> Rise and Fall > by Peppermint Cream > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peppermint Cream is just an ordinary Pegasus filly. Well that's what everypony else thinks, but not everything is as it seems. The Peppermint everypony else knows is a Pegasus with a blue-violet coat and a complicated, electric blue mane and tail (rather like Sparkleworks' from G3), that moved to Ponyville from Cloudsdale. Her cutie mark is a vanilla muffin in an electric blue case. Sports are her weakness. Her hobbies include singing and drawing. But is that who she really is? Of course not! Her life did not start in Equestria like any other colt or filly, no, her's started in a place called Earth. She was known as Tori and she lived in Northamptonshire, England. She spent 20 years on Earth until she was transferred to the magical world of Equestria. Can we get a brief description of her last two years on Earth? Thanks, now let me see… Tori had just finished her time in her upper school in Bedfordshire. She was now looking into university. She knew she wanted to study cooking in California which she had decided that at the young age of 11. Finding a university in the area she wanted to reside in was her current focus and that area was Garden Grove, Orange County. She was on her way to getting a student visa, she was now in the queue for one. Did I mention she was a major fan of The Offspring? I didn't? Oh, well she is... Dexter Holland is so hot... oops, I went off on a tangent! A year later sees Tori boarding the plane to the state of California. She found an apartment and within a couple of weeks she had settled in and picked up a slight American accent. Her first few months at university went perfectly. Little did she know what was going to happen in 8 months time. Let's move on to the night she left her world. It was December 29th and she was celebrating Dexter Holland's birthday by admiring her replica of Noodles' duct tape finished electric guitar (NDM1) which had been signed by the band and drinking beer. When she had finished her 2nd bottle of beer (she didn't know what brand it was, nor did she really care), a strange navy blue mist appeared. It formed into a large figure, almost as tall as her. What confused Tori was the fact that it was shaped like Luna from that show she used to watch back in the year 2012. The mist swirled around the pony shape so she could not make out who or what it actually was. Then it spoke with a soft but powerful voice. "Speak your name." Tori was torn between telling her and asking why but in the end, curiosity got the better of her. "Why do you want my name? What do you want? Why are you in my house?!" The figure spoke with the wisdom of ages in her voice as she explained. "I was sent to retrieve a human from this world and your house just happens to be the one I teleported into. As for your name, well it would be better if I could call you by it." "Tori." "Tori?" "Yes, it's my name." "Oh, well in that case, Tori, you may pack a few things and then you will come with me to Equestria." This statement shocked her and made her go over the sentence several times in her head. Equestria? Wasn't that a fictional world that housed magical, pastel coloured ponies? This was crazy, but she was seeing this right in front of her eyes. She definitely wasn't dreaming. The way the intruder had spoken made it seem like she had no choice which was most likely true. "One question, is there beer in Equestria?" "Well, there's cider and champagne so, yes, there is. I'm pretty sure you'll appreciate the various array of beverages we supply back in Equestria." "I'm still bringing my own, I'm convinced you and your ponies want to bake cupcakes out of my organs or crush my body for spectra to create rainbows so I'm not giving you any chances." She began her mad rush around her apartment. When she returned, she found the mysterious figure waiting impatiently. Tori ran through a mental checklist in her mind. Her signed replica of NDM1, check; two weeks supply of beer, check; iPod and charger, check; all nine Offspring albums, check; laptop and charger, check and last but not least (In fact, its the most important thing!), a router for getting internet! "Okay, I'm ready." "Good. But I must warn you, when we arrive, I will not be with you and you shall no longer be in a human form. You will have just enough bits to find a place to live and get food. I suggest you get a job doing the paper round until you are old enough to get a proper job." "What do you mean old enough, I'm 20 years ol-Ugh, I don't feel too good..." Tori collapsed as the swirling mist which was now glowing a violet-blue covered her unconscious body, transporting her to the world she would learn to call her home. AUTHOR'S NOTE: Can I have an intro? listen to this before reading on: Heya guys! I'm ever so sorry for the lack of updates throughout my stories, but I've been so busy. As I wrote this note and prologue you are reading, I was actually at a sleepover, but my friend fell asleep so I borrowed her laptop. I just wanted to say how sorry I am for being away for so long. In case you haven't guessed, Peppermint Cream/Tori or as my friends call me, Torza, is me! I also wanted to share some of the epic and truly awesome music that I listened to while writing this note and prologue. I'll probably put up an author's note in every chapter and share a few links. Remember guys, listen to The Offspring and stay away from pop music, it kills off brain cells! > I Think I Need Therapy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I started my day the same as any other. I woke up in my cloud house on the border of Ponyville and as usual, I was the only one there. Breakfast consisted of fried egg and bacon (I can't understand why everypony else is so against it, bacon is amazing!), which was just same as every single day under Celestia's sun. My beautiful signed guitar came into view as I headed to back into my kitchen. A fresh batch of cupcakes were ready for me to show my class what I got! I looked back at my flank and saw my cutie mark; a vanilla muffin in an electric blue case. Any doubt that I had was washed away at the sight of my mark, baking was my talent and I shall make my dreams of becoming Cloudsdale's most famed baker! And here I am, tearing my mane out trying to teach three fillies learn how to bake in the hope of earning cutie marks of their own. How did this happen, you ask? I'll give you a recount from the start of the school day. I arrived at school just on time, I was known for being the most punctual Pegasus in the class. As soon as I saw Miss.Cheerliee, I asked if I could store my baked goods in the staff room fridge. Naturally, the kind Earth Pony mare said yes, so I trotted down to the staff room, all the while making sure the cupcakes weren't in danger of falling off my back. When I reached the staff room, I opened the fridge and carefully set the cupcakes down in the fridge. Class was just as boring as usual. Miss.Cheerilee just went on and on about creatures of the Everfree Forest. What good would that do me? I knew I was destined to be a baker, not an explorer! Morning break, the next class and lunch went just the same as you'd expect, nothing out of order it anything like that. I was ever so excited because after this math class was over, it was her time to present her cupcakes to the class. After what seemed like an eternity, math class came to a close. "Peppermint Cream, would you like to go and fetch what you have to show to the class that reflects your talent?" I had been getting so impatient for this moment and now it had finally came! "Yes, Miss.Cheerilee, I'll go right away!" As soon as I got out the class I spread my wings and flew at my fastest through the corridors to the staff room. After several minutes of thrilling flight, I landed outside the room that held perfection. I walked into the room and retrieved my show and tell from the fridge. I placed the tray on my back and walked very carefully back to class. I had been walking for at least 5 minutes and I was getting bored. Finally after a couple more minutes, the red door to the classroom came into sight. I pushed the door open gently and trotted to the front of the room. I slipped the covered tray onto the front desk using my wing as a ramp. As my classmates gathered round to see what I had to share, I unveiled the cupcakes on the tray. I looked at their expressions for the reaction to my handiwork and looks of awe, hunger and amazement were plastered upon their faces. Pleased with the reaction, I began to speak. "Today I present to you a batch of my favourite cupcakes! They are chocolate flavour with either white or milk chocolate drops inside. The icing is vanilla, don't let the mint green colour fool you! I then decorated them with marbled chocolate flakes. There is enough for everypony to have one cake each. Please enjoy!" I watched in satisfaction as the colts and fillies help themselves to cake and took their first bite. Their expressions said it all. Her show and tell had been a great success! Before long, home time had arrived. I packed my schoolbag and headed to the door, only to be confronted by three of the ponies in her class. "Howdy Peppermint! They were some mighty fine cakes you whipped up!" The yellow Earth Pony was beaming with joy. "Could you teach us how to bake like that?" the white Unicorn filly had a pleading expression on her face. "Yeah, I guess we could give baking another go." I recognized this filly. It was Scootaloo, an orange Pegasus that just happened to be the first pony I encountered in Equestria. "Well, why don't you three come back to my house and I could teach you a simple recipe." The three ponies' faces before her lit up when they heard that. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADER BAKERS MARK 2!" They yelled in unison, leaving me slightly flustered. We left the school and began the journey. I regretted giving in to the crusaders. One of them was sure to question the lack of adults in my house. I had to make up an excuse, they couldn't find out where I came from! Ummm... My father works night shifts and.... My mum is on a business trip! Yeah, that would work, I could pull that off. I hadn't noticed while I was lost in my thoughts but we had reached my cloud house. When Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, climbed up onto the cloud they were very confused. "How come me an' Sweetie ain't falling through this cloud?" "It has an enchantment to let all races walk on this cloud." It was then that the nightmare began. > You Can't Be Serious! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finished. At last. Those damn fillies made the remainder of my afternoon living hell. Now that the mess had been cleared up and the fillies were leaving, I could finally relax. I hovered slightly off the ground as I led the three troublesome foals to the door. There was only one thing on my mind. Smash. As soon as the Cutie Mark Crusaders were out the door, I was flying back to the living room and I was gonna listen to a little piece of home. Not Equestria, this strange land that I had adapted to, but Earth, the place I actually belong. "Sorry 'bout that mess Peppermint," Applebloom was so adorable when she was being all apologetic. But she's not my type and anyway, I'm not into mares. "S'ok, all that matters is that you cleaned it up afterwards." C'mon, I gotta get them outta my house, I need proper music! Plus, they might start asking questions concerning my parents... "Yeah, I guess so Pepper..." Now, if I was into mares, Scootaloo would be the kinda filly I'd be after. She was such a daredevil and so athletic and athletic equals great figure ya know! "That's right Scoots, you guys need to get going now 'cause I don't know about you, but I'm getting tired." Yes! They haven't asked about my parents! Peace and quiet at last. "Bye Peppermint!" Their unified shouting left me slightly flustered as they climbed down the ladder from my enchanted cloud house. I sped through my house to my bedroom, grabbed Smash and flew down to the living room. The CD player opened and I placed the disc inside. My armchair looked comfortable and welcoming, I walked over and sat in it, pressed play via the remote and my session of relaxation began. "Ah, it's time to relax and you know what that means a glass of wine, Your favourite easy chair and of course this compact disc Playing on your home stereo. so go on indulge yourself, that's right, Kick off your shoes, put your feet up, lean back and and just enjoy The melodies. after all, music soothes even the savage beast...." So true, so true. I thought I heard a knocking sound but I ignored it. It was probably just some cold caller. The knocking sounded again halfway through "Nitro (Youth Energy)". This time I'm answering the door. "Oh, hey Scoots. What brings you here?" She shuffled awkwardly and drew circles with her hoof. Something wasn't quite right here. I stepped aside and gestured for her to come in. "Take a seat, I'll go make some drinks. Any specific preference?" I'm breaking out the Galaxy! Mmmmm Galaxy... "Do you have hot chocolate?" "Who doesn't!" With that, I trotted through the living room and into the hallway. The kitchen was through the door straight ahead. I never really took the time to really appreciate the decor of the room. It was painted a gorgeous sky blue with flecks of a strange purple gemstone embedded into it. The purple flecks looked a lot like Tanzanite. The counters were made of white and black marble. The floor was made up of large, square, red tiles that shone like the morning sun. Now for the hot chocolate. It took several cupboards but eventually I came across my rather large stash of Galaxy cocoa powder. They were definitely just add water, which meant I still needed milk. I recited the instructions my mother gave me as a child while I completed each step. Step one, turn on the kettle. Step two, cocoa in the cup! The tub said to use 4 teaspoons. Forget that, I'll double it! Step three, pour a little milk into the cup. Step four, Stir into a paste. Remember, no lumps! Step five, Add the boiled water, stir and enjoy! I got down a tray from on top of the fridge and placed the beverages on it. With a flap of my wings I became airborne as I carried the hot tray in my hooves. A swift kick from my hind leg opened the kitchen door. I floated through the open door into the hallway and through into the living room. It was as I entered, a thought dawned on me. I left an Earth band playing on the stereo! It appeared to be playing the last chorus of Come Out And Play, to which Scootaloo was singing along to. She wasn't too good at singing... "Hey! Man, you talking back to me? Take him out! You gotta keep em' separated! Hey! Man, you disrespectin' me? Take him out!-" "You gotta keep 'em separated!" I watched as Scootaloo's orange cheecks turned to crimson red. A few chuckles escaped from me as I set the drinks on the glass coffee table. "Sorry about that..." "What's there to be sorry about?" "I dunno actually... where can I get this album? It's has to be the most epic thing ever!" Cover story, Peppermint, cover story! "Well, it was a present. All I know is that they aren't an Equestrian band." Nailed it! I'll just go call Pinkie and tell her to host a "Peppermint Cream made up a successful cover story" party! "What a wicked, cool present!" She went and sat in her chair. I passed her a mug of hot chocolate which she accepted gratefully. We sat in silence for a while. It wasn't awkward silence and there was no tension in the air. The silence was peaceful and soothing. Until now, I had never really payed attention to how the filly looked, I had only cared about keeping my cover. Now that I looked at her properly, I realised that Scootaloo was a beautiful filly. Her coat was a stunning orange like the sunset that gave off a youthful glow. Her unruly plum mane and tail actually had an aroma of summer berries, it was quite a strong scent for she could smell it even though she was a few metres away. She had a spark of determination in her eyes and her irises were a shade deeper than her mane and tail. "So what brings you here, Scoots?" "Well, um, this is kinda awkward..." "You can tell or ask me anything." "Okay, Pepper, this is gonna take a while." "Go on..." "When I was just a few months old, my father passed away. My mother was depressed and angry. She took it all out on me, night after night. Eventually, I got sick of the beating and the insults, I-I decided to d-do something about-" Scootaloo couldn't finish her sentence as she broke down into tears. I felt great sorrow for her and a rather large amount of rage towards her mother.However, It seemed that Scootaloo did not want to be comforted as she pushed me away when I moved over to her. "Scootaloo... Do you want to continue or call it a night and go home?" "T-that's just it Pepper! How can I go to a place I don't have?!" "You're homeless?" "Well, I have no parents! No parents means no money, no money means bills aren't paid, unpaid bills means no home!" "What do you mean you have no parents? What about your mom!" "I-I.." An expression of guilt appeared across her face as she spoke. "You, what?" "I killed her." "WHAT?!" "I killed my mother." > Nope, Not Buying It > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Bullshit." "What?" "Bullshit." Scootaloo just looked at me quizzically again. It appears that Equestrians aren't familiar with cursing. "What does that even mean?!" "You know what, never mind," She returned to looking guilty again. "What kind of filly murders their own mother?!" "She was abusing me! It was the only thing that came to mind.." "You could of called Childline or something!" That earned me another confused look. "So I guess this is the part where you ask if you can stay here." "Yeah, I was kinda hoping you'd let me..." "Why come to me? What about the other Crusaders or the Elements of Harmony?" "Because... I have feeling for you..." Well this is awkward. How the hell do I tell her that I'm straight? "Um Scoots, I don't swing that way." She began to tear up which just made me feel bad. "I'll just go tell the Crusaders then..." "Would you like me to come with you? You know, in case you can't finish your story." "Yeah, I'd like that." I wrapped my scarf around my neck, turned off the stereo and headed out the door with Scootaloo close behind. It was cold outside tonight, but the scenery of Equestria was nonetheless beautiful. I always liked to go flying when the weather was like this, but I couldn't do that today because I'd zone out and ignore Scootaloo and she can't fly anyway. Sweet Apple Acres wasn't very far from my house but Carousel Boutique was on the other side of town, I was not looking forward to that trip so hopefully Sweetie Belle would be having a sleepover with Applebloom or something. Finally, Sweet Apple Acres was coming into view. I saw Applejack heading into the barn to drop off the last load of apples for today. Scootaloo and I walked up to the house on the farm and I knocked at the door. We were greeted by Applebloom who was too happy to be surprised about visitors after dark. "Scoots! Pepper!" "Hiya Applebloom!" "'Sup Applebloom." "You don't sound very happy, Scoots. Is something wrong?" I'll answer this. "Well, there's something we need to talk to you about." "Well why don't ya come on in then?" "Thank you Applebloom." We walked into her house and I braced myself for her reaction. Hey Guys, sorry for the lack of updates and for this short chapter, I've been getting a shedload of homework recently. Soooo, onto the songs I listened to while I wrote this chapter: This one is probably my favourite from the album. With this one as a close 2nd This version (original) is actually better than the rerecord.. And there you have it, Ignition! -Princess Dream Catcher > Well That Was Strange > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So, um.. I get if if you don't wanna be friends anymore..." Applebloom was horrified. She just stared, slack-jawed at Scootaloo. I would've done the same thing if I had never been 20 at some point. Hey, Applebloom appears to be recovering from shock! "Uh... well, a real friend would never abandon their friends no matter what's behind them!" "Thanks Applebloom, that means a lot to me, I still need to tell Sweetie Belle." Ow, my head! My vision is going blurry... "Applebloom, do you have anything I can drink?" me "Course we do! What would ya like?" "What do you have?" "Apple juice, appleade, cider, apple squa-" "Okay I get it, pretty much everything apple related. I'll have appleade please." "Sure thing, Pepper! Ah'll go get it!" I'm starting to get dizzy. A few seconds later, Applebloom appeared with a tray in her mouth. She placed it on the table and dished out the drinks. "Here's your appleade, Pepper!" She looked confused as she pulled away. "Something the matter?" "You smell of vanilla." "So?" "Your name is PEPPERMINT Cream, not Vanilla Cream." "If you think that's weird, you'll be mind blown that my mane tastes of icing sugar and when it gets wet it smells like a cake in the oven and tastes like chocolate!" "Woah." "Yup!" "Here's a mug of herbal tea for you, Scootaloo!" "YOU like herbal tea, Scoots?" She looked slightly offended at that, oops. "Um, yeah why?" "Dunno, you just didn't seem like the kind of pony to drink that." Ugh, sudden wave of dizziness. I gulped down my drink but that didn't really help. "I think I need to go now, it was nice seeing you Applebloom. See both of you on Monday!" I got up and walked out the door. I spread my wings and took to the sky. The breeze was cool and refreshing. I had spent a good hour at Sweet Apple Acres and it was good to be out of the stuffy building. The sky was a midnight blue with the white moonlight illuminating it. I felt free as I soared through the sky, just under the clouds. My cloud house was in sight now so I began my descent to the ground. I began to feel slow and tired. As I touched down on the cloud floor I stumbled into my house. I made my way up the stairs, barely managing to walk properly. My mind was so clouded I couldn't pay attention to where I was going and I just walked through the door instead of opening it. There is now a pony shaped hole in the door. I'll have to get some more cloud to... OW! My head is pounding! I can't see anymore, everything is blurry... Everything is numb... Why is everything fading to black? So tired... The first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was mist. Blood red mist. It was gorgeous, the way it swirled around like that. I found the strength to get up and as I looked around I saw nothing. Just a vast stretch of nothing in every direction. All of a sudden it became cold. The mist turned to a navy blue and a tall figure appeared. The mist swirled around the tall creature, hiding its identity. I stared as I realised that it was the same thing that had taken me to Equestria in the first place! "Y-you!" "So you remember me then." "Quit hiding behind that mist and tell me who you actually are!" She stepped out of the mist and I gasped as I saw her. She was a large alicorn, taller than Princess Celestia. Her coat was a deep navy blue, like Luna's. Her mane and tail were lavender at the roots but faded to turquoise at the ends. They looked like there was a breeze constantly blowing and had the navy mist floating around them. Her cutie mark was a red spiral and a few sky blue stars. "I am Aurora, the third eternal sister. I once ruled Equestria with my sisters, I was the keeper of dreams until the fourth eternal sister showed up. She's a turquoise alicorn, although I wouldn't expect anyone to know her as she never shows herself to mortals. While I resent her for taking my job, I also thank her, for I was then forced to find my talent. I eventually found it when I discovered my hidden ability. Every alicorn has one. Celestia's is being able to connect her magic with the sun, Luna's is being able to reach out to the moon with her magic, Awakening's is being able to tap into people's minds while they are asleep and Cadence's is being able to influence people's feelings with her magic. Mine is being able to transport to different universes and to rule over them to keep the balance. You are the only being in Equestria except for the other eternal sisters to know of my existence so I must ask that you do not tell anypony." Well that was a lot to take in. I'll think over this later, I want to know where the hell I am! "Um, Princess Aurora, if that's what you would like to be called, what is this place?" "Just call me Aurora, I am no princess. This place is the empty space between the universes." "How did I get here?" "I summoned you here. Unfortunately, this place is only accessible by mortals if they are unconscious or sleeping so I had to make you fall asleep, alicorn magic is different from unicorn magic so sorry if you experienced any nasty sensations." "Why did you take me from Earth, for all I know, The Offspring could be retired or Dexter Holland could've died and what about my family?!" "I explained it to your family and I may have also used some magic to get them to say it was okay..." "As long as they know, it's okay. What about The Offspring?" "They are not of my concern." "Why not? Can't you just grant them immortality or something?" "My goddess, you have a lot of questions! No, it is not that simple. Creating immortal beings on Earth is very dangerous, with immortality comes immense power and unlike Equestria, negative emotions like hate, jealousy and spite are quite common so immortal beings could misuse the power. You saw what happened when those negative emotions overcame Luna, for a normal pony it would just cause a bit of disharmony, but because she was immortal The Darkness took over in her mind." "Oh... One last question, why did you bring me to Equestria?" "Because I sensed a spark of Equestrian magic on Earth and I had to send it to Equestria before it upset the balance and now, Tori, you must wake up. I have kept you here too long." Hello stalkers, a longer chapter today to make up for the boring, short one yesterday. This one was fun to write, I had to stretch my imagination this time. I finally figured out what I'm doing with this story now. But I'm not telling you! Until next time! -GimmeMahCheesecake (Yeah, I changed my username)