Ponyville is invaded by strange bug-like creatures, like a flying spider-scorpion. When Pumpkin is pushed to her emotional limit she awakens a special power to help her help others just like her heroic brother.
Pound and Pumpkin Tales is my longest running series, going on almost 3 years and 9 months at the time of this writing. I planned to end the series long before this, around the time the twins got their pets. That's nearly half the story. However, ideas kept coming and I liked the idea of the never-ending story, so I kept putting off the finale. Now that their sixth year has wrapped up I've decided to put the finale in it's own story, as a bit of an alternate continuity, before we continue on with Pound and Pumpkin Tales 2.
Pumpkin was on her knees, staring at her brother. He was gray and unmoving.
How had things turned out like this?
Ponyville was such a peaceful place. There was hardly ever big trouble. She had just been playing in her room with Pound when it all started.
***
They heard a commotion going on. There was screaming and loud noises outside that caught their attention.
“What in Equestria is going on outside?” asked Pound as he got up.
“I don’t know, but let’s find out.”
As they headed towards the window Pinkie suddenly ran in. “Pound, Pumpkin! We have to go right now!”
“Go where?” asked Pound. “What’s going on?”
“We’re going to Twilight’s castle. I don’t have time to explain anything-”
Pumpkin screamed as what looked like a bolt of lightning shot through the wall of their room.
“That!” Pinkie said. “THAT is what’s going on! We’ve been invaded.”
The twins didn’t ask any more questions. That had seen what the various threats to Equestria had been like when they had Discord’s power and went through Twilight’s memories. If they were under attack there was no time to discuss it. This was something they had to leave up to the adults to handle.
They went downstairs, seeing their parents anxiously waiting for them.
“Grab something to protect yourself with and let’s go!” said Cup, holding a rolling pin. “We don’t have any time to waste.”
Their dad was holding a shovel. “We’ll be protecting you to the best of our ability, but you still need to be able to defend yourself.”
The twins quickly ran back upstairs and got their softball bats. Along the way there was another shot of lightning that hit the stairs as they ran down it.
“Ready!” Pound said.
“Pound, please keep a close eye on your sister,” Cup Cake said. “If we somehow get separated I’m counting on you to look after Pumpkin.”
“I will!”
“The same to you, Pumpkin,” said Carrot as they headed for the door. “Look out for each other.”
Pumpkin gulped. “Right!” She sure hoped they didn’t get split up. This was the first time that Ponyville had been in danger since Tirek. She was already trembling.
Pound put a hoof over her. “I’ve got you covered, Pumpkin. Don’t forget: I’m your hero for a reason. I’ll keep you safe no matter what.”
She didn’t doubt Pound, but he couldn’t dispel all the worry she had. What was invading, and why? “C-couldn’t we just hide in here?” she asked desperately. “Why are we going out there to meet these things?”
Pinkie pointed towards the hole in the stairs. “Whatever is out there is capable of breaking through this house like nothing. It’s not safe here. Twilight’s castle is made from the Tree of Harmony. It’s much safer than here.”
“When we go out there,” said Cup, “us three will make a circle around you. You just stay between us.”
Pound nodded. “Gotcha!” He was nervous, but he had to stay strong for Pumpkin’s sake. He trusted his family to be the first line of defense. “Wouldn’t it be smarter if we were on your backs instead, though?”
Pinkie again pointed toward the stairs. “Not at all. That only puts you in more danger. If one of us is attacked we can shield you with our own bodies. If these things can attack from the air it only makes you more likely to be the ones attacked.”
That made sense to him. “Alright. Let’s do it.”
With that plan in place they opened the front door. After a quick check that nothing was waiting right in front of the immediate vicinity of the door they all ran out.
It didn’t take long at all before a bolt of lightning struck right nearby. Pound quickly looked towards the sky. Up above them seemed to be weird bug-like creatures. At first he thought they were Changelings, but they didn’t have the same pony-like body shape.
He didn’t have time to get a good look at them, as his parents rushed him along.
Around them other ponies were running. Pinkie knew strength in numbers was their best bet. “Stick together!” she yelled out. “Everyone head towards Twilight’s castle!”
Pumpkin didn’t know what was happening, stuck in the middle. The other ponies Pinkie called out to gathered around them.
As they neared Town Hall electrical explosions tore through the air in front of them, lighting the grass around them on fire and cutting off their escape route.
“Oh, no!” Pinkie cried out as they ground to a halt. “We’ll have to go around.”
“What’s that noise?” Pumpkin cried as the sound of cracking wood echoed out. Pumpkin turned her head toward the sound, and her eyes went wide. Town Hall’s support beams were being fired at, and the structure was starting to lean toward them. With another round of shocks the building’s own gravity forced it forward with a resounding snap.
Pumpkin was stock still, frozen in fear. Pound was as well, but then his mother’s words echoed through his mind. “Keep your sister safe.” He shook his head, focusing only on Pumpkin. Unfurling his wings he focused all his concentration on her as he grabbed her and lifted her up over the fire that had started, paying no attention to what was behind him until the entire ground shook with the collapse of the tower.
He landed on the ground, panting. Flying was hard enough for him without carrying someone else.
Pumpkin looked with admiration at Pound. He had saved her again. The feeling quickly faded as she looked with horror towards the fallen hall. “Mom! Dad! Auntie Pinkie!” she yelled out, turning towards Pound with tears in her eyes. “Pound… why…”
Pound felt disquiet in his heart, but now was not the time for pain. “I did what I had to. I promised Mom that I would look after you. There was no way I could fly anyone else out of danger.”
She ran the short distance to him and hugged him. “D-do you think they’re alright?”
He hugged her back. “I don’t know. I hope so, but that’s not important right now. I have to get you to Twilight’s castle, even if it’s just the two of us now. If… if they are dead then it’s the only thing I can do now to honor their memory. And if they’re not, then if us kids can make it there I’m sure they can too.”
“Shouldn’t we go back to make sure? I’d feel safer with them.”
He shook his head. “We can’t waste any time. Trust me, Pumpkin.” He rubbed her head. “I’ll protect you with my life.”
Looking reassured she nodded, releasing him.
The two of them ran, dodging more lightning, when all of a sudden three creatures came down to their level, forcing the two to halt.
Pumpkin looked on with revulsion at the things. They had many eyes and eight legs like a spider, wings like a fly, and a large barbed tail like a scorpion.
Pound gulped. Seeing them up close like this creeped him out, but he couldn’t break his promise. Summoning his courage he ran forward, jumping out of the way of a bolt of lightning, and smacking one of the creatures with his softball bat.
He struck the creature in the face, and fought not to gag as bug guts splattered over the ground. From what he could tell, these things weren’t that durable.
The other two creatures let out a hiss, and then a high-pitched whine.
Pumpkin just watched as Pound attacked another of the creatures, but she let out a shriek as a bolt missed her by inches and five more creatures came down from the sky, all coming after her.
She began running towards Pound, terrified, completely forgetting about the weapon she held.
“Help me!” she screamed, tears running down her eyes, tripping and falling to the floor.
As Pound dispatched the third bug he heard Pumpkin’s cries.
“Pumpkin!” shouted Pound as one of the creatures shot a blast at her. She was going to be too slow to rise.
“Oof!” she moaned as she went flying before she had to shut her eyes as a bright spark lit up the area.
Pound screamed in pain, dropping his bat. His coat was smoking slightly, and he sank to the ground on his knees, panting.
“Pound!” Pumpkin screamed.
Pound looked up into his sisters eyes. The pain was excruciating, but he wasn’t down for the count yet. He had to protect Pumpkin.
Picking his bat up, he turned around to an approaching bug, a bit wobbly on his hooves as he tried running towards it. As he reared back to swing a small bolt of lightning came his way, knocking the bat out of his hooves, leaving him without his means of defense.
The creature in front of him raised its tail, jabbing at him with incredible speed and stabbing him in the middle of his chest.
Pumpkin screamed. “NOOOO!”
As the tail came out Pound stumbled backwards, his eyes wide. Something was wrong. His wound was bleeding but he couldn’t feel any pain. His mind was going hazy. He fell to the ground, unmoving, right near Pumpkin, his coat rapidly turning gray and his body going stiff.
Pumpkin gasped, her heart racing. She was trembling from head to hoof as she looked up into the creature’s cold eyes, preparing another blast. She was next.
Her mother, her father, her aunt, and now even her brother. She was all alone. Everyone she loved might be dead. There was no one to bail her out, and she felt too scared to move.
“Pound,” she said helplessly. “Help me!” She tried to stand, but her body wouldn’t cooperate. “Pound, please!” She shut her eyes tight, not wanting to see the end coming. “Pound, help me!”
There was a sudden odd sensation from her horn. She didn’t know how to describe the feeling in words. It felt like some forgotten piece of knowledge had suddenly come back to her. Or an alternate path suddenly being revealed.
She heard the blast of electricity, but there was no pain. When she chanced opening her eyes she was flabbergasted by what she saw. “P-Pound?” she sputtered out.
Pound was right in front of her, blocking the blast and diverting it around her. Except… it wasn’t the Pound she knew. His entire body from head to hoof was the same blue color as her magic aura.
In her mind she could almost hear Pound’s voice talking to her, telling her not to be afraid; that he would protect her. The blue Pound lifted his hoof, and an orb came out of it, extending into the shape of a sword, all blue like him. Effortlessly he sliced up the other bugs around them.
Pumpkin just stared at him as he turned to her. She beamed. She didn’t know how he had done that, but she didn’t care. Her wish had come true. As she walked forward to hug him she tripped over something. Turning to look she blinked in confusion. Pound was still comatose on the ground behind her, but there was another Pound in front of her. How was that possible?
The Pound in front of her slowly vanished into a number of orbs before disappearing completely. That was when she realized what had happened. The Pound that had saved her was simply magic given a pony form, something akin to Mayhem.
It wasn’t like any other magic she had used before. She had used shield spells before when Pound was in danger, but this felt different somehow.
Getting down on her knees she put a hoof on Pound. He wasn’t breathing or showing any signs of still being alive. His shock and fear were still captured on his face.
Tears dripped down her eyes as she pulled him close to her. “You’re not dead,” she said firmly. “You’re not!” She couldn’t allow herself not to believe those words, or it would break her. Aside from the new coloration and a small incision from where he was stabbed he showed no sign of damage. Even his wound wasn’t bleeding at all.
She had no idea what had happened to Pound, but the scorpion tail likely had some kind of poison that petrified ponies. Either the poison would wear off after a certain amount of time had passed, or he would need a specific spell or antidote to get him moving again.
Looking around her she spotted an abandoned scooter on its side. Helping him onto it she began to push it, using her magic to propel herself forward. She had to get to Twilight’s castle. Twilight would probably know a spell to get Pound back to normal.
She had the general idea of how to get there, but she knew it wasn’t going to be an easy trip. She suddenly stopped, falling to her knees and hugging herself. Her stomach felt like it was going to explode with nerves and fear. She was just a little kid. What was she supposed to do? She was weak… powerless. There was an army attacking the town, and she didn’t know if she’d be able to make it.
“Huh?” Her head jerked as she heard the sound of the scooter tipping over and her nerves steadied a little as she saw Pound’s body roll away. Pumpkin put a hoof on Pound’s mouth, closing it and shutting his eyes. Now he looked like he was just sleeping.
She thought of all the times Pound had risked himself for her. He was willing to take any pain, any punishment, if it meant keeping her safe. Even when he had been terrified of storms he always played the part of a brave pony to inspire her and make her feel safe.
Her fear was barely diminished, but she knew this was not the time to whine and cry. She was all alone now. She couldn’t count on him to bail her out if things went bad. However, if she wasn’t willing to risk everything for him she would be unworthy to call herself his family. She took a steadying breath and said, “Now it’s my turn to be the brave one for you, Pound.” She wiped her face of the tears, and helped Pound back onto the scooter.
“HELP!” screamed a filly, running for her life, barely dodging the weird spells. “HELP ME!”
A chill went through Pumpkin, and her fear vanished entirely. The filly was smaller than her, and she ran towards her as she glared determinedly at the foal. “Over here!” Pumpkin yelled.
The yellow coated filly turned to her in relief, the two of them running toward each other. Several of the creatures blasted them, and the filly screamed as she held Pumpkin, the spell once more passing around her harmlessly, deflected by her magic.
The girl looked up at Pumpkin, then around them at the blue sphere surrounding her, points of light shining intermittedly around it.
Pumpkin grinned encouragingly at the girl, then gently pushed her away, her face set. She reflected on all her magic lessons. Magic was about concentration and will. Magic followed what you wanted it to do if you had the skill for it. In all her lessons she had never summoned this, so did this mean she had instinctively discovered her special magical talent? Her magic awakened because it was needed now. She was sure of that. Now she had to use her gift to help others.
She closed her eyes, thinking of Pound.
No matter what happened he would endure anything to protect her. It was why she looked up to him more than any other pony. Despite only being a few minutes older than her and around her size he had a heart and courage far beyond any other pony she knew. He had taught her so many important lessons. Now it was time for her to be the teacher. Right in front of her was a pony that was in need of protecting. Even if it cost her her life she would keep this child safe. It was the best way to honor her hero.
She concentrated her magic in her hoof, looking around at the creatures still trying to break through her shield. Magic responded to will. Magic responded to will. Magic responded to will. She kept repeating her mantra. Could she do other things with her magic besides just shield herself? The magic Pound had summoned an orb that turned into a sword, so she should be able to make weapons too.
She took a deep breath, and the energy of the shield faded around her, concentrating into an orb of energy. Turning her head and focusing she pointed her hoof, and the magic shot out like a whip, smacking the creature into a house where it fell to the ground, unmoving.
“Sharper!” she called out, lashing out at another creature, this time cutting it in half. She heard the cackling of electricity behind her as the last one charged up its attack. She spun around, lifting her hooves as she made a rounded shield facing toward the creature. Its own magic reflected back at it, and it fell to the ground, twitching.
Pumpkin took a quick look around. For the moment the space they were was clear of the creatures. For good measure Pumpkin created a cutting weapon again, snuffing out the last bug in case it could get up.
As she watched, the magic shrunk back down again into an orb. She marveled at it. It was a malleable magical ball, turning into whatever she wanted it to become. She didn’t think even Twilight had a magic like this.
She didn’t entertain the thought of having more magical potential than the princess of magic herself, but she felt so relieved that this power was hers, and that she could be so helpful. She had felt so powerless just a short time ago. Now she had a potent weapon at her disposal. She could attack and defend. It was all she could dream of in a situation like this.
She got distracted from her thoughts as the filly jumped at her, squeezing her hard as she sobbed. “T-t-thank you! Thank you!”
Pumpkin put her hooves around the filly. “There, there. It’s okay. I’ll protect you.
“I’m Pumpkin Cake. What’s your name?”
“S-S -Storm Walker.”
“Where are your parents?”
“T-t-they g-got attacked. They got hit! I had to go running! They would have gotten me too if it wasn’t for you!”
Pumpkin squeezed tighter, tears running down her eyes as she looked at her brother. She understood the feeling of losing your stronghold figure.
With this power of hers, she could protect others. She could be just like her brother, risking anything for the safety of ponies in need. She had started with this filly, but this was war. Other ponies would need her help too.
Pumpkin looked Storm Walked in the eye. “Stormy, I need a big favor from you.”
Storm trembled. “W-what is it?”
She helped Pound onto the scooter again. “I promise to protect you, but I need you to look after Pound for me. That’s all.
“My brother got hurt protecting me. I’m sure there has to be a way to turn him back to normal. The same with your parents. I can’t just leave him behind, though. All you have to do is keep him on the scooter and walk with it.”
Storm looked at the frozen Pound, and wiped a tear from her eye. “Your brother got hurt too, huh? I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. He’s going to be fine.” She took a deep breath. “He’s going to be FINE!” She just had to keep telling herself that. Twilight had once been turned to stone by a cockatrice, and she had come out of it just fine.
She saw a large group of bugs coming closer.
She closed her eyes, picturing her brother. Storm was counting on her for courage. She couldn’t surrender to despair.
With a heavy heart she took Pound off of the scooter. As much as she hated it, she knew that Pound would understand. With so many bugs floating around it was even more crucial that they get to the castle as soon as possible, and Pound was simply added weight at the moment.
“What are you doing?” asked Storm.
Standing on the back part of the scooter she said, “Get on quickly, facing me and hugging me.”
“But what about your brother?”
She tensed, trying to avoid crying. “Right now there’s nothing I can do for him. I can still help you, though.
“Now, stop arguing and just get on.”
Storm quickly hopped onto the front of the scooter, hugging Pumpkin. “O-okay,” she said. “I’m on.”
Pumpkin’s horn lit up, and she forced herself not to look back at Pound’s frozen body as she moved the scooter with her magic. “I’m sure we’re going to attract some attention,” Pumpkin said loudly over the wind. “I’ll take care of any of them that come in front or the side. I need you to keep an eye behind me, okay?”
“O-okay,” she said with a nod.
She had a single orb floating behind her, ready to fire or protect. She didn’t want to waste too much magic.
She grimaced at the sight of other pony statues, especially as they passed the marketplace. She had to guess the reason she saw so little ponies was because they were already taken down or they had chosen to hide in their houses. She was starting to think it would have been wiser for her family to have done the same.
Storm tensed against her. “It’s coming! To the left!”
Pumpkin steered to the right, avoiding a burst of lightning.
Several more blasts came her way. With Storm’s instructions she managed to not get hit. She knew she could always just attack the bugs, but she was already using her magic to propel the scooter. She didn’t want to risk dividing her attention between two spells.
Pumpkin gasped as she went around the corner of a house, seeing one of the bugs stabbing a mare, who began turning gray like Pound. She grimaced, knowing she couldn’t do anything for the mare now. She didn’t even know how to make her own brother better.
A bright blue pegasus stallion nearby growled, rushing the creature with tears streaming down his eyes.
Pumpkin saw it charging up its tail, and she paused in her rush to slice the bug in two.
The stallion paused in confusion. He was surprised to see a small filly had taken it out.
Pumpkin stopped in front of him. “Come on!” she said. “We have to get to the castle.”
“But… but my girlfriend,” the stallion responded.
“I’m sorry about her. Me and Stormy here also lost someone we loved to those things, but you have to keep yourself safe. I’ll protect you.”
“Protect me?” he said dumbly. “I don’t mean to be rude, but-”
“I know. I look like a weakling, but I discovered I have some powerful magic." The bugs that had been following her came around the corner, and Pumpkin created a shield for them, deflecting their lightning. "Excuse me a second."
She took down a few of the creatures, before nonchalantly saying, “I’m Pumpkin Cake. Who are you?”
He blinked a few times. “ Blue... Blue Diamond,” he responded, quite impressed.
“Okay, Blue. Let’s go.”
“But…” He looked at his girlfriend sadly. He sighed. “I guess you’re right. I have to keep myself alive for her.”
He flew next to them as she took off, marveling at the child. Pumpkin’s eyes were intense, even in the midst of all the chaos.
He was further impressed as they came upon another group attempting to fight, and he saw Pumpkin’s magic again. She easily dispatched the five bugs, and said encouraging words as they continued on their way.
They reached the castle a few minutes later. It looked untouched. The group went inside, closing the door behind them.
Pumpkin let out a sigh of relief. For now they were safe. “HELLO!” she yelled out. “TWILIGHT? SPIKE?”
She waited, but there was no answer. Logically speaking, there shouldn’t have been. Twilight wasn’t an idiot. If she had been home there was no way she wouldn’t be aware that something was going on outside.
That only begged the question of where she had got to. Maybe she had been called by the Cutie Map to solve a friendship problem outside of Ponyville. Or maybe she had some kind of meeting with Princess Celestia. Whatever the reason, Twilight was definitely not home, which meant there was little else to do about their bug problem.
She wandered down one of the side halls, looking for the throne room with the Cutie Map. It took her a few minutes to find it, considering how big the castle was, but there was no one inside.
She put a thoughtful hoof to her face. Auntie Pinkie might have been crushed. Fluttershy and Applejack lived on the outskirts of Ponyville. Rainbow Dash was the physical type who would likely be fighting in the battle. That only left Rarity as a possibility of using the summoning function of the Cutie Map to alert Twilight. But if Rarity wasn’t there already, it likely meant she was either hiding, taken out, or fighting herself.
It seemed they would simply have to wait for Twilight to come home on her own.
The rest of their group had followed them into the throne room.
“What’s on your mind, Pumpkin?” asked Blue Diamond. “You look like you have an idea pulling at your lips.”
She explained to them about the Cutie Map. It didn’t fill them with confidence.
“Who knows when she’ll return?” said a mare, stroking her son's mane. “For all we know she’s planning to spend the night with her family in Canterlot.”
“There’s nothing else for it,” said a stallion. “We’ll just have to tough it out. Those bugs don’t seem to be interested in the castle. At least… not yet.”
Pumpkin could see that though they were still scared they were at least calm. She had brought that to them. There were more ponies out there, ones that might need her. Once more her brother's face appeared in her mind, saving her from attack.
“Okay, everyone!” Pumpkin said in a bright tone. “You just hide and barricade the doors.” She turned around, heading toward the exit.
“Pumpkin, where are you going?” asked Storm.
“I’m going back out there!” she said strongly.
“W-what?” the filly exclaimed, her eyes going wide. “B-but you can’t! It’s safe here. Why would you want to go back outside?”
Pumpkin turned back to Storm with a warm smile. “Because that’s what my brother would do. I protected you like I promised, but there are other ponies that need help too.”
She put a hoof to her heart. “My brother sacrificed himself for me, so I have to be willing to do the same.”
Tears came down the filly’s eyes. “B-but what if you get hurt? I… I don’t want you to go! Please stay with me!”
“I have to agree, Pumpkin,” said Blue Diamond. “You’re just a child. This isn’t your battle to fight.” There was a murmur of agreement from the other adults.
Pumpkin stood her ground. “I’m still a child, yes, but my magic is strong. I have the power to protect others, and I’m not going to just stand around hiding while families are being torn apart like mine and yours and Stormy’s. I… I want to save everyone that I can!”
Blue looked into the filly’s eyes, seeing a blazing strength in them again. She wasn’t going to back down from this. He could tell that right away. He let out a sigh and turned to the other members of their group. “Hide somewhere in the castle and block it off with whatever you can, like Pumpkin said.
“As for me, I’m coming with you, Pumpkin.”
“No, you’re not!”
“I’ll grant you that your magic is powerful, but it’s certainly not invincible. I don’t know much about magic, but I’m assuming that like any energy it’s something that can’t be used indefinitely before you have to rest and restore it.
“And if that's the case, someone should come with you and look after you while you're out there just in case something goes wrong. And, not to be rude, but at your age and size you hardly represent strength and protection at first glance.”
Pumpkin had to acknowledge the point. She had been gifted with a powerful spell, but she shouldn’t let it go to her head. She still had limits. “Okay, then. Let’s go. Together.”
Blue was grateful she was willing to see reason. Partially, at least. He still didn't want her to leave, but he knew he had no means to stop her. If she was going to go, regardless of anyone's wishes, the least he could do was help her if she got in over her head.
She saved a few ponies outside, but most of them seemed to be hiding inside. They infiltrated homes, finding families hiding under beds or inside chests, encouraging them to come to the castle. Naturally, most ponies assumed that Blue Diamond was the one in charge, and got a shock when told to put their trust into a little filly’s magic.
It would take some coaxing and convincing on their part, but Blue Diamond and Pumpkin would manage to convince them to come along by demonstrating her power and telling them of what she already accomplished.
While the bugs were numerous they were in manageable numbers. After grabbing a few families she’d direct them to the castle. She’d drop off the other ponies, Blue Diamond being the only one to remain with her.
On her fourth trip out of the castle she was returning with another group of ponies when she heard the familiar hissing and humming.
They were completely surrounded by bugs. At least twenty of them were stabbing at her shield or shooting electricity at it, but it was holding against their onslaught.
They began chittering at each other, and half of them moved to the other side so they were all right next to or on top of each other.
Pumpkin started to get a bad feeling as all of them charged up their tails. Too late she understood what they were going for.
Every one of them fired at the same spot, combining their power together. The combined force of the twenty blasts shattered her spell, sending her flying.
She landed hard on her head, before falling on her back and skidding a few feet.
Pumpkin’s vision was hazy and her head was throbbing. She felt too weak to focus. They were coming.
“PUMPKIN!” came the stern voice of her brother. “You can’t give up! Everyone is counting on you.
"FIGHT! FIGHT NOW!”
She felt a modicum of strength return to her. She took a quick look around to make sure no ponies would get hurt, then she created a group of swords, swinging at random into the air, feeling them cutting through creatures until the pain in her head stopped her from being able to focus and her world grew black.
Pumpkin woke up, her head throbbing. She groaned, cracking her eyes open a bit.
“Finally,” said the relieved voice of Blue Diamond.
She put a hoof to her head, moaning again. “Ow, my head.”
“I’m glad you’re awake. You took a pretty hard hit there.”
Pieces of her memory returned. “Is… is everyone alright?”
“Barely. When your shield was broken all of us were knocked to the ground. That last bit of spell work you did injured or killed all the bugs around us. After that you passed out. It’s only been a few minutes,”
Pumpkin slowly pushed herself up to a sitting position. She closed her eyes as a wave of dizziness overcame her.
“Don’t push yourself, kid,” he said gently.
A minute later she was able to open her eyes again. “Where are we?” she asked, seeing they were in a house. Sitting down, the other ponies in their group were holding onto loved ones.
“Well, after you went down we couldn’t stay in the open. Without your protective magic it was too dangerous to be outside, so we went into the nearest house to hide and wait for you to recover.”
Pumpkin let out a huff, a tear coming down her eye. “I’m sorry, everyone. I wasn’t strong enough.”
“Are you kidding?” asked a stallion. “It’s incredible that you were out there at all."
“No kidding,” said a mare. “You have nothing to feel guilty over.”
Now that things were quiet for a moment and she had stopped moving she could feel her fears and doubts returning. She thought of Town Hall seemingly falling on her parents and Pinkie, and her brother getting petrified.
Pumpkin put a hoof to her chest. “Pound,” she said quietly as her headache slowly faded. She sniffed, quietly sobbing. Even though she was surrounded by other ponies she had never felt so lonely in her life. All of this felt like too much for her.
Blue Diamond gently held her for a few minutes.
“Be brave, Pumpkin,” said Pound. “You're stronger than you know. Keep fighting.”
As her emotions ebbed she once more heard the courageous voice of her brother, seeing his determined face.
She pulled away from Blue Diamond, letting out a slow breath. She couldn’t stop here. She had to get to the castle. Although she wished she could help bring everyone in Ponyville there she knew she was reaching her psychological limit. When she got this last group to safety she’d remain in the castle with the others. She’d already pushed herself far enough and gotten injured once. Now it was time to play it smart and stop risking her luck.
She wiped her face of her tears. Her head still hurt a little, but she was feeling invigorated again.
Pulling away from Blue Diamond she stood up. “Okay, everyone! Let’s go!” she said in a determined voice. “We’re getting to the castle, and no one is gonna stop us!”
Like before she could see the adults looking at her oddly. She couldn’t blame them. Being in a leadership position and helping ponies over twice her age certainly wasn’t something that happened every day. But if she could inspire them, give them hope… then that’s what she had to do. It was her responsibility to do all she could with her new power.
She closed her eyes, thinking, ‘Isn’t that right, Pound?’ She could see him in her mind, giving a hearty nod. It was all she needed to feel confident.
Before they left Pumpkin tested her magic to be sure it was still functional. That hard hit to the head might still be affecting her. To her relief her power appeared as it had before, transforming as she willed it. Her head still hurt a little, but it was manageable.
The group left, Blue Diamond going out first to check the area. He gestured to them and they left.
Pumpkin summoned one orb, making it in a rectangle shape above them. She knew it wouldn’t take long before they were noticed.
It sounded oddly quiet as they headed towards the castle. She found it a bit unnerving. Looking up into the sky it looked clear. She knew it made it easier to get by, but far from making her relieved it only gave her a sense of foreboding, like this was a calm before the storm.
When the castle came into sight it started to get cloudy, the light from the sun slowly fading. She could also hear a humming noise.
She looked up into the sky, and her heart began racing. It wasn’t clouds blocking the sun. It was hundreds upon hundreds of the bug creatures.
She bit her lip. Why were there so many now? She could only guess the other bugs were the advance party, checking things out. She wondered if they could sense when others of their kind were killed, or if they let out a scent they could pick up. Her taking down so many of them might have alerted them that a larger force was needed.
Whatever the reason, it was unimportant. She knew no one but Twilight could possibly handle that many bugs.
“Run!” Pumpkin said urgently. “Run now! Fast as you can.”
No one questioned her.
Pumpkin had to fight to maintain calm as she ran as fast as she could for the door of the castle. She was so out of her league here.
She opened the front door with her magic as they neared, hearing blasts of electricity bouncing off her shield and the humming increase to an almost unbearable level as they focused their attention on her group and approached.
When they were inside Pumpkin slammed the door behind them, letting out a sigh of relief.
She panted hard. She was partially winded from the run, but it was more from fear.
“We’re safe,” said a mare, holding her son. He was trembling as he held her back.
There was a sound of slamming against the door.
“Okay,” said Blue Diamond. “Let’s go find a place to hide.” He looked at Pumpkin. “I sure hope you’re smart enough to realize it’s too dangerous to go out anymore.”
Pumpkin nodded. There was nothing more for her to do.
As they walked down the hall Pumpkin paused, turning her head behind her. She could just feel something was wrong. The pounding and sounds of electricity hadn’t yet been able to do anything to the door, but as the sounds of pounding faded she had the same feeling she had before of this being a pause before something worse happened.
The sound of crackling sounded unnaturally loud even through the sound of the closed door, and she got a mental image of when they had used their power in tandem to destroy her shield.
Her fears proved correct a few moments later as the power of their combined magic blew the door off its hinges.
Pumpkin instinctively reached for her magic, summoning three orbs and blocking the hallway without thinking. The shrapnel slammed into her shield at high speed, wedging itself through two of her shields and partially through the third.
What were they supposed to do now? The castle had been breached. There were too many of them to fight. They were doomed. They were all doomed!
Pumpkin turned to the group behind them as the bugs swarmed in.
She saw the mother and son, the brother and sister, the husband and wife… she saw love and family. She saw the things that she had lost. She thought of Storm Walker, who had lost her parents, and Blue Diamond, who had lost his girlfriend. Maybe they were all alive, but she had no desire to see other families torn apart the way hers had been.
Her brother’s voice rang through her mind. “You aren’t thinking of giving up, are you, Pumpkin?”
“No way!” she responded, her horn glowing as bright as it ever had. “I’m going to protect everyone!”
She summoned a giant mallet, swinging it at a large group. The bugs went flying, sending them flying into others and killing quite a few of them.
“Come on! Run!” she called out. The entrance hall to the castle was far too open of an area. She’d quickly be overwhelmed.
She ran down one of the side halls as the bugs reorganized themselves, and took a ready stance. The hall still had a high ceiling, but now they only had one direction they could come from.
“Pumpkin, what are you doing?” asked Blue Diamond. “We have to hide.”
“Hide where?” she asked. “They broke down the door and are in the castle. The only thing left to do is fight! Otherwise, all the people that I brought here are going to die.”
“Pumpkin, this is insane! You can’t fight that many of them by yourself.”
She smiled at him. “But I’m not alone.” The energy Pound appeared as the first of the bugs came into the hallway. “Me and my brother always fight together. And as long as I have Pound’s strength inside of me I won’t lose.”
Blue Diamond gulped. They were trapped, no doubt about it. Despite his age and his skill, right now their only hope for survival against an army was a small child. He felt completely powerless. It was humiliating. Not to his pride, but that he could do nothing to help her. He had no magic, and any physical attacks were a bad idea with their scorpion tails.
As much as he hated it he knew Pumpkin was the only thing standing between them and death. There would be no more running and hiding. That being the case, the only thing that he could do was encourage her, and pray that Princess Twilight returned before Pumpkin was overwhelmed.
“Go on, then, Pumpkin!” he said, smiling back as best he could. “Go get ‘em!”
Pumpkin nodded, then focused her gaze on the bugs. Summoning twenty orbs she put them in a grate shape, horizontal and vertical lines mixing. As the first group of bugs went through it they were sliced to pieces on the other side, creating a large pile of corpses. Once they noticed they stopped.
They began charging up their tails instead, to try and fire through the gaps. Pumpkin simply pushed the grate forward down the hall, killing another hundred or so bugs.
She let out a small breath, taking a brief respite as she dispelled her magic. Using that much magic continuously would definitely wear her out far too quickly.
The bodies in the hallway at least made it harder for them to swarm in, though if she completely blocked the entrance they would just find another direction to go. She had to hope they were too focused on her to pursue any of the others, or that there were enough rooms and they were barricaded enough that they wouldn’t be able to get to them.
Either way, all she could do now was defend this spot with all she had. She gathered up her strength, summoning several mallets. She could just cut them up, but they had the advantage of numbers. Her best bet was to keep knocking them into one another to disrupt their focus. Despite their intimidating appearance and fearsome abilities they were quite fragile.
“Fight with me, Pound,” she whispered. “I need you now.”
As her brother’s face flashed before her eyes she still felt anxious, but her determination overrode any chance of her nerve breaking.
As several bugs came toward her she slammed them back. When a lightning strike came her way she made a mirror to reflect it back at them.
At first it was easy to repel them, but as the battle waged on and her energy started to wane it grew more and more difficult to lose herself in the flow of magic. For every two bugs she killed it felt like five of them took their place.
When a swarm of them got too close she had no choice but to extend the length of her magic to make the grate shape again and send it down the hall to give herself some breathing room.
She fell to her knees, panting slightly.
“Pumpkin!” called out Blue Diamond.
“D-don’t worry,” she replied. “I’m not done yet. I have to protect. I have to… to protect.”
It was fine. She didn’t have to stand to use magic. It was only a waste of energy.
All she knew was attack and defense. She knew they wanted her dead. She was too much of a threat.
Time seemed warped. How long did she fight? A few minutes? An hour? A day? She had no idea. The only thing she did know is that she wouldn’t quit, not as long as she had an ounce of energy in her body. Too many ponies were counting on her. So long as she had her brother’s spirit inside of her she would fight until the end like him.
A haze was in front of her eyes, blurring her vision. Sweat was dripping down her face and she was panting heavily. She could barely even see anymore. She felt so exhausted.
‘Pound,’ she thought, one eye closed and the other halfway there. ‘Can’t… give up…’
They were getting closer and closer with every spell she cast.
Blue Diamond was biting his hoof. He knew it. Pumpkin was about to be overwhelmed. She had risked everything for their survival. It was obvious they couldn’t run, and even if they tried to hide it wouldn’t take long for them to be found.
She had done so much, much more than any child should have to endure. He didn’t want her to come to harm, no matter what. Thus, only one option was laid out for him: he would take an attack meant for Pumpkin, covering her body under his, and hopefully they would think Pumpkin was dead and leave her alone.
There was a popping noise in an adjacent room, making him turn to look. ‘What now?’ he thought as it opened.
It was Twilight. Blue Diamond clenched his eyes shut, happy tears coming down his cheeks.
“What is all the racket out he-” she started, before taking notice of all the bugs and Pumpkin. She paused for only a second as the scene registered in her mind, before instantly getting into battle mode. She teleported in front of Pumpkin, blasting the entire hallway.
Pumpkin saw the purple coat of Twilight and the hall suddenly being empty of bugs. Twilight turned to her and began speaking, but she couldn’t make out the words. ‘I… I… did… it,’ she thought hazily as the last spark from her horn faded and she collapsed onto her side, the world going dark.
Pumpkin opened her eyes, blinking in the light. She let out a groan. She jumped a little as a hoof touched her shoulder.
“Hello, Pumpkin,” said the voice of Fluttershy.
Pumpkin turned her head to look into her eyes. “H-hey, Fluttershy,” she muttered, straining to get into a sitting position.
“How are you feeling?” she asked with concern.
She shook her head, rubbing her eyes. “Tired. I can barely keep my eyes open.”
“That’s not surprising, considering what you did.”
“What did I do?” she asked as she put her hooves down, then gasped as she remembered, suddenly feeling wide awake.
She jumped up. “Hold up! What’s going on? Why are we just sitting here? There’s a -”
“Calm down!” Fluttershy said sternly, to get her attention. In a softer voice she said, “Everything is fine.”
“FINE?” she yelled. “No, it’s not. There’s creatures everywhere, my parents might have been crushed, Pound was petrified-”
“PUMPKIN!” Fluttershy lifted her up, pulling her close. “It’s all over. Twilight took care of the bugs.”
“S-she did?” Vaguely she remembered seeing Twilight right before she passed out. “So… so Ponyville is safe?”
Fluttershy nodded. “Yes.”
Pumpkin let out a sigh of relief. She had made a difference, after all. That relief was immediately snuffed out. “But what about Pound? What about my parents and Auntie Pinkie?”
Fluttershy didn’t answer at first. She set the filly down, kneeling a bit. Pumpkin got the idea and hopped on her back.
As they left the room and went into the hallway she realized they were in the hospital.
“Those strange bugs had a venom in their tails that render a pony comatose. I know it’s horrible to think about, but according to Twilight they’re meat eaters, and that's how they get an easy meal.”
Pumpkin put a hoof to her mouth, gagging at the thought. “So they were gonna EAT my brother?” She felt like she might vomit.
“I don’t blame you for that reaction. I felt the same way.
“At first Twilight couldn’t find a way to undo the effects of the poison, but by studying the venom they used, along with Zecora’s help, they were able to find a cure. All the ponies that were petrified are being healed right now.”
Pumpkin let out a huge sigh of relief. “So then Pound is alive and okay?”
“Yes, though even with the cure it’s going to take a few hours before he has complete functionality back.”
“I can take that if it means I have him back."
"There were some friends of yours that were also keeping watch over you for a time, but when they heard that Twilight had developed a cure for their loved ones they decided to check up on their family, making me promise to keep you safe."
Pumpkin felt a heavy sensation. "Was it Blue Diamond and Storm Walker?"
"Yes, those were their names."
“So what about you? Did they come after you too, Fluttershy?”
“Oddly, no. I don’t know if they specifically wanted only ponies, as there were plenty of animals around my cottage they could have chosen to snack on, but my guess is they simply headed for a place where the ‘food’ concentration was greatest, and that would be the main part of town.
“When I heard all the commotion I gathered as many of my animals as I could inside my house, simply hoping I was far enough out of the way I wouldn’t be bothered.”
“Yeah, I thought you would be protecting your animals.”
“Applejack’s barn is also out of the way. Even so, Big Mac stayed behind to protect Granny Smith and Apple Bloom just in case they went over there.
“Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity were all part of the battle, but along the way all three of them were overwhelmed and petrified as well. Once everything was over I was asked to keep an eye on you until you awoke. From what I heard, a lot of ponies owe you their gratitude.”
Pumpkin blushed slightly. “I just… I wanted to be like Pound had always been for me.”
“That’s understandable.
“Ah, here we are.” She came to a stop by a door. As she put her hoof on the handle she said cautiously, “You might not like what you’re about to see.”
Pumpkin felt her heartrate increasing, but there was one thing she knew for sure: none of the three were dead. They couldn’t do medical treatment on a dead pony, so they wouldn’t be in a hospital bed if they had died.
She bit her hoof. She didn’t know if all three of them were in the room. Maybe only her mother had survived. Maybe only Auntie Pinkie had survived. She had to know. “O-okay. Open it up.”
Fluttershy opened the door, and Pumpkin shut her eyes tight, letting out a shuddering breath. “Hello, everyone,” said Fluttershy, trying to be cheerful.
Pumpkin twitched. Did everyone mean EVERY ONE? She opened her eyes, and she saw the three of them laid out side-by-side in evenly spaced intervals.
Her heart hurt, seeing the state they were in. All three of them were covered in casts. Of the three of them Pinkie looked the least injured. But as much as she hurt from seeing their injuries at least she knew they were all alive.
Pumpkin hopped off Fluttershy’s back, not knowing who she wanted to run to first. “Mom! Dad! Auntie Pinkie! I’m… I’m here!”
Carrot stirred, glancing down at her. He was wearing a breathing tube, so his words were a little muffled. “Hey there, Pumpkin,” he said slowly. “I’m glad to see you’re alright.”
Cup tried to move her head to look down at her daughter, but it only made her gasp in pain.
Pumpkin jerked at her mother’s cry, climbing up onto the bed. “Don’t strain yourself, Mom!” she said tearfully. “You’re hurt bad enough.”
Despite her injuries Cup still managed a tender smile. “I’m… so glad that you weren’t hurt.”
Pumpkin wanted so badly to hug her mother, but there didn’t seem to be a safe spot to do so. She didn’t want to cause her further injury.
She went to Pinkie next. “Pumpkin, it’s so good to see you,” she said, laughing a little before wincing.
“H-how?” Pumpkin asked, tears streaming down her eyes. “How can you be laughing, Auntie Pinkie? J-Just look at you. And Mom and Dad are even worse.”
Pinkie just continued smiling. “We’re all alive. You’re perfectly healthy, your brother is being unpetrified, and our broken bones will mend soon enough. That’s enough to put a smile on my face.”
Pumpkin sniffed, unsure of how to respond. Pinkie was right, but she still felt miserable. She still hurt deeply, unable to smile back.
Fluttershy walked up to her, putting a comforting hoof around her. “It’s during the hardest of times where we all have to put on our biggest smiles. Nobody died in this attack. Injuries will mend, and Ponyville can be rebuilt. Those creatures didn’t take away anything important, and all of us will grow stronger from this. Just like you did, Pumpkin.”
She hugged Fluttershy, quietly crying. “I… I know all that,” she said weakly, “but I still just feel like crying my heart out.”
“And that’s okay, Pumpkin,” said Pinkie. “Cry as much as you want. You had to be far more adult than any kid should have to be over the course of this invasion. Now… now it’s time to be a kid again, and let the adults take over.”
Her vision grew blurry. “I… I miss Pound. I wish he was here with us.” She felt so weak again.
Fluttershy picked her up and took her over to a chair by Cup’s bed. “Soon, Pumpkin. Until then just stay here with us and relax.”
She gulped. “O-okay,” she said, nuzzling up against Fluttershy as she let her emotions run free. At times she felt like she fell asleep, but she wasn’t sure if she actually did. She always found herself in the same place. She felt so drained.
She finally felt some energy when Twilight came to visit, bringing a now mobile Pound with her. “POU-” she started screaming, but bit her tongue to shut herself up. The last thing she wanted to do was cause her loved ones more aches by making them jump.
Pound still looked out of it as he sat on Twilight’s back, though he too got a little energy when he saw his sister hop out of the chair towards him.
Pumpkin’s horn shone as she lifted Pound off Twilight’s back and onto the ground, hugging him like her life depended on it. “I’m so… so glad you’re alive, Pound!”
Although he could move again his limbs still felt stiff, and it was hard to muster up the energy to return her hug. “I’m glad you’re alright, Pumpkin.”
Pound strained to crane his neck, looking at the hospital bed of his mother. “Is everyone okay?”
Pumpkin nodded. “Yeah. They’re pretty beat up, but they’re all gonna live.”
Twilight lifted Pound up in the air. “Your mother can’t move her neck right now, but I know she wants to see you.” She moved him so he was floating over Cup.
Pound gave her a kiss. “Hi, Mom.” Like Pumpkin, he felt some distress that he couldn’t seem to find a safe space to hug.
Cup kissed him back. “Come on, Pound. No tears now. Neither of you were badly hurt in this attack. That’s all I really care about.”
That didn’t stop his tears. “But you were, and that’s what I care about!”
“These bones will heal, but I don’t know if my heart ever would if you got taken out in this battle.”
His eyes clenched shut. He wanted to hug her so badly he couldn’t stand it.
After giving kisses to his father and Pinkie he was let down onto the floor. “So what happened?” he asked. “We thought you were dead.”
“That’s right,” said Pumpkin. “It looked like Town Hall fell right on you.”
“Sheer luck,” Pinkie said weakly. “The open part of the bottom is what landed over us, so the ground absorbed most of the impact.”
“What do you mean?”
Twilight said, “Think about turning a cup upside down and placing it over a plastic ball. If the cup was upright and you slammed it down you’d crack the ball. However, if you turn it upside down the rim of the cup hits everything around the ball instead.”
“Oooooh,” said Pound, understanding. “But if that’s what happened then why are all of them injured?”
“Because,” Twilight continued, trying to save the others from needlessly expending energy, “the higher something drops from the harder the impact when it finally hits the ground. When the top of Town Hall landed on the ground most of the impact went into the ground, but that wasn’t enough to completely stop it. It was so heavy that its own weight caused it to shatter when it hit the ground.
“The three of them were buried in the rubble when I got to them, along with a couple of other ponies. All of them were badly hurt, but thankfully no one died. It’s truly a miracle.”
Twilight’s eyes faded out as she sighed. “Why did it have to be today of all days that Princess Celestia had to call me to Canterlot? When Ponyville needed me most I wasn’t around. Some princess I was.”
“Hey!” Pumpkin said sharply. “Don’t blame yourself for what happened. You had another princess duty you were taking care of. It wasn’t like you were napping in the castle.”
She ran a hoof through her mane. “A part of me understands that, but the other half makes me feel like I didn’t care about Ponyville’s safety.”
“How can you say that, Twilight?” asked Fluttershy. “Of course you do.”
“Cadance has the Crystal Heart to act as a defense when she leaves town. Celestia and Luna have hundreds of Royal Guards. I’m the only alicorn that didn’t have countermeasures set up in case of an invasion.”
“So what?” asked Pound. “Now you know better for next time.”
Twilight looked between the twins, a tear running down her eye. “Why are you talking like this? Just look at your parents. Look at how bad their injuries are. Why aren’t you furious with me?”
Pound walked over to Twilight and hugged her. “Because we love you, Twilight!”
Pumpkin did the same. “You might have been late, but you saved all of us. It would have taken forever for a regular pony to lift up the rubble and get our family to safety.
“Just like you said to us a while ago, every pony makes big mistakes. Even alicorns and princesses.”
“And you remember our entry in the friendship journal? You feel bad about what happened, so you’re still a good pony.”
Twilight sighed, holding the twins to her. She still felt guilty, but the twins supported her. And she knew her friends did too.
It was a learning experience. Even though no one had died the cost was still too high. She wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
Discord poofed inside Fluttershy’s house, calling out the mare’s name. He didn’t get an answer.
“That’s odd. She’s usually home at this time.” He shrugged. “Sorry, Mayhem. She seems to be out right now.” He felt discontent emanating from the baby draconequus. He let out a small sigh. “Oh, fine. I’ll go looking for her.”
He searched around the second floor and the property outside, but all he saw were frightened looking animals. He put a claw to his chin. "Well, if she’s not at home then she’s either with her friends or doing some business with the Cutie Map.”
He teleported over the top of Ponyville to see if he could spot her outside, and his eyes bugged out. Countless buildings were damaged and there were bug carcasses and slime everywhere.
Terror came from Mayhem, but while Discord felt fear as well it was mixed with anger. Things were quiet, so whatever had happened was already over, but if anyone had hurt Fluttershy he would hunt down those creatures to the last one.
He split himself into a hundred mini-Discords, each about half the size of Mayhem, and all of them scattered around Ponyville looking for any sign of his dearest friend.
One of the Discords decided that the most obvious place to look was the hospital. If an invasion happened then surely some ponies were injured. Fluttershy’s cottage hadn’t been damaged like some of the others, but even so Fluttershy was the type of pony that would want to check up on the wounded.
It didn’t take long racing around the halls until he heard her sweet voice. He summoned his other selves and reformed into one draconequus again before racing into the room.
“Fluttershy!” he called out, making all of them look at him.
“Oh, Discord!” she responded.
He poofed in front of her, staring at her. He moved to her side, lifting her wing, then moved down and examined her legs.
“Don’t worry,” she said quickly. “I wasn’t hurt. Some of the others weren’t so lucky.”
Discord quickly looked over at the hospital beds carrying Cup, Carrot, and Pinkie. “I’m not worried about them!” he said, barely giving them a glance as he snapped his claw, then pulled her eye open wider. “How are you? Are you thirsty? Hungry? Talk to me.”
“I’m fine!” she insisted.
Cup felt all the pain in her neck vanish. She moved her head all around. Her whole body felt better, and she had free reign of her limbs again. As she sat up she looked at Discord fretting over Fluttershy.
“Mom!” said Pound with concern. “What are you doing? You’re hurt!”
“Not anymore,” she responded, hopping off the bed and putting her hooves out. “Now I want that hug.”
The twins made the connection of Discord’s finger snap and their families healed injuries, and started bawling as they ran to their mother, hugging her tight.
It didn’t take long for Carrot and Pinkie to do the same.
“Thank you, Discord,” Twilight said sincerely.
Discord finally accepted Fluttershy’s twentieth declaration of being fine. He let out Mayhem, who clung to her in relief as he finally looked at Twilight. “Sheesh, what happened? How long does it take to wipe out an infestation of bugs?”
Twilight got a sheepish look on her face. “I wasn’t here when it happened.”
“At one of your precious princess meetings, huh?” He rolled his eyes. “Alright, I’m feeling generous. I’ll clean up your mess, Twilight.” He lifted up his arm and snapped. “Honestly, I don’t know what you ponies would do without me.”
“What did you do?” she asked, not seeing any immediate result.
“What do you think I did? I fixed Ponyville for you.” He got in her face, smirking widely. “Does it bother you, Twilight, that I render you obsolete?”
Twilight looked away, shaking her head. “Hardly. You have ability, but not the right attitude.” Turning back to him she gave him a respectful bow. “I truly thank you for your help, though.”
As Twilight stood up Discord said, “I could easily do your job if I wanted to.” He started filing his claws. “I just like to leave something for you lesser beings to do.”
“Doubtful,” she replied, “but I’m not here to argue this point with you.”
“Hey, everyone!” Pumpkin said as she broke away from the group hug. “I have cool powers like Discord too now.”
Twilight looked over at her. “That’s not possible."
“Well… it’s nowhere near Discord’s level, but it is true.”
Everyone was looking at Pumpkin now. “What do you mean, Pumpkin?” asked Pound.
Twilight had a thoughtful look on her face. "What with taking care of the invasion, pulling ponies out of the rubble, and finding a cure, I've been running myself ragged for the past few hours. But I do vaguely recall the stallion that was with you asking me to take care of your safety for saving him and a few others. I also remember that you were right in front of those things before you passed out. I have to admit I'm curious to see what you discovered during this invasion."
Pumpkin moved to the middle of everyone. “Check this out!” With fear, adrenaline, and instinct driving her, accessing her magic had been easy. Now it felt like she really had to concentrate. She closed her eyes, focusing on her magic.
Twilight watched Pumpkin carefully. Saying she had magic comparable to Discord’s was a bold claim, especially since the filly actually once had Discord’s power over the course of an afternoon.
Out of her horn came three spheres of magic about the size of her head, surrounding her in a circle.
“Is that it?” asked Pound. “You can make magic balls? Boring.”
“No, you dolt!” she said, annoyed. Turning to the draconequus she said, “Discord, can you create a wooden box, a cake, and a target?”
Discord was intrigued. “Why not?”
He created a table, then put the three items she asked for on it.
The three spheres moved in front of her side by side, then changed into a knife, a mallet, and a bow and arrow. The knife cut the cake, the mallet smashed the box, and the bow and arrow hit the target.
“Oooh…” Twilight was genuinely impressed. If Pumpkin could change her magic to whatever she desired then her potential was almost unlimited. She could be wrong, but at first glance it seemed like Pumpkin’s magic was only restrained by her imagination, or lack thereof.
Carrot blinked. “So, wait… you can make literally anything with your magic?”
Pumpkin shrugged. “I don’t know. The only thing I do know is that so far anything I’ve wanted it to change to it has. I’m sure there has to be some limit, though.”
“Mmm,” Discord said, crossing his arms with a smirk. “Well, well, that is quite an impressive bit of talent. And to think it came from someone with such a… mundane family line.”
“Discord!” Fluttershy spat out angrily, giving him a gentle slap in the back of the head. “That’s extremely rude.”
“What?” he said innocently, though he didn’t lose the amusement in his eyes. “I’m just saying that, for only having one other unicorn in their gene pool, it’s interesting that Pumpkin’s got such strong magic, is all.”
He turned away with a note of discontent. “Why, it’s almost like you think I’m looking down on earth ponies or something. Accusing me of such baseless racism makes you rather rude yourself, hmm?”
He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, the smirk back on his face.
Fluttershy rolled her eyes. “I can never tell with you.”
“Oh, come on now. I helped your friends and your town. With nothing left to fret over why waste time being all serious?”
Cup sat on her hospital bed. “As annoying as you can be I can’t exactly disagree. I thought for sure it’d be months before I could move around and embrace my children.” She stretched her legs out, moving her body left, then right. “I’m alive and well and so are my children.” She smiled as she looked out the window. “That’s enough for me.
“And I’m very proud of you, Pumpkin. Your unique magical gift is very amazing indeed. Discord’s assertion isn’t exactly wrong. Both Carrot and I only have one relative apiece with pegasi and unicorn blood. I’ve always considered it a happy miracle that both of those traits came out in our first children. For Pumpkin to have such strong magic on top of that is very impressive.”
“See?” said Discord. “She gets it.”
Fluttershy let out a gentle sigh. “Okay, okay.”
Cup beckoned her children over, and they both climbed up onto the bed with her. “So now, I think it’s time for the two of you to tell us your story. What happened after Town Hall dropped on us?”
Pound blushed slightly. “I was useless,” he said in a small voice. “I couldn’t keep my promise. One of those bugs attacked me and froze me. I barely protected Pumpkin at all.”
Cup smiled at him. “I know you,” she said. “They didn’t get you. You let yourself be attacked to keep Pumpkin safe, didn’t you?”
A hint of a smile crossed Pound’s lip before he frowned again. “Yeah, but after that Pumpkin was all on her own.” A tear came down his cheek. “Now Pumpkin has some magic that lets her do anything. She’s never gonna need me again.”
“You’re wrong, Pound,” said Pumpkin. “You’re the only reason I got through all of this.”
“I know,” he said sarcastically. “I helped you one time. Big whoop. After that you did just fine on your own.”
“You’re wrong,” she said again, slowly shaking her head. She grabbed one of his hooves, setting it on top of her own. “You were with me throughout all of this. Right from the start until the very end.”
Pound just stared at her, and she could tell he was fighting the urge to roll his eyes.
She turned to Discord. “Discord, could you help me again? I want to show you all a memory.”
“Why not?” he said, He floated on top of her, drawing a box with a finger that hovered on top of her head.
They saw things from Pumpkin’s perspective, of Pound going down after being attacked and becoming petrified.
“After you went down I was terrified,” said Pumpkin. “But then…”
As the bug creatures came for her next they could hear her still calling out for his protection.
Pound’s stomach burned.
Her memory had gone dark when she closed her eyes in fright, but when it opened again all of them gaped.
A pure blue Pound was standing in front of her, the electricity passing harmlessly around him. Then he lifted his hoof, a magic sphere turning into a sword that cut up the rest of the bugs.
As the memory faded Cup asked in a flabbergasted tone, “What happened to Pound? Twilight told us he was petrified by those things. How did he get up? And why was he blue? And how did he use magic?”
“That wasn’t Pound,” said Twilight. “That was his ‘shadow.’ ”
“His shadow?” asked Pinkie.
Twilight nodded. “The coloration matching Pumpkin’s magical aura, the orb that turned into a weapon… it’s obvious that that Pound was simply a construct of Pumpkin’s magic.”
“But why?” asked Pumpkin. “I don’t get it. I didn’t make it take that form or attack the bugs. It just did that on its own."
Twilight grinned. “I think it’s quite simple. Your magical talent awoke in a high stress situation. All alone, Pumpkin thought of the pony that embodies strength and courage for her. So Pound was on your mind when you first cast the spell, and it automatically protected you.”
“I get what you’re going for, but it still doesn’t make sense,” said Carrot.
“Oh? Why not?”
“Because Pumpkin’s magic takes on the characteristics of the things she creates. And as great as Pound is he’s certainly not lightning proof.”
“Quite right,” Twilight replied, nodding. “However, what she created wasn’t literally Pound. She created the image of Pound she has in her heart. For Pumpkin, Pound represents protection from bad things, so when she called forth his image she also imbued it with a shield spell.”
Pound felt a little awkward as Pumpkin hugged him.
“You see?” she asked. “You protected me. I was still kinda scared after that, but then I saw a little filly being attacked by one of them, and I knew I wanted to protect her the same way you always did for me.
“And that’s not all. Maybe it was just in my mind, but I heard your voice too.”
“My voice?” he asked.
“Yeah. Whenever I started to feel overwhelmed it was like I could hear your voice talking to me and encouraging me. Your body might have gone down, but your heart and your soul was with me. We protected those ponies together. It was our victory.”
Pinkie beamed. “Twins until the very end.”
Pound hugged her back. “I guess I sure saved your butt, huh?”
Pumpkin rolled her eyes. “Yep.”
“Twilight said something like that once. She told me that I could help you by setting a good example.”
“Well, you sure did. I went around and got as many ponies to the castle as I could. At the end, though, they were just too many to fight. If Twilight hadn't shown up when she did..." She didn't need to finish.
Pound nodded. "I know. All of you would have been bug food."
Twilight had a thoughtful look on her face. “Hey, Pumpkin?”
The twins broke apart. “Yeah, Twilight?”
“That magical ability of yours is incredible. I’ve never seen anything quite like it before.”
Pumpkin grinned proudly. “Thank you! And?”
“Well…” She hesitated, looking uncertain. “That power of yours, once you properly master it, can easily be used to change the world.”
Pumpkin blushed. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
“I would. What would you say if I told you… that I wanted to recommend you a spot in Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns?”
Everyone stared at Twilight in amazement. Pumpkin’s eyes were bugging out of her head. “WHAT?” she cried out in disbelief. “Are you kidding me?”
Twilight shook her head. “Not at all. I meant what I said. The adaptability and usefulness of your magic is a sight to behold even right now, with what you’ve already accomplished with it. With a few years of hard study in learning to master that power I can easily see you becoming one of the most powerful unicorns of your generation.”
Pumpkin just stared at Twilight, lost for words. She was honored beyond measure that Twilight thought that she deserved to go to the same school she learned to master her magic.
“Hold on a second!” said Pound. “You’re saying you want Pumpkin to move to Canterlot?”
Twilight shook her head. “Oh, not at all. I can enchant an object with a teleportation spell to get Pumpkin back and forth from home to school. Worst comes to worst a teacher has to do the spell for her.”
“B-but... but what about me?”
“I’m sorry, Pound, but unlike Magic Kindergarten, Celestia’s school is exclusively for unicorns.”
“That’s not what I meant! Who’s going to protect Pumpkin? She’s going to be around a bunch of extremely skilled unicorns that are probably going to look down on her for being from Ponyville. Or jealous that a ‘common’ pony has so much talent.”
“Pumpkin can always say ‘no’ if she’s afraid. I just think that her magical potential is so great that it would be a waste to learn magic in a regular school.”
Pumpkin was in two minds. “Do you actually think I could fit in at the same school you went to, Twilight? It’s really a great honor that you think I’m that talented, but I don’t think Pound’s wrong.”
“I can’t promise that everyone will like you, but you have a love of learning. I think you’d fit in just fine.
“I do have to mention, though, that I can’t enroll you in the school myself. You’d have to pass an entrance exam and be judged by four or five examiners.”
Pumpkin felt a little dizzy. She put a hoof to her forehead, “This is all too much to take in at once.”
“I understand. Take your time and let me know when you’ve made a decision.”
Twilight yawned and rubbed her eyes. She had been going nonstop to do damage control, striking down the invading force, finding the injured, and looking for a cure. Now that things were calm her adrenaline was wearing off.
Discord had taken care of the cleanup, which made her job easier, but she couldn’t sleep just yet. She still had to address her subjects.
“Come on, everyone,” said Twilight. “We’re going to Town Hall.”
Discord didn’t miss Twilight’s fatigue. “Something wrong, princess? Feeling a little run down?”
Twilight shook her head. “No!” she said defensively.
Discord mimicked her gesture. “That sounds more like your pride talking. Or, I’d hazard a guess, your guilt and desire to make up for not being here from the start.”
Twilight flushed, looking at the floor. “Well… well, maybe it is. So what? I can’t take a break just because I’m a little tired. All I can do now is try to inspire hope in the people and apologize for not being more prepared for the worst.”
“My, my, you’re stubborn. I’ll give you a little energy to perk you up.”
Twilight looked up at him, waiting for the catch. There always was one with him.
“I quite liked when you bowed to me before. Why don’t you do that again?”
Fluttershy gave him a dirty look. “Knock it off, Discord.”
“It’s okay, Fluttershy,” said Twilight. “It’s a small price to pay to be there for my subjects.”
Bowing to him she said humbly, “I require your assistance, Discord.”
Discord smirked. He probably would have dragged it out a little longer, but Fluttershy was still glaring at him. He didn’t want to provoke her, not the least of which because Mayhem would give him a hard time for upsetting Fluttershy.
“Very well, since you asked so nicely.”
Discord snapped his claw, and Twilight’s weariness disappeared on the spot.
Twilight let out a breath, standing up. “Thank you, Discord.” She walked up to him and hugged him. “I don’t know what we’d do without you. It’s an honor to be friends with you.”
Discord looked around uncomfortably. He was feeling grateful for her praise, but didn’t want to admit it. “Okay, okay,” he said, feigning disgust. “That’s enough of that.”
Twilight released him, then with a poof she was gone.
All of them could hear Twilight’s magnified voice echoing around Ponyville, telling everyone to come to Town Hall.
“Well, then,” said Carrot. “Let’s go.”
Discord snapped his claw again, getting rid of their casts. “I don’t think you want to go out in that.”
“Fair point,” said Cup.
Pound sat on his mother’s back, while Pumpkin sat on Carrot’s. Together, all of them walked to Town Hall, seeing other similarly healed ponies joining them as they filed out of the hospital.
Over the next half hour the crowd grew bigger and bigger around Town Hall.
Twilight was standing at the podium, trying to keep a brave face on. Discord had healed the physical damage sustained during the attack, but there was still the emotional and psychological pain to deal with. She had to embody strength for them now.
Near the podium were the other Elements of Friendship, Discord, Mayhem, and the four Cakes.
When she thought that the crowd was as big as it was gonna get she cleared her throat and spoke into the mike.
“Good evening, everyone,” she started, keeping her head high. “As I’m sure you’ve noticed Ponyville has been fixed up by none other than Discord, saving us weeks of work. He also healed the injuries of the ponies wounded in this attack.
“He is truly a credit to Ponyville, and I am proud to call him a friend. Can we get a round of applause for him?”
Discord had an awkward look on his face as they complied. Even though his friendship with Fluttershy was deep, it was less so with the rest of their circle, and barely there for anyone else besides that. He wasn’t used to receiving genuine praise and admiration.
Fluttershy nudged him, and he looked down to see joyful tears in her eyes. “You see, Discord? You’re loved by so many ponies now. Isn’t it wonderful?”
Mayhem grinned at him. “Yeah, Daddy. You’re pretty cool.”
Discord fought a brief internal war between his pride and his affection for Fluttershy. The latter won out, and he put an arm around her, holding her against him.
When it quieted down Twilight continued, “This was a crazy day for sure. Princess Celestia requested my presence for an important meeting, which is why I wasn’t here during the beginning of the invasion.”
Her vision grew blurry with tears. “Her request, and Discord’s magic in the aftermath, does not negate my negligence at not having failsafes in place for a situation like this. At the time when I was desperately needed, the ponies that should have been under my protection were instead left helpless, terrified, and injured.
“I know that nothing I do can take back the harm you all suffered, and for that I am truly sorry.”
Moving to the side of the podium so her body was fully visible she bowed to them. “I’m sorry!” she called out, taking in a sharp breath.
Most ponies were taken aback, seeing royalty bowing to them for a change, and they weren’t sure how to respond to her declaration.
Her friends tried to reassure her, but Twilight stayed in her submissive position.
Cup looked at Pound on her back. “Pound, do you feel brave enough to talk into the microphone? I think our princess needs a reminder of what you told her in the hospital.”
Pound nodded instantly. “Of course I do!”
She smiled at him, before turning forward and going to the podium.
Pound leaned over in front of the microphone and said, “Every pony can make some big mistakes, even princesses. Even if Twilight was a little late, we all would have been bug food if she hadn’t arrived to save us all.”
Twilight turned her head slightly to Pound, and now everyone was looking at him too.
“Twilight is an amazing princess who has taught me to be a better pony. I forgive her. Can you forgive her too? I mean, you don’t want her to quit being our princess, right?”
Twilight looked back towards the audience, not denying Pound’s suggestion that she was thinking of quitting. It dawned on them that Twilight was waiting for their judgment, and that her bowing was a sign of her humility and genuine grief. When they understood that the answer came easily.
“I forgive you!” said a stallion.
“Ponyville wouldn’t be the same without you,” said a mare.
Twilight heard the support of her subjects, and slowly rose up. They were still willing to accept her. It only doubled her determination to ensure that such a thing never happened again. She would be there for them if there was ever another invasion.
She took in a deep breath, wiping the tears from her eyes as Cup moved to give her her spot back. Standing at the podium again she said, “Thank you, everyone. I truly appreciate you for giving me another chance.”
She didn’t yet have a solid plan for the future. There were spells she could explore that would alert her when danger reared its head, or perhaps a way to make it so that anyone could call her with the Cutie Map. Perhaps she could create a new spell that was similar to it and put it in a common object. There was also the magic journals that Sunset had that wrote whatever was in one into the other one.
In any case, now wasn’t the time to delve into it. She still had business to attend to with her subjects.
“Now, while I was away from Ponyville there was another who stood up to protect the citizens in my absence. For those of you that weren’t there to witness it yourself this may seem odd, but I must give a big congratulations to a certain filly.”
Pumpkin froze, trembling as her father walked toward the stand. If she could speak she would have told him not to go. If she could move she would have jumped off his back and gone running as far away as she could.
She gulped as she looked upon all the faces staring at her, most with confusion.
“Pumpkin!” a voice called out, and out of the crowd came Storm Walker flying right at her, nearly knocking her right off Carrot’s back.
Pumpkin’s eyes grew misty as the filly hugged her, nuzzling her chest.
Twilight beamed. “For those of you that are not aware, Pumpkin Cake here unlocked her magical talent in the midst of this awful situation, granting her a powerful spell that could be used both offensively and defensively.
“Although just a child she took on a job meant for adults, escorting families to safety in my castle, protecting them from harm with shields and taking down as many of the bugs as she could along the way.”
Ponies in the audience moved from their spots until they were in the front of the crowd, and Pumpkin recognized quite a few of them as being the ones she had protected and brought to the castle. They began clapping and whooping for her, expressing their gratitude. Blue Diamond clapped the loudest.
Pound clapped along with everyone else, but he couldn’t help but feel a little jealous at the praise Pumpkin was getting. A few tears came down his eyes. He guessed he was fated to just always be in Pumpkin’s shadow.
Pumpkin didn’t feel nearly as nervous now, especially with Storm hugging her. She lifted up the microphone with her magic. “T-thank you, everyone. I really appreciate your admiration, but… I can’t accept it.”
That got her curious looks.
She looked to the side, seeing Pound’s downtrodden look. She gestured to her mother to come stand next to them. When she did Pumpkin put a hoof around Pound’s shoulder, pulling him closer to her. “If you really want to know who to thank for saving you, it’s my big brother Pound Cake.”
Pound’s eyes widened.
“I didn’t do anything special. I thought I lost everyone I loved in this invasion. When I was terrified, and thought I couldn’t handle things, all I had to do was think of how my brother is the bravest and strongest pony I know, and I could keep fighting.
“Pound is the real hero here, not me. He saved me right near the start by flying me away from Town Hall before it fell on me. Without him I wouldn’t have been able to help as many ponies as I did.”
Summoning an orb she created a platform and floated Pound onto it, flags waving and little fireworks going off around him. “It was his example I was following throughout all of this, so if you’re going to clap for me then you have to clap for my number one hero too.”
Pound blushed as he got his own share of applause, happy tears coming down his eyes now as his bitterness faded.
“Yay for Pound!” Storm Walker called out. She had seen Pumpkin’s strength firsthand. If she was just modeling herself after Pound she had him to thank for Pumpkin saving her.
Cup and Carrot put their heads together, delighted at their children being recognized.
After Pound was placed back on his mother’s back Twilight took the microphone again. “As the Princess of Friendship it always brings me joy to see young ponies coming into their potential and helping others.
“Sometimes we don’t even need the pony we admire next to us to become stronger. Following after our personal heroes can lead us to becoming heroes ourselves.
“In the wake of this latest incident I vow to do my best to avoid a repeat of leaving Ponyville near-defenseless. I can’t count on pure luck like Pumpkin’s awakening to keep this town safe.
“I think the rest of this evening would be best spent unwinding with loved ones. I know that I intend to do so.”
Most of the ponies dispersed once Twilight finished talking and dismissed them, but quite a few stayed. Namely, the families Pumpkin had protected.
Pumpkin met Storm Walker’s mother, Cloudy Day, and her father, Tornado Bolt, both pegasi like her.
“We just wanted to express our sincere gratitude for protecting our daughter,” said Cloudy, hugging her.
“That’s right,” said Tornado. “We won’t forget this. You’re always welcome in our home.”
Pumpkin meekly grinned, hugging the mare back. “Thank you.”
She went through the rest of the ponies, until only Blue Diamond was left.
Pumpkin took the initiative this time, quickly hugging him. “Thank you, Mr. Diamond.”
Blue chuckled, putting a hoof around her. “What are you thanking me for, you crazy kid? I was useless.”
“Not at all!” she said, looking up at him. “When they broke through my spell and I was knocked out you kept watch over me until I woke up.
“Not only that, you stayed with me the whole time. My brother was fighting with me on the inside, but you kept me company on the outside.
“And you told me the truth that I was being foolish trying to do everything alone. If it hadn’t been for you it probably would have been nearly impossible to convince any other ponies to leave their homes to come to the castle.
“I think you’re also a hero for sticking by my side throughout everything.”
Blue teared up. “Well, thank you, Pumpkin. I really appreciate that.”
Releasing her he gestured to a mare, who walked over to stand next to him.
Pumpkin recognized her as the one that had been attacked right before she had met Blue Diamond. “You’re Mr. Diamond’s girlfriend?”
She nodded. “At first I thought he was kidding when he told me a child had saved him and kept him safe.” She bowed her head. “I am truly grateful to you for protecting him from harm.”
“You’re welcome. I’m just sorry I couldn’t save you too.” She looked away, biting her lip. “If only I had been a few seconds earlier…”
“Don’t be ridiculous!” said the mare. “You did way more than enough for your age. I’m an adult, and I couldn’t picture doing anything but running or hiding myself. Don’t let what happened to me weigh on you.”
Blue Diamond sized up Pound. He was about the same size as Pumpkin. On the surface he didn’t look like anything special, but seeing what Pumpkin had done had taught him not to judge by appearance.
“It’s hard to believe that a kid as young as her was fighting like an adult, spell or no spell.” He held a hoof out to the colt. “Your sister really looks up to you, Pound. She tried to throw all the credit for her actions onto you. I trust that you’ll continue to be a good inspiration for your little sister.”
Pound met his hoof with a strong nod. “You bet!”
With the last of the ponies gone it was finally time to head home themselves.
Pumpkin was feeling in high spirits as they went inside. Pinkie, in her usual way, called for a party to celebrate. She was all for it at first, thinking of all the ponies she had aided probably doing the same. Their faces flashed through her mind, but her euphoria was snuffed out when she looked at Twilight’s and thought of the offer Twilight had made to her.
The weight of the decision she had to make felt almost crushing, and it destroyed any desire to be lively. Just the idea of what had gone on over the course of the day was too much to think about all at once.
"Look," she started, "all of you can party if you want, but I'm not in the mood. I just... I need some time alone." Not giving them a chance to respond she ran up the stairs, heading to her room.
Pound watched her go, walking towards the stairs himself. "I've got this," Pound said to his parents. "Don't worry."
But, of course, they were worried. Pumpkin had been through a huge ordeal. They only hoped that Pound would be able to get through to her, as he had done so many times before.
Pumpkin was sitting on her bed. Twilight, someone who had once been the student of Celestia herself, thought her talents were worthy of being tested by some of the most powerful unicorns in the world.
It was the greatest honor Twilight had ever bestowed on her, but she didn’t know if she was worthy of such prestige.
Pound was sitting on his bed as well. Pumpkin hadn't said anything when he came in, which he took as a good sign. He knew he had to give her a little space, so he went to his bed to leave her be for a while. Unfortunately, that only got his own mind going as he also remembered Twilight's offer.
He and Pumpkin had never been too far apart. Sure, they could fight with the best of them, or go visit their friends, but it was always temporary. What Twilight was proposing would mean they’d never be able to see each other in school again. If Pumpkin passed her entrance exam then she’d be leaving them all behind.
Deep inside he knew that wasn’t the case. They’d only be apart during school hours. They already didn’t share half the school day together, but once their unicorn and pegasi classes were over they’d meet up for lunch and be together the rest of the day.
Even though he’d have Pumpkin after school he was still worried about being apart from her for so long. If she was having a bad day then who would comfort her? She’d either have to bear it alone or find someone new to share her heart with. Neither prospect filled him with joy.
A part of him knew he was being selfish. Pumpkin had helped to rescue a number of ponies from the bug creatures. Her magic would only get stronger as she trained and grew up. Twilight thought her power could help save the world. Who was he to stand in the way of her potential and put lives at risk? The question hurt, but he still didn’t want to give her up.
Another part of him knew that he had been a little jealous of Pumpkin since they had started school. She seemed more talented than him in everything, and it hurt to see her becoming better than him. That part wanted Pumpkin to fail her exam. That part wanted her to always rely on him.
He glanced over at Pumpkin, who looked uncertain and deep in thought. Pumpkin had said that it had been his influence that had allowed her to overcome her fears. Pumpkin looked to him for strength when she was afraid. Now, at this crucial point in her life, he needed to be stronger than he’d ever been before. If he wanted to be worthy of the faith she put in him and continue to be an inspiration to her he had to put his own feelings aside to do what was best for her.
He scooted to the end of his bed, every instinct telling him to turn back, but he pressed on regardless. He climbed up onto her bed and sat next to her.
Pumpkin didn’t even notice him until he put a hoof around her. She jerked, taking a few moments to realize what had happened. “Pound,” she said quietly.
“Pumpkin…” His mind was yelling at him to keep his mouth closed, but again he ignored it. “Pumpkin, I think you should take Twilight’s offer.”
Pumpkin’s eyes widened, and then she looked away. “You don’t mean that,” she said quietly.
“Yes… I do.”
“No, you don’t! I know you, Pound. How many times have you said that you’re afraid that I’ll stop looking up to you as my hero? Not a lot is gonna happen at home that you’d have to be heroic for. I know you feel like you’re gonna be replaced if we’re going to different schools.”
Pound nuzzled her cheek with his. “Other ponies might be able to help you, but after what you said today I know I’ll never be replaced by them. I don’t want us to be apart, but-”
“And you think I want to be?” she asked roughly, pulling away from him. “Twilight is crazy!” She hopped off her bed, starting to pace around. “I’m just some bumpkin unicorn from some low-class town who just so happened to discover a useful spell.
“I’m pathetic! I’d never pass the exam. They’d just laugh me right out of the testing room.” She looked on the verge of tears.
Pound hopped off the bed as well, hugging her around the neck. “Twilight doesn’t think so. If she didn’t think you could take it she never would have made the offer.”
“SO WHAT? Twilight hasn’t been to that school since she moved to Ponyville. She has no idea if they’ve changed the rules.
“I’m not strong enough for this! I’m just a loser! I’m nothing special!” She quietly sobbed, tears falling to the floor.
Pound grabbed her head, looking her in the eyes. “I think you certainly are! And there are plenty of ponies that you saved that would agree with me.
“You’re stronger than you think you are, Pumpkin.”
Her eyes clenched shut. “No, I’m not. I’m a total weakling that can’t do anything without you!”
A flush of guilt ran through Pound at his joy of hearing that, which only made him more determined. “Pumpkin, I’m only an inspiration for you. I was petrified when you fought so hard. The one who saved those ponies, who kept going back out to save more, and fought to the end was you. You, and only you.” Releasing her, he turned around.
“Pumpkin… I used to think that we made each other stronger. We were twins, and we always fought together. When we ran away from home you were right by my side.
"Now, though… I feel like we’re making each other weaker.”
That got Pumpkin’s attention. “What do you mean, Pound?” she asked, wiping her eyes.
“Just now, when you said that you felt like you couldn’t do anything without me, it made me feel so happy. A part of me…" He took a deep breath. "A part of me wants you to always fail. A part of me wants you to be a pathetic loser.”
Her eyebrow went up. “Why? How could you say that?”
“I want you to fall so that I can catch you. I want you to be a weakling that has to rely on me so I can feel special. And that’s because I feel like a weakling myself. That’s why… that’s why I want you to leave. I don’t think that I’m ever going to be truly strong until I take the training wheels off and go it alone.
“Twilight said I set a good example for you to follow, but it’s still not enough. If you’re going to look up to me then I want to be the strongest me I can be, so that way I can inspire you to be the strongest you that you can be.”
“Pound…” Pumpkin couldn’t deny that they were very invested in one another. They had been born just a few minutes apart, and had been near inseparable since then. When they weren’t angry at each other they were an unstoppable team.
A part of her knew that what he was saying was true. She just didn’t want to accept it. If, by chance, she actually did get accepted, it would mean a large change in her life. It would mean sky-high expectations, being unable to see her brother most of the day, and having to start over in making friends.
She feared that the Canterlot kids would be smug and arrogant, especially once they learned where she came from. Worse, she feared letting it infect her. She feared becoming snooty and looking down on her family for being “normies.”
There was also the question of what would happen if she lost the enchanted object Twilight gave her. Did every teacher have the ability to teleport someone several towns over? She felt a burst of dread at the thought of having to ask Princess Celestia herself to send her home.
Right after that, though, she couldn’t help letting out a laugh that only got bigger and bigger.
That made Pound turn around, curious. “What’s so funny?” he asked over her giggles.
When she got herself under control she wiped the tears from her eyes. “It’s just that I feel so silly. I was out there in a war zone. I was fighting gigantic bug monsters and I could have been petrified or died. And yet, somehow, it still scares me just thinking of asking Princess Celestia for a small favor.”
Pound chuckled too. “That does seem silly.”
The two of them smiled at each other, but it slowly faded. “I guess… I guess this is just what I have to do, huh?”
“Yeah,” he replied with a nod.
“There’s always the chance I won’t get in, right?”
Pound heard the hopeful tone in her voice, and his eyes narrowed. “Pumpkin!” he said angrily. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity you’re being offered. Don’t deliberately ruin it by not giving it your all.”
Pumpkin flushed. He had seen right through her. “I-I-I wasn’t going to, uh, do that.”
“Pinkie Promise me you’ll do your hardest to succeed right now!”
Pumpkin avoided his gaze for a few moments before turning back to him. “I... I promise.”
Pound growled. “Pinkie Promise!”
“I, um, I-I promise I’ll-”
“PINKIE! PROMISE!” he roared.
She hesitated. Once she made a Pinkie Promise she would be bound by it. There would be no turning back. She gazed deep into his eyes, seeing the burning passion within them. It was the blazing inner strength that always inspired her, just like it had earlier that day. He didn’t want to part from her any more than she did from him, but he was ready for it, and encouraging her to be ready for it too. He was pushing her to face her fears and accept her worth.
She shut her eyes, taking in deep breaths through her nose. Was she actually ready for such a commitment? Was she strong enough for this?
She thought again of the lives she had helped during the war. She had risked her life out there. All she was risking at the testing room was failure and disappointment.
She felt a measure of strength inside of her, and she met Pound’s eyes. She moved her hoof in the usual motion. “Pinkie Promise,” she said, sealing her fate.
Pumpkin had never felt so nervous in her life. She was pacing around, unable to sit still. Her testing was due to begin any minute.
With Pound’s encouragement she had decided to take Twilight’s offer to try out for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.
She felt like something was squeezing her lungs, her breaths coming in little huffs. A part of it was the anticipation of what would happen. What questions would they ask? What tests would she have to do? What kind of ponies would the examiners be? Would they be snooty and condescending, or would they be like Twilight?
“Calm yourself, Pumpkin,” said Carrot. “You’re not going to accomplish anything by working yourself into a frenzy.”
She gulped. “How am I supposed to be calm?” She put her hooves to her head. “I can’t do this! This was all a big mistake! Let’s go home quick before it's too late.”
Cup stood up and pulled Pumpkin into a hug. “Relax,” she said comfortingly. “You don’t live in Canterlot, so the worst that will happen is that you’ll fail the test. No one will be able to mock you or humiliate you if you don’t pass.”
Her parent's were the only ones that came along. She really wished that Pound could be there with her, but he was in school. Pinkie was watching the shop.
When Pound had been there it had seemed so easy to be strong. Now she felt like the biggest weakling ever. And that, she reminded herself, was exactly why he wanted them to be apart: so that they could become strong ponies on their own.
Cup sat down on her chair, rubbing her back. “You’re going to do fine, Pumpkin. Just remember that the worst that can happen is you don’t get accepted. It’s not like they’re going to lock you up in jail if you don’t meet their standards.”
Pumpkin looked up at her mother. “I… I know that, but still…” She looked back down. “Twilight vouched for me. I don’t want to let her down.”
“Did you forget what happened when you ran away?” asked Carrot. “You thought that Twilight was mad at you for ‘making her look bad’ in front of the principal. But she wasn’t.
"The only thing you can do is give it your best effort. You might pass, or you might not. Either way, Twilight will still care for you.”
Pumpkin took a deep breath. “Yeah… you’re right. I’m still kinda nervous though.”
“Of course you are. Everyone gets a little nervous right before attempting something big. It’s okay to be nervous, just like it’s okay to be jealous or angry. It’s only when you let those feelings control you do they become a problem.”
Cup kissed her forehead a few times. “Just breathe. Twilight put her confidence in you. You might not succeed here, but Twilight believed that you had the potential to. And if she thinks you have what it takes then I believe in her.”
Pumpkin closed her eyes, nuzzling her mother for comfort. “I really wish they’d just call me in already. Once it starts I think I’ll be fine. I’ll show them what I can do and then that’ll be it. Whether I pass or fail at least it’ll be over.”
Cup and Carrot both nodded. “We’ve all been there. Even if it’s a fail it’s a relief to just know.”
The next few minutes were tense, but after what felt like an eternity a pony opened the door nearby and called out her name.
The three of them followed the mare inside.
She was in a conference room, set up for about a hundred or so students. At the bottom of the risers was a table set up for four. There were two mares and two stallions, each of them wearing a suit or a tie.
The mare that brought them in directed Cup and Carrot off to the side, while Pumpkin went to stand in front of the four examiners.
Pumpkin’s heart was beating fast. Now that the moment was upon her a part of her now wished she could have waited a little longer.
She looked around at the four examiners. The first stallion looked pretty serious. The second one looked a bit snooty, like he was already counting her out. The first mare looked bored, but the second one looked interested. Out of the four of them only one seemed like they were going to give her a fair chance. It didn’t fill her with confidence.
The serious looking stallion adjusted his glasses, saying, “Hello there. Please state your name for us.”
Well, at least they were starting off with something simple. She couldn't possibly get that wrong. “I’m…” She gulped, then started over, “I’m Pumpkin Cake.”
“Well, good. At least we know we have the right applicant. I am Gold Rush."
"Star Power," said the bored-looking mare.
"Mystic Art," said the snooty-looking stallion.
"Tranquil Ocean," said the nice-looking mare.
"Alright," said Gold Rush. "Now that introductions are out of the way just what brings you here today?”
Pumpkin’s eyebrow went up, and she gulped again. Was this some kind of trick question? “I’m here… for the test. The test to see if I qualify for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“Obviously,” said Star Power, rolling her eyes. “Can you skip the obvious questions and just get on with it?”
“Honestly!” said Mystic Art. “What else would she be here for?”
“Let’s all calm down,” said Tranquil Ocean. Addressing Pumpkin she said, “What is your goal? You’re here for the test, yes, but the test is nothing but a demonstration of your talents. Assuming you pass what is it you want to accomplish at this school?”
Pumpkin found herself smiling back at Tranquil. That question was straightforward enough. She looked up towards the ceiling, thinking of everything she had gone through in the past few months.
What did she want out of this? What was her end goal? After thinking on it for a minute she said, “My ultimate goal is to one day become an alicorn.”
Cup and Carrot both gulped. The other three judges already looked like they had a low opinion of Pumpkin before, but now they looked like they had lost any interest whatsoever in her. Tranquil was the opposite though. Her eyes sparkled with interest.
Star sighed. “Spare me the drivel,” she said condescendingly. “Could your answer be any more generic?”
“Seriously,” said Mystic. “Ponies hear about Twilight coming to this school and being granted alicornhood and suddenly every applicant thinks they’re the special ones who will inherit the position next.”
Pumpkin hung her head a little.
Tranquil said, “Why? What does alicornhood mean to you?”
Pumpkin felt like just leaving the testing room and giving up, but then she remembered her Pinkie Promise to Pound. She had said she would give it her all.
Gathering up her courage she raised her head and said, “I want to be an alicorn because I want to be extremely powerful.”
Gold shook his head. “Typical child. Power is not a kid’s game, you know.”
Tranquil said again, “Why? What do you want to do with that power?” Her horn flashed, and a pair of energy wings appeared on Pumpkin’s back. “You’ve studied, you’ve worked hard, you’ve practiced, accomplished great feats, and now you’re an alicorn. What’s next?”
Pumpkin kept her gaze focused on Tranquil as she answered. “I come from Ponyville, and we recently had an invasion of bug monsters attacking us. I got separated from my family except for my brother Pound. He’s only a few minutes older than me, but he’s the strongest pony I know. He’s not like Twilight and gifted with magic. He’s a pegasus and a little kid. Despite that, he’ll do anything to protect me.
“My brother used to be out of control and tried to fight anyone that picked on me, until Twilight taught him that it was wrong. She showed him that fighting others only made things worse. Now he tries to talk things out.”
She closed her eyes, putting a hoof to her heart. “My brother taught me everything I know about being strong. He’s always been my shield. When he was attacked by the bug creatures and I was left alone I still begged him for help, and in a way he came to my rescue. Even though he was petrified his heart remained with me, giving me the courage to help save others ponies with the magic I awakened.”
She opened her eyes, setting her hoof down. “I did everything I could, but I wasn’t strong enough. Those bug creatures… there were just too many of them to fight. If Twilight hadn’t arrived when she did we would have all been petrified.
“Pound is my hero, and has always protected me. He never brags about it or shows off. He’s just happy to know that he kept me safe. And that’s how I feel too. I was so happy I had a magic that allowed me to protect others, but right now I’m still too weak.
“I don’t want to be an alicorn or become powerful to look down on others, or to become a princess, or to get a castle, or have ponies bow down at my hooves.” Her eyes grew misty. “The only thing I want is to catch up to my hero and be exactly like him.
“I want to put myself in danger to protect everyone else from harm. I want to be like my Auntie Pinkie Pie and Twilight and become part of the new Elements of Friendship. I want to save the world so that all the other weaker ponies can live in happiness, and enjoy friendship without some monster ruining their day. I want to be the one that everyone comes to when they’re having trouble.”
The tears ran down her face. “I want to show my brother how much I appreciate what he taught me about being a hero, by becoming a hero for as many ponies as I can. And to do that I’ll do whatever it takes, no matter how hard it is.
“I want to see their smiles. I want to hear them laugh. I want to wipe away their tears. I want…” She put a hoof to her heart again.“I want to become strong enough to protect all of our dreams.”
She kneeled down. “If you give me a shot I’ll work my hardest to create an Equestria that doesn’t need alicorns or Royal Guards, and every pony lives in peace and harmony with one another.”
Cup and Carrot were pressed up against one another, quietly crying. They felt so proud of their daughter.
The other three judges had lost their haughtiness, taken aback by Pumpkin’s maturity.
Tranquil was smiling widely. “Very well said, young unicorn. I think we’ve all seen the shape of your heart. Isn’t that right?” She turned to her colleagues.
Gold cleared his throat. “Well, um... yes. It seems there is more to you than meets the eye. While your goal may be noble, though, that’s only a small portion of what constitutes an enrollment. This is a school for gifted unicorns, after all.”
Star didn’t sound quite so bored now. “That is correct. Show us what makes you think you’re gifted. You said your magic awakened in a high-tension situation. Show us what it is.”
Pumpkin let out a breath. She could see the change in the way the three judges looked at her. Now they actually looked interested in her. It made her feel more confident.
Pound… he had saved her again. If he hadn’t pushed that promise out of her she probably would have given up.
“My magic is to create anything.”
“Anything, you say?” said Mystic.
“Well… I’m sure there are limits, but I don’t know them yet.” Her horn glowed, and five magical spheres appeared around her. “My special magical talent is to create these spheres of energy. After I make them I can turn them into other things.”
She made a shield around herself, then a weapon. She made a sledgehammer that hit a bell she conjured up, making it ring. She made a comb which she ran through her mane. She made a bowling bowl which she threw at some pins.
“Interesting,” said Gold, scratching his chin. “An imagination based power.”
“I agree,” said Star. “With that level of adaptability there’s almost no limit to what she could conjure up. A magic that can change for any situation.”
“Well, well,” said Tranquil. “A noble goal and an impressive bit of magical talent. She’s certainly got my vote.”
Mystic stood up, walking around the table. “I’m not convinced just yet.” He lifted up his chair in his magic. “Defend yourself.”
Pumpkin summoned her shield, and she stood her ground as the chair collided with it, bouncing off.
“So at least your shield is actually a shield. Let’s test you some more. I want to be sure your magic actually works ‘as advertised’ and it’s not just a visual trick.” He pointed to the chair. “Cut it in half.”
Pumpkin hesitated. “Are you sure? I don’t want to be destroying school property.”
“I gave my permission, did I not? Just follow instructions.”
So Pumpkin created a sword and hacked at the chair. Unlike the bug creatures the chair was made of a sturdy material, and it resisted her efforts to cleanly swing through it.
Maybe she just wasn’t using the right tool for the job. Getting rid of the sword she created a saw instead, and that worked much better.
A minute later the top half of the chair fell to the floor.
There was a scratching of quills.
The stallion kept giving her different objects to transform her magic into. For the most part she mimicked every object she was told to for the next ten minutes, but constantly keeping her magic active was taking a drain on her concentration, and she started screwing up before hurriedly correcting it.
Eventually he took pity on her and allowed her a break.
Pumpkin let out a heavy sigh as she finally released her magic.
The stallion fixed his chair and went to sit down, writing down on the pad in front of him. “Well, you’re certainly a cut above other fillies around your age. For a pony that doesn’t come from Canterlot stock it’s quite intriguing.”
Pumpkin felt a little disheartened. It wasn’t like she didn’t expect the bias, but it still hurt. She didn’t voice her feelings, though. She had to show them she was made of tougher stuff if she ever wanted to earn their respect.
“So what do the rest of you think?”
Tranquil said, “I already stated how I felt earlier. I think she’d make a fine addition to this school.”
Gold said, “Hmmm… well, she does have a certain potential that’s begging to be explored. I wouldn’t say her power is something that can back up her bold claims, though.”
Star looked at one of her hooves, filing it a little. “I agree with that. Noble aspirations and a bit of a unique ability does not a world-saving pony make. Thinking big is good, but do try to keep your head in a realistic area.”
Pumpkin felt her confidence waning again. Her boldness earlier, while genuine, made it seem like she was being egocentric. She put her hoof to her heart again, once more thinking about her actions during the invasion.
Maybe she wouldn’t ever be as skilled as Twilight, but she did have power. She just had to remember that. If she backed down now she’d only confirm their low opinion of her.
“Then give me the chance to prove you wrong!” she said confidently. “Right now my power is like a seed that has only just bloomed. It’s just a tiny bit of what it will be when it’s full grown.
“Besides, the strength of one’s magic has nothing to do with their ability to save the world. Twilight’s friend Fluttershy won over Discord with nothing but kindness and friendship.
“Twilight put me and Pound’s words in her friendship journal, right next to hers, because she believed that even someone as young as me can still influence and help others.”
She took a few steps towards them, her eyes blazing. “So if you want to look down on me just because I come from Ponyville, or because my magic isn’t at its strongest, then fine. So long as I have my brother’s heart inside of me I’ll become stronger than anyone. I’ll never back down.”
Mystic stared at her. “Well, you’re bold, if nothing else. Do you really think we’re the worst you’re going to face here? As instructors we must retain a professional demeanor. The students might not be so kind.
“Do you believe you’re more special than the other students here? I can assure you that you’re mistaken if you believe that. You show a little more maturity than the usual kids that try out, but ponies like you are common. It has nothing to do with your town of origin, although I will state that the dropout rate for students is much greater in non-Canterlot residents.
“It doesn’t cost anything to talk big and have a dream. What matters is if you have the guts to follow it through despite turmoil and setbacks.
“I’ll give you, mmm… let’s say three months. That’s usually about the time when the majority of students first drop out. If you can last that long without giving up and without failing grades you’ll have earned my respect.”
Pumpkin pushed forward, though she thought it would be better to keep quiet. “I don’t need your respect!”
He blinked. “Is that so?”
“This has nothing to do with your opinion of me. The only thing that matters to me is helping others the way my brother taught me. This school is like a shortcut, but whether I get in or not isn’t important to me either. It just means it will take a little longer to master my power.”
Pumpkin’s mind flashed back to the times Pound threw himself in danger for her, the way he offered to take the blame for things he hadn’t even done, and his growth through training with Twilight in keeping control of his temper.
“My brother taught me enough lessons. Now I have to learn to be strong without him holding my hoof. When I grow truly strong I want to be like my heroes, and save as many ponies as I can, just like he did for me. It has nothing to do with rewards and prizes or anything to do with me. It’s about them, the ponies in need.
“The only thing my brother wanted is to see me happy and safe, and I feel the same about them. That is the very spirit of the magic of friendship.”
Mystic looked thoughtfully at her, then he shrugged. “You seem to have decent drive, but words are cheap. Action is what other ponies admire and respect, so I’ll give my vote for your approval to see what you’re made of.
“You’ve got my curiosity. Let’s just see how long you last before the pressure breaks you.”
“I agree,” said Star. “Anyone can talk big. It takes guts to follow through, so let’s just see if you can really defy our expectations. I’ll also give you your chance to prove yourself.”
“Well,” said Tranquil, “You already have my vote.”
Gold said, “I have nothing further to add. They’ve said it all already. If you really mean what you say then prove it through your actions. Nothing else will satisfy me.”
Pumpkin found it a little hard to breathe. All four of them had voted yes.
“Well, then,” said Tranquil with a warm smile, “welcome to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”
Pumpkin beamed, happy tears coming down her eyes.
“So we have a new addition to the school, huh?” came a voice near the door.
Pumpkin looked towards it and her eyes went wide as Princess Celestia walked toward her. It was the first time she had seen the mare in person. She felt weak. She was standing before the most powerful and influential pony in the world.
She was trembling slightly as she looked up into Celestia’s kind eyes and warm smile, noticing neither. “O-OH!” she exclaimed, a bead of sweat coming down her face. “S-sorry!” she said quickly, bowing to her. “I’m so sorry.” This was nothing like Twilight. She had no doubt she was to bow to Celestia.
Celestia lay down in front of her so they were on the same level. “There’s no need to be afraid,” she said gently, rubbing Pumpkin’s head.
Pumpkin looked up, tears running down her eyes, fearing she had made a horrible first impression. “Y-you were watching my test?”
She nodded. “That’s right. Twilight told me about you, Pumpkin.”
She flushed as Celestia used her name. “She did?”
“That’s right. It seems you and your brother both understand well the magic of friendship, and I’m always proud to hear that.” She put a hoof to Pumpkin’s chest. “When we put our hearts together there truly is nothing that we cannot accomplish. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Pumpkin nodded, putting her hoof over Celestia’s. “My brother lives in my heart, and he’s the strongest pony I know. I may be small now, but as our hearts grow we’ll be stronger too, and one day no one will ever be able to beat us.”
“That would be lovely. I do acknowledge your potential for greatness, though I hope you won’t be offended when I say that your raw magical ability isn’t quite the level of Twilight’s when she was a filly. You won’t be my personal student like she was, but you’ll still make a fine addition to this school.”
Pumpkin smiled. “I think I’m lucky just to get in. I wasn’t expecting to be good enough to be trained by you personally, but what I have right now is good enough.”
She gave Celestia a hug around the neck. “Thank you for believing in me.”
Celestia returned it. “You’re very welcome, my little pony.”
She had done it. She had taken the first step towards catching up to her brother. She couldn't wait to see his reaction to the news.
When school was out Pound walked up to Pinkie, his heart racing. “Well?” he asked. “What happened? Did she make it?”
Pinkie shrugged. “I don’t know, Pound. They’re not home yet.”
Pound let out a huff. All day long he had been distracted. He really hoped Pumpkin did okay with her testing. Even if she didn’t get approved he still wished that she was treated decently.
When he got home he threw his stuff in his room and sat down on his bed, unable to commit to anything. He was just so nervous. He knew the worst they could do is just not approve her application, but he felt like Pumpkin’s self-esteem would definitely take a hit if she was rejected.
He paced around restlessly, biting his hoof.
Luckily he didn’t have to wait too long before he heard the ringing of the bell and the sound of his parents. He zipped out of his room, flying down the stairs until he nearly collided with Pumpkin.
“Well? Well? Well? WELL?” Pound asked in a rush, panting heavily.
Pumpkin needed a moment. Pound’s sudden appearance startled her. She took in a breath to steady herself, before beaming. “I got in!”
Pound laughed, pumping his hoof. “ALRIGHT!” he yelled, grabbing Pumpkin and flying up in the air a few feet and spinning around. “Way to go, Pumpkin! I knew you could do it!”
Happy tears were coming down her eyes again as Pound set her down. “Thank you, Pound, for making me promise to give it my all. At one point I really felt like giving up and just leaving, but because of you I didn’t quit.”
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t quit. Someone as amazing as you should be at a school for the best of the best.”
Pumpkin blushed heavily. “S-stop it!” she said, squirming a bit.
“No, I won’t!” he said with a laugh. “I think you’re awesome, and everyone should know it.”
She could see and hear his genuine delight for her success. She grabbed him in a strong hug. “Thank you, Pound,” she said gratefully. “But I could only be this awesome because I had an amazing brother to inspire me. I won’t let you down.”
Cup, Carrot, and Pinkie were misty-eyed as they looked at the sibling love going on.
Pound hugged her back. “Same to you. I’ll work hard to stay a pony that you can admire. You’re not the only pony that’s ever gonna be in trouble. I’m gonna protect everyone that I can.”
“Me too! I want to help protect everyone I can too, just like my cool brother.”
“So it’s settled then. The both of us will become as strong as we possibly can and help every pony in trouble that we can help.”
Pumpkin nodded. “That’s the only kind of pony I’d ever want to be.”
“I agree. And with both of us in different schools that means that’s twice as many ponies we can save.”
“I know, right?” Releasing him she beamed, putting out a hoof to him. “Let’s do it.”
“Yeah!” He slapped his hoof to hers, and an odd sensation went through his body. It glowed slightly.
Pumpkin experienced the same thing, both of them staring at the strange phenomenon. It started from where their hooves met to the back of their tails. It quickly passed, but simultaneous gasps from their parents and Pinkie let them know that something had changed.
“What?” said Pound. “What is it?”
Warm tears came down Pinkie’s face. “Let’s just say that I’m going to be throwing a cutecenera for you two real soon.”
“Huh?” said Pumpkin. “A cutecenera? Why? That’s only when you get a… cutie…” She stopped as she processed the statement, then quickly looked towards her flank and saw a mark there. It was a shield with a cream and brown coloring, and a pumpkin cake in the center. She quickly looked at Pound, and saw he had the same shield, but with a pound cake in the middle, with an orange and yellow coloring.
Pound laughed as he looked back and forth between his and Pumpkin’s cutie mark’s. “We… we got our cutie marks. WE GOT OUR CUTIE MARKS!”
The two of them hugged anew, jumping up and down in joy. “WE GOT OUR CUTIE MARKS!”
When they let go Pound turned to his parents. “Mom! Dad! We did it! We… we…” His joyful expression faded. “Oh…”
“What’s wrong, Pound?” asked Cup.
“You and Dad are bakers, and you have baking cutie marks.” He looked away, feeling ashamed. “But we don’t. I guess we’re not what you expected us to be.”
Pumpkin turned to Pound, and then she felt bad too.
Cup walked up to her children, putting a hoof on both of them. “No, you’re not. Even from the beginning you weren’t what we expected. I expected to give birth to earth ponies, but I was blessed with a pegasus and a unicorn.
“And maybe I was hoping your special talents would lie in baking so you could take over Sugarcube Corner one day, but it seems that likely won’t be the case.
“So, no, your cutie marks and your destinies aren’t what I expected. They’re even better!”
Both of them looked up at her, curious.
“The two of you… your destinies both revolve around helping others and changing lives for the better. Your cutie marks are a sign of the eternal bond between you two in being there for each other and inspiring one another.” She hugged the two of them to her. “How could I ever be upset with that? I’m so proud of both of you. Don’t let silly thoughts like those take away the magic of your self-discovery.”
Carrot and Pinkie joined in, all of them hugging one another.
“That’s right!” said Carrot. “We have the future Elements of Friendship with us, and I am so proud of your growth and maturity.”
“And hey!” said Pinkie. “I have a party cutie mark and I can still bake in between going on adventures and helping Equestria. Even if you stink at baking it wouldn’t matter one bit to me. Like your mother said we’re more invested in seeing you develop into heroes.”
“I agree too,” said Carrot. “If you can still find time to help around the shop then great. If not, then that’s fine too. If that's the case, then become the best heroes you can be.”
With that their fear and shame faded away, and they hugged their mother back, once more feeling content.
Pumpkin had spent the past hour styling and restyling her mane. Today was her first day at her new school, and she was desperate to fit in and make a good first impression. Being from Ponyville was already going to sour some ponies against her. She didn’t want to make it worse by fulfilling their low expectations of her. The slightest hair out of place was all it would take. Everyone was already expecting her to fail.
She looked at the scared face staring back at her in the mirror, and she felt like a physical weight was placed on her. Her head slumped, tears brimming around her eyes. There was so much pressure on her now. She didn’t know if she could take it.
Her mind flashed back to the examiner telling her that most ponies didn’t make it past three months. Right now she felt like she wasn’t going to make it past a single day.
Maybe he was right. Maybe she was just talking big. Ponies like her were probably a bit a dozen.
She slumped off the stool she was standing on, curling up into a ball as she cried.
Pound has just set his saddlebag by the front door, feeling uncertain. This was it. He and Pumpkin would no longer be going to school together. Pinkie would only be walking him from now on. Twilight would be the one to help Pumpkin get to her school.
He sat down by the door, feeling a sense of loneliness as he put his head on his knees, hugging his legs. He hadn’t even left yet, and he already felt a giant gap in himself. It felt weird not to have Pumpkin by his side.
He and his sister often complained about being treated like children. They always wanted to grow up and be seen as mature, but this felt like too big of a leap. He didn’t know if he was mature enough to be without his sister. He didn’t know if he was ready for such a big shift in his life.
His stomach hurt and his body shook. Maybe he wasn’t as strong as he thought he was. It felt like too much to bear.
He put his hooves to his face and began crying.
Pinkie let out a sigh as she sat down next to him, putting a hoof over him. He looked up at her, teary-eyed, before hopping into her lap sideways. She began rubbing his back. “Pound, I know it hurts, but you’re stronger than this.”
“M-maybe I don’t think I am.”
“That cutie mark of yours says differently.”
Pound looked up at her, then down at his flank. He stared at it, thinking back to when he got it and the pledge he made with Pumpkin. The both of them had said they would become stronger to help others. He couldn’t just sit here moping or he wouldn’t be worthy of his cutie mark.
Pound wiped his face of his tears, grinning up at her. “Thank you, Auntie Pinkie, for reminding me who I am.”
Pinkie smiled back at him. “You’re welcome, Pound.”
He hopped off her lap. “I’m going to go check on Pumpkin, to see if she needs to be reminded too.”
As he headed for the stairs Pinkie couldn’t help but feel proud. She had hardly had to do anything at all to cheer him up this time. Just a little nudge was all it took to remind him of what was important to him.
Pumpkin was leaning against the wall of the bathroom, a dead look on her face. Her tears had stopped, but it felt like everything else had stopped too. Even her emotions were numb. The edges of despair were cutting into her.
She closed her eyes, forcing her hoof up. It felt like it weighed a hundred pounds, but she persisted until she placed it on her chest by her heart. “Pound,” she croaked out. She let out a heavy breath. “Your heart is with me.”
Her horn lit up, and she made a Pound of energy, the same way it had appeared the very first time she discovered her magical talent. Already the weight on her felt diminished.
Her taut body loosened up a bit. That was right. Her brother was never far from her heart. A part of him lived inside of her, and so long as it was she could be strong and brave and cool like him.
She forced herself up. The two of them had made a promise to each other. Pound had pledged to become stronger so she’d have someone worthwhile to look up to, but if she ever hoped to one day catch up to him she had to stand on her own four hooves. Maybe then he’d start to look up to her and feel inspired by her as well.
The two of them had the same cutie mark. If Pound was going to do his part in living up to it then she had to too. Still, she felt like she could use just a little dash of courage.
“Pumpkin?” came the voice of her brother as he walked in. “Whoa! It seems I have a twin.” He let out a little laugh.
Pumpkin dropped her spell. Her legs wobbled a bit at first, but she made it over to him and hugged him. “I need a hug,” she said in a weary tone.
Pound quickly obliged. “I know what you’re going through, Pumpkin. Auntie Pinkie just reminded me to be stronger when I was feeling down.”
She squeezed tighter, all her pain and fear vanishing. “I… I was starting to get there myself. I was feeling scared and thinking I wasn’t worthy of going to Princess Celestia’s school, but I remembered I didn’t have anything to fear because you’re always with me. As long as you’re there in my heart I know I can be strong and take all the hardship.”
“So that’s why you made the fake me? To remind yourself of that?”
Pumpkin nodded. Pulling back from him she looked him in the eyes, her own shimmering. “I don’t care what anyone else says, Pound. I don’t care that you’re not a unicorn, or that the only pony you saved is me. I still think you’re the most powerful and amazing pony in Equestria.”
Pound blushed. “Oh, come on…”
“No!” she said strongly. “I mean it! Fluttershy and Twilight and our parents and Auntie Pinkie are all amazing ponies, but not a single one of them compares to you. The only thing I want is to one day be as amazing as you are.”
Pound’s eyes grew misty. “For a while I was really jealous of you, you know. It felt like you could do everything. You were smart and could use magic, while I couldn’t fly and felt dumb. Now I can fly though, and I’m doing better in school.
“I’m not jealous of you anymore. I already know that I’m probably never going to do something as incredible as protecting all of Ponyville like you did, and that’s okay.” He put his hoof to his heart. “A part of you lives in me too, and it’s enough to know that I helped you discover just how amazing and awesome you really are.
“Just like I inspire you to be brave and strong, I feel just as inspired by you. I think you’re an amazing pony already, Pumpkin, and you’re only gonna be more amazing once you master your magic.” Warm tears came down his eyes. “You’re a real hero to Ponyville, Pumpkin, and you’ve become my hero too.”
Pumpkin’s eyes clenched shut as she let out a sob and hugged him again. “T-t-thank you! Thank you, Pound!”
Pound hugged her back, crying along with her. "You're welcome, Pumpkin," he said quietly.
Walking off to school, it feels odd without Pumpkin by my side. However, it no longer feels like it will break me. Even though Pumpkin has done things far beyond me she still looks up to me as her hero. I can’t betray that trust, not for anything in the world. I have to keep growing, for her sake.
It’s not like it was before. I don’t want to retain my hero position in her eyes out of jealousy or fear, but because I admire and respect her. If she ever starts to doubt herself and what she’s capable of I want to show her the strength inside of her by showcasing it myself.
I don’t have magic like her. I can’t create shields and magic weapons to make up for my youthful weakness. I’m still just a kid. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to save as many lives as Pumpkin did during the invasion. I may not be able to match her in ability, but I can’t lose heart. Even the strongest pony isn’t invincible. Twilight, Princess Celestia, Cadance… even the princesses have fallen sometimes, needing their friends to help save them and give them the strength to win.
I don’t know if Pumpkin is ever going to be like Twilight and get promoted to alicornhood, but even if she doesn’t I’ll always be in the shadows behind her if Pumpkin ever becomes a leader. It bothered me before, thinking of always coming in second to my sister, but just like our cutie marks our victories and our destinies are achieved together.
Now I see that being in the shadows is the best place to be, because if other ponies think I'm just a loser pegasus I can surprise them. If someone tries to hurt her I’ll stop them. If she feels afraid and unsure I’ll help give her courage. That’s the role that I can play. I can be the Auntie Pinkie to her Twilight.
I don’t need to have flashy titles and medals. I never protected Pumpkin for silly things like that. I did it to keep her safe and happy. I’m fine with just being in the background, knowing that she’s still looking up to me. There's only one pony whose opinion I truly care about, and as long as Pumpkin looks up to me that's enough.
I will always keep her safe so long as I’m around. After all… that’s my job as her big brother. Hee hee.
***
Twilight arrived a short while after Pound left with Auntie Pinkie. The crushing weight of fear and despair that felt like it was going to destroy me is gone. Sure, there’s still some fear and nervousness inside of me, but it’s a lot weaker than before.
She placed a necklace around my neck, explaining the special charm she placed upon it. It had a teleportation spell on it set up for two specific places, namely a room in Celestia’s School and my own bedroom. It just needed to be fueled with magical energy on a daily basis. If the object glowed red it meant that there was currently an object at the location I wanted to teleport to, and I’d have to wait a little while. It all seemed simple enough.
She put a hoof on me, telling me to close my eyes. When I complied I heard the sound of her horn’s magic before my stomach jumped.
I felt a little nauseous and weak hooved at first, but both of those quickly passed.
As I opened my eyes I saw we were in an empty classroom, Twilight explaining that she set the spell for a place that wasn’t often used.
We left the empty room, heading for my very first class here. Twilight explained things about the school as we walked, pointing out rooms and telling me short stories of memories she had had there.
When we arrived at my classroom I thought she was going to leave, but she walked in ahead of me.
There were about thirty unicorns scattered around the room. As we walked toward the front of the room by the teacher I could hear the kids murmuring about Princess Twilight being there.
Twilight had me introduce myself to my teacher, Starry Night, who introduced himself in turn.
Again I thought Twilight was about to leave, but she turned around and called the class to attention. Starry didn’t seem bothered by Twilight directing his class.
Twilight put a hoof on me, introducing me to everyone, asking them to be respectful to me like she would be to them.
I gave out a confident “Hello!” I wanted to start strong. A few looked genuinely interested, but quite a few seemed to only be nice because Twilight was right there. Once she was gone I’m sure their fake smiles would fade.
That was fine. I wasn’t expecting things to be easy. Without realizing it I put my hoof to my heart. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately. It comforted me, reminding me of my invisible bond with Pound.
When Twilight left I was given one of the empty seats.
And, so, it has begun. My new life. My new school. And, possibly, a new me. I enjoyed reading and studying. Maybe not to the extent that Twilight does, but I do still like it.
Already, I wonder what Pound is up to, and how he’s taking things. If I know him, then he’s doing just fine. A strong pony like him wouldn’t let this get him down, and because a part of him lives with me I won’t let it get me down either.
Pound’s words washed over me. 'You're a hero to Ponyville, and you've become my hero too.' As much as I looked up to him he was already looking up to me. I didn’t want to lose that respect he had for me, so I would take this as far as I could.
Maybe I had already caught up to my brother, and now we were both walking side by side. I had a bigger accomplishment than him, but like I told him before I consider that a joint victory. I was terrified at first. If Pound hadn’t shown me what true courage was I never would have been able to keep going through such a scary situation.
A long path was laid out before me. There was a high drop-out rate for non-Canterlot citizens, and even then quite a few students dropped out by the three month mark. I had no intention of adding to those numbers or bringing down Ponyville’s reputation any further in their eyes.
For now, I would just take things one day at a time. After all, no matter how bad a day I have I know that Pound is always going to be waiting for me when I get home. Pound always makes everything better. Except when we’re mad at each other. Hee hee. Then he makes things a whole lot worse.
I was still a little nervous about what was to come, but so long as my brother’s heart beats with mine I know I have nothing to be afraid of. I’ll keep walking no matter how many times I stumble along the way. After all, that’s what a true hero does.
