law it's too dangerous to ship, so I have to pick it up personally or hire a courier."
"And why didn't you?"
"Well because when I finally got word of it I was ironing out the details of the rest of this plan. Since we were in the neighborhood anyway…"
"Twilight we're going the wrong way and…"
"Relatively speaking. Obviously it's not the same country, but considering how far this whole trip is going to be it's really not that big of a detour."
"I guess. Okay, then what about Valhalla?"
"I need to talk to Sleipnir. He'll come visit Celestia again eventually but I'd rather not wait. Especially since he's not too regular with his visits. It could be years, if not decades. This is more urgent than that."
"Who?"
I shook my head. "You can't tell me you forgot about an eight legged pony as tall as Celestia built like big Mac with only one eye and eight hooves."
"Oh, that guy."
"Yes, that guy." I rolled my eyes despite knowing he couldn’t see me do it. "I know he doesn't always seem like it but he's very wise. Also he can run on air to fly which is suddenly far more interesting than it used to be."
"More interesting? I seem to remember you bugging him the whole visit about how he did that. You were so insistent you walked in on him and Celestia…"
"La la la, I can't hear you." I trotted around, only belatedly realizing it obviously wouldn’t get me any further from Spike.
"Oh come on, you're the one that told me and…"
"I didn't mean to. Also I'm sure I had to be wrong. I mean he's married right?"
"Uh, maybe? I sorta thought he had a whole herd of mares though, real old school style, so adding one extra every so often doesn't seem like a big deal."
I was blushing fiercely. This is really not a subject I wanted to discuss. Even though in most ways it made a lot of sense I didn't even want to think about it. Sure Celestia hints all the time that as far as mating goes, she isn't that different from a normal mare, but it still just seems wrong. I mean she's Celestia. How can anypony think of her like that? It's just, weird.
"You can stop fantasizing about Celestia any time Twilight."
"Spike." I stomped a hoof "I do not in any way fantasize about Celestia. I mean I had that one dream about Luna, and obviously think about my friends that way every so often but never, ever Celestia."
Then there was a long drawn out silence. The worst part is not only did I just blurt that out, but it sounded way worse than it is. Or at least I think it's not that bad. I never did really find a study that had any conclusive evidence about what is normal regarding how much somepony is supposed to think about sex. I think I was actually well below normal even, but without proper data how could I know?
"Uh, well…" I began
"Yea, whatever. I sorta knew that already. Anyway…"
"You what?"
"It's kinda obvious you like mares too."
"That's not new. I told you that directly."
"You did?"
"Yes, it was that speech about how studies have shown that herding created an incredibly strong genetic predisposition to mare to mare attraction. This was probably somewhat less sexual originally, but as we evolved things changed."
"Oh, I think I fell asleep during this."
"No you didn't, I remember."
"You really aren't that good at paying attention when you're lecturing."
"You do at least know the point is full on missy mares are relatively rare but estimates put mares who are interested in other mares between 50% at the absolute lowest, and probably much higher, possibly going all the way to 100% at the other end but…"
"Yea. I know lots of stuff Twilight. We've been over this."
"Not really but…"
I sighed. I didn't want to talk about it. Spike didn't want to talk about it. We both knew he figured out way more than I ever wanted him to know. We also both knew even though I kept calling him a baby, he was more like a teenager, especially mentally. We both knew what I considered most important too. So we never talked about it directly and probably wouldn't for a long time to come.
"So, what about Cavernus, what's it like?" he asked
"A big cave. It's full of bat ponies. I thought the real ones only lived there, but Sweetsong probably is one too. With the armor it's hard to tell for sure but I think her aura is weird."
"Oh. What about this Queen Nocturne."
"She hates Luna with a passion. She feels she was abandoned by her and has let that feeling fester for 1000 years. Their first meeting will not be pleasant."
"Whoa. That is heavy. Uh, what about you?"
"She likes me, but she rarely visited Equestria so I've only seen her a few times and it's been years. Also there is a slight chance she might hate me for curing Luna using the elements instead of sealing her in the moon again."
"So that's why it's last on our trip?"
"No, our visit to Reinia could be even worse. Though really I have no idea how that's going to go. Which makes it all the more terrifying."
"This is a lousy vacation."
I sighed, and hung my head. "I told you, this is all field research. You insisted on coming. None of this is to have fun. I admit I might have some but that's not the point."
"Twilight, one more question. Why didn't we take Pinkie's fish blimp?"
"Blinkie is tinkering with it. I don't know why but it doesn't really matter."
"And you aren't good enough for long distance teleports yet?"
"No Spike, I'm not. Also I really need to work on passengers. Pinkie was a big help volunteering to be repeatedly teleported because it's fun, but I’m not there yet. You might think energy is the main problem but actually that matters less than you think. It's holding your focus properly over greater distances."
"So, even Rarity could do it?"
"That's not as good an example as you might think. Lyra can teleport to and from Canterlot with ease. It's not that great a distance, but it's still notable since she isn't that terribly powerful."
"It's still weird to me even though she's been in the same classes with you for so many years that you know the rest of the girls so much better than her."
I laughed. "She doesn't seem to mind, but I guess I do feel a little bad about that. I mean she seems like a nice enough pony."
"Yea, she's a little weird, but compared to Pinkie it's nothing."
We both laughed at that. Pinkie laughed with us. Then she gave us a hug. I decided it was best not to even question how she was here and just kept laughing along with her. So far everything has been going just according to plan. I guess Pinkie doing something impossible is to balance that out somehow.
"Ooo, I bet I can get the Griffins to do a barrel roll."
"You mean the whole ship?" I asked
"Duh."
"Pinkie, that isn't a good idea."
"Awww, why not?"
I sighed. I was fairly certain this would be a very annoying problem. Then I realized Pinkie was gone along with Spike. I found a small note taped to my back.
"Sorry Twilight, I have to borrow Spike for a bit, have him back as soon as I can. I would have told you but I didn't have time. Sorry again, Pinkie." I sighed. "Pinkie, that doesn't even make sense."
Then I felt something covering my cutie mark on one side. Was it there before or not? I pulled it off with my magic and looked at another note. "Yes it does silly. You don't know how fast I can write." This one I didn't read out loud. Other than a twitch over my right eye I didn't move. It never gets easier with her, does it? I mean just as I'm learning to ignore one of the impossible things she does there is a new one waiting in the wings. I just sighed and focused on the sunset again. It looked really amazing this high up. I'm really glad there were such powerful wind dampening spells up here.
The store was not that pleasant looking. I'd seen worse. It was dusty but well organized. You could question some organizational choices but it was a reasonable enough system even if the owner was probably the only one that could use it well. The safety precautions for a few of the items were sub par at best, maybe even illegal in Equestria, but I'd seen worse and knew Griffins were way more lax on magical safety regulations. It made sense to a degree, but they could listen to the unicorns in their employ even if they don't like the idea. In short while I expected little, I expected better than this.
"You cannot be serious?"
The griffin laughed. "Just cause you got your horn in a twist about some bloke getting here before you and buying some crystal ball…"
"Orb of transference. It's an Orb of Transference. A ridiculously valuable orb that you gave away for a bucket of rocks. This is a big deal."
"How exactly is a pot of gold coins…"
With a flash I dismissed the illusion. I hadn't expected it to literally be a badly tarnished bucket. It had looked full and valuable, but I didn't even have to focus at all to know it was an illusion. The bucket was full of little chocolate ponies shaped just like me. Someone was taunting me. The griffin behind the counter was now staring at the bucket, beak open wide.
"Let me guess. You never saw his face, but the cloak was all lumpy, as if his wings and horns were mismatched."
"Horns?" said the griffin behind the counter, still staring at the bucket. "Yea I guess that would explain why it hung like that. Are you saying you know the chump that stiffed me? Is this some sorta…"
I sighed. "Stop." I was a little surprised he did. "As you should know, the request for the orb came from the palace. Technically I made it but there are some advantages to Pinkie being Queen. Not nearly as many compared to the negatives but…"
"He laughed. "Oh come on. You think you're the first pony coming in here to try and pull that stunt. You ain't getting anything free out of me."
"She does." Said Blossomforth from nearby in the store
"Yea, totes." Added Sweetsong from the other side of the shop
I stomped a hoof. "Don't believe me? Fine. Pinkie!"
Then I shuddered. Not because I was really drifting from the point and in the end it wouldn't really fix anything to vent my frustrations on this griffin I didn't even know the name of. He was wearing a Starswirl hat, the bells look a little off but it was at least close. I suddenly doubted he had any idea of its significance. No, I shuddered because I was fairly sure Pinkie was about to answer me. She shouldn't be able to get here, she couldn't have possibly heard me, and however she did get here would be impossible. She proved this by popping out of the large bucket of chocolate ponies. That she immediately ate a few was not surprising, but slightly disturbing. The bucket was large enough she might have been able to press her whole self in there, but there would have been no room for anything else.
"Hi Twilight." She then waved.
I sighed. "Hi Pinkie."
"You're you." Said the griffin
Pinkie looked down at her hoof. "Hmmm, yeppers. I sure am."
"So you really know this pony?"
Pinkie turned to me, put a hoof on her chin, ate more chocolate Twilights, and then shook her head. "Nah, I've never seen her before in my life."
This was met with utter silence. Sometimes she had to be doing on purpose. She just had to be. There was no way anypony could say so many strange things and get so confused that often. My theory on why varied. At my most paranoid I thought she was trying to drive me insane. The far more logical conclusion is she thinks it's funny. Then she dug into the bucket with one hoof. I thought just for more candy, but instead she pulled out Spike and plopped him on the counter. He looked dazed, his eyes not quite focusing, but otherwise fine.
"Anyway it's good to see you again Twilight, here's Spike back. I'll see you later when we all meet up for the big day. Bye."
Then she waved and dove under the chocolates, a pink fishlike tail making it all the more literal. The griffin was still staring by the time I sighed again.
"It just has to be on purpose right?"
"What?" asked the griffin
I shook my head. "I'm still mad at you. So what if Discord offered you a pot of gold, we agreed on 150 did we not? Did you really think I wouldn't come though."
"So what? Look, okay, so maybe you know the queen but if this thing is so rare 150 bits ain't really that much."
I blinked. "You seriously thought I mean 150 bits? You don't know a thing about anything you have here, do you?"
"What do mean by that you up tight…"
"I believe…" said Blossomforth. "She means that due to the merchandise in question she was offering you 150 thousand bits."
"Ah." His beak was hanging open again.
"Hey, what you got there Blossom." Asked Sweetsong
I turned to look. Blossom was like Sweetsong and myself wearing a small black torq that could become armor at a touch if needed. Unlike my own it was decorated with a single silver crecent moon on top of a blue jem. A really nice bit of artifice. Blossom then smiled and hugged a book to her chest lifting off the ground so she didn't fall. It would be nice to do that whenever I hugged a book. I'd certainly fall over a lot less. A book has to be really huge to support a full grown mare properly. It seemed like such an innocent habit when younger.
"Wow, I thought only Twi did that." Asked Spike
I rolled my eyes. "Well at least that proves you're feeling better."
"So not only was I cheated but…" began the griffin
"If you knew your own merchandise better you would have known one pot of gold is nothing and I'm willing to pay far more than…"
"How are you able to anyway?" asked Sweetsong "I mean being Celestia's personal student pays well but not that well."
"Huh? Oh, no, it's not like that. Most of it would actually come from the Equestrian treasury. An orb of transference is not really that safe in the hooves of the general population and the one in the school vault was stolen so…"
"What? When?" Blossomforth was in front of me very quickly, eye twitching. "Why didn't I hear of this? Does the captain know and…"
"Somewhere between 30 years ago and a about a month ago. It wasn't noticed at first because it isn't much use, and not too many have the clearance to get an item from the vault to begin with."
"And it was most likely an inside job on top of that because otherwise the security system would have registered…" Began Blossom
"There was a fake." I said "For all we know this could be the same orb. Anyway, we're taking the book as your punishment for ignoring a royal request."
"I still don't know what you're talking about. The only thing I've gotten from the palace recently it those stupid party invitations and…"
I sighed. "If you have one nearby I suggest you take a second look."
The griffin then fished an envelope out of the trash. He read the pink stationary that did indeed look like a party invitation, because that was obviously the point. Then I was reminded that despite how birdlike they appear in the face griffins really are a mix of mammal and bird and can smile. I certainly didn't get a whole lot of reminders of that fact. Also I don't think I'd ever seen a genuine griffin smile, but I could be wrong. I know I wasn't seeing one now, that was for certain.
"Oh miss, of course you can take the book. Anything you want really. I'm sure that…"
"Nothing carries the death penalty not even treason."
"Oh, that's right. It's just…" Then the griffin went wide eyed. "Huge horrible fines or jail time. Please don't…"
"Just let her take that book, and anything else reasonable and I'll forget all about it."
"Hey, do you have any gems?"
"Ignore him." I shook my head. "Honestly Spike with Rarity working on gem transmogrification I'm worried you're going to get fat."
"Hey, that means I can get the cool thing. Be right back." Sweetsong then flew off
"Uh…"
"Actually while we're at it. Since clearly you might have some unusual items do you have anything created with earth pony magic alone?"
"Huh? Well, maybe. Personally I think those two horn heads I hired are just stupid, but there is this one thing they were having trouble with. They could figure out what it did easy enough but the magic was weird so they couldn't figure out how."
My eyes widened. "Ooo, that does sound interesting. Show me. In fact if you think of anything else show me that too. If it's really fascinating I might even pay you something for it despite your earlier failure."
"Er, yea. Sure."
Spike was really quiet for some reason. I figured he'd be talking up a storm by now. Oh well, lets see if we can salvage something from this disaster. Sweetsong had been carrying her mandolin on her back, but now it was gone. Then I noticed a necklace with a small mandolin charm around her neck. I bet I can guess what she wanted.
Spike laughed. We were once again on our way. The stateroom was rather boring, even if the items on the desk weren't.
"Oh, now I get it. Yea, still though it's a little weird you throwing your weight around like that."
I blinked, then laughed. "Oh, I guess you wouldn't get it. Spike, griffins respect strength and little else. All sorts of strength but unfortunately I tired being anything less than strict and got trampled on for it. Once literally."
"Oh, so not all the problems here were Pinkie."
"I'm pretty sure we're not in Griffany anymore, but yes. Also as I said, I was really mad. I mean this orb can be really dangerous in the wrong hooves, or…"
"In this case the wrong paw and claw?"
I nodded. "One thing I really don't like is he didn't gloat about it beyond the bucket. Obviously he teleported there right in front of us once he could use me as an anchor. I've had mixed feelings about this ambassador thing from the beginning but now…"
"He can totally use it. So what do those two things do anyway?"
I looked over to the table. There was a heavy pickaxe on it, and the helmet for the suit of armor next to it. I'd probably ship both back to Ponyville once we reached our destination. Then I suddenly smiled.
"Ooo, I can try the long distance teleport. Inanimate objects are always easier."
"Uh, Twilight, two things. First, remember the last time you tried that? Do you really wanna risk that with this stuff?"
"Oh, good point. Maybe I should test it with a rock first."
"The other thing is you still haven't told me what they do."
"Oh, well the pickaxe it doesn't matter what it does, only what it is. It really is clearly made with earth pony magic alone. As to the armor, it's lightning forged storm armor that actually has at least some of the legendary features of commander Hurricane's."
"So it did shock me?"
I nodded. "Yes Spike."
"So what are they doing in Griffany?"
"The pickaxe no idea. The armor is fairly obvious unfortunately. Thankfully despite how shinny it looks like it's very old."
"Huh? What do you mean by…" he went wide eyed. "Oh."
"Yea. History isn't always pleasant, no matter how interesting."
"So, in that case this is probably pretty expensive then."
"Yes, but really if I had turned him in it would have been far worse and I gave him some money. Also for such poor decisions it seems like he should be punished. I do feel a little guilty now because I shouldn't have been the one to decide how but…"
"I'm sure it's okay. I mean like, now I am. Come on, let's see if there's anything interesting on board."
I smiled. "Oh, that's a great idea. I saw they have an onboard library."
Spike groaned. "I should have known."
I shook my head. Spike is so strange about reading. Obviously between Celestia and myself he couldn't help but acquire a love of the written word, but always seems to be so hesitant to actually read. It's just silly.
I looked down again. I had read about it plenty. I knew roughly how the magic worked, and that of course any pony could use it. Most hooved species actually. It was still odd walking on a giant rainbow bridge. Even odder our hooves made no noise whatsoever. Also like a real rainbow it was translucent and you could see right through it to the waves below us. Spike was clinging tightly to my back. Oddly as often as I end up falling, I still wasn't afraid of heights. Blossom and Sweetsong had both commented earlier how it seemed odd I wasn't freaking out about this at all.
"So, why are we walking anyway?" asked Blossom
"We don't have a choice." I said "The only way to reach Asgard is though this bridge. Anything else doesn't actually work."
"What do mean? Is there some secret defense that…" began Blossom
"No, I mean space is warped around the whole country. If you tried to fly in you'd just end up on the other side with Asgard behind you."
"Are you sure we can't leave the bridge at all?" asked Sweetsong
I nodded. "That you can fudge a little, but not much. You have to absolutely be over the path, and the distortion ceiling isn't that high. I'm not sure how high you could fly above it before you end up on the other side."
"I guess it isn't that long a walk. Also the view is nice enough."
I nodded and looked up. Asgard was impressive. Though clouds surrounded the base it was clear that it most certainly wasn't made of clouds or even supported by them. It was a massive floating island, the majority of it being a vast grassy field. Considering how far north of the equator it was that was quite something. We had packed our coats away not too long ago, the false sun of Asgard already warming things up on the bridge quite a bit. The weird thing was since the real sun was up too, but behind us, it distorted our shadows in some odd ways. Though thanks to the bridge we couldn't see them that often, but sometimes a cloud would pass below us close enough.
The tree was the most impressive thing though. It made the island look small, even though it was anything but. Asgard's geometry was off at least a little so exactly how big the tree really was has never been clear, but it's still without a doubt the biggest ash tree in existence. Also the tree was without a doubt magical. It's possible it was even what created the protective bends in space around Asgard. I can't wait to study it.
"Well you look happy." Said Sweetsong and smiled, sharp teeth visible
"I am. By the way, this may be rude but the teeth are for eating fruit not sucking blood right? Celestia wasn't sure herself but I figure you would know."
She laughed. "We can do both really. So you know bat ponies are a real species?"
"Of course." I said "I mean Cavernus is your home. How could I be going there and not know that? Celestia told me all she knew not long after I learned about the hippocampi."
"What?"
I turned to see Blossomforth stumble into the bridge face first. It looked like it really hurt. It's solid for everypony, but to me it feels more like I'm walking something fairly rigid but yielding. Like that one time I was walking on the sheet Cadence and I were using as a roof when we were playing. To pegasi though it should be solid as rock, and it sure looked it. A moment later Blossomforth was in my face, one eye twitching.
"Celestia shouldn't know that."
"Why wouldn't she?" I raised an eyebrow. "I mean apparently somehow the transformation magic they possess is loads better than anything else but it is detectable. The only major disadvantage it when relaxed they revert. Celestia was even complaining about this one mare that would pass out drunk all the time, though eventually she decided the rumors it spawned was a good thing. Probably because of Luna but…"
Then I noticed the glare Blossom had begun giving Sweetsong. The other mare refused to meet her eyes. I was confused a moment then I had it. I guess that's sort of a sore spot of some sort huh? Then I suddenly realized something and teleported between the two mares, right in front of the pink bat pony.
"Omigosh, you actually know and…"
"Can't tell you." Said Sweetsong
I blinked. "Uh, but Luna said…"
"She means it literally." Added Blossom
"As in a geas? Why would she be under a geas I mean…"
Song laughed. "Isn't it obvious because…" Then her whole body twitched and her head jerked tot he right in a very odd manner. "OmiGOSH, I loVE YoUR hat IT looks ONion friTTer TO the Max."
I just stood there and stared. Her motions reminded me Pinkie, but her voice was a badly modulated mishmash that was very unpleasant to hear. In other words not remotely like her normal nice voice and laid back demeanor.
"So it's very strict then?"
Song nodded. "And for obvious reasons I can't really explain how strict."
"Also because of the nature of the geas it's in effect for all who serve Luna, which includes every single batpony alive." Said Blossom
"Though we probably wouldn't say anything anyway. I totally forgot that though, obviously. Thanks for not bringing that up in front of the bossmare until you had to."
"Don't mention it." Said Blossom "I notice you're wearing your armor again Twilight. You don't just think we might face trouble here, you're expecting it."
"Not exactly. It's more like I'm expecting a fight."
Sweetsong laughed. "That's the same thing though."
"Not really. Asgard is a land of warriors, and Valhalla especially is all about battle. I'm asking a favor, so most likely I'll have to prove myself."
"That does make sense." Blossom then nodded "You have this all planned out, don't you?"
"Mostly. I didn't take into account Spike being this afraid of heights."
"Hey I'm not…"
Then he was clinging even more tightly to me. I bet he looked down again. I doubt we'd hear anything from him the rest of the trip. I was also pretty sure that fear would fade with time. Either than or Sweetsong was actually accurate earlier and Spike did have a fear of giant rainbow bridges.
"So." Said Blossom "How dangerous."
"Does it even really matter?" asked Sweetsong.
"Yes, threat assessment matters." Blossom sighed. "Regardless of the fact we will be assisting Dutchess Sparkle no matter the situation."
I blushed. "Please don't call me that."
"Sorry mam, won't happen again."
Sweetsong rolled her eyes. "Missing the point as usual. Anyway, you heard her oh sparkly one, tell us how bad it's going to be."
"Well Sleipnir is actually one of Celestia's friends, and is fond of me beyond that. We're not in mortal danger by any means, but, he and his people play rough."
"Meaning?" asked Blossom
"It probably won't be anything worse than broken bones, but we should also be glad Lord Sleipnir can easily use ressurection spells."
Blossom cringed. "So terrible but it could be worse." She sighed.
"Oh come on. Sounds fun. I bet I can get at least a ballad out of all this."
"Like I care about that." Said Blossom. "Come on, lets get moving. Might as well get this over with as fast as possible."
Blossom then broke into a full gallop. Sweetsong laughed and did the same. I followed a few moments later. I was surprised to find myself keeping pace with the two guards rather easily. Something about that bothered me but I couldn’t quite place it. A niggling sensation in the back of my brain that I was missing something, but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't figure it out.
Valhalla was huge beyond any measure. The hall the size of a city. While true enough it wasn't really that big a city. It was still impressive. On the far end was a massive throne and similarly large table both made of sacred ash. The throne had some gold and silver trim, and a few gems here and there, but mostly it wasn't even varnished. The table was much darker with it's thick coating. The throne was covered in pillows, and Sleipnir looked quite comfortable.
He was a magnificent stallion, coat white as snow, mane the same shade as a thundercloud. This was reinforced by the tiny streaks of lightning that would occasionally strike throughout his mane. Now, like most times I saw him the only thing he wore was a winged helmet with a plate that covered one of his eyes. There was a spear leaning against the throne as well. But of course as amazingly handsome as the large stallion looked, it was impossible not to stare at his most noticeable feature. As far as I knew he was the only stallion on the planet with eight legs.
"Twilight, I think we're already in trouble." Said Blossomforth
"Awww, they're so cute." Said Sweetsong
I turned to see one giant wolf to the right of me, and another to the left. Both were black as night, and a little bigger than I was. They also had especially pronounced incisors rather similar to many of the extinct so called saber-toothed creatures. I closed my eyes and waited for the inevitable. I could hear the cacophony of the hall behind me, though it seemed notably more silent near Sleipnir. We had passed a great deal of raucous ponies, mostly pegasi, as we came in, drinking and eating to their heart's content. Then the wolves finally began their assault, drenching me in their slobber.
"They're, tasting her?"
"Seriously Blossom, sometimes I think you might not be half as smart as you seem."
"Yea, that did sound really dumb." Added Spike. "I guess they remember you, huh?"
Sleipnir laughed. "Of course they do. So good to see you again Lady Sparkle, as always for a fellow seeker of knowledge."
I opened my eyes and bowed. Thankfully Sleipnir's wolves were once again at the side of his throne and not licking my face. I brought up my head just in time for him to give me a slight bow of his head. Then he smiled.
"So what is Celestia's greatest student here for may I ask? I doubt it is a social call."
"Actually I've gotten much better at that." I smiled "In fact…"
"You have five very special friends, and a good many more you are at least reasonably social with. I know that of course."
I laughed. "Oh yes, of course you would."
"Huh?" Spike, Sweetsong and Blossom echoed
"Still, it is a long journey here, and I do not need to be calmed like some of the other fools out there, nor do I seek to gain from that misstep."
I nodded. "Of course, though since I'm here anyway Celestia sends her apologies for allowing such a thing to occur. Pinkie is not easy to control and…"
He nodded. "Yes, yes. Of course. I understand completely. I know that bloodline well and it's clear enough she at least is anything but malicious."
"What?" I said, my traveling companions echoing a moment later.
He shook his head. "Nothing of great import. Maybe we will talk of it later, but you do have a schedule to keep so let us move on. As Celestia expects I understand and will not only cause no trouble but support her if need be."
"Uh, thank you."
"Now, as I said, what do you seek here young one?"
"A few books that should be only in your library, and also anything you have on flying without wings. Finally I want permission to study the world tree. Right now only briefly, but possibly later somewhat more in depth. Including samples ideally."
He closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes, I could arrange that I suppose. Though I don't really have many books on flying without wings."
"You don't?" asked Spike
"Why would that be weird?" asked Sweetsong
"Because my beauty, there are some things that you don't have to study, you just do."
He then leapt into the air, little visible tails of wind keeping him aloft. You could also hear the odd fluctuations in the wind nearby. He laughed. Blossom and Sweetsong were staring. So was I, but not for the same reason. Now that I knew what I was looking for I could feel the currents of air magic surrounding him.
Moonfire had suggested I think about trying to sense magic not just visually because my horn was more accurate than mere sight. She was so right, though she suggested mixing and matching other senses as appropriate, I found just focusing on how magic was flowing without confusing the matter with any other sense was just as easy. Also it was a wonderful sort of certainty. I knew exactly how his magic felt, even if I would have to study him longer to understand it fully. I smiled.
"And it seems Celestia owes me ten bits. She should have believed me in the first place."
None of us said anything to that.
"I will do what I can, but as you know, there is always a price for knowledge. Not all as severe as what I paid, but for what you ask…"
"You want more than simply a smile."
He laughed. "Ah yes. Though a smile of a beautiful mare such as yourself is worth more to me than that of the cute filly I remember."
I blushed
"But yes, there must be a higher price than that. But you already guessed what I would ask of you, yes? You bring two valkyries in all but fact with you, wearing armor as if you expect a fight."
"Well I wasn't sure but it is traditional, especially considering…"
"You are right of course. Yes, proof of bravery and martial skill is worth what you ask, and I know just who to ask. Son, come here."
"Son?"
I gulped. There was a flash and a muscular golden furred stallion appeared. He had a red mane and tail, as well as a matching long silky beard. His armor was a mix of dark blue and black, covering most of him but his head and tail. He also had a small silver hammer with an odd design on his back.
"Oh no. No no no no no."
"Now while I'm sure you know of him Twilight, your companions may not, and in any case proper introductions are in order. This is my son, Thoroughbred."
He laughed. It was rich and booming. "But you can just call me Thor. Everyone does."
"Yo, I'm Spike."
"Lieutenant Blossomforth. Pleasure to meet you."
"Sweetsong."
Blossomforth glared at Sweetsong, but said nothing. I noticed two especially burly and surprisingly tall goats standing behind Thor some distance away. I sighed and hung my head. Then suddenly a strange feeling of calm washed over me. This situation was so hopeless there was literally nothing I could do. My head shot up, a smile on my face. It's surprisingly freeing to be utterly free of consequence. Thor took a step back with everypony else for some reason. Even Sleipnir retracted his head a bit. That's odd, it almost looked like they saw something scary.
"So, we have to fight the god of lightning and thunder?" I said "Sure, sounds like fun. Let me guess, the Tann brothers too, right."
"That was the thought." Sleipnir laughed. "I figure it's fair enough. Clearly a baby dragon shouldn't be in combat, but you brought warriors with you so three on three seems appropriate."
"Yea, so what if he's a god and I'm only a slightly above average unicorn. Don't worry, it will be no problem at all."
"Good, I was worried you might object. Now, on to the rules."
I blinked. It was then I realized there actually were a few things I could have done. Asked for a another challenge first, simply refused outright and left without risking life and limb, and asking if there was some thing other than a test of strength I could offer instead.
"Uh oh, her hair is getting worse." Said Spike
"Father, is she okay?" asked Thor
"Oh yes, trust me, you would know if she wasn't. So my son, I will let you pick either the battlefield, or the victory conditions."
Thor laughed "Hah, simplicity itself father. I choose…"
"Hold." Sleipnir raised one hoof. "This is a test for you as well my son, so think carefully about what you choose."
"I do not choose rashly. It matters little what battlefield I choose only the victory conditions could allow me to loose. I choose a fight to the death, but with the stipulation that either side my give up before so if they wish."
Sleipnir laughed. "And I didn't even have to tell you to insure there is some way for your opponents to win. You have learned something, though as expected you missed the point of this lesson, do you understand it Twilight?"
I felt one eye twitch. Then I waved a hoof in front of me while taking deep calming breaths. Cadence had actually taught it to me, along with a lot of other relaxation techniques. I'm not sure why she taught me so many really. I hadn't used any of them for some time, my academic induced isolation limiting my stress. This question was important, and answering it should be simple. Then I suddenly had it.
"There isn't a right answer. Both options are equally bad. If he had let me choose the victory conditions, I could have chosen something like, being female."
"Hah." He said. "I knew that already. The weakness of the letting her choose the location is far preferable. While I may be weaker and limited some places, where on this great big world would she be able to defeat me?"
Sleipnir nodded. "Ah, good, good. Though I said battlefield, not location. The lesson here is that as Twilight said there was no right answer."
"Battlefield…" I muttered, finally getting the second part of the weakness.
"Father, that makes no sense."
"So any battlefield I can imagine?" I asked
"If it is within my power."
"Do I have to tell him what it is?"
Sleipnir smiled. "No, you do not. And you have proven your wisdom. You need not speak the second part of your answer, my son's defeat will be answer enough of the failing. So are you prepared?"
I stood tall and nodded. "Yes. So do you want me to write a note or…"
"Whatever you…" Then he laughed. "Lets make this a bit more fun. You can hide the truth from my son, but you must tell me right now."
"That doesn't make any sense." Said Sweetsong.
"He means in code." Added Blossom "Seriously, how are you even still in the guard?"
I didn't have to think of it at all. "I know at least one battlefield where Thor has no true power and I am supreme. You once called it the truest source of my power."
He laughed of course. "Very good Twilight. Excellent in fact."
I smiled.
"Father, I don't understand, is there some secret about this girl I should know?"
Sleipnir nodded. "Should know already, yes. But you don't, or at the very least don't see the truth of it as it relates to her request. Let it begin."
Then he waved a hoof and suddenly the world seemed to be just gone. I smiled widely. Then the world seemed to come back, the Everfree forest seemed to surround me, the castle of the pony sisters a stone's throw away. Oh this is going to be fun.
I flew past him, ignoring the hammer strike to my side. It should crush mountains, but obviously that didn't matter. The Tenn brothers had given up a while ago, but clearly Sweetsong and Blossomforth weren't ready to get near the god of thunder, even if they figured out he couldn't really hurt them here. I got the feeling they did, but wasn't sure. Sweetsong's eyes were slitted, due to the dark. It was still creepy, no matter how many times I saw it. Thor was resting on one of the numerous thunderclouds littering the sky. He looked a little tired but unfortunately I knew he could press on indefinitely. Even worse I was on a schedule. But worst of all eventually I would need to eat even if right now I sure looked like an alicorn.
"I will never give up." Thor yelled.
"You can't win. I told you, you can't beat me here."
"Yes, but clearly you can't beat me for all your supposedly unlimited power."
I barely resisted the urge to nod. I was in control but I couldn’t really kill him of course, and he was more stubborn than AJ and Dash combined. It was nearly impossible to get those two to do any thing they didn't want to do. The only one who could do it consistently was Pinkie. Then I got a really bad plan. I knew it was bad because it was entirely inspired by Pinkie. That was also why I was pretty sure it would work. In fact it really only makes sense when you think about it. I laughed.
"What?"
"Oh, just realized I've been going about this all wrong. You respect power, but you're also stubborn and used to pain. That was never going to work."
"Do your worst. I don't care how powerful you think you are I am Thor the god of…"
"Chickens."
Then his heavy armor was replaced with a chicken suit. He blinked, looked down, then glared back at me. He then drew his hammer and dashed at me. It made a funny squeaking sound as it hit me. Pinkie didn't really go into enough detail for me when I asked about the strange mallet she hit me with that one time, only that the toy had come from Neighpon. He then backpedaled in the air, legs flailing wildly.
"No, what have you done to her?"
"Your hammer? Does it really matter? The point is I have you at my mercy."
"You haven't beat me yet."
"Fine, lets make things a bit worse then."
He just blinked, ears twitching. I couldn't hear anything, but he could. Then his ears flattened and he began to frown. Soon he was covering his ears but of course that wouldn’t help. Then he looked down and noticed his favorite warriors the Tann brothers were now laughing at him. The almost braying laughter was rather disconcerting all by itself, but probably even worse when you realize it's directed at you. The goat brothers if anything looked bigger than the last time I saw them, their roughly forged armor seeming ready to burst off their frames at any moment.
"What is this demon in my ears. She wails on about baked goods and parties ceaselessly. She talks without breath and without end. What sort of phantasm…"
"It's Pinkie, and I don't even have to string everything she says together to make it worse. I was curious to see how long she could go if somepony doesn't force her to be quiet when she gets off on a tangent, but I gave up after three days."
"Make it stop. Her inane prattling is unbearable."
"Then give up. That simple."
"Never."
"I can probably think of worse outfits for you too. Maybe even some situation even worse than a silly outfit for that matter. I told you, here…"
He screamed. "Fine, curse you vile enchantress. I give up. You win."
Then my new wings, his outfit, and the Everfree itself all vanished. He looked around the white void around us, clearly confused.
"What?"
"You didn't really think the Everfree was some source of ultimate power did you?"
Thor blinked. "Then where are we?"
"My mind. It's your will against mine, with the added bonus of you not understanding the rules. I couldn’t lose."
"I'm still confused. I am no scholar but the mind…"
"This is pretty much my lucid dream you're stuck in. I could do anything I want, but you had to follow my rules."
He then laughed out loud. "So you really were all powerful because it wasn't even real. Well played Twilight Sparkle, well played."
"Uh, Sleipnir, we're done so…"
Then I woke up very suddenly in the throne room. It felt just like being woken by some loud noise, except I doubt there was one. Though who knows, maybe that is exactly how Sleipnir did it. I noticed the two goat brothers sneaking out of the room. Thor however was smiling and then suddenly hugged me. I could swear he crushed my spine, but I was still standing when he released me a moment later. Maybe I've built up a tolerance because of Pinkie?
"I understand now father. Always be careful when dealing with others, because sometimes there is no good choice."
"It's a bit more than just that, but I think you'll get it with time my boy." Sleipnir threw one hoof around Thor's neck. "Well all but one thing actually. Namely even if Twilight here had to fight you in the real world you would have lost."
"Really?" Thor and I echoed.
"Lady Sparkle you would have won by cleverness no matter what. If my son had chosen to simply wait you out…"
"I would have had to forfeit due to time."
Thor laughed. "I doubt I would have done that father. Maybe if she would have kept fighting, but even if she hadn't used some twisted version of Lockie's voice to torture me with inanities…"
"Who?" I said, but Thor kept talking as if he hadn't heard me
"…I would have still have given up if she simply made things boring enough."
"Wait a second, that almost sounds like Pinkie's name but…"
"IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE."
This was echoed by everyone else in the hall, or at least I think it was. I'm fairly certain Sleipnir's shout nearly deafened me. I also felt sort of dizzy. Somepony caught me but I wasn't sure who. I don't think even Luna is that loud.
"So fair maidens." Said Thor "Do any of you wish to retire with me to the bedroom."
"But it's…" I began, then realized what it being in the middle of the day suggested, and how it was in fact, suggestive. "Really?"
He just smiled. It was oddly charming in a cocky sorta way. It reminded me of Rainbow in some ways, and Applejack in others. Sweetsong, looked him up and down, then let out a little "hmmm" as she stared at the ceiling.
"Song don't tell me…" Began Blossom
"Come on Blossom, he's a god. Sure I can brag I've already had one before, but more never hurts. Also he's a total hunk. So yea, why not."
Thor laughed. "Excellent, most mares of Equestira seem somewhat reluctant about this sort of thing. First we shall drink to your victory."
"So we're not going to your bedroom right away?" asked Sweetsong
"I mean in my bedroom. I always like to have a few casks close at hoof."
She smiled. "I like the way you think. This should be fun."
I couldn't think to say anything as they walked off together. I mean who does that sort of thing. In retrospect I realized I know Thor does that sort of thing and quite often, at least according to numerous stories.
"Seriously, who does that?"
"Yea, I know." Said Blossom "She's just so casual about it, like it means nothing. It just seems so ridiculous to me. Of course usually she's already far more drunk, but I always got the feeling that isn't why she's such a party girl." She shook her head. "Seriously, she's the type that gives musicians a bad rep."
"So she really plays that mandolin?"
"Beautifully, and her voice is amazing. The weird thing is it isn't a high energy out of control thing that's so common, but just an apathetic calmness regardless of everything."
"Even when drunk?"
"Especially when drunk. She claims she attains inner peace when drunk enough and I believe her, it's creepy." She then shuddered
"So ladies…" We both jumped as Sleipnir began to speak "Are you going to stay and enjoy yourselves or do you want to see your rooms like young Spike."
"He was looking for a place to nap, wasn't he?" I asked
Sleipnir just nodded.
"I'm not too social either, but at least one of us should stay with you Twilight."
"I think I could use a rest. I never actually told you what books but…"
"I gained much sacrificing my eye, and see a lot, but it was much easier to simply ask Spike for the list while the battle raged. Some are already in your room. Others are limited not just to Asgard's libraries, but my personal collection."
I blinked. "Oh, I'm sorry I thought…"
"I’m sure you'll return them safely. I assume you will want them shipped back to Equestria rather than taking them with you."
I nodded. "But…"
"Not until, because you want to read at least some of them as soon as possible?"
I blushed and nodded again.
"Of course. I will also arrange you to study the great tree. So how long do you plan to say with us exactly?"
"Well everything is on schedule so three days."
"That's all?"
"Yes, though I plan to return and study the tree more. With your permission of course."
"Stay four and I'll teleport you right to Mooscow."
I smiled. "Oh, thank you Lord Sleipnir. That will be very helpful."
"I'll talk to you in person about air magic at least once, even though you didn't think to ask for that."
"I did, I just thought it, a bit, presumptuous. I didn't want to bother you."
He shook his head. "Courteous to a fault as always. I will let you settle in, but remember tonight we will have a real feast. Please join us."
I waved. "I will. Farewell for now."
I then wandered off trying to figure out if this was just lunch how amazing a real feast of Asgard must be. I heard somepony fall into step beside me, but didn't bother to check if it was Blossomforth or not. I knew it would be.
The world tree, Yggrassil, was amazing. I was just looking at a random patch of rather boring bark but it didn't matter. The magic was incredible, not just in its power, but it's intricacy. Then I sighed. Sadly I really needed to end it right here. Anything further in depth would leave me here far too long, and entirely too distracted. Also I knew all I really needed to know.
"…so yea." continued Song "He totally earned the title of god of thunder in the bedroom if you know what I mean."
"Of course I know what you mean." Blossom yelled. "You've just spent the last two and half hours telling me every sordid detail. There is unfortunately no possible way I could not get what you mean."
"Cloudckicker is totally right, you really do need to get laid."
I turned just in time to see Sweetsong turning to face me. She couldn’t see Blossomforth just off the ground behind her, hooves in the air, slowly moving forward. I wasn't quite sure what she intended to do but when she charged I dodged out of the way. I think Song moved right before I did, not after. In any event Blossom hit the tree with a loud clunk, but was soon in the air again, glaring at Song, one hoof on her head.
"Seriously Blossom, chill. You know stressing like this is your problem."
To my surprise Blossom sighed and looked down. "You're right, it's just…" Her brow clenched tightly. "That mare always drove me nuts and I swear she's gotten worse."
"You say that, but how bad could she be."
Blossom laughed. "How bad? She's like an innuendo machine."
I nodded. "It's true. I even thought to record her since she seemed to be a living catalog of all innuendo in existence. Unfortunately while I thought to waterproof it, the transmitter wasn't cloud compliant so when she shucked it off it fell though the floor."
"As in she was about to have some fun?" asked Sweetsong
I nodded. "If by fun you mean sex, almost certainly. I still don't understand why she would take it off. The transmitter was set it a nice necklace Rarity made and every other time she didn't bother so why this particular…"
"How are you both so calm about this? Don't you understand what you're talking about."
I nodded. "Of course. While I find it a waste of time it is a fascinating subject, with a wealth of study if you know where to look. Though for some reason some studies are grouped in with more base materials simply because of subject matter."
"But seriously Blossom, you seem way more wigged out about this than you should be. No matter how bad she is."
Blossom took a deep breath. "You don't understand. I had to be very careful to avoid saying she worked under me because she would always make a comment when I did. I needed to make sure she flew in front of me all the time because while she would always claim I was checking out her butt, and coduln't do things the other way because the comments she would make were worse. She would…"
"I get it." Said Song "This is like your long list of stuff Dash did to annoy you right?"
She nodded. "Yes. You have to understand one of my subordinates was constantly hitting on me, and everypony else, while the other was an arrogant lazy cloud loving braggart. It was unbearable."
I sighed. "And you literally couldn't. Though really Dash isn't that bad."
She sighed. "I know. It's just." She stomped a hoof. It's frustrating. I'm sorry but clearly I have a short a fuse with anything involving Cloudcicker or Dash."
"I doubt it's that bad. Don't worry about it, we're cool. So you done Dutchess?"
I sighed "Yes. Hopefully Sleipnir's next lesson will be more informative because I can't think of anything else to examine with the tree that won't be a far more involved process."
"What do you mean?" asked Song "And remember that neither of us is a unicorn."
"Well it's like right now I've read the book on the tree, and the next obvious step is read all the books in the footnotes for greater context."
"Uh…." Began Song
"And you can't start the, in your example, first book from the first footnote because?"
"Well…" I began "It isn't a perfect analogy. I could probably do something useful with a full week, but I'm actually examining magical structure in minute detail, and with no sense of the whole part it's useless. I could study it in less detail some, but I doubt I would learn anything new."
"I see."
"I guess I do too." Added Song
"If I could think of something specific to look for, a singular spell or effect to look for that could be useful, but unless that happens I'm done."
"So we can leave then? You see…" Began Song.
I nodded. "I know about the bard and you're free to go. I'll just go back to my room and read the rest of the day. You could probably go now if you want to Blossomforth."
"I'll escort you to your room at the very least."
"Thank you." I said
"Aww, it got all boring. Boo. Boo."
I looked around for the voice. It sounded a lot like Pinkie, but it was a little off somehow. Before I could move suddenly she was in my face. She sure looked like Pinkie, despite the black mane and neon green fur. She was also upside down in my face somehow, which also screamed Pinkie. Then she smiled and I wanted to scream, but just fell backwards onto my flank trying to scramble away from her. Her teeth were row upon row of perfect triangles, fit together to form an orderly zigzag across her mouth.
Then I noticed a few more details. First she was just floating in the air, upside down in front of me. While Pinkie sometimes seemed to ignore gravity this mare took it to a whole different level. She had a golden circlet on, though most of it was hidden in her hair. The strangest thing about it were two long thin golden horns that curved out and up, then after a bit back and slightly down. Her cutie mark was a golden padlock. Yet this wasn't what made me absolutely sure this wasn't my friend. It was the utter lack of emotion in her eyes. Whether it was anger, sadness, or most likely happiness, you didn't even need to look at the rest of her face to see Pinkie's emotions. Sometimes more literally than should be possible, but that's not the point.
"You're not Pinkie."
"Of course not dear sorceress supreme. No, my name's Lockie. Pleased to meet you." She held out a hoof. "I think we're going to have a lot of fun together."
There was utter silence. The first thought I had was other than the hovering Pinkie was actually weirder. The second was the more I heard of her voice the more disturbing it got. I think it was slightly deeper and more coarse, but the worst part was how close it was. Just enough that you were sure it wasn't the same, but similar enough that being sure exactly what was different was impossible. Of course there was one more thing I finally thought to pay attention too. Her aura was not even close to Pinkie's. I couldn't tell too much about it, only that it was very strong and the details hidden by the chaos magic flowing through it. I then stood up, trying to look calm and confident. Most likely failing to some degree.
"Why do you look like Pinkie?"
She spun a few degrees to the left, holding a hoof to her chest. "Me? I'm not the one copying her, she's the one copying me."
"Well that sure sounded like something Pinkie would say." Said Blossom
"Except her aura makes her more like Discord's long lost sister."
Lockie rolled her eyes. "Oh please. I'm the true goddess of chaos and mischief, comparing me to that thief is just plain insulting."
"What to do you mean by…" I shook my head. "No, first explain why you and Pinkie look so similar, then your relationship to Discord."
"Isn't it obvious?" Lockie then laughed "She is one of my descendants. I have lot of those you know. She looks like me just like you look like Clover the Clever."
I smiled "Really? I know she's my ancestor, but I thought Celestia was just being nice."
"No, other than color you're her spitting image. She was far greener. I much prefer the purple version though, much sexier."
I blinked, saying nothing.
"It's the same with a few of your friends actually. Rarity really is the picture of Princess Platinum. Well, almost. She was actually as tall as Ms. Sunnybutt."
"Do you mean Celestia?" I asked
She laughed. "Remember, you said it, not I."
I glared at her in response.
"Applejack does look like smart cookie except she was red I think. Honestly she was always so boring I don't remember her that well. Her line joined the apples a few generations down the line, infusing even more boring into a terrifyingly stable and dependable family."
"Hey, Applejack is my friend and…"
"Point is the last two were Hurricane and Pansy. They got married of course since despite the name Pansy, he was a stallion."
"I knew that. So only Fluttershy or Dash…"
"It's been a long time, so both of them are actually. Though remember Steelwing is the little queen's father, so she has the more direct link. Fluttershy only has the same color scheme as Hurricane though."
"Little queen?" asked Sweetsong.
"What about pudding head?" I asked
"Oh, let me show you."
Then there was suddenly a male version of Pinkie in front of me. His mane was a dark chocolate brown, and his hide a brilliant orange. He still had Lockie's cutie mark and strange crown though. Then suddenly she was back to female, but now looking more like an oversized version of Dash with Fluttershy's colors. It was only then I realized how much alike the two actually are. Not quite identical, but with a little color changing spell or maybe some body paint Fluttershy could probably make a very convincing Rainbow Dash. It was odd I'd never noticed before. Body language is really important in all sorts of ways clearly.
"That is really freaky." Said Sweetsong.
"I agree." Added Blossomforth.
"How close are they related actually?" I asked
"Oh not close at all at this point. Dear Ditzy's line is just one fun bit of the vast gulf that separates them. But no matter how interesting the genetics of the elements is I already know all about it, so it's boring. Lets do something more fun."
It was then I noticed Lockie was a considerable distance from us, sitting on a branch of the world tree, kicking her back legs like a little foal. Then she smiled. The vastly enormous wolf was suddenly just there. It didn't look too different from Sleipnir's own wolves save for a few details. It even had the same saber toothed fangs. The most obvious being that it could swallow most buildings in Ponyville in one bite. It was certainly bigger than the Ursa Minor that was led to Ponyville. And I thought Sleipnir's were big. The second is it was a mix of grey, white, and black stone with red glowing orbs where it's eyes should be.
"Now remember Fenrir, they're mortal, or at least near enough to mortal, so play nice."
"Yes mom." Fenrir's voice echoed like thunder
"Good, now all of you have fun. By the way miss Sparkle, I suggest you take a hint from your servants and get moving."
It was only then I realized Sweetsong and Blossomforth were already in the air. I took the opportunity to teleport as far away as I could see. A long-range teleport would be better, but I'm not familiar enough with the area to risk it. Well I did spend several hours staring at the side of a tree in great detail even if I wasn't really looking at it, but that's the last place I want to go. Then the ground began to shake.
If I was in a better mood I might be impressed by the study. I think I would be slightly disturbed that axes ground into the wall seemed to be mostly decorative. Though one did have a helmet hanging on it. The rest was almost all bookshelves carved right into the massive wooden walls. The desk looked like the skull of some enormous pony, I would guess a frost giant. Sleipnir was behind it, a smile on his face. I turned briefly to the valkyrie that led me here and bowed slightly. No matter how covered in slime I might be, there is no excuse for being impolite. She was wearing the traditional armor of Asgard, complete with horned helmet. Of course the horns were usually spikes, spines or teeth from monsters, but mounted up they rarely looked it.
"Thank you mam. You've been a great help."
She just nodded and left.
"So, I see you're met Fenrir."
I turned back to Sleipnir. "He ate me."
"His stomach acid is very mild. It takes forever to break things down and barely even hurts. But you're very upset anyway aren't you?"
"Of course I am. I was eaten by a giant wolf. Why wouldn't I be upset."
"Watch the flames please."
He then motioned to his own mane. I blinked, trying to understand what he was getting at. I then looked at my own mane. Oddly while a little messy it was clean and dry, like somehow all the slobber just evaporated. I think the area around my mane was a little dryer too. What happened? I turned back to see Sleipnir frowning.
"But more seriously, and of far greater concern, you met Lockie."
"Why is it I've never heard of…"
"The frost king?"
I gasped. "As in he who shall lead the forces of darkness against Ragnarok? But…"
"Yes, she passed herself off as male for some time. Though it helps she is a master shapeshifter. She is also known as the mother of monsters."
"But, aren't those two different…" I sighed. "Okay, never mind, they clearly aren't. Still, it doesn’t make sense. I mean both are in the legends and assumed to be based in reality but she seems like another Discord. How could…"
"And did you know anything about Discord before he escaped?"
I went wide eyed. "Are you saying…"
"I'm saying Celestia tries to shelter her little ponies from the horrors of the world as much as possible. Luna was always better about that."
"There probably is a book about her in Luna's library. Any other horrifying threats I don't know about?"
"Several probably, but Lockie is the only local one."
"How is it that she's running free when…"
"A few things. First Ragnarok already happened. The destruction to the world, including Asgard, was exaggerated, but the deaths were not."
"But that means…" Then face hooved. "Nothing. You all just got up a little later."
Sleipnir nodded. "Exactly. In fact it was such great fun we've made it a regular thing. Every few decades or so we have a great big attack, then a party afterward."
I just stared.
"You forgot I'm also a god of battle, didn't you?"
I nodded. Asgard was in truth a small nation, but the head of the northern alliance. Most of the alliance didn't contribute anything militarily and depended on Asgard's protection since unlike most nations they had no powerful being as ruler to protect them. Asgard ponies were also famous for how much they loved to fight. I had assumed it had to be an exaggeration but even though it was dream the sheer enthusiasm of Thoroughbred as he fought was undeniable.
"So secondly you don't have that big an issue with Lockie because fighting random giant monsters is fun for everyone here."
"Not everyone, but yes. Finally, she does indeed get out of hoof at times, and we often try to imprison her or restrain her. In the past we even managed to use the elements of harmony on her. She always gets out."
"But it still seems wrong I mean…"
"There is one other thing. Unlike Discord she plays fairly. She doesn't tell you the rules, the game, will stack the deck against you, but she will play fair."
"So she's not that bad really?"
He frowned. "No, she can be worse at times because that's all it is to her. A game. That's all anyone or anything is. She seems to have mellowed with time but I feel it is more of a matter of her better understanding where the line is rather than actually caring about the morals of a situation."
I sighed. "Great, so there is a dangerous insane Pinkie in the world."
"Oh, it's worse than that. I think she likes you."
"And that's a terrible thing because she's going to make my life miserable."
"Possibly. Lockie really is truly chaotic. She likes one of my wives as well as Thor. She torments him mercilessly, while she helped my wife attain the power of a goddess and has been nothing but nice to her. But it is still best not to have her attention."
"Because the first is most likely."
"No, most likely is she will alternately torture and reward you, with no idea what might be coming next. She is dangerous, but these days never kills on purpose."
"But in the past…"
He nodded. "In the past many of us killed. Not just we of the north, but everywhere and everyone. Celestia was always soft hearted, but even she."
"And Luna…"
"Fought beside me more times than I could count. While I have seriously courted both sisters, only with Luna did I ever think she might accept. She never did."
I nodded slowly. It was a lot to take in. Not only was there at least some point in history where Celestia had killed, but Luna had clearly been more willing. Or at the very least Sleipnir believes it to be true. Then there is also the confirmation he is old fashioned as you might expect and has a herd. And that he wanted both Celestia and Luna to join it. Then he smiled.
"Lets get you cleaned up, then I can talk about air magic."
I smiled. "I'd like that."
He laughed. "Of course. I can tell deep down you aren't that different from the filly who followed me around constantly barraging me with questions."
I just smiled. My mood was beginning to lift, but then I realized I was having trouble moving. I looked down to see the slobber hardening. It looked a great deal like solid stone. Oh no. Stone wolf means his spit must be full of stone and when it dries some magic must clearly make if form a covering.
"Yes, best hurry. Don't worry, it's not actually petrifying you."
The end of yesterday put me in a good mood. Sleipnir had time for some more instruction putting me in a better one. I felt like I had a much better understanding of the underlying principals of advanced air magic. Of course to actually cast anything new I needed a better understanding of the basics which Sleipnir tried to explain, but he used such vague terms it was mostly useless. Still, I think I can figure this out. Finally I had the rest of the day alone since both Blossomforth and Sweetsong found something to do. Blossom talking to the valkyries about martial topics, and Song some local bards. Spike had been helping earlier, but now he was napping.
"Wow, you take a long time to read one page."
I felt my eye twitch. However then a certain floating poofy haired mare with a strange crown showed up. The reason I had been so slow is Lockie kept distracting me. Mostly with talking, but she had also dropped food on me a few times, and physically accosted me in various manners. The licking was sort of nice, though disturbing when taking it in context, and I was worried she might try something even more extreme, but thankfully she never did, and mostly it's just random unwanted massages. Though why she choose some areas is utterly mystifying. While the back of my knee is not entirely insensate, there doesn't seem to be any point to it, even an unwanted point.
"Can't you just go bother somepony else."
There was a short period of silence and she stopped brushing my mane with the sprig of celery. I have the feeling I just made a terrible mistake. Suddenly she was in front of me, that horrible smile on her face. She then clapped her hooves together.
"Oh that's a wonderful idea. I mean you react surprisingly little to me but I bet one of your friends can be far more interesting."
"What?" I then felt my ears fold back. "No, you can't do that."
"Of course I can. I can do lots of things." She then put a hoof to chin. "But the question is who to pick."
"No, I mean…" Then I sighed. "There's no point, different reasons, but the same idea. I can't talk you out of it, and you won't even listen."
"Oh no, I'll listen, I just don't care. Speaking of my descendant that could be fun, and Rainbow Dash can clearly be made to do some very stupid things with the right prodding, but that's almost too easy really."
I hung my head. "You're going after Fluttershy, aren't you. The weakest link…"
"Is anypony other than her. Just because it isn't obvious doesn't mean she's not the most dangerous among you. Rarity might be fun to mess with, but with Discord hanging around it's a no go."
"Discord is messing with them, but I thought…"
"He's already played his little trick on you, why stick around. Especially since he has a wonderfully chaotic, but ultimately utterly moronic plan that centers on your lovely new queen of queens."
"Wait, are you talking about Fluttershy?
"But that only leaves the apple, doesn't it?" She frowned. "So much boredom, in such a small package. That doesn't seem interesting at all."
"Applejack isn't boring she's just well grounded. I see how you wouldn’t understand…"
She laughed, spinning slightly in the air. "Oh, that's a great one."
I frowned and face hooved. "That's not what I meant. I mean…"
"Oh I know what you meant. That just makes if funnier."
I glared at her.
"Yes so irredeemably dull and…" Lockie trailed off, eyes going wide. "Oh but that's just perfect, isn't it. I mean who needs my help more than her."
"Your help?"
"Yes, I know just how too. I think…" Again she trailed off, this time her eyes loosing focus. "But right now I have a perfect opportunity to drive Dashie crazy, so I really must be off. Toodles."
Then she waved and was just gone. I sighed but then realized something amazing. There was a real teleport signature. It was weird as could be and tainted with chaos magic but it was real magic. In fact most likely this meant no matter how odd she was her magic was relatively normal. Of course this just raised further questions about Pinkie and would require confirmation, but the first was normal, and the second required spending more time with Lockie, but that seemed sadly inevitable. Then I noticed Thoroughbred was standing in front of me.
"Ah, there you are, father asked me to try to give you some lessons myself. I don't entirely understand why though."
"Well it's said one of the best ways to learn a subject is to teach. I'm not really interested in lightning spells, I have one basic one that's enough for my needs and…"
"Your needs?"
"To charge generators. Electricity can be generated various ways, but lightning is the best, and it's not really that hard to capture and store for later use. Also there are environmental and meteorological reasons why you have to have big storms sometimes, so using the lightning only makes sense."
"Wait, so father wants me to teach you of air magic other than lightning and storms?"
"You do have some idea of such things, right?"
"But I am no expert. Perhaps he means the art of war and…"
I shook my head. "I didn't ask for that either. As I said, teaching can help you learn. Your father seems fairly fond of varied teaching techniques, just like Celestia."
He sighed and hung his head. "Yes, he is. Where do you wish to start."
"How about the basics of pegasus flight, then go from there."
"As in, you wish me, to explain to you, how it actually works in a magical sense. Not demonstrate but…"
I think he kept staling but I was only half listening. Sleipnir had already explained a bit about flight, and did indeed think teaching would help someone's learning, but I had a feeling this was more about me than his son. I did know a good deal about pegasus magic at this point I suppose, even if the main point of this visit is there were a ton of gaps in my understanding. Everypony knew magic was involved, but what did that really mean, how did it relate to the wings spell I used on Rarity, and how did Sleipnir and others fly without even wings. I hope I can meet Sleipnir's expectations and figure this out. I also hope my friends are okay.
As I looked around everything suggested cold. The snow covering everything, the icicles hanging off trees, and the utter lack of any living thing moving besides my two companions. Reinia was ruled by the literal lord of winter so it only made sense that regardless of season the country would be cold. One thing I was not aware of is that because of this it was possible to trade warmth with another location for money. This town had fallen on hard times and thus traded almost all their warmth away. Spike was probably right that staying in the relatively warm Moosecow was the smart thing to do, but I didn't have much choice.
I was wearing a heavy furred jacket, with matching boots, bodysuit, and even a mask that mostly covered my face in addition to the jacket's hood. According to the temperature map in Mooscow it still shouldn't be quite enough to really beat the cold, but I felt quite warm. Sweetsong had a jacket that covered her wings but that was it. Blossomforth was wearing a scarf. The pegasus ability to resist cold was truly amazing.
"So seriously, why are we here?" asked Sweetsong
"Song."
"What, it's a legitimate question and it's not like it hurts to ask. She probably won't answer, but there isn't much else to do."
"The town is right up ahead so it's not like…"
We all stopped and stared. We saw the figure coming near us but we didn't think much of it. Most Reindeer are brown and she had been far away. Now though a few things were clear. She was a brown pony with mane a mix of countless shades of green. She was taller than most ponies, and fairly thickly built, a very imposing mare. She also lacked a few important things. The first was a cutie mark. The second was wings or a horn, which was obvious since she had nothing on to protect her from the chill.
"Well, your aura means you have my attention, now earn it."
I blinked. "What?" Then I gasped "You can see auras too?"
"Yes, one of my many special talents. Let me guess, you managed to track down me as your ancestor and have some questions."
"What? No, I'm not…" I then paused looking up. "Well I suppose I can't really say for certain that we're not related but that has nothing to do with…"
Then I realized I wasn't sure of that either. Fluttershy led me to finding her and while I assumed that wasn't the connection she is immortal and from my limited research on who in this town the mystery could be she certainly doesn't shy away from having children. Then I shook my head.
"Okay, maybe you could be related to Fluttershy, but that isn't the point. I know I tracked you via a similarity in your auras that is not related to a familial bond, though of course it could be, but that's missing the point."
"Hold on girl, are you saying you used magic to track me down because I matched up with somepony else?"
I nodded. "Yes, though this is all circumstantial and I decided it best not to delve too deep into your history if I'm wrong, since it would be a waste of time."
She smiled. "Okay girl, you've earned it. Run your test."
"How did you know there would be a test?" asked Blossom
"Because I get a lot of fools and idiots searching for me asking for answers, most often those I don't have, or can be more easily found other ways. You aren't like them. You're the rare one seeking understanding beyond selfish desires."
"That is arguably untrue, but I suppose it's mostly accurate."
She frowned. "Oh, you might be the worst type, promising, but a disappointment. Let me guess, you have a few questions first."
"I think just one, the rest probably aren't pertinent even if I want to ask them. I would guess it's one you've never been asked before."
"I doubt that girl." She glared at me. "Ask girl."
I gulped. For the first time I really noticed her eyes. They were a vibrant green, and I think shifted subtly and slowly in shade, but I wasn't sure of that. They also had a strange depth to them. As if there was an ocean of darkness behind them, unfathomable, and at the moment every single droplet hated you with it's entire being. I definitely said something wrong.
"Do you know who this is?" asked Song
"No, and I'm beginning to think I shouldn't care." The mare answered
"I am Lieutenant Blossomforth, and the girl with the now obviously strange eyes is Lieutenant Sweetsong. We serve her majesty Princess Luna. In the coat is her eminence Dutchess Twilight Sparkle, personal student of…"
"Celestia. I'm aware. That certainly doesn't impress. As I said, ask girl. I'm beginning to think this is a waste of my time."
"But you're immortal?" asked Song
"That just makes it more valuable." The brown pony answered
"What, that doesn't make sense."
"Song." Yelled Blossom
"I once asked Celestia why she…" I drifted off a second, trying desperately not to panic. "Why she wastes her time with such minor maters. She said it was hers to give as she chooses, even if it was more valuable somehow."
The mare laughed, it was sharp and short. "That sounds like something that over emotional fool would say."
"How dare you say that." Song was now glaring at the strange pony.
"No, that can't be right…." Said Blossom
She was a very different mare than I expected. Right now her name was Oak but it was just one in a long string of tree names that clearly meant very little to her. I should have learned more. I thought I knew enough. I thought I had it all together but now meeting her I realize I don't. Then I smiled. Except other than her personality everything fits, and even my best case scenario. Well best case for me at least.
"The question is, what is your first memory?"
She laughed "You really think that you're the first one to ask about my childhood. The first one to seek some reason behind my immortality in a vain attempt to…"
"She's probably immortal already." Said Song
"And that's not what I asked." I said "I wouldn't ask about your childhood because I doubt you had one. Or at least you don't remember it. I imagine your first memory is in Equestria sometime during Discord's reign. I'm just curious exactly what that first moment was. It could be very enlightening."
Then she smiled. Her eyes lost that darker quality, but still had that depth so like Celestia's, so like Luna's, and every so often even hints of in Derpy and that strange husband of hers. She laughed, this time it was all honey with only the slightest hint of mania. I think this was better, and regardless I had to go on.
"Okay girl, you have my full attention and my interest. You have no idea how rare that is, but you might have some idea how valuable. Let me guess, you were just being overly specific about not being selfish."
"I wouldn't say that. Technically…"
"Yes." Song and Blossom echoed
The mare laughed again. "Do you even really want the answer?"
"Of course. I don't need extensive details, but some idea. Also confirming that you really did have absolutely no memory at that point and it's shortly after Luna and Celestia first came to Equestira would be ideal."
"It's all fairly simple. I was in a lot of pain and Discord began his long string of bothering me with unusual…"
Then she just stopped and stared forward blindly. Blossom I noticed was also staring, but more obviously right at her. Song was looking between Blossom and the mare called Oak.
"I always did like Gaia, it just seemed a bit presumptuous."
"No way." Said Blossom. "I'm right."
"Probably." I added. "How did you know?"
"I'm old girl. I was there, and I know a lot of things that have been long forgotten by most. I was there when the memorial was dedicated. Always thought there was something odd about that tree. Guess I wasn't imagining it."
"That means you're…"
"The mother of your immortal rulers. Yes. It all fits, even if I imagine you have a few more details for me Ms Sparkle?"
"Well I have a piece of, well, you, and there is a test that…"
"Then get on with it. It's conclusive, isn't it?"
"Relatively so. I could be wrong but…"
"Then do it."
I took out the container, set in on the ground, and cast the spell. I did it as quickly as possible, since any magical contact could be dangerous, but it went off without a hitch and green line of brilliant light now stretched from Gaia to the bowl. There was a margin for error, but Spike was right that it was so small it didn't matter. He was less right about me always being right about this sort of thing anyway, though he may have point even if it's vain to agree.
"Positive, correct?" Gaia asked
"Whoa." Said Song.
Blossom said nothing
"Yes, now I just need to…"
When she grabbed the bowl I immediately put up the best shield I could around myself, Sweetong, and Blossomforth. However nothing happened. She laughed.
"Let me guess, you feared something undesirable might happen if I touched it, but I know that feeling well. I have a bottle of hot sauce and an umbrella made of swiss cheese with a near identical feel."
"You found two pieces yourself?" I asked
"Swiss cheese?" said Song "That does sound like Discord alright."
"It certainly is strange enough." Added Blossom
"And you were afraid his taint could be dangerous."
"Yes, but not just initially, but if you were to merge with a piece, which could have been as simple as touching it…"
"And you thought that shield would protect you from a mad god?"
"Not really, though there are a lot of pieces so who knows what you would get back if it worked. Also as I said there could be initial effects and…"
"Fine. Come on. Lets go to my house, you're helping me pack." She turned around and started walking away.
"What?" all three of us asked her at once
"I assume now that you're certain enough I am what I seem to be and have some idea what happened, so obviously I should go see my daughters even if in the end it's not a good idea since I don't actually remember them beyond once being their subject."
"But don't you have some responsibilities or…"
"No girl. I'm obscenely wealthy. If I wanted one I could buy my own country. As to family, there is none I care about left. At least around here. That I know of. There is nothing to stop me going with you. That was the plan, wasn't it?"
"If this went well yes, and…"
"Then you are helping me pack. Also I assume you want to restore me and assume the pieces have my memory as well as powers?"
"Yes but…"
"Then that's another reason. I have always felt I was missing something important beyond my mark, and the power of a goddess sounds about right to me."
"Wait, just power not…"
"Power trumps everything else girl. Considering how much you have I would think you would know that."
Then she stopped, turned, and looked me in the eyes. I didn't know what to do. Then she smiled and turned around again. She let out a short laugh then began walking again. I reluctantly followed, feeling a little unnerved.
"You do know, don't you?" she asked "Fine. The strong survive. You don't have to make your strength obvious, and sometimes it's better if you don't, but in the end that's all that matters. You're just like Celestia that way aren't you? Strong enough to make the weak survive too, even though it's not smart."
I stopped at that. This was Celestia's mother. Yes my theory about lacking her memories was correct, but regardless of her life how could she end up like this?
I was getting tired of this. Spike was going to ask the same question again I'm sure. Gaia and I were both trying to ignore him. The ship's library was lovely. Like the rest of the airship's interior it was full of carved wood, with a great deal of variety, mixing dark and light, often in the same piece. This included the walls themselves. The carvings were mostly natural scenes, but one room seemed to have a large city like Manehatten on its walls. Gaia sighed.
"For the last time whelpling, yes, I am a goddess, no matter how diminished. You need not ask again. And before you say anything Twilight you are right."
"I wasn't going say anything." I then sighed. "This time."
"So do you hate me yet?"
"What? No, it's not like that it's just Celestia is so kind, and while Luna can be strict she's very emotive and…"
"In other words my daughters are not like me at all. It happens. Other times they are much like their parents. That is just the way things are."
"And all you needed was the bowl?" asked Spike
"Yes, but only because it was a final test. I already had a working theory of what happened, and why if I was right why Gaia would not talk to her daughters."
"I really did always like that name. Who knew it was my actually mine. I must say Ms Sparkle, you've certainly brought some excitement into my life."
"Oh hey." Said Spike "What were you doing in the middle of nowhere anyway?"
"Being left alone. I like to take a break from other ponies every so often. I find my old house near Moosecow is a good place for that. Not perfect, but good."
"Twi, are you even listening."
"It's a first edition Spike, but of course I'm listening."
I wasn't really reading the book in front of me, though I suppose I hadn't let my eyes leave its pages for a while. Whistling Table was an odd pony, but brilliant. His magnum opus of spellcrafting was called the confusing title "101 ways to cook broiled asparagus." It not only was almost always misfiled as a cookbook, but formatted like one, complete with in many cases pictures of food. Mostly it was actually strangely informative dioramas that just happened to be made of food, but for some bizarre reason the entry for an incredibly powerful trueform spell just had two wedges of cheese. The first was some normal enough cheese, the second swiss cheese full of holes. Why in the world would a pony think that was a good representation for a spell that removes illusions and returns things to their proper shape?
"She's going to be like this a while isn't she?" asked Gaia
"Maybe." Said Spike
"I told you I am listening. This looks about the same as that old version we found in Canterlot. Current versions replace the pictures with more sensible things, and alters the title somewhat to denote it is in fact a spellbook."
"I think the one in Ponyville puts, a spellbook, before the rest of the title."
"It's lazy, but at least the Ponyville library used the Dewey system properly. Anyway the point is that this all went really well, though now our last stop becomes an issue."
"Huh what do you mean by…" Spike began, then looked at Gaia "Oh, Luna might totally recognize her huh?"
"That isn't the point boy." Said Gaia
"The point is even if she doesn't I have to tell her. I guess I could put it off a little, but that's not the best idea. Honestly I thought I would have more time to make final decisions but..."
"I was ready to go and had my own airship. I admit I'm a little excited. I've been nearly everywhere, but Cavernus is fairly strict on keeping other ponies out of their nation."
"Yes. Nocturne has no problem with bat ponies mingling among everyone else, or even leaving on occasion herself, but trade is limited to a few smaller cities, and hiding exactly what the bat ponies are is near constant. We're going to the capital."
"Will they even let us in?" asked Spike
"They should. Though we might have to wait at the upper landing docks for a time while things are sorted out, and the rest of the crew might not get in…"
"Thus the ship itself is also barred. I guess I will be coming along as your guest."
"Yes. Especially since I notice two of your crew are bat ponies and you clearly know who and what they are."
"Obviously."
For a while nothing else was said. I put the book back on the shelf and walked over closer to Gaia to see the book she had placed on a reading stand. I couldn’t see the title but a visible page gave me an idea. It was an illustrated manuscript. Full of flowing colors and beautifully penned words. Luna figured prominently on the page. Then I realized I had never seen this book before in my life even though I recognized the style.
"What is that?"
"A religious text. With the way open religion is discouraged it's doubtless not…"
"Princess Celestia isn't like that. I mean sort of, but various religious texts are still published, you just can't talk about them in public. Sort of like the drug laws."
"Hmmm, then perhaps the rumors of Luna being exercised from history are true?"
I looked away, even though she wasn't actually looking at me to begin with. "Well yes, somewhat. But mostly that's been fixed. In fact there might be a copy of that book in Luna's library, even though she isn't fond of religion either."
"Twilight?" asked Spike "Can I ask you a question?"
"I trust it is a new question?" Gaia then gave a short laugh
"Yea. I mean I guess everything sorta fits together now that I think about it, but Twilight, why aren't you freaking out more."
"Spike. It's not like I freak out over every little thing. I…" Then I sighed. "Of course this is anything but little. Do you remember that visit to Canterlot after that one spell I cast on Fluttershy?"
Spike laughed. "Oh yea, you went into full on mumble planning mode. It's this thing where she keeps making these mumbled plans to herself, not even stopping to write them down or most of the time finish them. Then collapses from exhaustion a few days later."
"It was a very stressful time. I mean I figured out I would have to go behind Celestia's back to be absolutely sure."
"And now you are." Added Gaia "I always thought Discord's taunting suggested I had been a threat to him, and thus logically a goddess, but I never imagined I could possibly be Gaia herself."
"Huh, why did you…" Spike then smacked his head. "Duh, you figured out what my next question was going to be."
"Yes. On top of that I do not panic. That is a weakness I never suffered, even when my life as I know it began in great pain being bothered by a mad god that clearly hated me it still seemed utterly pointless to panic."
She turned away from her book and gave me a disappointed look. I cared far less about it than Celestia's slight variance in expression, despite Gaia's being far more obvious and strait forward. It still bothered me a little though. She then walked out of the room. After a moment she stopped, turned back to me, then started walking again.
"Come on Miss Sparkle. You can enjoy my books later, and we aren't done talking."
"That wasn't a request, it was a demand." I said
"Polite requests are for those who are not sure of their authority over another and must placate them with kind words. While you are most certainly my equal to a surprising degree, you are also the student of my daughter. There is no question of my authority, and you would be unlikely to question it besides."
"Hay." Said Spike "That doesn't mean you couldn’t be nicer about it, even if you're probably technically right."
Gaia raised an eyebrow at that. "From a young dragon with your potential? That is most interesting. Still, I am a very powerful woman used to getting what I want. That I have been confirmed a de-powered goddess does not make me feel the need to be more humble. Also this is my ship. Finally, I was not rude, merely stating the way things will go. That is all."
Then she turned back around, then left. I used my magic to put Spike on my back and followed. He immediately began to grumble, but I wasn't really listening. The truth is not only was she royalty, but technically she was Equestria's queen. Though since the position was entirely honorary, and most forgot it even existed much less who held it, what political power she held was questionable. But even ignoring all that the certainty with which she said was so absolute I felt like I should listen anyway. It was terrifying in it's way, even though I could say no if I really wanted to.
"By the way girl, why could you find me when my daughters could not. They seem the type to keep looking."
"Of course. The problem is they were looking for a house, not a wall."
"What?" asked Spike
"Girl, you need to explain that a bit better."
"Despite being very different from the others in countless ways, you're just as much of a piece as the others. You are corrupted with chaos magic, even if in your case it's obviously far less."
"Obviously?" Gaia asked
"Yes. You see magical power is obviously bound to the individual. The only way to change that is either bind it to another individual, or in your case split the individual apart. What Discord's magic did was render most of those parts inanimate."
"But because they have my memories they have a sort of life, thus I lose access to almost all my power. So why am I different?"
"Well because there is some limit to how much you could be shattered. Also unlike the other pieces you have a consciousness. You've partially removed the taint, or at least tamed the chaos magic to a degree to lessen its effect."
"OOO. I get it." Spike said, jumping up and down on my back. It hurt less than normal.
"Spike." It still hurt though. He quickly stopped
"Sorry. Anyway, I totally get it. So magic could target her?"
"No, but her proper aura could be found, which is what we needed. Luna and Celestia are actually the least likely to find you however because they know you so well. They know the all powerful Gaia queen of the earth, not the seemingly normal earth pony stripped of almost all she was."
"I see." Said Gaia "Essentially they are looking for a house where I am but a single wall remaining of that house. So the real question is why were you were looking at metaphorical walls Miss Sparkle."
"Because I know that Fluttershy had a strong connection to these artifacts. I also knew that a resonance matching spell might be able to find something useful. It has some aspects of scrying and locator spells, but doesn't directly target anything, just slowly matches up the distortions in the magical field, usually called auras, and allow you to determine the location of anything that matched."
"Was I really the only match?"
"There were probably some weaker matches below the threshold I set, and I was prepared to lower the threshold if I had problems with a match, but I didn't."
"Where are we going anyway?" asked Spike
"You shall see young one. We are almost there."
Then we walked into a garden. I had to do a double take. It was a real garden though light pouring in though windows of some sort of strange magic. This room was inside Gaia's most traditional of airship's, it being shaped like an actual boat supported by a balloon, but this room might as well have been outside. There was even a pleasant breeze. There were also a few benches.
"Take a seat miss Sparkle. If you aren't comfortable enough I can have some pillows or even alternate seating brought in, but you are going to tell me some things."
"Things?" Spike and I asked
Gaia turned away from us looking at her plants. "Yes. I plan to do some much needed weeding, while you are going to tell me everything you can about my daughters. I will never win an award for mother of the year, but I have still missed 2000 plus years of their lives thanks to that insane fool. I have a lot of time to make up for."
"And you think…."
"That the personal student of Celestia knows far more about her than intelligence reports would say, and knows the secretive princess of the moon better than any other pony alive? Yes. I suppose it's best we start with Luna."
"Does that mean I can go?" asked Spike
"No. After all, Celestia is virtually your mother correct?"
Spike nodded, then stopped when she didn't turn around
"So you'll both talk. Because even if I get my memories back, I can not possibly remember the last 2000 years of their life."
"But does that mean…"
"I know what history tells me of Equestria's immortal rulers, even the parts near erased. I want to know her favorite tea. I want to know if she inherited my terrible taste in food. I want to know…"
Then she broke down crying. For a while I just stood there not able to process what was happening. Then I suddenly understood. She came to a room where her tears could fall to the ground without leaving evidence. I really wasn't sure how well it would go over but I walked over to her and gave the crying mare a hug. Deep down she does have a soft side.
"I can't kill you, but I will make your life endless torture if you tell anypony of this."
"What?"
"You have no idea what I am capable. That said, I thank you."
Really deep down. Of course to add to the abject terror there was confusion. I wanted to ask why she's clearly assuming I'm immortal, but it did not seem like a good time. Needless to say I felt very awkward comforting her, but didn't dare let go either.
In the end I wasn't sure where to start so figured Gaia should just ask me questions and I would answer best I could. I was trying to put the crying incident out of my mind but it wouldn’t quite leave. Thankfully we'd reached Cavernus, and the disaster that was looming ahead of me was very distracting. We had not only been given clearance to enter the great arch directly, but dock at a royal mooring. I walked off the ship.
"Sweetsong, I thought you had to be exaggerating." Said Blossom
"Amazing, ain't it?"
I nodded along with Blossomforth. I'd seen pictures so I was less surprised, but in pony it was still something else entirely. Shadowgate was named after a huge arch on the side of the mountain that was filled with a wall of darkness that kept sunlight out entirely. But that doesn't mean the bat ponies hated all light, just truly bright light, being creatures of the dark. So Shadow's Arch was a city carved into the walls of the massive cavern, all the way from the ground to the ceiling, every last one lit from within. Most impressive being the obsidian pillar and it's well ordered lights, the royal palace of all Cavernus. The nation had begun with this single cavern but now countless caves stretched through this whole massive mountain range.
"Uh, it looks like they carved up all the pillars in here." Said Spike "As in there isn't much support left."
"Nah." Said Sweetsong. "It's cool. Some of these are way thicker than they look and since we don't need stairs or whatever they're solid in the center."
"So we will be flying our landbound friends everywhere?" said Sweetsong "Wonderful."
"It is really that great a burden for you?" asked Gaia
"It's not that it's just…"
"Nah, we won't." said Song. "The palace has stairs and such, and there some other places with them, or elevators or whatnot. Lots of shops need freight and stuff. Houses though usually don't. Twilight you're okay not meeting my family here right?"
"Uh, yea."
"Girl. I know barely know you, and I believe Miss Sparkle is much the same."
"I don't really know you either." Added Spike
Song laughed. "Oh yea, sorta forgot. Whatever. Still, that's later anyway."
"Yes, since docking went easier than expected we can meet up with Dream Volt and Bumblesweet immediately, and determine Luna's current orders." Said Blossom
"Or just ask Luna herself, right?" I asked
"Well, yes, most likely. Though it's very possible she might be in a closed door meeting, or otherwise unavailable. That is likely to make one or the other unavailable as well but we should still be able to determine…"
Sweetsong groaned. "Oh come on, this isn't complicated. Lets just get going. We can just ask the guards. I mean the air traffic control messenger said they were expecting and eagerly awaiting Twilight."
"And thus something has obviously gone wrong that requires her attention." Said Gaia
I sighed. It did seem likely actually. I then shook my head and walked forward confidently. I might as well wait until I actually know what's wrong before I panic.
It could be much worse. The guards, both the Cavernus royal guards and Luna's group had hurried us into the throne room. Luna refused to look up, head hung low. She had three guards at her side. One an especially large earth pony, the second an especially small one, both completely covered in armor. The third a dark purple pegasus looking back and forth between Luna and Nocturne.
Queen Nocturne was very impressive, and in retrospect so obviously Nightmare Moon's daughter it hurt. She was jet black with purple hair and teal eyes. Slitted, just like Nightmare Moon and at times the bat ponies. She also had the wings of the bat ponies, currently stretched wide in a vaguely threatening gesture. At least according to that book on wing gestures I read recently. But she also had a long horn her crown rested against. Her regalia was similar to Luna's, but with a different mark on the torc, and a strange metallic teal that almost matched her eyes. Nocturne herself wasn't sure exactly what it was made of, just ordering it for the color. The image matched her Cutie mark, a shield with bat wings. Unlike the pure black outline on the torc Nocturne's mark was teal with the bat wings matching her mane's purple. While her mane appeared to be normal hair, it did move very slightly in an unseen wind much like her mother's.
"Oh and now more of your foolish soldiers. So what…" She looked my way, blinked, then smiled. "Oh, hello Twilight. So nice to see you again."
"Nocturne…" said Luna
"You may go mother. I suppose I certainly could continue listing all the ways you failed me, but no matter how enjoyable, I now I have a guest I want to talk to."
"But the…"
"No mother. We both know it's a ploy by dear auntie. We only need to negotiate because the terms were so ridiculous this time. I will always be a friend to Equestria, and will not blame it for the games of its rulers. Bring me the real terms and I will gladly sign all the documents. If there really is something I will negotiate with Twilight instead."
"Me?"
"Yes Twilight. You are a Dutchess. More than enough for ambassadorial duties, and I doubt mother wouldn't trust you to represent Equestria's interests."
"Of course." For a moment Luna looked up. "I owe her everything and would trust her with nearly anything but…"
"Your little plan has failed mother. Well auntie's plan really. I'm sure you could never think of something so clever."
For a brief moment there was an intense look in Luna's eyes, not quite a glare, and not quite anger, but something else. Then she hung her head, turned and began to walk out. Her three guards followed her. Though only after Dream Volt got a nudge from the small pony that had to be Bumblesweet. He oddly didn't look asleep, but rather was intently focusing on Nocturne. It could have been sexual, but I don't think it was. It looked more like some sort of intellectual curiosity, but what was he looking for exactly? Then Gaia walked forward to the base of the throne, and right into Nocturne's eyes.
"You are a spoiled little brat, aren't you?"
"What?" Nocturne's eyes widened, wings flaring outward as she stood.
"I don't repeat myself, and I know you can hear me. Though I suppose there could be some sort of defect in your ears, or whatever's wrong with your brain affects your hearing too. I don't know you that well after all."
Nocturne's mane moved with a dangerous sort of activity, far longer than it normally was. At about the same time I heard an odd thump. I turned to see Luna getting back to her hooves and quickly turning around. She looked back and forth blinking, then looked down at Gaia. She tilted her head.
"I must be confused." I heard Luna half whisper.
"You dare to say such to me." Nocturne glared down at Gaia
"Why wouldn’t I?"
Luna gasped. "No, impossible."
"I may not be much more than I appear to be right now, and may not be for some time to come. But at the same time I need not fear you. Entities far more powerful than you have tried. I learned recently even Discord himself."
Luna fell to the ground, her hooves giving out again.
"So you're immortal?"
Nocturne laughed. It was a lot like Nightmare Moon's. It retrospect there was some niggling bit of familiarity the first time I heard Nightmare laugh, but I was a bit distracted so I never made the connection. Now of course it's obvious all the negative things said about her mother were about Nightmare. Nocturne then shook her head.
"Just because I can't kill you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fear me. In fact unlike some ponies I've never killed anyone, but that doesn't mean you shouldn’t fear me."
Gaia nodded. "Ah, so you're not hopeless. But there is something you have to understand. There are all sorts of power in this world, and while as a simple earth pony I may lack most of the more impressive magical ones, that doesn't mean I couldn’t make your immortal life one of constant torture if I chose to."
Luna just stared at Gaia, despite being a mess on the floor. Her crown was crooked, her wings laying about limply, and one of her shoes had skittered across the floor. Nocturne and Gaia were just glaring at each other, but in the end Nocturne is the one who flinched.
"G-guards." She shook her head and focused on me. "Guards. Take her away. This is still my nation and…"
"You think that impresses me? Who in their right mind would want to rule a nation."
"Take her away now." Nocturne still wouldn't look at the mare right in front of her. "Lets see if she still disrespects me after spending a few years in the dungeons."
"NO!"
I blinked. Luna had lost her crown entirely, but with her mane flowing in a tempestuous halo around her I doubt even my old etiquette teacher Proper Place would dare to comment on the lack. I still say my diagnosis of OCD was accurate even if she was partially correct in that I did want her to be more lenient. However not only was it not a truly graded class and of less concern to me, but her standards were impossibly high. Not even she could meet her own standards, that could not be good. Then I remembered to focus on the here and now in time to see Gaia silently step away from Nocturne with a smile on her face. Luna was now right in front of Nocturne, glaring.
"Awww, I liked Nocturne. Best Queen ever." Said Sweetsong.
"I doubt Luna is actually going to kill her." Added Blossom "For that matter I doubt she even can."
I idly nodded, wondering if the two guards beside me would even notice.
"You want me to be some sort of monster? Fine. I have done that before and can do it again. But you will not touch her. Even if I am wrong you still will not touch her because if there is even a chance…"
"You care about her more than me? You'll stand up for her but…"
"Stand up for?" I asked at the same time Luna interrupted Nocturne
"YOU UNGRATEFUL WHELP. Thou know not the matters into which you find yourself. Back off or taste my wrath."
Gaia smiled again.
"You, you…." Nocturne glared at Gaia
"It matters not how unreasonable and obstinate she has been, you will not touch her."
Gaia nodded. "Accurate enough. It's true."
Nocturne let out a scream and then seemed to explode into a cloud of small bats. The bats then flew out of the room. Luna then blinked, her mane calming. She looked to Gaia, then me, then to the door, then back to me.
"Twilight Sparkle. Please tell me I have not made a terrible mistake."
"Of course not. She clearly needed some discipline." Said Gaia
"W-w-what I mean is…" Luna only briefly glanced at Gaia before looking back at me. "Twilight I know sister said you a-a-are one to…"
"Breathe." Added Azalea from the giant armor. I guess it really is her.
Luna took a deep breath. "She said you are an overachiever, but you already had my undying gratitude, you did not need to do another impossible thing."
I smiled, then laughed. "I guess I can't help myself."
"So then…" She turned to Gaia "You really are my mother?"
"Apparently."
Luna blinked. "Apparently?"
"I know who you are of course, but my first memory as the very impressive Miss Sparkle deduced, is Discord bothering me during his reign. What I would later learn was the day you and your sister came to Equestria. And my so called death."
"Yet, you remember…" Luna wiped tears from her eyes. "…nothing more than that. And now you are going berate me for my weakness anyway."
"I stopped that foolishness years ago."
"Are you saying…" Luna looked at Gaia wide eyed
"That no one ever listens anyway. Hugs, tears, and more. All signs of weakness, but I have plenty of others and in the end signs are just that, and nothing more. True strength will shine though. Also that fake weakness can be surprisingly useful."
Luna laughed and hugged her mother. Gaia had a slight smile on her face and hugged back. It was then I noticed that the rest of the guards not just Luna's but all the bat ponies in the room as well were all gone. I half wanted to leave too, but felt it might not be appropriate. It was odd how fast they left though. One minute they were there then the next minute gone. Maybe it's some special technique Luna taught her guard the bat ponies inherited?
"I suppose it only makes sense you would change a little bit. Even if…" She laughed again. "It's still such a you way of looking at things."
"Are you done? I suppose I don't mind but as I said I really don't know you."
Luna let go and blinked. "Yes, that is not an idea I can get my head around. Also Twilight Sparkle if I wasn't so happy right now I would banish you to the moon."
"You mean for a short period of time like those nobles right?" I asked
"No."
I just stared the full magnitude of what I'd done coming to me. I was going to jail. I misused the equestrian military. I withheld information that could be of great strategic use to the crown. I then noticed both of them were laughing at me. Gaia's laughter was bit more restrained, but genuine enough. Luna hugged Gaia again and the seemingly ordinary mare sighed. This hug lasted much less time and I sighed.
"I guess I deserved that, but I thought this was for the best. I mean I needed the bowl to make the test and if I was wrong then I would be getting your hopes up and…"
Luna looked at her mother, then back at me. "Yes, we think that was wise of you. We most certainly would have been very upset if you are wrong. But what do you mean bowl? We don't understand."
"Oh, well the Smooze obviously was caused by the mix of raw chaos and nature, denoting a piece, so after dispelling it and retrieving the bowl that caused the mess then after a stop off in Asgard I went to Reinia, found Gaia, and tested her."
"Wait, thou art saying you not only found mine mother but a piece of her?" Luna then blinked. "That sentence was stranger than I intended."
"You slip into some mismash of old Equish when stressed?" asked Gaia
Luna looked at the ceiling. "Possibly." Then she suddenly turned back to me. "We do not understand Twilight Sparkle how can mother…"
"The same way the CMC have Discord's power. In fact both involving his chaos magic might be why something generally considered impossible, isn't."
"Wait, so the pieces are not truly literally her parts but her memories and magic?"
"Well knowing Discord's magic her horn and wings are, and some will probably directly relate various other features, like I assume she should be taller."
"To say the least. Her majesty should blot out the sun, but mother never had wings."
"She was a unicorn?" I asked
Luna laughed. "To call her a unicorn is to call a narwhal the same simply because it also has a horn." Luna laughed again. "Not that she only truly only had one, but the rest were nothing but decoration, and often changed."
"Interesting." Said Gaia
"Blot out the sun? How big exactly do you mean?"
"We exaggerate little. Though time distorts size, and mother would vary it some, only the great ursas were ever comparable. And I do mean Ursa Majors, yes."
I tired to think of a pony that large but my imagination failed me, or recoiled in terror. Either way I couldn’t picture it. I was in a slight daze until Gaia smashed a hoof against the ground with an echoing clack. I blinked.
"You should go talk to her."
"What?" I asked
"Someone has to clearly, she's mad at both myself and Luna, and seems to like you, so you are the obvious choice."
"I guess but…"
"I believe I have enough of the pertinent details. We have a lot to talk about, and you are not required for any of it. Though you may rejoin us later if you wish."
"I still have questions about exactly what Discord did." Asked Luna
"Well I don't know exactly. But to some degree she's really just another piece. Just a physical body free of her former memory and power. I thought even her personality would be different, but even her voice is the same, isn't it?"
"I was not sure because it was less booming and there was no echo, but yes."
Gaia laughed. "Excellent. But as I said Miss Sparkle, you are needed elsewhere. You can give further details later."
"One more. Do you think there is any way to easily…."
"No. Gaia tested the easiest herself long ago."
"Yes, your sister's student found not two pieces, but by finding me four."
"As in yourself and three others. But how could you possibly…" Luna laughed. "Ah, of course you found some yourself. That's only logical."
"And thus we are done here for the time. Go Miss Sparkle."
I nodded. "Okay."
It was only as I was leaving I realized Spike had been stolen off my back by one of my borrowed guards. At least I assume it was one of them, maybe it had been one of Luna's other guards, or the bat ponies. I was slightly worried, but knew he'd be safe. Cavernus did have excellent, albeit secret, relations with Equestria. Then I began to panic roughly at the same time I got out the doors and saw him perched on Sweetsong's back surrounded by a bunch of female bat ponies making cooing noises, telling him how cute he is, and otherwise giving him way too much attention. I would have simply marched on without a word if I had even the slightest idea where to go.
It was my room. I was briefly terribly confused because some of the colors were off, the view was different, but it was otherwise exactly the same. The first time I met her Celestia gave me a list of things about her, and what to say, and not say to Nocturne. I remember being very confused that I couldn't talk about the moon, but should talk about astronomy. In retrospect it's still a little odd, but no longer why she would have anything against the moon, but why not the stars too. One bit of advice is Nocturne has a temper and if she's mad talk about something else first. I had a good topic. She was standing near the window looking outside.
"Why does this look like my room in the palace?"
She laughed. "You really think there are that many rooms close to Celestia's own suited for foals? It became your room eventually obviously, but it was mine once too."
I nodded. "Okay, and it's here because you really liked it that much? I mean it's nice enough but I was happy to move out too."
"It's not like I usually sleep here. I recreated quite a few rooms. I built an impressive palace, but there is no one to fill it, not even self important nobles. So I figured why not redesign a few rooms for the sake of nostalgia. This place always helps me think."
I nodded. "It is a nice quiet little room, but I've always preferred the library for real thinking. You must have a great Library."
"One of the few rooms really full of anything. A personal collection of countless volumes collected for about a thousand years. Though the library itself is younger than that."
"I want…" I then paused, thinking of another question even though she seemed calm enough already. "Why do you like me so much?"
"Why not? You are pleasant mare, and were a delightful filly. Also you share my love of reading. What's not to like?"
"But from the first moment you met me you treated me like, well, like family. Like I was a long lost sibling or…" I paused
"Ah, that. Two things, both simple but not something you tell a young child. It would just complicate things needlessly. First you look like Shimmering Stitches."
"I, know that name. It's…"
"Your ancestor. I'm aware. She was an amazing nurse, reduced to being my nanny because she loved Luna, even when she became the Nightmare. She only kept serving the crown because she vowed to serve me. She raised me."
"So I look like your strongest mother figure?"
"Good guess. She was more red and pink, but similar enough yes. Is there some picture of her I'm not aware of? I didn't think there was but the one."
"No, it's just someone recently told me I look like Clover the Clever but green."
"Ah, yes. That brings us to the second. I likely have no father. I was created with magic instantly forming as a young filly, not a baby."
"And it used Clover's blood as the source?"
She nodded. "Most likely. Where mother got the vial I'm not sure, though mages have been known to keep odder things in their labs."
"I think I have at least two vials of blood in my own lab actually but that means…"
"We are related? Obviously. Though Sombra is also possible, but I'm nearly certain he betrayed her before then."
"Who?"
"No one of importance." She waved a hoof "Just a fool with even less sense than mother. He is long gone. I guess you may have to deal with the repercussions of his actions, but the dark stallion of fear is no more."
"Uh, okay."
There was a niggling feeling about that title. Some ancient legend. Then again darkness, shadow, and fear were common elements of lots of legendary villains. At this point most of these stories seemed to really be based on the abilities of the real Nightmare Moon. Maybe he was some sort of general under her command? I'll have to research that later, but right now I have to focus.
"You know Clover's line is very interesting. Countless generations of ponies assisting great ponies everyone knows and being forgotten for how much they helped. Even Clover herself is often overlooked for her famous master. Even by her own ancestor."
"Wait, you know about my Starswirl the bearded costume?"
She nodded. "With few exceptions what my bat ponies know I know." Then she sighed. "But that's not why you're here. You want me to give her a chance or some such?"
"Yes, but mostly I want to understand. Why do you hate her so much?"
"Oh Twilight, I wish it was that simple."
Then she finally turned away from the window. Her crown was missing, her hair was a bit tumultuous, but didn't really look bad, and he was missing one of her front shoes. But most of all those strange and occasionally terrifying eyes were filled with tears, trails running down her face.
"I, don't understand."
"She was perfect to me Twilight. I never had another to compare her to and everything seemed like so much fun. Stitches took care of me most of the time, but I knew mother was really important so I didn't mind."
"But it was Nightmare Moon and…"
"So what? I was a child. I didn't understand that. I just knew it was fun flying with her. That all the troops were really nice to me. That it was fun pretending to be just a unicorn when mommy still called herself Luna."
"Wait, still called herself…"
"Luna became Nightmare far before she changed her name. After seeing her now that much is obvious. She's so different."
"You loved her. Despite everything…"
"And then she was gone. Not even really dead, just gone to her magical disk in the sky, a constant reminder of that fact etched on its surface for all to see. At first I hated Celestia. All I had left was Stitches and all she had of her one true love was me."
"That, ended badly, didn't it?"
She shook her head. "No, it could have, but eventually she found a bat winged stallion and they married, continuing the unbroken line that would lead to…"
"Wait, I'm part bat pony?"
"Yes, so? They have been living as pegasi in Equestria for some time. In fact odds are your two pegasus friends have at least one bat pony in their tree somewhere or other."
"But surely Celestia would…" Then I looked down. "Oh."
"I said I hated her, not that I hate her. Eventually I realized the truth, and began to pity her. Eventually we bonded over that loss. Her sister and my mother, but…"
"The dark ages began with Nightmare, but didn't end until much later because of Celestia's grief. Regent Art Hair's reign was surprisingly successful, to the point most histories call her queen Art Hair instead."
"Yes, I still don't know if auntie was amazingly astute in pushing the royal hairdresser into the post, or just extremely lucky."
"And until the matters with Art Hair's herd got far too out of control Celestia was largely absent, from your life too. You were erased with Nightmare too, weren't you?"
"Not quite. No, it was simply that for my safety my wings were hidden. I was that strange black filly with the accursed eyes, that everyone always suspected, but no one ever accused directly. They just judged me for it silently."
"Then Celestia got better, but it was too late and you left with the bat ponies."
"It was too late, but I didn't leave because of my aunt. One of my regrets is I never spent more time with her. No, it's…" She looked at her mark. "They needed me."
"The bat ponies?"
"Yes. They were, new, but by the time the regency ended not so new there wasn't a baby boom. When everypony still remembered the bat ponies that was a problem. So I began to protect them because Celestia was far too busy to deal with such a relatively small matter. That's how I got my mark. Because I knew what I was meant to do."
"To serve them."
"I had befriended them before the real trouble began. We were alike. Creations of mother with no place of our own left. So we left and settled in some caves in the mountains. But it wasn't far enough. We moved a few more times, but then I decided we would not keep running, we would go as far as it takes, but find our own place."
"And founded Shadowgate."
She nodded. "It didn't have a name for the longest time, and Cavernus was the first name of the city, but eventually we needed the name of a nation."
I nodded. She was smiling now even though the tears hadn't stopped. Then I suddenly understood the full scope how confusing this all was. Her existence and that of her people can both be traced back to her mother, and she liked Luna even as Nightmare Moon. I guess she was never entirely gone. Yet Nightmare is also responsible for leaving her alone in a nation that hated her mother and distrusted the daughter at the very least.
Then I remembered that while there was no portrait, there was a sketch made by Shimmering Stitches herself of her injuries. It didn't show her manestyle, just all the various scars over her body. I always thought it was weird that she got so many scars during a conflict since she was a noncombatant. Of course I never knew she served Nightmare, or until recently what that civil war was even about. Though mostly I just thought how good the sketch of internal anatomy that she also made was. Either Nocturne is leaving out some very important details, or my ancestor did a very good job of shielding her from the darkness of the world at the time.
"So you love her and hate her because everything good and bad is all because of her?"
She laughed, wiping her eyes. "You know you're nothing like her. You look like her but other than being fond of checklists you're almost nothing alike."
"Oh, uh…"
"You know I was going to hug her." Nocturne let out a sharp little laugh
"Hug who exactly? Because…"
"Luna. That was the plan. To just do what auntie would tell me to do, what you would urge me to do, and just hug her and try to forgive her. But somehow the second I saw her I just started sniping at her. I even threw a few spells at her. She didn't even dodge."
"But now…"
"All my friends are dead. At some point they were all dead."
"What?"
"The bat ponies now revere me. I am their perfect goddess queen. They used to be my friends, but now there aren't any left and there haven't been for a long time. I used to think auntie was being ridiculous renegotiating the treaty with Equestria so often, but eventually I figured it did have a purpose."
"Were you mad that…"
"She saw the same doubts she sees in herself? If I had seen it a little earlier, maybe not, but by the time I realized I could understand. I don't want to be alone, and I want to be with her but I don't know what to do next."
"Talk. Maybe even yell some more. But maybe this time start with the hug even if you start yelling at her at the same time."
"It might be worth it for her expression alone, wouldn’t it?"
We both laughed. I certainly wouldn’t know how to react to some pony hugging me while telling me how much they hate me. I also felt I was doing amazingly well not freaking out about Nocturne being my who knows how many times great aunt.
Somehow just playing chess was working. Nocturne was coming back with all of us, since none of us dared contradict Gaia. They had one closed doors meeting, but all of us, even Gaia, listened at the various doors. We just heard soft talking. I think Nocturne planned on taking my advice, but only managed to remain calm and distant, neither hostile nor positive. Then they saw the chess set in the common room for some of the bedrooms and they began to play. It's been days and I think neither has slept. There's no telling how many games they've played, or who's been winning as the second one match ends the next starts the second the pieces can be returned to their places.
"Twilight, we're almost there."
"Huh. What was that Spike I was…"
"Staring at the two of them doing nothing. I know. Come on, lets at least go look out a window, maybe even the observation deck."
"Spike, it's Canterlot. I admit this might not seem too interesting, we've seen it a million times, and often from the air. Nothing has changed."
"It's not like if you look away for one second something is going to happen."
I turned around to look at him on my back. "Spike Chess is a beautiful game and while yes it can be stretches of nothing happening…"
"Very well I concede the match and the point." Said Nocturne "For now the past stays in the past."
I turned around to see the board had rapidly changed. Oddly neither stallion was even in check, despite many pieces still being on the board including each side's princess. How was that a win for either of them? Then we passed though one of my brother's shields. Based on its near flatness it had to be large enough for the whole castle, maybe even all of Canterlot. Why in the world would he put up a barrier that large?
"It seems you were both wrong Miss Sparkle."
Spike and I both jumped at the sound of Gaia's voice behind us. Spike fell off me since jumping isn't good for remaining on a narrow perch. Gaia walked past me, the two dark alicorns still at the table with the chessboard, and then quickly out of the room. Luna then laughed, followed by a similar one from Nocturne a moment later. I'd quickly realized Nocturne's voice seemed to be a smooth mix of both Luna and Nightmare, most of the time the line impossible to discern. Her laughter being the one exception, clearly sounding like either one or the other depending on her mood.
"So clearly grandma is not to be trifled with, and used to getting her own way."
"Yes." Luna laughed again "She has changed far less than one might expect. Also surprisingly I wonder if she may now be more dangerous."
"Huh?" said Spike
"Mother had great power, physical and magical. She used to rely on this power but without it she still demands the same respect, and even if it is in truth illusory, gives the impression she is to be feared regardless."
I blinked "So if she got her power back…"
"Then she would not have to rely on any one thing. In the end this is no great danger, mother is harsh, but fair."
"But it's still scary." Added Nocturne.
Then the black bat winged alicorn that would surely haunt some ponies nightmares after today shuddered. I was worried, but not about Gaia. Unless I was wrong about the barrier my brother was very worried about keeping something that wasn't supposed to be here out. The exclusion barrier could have had all sorts of different parameters, so maybe it was something silly like some noble getting some ridiculous plan to rid the city of rodents approved, but I doubt it.
Celestia was reduced to a blubbering foal hugging her mother. Thanks to Luna rather literally. Luna had done the same to herself after Celestia failed to react. She cast the spell after Gaia said she shouldn't be acting like a foal in the throne room. I think Luna was trying to embarrass her, but clearly she changed her mind, though she wasn't crying. Celestia once said that while grand gestures can say a lot, it's really the casual use of magic that can impress the most. At the time she was trying to convince me teleporting around everywhere was alienating ponies, but I think the idea holds true. I was certainly impressed by the casual use of a spell that's still well beyond me.
Gaia looked uncomfortable. Hugging the princesses back, but looking around constantly. I'm glad that guard mentioned AJ, Pinkie, and Dash were in the castle, and that I sent Spike off to go see them. I'm also glad Nocturne went off somewhere with Luna's guard. It felt very inappropriate to be here, and I really wish I knew if it was okay for me to leave. I was currently distracting myself by trying to figure out why both princesses had enchantments on their regalia that automatically resized them. The purpose is obvious enough, but why would you have to bother? I mean it works both ways, but how often can this sort of thing come up?
"I think that's enough."
Both foal princesses immediately released her.
"Hmm, well that suggests I really did raise you, doesn't it?"
"We will fix you." Said Luna
"I’m so happy I don't even care."
Celestia was still crying, but the smile was undeniable, and now it was silent. Also now that I could see them one thing was clear. Celestia and Luna, our great rulers and some of the greatest forces on the planet, were so utterly adorable as foals I could barely stand it. I barely resisted the urge to run up and hug one or both of them. Gaia let out a long drawn out sigh.
"Okay, lets get a few things clear. While Miss Sparkle has given me some very compelling evidence, and more reason to trust her conclusion than those with better evidence, you aren't that different than most of the other long lost relatives."
"Other relatives?" asked Luna
"Yes. You at the very least can't argue that you never had any children. Are you really so certain Nocturne had none of her own and so forth?"
"Er, actually it's arguable that I have had none, as Nyx, er, I mean Nocturne, was created though sorcery alone."
Gaia rolled her eyes. "Not only does that take the fun out of it, it's unnatural."
"Well I was rather evil at the time. If it makes you feel any better sister has does things naturally, several times in fact."
Celestia looked at me. "Thank you for understating that but it's not necessary." She looked back at her mother, most likely because I didn't react badly to that insane seeming idea this time. "Also I imagine you had less trouble than we might."
"I suppose. I certainly could get pregnant quickly enough when I tried. Thus I wound up with countless long lost descendents seeking me out, some simply for answers that I couldn’t give them about their unique gifts, but sadly most simply for money."
"Hmmm." Celestia put her little hoofsie to her chin and the urge to hug became harder to resist. "Clearly no matter how much has been stripped of you, you are anything but a normal earth pony."
"Very much so. As I was saying. I don't really know you. I'm increasingly sure I want to, and should have bothered long ago no matter what my initial impression was, or how weak I saw most of your actions."
The sisters turned to each other, gave a little smirk, nodded, and looked forward again.
"Yet regardless of that I don't know you. I assume you still want to help me, but don't expect things from me. I have no emotional attachment to you and even then…"
"We do know you mother." Said Luna
"We know what to expect. Like now that you understand what you've lost you're going to put a great deal of effort into regaining it all."
"And." Luna sighed. "Most likely with your usual lack of current standards for moral constraint. You can still stay in the palace if you want."
"Though we insist on keeping any pieces you find here until you make use of them. They simply aren't safe, and we already know how to contain them properly."
"Fine. So, what else do you expect of me?"
"Nothing." Said Celestia "Luna and I just want to help. We want you, all of you, back."
"There are a great many things we want, but can't expect from you, and we understand that. Now, Twilight do you have anything to add."
I shook my head. "No, no, no. I mean not about this. I'll help however I can of course and have questions but…"
"I forgot you were there for a moment." Celestia laughed. "Find your brother. He can explain everything about the threat to Canterlot and the wedding."
I tilted my head to one side. "Wedding? What wedding?"
Luna turned to Celestia and glared. "I thought you said you were going to intervene."
"I was. Cadence urged me to let her handle it. She sounded so sure too. I noticed she was busy but was so sure she would not forget something so important."
"I still don't understand." I asked
"Just go see your brother." Said Celestia
"Yes, I shall go make some preparations myself. And the answer to the next question is it is not an oversight, but a punishment."
Luna cast a spell returning her to normal, then teleported away. Celestia stood there blinking for a few moments then laughed. Her tears had stopped at some point. She then flew to her throne and sat down.
"Oh Luna, that's a good one alright."
"Uh, can't you reverse it?" I asked
Celestia shook her head. "I chose to never learn the spell in the first place. It's easier to resist the temptation to use it. I can't cast it on everypony and anything else isn't fair."
"Who says you have to be fair." Said Gaia "If it's your power, you use it as you see fit until someone else has to power to stop you from such use."
Celestia rolled her eyes. "Even if you don't seem to I remember this argument."
Gaia suddenly smiled. "We never had arguments about something as silly as mere money did we?"
"Well you used to argue against it's continued existence, but I'm fairly certain that isn't what you meant."
"Interesting." She then looked to me. "Miss Sparkle, you are dismissed."
Celestia glared at Gaia. "I think we need to have a talk about authority. I love you mom but Luna and I have worked very hard to make Equestria what it is today and while I know you have no intention of ruling…"
"You have the power. As it should be." Gaia then got a great big smile on her face.
Celestia flopped forward, wings going limp. "I should have seen that coming. At least I passed. Failure usually hurts. A great deal in fact."
Celestia let out a groan and I decided to teleport out of there before my brain shattered completely. It was odd enough seeing Celestia look like a foal, but even odder to see her acting the part. Of course I still act childish in front of my parents sometimes myself, but she's Princess Celestia. It just seems wrong.
"So then Firecracker bailed us out and everything was super."
I looked to Dash behind Pinkie. She nodded meaning Pinkie's story was at least mostly true. Dash tends to ignore details sometimes, but I doubt she missed the end there. Then Applejack walked up to me and sighed.
"Sorry Twi, but it's the truth. Even asked Octavia 'bout it, and she's a steadfast sort. Also ah know none of them are lying."
"And the Princess isn't mad?"
"Not that I can tell sugarcube now…"
Dash then yelled. She quickly tried to calm down, but her feathers were ruffled, and her eyes a little bloodshot. It was clear Fluttershy had spooked her. I could guess how. I certainly hadn't noticed her approach and we were in the middle of the castle courtyard. Though at the same time I could never see Dash admitting that. Then Fluttershy vanished.
"Oh my, I'm so sorry. I don't think…" the air where I knew she should be began
"What?" I yelled
"Cool." Said Dash
"You got some sorta fancy hiding magic now?" said AJ "Ah can barely see you."
"You can see me?"
"I can't see her." I turned to AJ "Applejack did anything happen while we were away."
She nodded. "Yea. Few things, but most of em have to do with truth and seeing what's really there. I thought you said ya could see though illusions."
"It must be more than that. In fact I would guess you might be the only one who…" Then I paused. "No that's overestimating my own abilities and…"
"Discord couldn’t." said the still unseen Fluttershy. "Oh, and the demon too. Neither of them could see though it."
"A demon?" asked Dash
"Woah sugarcube, sounds like you and Rarity had quite the…" Applejack then went pale. "It is still you, right Fluttershy?"
"Uh, yes?" said Fluttershy.
"Was worried for a second there sugarcube." Then AJ blinked. "Oh right, almost fergot for a second there."
"Applejack what are you talking about?"
"A closet."
Rarity then trotted up to the group with a scowl on her face. Applejack and I both let out a breath we had suddenly started holding, but Dash rolled her eyes. Fluttershy was also once again fully visible. The chances of her not abusing that are slim to none. While in most ponies hooves it could be dangerous in other ways I mostly just worry about ponies tripping over or running into her.
"I must say this whole along the folds method is a wonderful timesaver, but the only exit I could find was in a garden shed. Ridiculous."
"So Rares beat up a demon for you? Awesome."
"Mwa?" Rarity shook her head. "While I certainly would have liked to give the brute a lashing for scaring Fluttershy, and for that matter Discord for his behavior, both were defeated by Fluttershy by the time her sister, Trixie, and myself entered."
"What?" I echoed along with the other three ponies.
Predictably Fluttershy vanished from view again. "Sorry."
"Hey Twilie. Luna sorta ordered me to find you and…."
I quickly decided that Fluttershy's story would either test my sanity more than Pinkie's, which I didn't even think of as possible a moment ago, or is very long and complicated. Since I wanted answers now I turned to my brother and teleported the intervening distance. He immediately took a step back.
"Oh." Said Shinny "So, that's what Luna meant by the fate of Equestira may depend on finding the right book. How could I forget?"
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing." Shinning looked away from me
"You're lying. What's going on. Why is the barrier up? Who's wedding is so important Celestia assumes I know about it?"
"We found an infiltrator in the guard. I thought I could trust him. We went though the academy together but it's clear now he's a traitor. I just wish I knew more."
"It weren't him." Aj then cringed. "Fireblight, that might give it away."
I turned to her. "You know something about this Applejack?"
"Yea, few things been going on with me. Needed a bit of help going somewhere and decided to swallow my pride and cash in a favor."
"She ended up helping me interrogate him." Said Shiny "And there is no way you could be right. We have ways of making sure, you know this Twilie."
"That's true, but what happened AJ."
"The pegasus teleported away."
I blinked. "Okay, that seems like a reasonable enough…."
"But Twilie I…"
"If he has access to that sort of magic why not something that can't be detected, or mental magic you can't detect for that matter."
Shiny looked away. "I guess but…"
"That doesn't matter. Now tell me. Who's wedding is it?"
"So, she don't even know?" asked AJ
My other four friends gasped, Pinkie of course being the loudest.
"Well you see Twilie, I sort of, kind of…" He looked away.
I learned a lot on my trip. In fact Firecracker convinced me while it might not be the best possible subject, I can easily use the Smooze separating spell as my thesis spell and get my doctorate. I also managed to not only get some fascinating research material from Asgard as planned, but a few very interesting artifacts from Griffany.
I don't think I really learned much about friendship, but I did learn a lot about family. First is that family can be very different from each other as much as Pinikie can scare me sometimes I know she doesn't mean any harm. Lockie looks like her and is supposedly her ancestor, but I know Lockie most certainly does mean harm, even if Fenrir did seem to be holding back despite the fact I got swallowed. Luna and Nocturne have a strange relationship that so far seems to make less sense the more I learn about it. I can't think of a nice way to talk about Gaia, so I'll just leave it at that.
Finally I learned my no good stupid brick faced brother is a complete moron. Thankfully I realized I knew just the spell to fix him. Now he's my BBBCF.
I looked down at the floor. Celestia was looking down at me which would have been really hard without the throne since she was still a foal. I couldn't stand to keep looking at her disappointed face.
"I guess it was a pretty bad letter, really."
"Twilight, this isn't about the letter."
"Oh, you're mad about the lying, aren't you. I'm sorry but…"
"No Twilight, while you have to tell those you care about how you feel, as Pinkie discovered sometimes you also have to trust that your friends have your best interests in mind when they keep something for you for a time."
"Then I handled Nocturne wrong somehow?"
"No Twilight. It's the cactus."
I turned to look at the cactus. It was a nice cactus, even if a little weird. It was white with only a hint of green, in a blue pot. It had a bunch of little arms that poked out a bit then curved at a 90 degree angle like any good cactus should. I then looked back to Celestia. Then I looked away again. I didn't want to see her face right now. Somehow that look was even worse on her as a foal.
"Do I really have to turn him back right away. Tomorrow maybe?"
"You know the answer to that. Also I doubt you could cast the right variant of the spell protecting Canterlot and if he doesn't refresh it soon the barrier will fall."
I sighed. "Fine. It's not like I was going to leave him this way anyway."
I was just so mad. My friends got out of the courtyard really fast. Dash just flew away of course, carrying Pinkie with her. Rarity did some sort of odd teleport I have to ask her about, AJ just ran, and Fluttershy I swear dove into a tree like it was water. At least I think so. She was fading from view again at the time. I cast the trueform spell and Shiny was back to being a pony. He was such a good cactus too. He was everything a cactus should be, not disappointing in any way.
"Huh, mom is right, dad is being a baby about it. That wasn't that bad at all, oddly relaxing actually. So do you forgive me Twilie?" Then he turned to look at me "Gwa." Shinny then stumbled to the ground.
"What?" I asked, realizing I might still be glaring at him a little
"Shining armor." Celestia sighed "I'm not happy with you either at this moment but…"
"It's all my fault. I know I should have said something sooner but…"
"Yes, it is. Now go. I'm sure you're busy enough. Start with replenishing the shield."
"Yes mam."
He saluted then ran out of the room. I wouldn't want to stay if Celestia was glaring at me either. I smiled, and then she turned her gaze to me. Oh, right. The glare faded, but not entirely. I looked down.
"Oh. I’m sorry it's just…"
Celestia laughed. "Twilight, I thought it was funny, but yes I am disappointed too."
"You know if I didn't show up because of my trip his plan probably would have worked. The invitations would have arrived early tomorrow and I would have been shocked, and maybe even a little angry but without him there in front of me…"
"You would have calmed down."
"Also if he had got to the part about Cadence faster things would have been much better. I really should have figured that out sooner."
Celestia nodded. I was still half watching the ground more than her face, but I was looking at her at least somewhat directly now. I decided to try the trueform spell again. I mean sure my version is just a mess I cobbled together from every spell that resets something to it's proper state I could find, surely nothing like what Luna and Celetia know, but it almost always works. Sure enough after a flash Celestia was back to normal. I may not be able to cast an age spell, but I could clearly reverse one easy enough. Celestia stared strait ahead, eyes refusing to focus. This went on for a while.
"Oh no. I'm so sorry Celestia I don’t' know what went wrong and…"
Celestia shook her head, eyes focusing. "I'm fine Twilight, just surprised. That is a very good spell, it could return anything to its true shape I imagine."
"That's the idea. I've been working on it for a long time and…"
Then what I did hit me and I fell to the ground crying. I turned my brother into a potted plant on purpose. I had the spell to fix him the whole time and I was really mad, but I can't believe I did that. Then suddenly Celestia was in front of me, smile on her face. Part of me wanted to keep crying, but I just couldn’t.
"I understand Twilight, but sometimes we make mistakes, and despite how you might feel this one was minor. You did something you could easily undo, because you never meant to do anything in the first place, but still made sure it could never happen again. You are in control Twilight."
I nodded.
"Also other than this one justifiable issue, I'm so very proud of you. You've done so much in so little time, and while you may not have learned anything about friendship, what do I always say about knowledge."
"That…" I wiped my tears away. "That it's best when put into practice."
"And you did just that. When you needed help you asked Luna for it. You proved direct force is not the only way to get what you want and no matter how comparatively helpless one might seem, they aren't. Oh and Spike sent his own lesson of course."
"He did?"
"Namely that you should think the best of your friends because if they are worth knowing they won't disappoint you."
"Oh about the griffin merchant. I've been wondering if I could have dealt with that a little better. At the very least paid full price for everything."
"Other than that I think you made the right choice. Mom always liked the griffins a great deal. They will try to take advantage of any hint of weakness, even if nowadays it's mostly just charging too much for wares and the like."
"Oh."
"Finally, while it could be simple common sense as well, not picking sides in the argument between mom, Luna, and Nocturne was what a friend should do."
I nodded. "So, now what?"
"Now Twilight, we have a wedding to get ready. Unless you're really still mad enough you want to ruin your brother's wedding day."
"And Cadence's, and of course not. Just tell me what I can do to help. I know the others already are, and with all of us together, I'm sure tomorrow will be perfect."
"Of course it will. Follow me and I'll show you how things are going so far."
I followed Celestia, a big smile on my face matching hers. Yes my brother did something really stupid, but this isn't the time for blame. Shinny is getting married, and to the best babysitter ever of all ponies. I always thought they were the cutest couple ever but I gave up on that a long time ago. I guess one or the other never did. Maybe today was rocky, but tomorrow is going to be much better, I can feel it.