With Sunset Shimmer and her friends forced into hiding will the true threat to the land of Equestria emerge!
The Immortals of Equestria are keenly aware that life is a fragile thing but all to often the long lived forget they are not impervious to the darkness. Sometimes the frail psyche of gods and goddesses can prove too be even more fragile then the mortal coil. Yet again the princess of the night will become ensnared by the darkness and it is up to the elements of harmony to find a way to save her. With unlikely allies will they discover the real enemy before it is to late or will the true evil arise once again!
Stowed away in a local neighbourhood bar and down a lonesome back ally in Canterlot City a young lady sat. The hood of her jacket draped down covering the top half of her face as she nonchalantly stayed in the shadows of the basement watering hole. The dim light of dusk slowly drained from the high set windows as Sunset Shimmer slowly sipped her beer and watched the high set TV as it played the local news.
"Tragedy struck today at are very own Cantrlot High. A small bomb was detonated, and the explosion destroyed their trademark statue," stated the reporter to his non-existing audience; as though in anticipation of that unknown number of viewers watching his every move.
"Behind me lies the broken rubble of the once proud statue of their trademark stallion." The camera panned off the reporter and to the broken remains of the horse statue that had greeted all that stepped foot onto the school grounds.
"The only solace this tragedy provides was that no one was injured in the explosion, but hearts still weigh heavy to the loss of this historic land mark!" The picture quickly turned to Principle Celestia as she gave her rebuttal. Sunset Shimmer turned her head and took another sip from her beer as the interview skipped from person to person in the usual manor.
As Sunset sat listening to the news program her eyes went from focusing on the floor to starring back into herself as time slowed down. Memories took hold, the sounds around her faded, slowing down into a nonexistent and unmoving white noise. She couldn't stop the rampage of images that now flooded her mind, so she simply sat back and let herself remember...
"No I'm not!" Sunset Shimmer hollered back as they ran down the hallway of Canterlot High. "I just Hope the other Twilight got my message."
The two arrived at the statue in the court yard that hide the portal from Canterlot High, into Equestria, there chests heaving and sweet dripping from there brows while they caught their breath. "Do you have it Rainbow?" The Orange haired girl said while ducking behind the statue. "Ya it's right here, but what is it anyhow? Rainbow dash asked while pulling out a small object from her backpack giving it a perplexing look.
"It's an explosive," Starlight Shimmer deadpanned.
"WHAT!" Rainbow dash yelled out while fumbling with the device which nearly slipped through her fingers. "Starlight what on gods green earth do you need with an explosive?"
"Rainbow you were there when our Twilight explained it to us" Starlight coldly satiated.
"Well duh but I don't understand half of what that egghead says." Rainbow remarks while handing the device to Sunset.
"Ok to put it plainly even if the portal gets turned off a sufficient power source can turn it back on. Magical or not! This is the only way to ensure that they can't use the portal to get to Equestria!" With a sigh Sunset Shimmer attached the explosive device to the lower half of the statue, delicately she configuring the timer. Sharing a grim look with Rainbow Dash she turned back to the device and activated it. As if on cue sirens started to blare within audible range.
"Ok time to go." Sunset said as she quickly darted up and ran, Rainbow following closely behind!
"Sunset Shimmer", a voice announced, braking her from her trance.
"Again if you have any information about Sunset Shimmer's whereabouts please contact your local authorities. She is considered armed and dangerous!" The reporter sternly stated.
Every muscle in Sunsets body clenched and she couldn't control her natural instincts of flight anymore! Standing up sharply she dropped some money on the table settling her bill and hastily excited the bar. The cold dark alley greeted her as she walked toward a carefully selected hideaway on the outskirts of town her and her friends had chosen in advance.
Twilight Sparkle stirred out of her restful sleep, normally she would of been up earlier but she was doing one of her late night study sessions. She couldn't give up on all the fascinating data she was uncovering about the migratory habits of the Northern rough-winged swallow and to accompany that data she had found the actual recorded mating habits of that exact species! With a bit of help from Fluttershy to ask one of her bird friends she uncovered further details of the migratory ritual that debunked a few older theories.
All this could wait though she had to check on the magical portal that linked Equestria with the human world. Twilight received a message from Sunset Shimmer to turn off the portal two days ago and all attempts to get a answer back to why had went unanswered. She decided that it was a safer idea to shut it down then to wait for a reply. 'Sunset was probably running a few experiments on her side of the portal' Twilight thought to herself!
"Hey Starlight", Twilight shouted seeing her apprentice sluggishly walk out of her room and into the main corridor.
"Oh good morning Twilight." Starlight yawned.
"I was hoping I'd run into you, I'm headed up to reinitialize a rather sensitive piece of equipment and I was hoping that you would accompany me!"
"Oh ok I guess so. As long as it doesn't turn my mane a different colour!"
"No of course not," blushed Twilight.
"Alright because the last time that happened it took almost a week to get it the right shade of purple again!"
Strolling down the hall, proceeding up a long expansive set of stairs, the teacher and pupil communed as their lessons of the day turned more into a hoofs of project. Starlight received information much like a sponge would receive water; wholeheartedly and with a driving persistence that rivalled most of Celesta's school for gifted unicorns. It had occurred to Twilight how only a few short years ago this same unicorn was closed off to everything and everyone. Too turn a one eighty like that, to accept friendship in such a way was never a easy feat and Twilight knew that better then most ponies!
A week earlier in Canterlot, the Princess of the Sun rested in the royal chambers. Celestria was; as of late; having trouble sleeping and after several nights of restlessness she had became plagued by mysterious dreams that not even she could make sense of. On The third day princess Celestria set the sun as part of her royal duties and went to talk to her sister.
Normally Luna would be up in plenty of time to raise the moon but from time to time Celestria or the royal guard would have to wake her. It was not that the night Princess didn't take her duties seriously but on occasion she would stay up to enjoy breakfast with Celestria. Yesterday being one of those days she didn't find it unusual that Luna was not awake and felt obliged to go wake her herself.
"Luna dear, it is time to raise the moon." Celestria whispered from the still cracked door.
Finding that she was unable to wake her sister she slowly creeped into Luna's quarters to prod and shake her awake, "wake up dear sister, come on wake up!"
"This is not funny Luna! Now wake up!"
She still didn't wake from her deep long slumber. Panic started to grip the diarch of the sun, Celestria's heart began to race, in a loud, broken and worried voice she began to shout at the unmoving mare. "LUNA thIS IS NOt fuunnnY WAKKE UP, wake uP... Please W A K E up!!!! Luna?" Her gentle prods turn into violent shakes before the solar princess fell to her knees and broke down into uncontrollable tears!
"Luna please wake up!" She was able to squeak out one last time before a torrent of tears spilled to the floor.
The solar guards; hearing the muffled screams; stormed into the Lunar mares quarters and upon seeing the display they dispatched two of the junior guards for immediate help! The remaining two guards stood aghast before having to pull the grief struck Celestria away; whom had by now grabbed her younger sister in a tight, uncompromising embrace. With a unsurmountable effort the guards could only lesson the grip of the elder alicorn, it took the others eventual return to remove Celesta from the throws of the grief stricken embrace. Upon removing her from Luna's quarters the castle doctor rushed in to assess the still unmoving Lunar princess!
One last scream could be heard through the castle hall as the four guards held her back.
"So has huh became a technical term yet, or is that more of a opinion?" Starlight said with a half cocked smile.
"Oh hush, I'm trying to figure out why the spell matrix isn't working! The equations are the same, the rotational balance has been adjusted to compensate for the spacial realignment!" The young alicorn thought out loud now almost oblivious to her friends presents.
"Hey Twilight?" Starlight Glimmer said trying to get Twilights attention as a visual crack started to appear on the mirror.
"Or maybe the calibration of the other portal is fluctuating, I could attempt a alternating algorithm to pinpoint the....."
"TWILIGHT" the dutiful student shouted while pointing a hoof at the mirror.
In a split second the crack encompassed the entire mirror, as light emitting from the cracks; faster then the two mares could blink the portal shattered and fell to the floor. The broken pieces turning into a ethereal dust upon impact with the ground and they blew away on a invisible wind.
Twilights ears flattened, her mouth agape, as she watched her only link to the other world disintegrate into nothingness and fly away. "No," she said in a low almost unheard tone.
"How could this of happened?" Twilight asked the silence.
"I don't know Twilight, I can't rightfully say for sure. The calculations alone. Well I've never even heard of half of them until now." Starlight announced, trying to sympathize with her friend.
"I'm sorry Starlight but I'm going to have to go over everything down to the last detail. I need to know what happened." Twilight deadpanned.
"I understand Twilight but I would still like to assist you." Starlight stated while giving her friend a sympathetic smile.
"Thank you Starlight I could use all the help I can get."
With a sigh the two mares then went to the study to go over the day's events. Twilight was sick with what had happened; the lump in her throat made her wary that this could of been her fault; but she still needed to know the how's and why's of it in order to unravel the cause of the accident.
I'm unfortunately burdened with a sad dilemma that I must ask your help with. Luna is stuck in a endless dream and we have no idea why! Countless attempts have been made to wake her but all have failed.
I am aware that you have been learning the dream walk with Luna and you yourself have been able to enter others dreams.
I have attempted this on Luna but she has a barrier spell erected to keep me out. For what reason I do not know?
Please come to Canterlot post haste!
Celestria
With a wisp of magic from her horn the letter vanished and was carried off on the invisible tide. Celestria stood and began to make her way to the royal court to preform her daily duties uncertain to the peril her sister was in.
Celestria solemnly walked from the royal study; in which she had sent the inquiry to Twilight; to her rightful seat in the royal court room to begin her daily agenda. The weight in her chest was undeniable but for the practiced mare barely a trace would show in her demeanor and the royal court would proceed as normal for the day. Once her day came to a end and the normal insincere gratuitous of pompous diplomats finally ceased she was able to make her egress. A all too brief sigh escaped her lips when she closed the court room doors, her royal guards stood at attention before following the Princess as she made her way through the hallways and stairwells of the lower castle. She felt so small and insignificant in the vastness of the palace, a feeling she had not felt since the construction of such a grandiose and in her opinion overly indulged structure!
"Please wait for me here." Stated the princess as she entered Luna's quarters. A unicorn nurse and doctor meet her as she walked in.
"Celestria my majesty, how are you holding up dear," the nurse said with a kindly, soft undertone to her voice.
"Nurse Odessa Heart, yes I am doing fine. How is my sister doing?" Celestria chirped in the most pleasant voice she could muster.
"We are providing comfort for her, she is breathing fine on her own, but we are monitoring her and there hasn't been any sign of change yet. We are q2h.. errr turning her every other hour." The medical mare said with a brief blush shading her teal coat.
To the unpracticed eye a blush such as that would easily go unnoticed, but to the princesses trained eye it was easy to pickup upon, "what is q2h my little pony?"
"I'm sorry princess, just a nurses term, it means quaque hora, it's old Minotaurian for 'every hour'. Every two hours it this case!" Nurse Odessa Heart calmly explained to Celestria.
"Ah I see, thank you for your kindness Nurse."
"You are welcome your Highness!" Odessa said as she gave a quick curtsy before heading to her makeshift station in Luna's lounge.
The solar princess then turned to the attending physician with a dash of hope left in her eyes. "Doctor Hailstrong, please tell me is there any new data on my sisters condition?"
"I am sorry your highness but her mental state has not changed! This however is not a bad sign, it shows that whatever has her insnared in her dreams, she has not let it gain any ground and she is still fighting." He stated as frankly as he could.
The news while daunting didn't phase her. Doctor Hailstrong had initially discovered the separate magical variants of another entity within her sisters mind. With the assistance of his staff, he created the measuring equipment necessary to identify and record the two distinct energies within her sister. There was no precedent for such a exam ever being preformed in Equestria, so Celestria took his word at face value but also took it with a grain of salt. While the procedure was ingenious and she recognized it, the data was not as 'complete' as she would have liked. Regardless of her want to know more, she was still awed by the ingenuity of her staff and made a mental note to reward there valiant efforts.
"Thank you for your candour doctor. I have actually invited Princess Twilight Sparkle to assist with your blessing of course." Celestria proactively declared.
"Interesting, what are you proposing your old student could do?" The physician asked curiosity getting the better of him.
"Princess Twilight has been studying dream walking with my sister and even though I have not been able to visit Luna's dreams, I would like my protégée to attempt it!" A confident and determined look flashed across her face as she conversed with doctor Hailstrong.
"Yes I see, would you mind terribly if I could monitor the exchange? It could provide some rather pertinent data!" Hailstrong asked with a almost foal like wonder in his voice.
"I wouldn't deny you the opportunity my dear doctor. Now if you would allow me I would like to see my sister in private"
"Yes my Princess, we will be in the next room if you need us!" Doctor Hailstrong said as he walked into the lounge and closed the door behind him.
"Good evening Luna" Celestria greeted her sister in a soft and loving tone. "I hope you are treating your guests well. I know you are used to your privacy during the day but do not worry, once you wake up and are back on your hooves are lives will get back to normal!"
"I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you my dear sweet sister! So what story would you like me to read you today??" Asked Celestria as she settled in to read too the night princess...
The foot falls of the young dragon could be heard at least a minute before he entered the library! Princess Twilight Sparkle and her student Starlight Glimmer were going over everything they could find on the portal. It was a extensive project which; as of so far; had spanned days and they were no closer to a answer. Spike walked in on the two mares, literal towers of books stacked to three times his height loomed over the young drake and they lined the floor all the way to the end of the main table.
"Uuuhhuummm, Twilight I know your busy but I have a letter for you!" Said the baby dragon, shoulders raised and his head half cocked as he starred at the mess.
"Oh Spike, yes thank you!" Twilight gleefully grasped the letter away from him with her magic, "Now that you are here could you start putting away that stack of books, we're all done with them." The young Alicorn asked as she opened the letter and absentmindedly waving a hoof at a stack of books.
Spike shook his head but walked over to the pile regardless and started at the daunting task of sorting the books. He was about to put the first book away when a gasp from Twilight caught his attention.
"Oh no this is awful" a shocked look overtook Twilights visage, "Celestria says Luna isn't well and is stuck in some sort of endless dream! She asked if I could come to Canterlot and try to help her?" Stated the mare as a sorrowful look adorned her face.
"That is horrendous news Twilight! Are you ok!" Starlight asked
"No, no I'm not. Luna has always been a guiding light in the dark and although she was entrapped by Nightmare Moon for a thousand years she has helped guide Equestria into are new golden age!" A distraught Twilight proclaimed.
"As much as it pains me to say, we'll have to continue this research later and leave right away! Spike, pack a bag we're going to Canterlot!" Ordered the star-crossed alicorn
Commander Richard Amaliar aka Commander Beset reporting
My team has been hired by a small off shoot agency of DARPA (the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency), a small section has been devoted to house a specialized project. Details on this project have been kept classified, but they are in need of a recon team.
Mission Objectives: unknown
Team members: Technical Expert Jerry Scythe aka Locks, Communications Expert Amanda Reader aka Ametrine , Ballistics Expert & Sniper, Bailey Dowinder aka Hoper, Heavy Weapons Expert, Anatoly Galisticoff aka Glockenspiel.
"At attention, I want this briefing to go smoothly; we are professionals remember that! I'm looking at you Locks!" The commander ordered.
"Yes sir!" His team collectively shouted.
"I expect everyone ship shape, and ready to head out by 0900hrs! Is that clear squad!"
"Nova Squad Hurrah," Hoper yelled, "HURRAH!!"
The commander then turned to leave, but was stopped by, a expected question!
"Commander, what gives? Normally we're briefed before hand, and why are we at half crew?" Locks asked, with more then a hint of sarcasm, radiating from his voice.
"Locks, as I said before, the mission details will be discussed with us 'as' needed! Until then, this is classified as a simple recon mission! I'd love to fill you in more, but they are keeping me in the dark with this one!" Commander Beset stated in a wary but authoritative tone!
"Yes sir.... But I still don't like it."
"I know... consider it noted and logged."
He knew the question begged to be asked, his crew rarely went in blind to a job, and never with such a small crew. There were times where keeping the team in the dark was key, but they trusted him. Now he wasn't asking them to trust him, they had to put there trust into the bases commanding officer! It didn't sit well with anyone. It was a lot of money, and passing it up would of been idiotic, especially in piece time. Still though, if it went awry he'd scrub the mission, he owed his team that much!
"At ease men!" A man walked in, wearing the insignia of a lieutenant commanders rank. He was followed by a woman in civilian clothes, and skin of the darkest ebony.
"Alright men, you have been hand picked by the General himself, and though I don't like outsiders, he feels you are necessary!" The lieutenant sneered!
"My name is lieutenant commander Flanagan. I will be taking charge of you men, if there is any problem with that then LEAVE NOW! If you choose to stay, then you CHOOSE to go ahead with this mission until it's completion. Is that understood!"
"What! That was not the arrangement!" Commander Beset said.
"Well if it doesn't agree with you then by all means, the door is right behind you."
The commander stayed silent.
"Look, all I can say is you will not be going into hostile territory, and the only real dangers you will be facing, is your own stupidity."
"Alright we're in!" The commander said in a solemn voice.
"Ok then, now that we've got that out of the way, this is Crystal Palapaya, and she will be going over the details to this mission. Please leave your questions until the end!" Scoffed the lieutenant, making his distain for the private squad know!
Crystal's breaths were deep and long as she stepped forward. Gathering herself took a few noticeable second, but her eyes eventually shoot forward to the expectant soldiers. Her stare was more intense then they had anticipated, and her emerald eyes bore through them, like fire through paper.
Following the predetermined path set before it, the train rattled down the iron rails to the ivory city. With the turning of gears, and the burning of coal, it raced up the mountain to Equestria's grand capital.
The sun was low in the sky when the trio disembarked the train, the fresh spring wind blew through the two mares manes, and rustled there fur gently, as though greeted by a kindly affectionate host. Spike true to form emerged from the cabin, wiping the sleep from his eyes and stifling out a all to familiar yawn. A pair of guards approached the group, one a earth pony, the other a pegasus, they stood tall and proud as the low light shimmered off their bronze armour.
"Princess Twilight Sparkle, we have been sent to escort you to the palace!" The two sentries bowed!
"Why thank you.... Ummm?" Twilight exclaimed, in a prodding manner.
"First Lieutenant Iron Hoof miss, and my college, Second Lieutenant Fetcher Rain!" The earth pony proudly stated.
"Thank you for meeting us, we would like to go to the castle right away!" The Princess said in a firm authoritative tone!
The walk was not far from the station, as the tracks had been ingeniously maneuvered to let out near the castle grounds. From there it was only a short but brisk jaunt to the castle. Once there the troop was led to the throne room. Hesitating, Twilight stopped just short of the grand entree way, with a breath she slowly turned around to face Her two companions, closing her eyes she mentality gathered herself before addressing Starlight and Spike.
"Starlight, Spike, I hate to ask, and you know I would never ask unless I thought it was absolutely necessary, but could you two give me this time with Princess Celestria?" A sigh escaped her lips, "I need to see her on my own... Not that I don't think you two couldn't help, and certainly not because I don't want you two there; I just need too see her on my own and, and..."
"Hey it's ok Twi, you don't have to explain. We'll meet up with you later ok!" The young dragon said in understanding.
"Ya, besides I'm starving, and I've always wondered what kind of cuisine the castle kitchen has to offer!" Starlight continued.
"Oh your going to love it, I'll show you the way. You know, I know this castle inside and out. I'm kinda a expert!" Spike exclaimed while smugly raising his eyebrows, and leaning closely to Starlight; his arms crossed!
"Think they would make us some nachos? Oh and a three bean dip?" The mare unicorn asked, eyes wide it anticipation!
"Thanks for understanding"
"Don't worry about that Twilight. We'll meet up with you after!" Starlight said as she walked over to her friend, giving her a hug...
Twilight stood there for a moment, watching her friends walk away. A certain sense of pride filled her as she watched them playfully banter back and forth. What great strides Starlight had come, the anxiety and fear that overtook her a few short years ago, has all but vanished, and she didn't have any trouble warming up to anypony she meet. Her number one assistant was also so much different. 'They talk to each other like a brother and sister would. Like Shining and I do!' She thought to herself, beaming with confidence and pride!
She turned back towards the throne room doors, a new sense of confidence in her steps, with a single node to her escorts the mare trotted forward, and slowly entered the room. As the studious mare made her egress, she began slowing her stride as she saw her former teacher within, her back turned to Twilight as she crafted her ancient spell.
The warm light of the day had elapsed over the horizon when the princess of friendship walked in. The Celestial princesses horn was still a glow with it's mystical energy, in a masterful display; more reminiscent of a slow, and graceful waltz then the crafting of a spell; as she put the sun to sleep for yet another day! Her head then turned in a slow graceful arc, and with a upwards pull of her horn the solar mare made the moon arise from the opposing horizon. Once the ballot was over, and the light of Celestria's horn faded, she turned to see the Lavender mare gazing upon her, with a look of awe and veneration.
A smile crept onto the white Alicorns face, eyes shining with mirth, but a hint of something else shined through her warm expression! Twilight saw a glint of another emotion, so almost unrecognizable, that if she didn't know the Princess so well, it could of been easily missed.
"Hello my most faithful student!" Celestria greeted.
"Princess Celestria!" Twilight said, her stance quickly becoming a bow.
"Oh Twilight, how many times must I ask you to simply call me Celestria?"
Standing to her full height the young Alicorn wore a playful smirk! "Possibly as many times as you've addressed me, as your faithful student!" Twilight said, while raising a single eyebrow to the princess of the sun!
"Ummm possibly," Celestria said, her face lighting up, into a genuine smile! "I wish we could meet under more pleasant circumstances, but I am in need of your assistance my dearest Twilight!" She exclaimed, her expression quickly becoming one of worry and concern!
"Yes, I read your letter, and I will do everything I can to help!"
"Thank you Twilight! Walk with me, and I will tell you everything I know!"
"Right, listen up and come with me!" Crystal said, as she lead the squad, and lieutenant deeper into the base.
"Everything you are about to see, is privileged information. If at any point this information is leaked, then you will be found guilty of treason!" The lieutenant said once they reached the next room. "Now, we require all of you to sign this document, saying you understand everything so far!" He stated, while passing out forms and pens to the platoon.
Most grabbed the stationary angrily, jotting down something that could be construed as a signature, while the commander and Ametrine took the few minutes to read the papers before begrudgingly signing them!
"Hey lady, this is all well and good, but paperwork really? Are they going to start sending armies of lawyers, and securities into hostel environments now?" Hoper asked, her sarcasm and annoyance apparent, in her tone.
"Oh zust sign it Bail, I can alvedy feel my hair durning grey on dis Von!" Glockenspiel jived at his comrade.
"Let's move it along already." The lieutenant said, while pointing at a service elevator across the room.
'The emerald eyed woman continued her speech as we followed her into the obscenely large elevator. During the short ride up Crystal gave the bullet points of the mission to us. We were to infiltrate an alien country, assess there capabilities, culture, and resources before my squad would report back to the base. I'm not sure if the look on my face was appropriate for the conversation, or for my station as commander, but my nose scrunched up in disbelief anyways, as I stared at the woman.'
"I'm sorry mam, I had something crazy in my ear, could you repeat what you said about which country we'd be going to?" The confusion still apparent on Besets face.
"I said alien, as in not of this earth commander!" She repeated.
Dawn arises as it always has, with a gentle beam of light, drenching all that it touches with its brilliance! The darkness would scatter, and hide deep within the earth, to wait once again for the fading of the light. The Solar princess knew the cycle, for it was more a part of her then the rain was of the clouds.
Twilight mimicked my stride, as we walked down the hall the previous night. Guards in tow, and destination unknown to the element of magic! 'I'm glad you came Twilight, Luna is in some type of magically induced sleep, and I am afraid my dear sister has erected some type of barrier, to keep me out. I can only assume she did not have you in mind during the creation of such a ward.' I said to my dearest friend and protégée.
'I have been practicing my dream walking over the last few months Celestria, and I'm confident; barring any protection spells; I'll be able to enter Princess Luna's dreams, and wake her up! Not to say that if there is a barrier that I couldn't, in fact I know multiple ways of collapsing spells like the ward you speak of, one way of course is....' That enthusiastic mare could've continued for hours if I let her, but I had to raise a hoof to my the dear friend. 'Twilight it's ok, I trust you know what you are doing, but it is getting late. If it is all the same to you, we should get are rest before attempting anything!' I said to her.
'Alright Princess, I will meet you tomorrow morning!' Twilight agreed, while giving me a compassionate look!
"Your highness, we're glad you are here!" Nurse Odessa Heart said, while giving a sidelong gesture to the doctor, Princess Twilight, Starlight and Spike!
"Hello nurse, has everypony been briefed to what is happening today?"
"Yes, we have filled in Princess Sparkle to our part of the proceedings!" Dr. Hailstrong recapped out loud to the regal Princess. "With your blessings, we are ready to start when you are."
"Yes my dear doctor, please allow me to have a quick word with my fellow Princess first." She said with a kindly smile.
"Yes your majesty!" The royal doctor said, before leaving to converse with his staff.
As the pair headed to their makeshift station, Princess Celestria eagerly turned her attention to Twilight. Her hoof falls were slight, and meagre, but placed with purpose!
"Are you ready Twilight?" Celestria stated assuringly.
"Oh yes, we went over everything last night! I will enter Luna's dreams, and at any sign of trouble Star... Umm, Starlight, what are you doing?" Twilight blathered out mid-sentence. A confused look dawned on her face as she noticed her companion hovering over the sleeping silhouette of Luna, her hoof moving aside the sheets, that partially hide the alicorns face.
"I don't know exactly..? She just seems so familiar!"
"Well ya, Starlight it's princess Luna; ya know Princess of the night; you've meet her before you know!" Spike announced in a sarcastic tone!
"Yes Spike I'm aware of that. What I mean is that, she seems familiar like I meet her in a past life, if that makes any sense?" The mare said, with a almost dumbfounded look on her face!
"Starlight Glimmer, if you cannot preform your task, I am more then capable of taking over my little pony!" Princess Celestria offered.
"Oh no it's fine, I'm really ok! I just had a strange feeling like I meet her long ago!" Starlight said, as she gave her head a dismissive shake, before stepping away from the sleeping princess. "Sorry, so as you were saying, if anything goes wrong, I'll be able to pull her out, and with relative ease."
"We have studied the spells at length, and I believe we've covered every contingency that may arise!" Twilight said reassuringly. "This new device of the doctors will come in handy. The medical staff should be able to track my progress! In fact doctor Hailstorm has already scanned me, so he can properly track my separate energy signature!"
There comes a time when every domino is set up, you just have to tip the first one over! The more complex the arrangement, the more chances it won't work out quite the way you wanted it too! Spells have the same complex nature, and always differ from pony to pony. The caster of a spell always puts a little bit of theirselves into the magic; it wouldn't work otherwise; and every taught spell changes from generation to generation, much like language, grammar, and hidden social queue's.
Twilight was a rare pony indeed! Her mind was keen, and her heart was pure! Although even she had difficulty learning from the displaced lunar mare. As Luna's student, Twilight learned by mentally placing herself out of her own time, and a step out of beat with the normalcy of her reality! She did this by using the imagery from her years of studying the great ancient tomes of the Canterlots archives; but as talented as she was, the vicissitude that challenged her was unlike anything her academic mind had ever faced. The raw magic's that Luna taught her were intensive; in some cases even beyond Celesta herself; but the element of magic drank in all of it, like a well aged nectar!
With a flash of pure lavender light, Twilights eyes turned white and a tendril of magic reached out to the middle of Luna's forehead! She laid still, in a bed provided by the medical staff, as the mystical life line stretched out from Twilight to Luna! Sensors dotted the lunar mares forehead, attaching to a strange looking monitor, and three separate beeping sounds filling the silence. All eyes now rested on the pair of alicorns, as Dr Hailstrong checking the connections, giving his nod of approval.
Alabaster gargoyles grazed under the starlight, while the wild fuchsia and orange logs rolled majestically up the nonexistent hillside. Twilight woke up, in the sweet milk river that flowed downstream from the pegasus constellation. The Alicorn blinked several times before seeing a rope dangling above her. She grasped it with her fore hooves, and became reeled up sharply by a totem pole wielding a rather large fishing rod. Now to say the princess of friendship was confused would be a bit of a understatement, but having experienced the short and memorable reign of the spirit of chaos himself, this seamed like just a annoyance to her!
"DISCORD!!!" A ever maddening Twilight shouted out to the heavens.
"Why is that you Twilight, now what kind of deliciously obtuse pickle have you gotten yourself into now?" The spirit of disharmony said, with a merry chuckle!
"I should of known you had something to do with this!" She scoffed to the disembodied voice.
"Oh contrair, mine frair! This is rather amusing, but it's news to me. I regrettably don't have power over dreams, that is Luna's domain!"
"If that's the case, then where are you?"
"Oh I'm relaxing in my humble pocket dimension, on a coach made of roasted tortilla shells! The view is excellent from here, but before you get any crazy ideas the answer is no; I cannot help you!" The draconaqious stated in his usual manner.
"And why not?" Asked Twilight, irritation clear in her voice!
"It's really a long winded explanation, with many, many complex equations and overly boring diagrams. All of which I would rather not get into! Why I would sooner shred myself through a cheese grater, and trust me, I'll never do that again!"
"Fine then what in Celestrias name do you want Discord?" The purple mare asked, still dangling from the makeshift fishing line.
"Well just because I can't come to your rescue, doesn't mean I can't talk you through this; think of me as your own personal mismatched animal guide. Now do you see the migratory slices of cheese flying above you?"
"Yes"
"Fly up to them, and follow the gouda to the 24hr clock!"
Every fibre in Twilights body screamed not to listen to the trickster spirt, but despite her overwhelming cynicism she did as Discord said; mumbling how she would live to regret it, under her breath. The flight took a ominous tone, as images of the Lunar mare flashed before her. A powerful sense of dread washed over the Alicorn, as images of warning erupted all around her!
"Ignore it Twilight!" Discords voice announced, shaking her from her fixated state.
"This is just Luna's subconscious, warding you away!"
A never ending stream of frightening perceptions, ingrained onto Twilights thoughts! As she pushed forward, doubt, misery and fear ran into the mind of the intruding mare, as flashes of real pain chipped away at her spirt. Her heart was entangled in a deluge of nightmares, so foreign to Twilight that there mere ideology strained her sense of reality, threatening to consume her psyche. Even as her logically mind threatened to unravel upon itself, Twilight pushed forward, and just looking at the Alicorn, one could tell her own Id and ego where tearing each other apart. Piece, by piece, Twilights mental image started to fade into the dreamscape, until she was only recognizable as a ghostly apparition.
"Twilight Sparkle, you may want to pull yourself together, quite literally!" Discord announced as his voice echoed around her.
"You have reached the clock."
"Yes... I.... See..... It!" The faded image of Twilight said.
"Ok, now turn the minute hand back, as far as it will go."
The element of magic, hoovered in front of the massive clock. Focusing herself, she began to regaining a modicum of her former physical appearance, and she pushed against the smaller clock hand! While almost phasing through the solid item multiple times, the foreboding images started to assault her subconscious once again, but with a determination rarely ever encountered in ponykind, Twilight managed to push the clock hand back to it's resting place.
The clock phased out of existence, collapsing into a blackhole, which drew the unsuspecting alicorn in with a addable slurping noise.
"Good luck Twilight, I can't guide you any further, but you are almost there!" Discord whispered into her mind as the purple mare was sucked away into the darkness
The perpetual void between the dreamscape, and the lunar mares subconscious was what greeted Twilight. The dark barrier between realms lacked any substance, time was nonexistent, and she could not tell if she was moving or still. Her eyelids gently rolled open, as a glint of light appeared in the far distance. The beacon; as slight as it was; captured the princesses gaze, with outstretched wings she flew towards it, until the majesty of a entire universe unfolded around her!
Rich colourful forms created by nebulous gases swirled around her; as pulsars glimmered brightly deep within the macrocosm. Heavenly bodies whipped around each other in a galactic ballet, with moons in close tow; as comets shoot through the empty spaces, and through to depths unknown. The awe that graced the face of this young alicorn princess, made the stars shine even brighter, as though in response to her wonderment.
"Twilight Sparkle?" A familiar voice rang out from the void behind her!
The purple mare turned back toward the darkness that had encapsulated her, only to see the faded image of Luna within it's inky depths! "Princess Luna, I don't understand, what has happened to you!"
"Twilight I do not know why, but the Tantabus has returned!" Luna addressed her fellow alicorn, in a strained voice that pierced the immense darkness!
"How could this be, you had rendered it dormant?" Twilight stated as she started in shock to it's titanic size. The entity that had been no larger then a pony, now spanned almost half the dreams galaxy, and dwarfed them by over a billion fold!
"The dreams Twilight. The dreams of countless creatures swarmed at me, and overcame even my powers! I have held them here within myself but I can only hold them here for much longer!" Luna said before a scream of pain escaped her lips, "Twilight please, you must close the door to Equestria before the darkness spreads to all of our ponies!" She pleaded.
With a slow blink Twilight found herself laying in a coat, next to the night princess, and with a startling ferocity she sat up gasping at the air in a panic.
"Twilight it's ok," Princess Celestria announced in a calming tone, "you are ok!"
"We have been trying to pull you out for the last 30 minutes!" Starlight exclaimed.
"We got really worried Twi!" Spike said, his clawed hand grasping her hoof as he starred up at her, a look of dread plastered across his face. With a free hoof she patted the back of his talon while mouthing the words, 'I'm ok', to the terror stricken dragon.
"Did you find her? Were you able to communicate with her?" Starlight inquired?
"I... I need a few moments!" The Lavender alicorn requested, a hint of exhaustion evident on her face.
"Okay you heard the mare, everyone out!" Odessa proclaimed while waving a hoof to her gathered friends. "I'm afraid that means you to my dear!" She whispered to the Princess of the sun, her only affirmation a subtle and brief nod before Celestria gracefully left the room. The others barred a hint of annoyance at the nurse but still following their Princesses lead.
Over a week had passed before the media had died down, and the young woman had gone into hiding in the woods. Patrols had swept the area in the days following the terrorist attack, but they weren't able to find the isolated caves within the Everfree. The girls found themselves intrigued by the otherworldly properties of the cave network that sprawled out, underneath the unique flora, of the Everfree forest.
In the days following there time spent at camp Everfree, they discovered the extreme magical residence inside the hidden forlorn caves had remained, even after the crystals removal. As they explored further, the seven girls found a entire cave network with multiple entry points. Over the years Starlight Shimmer with help from her friends; Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy; set up a entire base in secret. Meant at first to be a clubhouse, it had been adapted to a home away from home, and a obvious choice for their hideout.
"I'm so bored!" Rainbow Dash bellowed to no one in particular.
"Awwwwww, don't be sad Dashy!" A grinning Pinkie Pie said, while slowly lowering herself downward from a unknown location, startling the young woman with multicoloured hair.
"Pinkie will you just stop that." A now floored Rainbow Dash exclaimed, while picking herself off the ground. The only response from the pink haired lady was the sound of a party noise maker blown directly into the face of the less then enthusiastic athlete. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in response.
"Oh come on Rainbow, things aren't that bad! We have this super cool hidden lair! Oh my goodness, we should all work on our super villain personas!! Hey how's this for a evil laugh, Mmuuuhahaha...buzzz!
"It would be more effective without the party favour." Rainbow deadpanned.
"Fool the Pink Menace takes orders from no one... Mmuuuhahaha...buzzzzzzzz!" Pinkie announced as she outstretched her arms above Rainbows head, while wiggling her fingers in a less then intimidating gesture!
"Hey girls.... Ummm Pinkie what are you doing?" Rarity asked.
"Oh Rarity, we totally need to make costumes! Now that we are all fugitives on the run from the law, we needs to embrace our inner super villain!" Pinkie took a deep breath. "I was thinking to myself, self you don't want to be known as a terrorist do you, and wouldn't you know it self answered, well no Pinkie they're all a bunch of grumps. So I came to the only conclusion that made a lick of sense, and that was creating a new identity as a super villain!!!!!! Ppuuuuuww she deeply breathed out, before adorning a large grin that stretched from ear to ear.
"Ok, so wow, ummm darling that is... The most wonderful idea ever, but superhero costume would be a little more too everyone's liking I think! Come with me, I need to take your measurements!" Rarity gushed before grabbing Pinkies hand, as the pair ran over to where she kept her supplies.
"Hey wait for me guys!" Rainbow Dash hollered, taking off on a dead sprint after her two friends.
The apparent vagueness of Pinkie's costume conundrum left the purple haired designers head a whirl with ideas. The speed of Rarity's measurements, where astonishing, and even left Rainbow's mouth agape. Flutershy watched in curiosity from across the room, as her current company spoke among themselves.
"We can't just sit around here forever!" Applejack said while laying her hands forcefully down onto the table, almost shattering it. "Oh sorry I keep on furgetin how much stronger I am."
"I know it's difficult, but we all still have to lay low until this dies down." Sunset Shimmer pointed out with a sorrowful tone.
"Look I know how inportint it was to keep this secret safe, but didja really have to blow it up!" The cowgirl asked quizzically.
"We didn't have time for anything else Applejack." Sunset replied in a hushed tone, while Rarity rushed by, Pinkie in tow and Rainbow Dash following closely behind.
"Trying to change the magical frequency in such a short period of time, would have been to dangerous give our current knowledge of the gateway!" Twilight said.
"We will find a way to open the portal again; in time; but until then we'll have to find a way to hear what's going on out their." Sunset exclaimed.
"Ok I'll put some feelers out there, the Apple family has lots ah connections!"
"Alright who's next?" Rarity asked as she strolled up to the four young women, a devilish smile, as she wielded her trusty tape measure.
The troop stepped off the elevator, as Crystal moved out, and to the side of the doors. Gesturing with her hand she beckoned them forward; their expressions became stoic as they watched the swarms of scientists darted from side to side of a unknown expert.
"What is this?" The commander asked, pointing at a strange glowing piece of rock in the centre of the room.
"That is why we are here commander!" The Lieutenant announced; his gaze never leaving from the broken glowing crag.
"Right so listen up Nova Squad, because this will be a lot to take in. This is a portal to another world, possibly another dimension, and the inhabitants are not human! They have been described by are probes as quadrupedal mammals, much like equine in our world, but that is not all. Mythical creatures such as manticore, gryphons, and dragons have been viewed by are drones! They have language, and seem to be in a pre-industrial culture. Your jobs are to enter this world and gather intelligence, no weapons are allowed, and you are not to revel your identities to the inhabitants at any cost." Crystal said, her sharp green eyes boring holes into each soldier, while she addressed them.
"Ya that's all well and good princess, but how exactly are we going to get information. Last I checked we look nothing like ponies, with the exception of locks of course." Hoper exclaimed.
"I do not look like a pony!" Locks announced, his hackles rising in a righteous display of masculinity, that was visually more akin to teenager pouting, over the loss of his favourite pitchers glove.
"Wow that sounds kinda rehearsed, do you practice saying that in front of the mirror every night Locks?" Beset joked.
"Commander, with all due respect. Bite me!"
"Ok look, to answer your question, the portal has a strange effect on organic life. By the time you step foot in this world it will rewrite your DNA, and you will emerge looking like the inhabitants of the other world." The Lieutenant casually answered.
"Umm, what!" Beset asked in a stupefied, what the fuck tone.
"Deal with it! Now because you will be over there for a week. If you don't return back within 12 hours of this time seven days from now, we will conclude you have been compromised, and we will close the portal." Crystal exclaimed. "Ready yourself, you depart in five minutes."
Twilight Sparkle sat as she took the train back to ponyville. The intrusiveness of thought, blinded her from the fast moving terrain, as she starred to the horizon.
'Twilight are you feeling better? I was worried about you!' Celestria asked me as she stood to the side of one of the massive hallways the castle had to offer, and waiting to follow. I thought back to my fillyhood, how I was the one waiting in the wing asking Questions. How things turn full cycle, life is truly a bizarre thing!
'Yes I'm ok, I have news of your sister Celestria. I'm sorry I didn't tell you right away, but I needed time.'
'I understand Twilight, please go on, I'm listening!'
Twilight's heart weighed heavy, as her personal sense of duty to her old mentor stuck to the forefront of her mind. The news of Luna's entrapment distressed the young alicorn, all of which broadened in scope when she told Celestria of her predicament. True to form, nothing could stop Twilight from volunteering to help in any and all ways possible; an offer the Princess of the sun accepted graciously.
"Ok stop moping, you haven't said word one to us since yesterday. Twilight we're worried about you." Starlight stated in a serious, but gentle tone while Spike looked at her with expectant eyes.
"I know, look I just need to do something, and it is going to take me away for awhile." Twilight confessed.
"Well that's simple, we'll come with you!" The dutiful dragon announced, while sporting a large grin.
"You two have been the best companions I could ever ask for, but I need both of you to stay at the castle this time." The princess of friendship said, with a finality in her voice. "I need you two to look after the affairs of Ponyville in my absence!" Twilight calmly stated to her assistant and student.
"Surely you could use some help Twilight! A good friend to look out for you on such a important mission!" Starlight Shimmer exclaimed, raising her eyebrows in a suggestive manner.
The princess hummed to herself while she rubbed her hoof to her chin, seemingly deep in thought, to her students wise remark.
"Well a cours we'll go with ya!" Applejack shouted out loud as her other four friends all agreed.
"Wooohooo road trip!" Pinkie yelled, after firing off her party cannon into the castles main lobby! Fluttershy clenched her teeth, as the sudden blast went off behind her.
"Ohhhh yaaaa, just like the old days." Rainbow dash yelled.
"Alright, but we need information first. Fluttershy can you talk to Discord, I think he knows what is going on and..." A sudden flash from above Twilight, cut her sentence short. She briefly rolled her eyes, before looking up to see the spirt of chaos unambiguously floating overhead.
"So good to see you Twilight! I see you made it back from the dream world; intact. Please tell me, how is my favourite mare on the moon doing? Is she enjoying her little; mental break?" Discord remarked, as he floated above the main six his eyes half lidded!
"We don't have time for games Discord, we need answers! What were you trying to do in Luna's dream?" Twilight Demanded.
"Now I thought we were past this! Friends don't demand things from other friends!" The Draconicuus said, irritation clear in his voice!
"Umm Twilight, maybe Discord is just as worried for Luna, and he was trying to help in his own way.... So maybe you two could talk about it, I mean if want to that is!" Fluttershy interjected.
The Draconiquus turned to face the yellow Pegasus, presenting her with a large warm smile, before embracing her a gentle hug! "Thank you Fluttershy, I can always count on you!"
"Then what were you doing, when I was dream walking in Luna's subconscious?"
"Oh Twilight, I was just watching for the entertainment value!" Jested Discord. "Look I can't enter dreams my dear princess; I don't have any sway in that domain. I can only watch... And usually only on a lazy Tuesday afternoon...."
"Right." The young alicorn stated, as she closed her eyes, and shook her head. "Discord, I know you were trying to help in you own 'very unique way', but Luna needs our help right now. So if you know anything, could you please tell us?"
"I am sorry my dear, but Luna is hiding her thoughts from me! I am afraid I can't assist you, although if I'm not mistaken, you usually visit your Zebra friend by this point in the story!" The chaos spirt added, before snapping his talons and disappearing in a white flash.
"Oh my goodness, Twilight, he's right! It is that time in the story! We have to go right now, or we'll be late!" Pinkie said panic running clearly in her voice. The pink pony pranced in place, her eyes dilating to pinpricks as she began to pout.
"Pinkie it's ok! That actually sounds like a good idea!" Twilight reassured her as she placed a hoof gently on her friends back. "Whewww, that's a relief I thought we would miss that part for a moment! Oh do you think she would like a carrot cake? I made like, a dozen of them. I just kinda got on a roll and I made like twice as many as we needed!" Said Pinkie a smile erupting from her face.
"Yes I think she won't mind a cake, why don't you get it and meet us back here in ten minutes!" Hummed the the purple alicorn.
"No need silly, I have it right here!" The pink mare said while inexplicably producing a cake from seemingly nowhere, just as suddenly, she put it back to that same unknown place.
"Everypony, we should get going right away, if we want to make it back before the sun sets."
"Alright! Starlight, Spike, make sure the castle is well kept, and tidy we won't be gone long!" Twilight shouted back, while waving a hoof goodbye.
"Ok, no problem, have a good trip, we'll miss you, bye bye now, have funnnnnnn!" Starlight Glimmer shouted back, her tone progressively getting lower, as the six ponies walked away. She continued waving her own hoof, until the six mares left from sight, and then turned her head to look at Spike! "Whata make some nachos, and set off some fireworks?"
"Would I!" The young dragon said happily, before running to the kitchen.
A overwhelming nauseousness gripped the last of Nova squadron, as she exited the portal. Doubling over, Ametrine voided her stomach, her last meal of half digested sausages, and eggs assaulting her new alien senses. She wiped the remnants off her face, her new protruding mussel impeding her efforts. She staggering forward sloppily, on four legs, towards the foreign beings of her group.
"Vat da hell!!" A deep red coloured Unicorn pony said, as he inspected his foreleg.
"Well I guess we're all ponies now. That's great, just great!" An orange brown Pegasus pony, with a dark brown mane, announced sarcastically. "Hey Ametrine is that you?"
"Ummm ya, it's me..... Locks?"
"Yep, how'd you guess? Was it my quick wit, or sparkling personality?"
"Neither, it was the tattoo of the lock on your ass! Seriously how long have you had that for?"
"Huhhhh?" Locks said, as he looked down to his haunches. "That's new, and hey I have wings too! That's kinda cool!" Glancing up he stared at the rich orange protrusion, sticking out of the mares golden yellow hair. "Ametrine, I don't exactly know how to say this, but you have a horn. On your forehead, I mean." The confused Pegasus said, while pointing a hoof to the peculiar sight.
"Ok everyone fall in, we all have some 'changes' to deal with here! This'll take some getting use to, and I don't expect everyone to be at tip top shape right away, but we still have a job to do!" The rather large, light grey Earth pony, with the brown and teal mane announced. "Lets all take fifteen minutes to get use to this before heading out."
"Do you really find that wise commander, we could of been spotted!" A light blue Earth pony whispered, with a contemptible sneer in his voice.
"Yes I do think it's a good idea. My men will pull themselves together, but give them sometime to get use to this. Or you could pull rank, and get on their bad side! Personally, I'd like to see how that would work out for you, lieutenant Flanagan!" Beset remarked in a hushed tone.
"Hoper, you zeem to ve takings dis vell!" Glockenspiel pointed out probingly, to the tan Earth pony.
"Na I'm fine!" She replied sharply.
"Zou don't zeem fine?"
"I'm..... well, I'm umm; naked! I was wearing clothes and now I'm.... not." The mare said bluntly, as she started to blush!
"Vell zo look good!" The red stallion said, with a pronounced smirk on his face.
The tan mare narrowed her eyes, while glaring evilly at her comrade. As she fixed onto her target, the red Unicorn began to sweat prodigiously, and with a subtle movement forward, the two ponies eyes locked! Glockenspiels neck craned backwards; uncomfortably; at her aggressive stance, and Hoper watched his eyes reduce to mere pin pricks, before she spoke. "Hey Anat.... Your hair is grey!" The mare said with a smile.
With a quick shake of his head, Glockenspiel broke the unblinking stare, and looked up to his very grey mane. "O VAM IT!" He cursed causing the group to laugh in hysterics.
If anyone saw such a bizarre display of motor function skills, most would come to the conclusion they were viewing toddlers, whom had escaped the confines of a nursery. It took time, but eventually the group began to wobble forward, in a less the impressive trot.
Several hour past as they made there way though the terrain of rolling hills, as ill placed hooves lurched forward, eventually developed into a slow, staggering stroll; et too, evolved into a more graceful canter. While walking did provide to be a challenge, the more interesting aspects of their body's stood out. Facial features, along with their expressive nature, perplexed the weary group. There ears seemed to move, swivelling with a mind of their own; they reacted to not only noises, but insinuated every slight emotional state! Their expressions became clear with a simple twitch, and while figuring out the dubious meaning provided difficult, the underlined meaning persisted to become a quirk of their conversations. tails were another form of unspoken dialect, the way they would flick, twist and dance about, embellished unspoken words.
They continued their trek, through the hills and the beaten paths of the mountain sides; all the way discovering, and practicing some of the more innate abilities. Such remarkable talents surfaced one by one, both terrifying, and inspiring the merger group, as they walked the pathway through the hillside. Days of travel, led to a break in the hills, low flowing valleys expanded out, and mountain sides were pushed further apart. Eventually the contingent wandered into fields of lush grasses, and tail straws. With a eager and gleeful 'wahoo' Locks spread his wings, and flew above their party. As the only pegasus pony, he was the first to see the train tracks that lead as a main artery into a small village, a very short distance away.
"Watch your tail, slowpoke!" A light blue, and yellow blur shouted out to Locks, as it speed past him.
With the restoration of the castle being almost complete, the tour, and trades ponies took advantage of the historical monument. It was with there pull; backed up by the scientific community; that created the road to the castle of the two sisters. The journey through the Everfree forest was still wrought with dangers, but to those whom stuck to the road; and in the daylight; they had very little troubles with the wildlife. In the case of these six mares, little would come to bother them even when they strayed off the road. Zicoras hut was very deep within the hungry maw of the forest, but with this new road, it was only a twenty minute jaunt in, through the dense overgrowth!
"Zicora are you home?" Twilight hollered aloud, knocking her hoof upon the tree huts door.
"A familiar voice I do hear, an odd thing this time of year!" The zebra said, as she opened the door.
"Zicora its been too long!" Twilight said, while giving her a sincere embrace.
"Twilight, and the ponies I hold dear, on what business does bring you here?"
"Well it's not exactly a social visit, no, but we wouldn't be intruding on your busy time if it wasn't urgent!"
"Of course, I know this to be true, now please take a seat all of you!"
Single file the six mares all walked into the little hut, all with hints of worry on their faces; all except Pinkie Pie, but the mature zebra had learned to dismiss her jovial behaviour, as one could rarely discern emotional subtleties in the Pink mare! She instead decided to calmly approach this situation, as to not cause too much distress among her pony friends.
"Can I start by asking, Twilight what is wrong, many of you have faces that are so very long?"
"We have a problem Zicora. Princess Luna is stuck in a coma. She described it as a immense influx of nightmares, and if that wasn't enough, this negative energy has awoken the tantibus! She is unable to leave the dream world, as the nightmares would escape into the dreams of all ponykind! Also with that much dark energy, the tantibus would certainly escape into the waking world." Twilight looked like a large weight had been lifted, upon her admission, but her pained look still persisted, worrying her confidant.
"This surely is a problem indead, are you looking for advice on how to proceed?"
"That is right darling, this is simply not in our realm of understanding, but we want to assist regardless." Rarity interjected.
"There is no known remedy of natural ways, but perhaps there is one some distance aways! On one of my dealings with a pony of trade, he mentioned a story by one whom had rendered him aid. When on a trip, his carriage broke down, but a simple stallion stopped to help, one of great renowned. The stories he knew of this fellow so devote, that he couldn't help but smile at this colt of good note. As they limped the cart to the closet town, he told him his sad past, that made the trader frown! As he spoke on, he mentioned a place, in the frozen north that took away all his bad tastes. North of the borders of Yak Yackastan, stands a crystalline spire, that ripped away all his evils and plans! On the day he found that shimmering stalk, it stripped his ill intentions, his hate and mental schlock. Now he walks Equestria in hopes to do good, and he believes in his heart that he always should!"
The zebras cryptic enumeration made even Rainbow Dash sit at attention. As the stories ambiance faded away, the hostess was bombarded with questions from the six mares. Questions regarding the trustworthiness of the trader, how far north exactly is the pillar, what was the name of the wandering devote pony, would you like this carrot cake, and how old is this crystal spire; were some of the questions posed to the zebra alchemist.
"This story is all I can offer your sake, but to answer your question; yes I would love some cake!"
"Terrific, here you go!" Pinkie Pie said, as she gave Zicora the carrot cake.
"Thank you Zicora! We should start looking into this immediately, I'm not sure how long Luna can last! When this is all over don't be a stranger ok, I miss our long talks!" Twilight emoted candidly to her long time confidante.
With a heartfelt hug goodbye, the six mares exchanged well wishes with their hostess, and headed back home to ponyville.
"Oh, but you look fabulous my dear! The colours match you perfectly, and Ooooh the seams are invisible too! You have no idea how hard it is to blend the fabrics together by hand." Gushed Rarity as she inspected her work!
"No, I like it Rarity; it is well done, I just don't know if it's me is all!" Starlight Shimmer exclaimed, while trying to stretch the tasseled train down to her hip line, on the predominantly orange, and black outfit. A stylized crest of a Phoenix adored the back of her new orange jacket!
"It sooo fits your highlights my dear!" Said the designer, her eyes lit and sparkling at her creative accomplishment.
"Oh ya that's right, I am the fastest woman alive!" Gloated Rainbow Dash as she sported her new red and yellow uniform, and mask. A large capital 'F' framed by a yellow lightning bolt, embellishing the front of her costume.
Pinkie then emerged from the shadows, on the far side of the cave. In a slow steady speed she meandered across the room, unlike her normal bubbly self. She was dressed in black spandex pants, blue calf boots, a blue and pink shirt; which looked more like body armour than fabric; and her face was framed in black caul that pushed her full head of hair out its open top. Her whole outfit was framed in a long brown trench coat, that moved in a slow flowing motion, as she walked.
"Alright Shar, it time she get dis done!" Exclaimed Pinkie in a Cajun accent, while producing a retractable steel staff.
"I don't know how much I trust you, swinging that thing around Pinkie! We have a lot of breakable stuff around hear." Starlight said, confusion, and concern plastered on her face.
"Don't nobody trust Pinkie Ehh? Then Pinkie don't need nobody!" Pinkie Pie huffed, retracting her staff, and producing two playing cards with a slight of hand.
"Pinkie Pie stop it, your totally freaking me out." Rainbow Dash said, watching the uncharacteristic antics of the young woman!
"Ahhhh come on Dashie, I'm just trying to get into character!"
"Right, umm darling you know these are original designs right?" Rarity interjected.
"Says you.... lalalalalala" Pinkie sang, while skipping away.
"Hey Rars, why does my outfit have to be so, revilin?" Applejack said, while struggling to keep her blue high cut shorts with white stars, from riding to high! "En this gold top is little more then a corsit, can ya loosen it up a notch?"
"Oh certainly dear, please hold still!" A sigh of relief came from the young farm girl as Rarity loosened the straps, allowing her to breathe normally. "You don't hate it do you, I put so much thought into your outfit." Rarity asked, her lip quivering ever so slightly.
"Na course not, it's just a little to low cut for my taste, but I love the lasso!"
"Oh good, I'll try extending the shorts ok darling."
"Much appreciated dair Rarity."
"Hey Rarity not to be to picky, but if these costumes are supposed to hide are identities, then why is the only one with her face hidden, the one that can run fast enough to not be recognizable?" Twilight asked, as she adjusting her glasses, and inspecting her blue spandex outfit with a similar black caul to Pinkie Pie's.
"Oh dear, um yes I guess that was a bit of a oversight! Well just a minor detail I can fix that by the days end. Fluttershy darling are you sure you just want to ware that hoodie, I could still whip up a gorgeous outfit for you?"
"Oh dear no, that's ok Rarity, besides how could I chat with all my animal friends if they couldn't recognize me!" Fluttershy reasoned.
"What about your costume Rarity?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"I thought you'd never ask!" Rarity said, while pushing aside a conveniently placed curtain, revelling a mannequin with a fanciful costume on it! The predominantly silvery white leotard covered most of the midsection, but did expose the belly. Strung from the small of the back, to the mannequins wrists, hung a feathered pair of wing like capes, and it was all topped off with a pair of white knee high boots!
"Ok, well I'd better get back to work. Genius never rests!" Said the fashionista, as she dramatically embellished her exit.
The road back to Ponyville was uneventful, filled with many passing travellers, ranging from merchants to pilgrimers, and guards to tourists. All of which made there way to the castle of the two sisters, and back again. The six mares reached the edge of Ponyville by the time the sun set. The morose feeling of the suns decline was subtle, but to a princess; especially one who had been under the tutelage of Celestria; the emotional presence that was held by another princess, showed through their magic! Twilight became worried for the solar mare. For as long as she could remember Celestria stood, as beacon for all of ponykind, but that was on the surface; everypony expected that from her. The true mare behind the carefully crafted mask, was another pony altogether, and Twilight was starting to grow fond of that Celestria.
The six mares slowly parted ways, all promising to meet up the following morning, as they trotted through the town of Ponyville. By the time Twilight reached the Castle of friendship, her only companion left was Rarity.
"Bit for your thoughts darling?"
"Sorry what did you say Rarity"
"I was wondering what was on your mind dear. You have been uncharacteristic silent, on the walk back?"
"Have I been that obvious?"
"Well, I do pride myself on my observational skills darling!"
"I have been worried about Celestria Rarity. Over the last few years, I've gotten to know her; the real her! Since the return of Luna, I have seen a side to Celestria that I don't think I ever would of, if her sister didn't come back. I don't want to lose that Celestria, I owe her that at least!"
"I understand how you're feeling darling, when my parents sent Sweetie Belle to live with me, I had no idea there was something missing in my life. I know it isn't quite the same, but if Sweetie Belle was to leave tomorrow, I don't think I would be the same mare. Even so, if she was to leave I couldn't live with myself if one of my friends brought herself to harm to reunite us. Don't let this consume you Twilight, I don't think any of us couldn't stand to lose you as well." Rarity sympathized, while she placed a hoof on Twilights shoulder, only to have Twilights hoof meet her foreleg, in a gentle gesture of gratitude.
"Thank you Rarity! We should call it a night though, there will be a lot of work to do tomorrow!" Twilight said, a small genuine smile on her face.
"Of course, I will see you bright and early!"
In that instant the two mares parted ways, but as much as Raritys words reassured her, Twilight knew, deep down, that she would still go farther then Celestria would be comfortable asking. The reigning monarch of the sun, could never ask, or assume that her ponies would do such things for her, so Twilight decided long ago; and before she became a princess herself; that she would always do whatever it took to help her. Not because she had or was expected to, but just the opposite; because she was never expected too! She herself had never truly understood why...
Why the local ponies that stumbled upon them, would be so generous, was beyond the battle hardened group. However, the mildly disconcerting turn of events, was a welcoming gesture, and appreciated by the weary group of travelers. It was somewhat refreshing not to be questioned by the residents, with how forthcoming these mares were, they did feel comfortable accepting their invitation to partake in the festivities.
"Well that was unexpected?" Locks admitted.
"Ya just keep sharp, ok Locks. It seems a little fishy!" Beset said, in a hushed tone.
"Ok commander!" Locks whispered back.
"Oh we are so glad, we ran into you, the celebrations are starting tomorrow, and everpony will be so happy, to see so many new faces there." The orange coloured mare announced happily!
"Ya no joking, we don't have many guests this will be great!" The light blue mare agreed.
"Ya, great ladies, but we didn't even get your names?" Locked asked?
"Oh my! How rude of us, I'm soooo sorry. Gee, ok, my name is Pumpkin Pie, and my friend, her name is Bright Sky!" The orange mare said, her darker orange hair bobbing about, as she looked from Locks, to Bright Sky, and back again.
"Hi! Really digging your wings, I like a stallion who preens his wings regularly!!!" The light blue mare, with the yellow mane said in a flirting manner.
"Oh, ahhh, thank you, yours are really nice too!?" Lock replied with a unsure grin.
"So how about your names? Oh I love meeting new friends!" Pumpkin Pie asked, with a excited squeak.
"My name's Locks, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
"Pleasures all ares Locks!" Pumpkin Pie said, as she turned her head towards the light grey stallion, with the brown, and teal mane whom only stood a few feet away.
"Oh right, um Beset!.... Sorry my name is Beset. It's nice to meet you!" Beset said, mildly caught of guard by the mare.
"I bet it is!" Pumpkin Pie said, while give a not so subtle wink, causing the light grey stallion to blush.
"My name is Ametrine, it's nice too meet you! If you don't mind me saying, you have the loveliest accent! Is that common here?" The unicorn mare inquired.
"Well thank you, and yes I suppose so! I've lived in Coltville my whole life, so I never really thought about it!" Pumpkin warmly acknowledged, the unicorn mare.
"Coltville is that where we are!"
"Ya, we're just on the outskirts. Wow, you all must have been traveling a while. You didn't lose your way did you?"
"Zou might zay dat! Ello, my name is Glockenspiel my dear, idis a pleasure to meet zou!" Glockenspiel said, while gently taking Pumpkin Pies hoof, and laying a kiss on her lower leg.
"Oh my," The mare said before withdrawing her hoof, and pressing against her wildly blushing checks, "Very, far away I see!"
"Don't blush to much Pumpkin, we may not be able to tell the two of you apart!" Bright Sky teased.
"Brighty, behave yourself!"
"Don't mind him, he thinks he's a Casanova. Names Hoper!" The tan mare said sticking out her hoof.
"Oh pleasure to meet you," Pumpkin Pie said before taping her hoof against Hopers, "but what is a, cas-e-nova?"
"Just a character out of a mov...... er, story!"
"Like in a book?" Bright Sky asked?
"Yes I read it a long time ago, I can't really remember the exact story, but he was known for his 'romantic life'; if you know what mean!" Hoper explain, with a wink.
The two mares looked back at each other, wide eyed, and with deep red checks. They broke out in a fit of giggles, as each of them held a hoof to there lips, trying to hide there gazes from one another. Not saying a word, the two young mares gestured for their new group of friends to follow them, as they trotted off down the road.
It was dark out, night had fallen on the cave, but the weary inhabitants were not there to see it. A short distance from the entrance to there makeshift headquarters, laid a small hidden clearing. The smell of burning char, flooded the forests void, and the opacity that wild life had learn to dread, filled the cooling air. Bright, flickering lights illuminated the canopy, as Starlight Shimmer and her six friends sat, absorbing the radiant heat of the fire. True friends can always find a way through adversity, a laugh, a gentle smile, a warm hug; these and other conditions of the heart can block the icy spell of fear that the despair of ill times can bring. The well of the heart knows no depths, and to those whom drink deeply of these waters will inevitably drown in joy.
Walrus Pinkie Pie was always a hoot! Everyone shared the merriment in the spontaneity of the pink haired woman, she danced around the group in a variety of off centre leaps, waddles, and cartwheels. She accomplished all of this with two roasted hotdogs sticking down out of her closed mouth; they wiggled to-and-fro but they held true.
"Ya! Go Pinkie, go Pinkie, go Pinkie!!!" Rainbowdash chanted, as she and Applejack dropped off another arm full of gathered sticks.
A lone firefly strayed into camp, and gravitated to Fluttershy upon its ingress. Just as soon as it entered, the bashful lady spoke to it in a barely audible whisper, and it rushed off. Moments later, hundreds of fireflies rushed into the clearing, surrounding the women in a gentle cascade of swirling lights. The waltz of lights flowed around the awestruck ladies, in a rich organic display, and even the hyperactive Pinkie stopped her various antics, to experience the reverence of the moment.
"My word Fluttershy dearest, this is something!" Rarity emoted to Fluttershy, a clear tone of wonder in her voice.
"Let the sun set at your back, and always face the dawn, because there is more in front of us then behind." Sunset Shimmer said to Twilight, as they admired the harmonies show of fireflies.
"That is very inspired. Did you make it up yourself?" Twilight queried.
"No, it was actually something my mother use to say to me."
"You've never really mentioned your family Sunset! What are they like?"
"Ya, that is, well.... It's not something I enjoy talking about Twilight..."
"Oh. I see. Sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything!"
"It's ok Twilight, lets just enjoy the show, ok!"
"Ok Sunset! You know there is always a light in the dark right?" Twilight Sparkle responded.
"Yes there is!!!" Sunset said. A stoic far away tone blazoned into her voice, as though this was more a ingrained truth of her soul then a speculative remark made on a whim. She thought back and looked at how that made her feel, how she drew strength from this fact that she had ignored for the better part of a generation! It felt good to regain that small but vital part of herself!
The inky black surrounded the party, and even the illumination of the stars became hidden by lumbering clouds. Soon, even the moon was no where to be seen! In spite of that, laughter bellowed out from the parties makeshift dawn, and the living stars that came to them, drowned out the dark in a saturation of light, and colour; that the darkness attempted to ferry away.
The wee hours came to quickly for the group of friends, and as they left camp the feeling of belonging followed them. 'Even the richest of emotions, must dwindle, and rest in the dying of the light.' Sunset thought to herself, as the comfort of her bedroll warmed her, and she was taken away by the nights sweet embrace!
We have made a discovery that could prove to be helpful in Luna's recovery.
While visiting Zicora, she told us a story of a crystalline spire, located deep in the frozen north; past Yack Yackastan; she claimed it had drained all the evil thoughts and feelings from a wanderer whom now rooms the land doing good deeds.
I know it isn't quite the same, but I believe it to only to be a difference in magnitude. I have a theory, and a plan too. If I'm correct, all I'll need is to bring back a fragment of the crystal.
My friends and I will be on the next train to the Crystal Empire. Spike and Starlight will also be accompanying us; but we will stop in Canterlot on our way through to discuss everything in detail.
Your friend Twilight Sparkle
"Ok Spike, would you do the honours?" Twilight asked her number one assistant.
"It would be my pleasure!" Spike declared, as he showered the scroll in his scoring breath.
The long stroll from the promenade, to the front steps of the bailey, went without a word spoken. Normally Spike would revile in the rare silence he shared with Twilight, but her mood was 'wrong'! It wasn't a bad wrong, just a off kinda wrong that chilled the aura around the young drake. He made a swift mental note to ask her about it later on when they had a moment. He shut the doors behind him and his adoptive sister with a firm pull.
"Alright sugarcube dat' should do it for the food." Applejack said, while wheeling over one of her apple carts to the Castle steps, where Twilight, and Spike stood.
"Great, but how are we going to carry all of that?" Inquired Twilight.
"Now dat's the best part Twi!" The smiling farm mare chirped while pulling a lever that went strait down, and it rested parallel to the right hand trace. As soon as the lever was pulled, a pair of ski's extended underneath the cart, and with the pull of another lever upwards; on the left hand side; the wheels rouse into the bottom of the cart.
"That's so inventive Applejack, where ever did you get it?"
"I made it Twi! I can tell you how later if you'd like!"
"Yes, I would love to hear how, when we have some time, but if you don't mind could you tell me what possible use you have for this kind of cart?" Twilight asked, her curiosity getting the better of her!
"Ya, we use dis cart on one of er, more inderestin' delivery routes!" Applejack said as she took her hat off, and scratched the back of her neck. "I'm real proud of this one though! The others didn't work out all dat great!"
"Well, well this is perfect dear! May I throw a few things in!" Rarity said, as she started loading the cart, with bag upon bag. Before Applejack could respond, the fashionista loaded the cart two ponies high.
"Rarity, confound it, this is a one pony cart. It can't handle a load this big!"
"But Applejack, please!" Rarity pleaded, her lips protruding in a full pout.
"Look alright fine, but only half of 'em!"
"But.... Alright fine! You strike a hard bargain darling, but I can live with half!"
"Sounds good! How 'bout we shake on it Rar's!" Applejack declared, splitting onto the bottom of her hoof, and holding it out to Rarity!
"Oh, ummm, no; I don't think I'll ever be at that point Applejack..." Admitted the white fashionista.
"Ok, is everypony here, and did everypony bring all the items they were supposed too?" Twilight asked.
"Yes!" The group shouted out in unison.
"Great, now lets all double check! Spike please get the list!!!"
"Uuugggghhhhh!" Everypony but Twilight sighed; again in unison!
The sun was on a high arch by the time the contingent arrived in Coltville. The smell of clean air, accompanied by freshly baked goods, filled there lungs conveying a reverent appreciation of the quant settlement. On the pristine walk through the countryside there two mare guides told them everything there was to know about the simple farming community. Their main source of income relied on shipping there produce from town, to town, on the train. The town also supported a minor logging company, small scale mining outfit, and a minuscule amount of manufacturers.
Long ago the town wasn't always apart of Equestra; ponies did stake the original claim to the land in 825, but It soon fell under the unlawful domain of the Caribou. The indentured labouring ponies, were held without contact, by the migratory herds to harvest the land, and mine their resources! Little to no compensation was offered, and instead the exchange was for staying on the caribous pilfered land. The princess of Equestra; also know as their sun goddess; Celestria, managed to negotiate a treaty with the Cariboo in 846, freeing that town along with many others from their bonded servitude! This let the ponies take control of their town, including the surrounding rural areas, as the rightful settlers to this region.
"You all are in for a treat!" Pumpkin Pie boosted!
"Ya, this is the best diner in town, they'll fix you something tasty!" Bright sky reiterated, as the two mares showed the group inside.
'Both mares noticed how hungry we were, and escorted us to a pleasant looking dinner. Even after the admission that we had no local currency, they still just laughed it off, telling us to talk to the cook. As sceptical as I was, everyone was willing to play along with it; even the lieutenant, although he still managed to slide in a untactful, ignorant remark. Pumpkin Pie, and Bright Sky were beginning to show offence to the off putting lieutenant; not that I blamed them. As a larch they starting to refer to him as 'Grumpy Gus' behind his back, while making funny faces at him every time the lieutenant turned his back. I was starting to admire how up beat and innocent they were'. Beset thought to himself, as he and his company followed the two local mares into the building.
"Come in, come in, please sit anywhere you find comfortable, and I'll be right with you." The waitress said happily, as she delivered a platter of food to a eagerly awaiting table.
"Thank you mam, but we don't actually have any money! You don't know anyway the six of us could earn some, do ya?" Beset asked, a hopeful gleem adorning his face. The mare listened to the nature of his question. With a soulful grin, she validated the hopeful stallion and a genuine sympathy swept over her face as she gestured him forward.
"Hey Summer Field, we have 'bout half a dozen gentlecolts, and mares whom don't have the bits to cover! Anytin' we can do for them?"
"Oh I see, welp I can cook you all a meal, if you agree to give my wife en son a hoof this afternoon on our farm!" The yellow maned stallion offered. "We're behind in our contribution for the festival, and we could use the help! I can even spare a few bits, if you're interested?"
"That sounds great! Mr. Field, Thank you!"
Giving a nod followed by a friendly but dismissive wave, the stallion went back to his cooking. "Ain't no big deal, we would appreciative a few strong hooves to help us out anyhow!" Summer Field remarked.
"Ok how's 'bout you get comfy with your friends, and I'll bring y'all some menus!"
"Much appreciated madam!" Beset nodded in thanks.
"Zo Vuut's the verd captain?" Glockenspiel asked, one eyebrow raised!
"Order something filling Glocks', we have some chores to do!"
"Since when is doing chores a part of 'our' mission commander, if you don't shape up you can say goodbye to the generous stipend we're offering you!" Lieutenant Flanagan hissed, in a low muted tone.
"You need your intell; right lieutenant; and we all need money for well I don't know maybe food, so suck it up!" Beset whispered back, mimicking his tone!
"Keep it up commander, and you won't like where it takes you!"
The train barrelled down the track with a great urgency, the usual rattle turning into a flurry of bumps, forcibly constrained the bulk of passengers to there seats, holding on as if their lives depended on it. The conductor, including the stoker ponies, were among the exceptions. They were conscripted by the Princess of Friendship to expedite the trip. Twilight as a practiced mare of mathematics, had worked on how fast the train could feasibly travel, without coming off the tracks. Taking into account the sharpness of corners, various average wind speeds, as well as; for good measure; the length, height and width of the train. In the end, no pony was maimed or killed in this endeavour.... So that was in Twilights favour; what made her rethink her idea was the vast sea of grumpy, hostile ponies, that flooded out of the train, meeting her upon their arrival! It was enough to make the young princess shelf her ideas on the locomotive industry.
"Twilight darling, did we really have to go that fast?" Rarity questioned, stress marks apparent on her otherwise pristine face.
"I'm sorry Rarity, I just needed to keep my mind occupied!"
"Hey lay off her Rars; that ride..... was........so.......epic! I was totally on the edge of my seat, the whole way!" Rainbow Dash gushed!
Pinkie Pie raddled out of the coach, in a reverberating motion, a series of short undulating jumps was all she could manage, after such a shaky ride. "Maaaybbbee aaaa liiittllllee ttoooo faaaasstt!" The pink mare said, her words as jittery as her vibrating movements.
"Hey y'all, I'm gonna need a hoof or two!" Applejack called out.
With hurried strides, the five mares re-entered the trains cabin, only to see Fluttershy sitting upright, and clinging to a plush chair. A permanent look of sheer terror, was etched onto her face. She sat there unblinking, and unmoving ever since the train had stopped. Just looking at the mare, she had most likely been in that position, for most of the trip. The only signs of life was her chest heaving, and falling every other second.
"Hey sugercube, ya ok?" Applejack asked, as she tentatively took a few probing steps forward.
"YepI'mfiiiine!!!!" The quite, meek voice of the yellow pegasus, offered little comfort to her friends.
"Are ya sure Fluttershy, you don't seem fine?" Twilight remarked, her head half cocked.
"NoooI'mfiiiiiine!" she said, in a half squeak.
"Ummm, she ain't blinking, or movin' girls" Applejack said, regarding the paralyzed mare. The cowmare waved a hoof in front of Fluttershy, and gauged the timid mares nonexistent reaction! "She really doesn't seem ok!"
"I'mmmfiiiinnne!"
"Ok, that's enough of that! AJ you grab her left side, and I'll grab her right, we'll yank her out!" Rainbow Dash proclaimed, as the two mares got into position, preparing to remove the timid mare from her seat.
"Alright, on three. One, two, three...." Applejack announced. Sounds of grunts, wheezes, and panting filled the cabin. "Dang, she's really wedged in there!"
"She can't hold on forever AJ, one more try ok! Hey Twi, can you help us with your magic?" Rainbow asked.
"Ya ok, on three girls. One, two, and THREE!" Twilight hollered.
Again more peculiar sounds of grunting, gasping, and wheezing echoed out from the trains cabin. The conductor stood a car lengths back, alongside the stoker ponies! Confused, uneasy looks adorned their features, as they listened to the muddled, and compromising noises. All of a sudden, a loud bang erupted from the cabin, it was followed by audible breaking, and ripping noises. This caused the rail worker ponies to visibly flinch, their haggard states precluding any, and all rational thought.
Now, if one was to conclude that ponies were cowards, it would be a unfair approximation. There have been a plethora of brave individuals across history, all willing to sacrifice life and limb for the safety of Equestria. However the majority of the national citizens weren't military trained, and most ponies are a bit skittish by nature. When faced with scary, or unnerving situations, ponies would usually do one of two things, they would ether flee (usually in a irrational panic), or faint, when left to there own devices.
Seconds after the eerie sounds came from the train, one of the coaches chairs containing a panicky yellow mare, flew out of the door. A look of pure dread was plastered on the mares face, as she slowly rotated towards the conductor, and his associates. Their jaws dropped as creepy sounds of slow, deep breaths, eminent out of the yellow pegasus, and without warning, a disturbingly quiet high pitched scream erupted out of the mare; it's shrill sound echoing out meany meters from her precarious perch. "II'MMMFFIIIIIINNE!!" The two stoker ponies fainted... Immediately.
After the seat emerged from the cabin, princess Twilight exited the couch, a few feet abaft of the telekinetically suspended chair, a purple glow encompassing it. If her irritation wasn't clear in her stride, then the 'don't fuck with me look', would of given away her temperament.
"This is ours now. Here!" The princess declared, while tossing a substantial bag of bits to the conductor.
Applejack, as well as Rainbow Dash, followed close behind their irksome friend. Their eyes half lidded, and heads hung low in a look of ceremonious defeat. 'It's like our first running of the leaves all over again!' Rainbow Dash thought to herself.
One last slight scream could be heard, as the six mares steeped off the trains landing.
