> Guardians of the beyond VOL I
>  by Red24
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s come down to this. The final event of the friendship games, the flag hunt. Everything was already tied up after the relay race incident, but this would end it all. Principal Sinch and the other students kept pressuring Twilight to release the stored magic her device had been collecting. Twilight gave in, Canterlot High was already cheating with their magic so it seemed fair. 

When Sunset saw Twilight seming to approach them, something didn’t feel right. She saw Twilight press the center to open it, she hurried to stop her but it was too late. The suppressed magic let out in a large burst, a large sphere swiling with energy that lifted Twilight in the air and consume her. 

“Heeeeeeeeeelllllllp... meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!” she cried reaching out to who she thought were her friends. Screaming as the magic consumed her, it all became too much and it caused her to transform completely, awakening the inner demon now known as Midnight Sparkle. Finally having a full understanding of magic and control over Twilight, she destroyed the dimensional barrier, opening holes peeking into Equestria causing more chaos as terrified people tried to flee.

Everyone helped where they could, even the students of Crystal prep let go of their rivalry to help others before they fell into Equestria. Seeing her friends risk their own lives to help others, Sunset looked down at Twilights device that was picking up on their inner magic, a new spark ignited inside her. Standing up to Midnight, she used the same device to collect the magic from her friends to transform as well into a more angelic like being. 

It turned into a stalemate with their dark and light magic pushing against one another until Spike called out to Midnight. Twilight seemed to break free for a momnet, which gave Sunset the chance to defeat Midnight and bring Twilight back…….


Sunset, Twilight, and the rest of the Canterlot High gang celebrated after Twilight had turned back from being Midnight Sparkle. What they didn't know was that as she was turning back, a small sliver of Midnight Sparkle escaped into one of the closing portals. It was only a small amount, but it swore revenge against the girls. So she tried to corrupt Twilight again, especially after she gained new powers. But like always, the magic of friendship prevailed and Twilight overcame her insecurities. Midnight couldn't touch her anymore, and she became lost in the space between the multiverses.

"It seems that your plan has failed again, will there be a plan C?" a voice tauntingly teased. She turns to see the familiar draconequus. One that had helped her regain her strength in hopes of taking back power and control.

Midnight looked at the creature, she was rather annoyed and saddened at this failure.

“Well, I don’t know anymore....my whole existence... I came into being because of her, I became my own life form.......I had one purpose but now!” She punched the air feeling like she had no direction, Midnight had appreciated the help of Discord and even felt close to him, but still, she struggled.

"Oh come now Twinkle, I'm sure we can find a place for you somewhere, the universe is yours!" Discord assured coming close, waving his pawed hand to the vast space as many portals opened to other dimensions. Some are happy and bright, others are already corrupted in darkness.

She looks at the portals and she feels how lucky she was to find a beast so unknown to her intellect and yet so helpful, Midnight thought with a smile “While I appreciate your assistence in the past, letting me speak to Twilight in her dreams to try and corrupt her again did work for awhile until…friendship prevailed,” saying the word made Midnight shiver and gag. “It still puzzles me. Why? Why have you helped me so much? You are an incredible strong and powerful being, why do you care?” She asked with a smirk liking this chaotic creature.

"Oh I have nothing better to do, after being defeated a zillion times I've taken up the hobby of dimension watching!!" a remote appeared in his paw, as he pressed the channel button to scroll through different dimensions of different realities. On his head appeared a classic drinking cap that said ‘Reality is an illusion, the universe is a hologram, bye gold bye,’ with two cans of bubble shock attatched to either side. Discord casually sipped from the cans with the middle straw as a large bowl of cookie cats appeared in his lap while he sat in a louge chair. "Some of them are quite entertaining! Chaotic even!"

Midnight watched the many dimensions flash by, then flew up to him with an idea!

“Well then it’s clear to me we need to do something more if we want to truly accomplish our goals..” she chuckles. “You’ve helped me and my appreciation is high, but together! We could be unstoppable! I can discover all the secrets and knowledge of the magic in the multiverse and you can be as chaotic as you want” She patted his head

Discord sneered at himself, "Oh! ho! ho! I like where this is going." he says flying around her a little before they stand on an invisible platform, "Where do we start, Twinkle?"

She rolled her eyes at his nickname for her but she accepted since she felt for this creature...in ways, she was surprised by. She thought about it with her intellect and her feelings running high, “Well there’s so many Dimensions!..wait what if we combine ourselves...a creature who has both our powers who can accomplish what we can not!”

"Our own heir of darkness hm?" He hums, claws his hand on his beard, "I suppose, but we'll have to work up to that don't we?" He smirked again, coming close to her face.

She blushes a deep red still having a shyness that her original host had “w..well yes! Of course, I’m willing! Our heir will be the most powerful” She gave him a look with her eyes and stroked his long neck.

"Well then," he waved as a door opened to a bedroom, "Shall we?"

Her heart raced and she smirks thinking this will be the great beginning “yes I am!” Midnight replies, entering rather eagerly. 

So did he, but peeked his head out to look at the two people writing their every word and action, "Now I know you two are up there and are coming up with this as you go, but this isn't for your eyes," he says before shutting the door. Disappointing a few certain people. But his head phased through once more,

“Who were you...never mind” midnight shrugged it off.

"Oh don't worry about it twinkle, nothing to worry about," He assures her.
> Book I Chapter I  “The Child of Chaos”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since then, they sired a child together. A young Pegasus colt with little stubs on his head for horns that would grow in the future.

Discord and Midnight had not thought about it at all but surprisingly, having a child to raise was a  heck  of a lot of work! It somehow made them closer and over time, a true relationship formed, though they never forget their original plan. They named him Eclipse, and he would grow into a remarkable creature indeed...

He truly was a hoof-full. Nonetheless, they cared about him. One day when they were distracted, little Eclipse wandered off into a portal, ending up in the room of a mare who was crying by herself. He had never met another creature before, and she looked kinda like him with wings and horns. But she had one that was long and straight like his mother's! Unlike his pair of two.

He walked up closer, full of curiosity! But he was slow, not fully understanding what she was.

“H-hello?..” he spoke shyly, wide-eyed and intrigued.

She gasps, looking back to the shadows, her horn lit up a bright blue, "Who's there?" she asked standing, "Show yourself!"

He was a little nervous from her sudden reaction, so he stayed hidden 

“Why are you crying?....oh and why no horns????” The young Eclipse asked sounding innocent yet mighty.

"No horns?" she sounded confused as her single horn shined brighter, "That doesn't matter." she raised a hoof to wipe her eyes, red and puffy from her previous tears. Eclipse could feel her sorrow and jealousy simmering inside her.

“You're sad.....you’re.....jealous...?” Eclipse had not experienced a pony with so much sorrow before, he had the powers of darkness within him, and he could sense she did as well

"I...I...I-It's not fair!" the mare then exclaimed enraged, eyes welling up with more tears. "Why does she get all the attention while I'm left in the darkness of her shadow!!"

Eclipse started to get teary-eyed, feeling her emotions. He had no siblings of his own, but, he thought that sounded unfair.

“She? Well, you seem cool and deserving of attention! I feel amazing darkness in you, why let some other creatures hide you?”

"She's the one that always gets the attention of the subjects. I do just as much as her! I look after the ponies at night! Yet they only sleep in my beautiful night!!" she cries in anger, the darkness inside her growing.

Eclipse wasn’t a fan of the fulness of day and thought that was unfair this dimension had been stuffed with it. “Honestly I don’t get sleep, it’s so unnecessary! why not show her? If the creatures saw the night for longer periods, they’d love it! I can sense it, you're very powerful” He chuckles thinking this would be a good way to make this creature happy and get back at that selfish sister she keeps talking about.

"Do...you really think so?" she asks hopeful, calming down more and no longer fearful of the voice that spoke.

“Of course! Darkness is an awesome power! And you shouldn’t hide it if I were you, I wouldn’t listen to her anymore!”

“Yeah... dear  Tia  shouldn’t have all the respect." the mare mocked annoyed, pacing around the room, "And she calls herself my sister!” Her anger grew.

“Dumb name, well this ‘ sister ’ should know how amazing you are! Embrace it!” Eclipse smiles feeling proud he was helping another creature

She looked at the time, seeing it was almost sunrise. “I’m sorry Celestia, dear sister. But I’m not taking orders from you anymore.” She spat to herself. The darkness was taking over her slowly, her eyes turning to slits for a moment before she stormed out of her room to confront her sister. Soon she would rise as a new pony.

Little Eclipse thought other dimensions were so cool! He hadn’t realized they were different, his Parents must have shielded him from a lot he thought.

But he was proud of this creature and her new form.

When he watched Luna cover the sun to create an eclipse, it was the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen! He never understood the meaning of the name or what it was but now he knew! 

It changed his life. His mother had shown him pictures of what an Eclipse looked like in books, but now he was seeing it first hoof!! How something just as large and powerful as the moon was able to block out the brightness of the sun. Were pure magic, chaos, and beauty all in one! Just then he felt something on different inside him, a strange but pleasing feeling, a huge light encompassed him and when it vanished he saw a new symbol there!

It was his cutiemark! His mother told him about how it represented a pony’s talents and purpose. It was the eclipse, with a star shining in the center between four other stars, much like his mother’s.

He felt so excited and proud! It felt like he knew who he was, like his special talent! Eclipse jumped with excitement and could not wait to tell his parents! He loved them so much! His mother was so smart and always got her way with his father. Discord was great too, teaching him how to use his chaos magic to conjure up anything that's never existed before! He thought they would be proud.

His excitement was interrupted when there was a blast. Looking up, he watched as Celestia put up a shield from Nightmare Moon’s attack. He smiled more and flew to another part of the old castle to watch the fight being pushed outside.

Celestia battled Nightmare Moon with intense emotion! Tears in her eyes since she was forced to fight her own sister. The powerful blasts from the two alicorns lit up the whole sky with insane colors. Eclipse watched and magically got some popcorn, something his dad showed him to do.

Speaking of his dad, he popped up right beside him. “Ah-hah!! Here you are, you little abomination!!” He says triumphantly. Picking Eclipse up with ease and making him drop his popcorn, "Your mother and I were wondering where you wandered off to!"

“Oh hi, dad! I was helping that pony up there!” He pointed with a hoof “and I got my cutie mark!!!!” He said quickly, to not miss the action. 

“Oh, the dark one was worried about the white one not letting her show her true darkness so I told her she should embrace it!” He explained, sounding rather proud of himself, “I saw a real Eclipse!! And I understood!”

Discord stared for a moment before snickering and laughing aloud. “Y-you caused Luna to turn into Nightmare Moon?!” He laughed, even more, spinning him around again, “THAT’S JUST GENIUS, MY BOY!!

Eclipse was glad his dad was happy but a little confused “Nightmare Moon?”

“That’s the evil version of Luna,” he explains.

“Oh cool! I think I’ve heard of that, yeah! Mum will be so happy!”

“Indeed she will!! Why don’t we go tell her?” He promoted.

“Yes!” He says excitedly, hugging his dad as in the background the battle becomes more intense yet they treat it so casually. Discord snapped his fingers, opening a portal and leaving.

Midnight praised her son for doing so well in evilizing his first victim! As a reward, they took him to the ice cream dimension.

Midnight loved her son and knowing he was able to not only achieve this but was important to the time continuum creating this made her proud. Though she was a little concerned he had gone on his own she still was happy. The ice cream dimension was full of flavor and Delight.

They had some chocolate chip fights and slid down the rocky road mountain, even skating over frozen caramel! The family shared quality time.

Midnight had thought a lot since then she loved her son exploring but she also worried that he was inexperienced and she still allowed him to travel. This she would regret...

Since then Discord had been teaching him how to jump into different dimensions and the use of portals. Eclipse had lots of fun going from place to place.

“This is so fun!!” Eclipse proclaimed as he kept jumping from place to place. He loved portal hopping; it was his passion! One day as he was jumping so fast he found himself just stopping in a dark realm “Huh? This is new...''

He could hear other ponies screaming in fright and terror, he hurried to find a village of ponies trying to fight against a giant starry blob. So many things were strange about this dimension. Giant Pegasus being ridden by a muscular dragon knight, a pony riding on piles of gold bits, super ponies, and...oh! Luna!! His eyes widened as he thought this looked very exciting! He saw a giant black featureless pony walking, trying to get away from the other ponies. 

“Why are they attacking it?” He thought then trotted over to Luna “hey remember me!” He waved naively. She was too distracted, her horn connected to many links as she strained to keep the massive dream together.

“Hmm odd, is she ok?” He then sees how that creature is going through that portal it cut open. “Oh, she must be helping it! It is a creature of darkness like herself, don’t worry Luna I’ll help you!” He says proudly then, and flies up and starts pushing back the attackers with his powers making force fields

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! YOU’RE LETTING IT ESCAPE!!!" A mare with a rainbow mane yelled as she was blasted away by Eclipse, the giant blob getting bigger

Eclipse tackled the rainbow pony “leave it alone!” He says being the hero protecting it from these evil ponies

"NO!!!" Luna screamed in tears as it grew bigger into more of a unicorn and it stepped through the portal.

Eclipse used his magic to widen the portal to assist the giant unicorn “don’t worry I got this!”

He sends a temporary freezing power to stop the rest of the attackers before they got too close.

“DON’T LET IT ESCAPE!!” Luna screamed then.

“Wait, what?” He could not hear properly over everything going on.

Suddenly the blob consumed everything and everyone.

Eclipse smirked happily with himself “Mother will be so proud!”

"ECLIPSE!!" Midnight yelled, and she didn't sound pleased at all.

Back at home, he was sitting on the couch getting scolded, he felt very confused.

“WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!” Midnight roared.

“Well, I just saw this creature being attacked and I thought I’d help....”

“And you let yourself be exposed!!!” Discord yelled then.

“Well yeah but...” he was surprised by this reaction he felt scared and annoyed. “but it’s not like anything bad happened!”

“That dark creature consumed everything in that dimension!!” Discord yelled, showing what was left of the world. “They were trying to stop it!!”

“Oh...I didn’t know..” he said looking embarrassed. 

The two sighed, “this isn’t safe anymore. Last time with Nightmare moon it was fine! She didn’t see you. But this is different.”

“Wait, are you saying I can’t travel anymore....” he got really worried, how could they do that! He thought it was just a mistake.

“If something like this happens again it could affect the other dimensions.” Midnight spoke up.

“I know but this is my destiny! I need to see all the dimensions!”

Discord frowned “We are going to hear no more of it! You're too young and inexperienced!”

“But-”

“No buts!! You’re forbidden from portal jumping until you’re older and mature.” Midnight states, "We'll be putting a barrier to prevent you from trying anything. I'm sorry but this is for your own good and that of the multiverse."

Eclipse then rushed to his bedroom in a fit of anger and resentment he felt he was being unjustly punished and it was unfair! Midnight sighed, she felt this was a little bit of a disaster but also knew this was for the best. The universe can only be tampered with if one knows how to properly. Eclipse was not ready.....
> Book I Chapter II “The Beginning….”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

To ensure he wouldn't go anywhere, they kept him in the house, putting up a barrier that can only be taken down by Discord. Not even teleportation would work. Eclipse was under house arrest. Leaving him to retreat to the worlds and stories inside the many books he had.

As the boy grew older he started to hate his parents, it was alright before but now as an older child felt a great sense of loneliness he had no friends and no other creatures to interact with, and now with his parent’s strictness, he felt great anger. 

Eclipse knew he wanted to explore he wanted to see every universe like in his books, to learn how it all ticks and cause  Mischief.  

Midnight did feel bad and she often questioned if she was doing the right thing. But, as a mother, she knew it was her life's purpose to protect him even if he was moody. “Who would have thought I’d end up in this situation,” she thought to herself, “what would human Twilight think?” she chuckles.

"Well, I wouldn't know for sure. But give him a break, he's a teenager! They're always moody. Tell you what! Let's get him something special for his birthday! Maybe a pet to keep him company?" Discord suggests.

“That’s a great idea! It’ll be a great way to give him company and experience something from a different dimension, along with learning responsibility and a possible beast to help him conquer the multiverse!”

Discord nods. That birthday he went and knocked on his son's door. "Eclipse? Buddy?"

“What is it?” Eclipse said sounding rather bored, he was trying to figure out a Rubik's cube which with his intellect was too easy. “Oh, hi dad,” he said rather matter-a-fact.

He had a rather large collection of different kinds to challenge himself. "Hey bud, now I know it's been a rough few years, but your mother and I thought this birthday should be special!"

He lit up a little and his interest perked, “really!” Then he thought for a moment, “it’s not another cube, is it? I’ve done so many! Even the hardest ones from Gallifrey!”

"Oh! No, no no no, something much better than boring cubes," Discord snapped his hand, and a giant creature encyclopedia landed in front of Eclipse.

“Oh! Is this a reference to all creatures from the multiverse?!” He looks at it eagerly. Admiring the hard leatherbound cover and its design. 

"Yup! And today we're going to find you the perfect one!"

“Oh my goodness! Really?!!” Eclipse beamed with excitement. The book was bigger than it would seem possible to read through the whole thing but it was no problem for Eclipse! To have the brainpower of an ancient chaos spirit and a hyper-intelligent Midnight Sparkle.

He started to look through it, the book was filled with everything from every reality. Discord smiles whilst he would have personally preferred to take Eclipse to these places he knew it was safer this way.

"Maybe later we can play a bit of OnO after dinner," He offers as well, flashing into his character’s cosplay.

“That would be great!” He hugs his dad, “thanks dad,” Eclipse said with a genuine tone. It was not perfect but it gave him something to look forward to.

He levitated the book and skimmed through it, even getting reference books of the dimensions they were from. Books became the closest thing to being in those dimensions.

Eventually, Eclipse's eye was caught by a beautiful Rainbow serpent. It was a powerful ancient creature in its dimension; it had created a world! According to the book.

Something that powerful was perfect for him! So, he showed his parents the photo and they thought it was a perfect choice. Discord left to go get one.

Eclipse hadn’t been this excited for so long he always wanted to have a pet and this looked amazing!

“Eclipse, I know things haven’t been as pleasant these last few years, but it’s for your good,” Eclipse grumbled but nodded not wanting to complain it was nice his parents doing this for him.

“But I promise when you’re older you’ll be allowed if you’ve proven you won’t mess with the timelines,”

“Yes, I promise,” Eclipse says with a sigh. 

Discord returns with the rainbow serpent, full of so much colour! But it was only a baby, “figured it was only right for you to raise it,” Discord says, handing the little thing to Eclipse.

“I would love to! Get to see how he develops!” He says as he picks it up “hmm what should I call you?” He thinks, one wing reaching up to scratch his head in thought. 

The snake became straight and pointed to some food in Eclipse's room he smirked knowing the language of the people where this creature came from he knew exactly what to name him

“So....what shall we name this little boop noodle?” Discord asks as he followed his son.

“Nullah!” He said with enthusiasm, “Pintupi Nullah!” Which was how the creatures said greetings in their native dimension.

“Wise choice of words, but perfect,” Midnight praised him.

He smiled loving his new pet, Nullah booped his nose 

“Do you like him?” Discord asks, watching the two interact.

“I love him thank you so much!”

He said as he hugged the adorable world creator.

“You’re very welcome,” his parents say in unison.

A few years would go by, Nullah was a great companion and Eclipse learned a lot but still, he hated being stuck and confined for so long.

He was a pony of so much power the ability to go anywhere to see all versions of reality and stay in one place forever was too much.

By the time he was full-grown he was hoping his parents would finely let him the travel

But they were still unsure of that. After researching all the dimensions and how they go.

He asked many times but they still refused the more time went on the more He got angry again

But, being older he was also stronger. Secretly he had been practicing to get through the barriers. He realized that waiting was not an option! As they were overly protective. Eclipse worked so hard, his powers were more than his parents could have imagined even himself.

“Ok, here we go!” He says as he concentrates then opens a portal light flashing everywhere, it would only last a minute. He thought, “am I doing the right thing?.. I have to! I need to! I love them but I need to spread my....well whatever I have,” he then ran through it, and Eclipse's adventures truly begin.......

So to continue now we must tell another pony’s story........
> Book I Chapter III “The meeting that would change the Multiverse”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!! Blank flank!!

No matter how many times she tries to block it out. They still echoed in her head. It wasn’t her fault she couldn’t find her talent!... was it?...

A descendent of the SnowDrop family, the blind Pegasus that brought beauty to winter. Since then the generations after have also done great things! Her parents were two of the best wonder bolts! At least in her opinion. She came to every one of their shows and watched them dazzle all the adoring fans! But she always had to cover her flank, for you see, she is a blank flank. Yes she was now twenty a full grown mare, but she had no talent or cutie mark. She had met with the cutie mark crusaders, but even they couldn’t figure out her talent. She visited them frequently in hopes they had another way of helping her but so far nothing. 
Winter tried to be much like her parents but she wasn’t a sporty pony, at least enough to qualify into the WonderBolt academy. However, she spent most of her time at the weather factory part time, and even helped at Fluttershy Feather Sanctuary to care for the animals.

“Thanks for the help Winter!” Fluttershy smiles as she’s finished for the day walking home.

“You're so good with animals I’m honestly surprised you talent hasn’t something to do with that?” She said not realizing that’s a sensitive topic for winter. 

“Oh, I appreciate the CMC for recommending me here as an opportunity to get it. Even though I didn’t get it, I’m glad to help out here any time!” Winter replies with a smile. Flying alongside her. “Would it be okay if I stayed the night to look after the sick animals?”

“Oh of course! It’s so nice to have some pony who’s so enthusiastic!” She then thought “sorry if bringing up your cutie mark was too much, I know that must be tuff,” she put a hoof on Winter as she landed beside her. 

“Don’t worry about it, so what if I don’t find my special purpose?” She rolled her eyes. “Now go! I know you and Discord have a big night planned,” 

She smiles “oh, okay, well thanks! There’s plenty of tea if you need it!” She smiles once she made sure everything was alright, she flew off leaving Winter to look after the place

She started to hum to herself, signing softly to put some of the animals to bed. Winter was still saddened that she had yet to get her talent and felt like she was failing everyone. The animals fell asleep snug and happy. It was a cold night. There was a quiet stillness, the only type that made one feel like something was to happen. The cottage was set up perfectly with a fire going. She walked around to make sure everyone was sound peacefully, before flying up to the highest point of the sanctuary to keep watch over everyone.

A spark of strange purple light flashed only for an instant.....A large breath bout of wind blew then stopped, it was almost as if something tried to come but did not succeed. She stood and saw a light was flickering over the sanctuary and she wasn’t sure what it was.

It happens again more violently and longer, strikes of lightning flashes everywhere then it all stops again. And everything goes back to normal ....one could almost hear a voice cry “oh come on!!!!”

“Hello?” Winter called as the light flickered out. Eclipse heard the voice beyond as his last attempt of a portal faded.

Just then a ultrasonic noise could be heard as the flickering started again and out of nowhere a portal opens and Eclipse flies right out of it crashing right into Winter both of them crashing into the ground

They screamed and the large crash and ultra sonic boom woke up all the animals into a panic.

This strange purple pony was lying looking dazed. The portal was opened and a strange angel pony statue could be seen on the other side.
“H-lee...lo....hello! That’s how it’s done nice save bro,” he said to Winter but also to himself his vision was blurry. This would be extremely confusing for the blue Pegasus 

“What the- how are- oh no!!” She exclaimed seeing all the animals crying and screaming in fear. She pushed the purple Pegasus, not noticing his two different horns, off her as she hurried to put them to sleep again. “Come on! It’s okay!” She says frantically, taking arm fills of baby animals and trying to rock them to sleep, gently hushing and humming but that wasn’t doing much..

As his vision cleared up he saw the portal open and the statue was a little closer “CLOSE THE PORTAL!” He says knowing the danger He quickly uses his magic to try to close it just before the statue enters Equestria, he succeeds but faints from exhaustion.

Winter was still struggling to try and calm down the animals, flying about here and there. Nullah raised himself up and watched the mare. He went to the Animals and was able to get them to calm down, the rainbow snake had great power over the others  particular the kangaroos and they rested, Eclipse was still unconscious

“Who...what...I’m so confused...” Winter stuttered, still stressed from what happened. Eclipse coughed as he lay on the ground, Nullah went up to Winter noticing she was confused he gave her a boop on the nose and indicted Eclipse.

“Oh! Uh...” she flew to get the keys and unlocked the supply closet to get the necessary things before hurrying to eclipse.

“I...ah” he mumbled laying there. Nullah booped his nose

“Where did you come from?...” she asked, mostly to herself.

“From my place!” He got up and says dramatically then faints again.

“And what place is that?! And what were those statues!! And thanks to you, you woke up the whole sanctuary!”

He gets up seeming rather frantic and a little out of it, “wait I just realized somethings wrong…. I’m... I’m........feeling...” 

“Of course you are, you probably got a concussion of some sort,” she points out.

He thinks for a moment “Cold!! That’s it!! It’s cold out here ....want to get inside? Sorry I’ll tell you everything then let’s just say it’s been a big day....or week or I don’t know,” he chuckles composing himself

“Ummmm are you okay?...” she asked, concerned, “do you need medicine or something?” 

“Yeah I might need something....sorry I’m Eclipse, nice to meet you” he was now back to his senses, “portal travel is just eh you know but seriously it’s cold can we chat inside,” he blushes feeling embarrassed

She was still lost but led him to the cottage, blanket over him while she made some tea. “So you’re from another dimension,”

“Yeah I was traveling through them....it’s just hard. I can't control it well so what’s this dimension called? Like you're a pony ....I've seen a few of them,” he takes a sip of tea “oh umm where are my manners what’s your name?” He looked at the blue pony thinking she looked rather cute

“Um...Equestria? I’m not sure,” she shrugged, “well, my name's WinterSea! But everyone calls me winter,” she greets, flying over with snake cookies.

He was not used to having normal conversations with other ponies as he didn’t know any other pony before. 

“Lovely name! You don’t seem to surprised by me not being from Eq....uestria or that I well look like this?” He said nervous

“Are you related to discord? You have the same horns as him,” she says looking up at the teal horns from his head.

“Oh I am!...we’ll probably not the same Discord from this dimension but ah one at least”

“Do you have chaotic powers too!” Winter prompted.

He smirked then chocolate milk rained into a glass which then ran away quaking like a duck 
“A little hehe”

“Yup! Definitely a relative of discord,” she nods. Drinking her tea, “and who’s this little guy?” She asked, looking into the jar of almost empty snake treats.

“He’s Nullah! He’s my pet he also can create worlds” he said off handedly “so what’s this world like? Do you have cars in this realm or is there wars like Ive seen a lot by now”

Nullah jumps up on the couch and burps

Winter happily rubbed the snake down the back to help it digest all the treats. “Um...well not really wars just...I guess you could say boss fights,” she walked away to get a copy of the friendship journal. 

He picks up the journal and flicks through the whole thing at lightning speed “good read! Little corny though”

She blinked, realizing he must’ve used some magic, “theses are the entries of princess twilight and the council of friendship many moons ago,”

“I know! It’s amazing I learned so much about your culture though I’m a little confused aren’t you meant to have cutie marks?....or is that something ponies don’t have in This dimension?......or is this just g5?”

She frowns looking down at her flank, “I’m a...special case I guess...” she rubbed her arm, “I haven’t found my talent yet...”

“Oh I’m sorry to hear that...” he walks up to her looking sympathetic he felt a lot for creatures that had it hard though being awkward he didn’t know how to handle it. 
“There there I’m sure you can find it! This fluttershy is a big deal apparently and she trusts you, what do you do as a job?”

“Well I worked at the weather factory in clouds dale for a bit, I mostly like working here with Fluttershy but for some reason that’s not my talent,” she frowns.

“Darn...well you’re surely good at something! Nullah thinks so”
Nullah boops Winter's nose. “See and he’s smart! Maybe I could help you?”

“That’s what every ponys said. No matter how much they try, no pony can help me...” she put her cup down.

He put a hoof around her “hey but I got something they don’t!  One gets cutie marks from experience and well, ponies of this realm can only experience this dimension.....what if you got experience in other dimensions! That way you're bound to find something!”  He said not only wanting to help her but the idea he could actually have a friend......

“Other dimensions? Is that safe? I mean...what if we do something wrong and-“

“Ahh it’s fine I’m an expert!”  He lies trying to sound super confident  “I’ve done this for so long and honestly  I think every creature should dimension hop and experience the multiverse, it’s so magical” He smiles giving her Reassurance
“Plus they have the powers of the most incredible beings so we’ll be safe”

“Well...if you’re this experienced then...” she stood with him. Maybe this couldn’t work.

He nods and smiles he knew he could not stay in one place as well

“Yeah! I’ll be honest I’ve been a little lonely....so it would be nice to have company and we can find out together “

“Do you not have other friends?” She asks. Following him outside so they could dimension hop.

“Well umm....no” she sighs “my parents don’t want me to...have friends” he says somba

"Oh....well, you have me now! And Nullah!" she says enthusiastically.

He blushed a little “what’s this feeling?” He thinks to himself not entirely sure it was so new to him having someone want to be friends he Tiered up a little and hugged her
“Thank you” he didn’t know if that was to much but it’s how he felt

She was a bit surprised but she hugged back. Eclipse had never done this with another outside his family before, and he felt his chest clench, finding it hard to breathe.

He let go and coughed a little 
“S-sorry if that was a bit much I just yeah” he said awkward still new to interactions with pony’s

“N-no you’re good!” She cleared her throat too, “so! Where to?”

“Are yes! I have the perfect place in mind!” He lied they went to the week spot in time and space and Concentrated all his energy as it was a hard effort for the stallion but as he did sparks started to fly and purple lightning started to strike! Wind blow around them.

Winter still couldn’t believe what was going on!! Suddenly a new portal appeared, and they jumped through before it closed. Eclipse had no idea where they were but winter did. “Canterlot?” She says looking around. She had been there before with her parents but...things felt different here
> Book I Chapter IV “Equaltopia“
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eclipse shakes his head and stretches, taking deep breaths in and out. His appearance was slightly altered to look more like a normal pony, choosing the form of a normal unicorn. His wings and two horns vanished, and his eyes more normal with it being white over the teal-green and his iris more dilated. Nullah looked around with a mini polaroid to take photos of this new place, but so far it was rather dull and quiet. 

“Now, don’t get disappointed." he started, stretching his arms, "I know it'll look like we just went to a different city, but, I can promise you. This is a completely different dimension!!” He points to the city which was almost identical to Canterlot.

“There’s an infinite amount of realities so you can never run out! Some are incomprehensible to the mind of a normal pony, and some are almost the same just a little different like earth ponies know magic just for example!”

He rambled a bit, jumping a little like a foal getting a gift on Hearts Warming. But he was excited to explain and have sompony to talk to after being alone for so long. 

“This isn’t my Canterlot. Because mine is bustling with snobby ponies and the occasional tourists,” Winter points out as she walks out into the streets. There were speakers at every few lampposts playing soft music, “where is every pony?...”

He trots down with her; he felt it looked rather normal he had seen stranger Equestrias’. 
“I’m not sure. Maybe it’s Sunday?” he chuckles, “it looks nice and quiet and I like the music it makes you feel...at home” they looked at a few shops around them.

“But it feels so...mono...” she went to a shop and looked into the windows but it was dark.

Eclipse shrugged, “well, not everywhere can be as colorful as your world but I see your point,” he says feeling a little uneasy....it was more strange the more he thought about it but didn’t want to make Winter worry. 

A door opened to a nearby cafe and a dull gray-looking pony with a giant smile and slightly Dilated eyes walked out.

“Hi! Excuse me!” Winter trotted over right away, Eclipse followed along with Nullah hiding away in Eclipse's hair, “I don’t mean to be rude but what day is it? Is it some holiday? Where is everypony?”

The pony looks at her despite the giant grin, it looked...odd.

“Welcome~,” she says note blinking 

“It’s Wednesday we are opening at our arranged opening hours, you look.....different,” she says cheerfully curious, yet a little robotically. 

Eclipse could sense something was up and looked around as a few more grayed-out ponies, all looking not too different, and.....their cutie marks! It was an equal sign!! His ears dropped down, remembering one of the entries in the Friendship journal!!

“Opening hours?” Winter looked confused but then saw the pony's cutie mark, also remembering the entry. How could she not when she spoke to Starlight a few times?

“Yes! We all come out at the SAME TIME! My name is Lemon Fresh! We are all Equal here!..all the same,” she kept smiling, “but you are different....” she looked at Winter's blank flank. “You seem...lost”

“Um...yeah...” Winter nervously says as they back away, “yeah we Uh..gotta...bye!!” The two ran off, hurrying down another street, “I thought you said this was a good dimension!!” 

“Well, I mean...I might not have told you something...” he says whilst running. As more and more Equal ponies arrived and started to follow them. But their pace was equivalent so they couldn't fully keep up with the two strangers, but their numbers were greater. Panic set in both Eclipse and Winter as they tried to find a way out of the city. 
They kept running through the city, however, they got separated at a fork. Winter ended up running into a crowd of equalized ponies and was captured. 

“Don’t worry we will help you” they said in unison there were too many for her to resist.

“Okay, this is way too creepy!!” Winter exclaimed as they brought her to the palace. 

Eclipse went back when he realized his new friend wasn't with him. When he saw Winter being surrounded by the citizens he hid, but he felt horrible. “I got her into this mess....” 

Nullah came out from Eclipse’s hair. Also giving a disapproving look.

“Well, I didn’t know!... I mean I knew it could be dangerous but I hadn’t thought this reality existed!” Nullah still looked Disapproving. “Look I should be able to rescue her right? They do that a lot and these Equal ponies aren’t strong so it should be easy....right?”

~~~

Meanwhile, in the palace it was full of Equal images, the stained glass windows of the hall weren't as bright and colorful. The events they depicted were also different. Mostly promoting egalitarianism and how it rose because of their great leader. Everypony walked in unison even the guards looked the same. Well, the guards were always the same- but still, this was creepier.
“You will love it here! Leader Starlight will show you the way,” a stallion said to her.

“You're so lucky you haven’t had to deal with the horrors of a cutie mark,” another says in admiration.

 “I appreciate it but I really should be going!” Winter insisted but was only taken to the throne room. There stood Starlight Glimmer, but she was a little taller than the others, almost alicorn height. With the fake staff of Sameness. 

Starlight looked down at Winter, there was a great sense of power in her, she was a little surprised but then smirked at the blue Pegasus. “Welcome~,” she greets in a way that would make one uncomfortable, 
“I can assure you there’s nowhere else you will want to go,”

Winter had to admit, Starlight was a lot more intimidating like this. “I-I wanna go home!!” Winter cried. Starlight sat up from her throne, levitating the fake staff alongside her.

She slowly walked down from the throne to winter and gave a sweet smile her voice became somewhat more nurturing. 
“Shh it’s okay, don’t worry! I promise you will be alright, you poor thing. I’m sorry if I scared you,” she pats Winter. Starlight was a master Manipulator and she knew that this pony wasn’t just from around here she was intrigued.

“This must be so different for you. I apologize for how we acted,'' Starlight apologized, still sounding calming and welcoming, trying to make Winter feel better. “I noticed you lack your cutie mark?”

“I-I never found my special talent,” Winter explained, watching Starlight walk around her, inspecting every part of her.

“You didn’t?! You're so lucky!” She said with enthusiasm, “you have never been but at an unfair advantage to any pony else you should not take this for granted what is your name young one?” 

“U-Um...W-Winter Sea...o-or just Winter...” she gulped. “H-how am I lucky? I’ve just been bullied for not having one...”

Starlight looked shocked and started to get emotional. “They did what?! That’s horrible! Bullying is disgusting, you should have never been through that....” she might have been playing up. 
“This is what Special talents do....they give ponies superiority complexes and it makes them want to destroy the weak, without your special talent you're weak. You're stronger than most because you are the same here, we are all family, Winter Sea, we all love each other and are always happy,” she walks with Winter from the throne room to a comfortable but big living room to make her less intimidated.

She asked for one of the ponies there to bring them tea and they left to do so. Winter sat across from Starlight as she put her staff bedside her. “You’re not like the others...not as um...faded,” Winter says, trying not to sound rude.

“Where do you come from?” Starlight questioned.

“Cloudsdale...” Winter replies. She wasn’t completely lying. 

“I see” Starlight sent a telepathic message to one of her servants to see if they could find records of Winter. “Would you like me to get you anything?” she inquires, trying to be welcoming.

“Some tea and something sweet,” Winter spoke up hesitantly.

Starlight requested them for her, the food had special ingredients that would make one feel more relaxed and comfortable. Soon receiving a telepathic reply about her request. “Starlight she is from Cloudsdale.....but she’s with me right now.....she can’t be with you...” the pony replies confused. Starlight then looked at Winter intrigued.

Winter picked up one of the cupcakes, glancing at Starlight who only gave a kind smile. It did look yummy with its perfect icing and sprinkles, it looked like something Pinkie Pie would've made! She was skeptical but she was hungry and didn't want to be rude so she took a bite. 

“I’m...surprised you have something this sweet! Seeing how every pony is equal and all,” Winter replies, remembering the awful cupcakes Pinkie Pie had to eat. It made her confused, how could something so yummy be made by someone without the talent for it? Even if they didn't have the talent for it they should be able to make a decent cupcake having baked a few herself. Yet wouldn't the equal marks prevent ponies from making something more delicious than another? It was all confusing and Winter didn't want to think about it so much. 

“Maybe you only believe it’s sweet because you can see its sweetness. Yes, everything in our Equal world can be just as wonderful if you truly believe,” She beamed knowing this will soften her. “Winter, may I ask if you have a....twin?” 

It was starting to work with every bite she took. Winter shook her head. “No...I was born an only child to two Wonderbolts,” she explains, “I don’t think they’re that happy that I’m not like them, or the fact I still don't have a cutiemark," she slurred, what was going on? "...you see... our family is descendants of Snowdrop, who brought beauty to winter and snow...I think that's why my parent's named me after the season...,” she wasn't sure why she suddenly disclosed so much about her privet life. 

Starlight thought how could she be an only child if there’s an identical.....then she thought. What if this Winter is from a parallel universe? Much like that other universe Twilight had tried to hide from her.
If so, this could be very important, she had been told there was another purple pony spotted it would also explain Winter's lack of knowledge.

“Your parents treated you like that?..that’s not right, this is why just because Snowdrop's cutie mark gave her amazing power you were judged and compared, in our Equaltopia ponies accept other ponies for who they are! We are all family, we all love each other,” she repeated as it would slowly sink into Winter without her knowing, the warm fireplace gave a comforting and slightly hypnotic feel as the flames flickered and crackled. 

Winter's chewing slowed down, glancing at the dancing fire, then looking down at her tea, its gentle ripples a little with every little movement almost mesmerizing. “I just...I want to make everypony proud of me for once...” she revealed, when there was a knock at the door, and another mare came in.


“I brought her Miss Glimmer,” a guard announced, stepping aside and much to Winter's surprise, was another Winter! The other winter had an Equal mark and greyer, with a huge grin the same as all the others. She eagerly trotted up to them 

“Welcome Winter, meet yourself from another world!” Starlightintroduced while smirking. The Equal Winter looks at her other self, who was more vibrant in color.

“Hi, I’m so happy to meet you I hope you will join us~”

“I didn’t know that there was another me!” Winter said excitedly walking over to her. “Wait...if you have an equal then...what was your talent!” she questions in awe and bewilderment. 
 
“I don’t remember as it was taken when I was young but I’m so grateful...Winter, I’m so happy here! There’s never a moment when I’m not, I feel so bad for your world and you, here my parents are proud of me for who I am,”

Starlight then went and hugged the Equal Winter, “yes we are all the same, and everypony will love you, Equality is happiness, it’s the truth! This you from our world saw it, I'm sure you will too!” 

Equal Winter returned the gesture with a side hug of her own. “here we are all family we can have friends...even find love...”

Winter started considering such possibilities. “But...what if I do get my cutie mark?...will everypony hate me?...” she doubted, frowning as the herbs kicked in. The relaxing atmosphere increased the soothing hypnotic feeling inside her that began to unfold.

“No never! If that happens we will free you from the evil mark, I only want to make us all happy the towns ponies want to make you happy because we love you regardless we are all one~” Starlight assures, levitating her staff towards her, "With this staff, I can use it to rid you of that mark if it were to ever appear." 

Equal Winter nodded in confidence and said, “Princess Twilight, Princess Cadence, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia all saw the light as well! Equity is happiness!”

“Love....happiness...” Winter was overwhelmed, liking the idea of finally being accepted into a place that saw her as family. As herself and not by some mark...

“Yes, Equity is happiness” Starlight repeated whispering in Winter's ear.

“You and your friend can be here together, forever in eternal bliss,” the words were seeming valid and a little vague. Winter was sitting back on the couch without realizing it, as Starlight the other Winter sat on either side of her... 
> Book I Chapter V “One of us”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5
"Attention citizens, a new friend of ours has gotten lost in the city! A young unicorn by the name of Eclipse, if he is seen please escort him to the palace, thank you!" Starlight's cheerful voice announced over the speakers and the message repeated one more time before returning to its usual music

Eclipse blasted one of the speakers to make it stop as he ran by, evading the other ponies. The somewhat repetitive music was made to get into his subconscious and it started working. He shook his head trying to focus when he was suddenly grabbed and pulled into the sewer systems. 

“Okay, no one grabs me without permission!” Eclipse exclaimed annoyed once he was pulled in, trying to push himself away from his assailant. 

“Shut up!” The pony who grabbed him hissed, their hoof going over his mouth as they looked back up at the sewer entrance. Numerous thudding was heard as the equal ponies trotted by in their search for him. 

He didn’t like being talked to like this though he noticed these ponies were not like the others as their strength was more than the full Equal Equines. They seemed to know what they were doing and didn't seem to do anything ill-intended to him. 

“Who are you?” Eclipse whispered.

These ponies wore dark attire, covering their flanks. Even wearing their facemasks over their muzzles. 
“Come on, it’s not safe to speak here,” one whispered, they motioned for Eclipse to follow them deeper into the sewage. 

The leader of the group was a unicorn so they used their magic to guide them, their horn lit with a green glow. Eclipse did the same, lighting his own horn, but felt uneasy. Both because he was following strangers and how contaminated the place was, Nullah put on a face mask to try and block the terrible aroma, offering one to Eclipse who felt like gagging too so he immediately put one on. 

“I could just go and save Winter but I should follow these ponies. Who knows? Maybe it’s more dangerous than I thought...” he thinks to himself. 

“How come you still have yours?” The leader asked confused.  

“Well long story short I’m actually from a different dimension and I traveled here with a friend and now she’s apprehended!” He said still following, trying to watch where he stepped.  

“You’d have to have some powerful magic to jump dimensions, kinda like Discord,” the second pony spoke beside him, their country accent coming through their mask, “Why come here?”

“Well I didn’t choose I can’t, actually, control where I end up....” he said embarrassed 

“So it’s your fault you both are here,” the leader deducted.

“Well no I mean.....yeah it is.....I just didn’t want to be alone and was scared...look I’ll make it right! From the looks of you three, I’m guessing you're some kind of resistance?” He inquired, as they entered the hideout of the resistance. Far away from the city.
Many other ponies were there too, all wearing cloaks to cover their flanks or doing chores for the community. There was a station where they were washing up to get their makeup off of them, and another post to have makeup applied on them so they can go up to the city. So some ponies were pretending to be Equal to spy on those above. 

“Yes. Our numbers may be small but we stay together. We are its leaders. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo,” the orange mare welcomed, introducing them while pulling off their masks. 

“Oh, I know you! ...or at least you from a different dimension hehe,” he chuckles, pulling his off too, “you're the CMC!"

"That's right! But not exactly, you see we're changed..." Applebloom smirked as all three got in a pose, "We're the EMR!!! The Equal Mark Rebellion!!!" 

"Tell me how did Starlight come to power here?”

“Our big sisters went missing for months, and then we heard that Canterlot was taken over by a group of ponies with the same cutie marks,” Sweetie Belle explains sadly.

“I see...so she got the mane six...” Eclipse said amazed “this is incredible just little changes can alter the course of history...I guess Fluttershy screwed up and somehow they were all brainwashed, fascinating!” He then stopped as Nullah looked at him frowning, his rambling of the events was making the EMR upset, “ oh right, sorry...I mean, look, I’ll help you out if you guys can help me save Winter?”

“...If you can find our sisters then we’ll help you. Starlight has been reigning for moons now and we just want to see them again!” Applebloom pleaded.

“What happened to the princesses though?” He asked, hoping that maybe they were still free somehow 

“We know Twilight was manipulated, but I’m not sure about the others,” Scootaloo confessed. Leading Eclipse to their meeting room with many maps and plans on the walls. 

Eclipse was looking at a map of the castle; it seems the layout was pretty much the same as the other dimensions of the castle. “Ok I’ll go through the underground basement and work my way up”

“Take the crystal caverns, it’s abandoned so no pony should be there,” Sweetie Belle says. From there they made a plan.

Eclipse started on his journey he felt worried that he might not make it but knew he had to fix this screw-up, going through the crystal caverns feeling like he was being watched. The EMR went with him as extra protection too, looking out for him.

Eclipse was working his way through the cave, Nullah was wearing their black ninja outfit to stay hidden. The boop had a bad feeling as he could feel the future. “How long has she been in control?” Eclipse asked quietly.

“Moons, we lost count at this point,” Applebloom frowned. “She’s taken up a majority of the Equestria...I heard she's been trying to make the dragons join too,”

Eclipse grew concerned as he hears this. Starlight must be incredibly powerful now, maybe even more OP from the canon show...

“She is!” they heard a voice and looked around. Then they saw, coming out of the shadows... was Twilight Sparkle! With the same Creepy grin and equal sign.

“Hey girls! And stallion, we were expecting you. Welcome!”

The EMR and Eclipse backed up in shock, not just her but the other mane six walked up from behind to stand beside her!! “Applebloom!! Thank goodness, you’re finally home!” Applejack said relieved, walking a little closer to her sister.

“We were ever so worried dear Sweetie Belle,” Rarity adds, coming around to face her sister, “you three grew up!”

“Ah yes, hi, you guys... umm look great..” Eclipse says anxiously, trying to figure a way out of this. 

“AppleJack! I can’t believe... what have they done!” Applebloom exclaimed emotionally, tearing up at the sight of her sister after so long.

“Rarity no...” Sweetie Belle cried as well, "Why didn't you come home? We've been waiting for you..." 

The other mane six all approached slowly with great big grins. “Oh, little sister, Starlight has shown us the truth! The way we were meant to be, true friendship!” Rarity answered. 

“It’s made us 200% cooler Scoot!!” Rainbow exclaims, flying overhead and doing some loops. “Be a part of our family!!”

“What? No!! This is so wrong! We were family.......what happened to how our differences make us who we are?” Scootaloo quoted. 

Twilight then approached, “I believed that lie once but I was wrong, we used to argue all the time, but now we never fight!" she beams, wings spreading, "I’m no different to Fluttershy, who’s no different from Pinkie! we are all happy!!!”

“Please join us girls, to become part of the family! I hate knowing you had been living down there for so long, we miss you,” pleaded Applejack, "You're better off with us than alone," 

“Join us, join us,” they then started to chant and say in unison, getting closer and closer to them. 

“I’m sorry, but it’s for the best!!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed as she cast a forcefield spell. Pushing them away and giving them a chance to run. The three ran away as Sweetie Belle stayed to fend them off.  

“It’s for the best darling” Rarity said to her, using her magic combined with Twilight's to fight back. 

Eclipse looked at the map to find a way out to get above.

~~~

Meanwhile above, Winter was finally starting to feel at home for the first in a long time, enjoying the tea and sweets. When a guard barged in saying that one of the rebel leaders was captured.

“Ah, wonderful! Thank you,” Starlight praised, overjoyed by the news, “don’t mind me, Winter, I will be back! I just have a few things to take care of. Look after one another,” she instructs, leaving Winter with her Equal counterpart.

Just then, Fluttershy came into the room after separating from her friends and fetching more food and drinks for the two Winters. “I’ll keep you company, I've even brought more refreshments!” she spoke quietly with a smile, “I hope you will join us Winter~.” As Fluttershy says that, Winter could hear the mantra in her head.

"I'm already starting to feel at home here Fluttershy, how are the animals?" she asked.

“Oh, they are doing great! We all look after them here, since I’m no better than anypony else, we don’t have to worry about being the only one to look after them!” She says sitting with Winter, “Winter, in your world do you have any friends?”

“A few yes, I was friends with the Fluttershy there! She owns an animal sanctuary called, 'The Sweet Feather Sanctuary,' and looked after all creatures great and small with the Ponyville veterinarian! I often came over to help too,” she replies sheepishly, remembering her old home.

“I once had that dream, but I’m glad I gave it up. Starlight showed me the truth.” Fluttershy stated, humming the "Our Town," song. Along with the other Winter.  

“It can still be a reality, we can all work together to build it so that the animals can live happily as we do!” Winter prompted.

“Exactly!" Fluttershy giggled happily, "that’s what’s great, Equality doesn’t mean giving up what you love it just means sharing and kindness,”

Hearing all this, Winter couldn't help but agree as she got along with her new friends over tea...

~~~

Eclipse and the other two EMR members were waiting, one ear against a door, “if I’m right this should be the entrance to the basement of the castle, thanks again buddy,” he whispers as he looks at the map and then at Nullah. On it was their designated route marked with crayon doodles done by Nullah who was very proud of his work. He wagged at the praise and received a boop from his favorite pony ever.

“But they already know we're here! They might be waiting for us..” whispered a distressed Applebloom. Nullah put on a stethoscope, placing the chestpiece end on the door to listen. Hearing nothing, he nodded to Eclipse, confirming the halls were empty.

“It’s ok we’re clear,” assured Eclipse. The other two were more skeptical.

Thankfully he was in his unicorn form, it was the best choice so he could use his magic. “We don’t even know where they are!” Applebloom argued. But Eclipse let Nullah down, wearing their black ninja costume and it instinctively went through a small hole and into the halls of the palace. Eclipse’s horn glowed and he closed his eyes, now seeing through Nullah’s eyes as he slithered through the galleries, looking for Winter and avoiding guards.

Nullah was slithering around, he was able to not be spotted by staying in the shadows. He peeked through the doors and rooms, despite being a palace the place was not decorated with only Equal posters and Starlight Statues.

They saw in one room, a group of ponies who all looked mesmerized, they all were sitting in chairs watching a screen that had a spiral and repeated the phrase, "Equality is Happiness," over some speakers. Then the ponies repeated it in unison. Eclipse quavered; it was clear Starlight had a few ways to brainwash the masses. Suddenly the voices stopped as a door opened.

“LET ME GO! JUST LEAVE US ALONE!” Sweetie Belle snapped as she was being dragged into the room as well, thrashing and blasting the guards with her horn. They had magic blocker rings for rebellious unicorns and they struggled to put one on her.

“This is wrong! Can't you see she's trying to manipulate all of you?!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. They pay her no attention as she kicks one of them, but the other places the ring on her horn. Causing her to not be able to use magic. Sweetie Belle froze in shock and it allowed them to get her strapped down into an empty chair. 

“Don’t worry you will be a great member of our family! One of us~,” they reiterate, as they leave her to watch the screen. 

Eclipse shutters at what was happening, “what should I do? I've never had to look out for anypony but myself... I could help Sweetie, but if I do, I might be too late for Winter!”

"NO!!! LET ME GO!!! PLEASE!!! SOMEPONY HELP!!!" She screamed, thrashing even more before a Guard came with a face frame to force her eyes open and to look forward at the screen, even gagging her to shut her up. 

In another room, Starlight used her magic to remove the cutie marks of everypony in there making it look as if they just vanished. Sweetie's flank formed the Equal sign. Her magic abilities were restricted, becoming equally powered as any other unicorn. Sweetie watches the screen the captivating spiral and a soothing voice as her colors faded from the loss of her mark. The speakers began playing again, everypony there repeating "Equality Equals Happiness." Sweetie Belle found it hard to think as the words were entering her mind, the mark making her feel good the more she let the ideas enter her mind.

"Eclipse, what's going on?" Applebloom asked unsure what was happening, "did you find something?"

“It’s Sweetie they're trying to brainwash her!” He exclaims worriedly 
“She’s on floor 3!” 

"We have to help her! We're going in ahead to save Sweetie and the others. You find Winter and get out!" Scootaloo ordered to Eclipse.

He nods “Go! Nullah will help you,” he says, really only wanting to help Winter. Apple Bloom puts a hoof on Eclipse “good luck” she says then hurries off.

~~~
While her new friends were being manipulated, Starlight went below the palace dungeons that were converted to the cutie mark vault. She put the cutie marks in their respective place depending on their talents. This was how their kingdom ran, in order to properly provide for everyone. 
Starlight created machines powered by cutie marks so that they could have food, clothes, and beautiful flowers in the streets. Even to control the weather to provide rain, clouds, sun, and snow!

The crown jewel of the cutie marks was the marks of the former Princess Luna and Celestia, which were in a huge vault. They launched a huge magical beam that let day and night still happen.

Starlight used her magic, to see Winters walking alongside Fluttershy. She gives an evil Smirks
“This one will be so important! When she joins us, we will get her friend too! Who must be powerful to come here and soon I’ll show every creature of every reality what true friendship is....”
~~~

Winter was given a room in the palace until she found a place of her own. Fluttershy walks her in after her, “of course, you can have your own home but I hope you will be comfortable here for now... Winter I know you might not be convinced but believe me, it’s better like this. You and Eclipse could be here forever happy and together!” she proudly proclaimed.
All the books were the same with equality marks, with different kinds of Equal propaganda posters on the walls. Winter walked around the room, even hopping onto the bed which was decently comfy. "Thank you Fluttershy, do you think you could show me where the animals are later?" 

“Of course! Since we are all Equal, we have access to everything! There are no secrets, no out of bounds, we are all the same,” she agreed, coming to hug Winter, “Equality Equals Happiness, after wall,” Fluttershy whispers to her, before walking out smiling, leaving Winter to settle in. Relaxing music would play in Winter's room, it had a nice repetitive beat sending subliminal messages. 

A screen turns on showing a movie about how Starlight saved Equestria and with her influence made it in harmony. On a table next to her bed there was a pamphlet that shows the different haircuts you could get. There only used to be five different styles, but now there was six! One more!

Winter's hair was still really short. She liked her pixie cut! It helped to keep strands out of her face in order to take care of the animals. So she couldn't have them until they grew out. She flipped through other books but they were all the same. The closet there had some raggedy clothes to wear if she wanted.

The only good thing that was left was her leftover sweets and tea! Winter happily helped herself to them and ate as many as she wanted. This place really wasn't that bad!

~~~

Eclipse waited for a guard to pass, pulling him into a broom closet and knocking them out, taking their uniform. He had read a lot about Changelings and Discord taught him how to change his appearance to whatever he wanted as long as he focused. So he turned into the guard and walked out in hopes of finding Winter, putting a wide smile on his face.

Eclipse continued to patrol the halls, “shame Nullah is helping the others, it’s gonna take me a while to look through all this,” he thought.

He just had to act as normal in this world as possible. His eyes widened seeing Winter walk around the corner with Fluttershy but she looked gray! “So...since the other Winter might be staying, does this mean we’ll be twin sisters?” The Equal winter asked Fluttershy.

Fluttershy giggled, “probably! That sounds fun!”

Eclipse discretely followed then, “I’m too late!... maybe I should just leave.....I’ve made a mess,” He sighs to himself quietly with a frown.  

"I've always wanted a sister of my own! Not that I don't consider my other friends as close sisters, well...you know what I mean," Winter giggled as they kept walking.

“I do hehe, maybe I’ll get one as well! It’s shocking to know that there are places that don’t have it as good as us...I hope we can help them,” Fluttershy says as they keep walking, Eclipse followed at a distance. The speakers play more music with lyrics about sameness and peace, and they sang along happily.

“Well she seems happy maybe..” he shakes his head “now come on Eclipse, don't let them get to you! They’ve been brainwashed and I got to help!" He goes over to the two mares, then he saw Winter's flank, it had an equal sign. That didn't make sense, that couldn't happen unless there was a cuttie mark to remove and replace. His Winter didn't have a mark! 

Unless...this wasn't his Winter! Which meant, he still had a chance to save her!! Filled with newfound hope, he turned around to find her. Determined to take her home safe and sound away from this terrible place!

Meanwhile, the EMR finally reached the room they saw Sweetiebell and the others they all seemed to have those huge grins, and Nullah looked concerned.
“Oh no I hope we’re not too late,” Scootaloo said, as a shadow overtook them, “why hello my little ponies what are you doing?” They looked back to see Celestia! Along with Luna! The fillies gulped at this and backed away, only to bump into Cadence!

“Hello little, one please join us,” she asked kindly but it sounded more like a demand. The two princesses started chanting "one of us." 

Scoots tried to bolt for it but as she did more ponies started to appear slowly approaching them. 

"We gotta... Applebloom!” She yelled as Applebloom was held by Sweetiebell who had now been brainwashed, “join us Scoots! join our family Equality Equals happiness!” she could not escape...... Scootaloo screamed then as the equal ponies overwhelmed her.

~~~ 
Eclipse soon found her after checking the rooms, finding her eating the cookies while watching the movie. Eclipse walked in and transformed to his normal look “Winter!” He says as he hugs her. 

"Oh! Eclipse! You have to try these!!" Winter says motioning to the sweets, even offering one but he swatted it away. "These chocolates are amazing!... I think they're chocolates?.." 

“What are you doing?! You can’t eat that! It might be poison or something!!" 

“Awe~ that’s a waste of a good cookie,” Winter pouts. Eclipse was quick to teleport the treats somewhere else.

“Winter are you ok? Did they hurt you?” He asks with genuine concern.

“I’m fine! Better than ever Eclipse! I finally found where I belong!!” She beams, her smile growing wider.

“Oh no, they got to you... Winter, you belong in Equestria!.......well the other Equestria, you know?” He saw the smile, and whilst he thought she was cute he wasn’t sure what to say, “you know this place is wrong right?”

“But I belong here, I’m accepted and I don’t have to worry about finding my cutie mark,” she says walking away to the window. Eclipse turns off the screen.

“But isn’t it like, I don't know... isn’t it bad I mean?... if you stay here I’ll lose you... I don’t want to be alone...” he admitted.

“Then stay! Stay with me and everyone else! We’ll be happy here! And you’ll have so many friends and family!!” She pleaded excitedly.

“I.....but.....” he wasn’t sure the idea of settling down with Winter in a place like this sounded nice but it wasn’t right, “Winter I’m not a normal pony they won’t... and I love traveling”

Starlight then walked into the room smirking as Winter fell more and more, her smile widening. Winter looked up seeing Starlight and grew excited, “Starlight can fix that by taking your cutie mark!!” Winter turned him around to face the powerful unicorn. Who levitated her staff at the ready.

“Huh? “ he said surprised and before he could do anything, Starlight quickly used the staff on him and removed his cutie mark making him grow gray and lose his magical talents.
Winter watched the brainwashing kick in more, making her feel more compliant and her expression becoming more like the other ponies. 

“One of us Eclipse,” Winter recited, "one of us," she kept chanting with others including the EMR all three of them the same as the others as they all entered the room, leaving Eclipse no way out. Nullah slithered in, between ponies legs and up around Eclipse’s neck terrified, shaking like a leaf.

“One of us” they all chanted over and over. There was nowhere Eclipse couldn’t run or fly out! He tried opening the window but it didn't have any openings. He tried using his magic to dimension-hop again but the equal mark was preventing him from doing so.hiding to a corner The ponies getting closer and closer feeling hypnotic magic he started to fall mesmerised. He was surrounded...

Starlight smiles and laughs in triumph, staring at her newly acquired cutiemark. She could just feel its raw power!!! With this, the world!.. no... the whole multiverse would soon be hers!! 

…………..
> Book I Chapter VI “A lesson learned”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Suddenly a large portal opened behind him. A large magic wave pushed them all back including starlight. Making her stop using the staff that was holding Eclipse’s cutiemark. Quickly it returned to him as a purple alicorn stepped out with a strange creature. “Stay away from our son!”

“What the?!!!” She said annoyed “who dares try to stop me!”  Starlight saw two strange and very angry looking creatures.

Eclipse knew that sound all to well at first he was happy because he knew his parents would be strong enough but then realized he was also gonna be doomed by them!

“So sorry Sprinkles but thank you for babysitting our son and his girlfriend!” Discord chimed in cheerfully, snapping his fingers to have Winter appear beside them for protection.

“Well I’m sorry but he is mine now and his girlfriend!” She yelled, the other brainwashed ponies getting ready to attack. 

“But we’re not...oh never mind..” Eclipse hoofpalmed while giving up.

Winter was still out of it. Midnight sent a powerful spell to push them all back in a bright light. Nullah stuck his tongue out at the mean unicorn. When Starlight looked up all four were gone and the portal closed.

“Nooo!!! That was my chance to spread our Equality around the multiverse...” she sighs then smirks sinisterly, “oh well at least I’m done with these rebels... I’ll find a way to get them, one day, I’ll be back hehe,” she smiles looking at the others the EMR all Equal. The others all smile blankly. 

“Yes Starlight,” they say in unison….


~~~

Eclipse and the others all end up at his house. Winter was still brainwashed, and Midnight just looks at Eclipse in disappointment

“Oh um hey....mother long time no see hehe” he says very awkwardly. She just indicated to Winter who was standing there with the giant grin. “Oh that well I can explain…you see well ....you know I was doing a thing and then stuff happened and..”

She just gave him a deadpan look. Eclipse bowed his head, “I screwed up I’m sorry,” he apologized, in acceptance of any punishment, they decided for him.

“I’ll take care of her, be right back!” Discord said snapping his fingers as he and Winter vanished.

“THIS IS WHY WE DON’T LET YOU OUT!!” Midnight snapped in anger.

“Yeah, but I could have got that under control... I just didn’t know… And hey no pony was hurt...I mean like...” he was struggling to defend himself. Nullah was already turning in his screen time, chocolate, and booping privileges via paper cards drawn with crayons and stickers. 

“DO YOU KNOW IF STARLIGHT HAD GOT YOU THAT SHE WOULD HAVE USED YOU TO TAKE OVER THE MULTIVERSE AND RUINED THE NATURAL FLOW OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT?!”

Eclipse pouted sadly, “But I couldn’t have fallen...like I’m smart and strong-willed and...” he tries to explain, even flexing what muscles he had. Nullah was reaching into his little pockets to pull out his tiny game consoles and have them turned in.

“Eclipse Variance Midnight! You would have cracked, look at what happened, you are still young and inexperienced, you're not that capable!” his mother scolded. 

Meanwhile, Discord hypnotized Winter to break her out of the conditioning. It took some work but he did it, letting Winter rest in a room in the meantime. 

“Honestly, with all your reading and research I thought you would’ve known better." Midnight shook her head disappointed, "From now on you’re to not leave the house ever until further notice! That includes you Nullah.”

Eclipse started to feel emotional and cried a little, Little Nullah went limp and just hung around Eclipse's neck in sadness and played a tiny violin.   

“No mummy your can’t! I tried I just.....I just don’t want to be alone anymore...I just wanted once, JUST ONCE, to have a friend and connect with somepony I want a real relationship," he begged tearfully, “But I’m a danger to her.....she’ll never forgive me!!!” He ran to his bedroom and slammed the door behind him. Feeling the worst he had ever in his life.

“Well that takes care of that...where’s Eclipse?” Discord asks coming back looking around.

Midnight was stressed out, of her life watching sitting with her head in her hands. “I’m a terrible mother, how the Tartarus did I let this happen?...”

“Well we did keep him cooped up for a long time,” he mentions.

“I know but what else can I do?.. When we agreed to make him I never thought about actually being a mother I ...” she said sitting next to Discord, “I can Pull the universe apart but I can’t look after my son....maybe he does need a friend something to help him...”

“I suppose, but he doesn’t know how to be one since he’s lived here,” Discord states as a light bulb literally appeared above him. “I've got it!! We’ll send him to Friendship School!!” he then reaches up to take the bulb and start munching on it. 

“Yeah sure..wait what!” She exclaims surprised, “but is that good? I mean he’s never been to...like, and...” Midnight continued to hesitate. Discord looks at her with a, "you know it’s a good idea," expression. “Hmmm... well ok, it might make him understand the responsibility which I guess social interaction is good at teaching.” 

Meanwhile, Eclipse walked out of his room to get some water. His eyes were red and puffy from all the crying when he saw Winter asleep on the couch, she looked so pretty he thought. “I’m sorry Winter... I ruined everything... I lied and I’ll probably never see you again, but even if it was brief... thanks for being my friend....” he spoke softly while tearing up and slowly walking away until his parents both came in to tell him the news...

“Eclipse. Come here one moment.” His mother called sternly. He flinched and froze before coming back.

“Kid, your mother and I talked it over and we decided to send you to the school of friendship in Equestria, the same one as your girlfriend,” discord announced.

“Well she’s not my....wait what!! Really!” He was surprised but it felt like a bright light had come! He didn’t know or care much about the school of friendship but if he could still get to see Winter and meet new ponies he’d be happy! Nullah already was perked up wearing a little lettermen jacket to show his school spirit, and wearing his school bag that resembled the flag of his homeland, his tail wagging excitedly. “So I’ll go there to learn friendship! Wait I thought you guys hated friendship?”

Discord coughed, “well uh... it’s more to teach you responsibility, yeah! What makes other ponies weak to use as your strength!” Midnight nodded in explanation,  “And that falls under friendship and this is to help you better socialize,” she adds, reminding them to keep it down while motioning to the sleeping Winter.

“Oh ok well thank you, guys...” Eclipse replies happily. 

“Though you will not be allowed to travel,” Discord added, “and you must take the form of a normal pony, for the time being, you need to learn patience. The world isn't ready to know of their future king of the multiverse," he winked.

It wasn’t the best but he would take it, “yes father, I promise I will!”

“Good. Now we’ll try to find a place for you to stay while you live there until you graduate,” Discord snapped his hands and vanished. Coming back with stacks of papers for different homes and places to buy or rent, even papers for the school dormitories!

Midnight flew over to Winter to see if she was ok which she was.

“Mother, may I ask...is it ok we left that dimension like that?” Eclipse then asks, walking away from Discords rambling about the properties. 

She looks at him,  “well depends on who you ask but... that dimension went that course so that’s its destiny. I believe all realities should stay the way they naturally develop, if they had come to her dimension it would have ruined its natural evolution," Midnight starts, looking to the sleeping pegasus, "In Winter's, would the mane six defeat Starlight, it just takes one small thing to change the course of the history of that world, just one thing went different, and boom! Brainwashed Equestria. Eclipse darling that’s why we can’t let these things cross over.”

“I guess...” he says knowing this will be on his mind for a while he goes up to Winter, “I just hope she’ll forgive me” he whispers, Nullah patting his back in assurance. 

“That’s all up to her, if she is your friend then she’ll understand,” Midnight says as Nullah slithered over and booped Winters's nose again as she slept. After being sure she was mostly alright, they sent her home. Winter was to wake up at the cottage she would still feel some side effects.

There’s a box of Tim Tams next to her. With Eclipse’s name on it ‘Sorry,’ written next to it, along with a 'get well card,' drawn by Nullah.

~~~

Winter woke up the next day and found herself at home then noticed the box. She had never seen or heard of Tim Tams before since they weren’t from Equestria. But they smelled of chocolate. Though at the same time she felt rather sick at the idea of eating sweets, remembering what happened before. 

Eclipse, who was nervous as all heck walked up looking shy, “hi, so umm…how are you doing?”

“Eclipse...” she trailed off when she saw him.

“I...I...I’m sorry I was stupid and was not responsible…if you never want to talk to me again I understand…” he says trying not to tear up.

“You really didn’t know what you were doing were you?” She raised a brow at him, not sounding as mad as he thought she would be.

He breaths slowly, “No…I didn’t…it’s well, things got out of hoof….I’m not a liar, I do travel just….I’m not actually that experienced in stressful situations, I dunno… I get overwhelmed for some reason…” he admits shaking a bit while shifting between hooves, hoping she was okay. 
“Again, I’m sorry, and if there is anything I could do to make it up to you, I will!” he tried to be emotionally brave. 

Winter glanced up at him again, he was truly being sincere then and she felt bad.

“I’m sorry too….I jumped into it rather fast…” she chuckles, “I guess we both did,” he smiles back now feeling a bit more at ease and less anxious seeing she didn’t seem to be mad at him. 

“You went through a lot, I hope she didn’t do anything to …well I saw some of the brainwashing stuff…” he started, Winter thinks as she remembers it well surprisingly but it was still a blur. 

“No no I think…if I’m honest it was weird because it felt so right I felt…good like, I just found myself and where I truly belonged….it’s kinda scary thinking how fast my mind turned…they just kinda drugged me with magic or something…” she blushes embarrassed, remembering now what she did in the room. Her smile before they were rescued...  

“On no, I didn’t do that did I?..” she hoofed palms, “Promise...we won’t get back there again?...”

He approaches her, “I promise! Had I known I wouldn’t have gone there anyway ....but I can’t travel anymore…my parents said I need to be here to join the Friendship School…”

 “Really?! You’re going to be a student!? That’s cool!” Her smile returned, but it fell as she grew nauseous, smiling so wide that her mouth muscles needed a rest. 

“Yeah!” He cheered then saw her expression quickly change, “Oof those cookies kicking in?” He asks.

“Yup...I don’t think I can eat another cookie ever again...” she groaned sickly.

“Well as long as you still feel..well you and not you know, no side effects then it should be good,” he says still a bit unsure about the side effects of the laced sweets. 

“Just remember, special talents are what make us,” he said hoping nothing was leftover from the brainwashing.

“Don’t worry I’m back to my senses now,” she sighed in relief, “just..eh it is kinda scary knowing how fast I changed..” she started to feel uncomfortable. 

Fluttershy enters the cottage after a long night with her Discord and she sees Eclipse “Oh I haven’t seen you before Welcome!” 

Eclipse cringed hearing that “oh just no please no…”

“Agreed...” Winter groans, flopping onto her back and covering her face with one of the pillows, “I’m done with that place!!! Especially that greeting!!!...” She screamed muffled.

Fluttershy seemed shocked and confused, “oh did I say something wrong?... I’m sorry” she put her head down looking worried. 

“It’s not your fault,” Eclipse assures, taking one of the Tim Tams to munch on. 

“We just had a rough day..” Winter replies muffled. Pulling the pillow down, “sorry Miss Fluttershy...”

“Oh ok..?” She says confused, Winter would explain to her later on. For now, she had to process what happened. The more she thought about it the more it concerned her…what had she just done..did she really run away with a stranger and end up losing her identity to some kind of cult!…..

Nah, this was all just some crazy dream she had after a long, stressful day of work. Right?...


~~~
Later that night she was outside in the garden of the sanctuary. She hadn’t stopped thinking about it all day…that whole ordeal was dangerous! And she forgave him as if it was nothing! Well, he was a nice pony and Winter did not judge others…knowing herself what it was like to be judged but still, she did feel uncomfortable. Winter hardly even slept last night because she kept thinking about the day's events, and how close she was to truly losing herself! It was all so frightening…

It twas a warm night, early autumn and there was a nice breeze Eclipse was hanging around but super nervous about talking to her.

“Good evening!!” A very loud and familiar voice boomed as Discord suddenly appeared, munching on a carrot kangaroo, “hey squirt! What's got you all worried? Please tell me so we can progress this story! I've been waiting for three weeks for these two just to write this part!!” He exclaimed annoyedly, looking up past the screens to the two writers, “even if it is past their bedtimes.”

“Oh hey dad uh, I’m just feeling odd…immoral actually, Winter she… didn’t… well…she said she was alright, but she isn’t and I feel horrible. I might of given her permanent trauma, maybe, or... Gah!” Eclipse groans, panicking a little. “Am I a bad pony?”

“Well, of course! You’re a Chaos!!!” Discord hollers in an echo, thunder striking from cotton candy clouds. “But that aside you haven’t really done anything outright evil, it was just a mistake you can learn from!”

Eclipse sighed, “I mean, I can learn but I don’t care about me. I’ve hurt her? I just don’t want her to feel bad she’s innocent,” he says, “I just don’t know what to say or how to talk to her…it was easy when I was pretending to be confident...” Nullah slithered around to give a boop of reassurance before a cheek nuzzles to try and make him feel better. Even offering ice cream. 

“You should care about yourself son, 'cause otherwise how will you take care of others?" Discord asks, patting him on the back before standing him up, “and who says you can’t do it again? Come on now! Just fake it till you make it! Go on out there and bloody talk so this story can finally move on from book one!! You’ve still got another five volumes to get through!” He struggled to keep it together, pulling his eyes out of his face before eating them just to be put back. “You just have to trust in yourself, go up to her, and ask how she is and how you can help?”

“Dad…..you’re really strange sometimes… but thanks, I think,” Eclipse replies. He wants to go talk to her even if to just get him to get out of his face.

“Don’t choke!” Discord calls, snapping his fingers as he vanished but then reappeared again to steal the box of Tim Tams that was for Winter before vanishing again. Midnight gave a pointed look at him with a raised brow as he snuggled on the couch before the tv once more. “What? He needed the nudge! And I needed the snack!” He says as he opens the Tim tam just to eat the wrapper! 

Eclipse went outside and saw Winter sitting alone on a hillside. He breathed in slowly and was fiddling with his hoofs, heart racing. He truly wished he had a cube with him to help with the nerves. “ok here goes nothing...” he says and walks up to her but trips on a rock and accidentally falls on her like last time. 

They fell to the bottom with a big thud, groaning as they tried to get their bearings back. Their noses touched when they tried to get up, both faces turning a bright red. Nullah holding up a little flag with W+E on it inside a heart. “S-story! Sorry! Sorry…” Winter apologized in a stutter.

He Quicky gets up, fixing his mane, “no no I’m sorry….actually, not just for that, for that for everything...” he blurts out. 

“About the whole…situation?…” she asks as they get up, sitting at a distance from each other. “It wasn’t your fault, you didn’t know…”

“Yes but I lied to you, and I acknowledge that I did but you went through a bit…” he sympathized, "Maybe more than me..." 

“I did…” she admits, “I mean it’s totally cool now! We’re free... and away from that dreadful place!. Where everypony was void of their free will!... Right, little Boop?..” Winter asks with a nervous chuckle, trying to put on a brave face but Nullah wasn’t impressed. Winter finally cracked, "Okay!... Yes, everything’s not fine!.. that whole experience was terrible! It was dreadful, all those smiles and everypony including me….saying, one of us, and trying to get us to join! I thought I was going to be a grey zombie pony for the rest of my life! Worst part is I wanted to be…. Please stop looking at me with those cute eyes!”

Nullah smiled knowing she was now being honest, giving her a head pat and a 'good pony sticker. “Hey, you should talk about it. I do know holding trauma in is bad,” he says looking at the stars above and back to her, “how are you feeling honestly? Because if you’re scared, I am,”

Winter looked up at the stars with him, watching the stars twinkle, before looking down again at the ground, “I’ve been dreaming about that place a lot…” she confesses, “haven’t been able to sleep well because of it, I keep thinking about how easily I gave in because I wanted to finally belong somewhere. Where I'm not pressured into being somepony I don't even know…I got too greedy…”

“Belong? But you live in Ponyville, a place of such happy ponies! So I read about it. Are you… lonely?” He asks genuinely.

Winter nods again, rubbing her eyes to hold back tears, “I am…if you haven’t noticed, I’m a blank flank,” she lifts her wing to show him. No cutiemark in sight, "The teasing isn't as bad compared to when I was a filly, but most ponies ignore me..."  

“Oh I saw, I just didn’t realize that was such a hindrance…I’m so sorry…if you don’t mind me asking, do you have any friends?” He questions. 

“Well, I have miss Fluttershy, and the animals, the CMC who’ve helped me try to get my cutiemark, and I am somewhat acquainted with the other members of the friendship council through Miss Fluttershy,” Winter lists down, frowning at the realization of how lonely she was! Most of the ponies and other creatures she’s met were through her parents because of their occupation and even then she didn’t truly know anyone. “But I haven’t found a creature I could call my first, real best friend…”

He looked at her and gave a soft smile, “we aren’t so different I guess…heh, I only have my parents and Nullah, who I love!" he booped the noodle, "Don’t get me wrong! But, I’ve not really been able to know anypony. I've just been running, running all the time, I’ve been lonely too…” he glances at her, “hey, maybe we were both a bit silly,” he chuckles, then thought, “Winter…do you want to ….start over??”

Winter looked up almost hopeful, eyes glimmering in the night, “you’d want to be friends with a talentless blank flank? When you could have any other friend in the whole universe?..”

“Talentless blank flank? I’m sorry but no…every creature in the universe has a purpose and we all have value! I wouldn’t care if you were a talking orange, I would love to hang out with you,” he smiles sincerely “I know I’m not good at reading emotions... and I don’t know why... but I want to try because I don’t know, but I just want to not be alone anymore,” he says. 

“Well…I guess if it’s alright with you, I wouldn’t mind being your friend,” she happily agreed, her hoof held out to him, “I’m Winter Sea,” she also held out her other hoof towards Nullah, who happily shook it with his tail. Wagging in excitement to have a new subje- uhh- friend! Yes, friend! To give him lots of boops and snacks. 

He gets up and sighs in relief, he closes his eyes and opens them “Hi, I’m Eclipse, it’s lovely to meet you! This is my friend Nullah!” He shakes her hoof, “can I sit here?" He asks politely. 

“If you don’t mind star gazing,” she patted the spot closer to her. The sky seemed to clear then, making it more visible to see the stars. 

He sat down, Nullah on his lap, yawning and snuggling in, being a sleepy Boop, Eclipse asks Winter what she was into she asked back and the two would happily watch the beautiful sky as they properly began this friendship. 

To be continued…
> Book II Chapter I “The School Year”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A week had past and the two had bonded in a mutual friendship.
Eclipse needed accommodation only truly knowing Winter Sea, he wonders if maybe he could stay there at the school dorms. His parents were alright about it but he needed to ask her, it had been a few days and Winter was feeling better since the incident. It also seemed she had forgiven him.

Winter was back to helping the animals at the sanctuary. Eclipse helped too to stay on her good side. He was looking after the rabbits and feeding them since he was particularly drawn to them. Nullah unsurprisingly was very friendly with the snakes and other reptiles. 

“Winter I’m almost done," Eclipse reported, the rabbits having taken a liking to him too and wouldn't let him get up from the cuddle pile.

“Great! Once you’re finished we can check on the others,” she smiled, treating one of the birds, “now stay off that wing this time okay?”

The bird tweeted in agreement, Eclipse was enjoying this, it was good seeing things better. He went over to Winter after excusing himself from the bunny cuddle pile. One of them burped with another looking at it disapprovingly, Eclipse smiled and chuckled then went over to Winter.
 
“So... I was wondering about something..." he started, fiddling with the carrot stems, "Since the school year is starting up in a couple of days, I need a place to stay and...”

“You need a place to crash?… Well, I know the school has dorms, we can apply for one for you!” She offered him.

“Oh cool, how do you apply?" Eclipse asks excitedly, before calming down still a little nervous, "hehe... Sorry, I’ve never done anything like this before as you can understand, maybe you can help guide me in this world?..”  he smiles and blushes slightly.

“Sure, why not?” Winter replies happily, glad to help a friend. After finishing their chores they headed to the school to file for a dorm. Knowing her way around, Winter led him through the halls of the school. Eclipse often paused to look into classrooms and the architecture of the building. All of this being so new to him, he was both excited and anxious to start coming here as a student. The two approached the principles office, Winter stopped, feeling slightly uneasy about entering.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, seeing her nervousness not knowing who the Principal was.

“This might be a bit awkward...” she explains, knocking on the door.

“Come in!” A familiar voice calls. Eclipse raised an eyebrow. They opened the door and entered to see... sitting at a desk... STARLIGHT GLIMMER!

Eclipse instinctively backed up a little, right into a pedestal that was holding a head statue of Councilor Trixxie. Nullah was quick to catch it before it fell. He tried putting it back where it belonged but the horn broke off. So he quickly pulled out an ice cream cone, consumed the ice cream, and placed the cone over the broken horn. 
“What? how did she!!...” Then he remembered that it was a different version, but he still felt super uncomfortable “oh right.....” 

It felt so odd hearing and seeing such a familiar mare who not so long ago captured them, brainwashed Winter, and nearly stole his cutie mark which could've possibly resulted in the end of the universe. 
“Just remember she’s a different pony,” Eclipse whispered to himself quietly. Winter in particular felt weird considering she got the full brunt of the other Starlights manipulation, they both sat down.

“Welcome!” She says brightly, having talked to Phyllis. “I’m Headmare Starlight! Welcome to the school of friendship!” 

“Hey Starlight, it’s me Winter?” The blue Pegasus says nervously coming in.

“Oh yes! Fluttershy’s right hoof pony at the sanctuary! She’s spoken much about you,” Starlight replies looking between them, “and you must be Eclipse!”

“Why did she have to say welcome…” he says in his head and gives a smile trying to not be awkward, he also puts a reassuring hoof on Winter's back knowing how it felt. “Yes, I am” Eclipse coughs, “I’m joining the school and was hoping to get accommodation here”

Starlight smiles, pulling up his file, “off course! I’m so glad you’re joining us here at the school! Let's see... Eclipse Variant Order, attended Diputs Academy with high honors. Parents are Accord Order and Early Byrd Order,” she reads off, "As long as you pay the yearly fee we can find you a room,"

“Thank you! And I was hoping for one as well so that I’m much closer,” Winter adds. Eclipse couldn't help but snicker hearing what Starlight read. His parents had come prior, in disguise, of course, to enroll him. 

“Of course! I’m sure we can find a room for you too!” Starlight beams and used her magic to pull up a list of the dorms and their residents. “Let’s see...alright! There are rooms but you have to share them with someone,”

“Well, I guess that’s okay... I mean I’ve never had a roommate before! Well, other than Nullah,” Eclipse mentions, helping the boop onto the desk. Nullah looks at him as if to say, “yeah don’t you dare forget me I am literally a god!”

“So who will I stay with!” He says enthusiastically, Starlight taking a moment to gaze in awe at the little boop before looking back to Eclipse. 

“Hmm, well they’re a griffin! His name is Notus, and you’ll be starting your first year here together!” She read the file.

“Well ok we can do without the shade Nullah.” he thinks to the boop, Nullah was now magically wearing SHADES. “A griffin? Awesome!” 

Starlight hummed then looked at the list again, “and Winter... will be staying with Kirin named Estelle,”

“A Kirin? That’s cool!” Winter smiled as they took their room keys.

“You’ll meet them on the first day and you’ll also be getting your schedules then too!” Starlight explains, then glanced at Nullah, “And one more thing, I’m afraid unless they’re a service animal we don’t allow pets,” 

Nullah looks at Starlight with an annoyed expression as he pulled his shades down, even if he couldn't glare. Eclipse understood but knew Nalluh might not have liked this 

“oh...well is it possible to make an exception? Nullah and I have been close for a while so it might be hard for him to be away from me.” Eclipse asks, trying to convince her before Nullah grew to a gigantic size and hisses. Crushing the desk and knocking over Phyliss which Starlight caught and hugged as she looked at the massive snake. 

“Oh my-“ Starlight gulped. 

“Nullah! No!” Winter scolded, then came up with an idea. “What if he just stayed in the dorm room?”

Starlight then whimpers,  leaning back more as the Nullah leaned closer. 

“I...suppose it’s okay...as long as you take full responsibility for it,”
Nullah shrunk down to normal size again, a happy boop with a wagging tail. 

“YES!! Don’t worry I promise I’ll take full responsibility! Well... he's smart enough to not get into trouble!” Eclipse assured, as Nalluh went into his arms and smiled, promptly putting down a bag of bits to pay for their dorms. 

“Alright then!.. I’ll see you two in a week!” She stamped the official papers and had them signed before they left. While she took the bits to count them, Starlight looked confused seeing the coins engraved with Nullah's face on them. 'Boop bits' around the rims. Confused she fiddled with it only to realize it was a chocolate bit covered with gold tin foil. The rest of the day Starlight spent splinting the mix of real bits and chocolate bits. 

“I better head back to my place and pack ahead,” Winter said as they walked out.

“I’ll do the same! Thanks so much for the help!” He said, prancing with her excitedly, “I've seen so many realities, but this one is interesting because it’s the, 'what if everything turned out alright dimension!' Hehe...” he chuckles, looking around the halls again before exiting the school. “Have you been going here awhile?”

“The school? No, I never thought of enrolling, but sometimes I come to help Fluttershy in her class and school events,” Winter replies.

“Cool! Well, it might be a way of finding your special talent who knows!” he smiled, as Nullah extends and boops her nose. 

“I suppose! Just..just promise you won’t tell anyone about my family heritage?...” she frowned a little. She didn’t want the added pressure of her family name.

“I promise! It’ll be between us,"  Eclipse swore in understanding, crossing his hoof over his chest and then holding it in the air.  Nullah did the same with his tail while wearing a boy scouts uniform. His sash was already filled with badges. "I don’t want ponies to know mine either, for obvious reasons.”

“Looks like we have ourselves a deal,” she smiled, glad to see how sincere he was. “You do know what to pack right?...”

“I think so! Got stuff at home so I should be good,” he replies, pretending like he was on top of it all.  

“Sweet! I’ll just need to pack a few essentials and maybe do a bit of shopping, you're welcome to join me if there are things you're missing?” Winter offers.

Eclipse lit up, this could be his chance to see the town more with Winter and spend more time with her!!! So he happily agreed. The next day Eclipse was with Winter getting their school supplies. The market was lively and fun, with all kinds of creatures running their own errands. He found it enjoyable in its simple way watching everyone go about their daily lives, he was getting along with Winter too which was great!

She introduced him to some friends there as well, mostly Pinkie pie and the CMC. While they shopped he watched her buy what supplies they needed and he did the same, not wanting to pack the wrong thing. Mostly consisting of quills, books, papers, packs of notecards, etc.  

He was able to avoid making it look like he was just copying her, they almost lost Nalluh once or twice which almost gave Eclipse a heart attack. Nullah was liking the fairy floss, being completely inside one and popping out again with a little fairy floss wig and mustache. The child who bought the treat screamed seeing the strange creature pop out, Eclipse hurried over to take the fair floss with the boop inside. Nullah paid to get a second, larger one for the child as an apology. It was a fun day, either way, more fun than Eclipse had in an in time.

After buying some cupcakes from Sugar Cube Corner, the three of them watched the sunset at a park. Nullah finished the fairy floss but he kept the wig and mustache. 

“There you go! Your pick!" Winter says opening the box of cupcakes to them.

“Thank you!" Eclipse beams, taking a chocolate cupcake while Nullah took a strawberry, "You know... when I've learned more about my powers, I want to travel every dimension there is!” he declared, looking at the sky and eating the cupcake, “just to see the lore of every reality! You can look for infinity and I’ll help you find your talent! I promise!”

“And I’ll help you to achieve that dream of yours! Explore every reality possible! That is...if I can come with you?...” She asked sheepishly, “I want to see these other worlds too!! What they're like and the inhabitants!”

“I’d love for you to come with us!” he puts a hoof around her, “ I think you’d love even the beauty of the multiverse, it can be scary... but worth it!”

“So now we’re like... traveling partners in a way?!” Winter asked excitedly.

“Yes! Honestly, traveling is always more fun with sompony by your side,” he replies, not realizing he was feeling a little more being around her

“Ohh!! That sounds awesome! Okay, we need some kind of name to call ourselves, like if we were in our own club!!”

“Hehe ah yes we can” he finds the idea so quaint and fun, this pony was so enthusiastic. “the two travelers! Hmmm no too generic or maybe....” he thinks

“Double trouble? Ehhh... I’m not as troublesome as you,” she teased. 

He looked at her and chuckled, well she wasn’t wrong, “The Equines of Epicness?”

She just gave him a confused expression. “I don’t think so,”

“Oh, maybe something related to harmony?” Eclipse thinks.

“You’re not exactly in harmony yourself, son of Discord and chaos~” she teased again.

“I'm just thinking of themes related to your world hehe... maybe the purple and the blue one?” he jokes winking.

Winter rolled her eyes. Thinking about their future adventures! They would get to travel so far away, and maybe save a few since his parents didn’t want him to throw off the world's balance.

“Good point!” He says to her, forget if for a moment  she didn’t know he could sense her thoughts a little

They could protect other creatures and themselves as they explored. “Guardians...” she trailed off.

“Guardians of.....Adventure?..... No no maybe......of Harmony!” He said

“Protect and keep order like my mother wants”

“Guardians of the beyond...beyond other dimensions through space and time, chaos and harmony,”

“Love it!” he says excitedly and hoof bumps her, he knew this was the start of something great!

“We are the Guardians of the Beyond!!” She declared shooting up and striking a pose. He struck a pose as well with her! Much like superheroes in comic books.

~~~

The next day, he was all packed up and Eclipse was moving in, there were creatures everywhere in the school. Eclipse has been used to seeing all types of life and found it pretty normal. He was overwhelmed by the number of creatures everywhere. 
“Now remember Nullah, be on your best behavior, we got to do this right! I’m not screwing up again!” he whispers to the Rainbow Snake who just gave him a reassurance boop. Nullah agreed and adjusted their fake glasses and backpack filled with Tim Tams.

There was a big puff of smoke at the front of the hall as a blue unicorn appeared, wearing a light purple uniform with stars. Silvery white hair hanging over her side. “Greetings students!! Welcome to the school of friendship!!” She announced, her magic shot little fireworks that formed the school's crest making everyone cheer. 

“Bit excessive but ok” he chuckles to himself. The blue Unicorn seemed to like to put on a show “I am The Great, and POWERFUL TRIXIE!!!!!!! .........but you can just call me Miss Trixie,” she said not so humbly, though trying to sound it. “This will be a great year as we have more bright young students from all over the world!” She continues. 

“Only in this world,” Eclipse chuckles to himself again.

Winter was searching the crowd till she found him and bumped his shoulder, “oh hush,” she chuckled with him before facing ahead.

“I am also your student councilor! If you have any issues, worries, troubles, friendship quarrels, hot tea gossip, or other drama I’ll be there to listen with hot chocolate, and blankets,  and offer only the greatest of advice!!” Trixie teased, taking a sip from a mug that read ‘great and powerful councilor,’ making some students laugh. “Now, follow me and we shall hand out all your schedules, then you can head to the dorms to settle in and meet your roommates!” She said enthusiastically, leading everyone to the tables.

“You nervous for your first day?” Winter asked walking with Eclipse.

“Well, yeah! I mean it’s a whole new Environment! But hey, I'm not in danger. I just want to make things right!” He said as they walked to get the schedule, being passed out by Silverstream and Smolder. Eclipse looked like a unicorn at that moment though Winter could have sworn he had wings when he walked into the building 20 minutes ago.

“If you choose to be an Alicorn, everyone will suspect you.” She points out. It felt weird having a single horn instead of his two. 

“Yeah but alicorns are like the coolest type of pony!” He thought but understood why…

But he would work with it. After getting their schedules, they went to their assigned dorms. Eclipse and Nullah went to theirs and saw it was already opened and heard a metal crash.

“OH FOR SCORPENS SAKE!” Someone yelled in frustration. Eclipse peeked in, seeing his griffin roommate trying to hang up different armors on one side of the room with others still on the floor and in trunk chests. Eclipse looked impressed at the armor, liking the look of the Griffin and his historical collection. Nullah slithered in and went right up to the remaining armor and with glowing eyes, made it all hang properly. The griffin took a step back in surprise Eclipse giggled as he watched the boop at work. Even applying some polish to give them an extra shine.

“Oh, uh, thanks? You’re my roommate I’m guessing?” He asked seeing Eclipse at the doorway, making sure all the armor was perfectly put up. Then he looked down at Nullah, crossing his arms with a little smirk, “not bad snake,”

Eclipse walked in smiling “that’s the least he can do trust me” Nullah slithers up the griffin's nose and boops it. “That’s Nalluh he’s a spirit who...actually, never mind! He’s a snake! Yeah, just your ordinary Loly-coloured snake, hehe” He quickly corrects. Hoping he wasn’t too suspicious already. 

“Okay, I’ll need to go through my books on reptiles again…that aside my name’s Notus, pleasure to meet you,” he held his claw out. In turn, Eclipse held his hoof out for him to shake.

 “I’m Eclipse, Pumbarra Oomba, good day!” He greets in the native language of the people Nullah comes from and shook his claw. “I’m very new to this and you seem a creature of class. That’s some great genuine 4th-era armor, is it not?”

“Not all of them, I have some older ones back at home but my parents wouldn’t let me take it all,” Notus chuckled, flying over and taking off one of the helmets, “this was a genuine relic I found in a battlefield during the Great War to decide the first king,”

“That’s amazing! Well, certainly some great stuff,” Eclipse awed, placing his things on his bed and settled. Notus had a feeling this new unicorn was nice but there was something different.
“So… you from a far distance? I mean I've never heard of a Rainbow-looking snake before,” He raised an eyebrow as most ponies he met were not very well-traveled but this one has been around. Nullah slithered onto the nightstand stand with his little suitcase and pulled out his belongings and numerous chocolate bars.

“Oh yeah, I come from a very faraway place....” Eclipse got nervous, taking out one of his cubes and messing with it to hide his nerves, “oh I need a good cover story!???” He thought as he completes the cube before mixing it up again.

“Okay?…anyway, we better finish settling in before classes starts,” he turned away to put away more of his belongings. Eclipse sighed and turned to his side of the room to do the same.

~~~

Meanwhile, Winter found her room and went inside, having heard music already before entering.

The room was clean and nicely organized decently, there was a creature listening to the music at a desk their back turned and the music was at a normal volume, coming from a small music player.

“Hello!!” Winter greets coming in. The creature was in fact, a Kirin! like Starlight said!

She turned around then got excited 
“Oh hi!!” She greets, as she jumped to meet Winter.

“You’re my roommatttttteeeee?~” Winter’s voice shook as the Kirin took her hoof in both of theirs, shaking it excitedly.

“And you're mine, yes!! I haven’t met many Pegasi before! This is great!” she says, full of energy. Even after letting go, Winter still felt like she was shaking.

When she finished, Winter looked over at her side of the room, “Are you excited about school?”

“I am! I’m new here, my name’s Estelle, what's yours?”

“Winter Sea! But you can call me Winter,” she said right away. Placing her bag on her bed.

“Great to meet you, Winter! Sorry about the music, I’ve just been drawing it’s fun for me,” she says as they settle down. Estelle pausing her music.

“Oh I don’t mind, I love music!!” Winter assured taking her things out. “Can I see some of your work?” 

Estelle went red a little in embarrassment, “oh well I mean I kinda well… suck at it…I’m not very good….” she replies nervously.

“Hey, all art is good art, as a friend of mine says!” Winter replies smiling. 

“W-well ok then, “ she says as she hands Winter her sketch pad, showing a piece of art featuring a timber wolf howling at the moon.

“Wow!!” Her eyes lit up in awe, “How’d you get it to look so accurate?! It’s like I can almost smell them!”

“I like watching them, I used to travel to look at ten from a distance, it’s a passion,” she blushes.

“I’ve always wanted to travel the lands!! What’s it like?” Winter asked in wonder. Returning the sketch pad.

“Well, it’s a lot of work but so worth it!” Estelle said smiling in wonder while daydreaming.

“Maybe we could go on a trip together!!”

“I’d love to! Well of course during the break,” she chuckles with Winter. The two got along right away!! Soon however the bell rang for the first period and everyone hurried to their classes.

Eclipse was good in class. He was a good learner, listening attentively though sitting for a while was a challenge for him. The teachers were great and he liked pretending to be a unicorn!

He liked meeting some of the forest animals in Fluttershy’s class, learning to look after them and such. However, because most of the animals were from the sanctuary, they were quickly drawn to Winter who looked after them already. They hurried to greet her almost dog-piling her.

 “You sure your talent isn’t animals?” He asks as she was good with them though it was clear it was not her destiny.

“I’m sure,” Winter confirms as Fluttershy helped her separate from the animals before class began.

“Hey who’s the purple one?” Estelle asked Winter, looking at Eclipse intrigued

“That’s my friend Eclipse,”

“What is he? I mean I’ve met unicorns but something about him seems…different”  she said as she was rather observant.

“What makes you say that?” Winter asks, a bit nervous, turning to Eclipse who was fawning over the baby rabbits.

“Well, it’s odd because there’s just something off. I study creatures to draw them but when I tried drawing him in secret the other day there was something about his form that felt unnatural. I can’t put my hoof on it!”

Eclipse held one of the baby rabbits and looks at it almost as if he can understand it.

“Plus he acts nothing like any unicorn I’ve met,” she says.

Winter gulped in nervousness. “I’m sure it’s nothing! He’s traveled a lot with his parents and now he has the chance to settle down for a change!!” She made up.

“Well, you should tell him then,” Eclipse says out of nowhere to the baby rabbit which looked at him. Little now twitching.

Estelle frowned “right….and how long have you known him?”

“Only a few days, we met at the sanctuary when he woke up all the animals after I put them to sleep.” She groaned remembering that night. “His parents thought this would be good for him, meet others about his age after traveling for so long,”

“I believe you can do it!” Eclipse said to the rabbit which just looked at him. 

“Well ok so not long…Is his talent….talking to animals? He seems to be?” Estelle points out. Eclipse being of chaos does have the ability to communicate with many life forms and seeing Fluttershy at work, he had misunderstood and thought all ponies had this ability.

“His parents do a lot of research on all kinds of species so he picked up a thing or two!!!” Winter interjects, really struggling to cover up for him. Thankfully class was dismissed for lunch. She quickly walked over to him.

“Maybe ease up on the animal talking?” She hissed.

“What do you mean? I’m just blending in!” He said baffled as they walked. Nullah was on his back already filling out the class’s homework.

“Well, not all ponies can understand animals. That’s reserved for those with special talents like Fluttershy!”

 “Oh….” He realized then looked embarrassed, “ok thanks. That explains a lot, honestly, I feel that Estelle doesn’t like me…she’s always watching me”

“She’s skeptical about you, also apparently she tried to draw you,” she shrugged. They headed to the lunch room where many students were already. A variety of food was served to accommodate all the students. 

He thinks it makes sense as he goes to get his food “hay sandwich…well there’s a first time for everything these are horses after all,” he says out loud to himself. Winter followed him a little worried he might slip up again. Nullah had a packed lunch of chocolate.  Notus was already eating he had a helmet with him that was a nice silver.

“Hey! Eclipse!!” He waved, flying over after grabbing some fish. “Who’s your friend here?”

“Oh hey! Notus this is Winter, she’s been my closest friend and helping me settle here,” he introduces her to him.

“Oh, you’re Eclipse’s roommate, nice to meet you!” She smiled as she shook his claw. “I hope you don’t mind me asking but what’s with the helmet?”

“Oh it’s fine and this is an ancient Pegasus helmet used during the time of Snowdrop…well they’re a replica I’ve made it based on old drawings”

“Snowdrop? The one who made snow beautiful?” Winter asked, playing oblivious.

“Yeah! This was made as a winter-themed look after Snowdrop's contribution to Equestria sadly no original surviving helmets exist so this is my replica attempt”

Eclipse hummed, thinking about going to that time and ‘borrowing’ one such helmet. But Winter was oblivious to his motives.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll find one eventually if you keep looking!” Estelle encouraged him, “if you do, lend it to me so I can draw it!” She added too, so Notus agreed.

Eclipse had thought similarly, he knew he was not allowed to of course but it seemed cool. “Well, as an enthusiast of military history, it would be great! There are so many theories about what happened to them,” Notus said.

“I have a feeling you two will get along very well, Eclipse here has very many artifacts himself at his home,” Winter patted Eclipse on his side with her wing. He only looked a bit bashful, not wanting to brag. 

“Well one or two,” he says smiling and winking, then gets ideas in his head that actually might be fun to find out, he thinks to himself.

Notus finished eating, “well I’m glad and if I can find an original maybe I should look for possible descendants, maybe they have something,” he says and gets up.

Winter let out a nervous laugh and cough, “yeah, who knows…” she grinned. She didn’t have a family heirloom at home!! They brushed her nervousness aside and kept talking through lunch.

School continued the rest of the day and Eclipse learned much more and met other creatures!! But he liked bonding with Notus more over history and different artifacts.

The four became good friends and over the next few weeks, Eclipse adjusted to this more normal life especially his feelings towards Winter who he got close with. They sometimes went around town, shopping in the market, hanging out at Sugarcube corner, and even having picnics outside of town by the lake.

He found her so accepting and kind but with a fun attitude, he would try to explain how the multiverse worked and she would just nod in confusion but loving his enthusiasm regardless. She would show him some of her interests as well. When alone he got to be in his true form and use more of his chaos magic.

Regarding the animals at the sanctuary, her studies in nature and other creatures. She even had her version of the original CMC cape that the crusaders gave her when she was a little young filly.

“Why do I feel different around her?” he thought to himself then shrugged, “it's probably just me being new to social interaction,”

Though both Notus and Estelle felt that they were noticing the chemistry between their friends. It would only be a matter of time before someone made a move.
> Book II Chapter II “Present Frenzy”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

School had been quite a change in Eclipse's life. He was used to being confined to his home with no one other than his parents and Nullah to talk to while he read and played with what was given to him. The same boring routine over and over again. But this time was different! 
Every morning, Eclipse would wake up to Nullah playing 'REVEILLE & ASSEMBLY,' on his little bugle horn while dressed in his drill sergeant's hat. It surprised the boys their first morning and made Notus fly into the ceiling in shock while Eclipse fell out of his bed. They've grown used to it and if they ever needed a few more minutes in they just had to boop the boop to snooze the boop. they would meet up with the girls in the cafeteria or go out to town and find something nice to eat for breakfast before heading to their classes. 

Out of all the classes, he loved the friendship history classes that taught about this world's past and the friendships that bloomed and perished. He liked meeting all the animals and caring for them in Fluttershy's class, but he wasn't so fond of gym class. He was never the sporty type. But they played different team-building games with his friends, and it felt so great to run around and be with Winter and the others in class every day, learning and doing something new.

Some nights, he would meet with Winter to sneak out of campus to go visit the animals at the sanctuary. There he could be in his true form and do some chaos magic. Half the time it was him showing off his skills and the other half is them talking about school or home life and learning more about each other, growing closer as friends. 

“It’s almost Heart's Warming Eve,” Winter mentioned one day as autumn was quickly passing on, the two outside the Sanctuary, after helping some animals get ready for hibernation. “Will you be heading home for the holidays?”

“Yes!! I mean, no, I mean...maybe? My parents honestly are not great organizers..” Eclipse replies, “but honestly, I’ve never celebrated Hearts Warming. So I don’t know what to do..” he looked a little down. While he knew about it, celebrations were not something he had done, asides from his birthday of course. 

“Well if you’re staying around you’ll get to witness the magic of it all here in Ponyville!!” She flew up to dive into a pile of leaves. Laughing and having fun as she sprouts up to make a leaf pony angel. "I can't wait for the first snow..."

The leaves were so colourful they fell with elegance. He smiles and blushes while watching her. She was so cute he thought “hehe well I mean could I stay with you... maybe,” he said, nervous to ask.

“Oh, I guess. I’ll be flying to Cloudsdale to have dinner with my parents if they’re not busy, then again they might be attending some Wonderbolt party...” she thought, “you could help me bake some brownies though!! Nullah can be our little taste tester!” Nullah quite liked the sound of that, his little tail wagging.

“Oh, I’d love that! Nullah” He flew up excited then dived Into some leaves they went everywhere

When they were alone, he can be himself around her because she knew his secret, which he wasn't really ready to tell the others yet. After some leaf jumping they just raced through the forest.
It was freedom like he never knew and she was the world to him, they could run for hours laughing, tumbling, and having fun. Even though the trees were a beautiful sight, Winter was the only thing he could look at. She would look at him and feel similar.

“Well…I better get back to work, and make sure all the animals are ready for hibernation!” She chuckled nervously, quickly flying off and accidentally through a tree. She shook what leaves and branches were caught in her mane and tail, “I’m good!!” She called back with a nervous laugh before flying off. Nullah waved off to her as she flew off. 

Autumn leaves fell and soon the snow would come it was cold but beautiful, Winter marveled at it, especially with her family history it gave her a sense of understanding. Then it began snowing! She caught a snowflake in her hoof, looking at its details before it melted away. She looked up again in thought, “what is my talent…”

 Estelle saw her fly by, and she could see Winter looked rather contemplative, Estelle sat down and drew the image. When Winter glanced down to see the forests getting covered in the fresh snow, she saw Estelle sketching away. 
“Oh, hey Estelle,” Winter greets her flying down, “how are you enjoying the snow?”

“Gahhh you moved! that would have been a great moment,” she said half serious, and chuckles.

“Oh, sorry, here,” Winter apologized and turned back looking up at the cloudy sky.

“It's nice, we don't get much snow from where I live. it's lovely, it helps me feel calm” she replies, turning to a new page and sketching Winter again, “so your cutie mark?..” She says wanting to know.

“Oh! I don’t have one,” she lifts her wings to show. Frowning sadly, "A grown mare without a cutiemark, a rather rare case,"

“That’s odd why don’t you have one? I’m not an expert, I'm sorry if it’s personal”

 “Not it’s fine! I just…haven’t found what makes me special is all,” she shrugged.

Estelle finishes her drawing, a pegasus lost in thought in the falling snow, it looked very whimsical, “you have a lot of potential in you, I can tell. I also know you and Eclipse are close,” she smiles, showing it to Winter.

“What?! We’re just friends! And what potential?” She frowns, looking down at the ground. Before admiring the drawing, "Wow, you're amazing at this kind of thing, if you were a pony your cutie mark would definitely have something art related!"

She smirks “as an artist I see things and I mean you two do spend time like he’s pretty quiet around most other creatures around you though he’s so enthusiastic” she gets up “I heard you two are spending hearts warming with each other” she giggles

 “His parents are away on a trip so he’s pretty much alone, I felt bad for him!!” She explains. It was hard covering up for him sometimes, but she made it work. 

“Well, one way or another it’s great you do that for him,”

“It's what friends do for one another,” Winter replies bashfully, “The thing is...I don’t know what to do for his gift…”

“He's a nice stallion I’m sure if the gift comes from the heart it should be good,” she winks cheekily, "Especially if it's from his dearest friend,"

Winter blushed at the hint, before groaning and falling backward. Laying on the ground. A snowflake fell on her nose. “I don’t know Estelle…It's not like that! We're just friends,"

Estelle pats Winter's head “Let’s look around town together, I’ll help you!”

“Thanks, but I have to help miss Fluttershy with the animals and hibernation preparations,” 

"Then maybe I can help you! More hoofs to carry the load and get the work done faster! Just show me what to do,"

"I guess that's true, alright, thanks again Estelle, I'm glad I have a great friend and roommate like you," Winter says honestly as Estelle helped her up. They made their way to the Sanctuary to help Fluttershy with the animals by providing them food to be stored, comfy sleeping places, and training the birds for their long flight north. 

Winter and Estelle were able to get things done much sooner than Fluttershy anticipated and wished them happy holidays as they left for Ponyville. Many stalls were being put up for the holidays but nothing spoke to her. Little did they know that Eclipse was there too! 

He was worried as he paced around the town but had no clue as he had never celebrated the holiday before. He hoped that by going to town he would gain a better understanding but so far it was just a lot of decorations and random stuff being sold. He did see some ponies lining up at a stall with colorful paper and ribbons with other ponies wrapping things. Presents! This holiday had presents too!! Which meant he need to give Winter something!

But he barely knew Winter, so with what little he knew Eclipse wandered around the market as he searched for a gift, he was stumped too. Thankfully he ran into Notus who was looking at a stall with antiques. 

“Hey Notus I need help!!” he shouts hurrying over to his friend. 

“Oh, hey Eclipse, what’s up?” He asked turning to him.

He was a little out of breath, “Wow.. running without magic to help is like….oh sorry, umm, so ya know this Heart's Warming thingy... that’s happening like really soon?...”

“Yeah? What about it?” Notus raised a brow. “Do you need help shopping or something?” Nullah was around Eclipse's neck like a scarf. Wearing his own little knitted hat

“Well it’s only a few weeks away and I'm spending it with Winter and well... I kinda have no idea what I'm doing or what to get her!” 

“Ahhh shopping troubles, come on let’s look around,” Notus put his wing over him as they walked around. "Don't worry, I'm kinda an expert with this after learning about the story and its history," 

Eclipse let out a sigh of relief, “thanks bro, we are spending the whole night together and I got to do something special,” he says rather innocently though Notus starts to assume.
 
“Ohhh, my friend you want to impress your mare friend? Then I know all the tips and tricks, every ins and outs to arouse her,” he winks Eclipse didn't take much notice of what his friend was implying.

When they didn’t find a single thing, they decided to take a train to the Rainbow Falls seasonal trading fair. This way, they had a much bigger variety.

It was super busy! More than just stalls this was a great trade center now with more than just ponies coming to trade and buy. It was a mix of cultures for all races to exchange and share. Even in the cold winter, it maintained its magnificence. 

Nullah saw a didgeridoo and slithers over to it, taking a deep breath and blowing into it to place a beautiful tune. Nearby creatures gathered to listen and tear up at the song, clapping and applauding for the boop when he finished. One of them threw a rose he happily caught with his tail as he bows. The stall owner was so moved they gave the instrument to the boop for free! Eclipse and Notus made their way through the crowd to Nullah, who proudly presented them the instrument as a gift idea for Winter. 

“Aw, it’s nice Nullah but I don’t think she will know how to play it,” Eclipse smiles. Teleporting the instrument to their room at home for safekeeping.  

“Exactly! You wanna win a girl's heart, you gotta go big!!!” Notus says then Eclipse looks at him confused.  

“Huh? What do you mean I just want to have fun with her” Eclipse recalls. Notus's eyes widened. 

“Ohhh, I see so it’s like that! Well then, there might be something for those needs~” Notus implies, who had thought the two were already a thing had misunderstood, Eclipse was totally confused but figured it was the custom of the universe or something. 

They decided to split up o cover more ground. Notus flew one way while Eclipse trotted another. However, he saw a whole crowd gathered around one stall and he went to check it out.

“Lady’s and gentle colts!! Step right up for a deal you can’t refuse on these one-of-a-kind, limited edition, Phoenix feather accessories!!!” The stallion there announced making everyone excited. But Eclipse smelled a rat. Having studied many magical creatures in his books, he could tell the feathers they had were fake.

“THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS!!!! Taken from the great Phoenix itself, just for a small price of 34 bits!” The stallion said with great enthusiasm Eclipsed looked around him and saw he captivated the others, carrying bags of bits to buy some immediately before they could possibly run out. So Eclipse decided to speak up.

“Umm, why are they….such a dark orange?” Eclipse asks the stall owners, the crowd stopped and looked at him in confusion.

The two colts looked a little nervous and saw the strange purple pon. One of them adjusted their very fake beard, “well it’s that dark because it comes from the rarest Phoenix that ever lived!!!!”

Eclipse raised an eyebrow seeing through this rather obvious and embarrassing con, “and that is?..”

“The elder Phoenix!!! Since phoenixes are practically immortal it’s rare to find own so old before it is reborn!!!,” The second con unicorn spoke up. The others nodded since it sounded believable.

Eclipse burst out laughing, “Bffffhahaha! Sorry, sorry, but the elder Phoenix?!... That’s too good! You know that’s not how the species works, I might be clueless on this Hearts Warming celebration but I know these dimensions animals, and Phoenixes are all Equal in age due to immortality so none of them are older than the others.” the crowd didn’t know what to believe they all started mumbling to themselves.

The con ponies looked at each other more nervously then. “Well I’m sure a fine fellow such as yourself is searching for a gift for a special somepony, perhaps we could be of some assistance?”

He walks up, “well, I am but, I’d need more than some fake feathers.” Nullah smelled one of the accessories and sneezed then gave a look of disapproval. If he had eyelids he would glare. 

“Well, we do have some other things in storage, perhaps they could be of interest to you?”

“Hmm I don't know, I guess it’s worth a look as I have no idea what I'm doing…..ok but no funny business! Nullah has a good sense of character and he doesn’t like you two.” 

“Right this way!!” They said letting him into the back, “soooo, what are you looking for and who is this fine pony you’re gifting?”

“She’s just this mare who I’m really close with, and it’s important I do this right!” he said determinedly, walking with them to their storage tent.

“Well I’m sure we can find something,” they started going through the boxes.

Eclipse looks around with them, his head in a scramble. All the boxes were full of completely random and cheap stuff, he wasn’t much impressed but he felt a little tense feeling if he couldn’t get anything for her, he would be a horrible friend! "I can stop time, travel the world, and do homework! But, gift-giving is my downfall.."  he thought to himself.

Nullah hissed when he saw some snake-made products. One of the brothers quickly shut the box with a nervous chuckle, “ignore those,”

He looked at the pony with a look that could kill, the two ponies moved quicker not wanting to anger the snake more. “you better find something because if not I’m telling everypony about those feathers,'' 

They started to offer Eclipse all sorts of random items but none of them were right for Winter!!

"For the tenth time, I’m not getting her a deluxe screwdriver! I mean why do you even have those?” Eclipse said annoyed. Nullah around his neck, just as annoyed. 
 
“Well because our business can get screwy sometimes, do you want stick?” The colt offers, Eclipse hoof palmed. 

“Look, it’s a lovely stick but I feel she will want something more! I mean, I need to impress her I need to give her something she won’t forget she’s done so much for me” Eclipse sighed, having a dreamy far off look.

“There you are!!!” Notus yelled peaking in. “Come on, I think I found the perfect thing for Winter!!!”

“Oh ok?” He said as he followed him the two colts sighed a relief then Eclipse piped his head back in, “don’t think I’m done with you two” he squinted then left. Nullah looked at them with another death glare then slithers off. 

They ran around the place till they came to a stall. Sitting on the table was a pin that looked like Snowdrop's cutie mark. “Pretty cool right?! Uhhh do you have anything to trade?”

“Oh, that’s very nice! What makes you think she’ll like that?” Elipse questions, not sure if Notus knew or not about her ancestry. 

“Well, I feel like she likes Snowdrop and it’s wintery-themed so yeah! You got anything to trade?” 

Eclipse got out his saddlebags and looked through them, which was more of a pocket dimension portal if you reach in deep enough. “A badge for a badge... This one is from another di….I mean land beyond Equestria it’s called the cascade badge!” he displayed, it looked sort of like a water drop. 

The pony running the stall there squinted his eyes at it, “it just looks like a badge to me,” they say unimpressed. 

“Well... there are only a few of them in the multi…. world!” He caught himself, “and it’s a huge badge of honour in the land it comes from, it shows great perseverance and strength!" 

“Ehhh sounds nice and all kid but I’ll have to say no. Now your snake friend there,” he took a close look at Nullah.

“Oh no no no no no!! You can’t take Nullah he’s not for bartering, selling, or anything!!!” Eclipse held Nullah close to him, the boop blew raspberries at the stall pony in protest.

“We’ll, if your friend sheds, I could trade it for a hoof full of scales,” he offers.

“I mean... maybe?.. would you do that?” He asks Nullah who looks really annoyed not liking anything from himself used for bartering. 
Notus felt offended, “I’m sorry bud, but this is important and I wouldn’t ask this if you normally,”

“Hey, give me enough, and I’ll throw in a bonus item of your choosing from my stash,” the sales pony said. Eclipse gives pleading eyes to his friend.

“Please..” he begged, then Nullah rolled his eyes and accepted reluctantly. A huge light of magic arose and the skin slimmed off the beautiful colours of it were divine Notus was surprised at the power that snake had. 
Eclipse picked it up and handed it to the sales pony. He motioned to the chest beside the table for him to look through after he took the pin.

Eclipse looks through the chest it had sims old dusty things but also a few books eclipse was hoping for something good. Notus peaked inside as well, “oh this one might be perfect for you two” he picked an oddly strange-looking book. It was a hardcover with the picture of two ponies really close to one another almost..hugging from what Eclipse could see?

“What’s that?” Eclipse asks having never seen the book before. The cover read, "Fifty shades of a pony~"  

“Well, you said you want fun right? You two are close shall we say?~” 

Eclipse nodded, “well this is the best way to have fun with a mare” eclipse was confused “I mean are you sure? This looks different….”

“Trust me. This is what you want. Hey! They have the whole collection here!!” He grabbed the rest. “We’ll be taking these, thank you very much!!”

“Thank you,” Eclipse said as they headed off well, "I’m sure Notus knows what he’s talking about maybe it’s just the custom they do in this dimension..."he thinks to himself.
> Book II Chapter III “Hearts Mortifying”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winter was at work with something special for Eclipse. She wasn’t sure if he had a better more enchanted version but she just hoped he liked it.
It had taken a while but she finished it in time! It was a holiday break for the school semester and there were only two days till Hearts Warming! This was Winter's last shift at the sanctuary before the holiday. With most of the animals in hibernation, they were caring for any sick and injured animals brought to them that would be resting inside Fluttershy's place to keep warm. With time to herself, Winter could decorate her place to get ready for her celebration with Eclipse. 

She also wrote to her parents asking if they would be available to have dinner on Hearts Warming eve and had yet to hear from them. But she figured they were too busy being Wonderbolts out on some other Wonderbolt holiday party in Canterlot. 

Eclipse was in his room, he looked out of a window almost blank-faced. Nullah slithers in with a cupcake that he probably stole 

"I…can’t I just did expect ponys did this so soon!" he thought to himself, Nullah read his thoughts and then saw he had just read the entire book collection of, "Fifty Shades of a Pony." It was a rather interesting series, to say the least...
“I mean I’ve never… I mean I guess I got to..” he groans nervously and frustrated, “if I just write a list of all that we should do, and take notes, then this should work!” He exclaims determined blushing red. 
Nullah just took a bite out of the cupcake and snickers. This was going to be an absolute train wreck.

Winter had given him special snake cupcakes!! Despite being an all-powerful god that could eat anything he wanted, he liked these treats the best because Winter made him something special. Meanwhile, Eclipse went back to the book series to take notes so he knew exactly what to do!! Writing them down on note cards and floating them around.

One day, before Hearts Warming Eve, it was freezing as the pegasi put a lot of work into the snow. It was probably so they could all stay home longer; gift exchanging, delicious-smelling treats, and ponies singing holiday carols were everywhere! With the feeling of merry and goodwill, every creature was happily celebrating their own holidays with their friends and family all across Equestria! 

Notus bumped into Winter who was running a few more errands, while he was heading back to his place, they chatted a little. once close to his place, Notus flew up. 
“Welp, have fun! And don’t worry; I know you two will have fun!" He calls out with a chuckle, "It's Eclipse’s  first time, but he’ll do great!!” he winks, then flies off to finish decorating. Though Winter thought he was referring to it being Eclipse's first Hearts Warming.

“I’ll make sure he enjoys it!!” She calls back. Carrying her gift to give to Eclipse. She only hoped he liked it. She had just gotten it wrapped after waiting for hours for it to be her turn and was flying through town. “Maybe I should get some hot chocolate and cakes,” she said in thought. Fetching a few more things before heading home. 

~~~

The day arose as Eclipse was so worried for that evening; he had done strange things before but this was different, it was so personal and he didn’t want to mess it up! “Ok Eclipse, you fought status and g3.5... you can do this!” He encouraged as he got pumped. 

Nullah stared at him, snickering to themselves while preparing popcorn. This was going to be good!! After wrapping themselves up warmly, Nullah coiled himself around Eclipse, and they hurried out the door to find Winter.
Eclipse flew to her house, high enough to not be seen. He did up his mane and put on lots of colognes, he approached her front door and then took a deep breath, and knocked. Earlier, Notus told Eclipse if all fails; use mistletoe. 

The door opened and Winter beamed. “Nullah! Eclipse!! Welcome!!!”

“Winter!.. Hey, it’s cold here; I guess we are gonna get warm hehe..”

“Come on!! We have a lot to see!!” She took his hoof and they flew back to Ponyville so she could show him around!

“Oh ok,” he replies, breathing to keep his calm. They flew through the nice cold air as the snow gently fell. “So... it’s a public thing?”

“Of course!! Everypony in town will be there!!” She says excitedly. Oh boy, this wasn’t going to be good.

“Everypony?…..” he gulped thinking of being watched, “oh well, umm...have you done this a lot?” He asks as he read the mares like a stallion who knows what he's doing; Eclipse would hate for anypony to know it was his first time. 

“Of course!! I promise you’ll love it, and I’ll make sure your first Hearts Warming Eve is great!!” Winter swore as they entered the town. Hiding so he can change to his unicorn form before stepping out into the busy streets.

“Oh well that’s good,” he relented, feeling a little more confident. The town looked lovely; it was all decorated and little fillies and colts were playing snowball fights, laughing together, it was joyous!
"Well...maybe this might be a nice place to do it, I mean everypony is friendly..." he thought.

They bought some hot chocolate and treats to eat. Avoiding rushing ponies who were still shopping at the last minute. But everything else was amazing!

They sat at a table and drank their cocos, even Nullah got one! It was a beautiful sight. Winter liked looking at Eclipse's thoughtful face; there was a nice feeling to it. “This is absolutely delicious, honestly Winter this is making me calmer because I was nervous, I’ll admit...” he smiled shyly.

 “You don’t have to be nervous, there’s nothing to worry about when you’re with ponies you care for!!” She assures. Sipping more of her hot chocolate. 

“Well that’s true and I do care for you a lot!” he blushes a little

“Awww that’s sweet!!” When she put her cup down she had a whipped cream mustache.

He drank more then got the same he looked down and then giggled, “we are the mustache duo!” he said feeling so nice around Winter just so happy.

They both laughed before licking it away. They wandered around the village more as it got late.

As it darkened, the Hearts Warming lights were stunning! They had done some traditional games and they had had a great time, gifts were being exchanged and Eclipse was feeling more confident. 

"I can do this! Just as long as I follow the steps!"he thinks. Glancing over his notecards one more time when Winter wasn't looking. Nullah was waiting for his master to get on with it and see this disaster unfold.

“So... it’s time for a certain ritual~,” Eclipse spoke up as he came close to Winter, hoping he was doing it right

“Which one are you talking about?” She questions then, raising a brow, a bit confused.

He coughs to clear his throat and nerves, “well umm… I read about it, and apparently it’s the most important part of Hearts Warming!” he explains, feeling nervous again, “and it’s my first time but you have experience as you've said so….”

For a moment, she thought he was talking about singing carols or having a Hearts Warming doll made. “Well, whatever it is I’ll help you!”

“Thank you! I’ll do my best to please you, but as a gentle colt, I must do it right!” He promised, feeling that a proper asking for permission was the right thing to do. Nullah slithered off next to Winter and took out his popcorn as Eclipse then jumped to the town square of Ponyville and took a deep breath…
“WINTER SEA!!! I WOULD LOVE TO SLEEP WITH YOU! WILL YOU SLEEP WITH ME?!” He announced loudly so everypony could hear.  

 “What?!” Winter exclaimed becoming a very bright red. Everpony turns to them, mothers quickly covering foals ears and walking them away.

“YES!!! AS TRADITION DICTATES I WOULD LOVE TO EXPERIENCE YOUR BODY!” he proclaims again, feeling he said that with hopefully enough enthusiasm.

“ECLIPSE WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!” She was both embarrassed and fuming at this point. Notus and Estelle were close by and heard the commotion, so went to check it out. The two are staying for the holiday to spend with some friends.

"What is she not getting?" he thought confused, “Winter as you said you have so much experience, I haven’t so Ummm...” he took out the book for help as he started to panic, what was he missing?! “You're a horse I’d like to ride you...” he read to her though less confident. 

Estelle watched with a wide open mouth. “What in the name of Twilight is he doing? Where the heck did he get that book???!!” She said as Notus realized what he had done. 

“I…have no idea hehe...” he lies nervously though feeling like an Idiot.

Eclipse went to his knees to Winter, “show me how to buck them apples!” He was pretty sure winter was now fully red, just like it said in the book. 

“Let me see that book,” Winter asks calmly. When Eclipse handed it over she slammed it right on top of his head. “I can’t believe the pervert!!” She muttered as she flew home. 

Notus and Estelle hurry over to Eclipse.

“Huh? What just happened….” He said feeling more confused than ever. 

“What could have possibly compelled you to do that!! In public no less!!” Estelle questioned annoyed. 

“It’s a tradition! I thought you all did! Notus said so,” Eclipse rubbed his head feeling like nothing made sense anymore. Estelle looked at Notus with a very angry look. The griffin just awkwardly whistled, Nullah was watching and giggling too much. 

“Hey!!! He said he was looking for a gift for Winter and he went on and on about how special she was, I just wanted to help the two love birds!!” He held his claws up in defense.

“Wait, we aren’t love birds…” Eclipse said as his face went so red he could have become a tomato. 

It then clicked to Estelle, “ooh no……so you thought you were giving him love advice, and Eclipse not being from around here….” She then burrows her head in her hoofs “this could not have gone any worse,” 

Notus is annoyed “well you should have told me! I mean, I know you're not from around here but how could you think….” He then stopped as he saw Eclipse tear up.

They looked at one another with heavy sighs. “Look. I’m an idiot for thinking you guys were a couple and I should’ve asked for more details,” Notus started. “But now is your chance to make things up with her!”

“After that?! I highly doubt it, she was so red! She smacked him with a book!!” Estelle argued. 

Eclipse takes a deep breath he felt ashamed as he picked up Nullah, “Thanks Notus.. I might need some time..” he gets up and walks off, then goes to a spot where no one is looking and goes through a portal back home. Winter flew back to her place feeling exhausted and annoyed, A familiar gray pegasus crashed at her doorstep and Winter hurried to help them.

"Are you okay Derpy?!"

"Ohhh I'm fine~" they assure, gathering their dropped packages and letters. "Last-minute holiday deliveries are always so busy...oh! This one's yours!" Derpy says holding out an envelope with the Winterbolt's wax seal.

"Thank you, Derpy! Happy holidays!" Winter called after the mail pony as she flew away to finish the rest of her deliveries. She picked it up and opened it. Her parents are busy with Wonderbolt business to have Hearts Warming dinner with her. Crumbling it up, she collapsed on her bed depleted of any holiday spirit

~~~

“Oh! Eclipse!! Welcome home!!” Midnight greeted him. “I thought you were spending the holidays with your…friend was it?”

“So did I...” Eclipse says, and fell face down on a couch. He sighed feeling tired. Nullah hurrying to get him some ice cream.

“Oh? what’s wrong my little troublemaker?” Discord floated over.

“Dad I think I’m done with this friendship stuff I just made the most Chaotic….like just, ahh” he screams into a cushion.

Midnight raised an eyebrow “what happened?” 

“I made Winter mad…..like I asked her something inappropriate..” 

“Oh wait hold on,” Discord says, snapping his fingers. The mirror on the wall changed to what had happened, the whole scene playing out for them to watch. Discord bursts out laughing, tears of joy coming out, “you said that?! In front of everypony?!”

With embarrassment, Eclipse went red, “...yes...” he admits.

Discord kept laughing “that’s so good!! It's as bad as Screwballs story!!!” He was in stitches, falling over behind the couch, “Don’t remind me of my Cousin” Eclipse sighed not in the mood.“ Midnight was less amused and confused.

She grabbed one of their own books, "Thifty shades of Nooroo," to hit him in the head with. “Dissy. Not now.” She scolds him. 

“Sorry darling,” Discord quickly says. Rubbing the large growing bump on his head as it touched the ceiling.

“Have you spoken to her?” Midnight asks, coming to sit on the couch with Eclipse.

“I…mother, how could I? She’ll never forgive me! I just..." he said feeling like he lost his only friend.

“Well for one, you can blame your friend who gave you this horrible advice." Midnight scoffed, "But friendship isn’t perfect, you have to work your way around the bumps and turns,”

He sighs, “your right even if she hates me forever I do have to at least apologize I guess... it’s my responsibility plus I ain’t taking his advice again!” Eclipse quickly gets up, “I need to make this right!”

“Now, from my many other dimensional me’s, it’s best for you to approach with a gift!!!!” Discord suggests. Nullah nodded in agreement.

“I do have one actually, I was going to give it to her!" He then looks determined, Nullah slithering onto him again, "mother I’ll be back” he opens a portal and leaves, and Discord smiles.

“He’s growing in Maturity, our boy really is amazing…….but you gotta admit that’s flipping amazing,” he chuckles. Rewinding the mirror to watch it again with popcorn.

Meanwhile, Winter was trying to relax but couldn’t from the day's stress and events, she sighed as there was a knock at her door. She had a feeling who it was. She fluttered over and peeked through the peephole, internally groaning and rolling her eyes. “I’m not letting you in.”

“I mean we were just gonna sing but okay,” the Hearts Warming Carlo ponies said as they went to the next house Winter oofed with a hoofpalm, but Eclipse arrived just then he knew she meant him as he had heard.

“I know... and I don’t expect you to, I just want to explain myself then you never have to talk to me again! I’ll respect you not wanting me around...” Eclipse says. 

 “After what you did?! Geee thanks!!” She sat down, back against the door, still completely embarrassed about what happened.

“Look I’ll say it quickly... but Notus thought we were a couple. He misunderstood how close we are as something else and he... well…gave me advice and that book.” Eclipse sat down next to the door as well. Nullah proceeded to start ripping up the book. Eclipse sighed before speaking again,

“you have to understand; I don’t know this dimension well, and I’ve seen way more….extreme traditions in other worlds I also take creature literately…it’s a habit but  so this didn’t seem too crazy….. Winter I wasn’t objectifying you nor did I want to…but I ……..doesn’t matter anyway, I still embarrassed you and I feel ashamed, and I should have asked him, so I’m so so sorry you do have all the right to be angry and…..” he rambled and started to tear up again, “if you don’t w-want to talk again that’s fine just I want you to know you mean everything to me a-and please, h-have this...” he slid the badge under the door. 

She peeked an eye down at the badge, picking it up and awwing at the details and the little gems on it. Biting her lips she walked away. Thinking that was it, Eclipse stood up with a sigh and started to walk away, He felt lonelier than ever, and not wanting her to hear him cry he prepared to fly off. Then her door opened up and she had a gift of her own to give. 
“Here, I meant to give this when we came home,” she offered him the box.

He looked surprised and wiped his eyes he levitated it to himself “thank you,” he said sincerely then opened it. 

Inside was a dark purple saddle bag with his cutie mark on each of the flaps and his stars along the corners. “I know you probably have some other mythical saddlebag that has infinite space to use, instead but I just wasn’t sure what to give you,” she confessed.

“Honestly this is perfect…thank you so much….I…Winter, just being with you means more to me than any gift or weird Inter-dimensional mythological thing could ever do,” he confessed and chuckled as the two of them stood there, the feeling was strong and the snow was calm you could hear the pony carols in the distance. 

“Ummm…if you want you can still come in? Hot chocolate, music, some special cookies for Nullah,” she booped the little snake as it reached out to her.

“I would love to…” he smiled, then walked into the house it was a little cold but Eclipse used magic on the fireplace and the room warmed up.

Winter put the badge on the cloak she usually wore, before making more hot chocolate. She put down Nullah’s plate of special cookies for him as they sat by the fireplace.

They sat together without speaking and Winter gave him a look to say, 'I understand, it’s ok'. He smiled back and was able to feel calm again. They sipped and enjoyed being together.

They told funny stories, made Hearts Warming dolls, and baked and decorated more cookies to share. Drank lots of hot chocolate and sat close to the fire.
It ended as a good night, the two knew how much the other cared for one another. Nullah went into a food coma after the amazing cookies and cupcakes.

The fire was warm and relaxing, but it grew very late for them. At first, Eclipse was unsure if he should go home or not, but Winter suggested that he should stay, after bringing some blankets and pillows. The two snuggled with a blanket next to the fire and fell asleep. Right beside one another. Waking to cheer on Hearts Warming day. They went out to play in the fresh patch of snow and drink even more hot chocolate.

Eclipse created a great snow fort and the two of them entered the most epic snowball fight of the decade! They laughed and giggled it was an amazing time. 
They went back inside after freezing and shivering. Possibly getting sick but cups of hot chocolate always helped.

Nullah had stayed inside the whole time being a snake he wasn’t a fan.
The two of them chatted into the day while warming up, Winter found herself feeling something strong with him…she was not sure what it was yet but a feeling.

“This has honestly been my favorite Hearts Warming day ever,” she confessed after another cup of hot chocolate. “I never had many friends, and I’m glad to celebrate it with you,”

“Me too though it’s my first hehe," he chuckles before growing serious, "Winter, I’ll make sure you will never be alone, I promise to be there for you always.”

Winter’s heart was touched by that, hugging him tightly after putting her mug down. He hugged back, they were now truly close and feeling something special yet they were still unsure.

She went to go get more snacks and hot chocolate. When Nullah ran out of cookies, he slithered towards the kitchen when he noticed some crumpled paper under the couch. He slithered over and nudged it towards Eclipse.

He looked at it curiously then opens it and read its contents. After which, he realizes how lonely Winter must have been. When she walked back in he gave, he put the letter away and then smiled as he simply hugged her. She was getting used to all these sudden hugs and hugs back. Cheeks a rosy pink.

After the day was over the two of them had the best time, they gazed at each other and felt a warmth inside. Winter had never been as close to a pony that made her feel this happy as he did.
“Thank you for everything, and happy Hearts Warming,” he said softly.

“Happy hearts warming, Eclipse,” they clinked mugs before chugging more hot chocolate. Discord and Midnight watched from their mirror at how close they become, and were glad that they made up.
> Book II Chapter IV “Winters Wrap up”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eclipse was a bit perplexed when Winter explained this winter wrap-up business but it sounded fun!! “Soo….it sounds cool I guess, but like, that sounds like much soo work, and I’m not that strong honestly,” he said and Nullah nodded.
 
“Well, you can help with the animals. And if you were a Pegasus you could clear the clouds!! But you’re stuck as a unicorn,” she teased, putting her vest on.

He chuckled “well I could just…” He then magically made a ribbon wrap around her “I just wrapped up Winter!” He teases and winks.

She gave him an annoyed and slightly amused look with the bow, raising a brow at him. “Haha, not the first time someone's done that,” she says sticking her tongue out at him.

Meanwhile, a certain draconequus was lounging on the couch watching the two from the magic mirror.
“Smooth son you got her all wrapped up,” he said as he ate popcorn. 

Eclipse chuckles, then had an idea, “oh I know!! I’ll be back.” he then teleports leaving her there still wrapped up. She worked to get it off her before heading to Ponyville and reporting for animal waking duty. Being a somewhat helper of Fluttershy it was obvious she belonged in the animal care team.
The town got together to start the winter wrap-up, they all got together as there was going to be an announcement on who would be the new team organizer, Everyone was excited and speculating on who it would be. 

There were some candidates of course to run for it. And then the ponies would decide who they wanted.
They all walked up to the town hall and to her surprise Eclipse was there! He came confidently. Nullah was with him too.
 
“There’s no way,” she shook her head as he stood with the others. "Then again I should've known,"

“Hello!” He greets enthusiastically, but the others were less so. Keeping a more serious appeal, only wanting to get things done efficiently. 

“So everypony it’s time to choose the new team organizer! So vast your votes” the mayor announced.

Wanting to be supportive of her friend, Winter voted for Eclipse. Everyone put the candidates' names in. Mayor Mare pulled one out and looked at the writing. “Eclipse!!” She announced. The 'I' was dotted with a snowflake.
Eclipse saw and smiles he giggles seeing the writing, knowing who it belonged to. Mayor Mare counted the rest and Eclipse won!
He was given the vest to wear and the clipboard to keep track of everything. Eclipse felt proud! Some were actually relieved as they didn’t feel confident, but those who did want the position felt a little envious of Eclipse but congratulated him anyway.

“Thank you, every creature taking part this year! I will make this the best wrap-up ever!”
They cheered joyously before they went to their respective stations. Winter was in charge of checking up on all the animals after they’d been woken up.

Eclipse started to give instructions and plan he was rather good at it and ponies seemed to like him. 
“So, I hope the new position looks good on me?” he asks Winter as he was passing by to check on their progress.


“Hmmm, the vest isn’t really your style but hey! Still looks good on you,” she compliments, checking on a sick bunny.

“Thank you, since I’m trying to be more responsible, I thought I’d organize everything. Now that’s a responsibility! And I stayed up last night and planned everything!...thank Twilight I got voted in,” he laughs realizing if he hadn’t all that work would have been for nothing! “Anyway, I’m going to check on the weather ponies, you guys are doing great!” 
Nullah saluted then went to go wake up the snakes he had an adorable little vest on as he wanted to be involved, it even said 'official boop'. Winter sewed it herself! 
Eclipse trotted away and she turned back to her work, looking from animal to animal. A little bear cub came up to her along with his mother and siblings. 

“Okay little one, saw Ahhh!!” Winter instructs. The little cub opened its mouth when something sped past in a golden blur, causing it to roar in fright. Scaring all the other animals, making them all panic and scramble around. “No!! It's okay!! HEY!!!” Winter yelled at the pegasus that flew by. 
They had a golden orange coat that had lighter sandy splotches over her body and hooves. Her mane was a red-orange that faded to a lighter orange while her tail was pink fading to magenta; both had pink streaks fading white. Her wings had black ends. Emerald eyes as she looked down at the stopwatch around her neck. She wore a blue vest meaning she was part of the weather team.

“Did I look good? Darn, I think that’s a new record!!” This pony says looking at a stopwatch and ignoring Winter. Nullah concerned tries to help the other animals calm down, obviously not using his powers to avoid suspicion.
The new Pegasus looks around at the chaos, “Wow... whoever is waking the animals is doing a terrible job, this is a mess!”

“Hey!!!” Winter flew up to her, “I was in the middle of check-ups and you disturbed them!!” Winter exclaimed, fuming in frustration.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I mean I kinda woke them up quicker?” she chuckles, “I mean you are behind on time; Have you looked at the schedule Eclipse made?” she asks in a little snarky tone, showing Winter the clock on her stopwatch

“I’m doing just fine!! I’m part of the animal team that does check-ups on all the animals! And shouldn’t you be clearing the clouds or something?” She argued.

“Pfft yeah, I know I read the details. This new guy is very thorough and you are 5 minutes behind. I got all of my area done already, so I was told to come here to help though I might test my speed!”

“Caring about animals is not about speed miss?” Winter raised a brow, gathering up some of the bunnies in her hooves. 

She rolled her eyes, “actually if you know what you're doing you can care for them and be gentle and efficient at the same time! We have to work as a team here,” she sighed shaking her head. Landing close to Winter, “look maybe we got on the wrong hoof. I’m Summer Jubilee! What’s your name? I feel like I've seen you somewhere before...” She said trying to be friendly. 

“Winter Sea and I appreciate the help but as I said, you have to take your time with these animals,” she turns away and put the bunnies down by their parents before working to calm down the other animals. Winter knew she thought this pegasus looked familiar. Summer was also the daughter of a Wonderbolt, Spitfire. Winter had seen her a few times at the few Wonderbolt events she attended with her parents. Why was she in Ponyville?

“Oh yeah! Northwind and Ocean Rose's kid! Anyway, I noticed that the new team organizer? I think is more nervous than he lets on, so I think we should be more efficient! I’ll go wake up the hedgehogs!” she volunteers as she flew to them. Nullah was by the snake whole and was leading the other snakes out, he looked proud and smiled then booped each snake's nose as they slithered out to count them.

Winter thought Summer would not do great but Summer actually seemed to be waking the hedgehogs up really well, using thick hoof covers to protect her from the pricks. She seemed to do it rather fast but also caringly they looked happy and sniffed the air. 
They were brought over to Winter and the other nursing team members who checked them all. They were back on schedule with Summer’s help and once all the animals woke up she went to help elsewhere. Winter was still annoyed that she just barged in thinking they couldn’t do the job themselves.

All ponies worked hard and Summer was proving very popular with everyone. 
“Yes, I took a whole class on learning about animals from Fluttershy’s curriculum. I wanted to make sure I knew how to do it correctly,” she told others about how much work she put in. 

“Wow! that’s amazing! Why do you put in so much work?” A random pony asks. 

“Well, being a descendant of the great Spitfire, I have to be the top! I have a legacy to maintain,” the other ponies found it amazing she was related to a famous pony! But, Winter who had been watching from the side was not so impressed; but more annoyed as Summer turned her the wrong way. 

“Hey, I’m related to a famous pony too!” Winter muttered to herself in annoyance. At least she didn’t rub it in other creatures' faces!!! After taking care of the animals, she took Nullah with her to find Eclipse and tell him they were finished, only to see Summer there with him.

“Eclipse!!!” Winter called but Summer zoomed past her and stopped in front of the unicorn.

“All the animals have been woken up, checked, fed, and treated!!” She reports.

Eclipse was surprised for a second then smiled as he looked at a watch, “Really! Amazing! That’s the fastest it’s ever been done!” 

Summer looked proud, “thanks sir” she winked at him rather familiarly like “honestly, some of the attendants were being a bit slow and could have taken the job more seriously but we got it!”  

Eclipse beamed, checking his list then replies.“Fantastic! Thank Twilight you were there! Winter is now almost wrapped up!” the two of them seemed pretty happy.

Winter couldn’t help but feel a bit green with jealousy and annoyance. She didn’t like this at all. She fluttered over right away. “Not completely!! We still have to check all the migrating birds once they’ve returned, and all the snow has been thawed!”

“Oh, I already checked that, I went ahead to see how they’re doing and it seems smooth…it will be easy to check them once they arrive. I mean it is recommended in Fluttershy's book to check early. I'm kinda surprised you didn’t know Winter?” Summer asks confused but also surprised since Winter spent the most time with Fluttershy.

Eclipse nodded, “Well maybe she hadn’t read that part, but hey! good job Summer, you have made my first, Winter Wrap-up so much easier!” 

Summer smiles “aww thanks Eclipse! But it’s no problem, I know you’re new so I wanted to make it as easy for you as possible!” 

Winter just stood there feeling a little left out as if she’s been ignored, Eclipse noticed after Nullah booped him to get his attention about the other pegasus. “Oh, you did a great job, Winter! Both of you should work together on the finishing touches,” he suggests excitedly. 

“Gladly.” She muttered flying off. If she had hands she would be clenching them. She went ahead to check on the new nests but Summer was already there helping!!! So she decided to put some of the nests in the trees instead. But once she covered a tree, Summer did the whole grove!! Even Fluttershy and all the other team members thanked her and turned to her for a problem. 
Winter landed on the ground watching all the members of the animal team turn to Summer for help, completely forgetting her. Sure she wasn't as fast as Summer, but she still did her best and only wanted to help...

Most of the snow had gone and the green grass and flowers bloomed beautifully, the plant team toiled the ground to plant the seeds for this year's harvest. Winter hadn’t been able to do much though as Summer had either already done it before the day had started, or was pretty much finished. Not only was she fast but she didn’t seem to ever screw up. 

Eventually, she flew down to see Winter, “Hey! Want to help me with the last task of flying the geese here? I mean, to be honest, you have kinda slacked off a bit, no offense!” yet it sounded like she was taking offense.

“Sure, why not,” she mumbled before flying up north to meet up with the geese. Summer flying close behind. They soon met with the geese' flocks, they were a bit out of formation so Winter tried to get them back in their proper migration pattern. 
But of course, being geese, they were mean and didn’t like being told what to do and often tried to peck Winter. Some got close to her eyes a couple times. 

“No, no, you're doing it completely wrong! Don’t you spend time with Fluttershy in real life?” Summer asked shaking her head, looking concerned, “to care for animals you have to be on their level,” she said as she flawlessly started to get them into patterns; being assertive but kind and getting specially prepared geese food which of course she made herself, and getting their attention. 
“You know you're so lucky you get to spend time with the real Fluttershy! Most of us never get that chance but that’s why we learn everything we can right!” She says sounding rather envious yet almost scolding Winter as they flew, guiding the geese fully.

Winter slowly stopped as Summer led the way. Watching as they all followed her back to Ponyville. Summer happily landed on the field and awarded the geese their food for their long travel. Eclipse coming to see how things were going. 

“All geese present and accounted for!!" Summer reports with a salute, "And with that, I think we can finally say winter is officially wrapped!! They would’ve never gotten here without me right?” Summer says proudly, turning to where she presumed Winter was, but the blue Pegasus was nowhere to be found. 

“Definitely! Great work!….didn’t Winter help you?” Eclipse asks checking the box off. 

“She was... but I don’t know... honestly, I think she takes being with Fluttershy for granted,” she said shrugging it off. 

“Well I don’t know, maybe she just woke up on the wrong side of the bed? Sleep ‘twas a great burden’,” he Quotes. 

“And thou art feel its pain,” Summer replies knowing the classics, “I think I’m gonna like you,” Eclipse smiles 

But still, he wondered where Winter had gone. Everything was finishing up nicely and it was growing late no less. Everyone thanked Eclipse for being that year's organizer as well as Summer for all the help. But Eclipse began to worry when no one knew where Winter had gone.

He thought and since Winter was nowhere to be seen he went to Nullah. “Wominjeka Nullah, can you help me track Winter? I’m a little worried...” Nullah looked a little uninterested “hey you help me find her you will get two more snake cookies than normal.” Nullah then agreed and being a master hunter as his name suggests, showed Eclipse where Winter was.
It led them to the Everfree forest, he had heard tales of the place from every creature especially his father after the chaos he cause with his plunderseeds. But Eclipse pressed on, Winter could be in trouble for all he knew, and Summer didn’t know!!! So he followed Nullah through the forests between trees, when there was a mighty roar in the distance and hurried to where it came from. A large cave was the source as he looked inside. 

“Good evening, did you have a nice hibernation?” He heard Winter’s voice from inside. Heading in he stopped and hid seeing a large, purple bear covered in stars, a large one on its forehead as it stretched. It then turned to the smaller blue one beside it. Winter flew down to caress its head, “wake up little one, the cold season is over and the stars are beautiful tonight,” she chided gently.

Eclipse came in quietly not wanting to disturb whatever was going on, Nullah was interested and tilted his head watching. The little Ursa Minor then yawned as well, waking up from its long nap. 

Winter smiled then, “evening little cub,” she says gently, bopping their nose.

Nullah slid up and looked at Winter nuzzling her hoof Eclipse smiled with a sigh, happy Winter was ok! He walked up “hey Winter,” he says softly, not wanting to startle the large star bears.

“Eclipse!” She exclaims surprised and lands, “what are you doing out here?”

“Well, you weren’t at the end gathering for winter wrap-up and no one knew where you were, and well… I was worried something might have happened... I hope you're ok?..” he asks very sincerely.

“I’m alright,” she assures, moving aside for the Ursa Major to nuzzle the Minors head, urging them to stand up so they could go outside and run across the night sky.

He looked relieved, “so what is this place?” He looked at the great creatures before him, Nullah went to a minor and booped its nose.

“This is the home of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor!” she explains looking at the creatures.

“It’s amazing I've always wanted to see them in person. You look after them?”

“Oh! No, I just came across it after Summer…” she trailed off falling silent.

“Ah, that’s ok,” he went up to her and gave her a hug, “I’m just glad you're alright.... you mean a lot to me...” it was clear how much he cared. Winter's heart fluttered a little having a pony care so deeply for her she was not used to it, but she felt such a connection. The Ursa Major and Minor were now moving slowly outside.

She hugged back too but pulled away so they could follow them out. It was like they were stepping on invisible steps as they floated up to the sky, leaving behind a trail of stardust. “Beautiful isn’t it?”

Eclipse watched it in awe, “This is why I want to see the Universe Winter, it’s magic is a gift to us all,” he smiles “a bit like you,”

“What?! Pfft!! yeah right, if anyone is a gift it’s Summer!!” She laughed nervously and annoyed, trying to hide her blush. Eclipse looked rather majestic in the moonlight, his scruffy mane flowed in the wind. For Winter, it was like her heart raced again just looking at him. 

“Well yeah but to me, you mean the multiverse,” he said as he felt such a great sense of happiness and calmness more than he ever had. He shook his head and blushed, “yes well... it’s cold so we umm, better get home hehe...”


“Yeah! Totally!!! Before the Timberwolves come out cause we’d be screwed then,” she chuckled anxiously, leading the way back to Ponyville. From there they went their separate ways and were blushing red messes. Eclipse at home smiled. He had not fully comprehended his feelings yet but, deep down; there was something there. 

Winter looked over her desk to a photo she put up from Hearth’s Warming Eve, in town when she took a photo with Eclipse. And to the cloak hanging on her wall with the pendant he gifted her.

She would find it hard to sleep now, she came to know how she really felt about Eclipse, it thankfully though made a bad day better. 

“Sweet Twilight…I like him…” 
> Book II Chapter V “jokes on You!!”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things have been a bit awkward since between them, at least for Winter now that she realized her feelings. But soon school began again and she thought things were back to normal!! But turns out Summer enrolled for the semester.

She would see Summer walking down the halls. Winter had no idea she was going to go to school now too!

“Oh! Hey, Winter!” Summer called as she noticed her.

“Summer?!” She exclaimed and turned to see the pony. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ve enrolled! Since I need to get experience for everything to be the best! This one is worth it. My mum thought so….” She stops for just a moment then continues, “so yeah! Eclipse also thought it would be great!”

“Of course he did!!” She strained a smile as the bell rang, “well, better get to class!!”

“See ya around! And try to put more effort into school than you did for winter wrap-up!” she yelled then trotted off, Winter’s eye twitched before she hurried to class. 

Quickly sitting by Eclipse. “You didn’t tell me Summer was coming.” She muttered.

“Oh must have forgotten, but hey this will be great for her! Especially as she’s a hard worker,” he whispers, then Notus nudged him overhearing. 

“That’s not the only thing she works hard at,” Notus winks, and Eclipse chuckles. 

“True” He responded. Winter just looked confused but soon class started. She was glad that she didn’t have to see Summer for the most part, until her favorite class. Professor Fluttershy’s class, Summer, was in it.

As Winter walked in she saw Summer already sitting there and she couldn’t help grumbling. As every pony settles down, Professor Fluttershy walks in. 
“Hello, class welcome! Today we have a new student I want you to meet!” She says as Summer stands up to the front of the class she had a good sense of confidence and a good demeanor though it didn’t make Winter happy. 

“Hello everypony…I mean Creature,” Summer corrected, furious with herself; she almost made that mistake but kept her composure, “I’m Summer Jubilee! But you can just call me Summer, my parents are famous Wonderbolts, and my mother is Spitfire herself! My mother taught me if I want to be worth anything in life, I need to work my flank off for it! So that’s what I’ve done, no special privileges just because I got famous genes, But I’m here to learn the magic of Friendship and I believe in Equality for every creature!” The other students cheered at that, welcoming her to the class. Winter gave a slow clap, feeling more annoyed at how quick everyone seemed to take a liking to her.

“That’s so great of you Summer! We will all welcome you here with open arms!” Fluttershy said enthusiastically. She went to sit back down. Though Summer breathed deeply in reprieve, no pony knew but Summer inside could not get over how she almost forgot to say every creature! 

"Shame on me!" she thought to herself. Despite that, the rest of the class was very happy except for Winter.

“I don’t trust her,” Winter said right away, walking alongside Estelle as they grabbed lunch.

“Why’s that?” She asked not really knowing Summer that much herself.

“She just…she’s so boastful!!” Winter exasperates, taking her tray and giving one to Estelle. 

“Eh I guess so I mean she is prideful of herself” Estelle got her hay burger and salad, “honestly these are terrible compared to what I could make but hey! Food!” she then gets back on topic, “I get ya Winter being what I am I’ve dealt with a lot of Annoying kirin,”
 
“Of course, I can say I’m related to some famous Wonderbolts but I don’t shove it in everyone’s faces!!” She grabbed herself a hay burger, an apple, and a cupcake. Both taking water.

They go to sit down, “Yeah it sounds like it, I knew a Kirin once who kept talking about how she was related to a famous opera singer and she wouldn’t shut up about it….but the thing is as annoying as it was, she was actually pretty good at opera herself so yeah…I understand it’s annoying but I’d say just ignore Summer,” Estelle starts eating cringing a little at the not-great taste “I mean most creatures annoy me anyway I just gotta deal with it,”

“Agreed,” she bit into her hay burger before coughing and chugging on her water. “Why is it so dry?!” She then looks around seeing every creature's displeased look. “Guess the food isn’t that good today,” 

“Haha true maybe I should become a chef!” Estelle smiles, “hey if you ever need some creature to talk to I’m always here. I don’t like interaction as much but your cool,” she then drank some water.

“Thank you, Estelle,'' Winter smiles as they shake on it. Winter bit into her apple then. “At least the apples are good,”

“Thank the moons,” she chuckles, then saw an opportunity to sketch! “oh wait just stay there with the apple don’t move” Estelle gets out her drawing pad and pencil.

“Okay,” Winter smiles. As Estelle was finishing up the sketch lines, Summer came over, moving Winter aside so she could sit with them.

“Hey, girls!!! Mind if I have a seat here?”

“No help yourself...” Estelle said rather sarcastically rolling her eyes, and looking back at her sketchpad. 

“Estelle, thanks for the art you drew of me yesterday, it looked great!” Summer thanked. 

Estelle went wide-eyed “w-well thanks I was just doodling,” she replies humbly. 

“Maybe you could show me some tricks? Because I went to art school and need to brush up!" Summer then realized her pun and giggled at it, "Do you do art Winter?” 

“Uhhh... no not really, the occasional drawing yeah,” she shrugged. Thinking back to the times she used to draw some of the animals at the sanctuary.

“Well you should try more, it might help get good Coordination with your hooves. I mean we all know what Le Ponnesa said!” 

Estelle chuckles, “yep definitely!'' 

Winter sat there not knowing Summer looked at her confused expression “wait don’t tell me you don’t know!" she tsked shaking her head, "Girl, that’s embarrassing...” 

Winter felt a little blue from being embarrassed as Summer laughed again. “I’m sorry but I don’t... anyway, how is your first day of Friendship school going for you?” She tried to make small talk.

“It’s good, I love the staff, it has a nice environment…..though the food could Use work,” she mentions, probably the first thing all three could agree on.

“It’s usually a lot better...maybe they got a bad delivery this time around?” Winter shrugs. Estelle nodded then started drawing again as she was an introvert.

“Probably one of my favorite things here is that Eclipse, he's really cute don’t you think?” Summer asked, Winter suddenly choking on her apple. 

“Oh yeah completely,” Winter muttered with a cough, drinking some water.

“I think working with him will be the best part about being here, he just knows so much and is so confident…I like it!” she winks, Winter then moves on to her cupcake. 
Winter really didn’t like the way she talked about him, Summer hadn't known Eclipse as long as she had! There was a sense of jealousy boiling up but she tried to ignore it. Estelle noticed Winter's reaction and realized this was more to her than just an annoying pony, Summer affected Winter on a more personal level but Estelle wasn’t sure why. Yet she could feel a burning rivalry between the both of them that had yet to be resolved.

Afterward, they went back to classes, and things would run as normal. During the week, Summer continued to dazzle in the classes she took part in, amazing every creature there! Having no problems with getting along with anyone and just befriending half the school. 
Winter had to stay behind for a bit to work on a project so she went to the library. She went to the section to look at the books Summer and the others have read. She read the descriptions but wasn’t completely drawn to them. Wanting to be close to her friends though, she borrowed them to read. 
The books certainly were of a higher reading level than she was used to but she was open to putting in the effort.
She carried them out and back to her place to read. After completing her project she read the books afterward. Mostly history and nonfiction. She was more of a fiction pony like Carmane SanRoja!

Not having her cutie mark and not knowing her purpose in life was hard enough but now with Summer here it just made it worse.
As she thought to herself, she wondered if she was worthy of Eclipse...She hoped she could impress him. Maybe if she did all this reading they'd have other things to bond over! So she got to work. Taking one of the larger history books of Equestria.
Winter started to lose interest halfway through the book but she was determined to read it thoroughly from cover to cover. Heck until she had them all memorized and she could at least relate!!

Meanwhile, Eclipse was at home was thinking similarly, “I don’t know why but I feel different around winter…it’s like, I don't know... just different...” he says to Nullah, “no matter what I can never lose her maybe I should get something for her to remind how much she means to me”
Nullah smirks at the oblivious creature. Poor thing was so clueless, he couldn’t wait for the day when he realizes what he was actually feeling. 
Eclipse walked over to his saddlebag, thinking about heartwarming after he apologized and she gave it to him. Notus told him that mares like flowers, so he would get her some flowers in the morning!!!

The next day he got up stretched, “ok come on Nullah we are going flower picking!” He said loud and exuberantly, Nullah looked at him annoyed at being woken up. He hadn't even had his morning hot chocolate yet!

Winter had been up all night reading. She looked dreadful and felt it but she had done it! After finishing the first book she moved on to another, and then the next. Books were everywhere and the room was a bit of a mess.
He decided to ask Winter what her preferred flowers were so he could get an idea. He knocked on her door and it swung open. Stepping in he found the poor mare in the living passed out close to the fireplace with its flame long gone. Surrounded by familiar books that he's read. Along with a few cups of tea and coffee beside her too. 

“Oh my,” Eclipse whispers, looking at the adorable mess, he uses his magic to slowly put her on the couch and puts a blanket over her. Nullah placed a stuffy of himself in her arms and then looks at him. “let’s not disturb her,” he whispers, “we'll get the flowers so she has something nice to wake up to.” he looks at her and beams, his heart pumping faster again.

"Why does it keep doing that?.." he thinks to himself as he uses his magic to put the books away, “don’t know why she’s reading these...Maybe she's preparing for an upcoming test?” he shrugged then left to go ask Summer for help.
She was pretty smart, and a mare!!! So it was a good place to start!! He wasn't ready to ask Notus for advice again after Hearts Warming. Summer was running errands in town when Eclipse approached her. 

“Oh!! Flowers huh? Well, you should choose something she’ll admire. Like her favorite colors or favorite flowers,” she lists walking to the flower stall. Smelling the tiger lilies. "You could even choose ones based on their representation! Take these tiger lilies; in the language of flowers they symbolize confidence!"

“Hmm, well, she likes blue I think?” He said looking around, overwhelmed by all the options. “it needs to look really nice! you know, nothing generic? I don't even know what half of what these plants mean,” 

Summer looks at him noticing that he might be feeling something deeper as no stallion would be this picky to get a mare flowers if they didn’t feel something special! She smiles at it but didn’t say anything not wanting to embarrass him, having heard about the Hearts Warming incident, “she’s pretty special to you?” she chuckles.

Eclipse felt his heart racing again. Why did she say that? What did she mean by that?? If he wasn't in this dimension and another, his heart would be literally beating to burst out of his chest! That aside, none of the flowers were right!!! He tried picturing Winter with them but he was stumped. He walked away thanking Summer for the advice, maybe some wildflowers would work!!

He is a cool pony though so oblivious she thinks and chuckles to herself, “they’ll figure it out eventually,” 

Eclipse felt a problem with this dimension was all the flowers were just too generic. There were so many other dimensions with way better flowers but he couldn’t travel to them unfortunately as he was still grounded.

Eventually, he thought the best place to find something exotic would probably be the Everfree forest as it would have rarities in plant life. 
“Don’t worry Nullah, I know they say it’s dangerous but come on! We’ve dealt with worse stuff, this will be easy!” he says as he enters. 

Nullah was still nervous. The last time they faced something dangerous they almost got corrupted by a cult. But they went in anyway while there was still some sun out. There were some interesting flowers, some had strong scents, and others tried eating the two of them! Even when they found the few non-lethal ones, none of them seemed like what Winter would like.

“Gah! This is ridiculous surely there must be something! I’ll be honest this dimension is a little disappointing” Eclipse groaned exasperated after almost being eaten for the tenth time.

Nullah was looking around inquisitively, then some bushes shuddered and a cockatrice came out of them! It hissed, looking angry at Nullah, and starts glaring at him, threatening to petrify! 
Nullah just gave a ‘are you serious?’ look as it kept it up, and nothing happened. Then with a look from Nullah, the cockatrice turned to stone the boop smiled and went along.

Eventually, Eclipse walked by and saw a huge patch of blue flowers. They were a nice colour and they were a little different looking. Nullah sniffed then hissed at them. “Well, they're not meant for you anyway so, at least Winter will like them! It definitely got a magical vibe to it!” He cheers, using his horn to pick and levitate a few.

He then hurried back as it got dark and the howling of timberwolves could be heard. Eclipse even saw Summer helping some Whinnyapolis tourists to their inn when they had gotten lost!

“You're back! Did you find any?” Summer asked when she saw him again.

“Yes! It took awhile as this di….town is a bit limited but these I thought were nice” he reveals, showing the small bouquet. A little out of breath, since he did not have great cardio.

“Oh, these are beautiful!!” She praised taking one and sniffing in. “Strange smell, but pretty!!”

“Thanks! I got two…oh guess I picked three was in a hurry,” he chuckles, “well well you can have that one as thanks for the advice!” he assures before wishing her goodnight and heading off. 

Summer then thought to herself, "I feel like I’ve read about these…..but where?" she pondered, smelling it again then shrugged.

At Winter's place, she was still sleeping. She seemed happier now all snug and warm. Eclipse snuck in quietly. He put a flower beside her, and another on a table next to her in a vase. 
"Wow, if she had a flower in her hair..." he then shakes his head, "Seriously, I’m confused... why do I feel so different around her?..." He was not sure, he ignited the fireplace before leaving her to rest. He felt very satisfied with himself. 

~~~

Winter woke up the following morning but couldn’t see anything!! It was just darkness!! “Hello!?! Where is everypony?!?” she cried falling off the couch.
It was spring so it couldn’t be that the sun was late to come up. It was like being in a cave with no light at all though she could hear perfectly fine.
She tripped over her coffee table and let out a scream and panic. “Somepony please!!!”

Meanwhile, Summer woke up... on her…..floor? That was odd. She wasn’t one to fall out of bed. 
“Well, it doesn’t matter... I’ll go have lunch!” She decided as she went to eat Breakfast…..wait did she say lunch? Or Dinner? Breakfast? Why would she say that? Either way, she put some eggs in the toaster and bread in the pan, that should do it! Hold on…..

“Gah! It’s so hot!… well I know I am but still!” Summer went to turn up the temperature to cool down, and the eggs were all over the Toaster and the toast…..was not toast anymore. As she felt hotter for some reason, she decided she needed ice cream to cool down! So she got some and put it in the oven….. “I feel like somethings wrong?”

The ice cream melted, but because the tub was also paper it caught on fire from being so hot.

“Ahh!” She shrieked as she saw the flames. Summer remembering her fire safety training got a pack of matches and wood logs and threw them in the fire which made it bigger…this was not working. “I got to go get help” she gulped as the fire only grew. 

“WATER!!! I NEED WATER!! MY HOUSE IS HOT” She cried while running out. Ponies thought she was thirsty. 
A while later, as Summer slumped down she was exhausted. To put the fire out, she had to buy 500 bottles of water to put it out!….. 
“That’s so impractical! Ok, what happened to me?.. why didn’t I just go to the Cloudsdale fire department?.." Summer questioned annoyed, "That’s it I need to get help……..OH NO, I NEED HELP!!” She gasped, hating the realization that she needed another creature to figure this out. 
However, when she tried to fly out she lost her sense of balance and flew straight into the wall. She tried running only to run into a bookshelf causing all the books to fall out. Summer groaned in pain, this was going to take a minute...


~~~

Eclipse and Nullah headed to Winter's place to see what she thought of the flowers. "You think she likes them?" he asks the snake, about to knock when he looked up hearing screams! He rushed in, “what’s wrong?!!!!” Eclipse exclaimed, Nullah dressed as a cop and holding a mini baton.

“Eclipse!!! Is that you?!” Winter yelled from the living as she walked into her wall. “Ow…”

He quickly catches her, “yes, it's me. Winter, what’s wrong?” He asked, noticing her eyes looked different?

They were clouded and she looked terrified clinging to him. “I-I can’t see Eclipse, I can’t see!!!” She cried.

Eclipse hugged her closely. He was shocked and had no idea how this could have happened. He felt so worried but put a brave face on “shhh... don’t worry it's ok I’m here I promise we’ll fix this!!” He wasn’t really sure how and wasn’t confident but he had to stay calm for her. But how the heck could this happen?

“I don’t know what happened... I was just reading books the other day and I passed out!! Was it from all the coffee??! Is this permanent?!?” She kept exclaiming hysterically.

“Well... I've never heard of coffee making a pony go blind I mean I know it can be dangerous? Maybe the books are enchanted?” He ponders “ let me look In Your eyes,” he said as he knew if this was to be permanent he would be able to see having a good idea about magical biology.

She looked straight, shaking ever so slightly. She felt Nullah come up and boop her back to assure her, but it did little to ease her stress. “I appreciate it Nullah but what if I’m stuck like this?” 
Nullah frowned unsurely. 

“Ok I’m no expert and I got no idea how this happened, but the loss in your eyes... it’s not faded enough, there's life so that means, well... good news and bad news”

“Okay, what’s the good news?” She wanted to know that first. 

“Well, the good news is this sort of blindness is not permanent as there’s too much energy in the Iris so it’s not dead but….” he sighed. 
“What’s the bad news then?!” Winter shook him aggressively.

“Well the thing is... your eyes won’t heal naturally, we’ll need to find a cure to fix it….and since I don’t know what caused this I have no idea what the cure could be,” he explains as gently as possible. Though knowing she would still be scared out of her mind and he couldn’t blame her. That didn't seem to help ease her nerves so Eclipse hugged Winter extra tight while he thought of what to do next...
~~~

“Madden! I am here to take your train!!” Summer begged the mare who owns a hot air balloon.

 “Huh?” The pony was confused.  

“That thing!” Summer pointed. 

“Oh umm... that’s not a train it's a hot air balloon?...” 

Summer hoof palms, “whatever. I need it to get to pony town! Place!” 

The mare looks even more confused “Ummm you have wings? My service is for the enabled body and injured. Along with those who use the cloud walking charm, are you sure you're alright or did you hit the cider too hard?” 

Summer got more annoyed, she was not used to things taking so long! “Look here missy! You can’t stop me with those gorgeous eyes and mane, I’m taking this whether you like it or love it!….I mean or not!” she shakes her she couldn’t even sentence properly!

“Miss wait!!” The hot air balloon pilot yelled but Summer pulled the latch that released the hot air inside causing the whole balloon to deflate.

“Mwa ha!….oh,” Summer muttered as the balloon fell on her covering her, “cutie?... can you just find me some transport please?....” she asked though very muffled, somehow able to form a somewhat understandable sentence.  

The pilot was annoyed before calling for someone else to deal with this crazy pony.

Meanwhile, Eclipse decided to take Winter to the hospital to be diagnosed. She really couldn’t see anything and the doctors were a little stumped too.

“From her medical records, she’s never had any eye problems before?” the pony Doctor said confused 

“I know that, I looked! This was put on her!” Eclipse said the Doctor raised his eyebrow. 

“And how do you know that?..” they adjust their glasses.

Eclipse sighed in exasperation, “look it’s not important. We just need to help her, maybe it’s something that she had or…..” he then thought perhaps it might have something to do with those!...he then went to Winter's side. 
“Hey, look I promise I’ll find a way to help you, you mean the multiverse to me. Nullah will stay with you, I’ll be back by the immortals I swear,” he hushed softly so only she heard, putting a hoof on her head and then exited.

“O-okay…” she reached over in his direction, tapping his side as he left. The doctor told her to wait there while he went to treat others while waiting for further test results. Nullah stayed behind to keep her company but she was developing anxiety from all the silence and the feeling of being alone in the room in darkness. She got up to try and get around, hitting the walls a few times. 
“Nullah…help me outside please, I just need some fresh air,” she asked the snake. Nullah guided Winter, being an all-powerful boop noodle, he was great for her.   

It was starting to get cloudy as rain lightly came down. Once they were outside, Winter felt the tiny drops. She looked up and felt the gentle rain, it was rather calm and relaxing as she held her hoof up to feel them. 
"Is this how she felt? During the snow and rain?" Winter thought to herself, thinking of Snowdrop.

It was so serene, Winter felt the water drop on her not seeing but feeling it. Hearing the rain on the surrounding trees with the gentle rumbling thunder in the distance..... It was somehow beautiful she felt like she could almost connect to Snowdrop. Winter closed her eyes to enjoy the calming feeling. She was still wearing her coat, so Nullah was shielded from the rain and was kept dry. But the boop was happy to see her calming down.

She felt a deeper connection to Snowdrop. Learning to hear past the surface. Snowdrop used to hear the twinkling stars at night, Winter could hear every little thing the rain fell upon, she could’ve sworn she heard the waves of the ocean. 
~~~

What might normally take 30 minutes took Summer two hours to finally get to Ponyville, “thank you!” she said to the kind elderly derped eyed pony who gave her a lift. “Ok Summer, time to see if Eclipse can help!” she then realized she had no idea how to get to the school and somehow had forgotten how to get there! 

She started to ask other ponies. But every time she spoke random words came out of her mouth. Eclipse was hurrying back with the flowers, using his magic to hold them while also casting an umbrella spell over himself. 

“ECLIPSE!!!” He heard his name and turned to see Summer, running to him but she clobbered over her own hooves and tumbled over.

“Summer! You ok?” He said surprised by her messy appearance. 

“Eclipse I’m great…..no that’s not the word umm...” she struggles “I’m sick! take me to the bowling club!” He looked completely confused, “you know the place to help frogs when they are…” she tripped again and he caught her with his magic.

“Summer, I don’t know what in the name of Twilight but what are you on about?” Eclipse asks.

“STOP!! Put those flowers down. Before they make you a clown!” A wise voice spoke. Eclipse turned, seeing a pony walking toward them from the end of the street. A cloak over them but he could faintly see stripes on her body.

“Hmm, it seems like we have a creature who thinks they know a thing or two,” Eclipse said as he saw this mysterious figure approach. Lightning flashed behind the hooded creature, Summer trying to stand. 
“Huh? Let’s just get to the hospital. I'm getting dry in this rain!” 

“Ahhh it seems you’ve plucked some poison joke, here dear, you may use my cloak,” the figure took it off and handed it to winter who put it on. Underneath the cloak was a Zebra with wise eyes and a smile. “My name is Zecora the zebra, and as to your dilemma I may have an idea,” 

“Hello! I have not met a Zebra before? You say you can help us?” He begged hopefully. 

“I don’t trust this Giraffe,” Summer points out.

“Your mission to fix her condition has happened before, I know I was there and saw,” Zecora explains, putting the flowers in a jar. 
“It happened to six ponies who thought I was a freak, but they soon came to me to end their bad luck streak,” she explains to them. “I even used it to help miss Fluttershy, who wanted to sing away from watchful eyes,” They went inside the hospital. Other ponies were hurrying to either get inside or use their umbrellas to continue on with their day.
 
“You’ve seen it before? So you know the cure!” Eclipse sighs relieved.

“If you can kelp me, please! I want to feel dirt!.” Summer was so frustrated that her words were all over the place. 

“Why don’t you sit down and relax, while I fetch the needed ingredients and maybe some snacks?” Zecora advises as she walks away. Now a regular there with how much ponies need her remedies. “If you know another pony who was affected, then they should be collected,” 

“Yes, we'll get her, don't worry!” He said as Zecora left after checking in. Eclipse guided Summer to the hospital room though He almost had a heart attack when he saw Winter was not there.

Winter was still outside with Nullah and felt a great sense of understanding. She moved in the rain and almost danced within it. It was like a great meditation.

He quickly went looking and was going to ask the staff but he looked outside a window and saw her, she didn’t seem cold and upset, but graceful and beautiful he thought. He had never seen her quite like this before, “wow...” he whispered to himself.

The way she would hover her hoof over puddles but not touch them. She wasn’t fazed when there was a sudden loud bang of thunder, it only made her more emotional with her dance. 

He sighed at the sight, she was so beautiful…..he went red and then shook his head. He could watch her all day!! But he knew if she stayed out too long she'd get a cold.

“Ok, she’ll catch a cold at this rate!” He goes outside with the umbrella spell and as she gently moves. He gently holds her close in a relaxed hug, “come inside now,” he whispers to her hearing his voice made her heart race as she felt his strong hoofs comforting.

Her eyes opened again but she still couldn’t see anything. “Sorry…zoned out a little and needed fresh air…did you find a cure?” She asks hopefully, as he leads them inside. Nullah went back to him.

“It’s ok, you needed it,” he guided her inside as they went in Winter was soaking a little, but felt warm being so close to each other. “Don’t worry, we might have something, hopefully...” he reassured her, she smiled feeling safe with him.

She sat with Summer in the same room. A nurse came to take them to the showers where Zecora was waiting for them with the cure. They were a little unsure at first but if it meant getting better…

Eclipse waited for them outside in the waiting room. A nurse pony told him they were ready to see him and he hurried back. Winter was drying up her mane and face, after removing her towel, her eyes opened and she saw him!! The pony who was there for her all the way. The cloudiness was now gone and her eyes were clear again. “I can see!!!”

“YES!! I can walk properly again thank you…Zebra yes! Got it right!!!” Summer proclaimed, she had been so scared of getting everything wrong. Eclipse ignored Summer and went straight to Winter to hug her. 

“I told you we’d get it back!” he cheered and blushed a little red. 

“Thank you! Thank you!!” She exclaims with gratitude, tearing up from joy. He hugged her tightly and they embraced each other. Summer smiled looking at them. 
After hugging, They looked into each other’s eyes and after a while, they realized they had been doing so then looked awkwardly and giggled nervously. 

Zecora warned them to be careful next time. They understood before being excused from the hospital. Eclipse walked close to Winter being sure the umbrella spell covered both of them plus Nullah around Eclipse's neck.

“Poison joke huh?” Winter asked with a slight chuckle as he walked her home. 

“Yeah... apparently it causes pranks on their victims,” he smirks “it’s honestly different.” The rain slowly stopped but there was a nice calm misty feeling. 

“As afraid I was before, it really did help me,” Winter confessed, looking up at the sky again as the clouds cleared. "I was able to appreciate the rain more, the music it created was beautiful! Mesmerizing! For a moment I thought I heard the ocean waves!.. I wish you were there Eclipse,"

Hearing her speak like this, made Eclipse feel warm inside as his heart skipped a beat. “I think you have a connection with nature Winter... I’m not sure what but you looked like you felt something powerful!”

“No, nothing like that…” she shook her head, “but I felt connected to Snowdrop, taking some time to be in her hooves,”

“Would you…ever want to meet her?” He asked.

Winter laughed softly, “If that were only possible. Only in my dreams…” she replies.

He smirked in thought, “well, who knows..” Eclipse chuckles. "one day I can arrange that but we’ll wait," he thinks to himself.

A rainbow appeared in the sky soon after the rain had lightened. She invited him and Nullah inside for tea to relax for once the whole day. Eclipse smiled and happily followed her inside.
> Book II Chapter VI “Hurricane Winter”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the day seemed like normal ponies working, shopping strolling along a green pony was whistling then a flyer hit her face! Then flyers started to fall all over the place she took a read.

“All flying creatures to the town hall!!! Emergency meeting!!” Summer called below as she let the fliers out of her bag fall. Winter picked one up, biting her lip. Eclipse stood with her and looked over to see what it was. 

Then Minty looked annoyed, “at least aim these at creatures who can fly!” She shouts as she trotted off.

“Great…” Winter says discouraged looking at the paper. Letting Eclipse read it too.

“Oh cool! That’s different….so will you contribute?” He said finding it interesting. Nullah already putting on his pilot cap.
.
“I don’t know, I’m not as fast or strong as the others,” she rubbed her arm.

“Hey, it’s not about who’s the fastest everyone counts….at least that's what I get from this... I’d love to join but I’m stuck as a unicorn,” he chuckles.

She did too, “might as well join and support them,” with that they headed to the town hall. Nullah looked inquisitive and followed, into the hall with lots of ponies where there they talked ponies they all talked to each other

They were mostly pegasi knowing of the program, but other winged creatures came to see what the commotion was about. Someone zoomed into the hall. They all gasped and cheered seeing the great Rainbow Dash!

She came in fast and cool as she always is. “Sup Everone!!” She greets excitedly! Even with her more advanced age, she was full of energy, Eclipse cheers finding this rather fun. The room went dark as a projector turned on and someone was being shown on the screen pulled down. Explaining the process of how Cloudesdale provides Equestria rain and clouds! But since Equestria made allies with other creatures, it's dedicated itself to providing them water for their vegetation as well. Nullah took doodle notes along with Eclipse who was taking actual notes.

“Ok, we have done this drill a lot but times have changed! I will update you," Rainbow Dash says, pulling down a new screen to show a chart, "This! Is a chart of wing power needed before when it was only needed for Equestria. A minimum of 800 wing power was needed, and now!!" she pulls down a new chart.
"Now! With more nations needing water, that minimum has gone up to 1020! This year, Ponyville has been chosen to have the water taken to Cloudsdale from its own reservoir! Decades ago, we failed to break the speed record, but were still able to deliver the water! This time though, thanks to Summers' amazing helping skills, I believe we will achieve it this year!”

Everybody cheered excitedly then. Determined to break the record this year!! Winter was still nervous about it, every pony here was such good at flying!
Summer came to the stage, “ok Everyone I studied hard on how to get this exact so I’ll be training you all so we can break the record! So I want Everybody to be at their best!” 
Everyone cheered, flying up and hyping each other for the event. Summer saw Eclipse there and asked him to help with notes and keeping track of every creature since he was so organized from their time during Winter wrap-up.

Later outside by the reservoir, the line was big and enthusiastic! Signing each creature up, Winter gulped as she wanted to do her best but having Summer organize the whole thing was annoying. She came up to the desk, “ok! next!……Winter? Oh, you're looking much better now that you can see! ….. Do you want to participate in this?” Summer says, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course!! Every little bit counts!!” Winter replies, taking the pen in her mouth to sign her name. 

Summer sighed, “well take it seriously please,” she pleaded to Winter as she went to join the others. Everyone was stretching by the race track, getting ready to practice.  

Eclipse came back from the palace with the anemometer, looking fascinated by it! 

“I don’t get it? It’s just a piece of measuring equipment, why are you so interested?” Notus asked feeling this was the dullest part of it all. He'd rather be trying to break the machine with his 'amazing' speed.

“I’ve seen so much tech that is infinitely more complex than this...BUT ITS SIMPLICITY IS BEAUTIFUL!” Eclipse marvels at the anemometer. His eyes lit up in awe as he spun it while watching the dial move. 

Notus was still a bit confused. But Summer decided to step up and show every pony how it worked. Starting at the starting line, warming up before bolting forward past the Anemometer. The fan spun and the meter on it went up, stopping at 13.6. Nullah sat in front of the little fan on a beach chair wearing sunnies, a hat, and a classic floral shirt with a coconut drink in his tail. 
“SEE WHAT I MEAN!! IT'S SO EFFICIENT YET USES NOTHING BUT WIND POWER” Eclipse gushes. 

Notus only nods, “right…” 

“Yes, that's true Eclipse! I’m happy you're enthusiastic, unlike some ponies….but anyway see how fast I was! That’s the aim everybody here should reach!” Summer says to the crowd, "Our minimum is 1020 wing power and I know that's asking a lot, but if everyone at least gets up to ten then I have no doubt we can accomplish our goal!!" 

Some were a little nervous but others were excited. Summer took the clipboard and used it to call one creature after another to take their turn. As they went, their wing power was listed by their name.
Eclipse would shout out the measurements and write them down; he seemed to love this. Winter on the other hoof dreaded the judging eyes of Summer who seemed as well as enthusiastic, a little touchy as if she was trying to prove something. As flyers would go by; some were great, others not so much and the worse the flyer was, the more Winter could tell Summer got more nervous.

“Phew, haven’t seen so many girls working out in a while,” Summer giggles, using her wing to fan herself, “ok next…….sigh Winter,” 

Winter gulped walking up to the line and stretching. The others silently encouraged her to do her best. Winter sighed, getting started and flying as fast as she could. She passed by Eclipse and Summer, the meter coming up to 4.5. “How’d I do?” Winter asked.

“You got 4.5! Hehe, this is so fun,” Eclipse chuckles, not paying much attention to anything else as the anemometer to him was like a toy compared to what he had seen, and found it was so cool they were using it for something so important.

Summer did not look pleased on the other hoof. “Didn’t I tell you to take this seriously?!! Winter, this is important and that flying was rubbish! Especially for a pony whose parents are Wonderbolts!” Summer exclaims firmly in frustration, “Gosh, maybe it was a good thing you didn’t go to Wonderbolt training... or maybe you should’ve, then at least your score wouldn’t be so mediocre!!”  

Winter froze as she yelled that. The other creatures were surprised at that! Daughter of a Wonderbolt? Yeahhhh Winter may or may not have told any pony who her parents were. They all started whispering and talking amongst themselves. Nightmares of flight camp coming back.

“Huh? She’s a what?..” Notus was surprised as he came up. 

“Well, obviously our parents know each other and……wait, Winter, you never told anypony? What the heck’s wrong with you?! You can’t even take pride in your family?” Summer genuinely looks ashamed of Winter.

“Of course I do!!!” Winter retorted. But of course, there was more to her family history that she didn’t want others to know about. Eclipse looked up then with all the commotion going on.

“Hey indoor voices,” he then remembered they were outside, “whatever just chill you two! What’s going on?..”

“Nothing. Everything’s just all bright and sunshine for you right Summer?” Winter mocked sarcastically.

“Pfff of course! I’m totally fine!” she said, sweating a little, “I’m just saying you better put some actual effort into this,” she said then went to focus on the next pony-up, but it was clear she was stressed about something. 

“I’ll talk to her, '' Eclipse says as he goes over to her. Winter felt a little bad that Eclipse seemed to not pay her as much attention. She saw him talk to Summer but she didn’t hear what they said, just Summer looking distressed. Then to her shock, the two hugged each other! She felt a little hurt at that. 

"Take things seriously? Fine!" Winter left to go train somewhere else away from the other flyers who were whispering amongst themselves about her. She didn’t need this kind of attention!!

Notus looked concerned once everybody got back to what they were doing. He left and looked for Winter, it took a while but found her alone training, “umm hey,” he said as he approached.

“Hey,” she says, stretching. Some of the animals from the sanctuary came to watch her. One of them was a recovering falcon. Its wing was healed up so it gave Winter the chance to not only rehabilitate it but also work on her speed.

“So, I’m sorry miss ‘thinks she’s too bright’, was rude to you,” he apologizes as he approached.

“No no, it’s fine really!” Winter kept insisting.

“I’ll help you train if you want? And don’t worry, I won’t ask about your family, that's your business,” he assures.

Winter smiled, “thank you, Notus...” she replies thankful. Soon she started training, racing against the falcon and Notus helping with her flying technique. He had a decent relationship with the animals, so it was a help to her and made Winter more focused on her goal. She started by gliding alongside the falcon as a warm-up for them both before working their way up to get faster. 

Eclipse had talked to Summer and found out how nervous she was and how he comforted her. Though he told her she needed to apologize to Winter for what she said since that was a step too far.
She said she would do so later. For now, they had to focus on the task at hoof and get ready for the water transfer. If they don't accomplish their goal then no one will have rain.

As the day went on and everyone was right into the training at the reservoir, Eclipse was up monitoring the anemometer, “if only I could participate...” he sighs thoughtfully but smiles. 
Winter and Notus came back, she trotted past Summer without a second glance, ignoring the whispers from the other creatures, and approaching her friend. “Hey, Eclipse?”

“Hmm? Oh hey, Winter!” He replies seeing her, Summer took no notice.

“Hey…” she greets again, still a little hurt from before. “I have a small favor to ask of you?...”

Eclipse nodded, “sure ask away! Anything for a friend!” He said, happy to help in any way he could.

“Could you...bring the anemometer with you tonight right here?..if you're free too of course! You don't have to,”

His expression beamed, “Yes! I can!” He cheered like a filly on Hearts Warming, anything to use the anemometer! Then, stopped to compose himself, clearing his throat, “I mean... yes dear lady, I can do such a task! May I ask why?”

“Extra training…away from judgmental eyes.” She muttered to herself.

“Oh I see, sure thing,” he whispers in realization, “I’ll bring it tonight at 10 okay?” he asks, Summer was too busy to focus the two since there was still so much to do.

“Thank you!!” She hugged him quickly. Giving a way better hug than Summer did.
The hug felt great and Eclipse now felt a little bad, "oh I hope I haven’t been neglecting her," Eclipse thought, but his heart raced and with the hug, he smiled. Notus was glad that things seemed to be going well for the two of them even after he tried to help.

After the hug, Winter said she was going to rest and would see him tonight, flying off to get something to eat at Sugar Cube Corner.
The day went on as normal though, creatures trying, again and again, to raise their wing power higher. Eclipse did ask Notus how things were with Winter when they wandered off. He decided to not say much, feeling he didn’t want to intrude on Eclipse and Winter and only helped where he could. 

As the day finished everyone was packing up and leaving, Summer checking every creature off. “Okay, and... Wait! where’s Winter?" she yelled looking around but didn't see the pegasus, "Ahhh!! Of course, she didn’t do it the whole day! Just like her to Quit…she doesn’t care about bettering herself,” 

Eclipsed couldn’t say what they were doing but didn't like what Summer was saying about Winter, so he decided to stand up for her. “Hey, Summer? She honestly does believe in this! Winter just got her own stuff to deal with, and she’s doing it in her own way,” 

Summer sighs, “I’m Sorry Eclipse maybe so…I just don’t want to be ashamed when mum comes, she’ll kill me if we aren’t perfect!” 

He put a hoof on her side and reassured her, “don’t worry we got this just believe in her,” Eclipse reminds, Nullah nodded in agreement and gave Summer a boop to calm her. 


Later that night…

 
Eclipse took the anemometer with him to the field. When he came over, he saw Winter was already doing a couple of practice laps around the track and she seemed faster than before.
He had taken it using his extra powerful magic from the palace, thankfully as it was nighttime, no pony would notice it missing.

He saw Winter flying swiftly going for it! To give her all! He thought she looked amazing with how hard she was working, “Wow! You’re improving, though you were already great,” he compliments. Nullah was there too though not happy to be up this late, he held a cup of tea with his tail and had a nightcap on.

“Thanks, but if we’re going to get that water up, I need to give everything I’ve got!!” Winter explains determined, then looking at Nullah. “Aww, come here sweet thing,” she took him in her hooves. Using her cloak on the side to make a makeshift bed for him to rest on. Nullah smiled feeling snuggly, he boops her nose and then curls up to rest.
Eclipse understood and nodded, “ok let’s do this!” He says wanting to help her and Summer, knowing this was very important to them both! 

Winter started at the starting line and flew past him. It went from 4.5 to 5.5. “A one-point difference?…that’s it?! All my training this morning for one point difference?!”

“Well that’s still an improvement and any is good!… Winter, what matters is that you put your all in. When I’ve had to run from monsters knowing my life was threatened, that made me go faster than I could now.” He said thinking at the same time. “I mean ask yourself what’s your motivation to do this?” he asks putting a hoof on her.

She sat down to think but also to rest. Her wings were sore from all the flying that day. “To improve I guess, prove I’m not some quitter!” 

He sat next to her, it was a nice night, crickets could be heard and the stars were bright. Eclipse sighed and then spoke 
“Winter I’m so sorry for what Summer said earlier but more importantly, I’m sorry for not being with you, I was too caught up with this dimension's simplicity that well….if anypony wasn’t taking it seriously it was me,” he said, “you are no quitter! You are the most determined mare I’ve ever met! You have so much perseverance I know this because you can put up with me” he smiles and winks

She snickered at that last comment, “yeah I guess…it’s just…since I was a filly, everypony at flight camp called me Winter the Quitter,” she shuddered, the foal chanting the name over and over in her head. “Just because I haven’t found my talent yet DOESN'T mean I’m a quitter!!!” She yelled suddenly. 

Eclipse could see why she felt so personally about this, now he felt so bad for her but he looked determined. “Those foals were stupid, bullies hunt the different because it’s easy just to make themselves better. The thing is you are no quitter, even after all these years you keep trying to find your talent while other ponies would give up and become depressed! They have no power over you if you believe! Winter, if it helps I’ll tell you this but don’t tell any other pony…."

"Alright," Winter relented as he leaned in close to whisper.

"Spitfire is going to judge, and as I’m sure you know that’s Summers's mother, so the thing is, Summer is actually terrified and is not sleeping well because of this…we are all in this together...” he hugs her. Nullah was now snoring asleep and comfortable.

“I figured she was stressed with it all, who wouldn’t be?.. Honestly, I’m glad it’s not my mom coming down to judge…” she confessed before hugging back. “Thanks, Eclipse…”

“No problem I’ll support you no matter what,” he said smiling, "now want to keep trying!”

“Yeah. I want to make it to at least six if I’m halfway there. Maybe seven,” she pulls away standing up.

“Great! That’s it! Just try to reach a little more, then more, then again! It’s taking these small steps to reach a big leap” he continued to encourage.

Winter nods, stretching to go again before stopping. "Actually...since no one is here, why don't you give it a go?" she suggests, "I know how badly you wanted to try for yourself, now's your chance!"

"Really?! Ohhh thank you, thank you!!" he hugs her tightly again while changing into his true form. Flying to the far side of the track, Winter sat by the anemometer and waved to give him the all-clear. He did a bit of stretching like he saw the others do. 
Before taking off, flying as fast as he could pass her, skidding to a stop. "So...how did I do?.."

"8.4 wing power!" Winter calls amazed, "That's really good Eclipse!!" 

Eclipse let out a cheer, doing some loops in the air, "I'm glad!!..." he sighs, landing close to her, "Then...is it alright if I train with you? I want to keep getting faster in case we run into trouble in our future adventures,"

"Of course!! We can take turns so we don't overwork ourselves!" Winter agrees. So through the night, they continued to train and got better over time. Encouraging one another and refueling with hot chocolate. They got a little higher as they kept trying. Winter had a bit more stamina than Eclipse so she kept going, pushing herself to get faster. Her wing power was getting higher! Only to go down again with how tired she became.
After a while, she had improved but Eclipse insisted that they get rest if Winter was to be her best, she needed to sleep and recharge.

“No….just a…few more…laps…” she shrugged, stretching to take off again. But was more sluggish now. 

“Winter you have done over 100! You are doing amazing already” he pleaded

“I’m only at 7.3… I need to get to 8-point wing power,” she insisted.

“I know but you’ll start getting slower if you don’t rest Muscles I’d been time to grow” it was about 3 in the morning by then.
Winter got ready to take off again. She barely made it past the tiny fan before flopping face-first onto the ground exhausted.

“7.4!” He then ran to her and picked her up, “come on time to rest...” he whispers as she felt dizzy and exhausted.
She moaned as he used his magic to pick her up and onto his back. He also picked up the anemometer and her cloak with Nullah still asleep in it.
They would go to her place and sleep for the rest of the night.

Summer in her room was wide awake and she had wiped away some tears “ok I can do this…”
She walked over to a photo of her mom. She looked so cool but so serious at the same time. Summer wanted to be just like her, strong and independent, a great leader! She wanted to show her mother how good she was by succeeding tomorrow! 

"You'll see mother. I'll prove to you that I'm worthy of being a Wonderbolt like you and father. I can be a great leader just like you!"

~~~

The next day started and everypony was nervous yet excited! Summer did get some sleep and she felt half-confident at least.

She was doing a roll count to make sure every pony was there. Thankfully no one caught the feather flu or any other sickness like before. She almost checked everyone off but saw Winter wasn’t there.

“Ok, where is Winter?” Summer questioned getting a little worried again. Eclipse was making sure everything was working well he hoped she would appear and wasn’t too tired. Nullah was providing everyone water to stay hydrated and massages to help their muscles relax before the flight.

“I’m here! I’m here!!!” Winter called flying over. Some of the sanctuary animals came too.

Summer sighed, “that’s good,” she looks relieved, “ok Everybody! I’ll say you have all done great, I appreciate what you’ve put into it now let’s all go above and beyond!” The crowd cheered excitedly. 

They were getting ready, stretching their wings, and Nullah started passing out goggles for everyone to wear for safety. Eclipse double-checked the giant anemometer to make sure it was working. Winter was stretching when summer pulled her aside.

“Winter hey I need to talk with you,” She said as they went aside.

"What is it Summer?" Winter asks.

“So I shouldn’t have to explain to you, that Since my mum is coming this means a lot to me, so Winter you must know..." Summer looked to Eclipse who gave her an encouraging gesture, "I’m…..sorry about yesterday, I thought you would have kept the word about your family open but I guess not. I have no clue why you don’t but I shouldn’t have done that in public...” Summer lets out, clearly not wanting to but doing so. 

“I have my reasons for keeping most of my life private. I’m not an attention seeker. And I suppose I’ll forgive you,” Winter shrugs slightly.

“Good, now Eclipse will be happy,” she mutters under her breath
“Anyway! So how is your speed?”

“I topped at 7.4 or something along that, last time I checked,” Winter said honestly.

“Right…..” Summer tried not to get too annoyed, “that’s... well, it’s something, probably... not enough though. But hey, every little bit counts…” she puts on a forced smile. "We're doomed,” she thinks in her head.

Winter could tell the smile was fake. “I better go warm up with the others,” she says walking away from her and putting her goggles on. As Everyone was getting ready, Notus walks up to Summer. 

“Well, I’ve trained them as much as I can. They really care about this, we'll do it!” he informs and reassures her, “If I had an army In ancient times I’d have you as my top commander!” he winks, Summer chuckles rolling her eyes. 

“Thanks, Notus. I bet though you just love a mare in uniform~” 

Notus blushes awkwardly, “umm maybe…” wiping his brow. 

She laughs again, “don’t worry I can’t blame you,” she winks.

“Hehe, well, either way since we got only five minutes to go until Spitfire arrives, we should be good!” Notus says checking the watch Nullah held up to them.

If Summer was drinking something, she would have spat it out!!! “5 minutes??!!!?!?” Summer started freaking out more. Telling everybody to get ready for her arrival and to stop messing about. This was the real deal. 

Winter was talking with Eclipse and helped him make sure everything was working, while also giving attention to Nullah. All the other creatures were getting their goggles and last-minute stretches, Discord could feel the tension as he watched them, eating popcorn. Turning up the volume.

“Ok Winter, you think you got this?” Eclipse asks trying to be as supportive as possible, “remember you just channel your emotions and all your energy,”

“Yeah. I’m ready. I’ve trained for this!! Even if my numbers aren’t as big as the others, it’s still something!!”

“Exactly and the fact you're doing this shows you are the most determined pony of all!” He praised and hugs her.

Just then Spitfire arrives looking rather good for her more advanced age. She wore old retro but cool shades, her jacket, and had a very serious military expression. Everyone got ready to take off including Winter. When Notus blew the horn they took off.

Summer was in front and led the group “things are about to get dizzy,” she smirked and zoomed. It was the biggest turnout that Ponyville ever had. For a long time, the noise and power could be felt all over. Eclipse held onto the side of the giant fan watching the meter go up bit by bit. They were doing better than the last time they did it!!

The wind blew so strongly, Notus was in awe of the speed and techniques! But held firm to not get pushed by the incredible force. Eclipse clung to the anemometer, watching the dial go up and up calling the numbers. Nullah just sat looking chill, wearing shades but also waving a flag that said, 'GO TEAM!' 

The tornado was being formed, growing stronger and firmer. Inside, Summer was so focused and the other flyers were too, Winter struggled a little but kept pushing. The winds inside were getting stronger. She looked down seeing that the water was starting to rise, they were doing it!!! They were really doing it!! But something went wrong. The water started to flop and it was going uneven! 

“If they don’t keep going smoothly they won’t break the record, they’re so close!!” Eclipse shouted seeing the dial just passing 1020! 

“Forget the record!! Someone could get hurt!!!” Notus yelled. As one pony lost their balance and bumped into another. Others crashed against one another breaking the tornado and the water falling. Everyone crashes around the reservoir. Winter flew right into Eclipse, knocking them over.

The two groaned as they tried sitting up, but blushed only to realize how close they were!! "Sorry!!" Winter apologized getting off him and using her wings to hide her red face.

"N-No I-I'm fine..." Eclipse stutters also very red. Nullah taking a photo with his camera for the photo album. 

"Why does this seem familiar?" Spitfire said in her head, not impressed, Summer was furious. Having gotten flung into a tree.

“What the heck happened!!!” Summer yelled angrily. 

“Is everyone okay?” Winter yelled looking around and helping Eclipse stand up.

A few groaned there, and others cried in pain. A few ended up with sprained or broken wings and legs. So their numbers went down. Nurse Nullah treated the injured and provided lollipops. 

Eclipse was helping, trying to figure out exactly what caused the problem. It turned out one of the Pegasi’s wings cramped and they couldn’t fly causing them to crash into others. Summer grew furious.

“You should have angled your wing properly, obviously!! Now others got hurt because of you Firefly!!” Summer scolded the pinky pony who tried to get the branched out of their blue mane. 

“Well, it’s hard with so much adrenaline!” She replied but Summer didn't have it.

“You should have practiced so you could angle your wings!” Summer napped, Notus hurried and went over to her. 

“Hey! Look, it’s okay, we can still get the water up with one pony down.” Notus intruded.

Summer felt like she was going to faint, “But the record!”

“Forget the record Summer!!” Winter exclaimed. “Look, other ponies got hurt with fractured wings and other sprained parts. We might not even have enough wing power to get the water up to Cloudsdale!! We shouldn’t be pushing ourselves for some dumb record, but pushing ourselves for the good of Equestria!!!”

“But if we never try to strive to improve, we’ll be stuck forever! What’s the point of doing anything if we never use the opportunity to better ourselves” 

Eclipse came up to Winter's side, “Summer we already have….so many of the flyers here are fitter and more active than they were before, some have even used this to deal with past traumas,” he looks at Winter and nodded in acknowledgment, “even if something doesn’t go exactly how you expect or achieve; what you originally wanted, it doesn’t mean that nobody has grown from it as we all have,” he smiled. Summer sighed 

Summer looked around seeing every creature come together to aid the injured but also being reminded of how hard they worked to get better for today. 
“You know this is why your amazing Eclipse,” Summer said and hugged him “I guess haven’t been looking hard enough...thank you for showing me that,”  

Winter was touched by her friend's words. But her jealousy was quick to return so she brushed it off, turning to the others. “Alright, I know most of you are probably hurting. And maybe despise Summer... But those of you who still have some energy left. Let’s take the skies!! Cloudsdale still needs its water to supply the summer rains!! To grow all our crops and cool the warm days!!! But also prepare for the snowy winters!! To help the land rest for the coming season! So come on every creature!!” She encouraged them.

The flyers who still could nod with determination! Whilst the once’s who could not fly were moved to a safer spot to be tended to but still watch and cheered for the others to keep going. Everyone got ready, Summer wiped some tears away and got on the game, she knew they just needed to get this done that was all! Eclipse was ready and Notus blow the horn again!

They took off and started circling around. Staying tight in formation as the water began to rise as Eclipse called out the numbers from outside.

“209 wing-power!……..400 wing-power!” He shouted. 

“Wow, they are speeding up fast!” Notus shouted. 

“That’s because they are just doing the job it’s actually making them more focused! …706 wing power....800 wing power...900 wing power!!!!” He yelled as the water was rising.

They just needed to get to 1020! Some ponies were starting to struggle again, doing their best to stay in formation. Summer flew around to keep them up, then down close to Winter.

She saw Winter and saw how good she was actually doing, she was channeling her emotions and the bullying of the past to turn herself into a monster of determination, they mean nothing! She flew faster and faster, using the points Notus and Eclipse gave her to improve. Riding the strong winds when she tired out while helping strengthen the tornado. Winter flew lower, closer to the water. She saw her reflection in it and smiled, flying with it as it went higher!

Summer was impressed but still wanted to be better so she flew faster, clearly so Winter could see it.

“1010!!” Eclipse shouted, "they're so close!!!" 
 
Slowly everyone picked up the pace flying fast as well. Not wanting to be left behind, they gave it their all too, as the dial reached and passed 1020. The water shot up, and Winter followed it out momentarily, cheering as it was sent to Cloudsdale. The droplets that fell behind left a rainbow. Eclipse looked up in awe seeing her fly around after the water was delivered. Nullah taking another photo of this memorable moment.

It was a massive wave of energy. The water went right up to the sky! The power the flyers created, Eclipse thought was incredible; the dial actually reached past 1020!
But Notus blew the horn once all the water was transported. Everyone leaving the formation cheered as they landed.

The wind went calm and the ponies celebrated! Summer was so tired but she felt proud, “No record-breaking but you actually did better than lady fine for Ponyville!” Eclipse says, he then goes to Winter and puts a hoof on her, “good job, you were amazing!!” he praised blushing. 

Estelle was there too, sketching the event and catching the majesty and scale of it all.

She was out of breath, smiling at him before collapsing. “I’m so tired…and my wings are sore…” she moaned, "I could go for some ice cream too...".

He grabs her in his arms “you deserve a nice long rest, I promise when we get home I'll get you all the ice cream you want,” he smiles and Nullah slithers on Winter and boops her nose. Even giving her a ribbon as a prize! 'Nullah's proud of you!' it read at the center, sticking it on her head.

Spitfire went up to Summer and talked with her, no one knew exactly what was said but Summer looked happy afterward. Summer gave everyone a big thank you for participating, now they would have rain and snow! Summer thanked Eclipse, too for helping record everyone's wing power and improvement.

"Maybe we can hang out again without having to train for something," she joked laughing. Winter glared a bit and clung to Eclipse tightly.

"Maybe, but for now I just want to relax with my friend," he replies in thanks while looking back at Winter. Summer understood and bid them goodbye before turning to help the others.  

The injured creatures were taken to the hospital while Eclipse took Winter to the spa, she deserved it after all her training and hard work today! She got a nice muscle-relaxing massage to help with her soreness. Even a nice soak in the hot tub for maximum relaxation. 
Nullah also joined in, though the spa ponies were nervous to treat a rainbow snake, Winter helped them to warm up to the little boop. Showing them he was not scary at all! in the end he got a good facial! He was even able to shed his scales to a new healthy coat. The two would relax together.

Eclipse didn't like the idea of spas much so he skipped and waitied for Winter and Nullah, sitting outside in the waiting room reading some Dragonformers comic books to keep busy.

After their time in the Spa, Winter and Eclipse spent the rest of the day together just loving being in each other’s company and being proud of what they accomplished.
Nullah was happy after his facial and still relaxed with Winter and Eclipse while letting his photos develop in his photo room.

“I couldn’t have done any of that without you,” she says honestly, "You're amazing Eclipse, I can't thank you enough..."

“It’s my pleasure! I will do anything for you Winter, no matter what!” he smiles and blushes.

“Could you…magic me some chocolate mint ice cream?” She asks since they were alone at her place.

He smirks cunningly, “well, I’m not meant to technically but I have known to break rules from time to time,” he winks as he flung his hoof into the air and three ice cream tubs appear! He gives one to her and the second to Nullah who happily dived into the tub. 

It was the exact flavor she wanted and even better as Eclipse had been to the ice cream dimension before! So he knew how to get it right.

“Thank you!” She grinned as she helped herself. Smiling contently and simply melting inside. "This is the best ice cream I've ever had..."

"I provide the best! For only the best my dear lady," Eclipse replied bowing a bit as he took a bite of his ice cream. They enjoyed it and would remember this day for a long time afterward. 

To be Continued…
> Book III Chapter I “The Bomb Incident”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eclipse gulped as they all went outside to the sports field for today’s teamwork lesson. It was Buckball. The weather was becoming warmer now and the sport was in season. 

“So umm... I’m not really a sports pony or a pony... but I don’t, know maybe I should…” he tried to get out of it. Asking Winter but was interrupted by Summer who just came over. 

“Now Eclipse! You can’t be thinking of not trying buckball!! It's one of the greatest team sports in all of Equestria!!” Summer exaggerated, doing loops in the air.

“Besides, you don’t have to do much as a unicorn. Just catch the ball with the bucket!” Winter encouraged him. However, that only made him more worried.

"Catching balls…." He thought with a shiver going down his spine, remembering a time when all he had to do was catch a bombe…..it didn’t end well... 

“For once I agree with her, don’t stallions typically play this as kids with their dads anyway?” Summer asks Eclipse, who looks more nervous. 

“Umm, maybe not this one hehe we did….other things,” Eclipse explains. Most things he did with his dad were pulling pranks and researching other dimensions, but couldn't tell Summer!

Summer shrugged, “well, either way, let’s go see what team we’ll be on!” she exclaimed flying ahead. They all grouped up around coach Smolder. Who took over fully as the sports and loyalty teacher. 

They all drew straws from three different cups depending on what role you were playing; offense, defense, or goalie. Teams of three of course. Each straw had a different colored end so whoever you match with, you’d be a team. Everyone put on colored jerseys for their respective teams, as Smolder picked which teams would face off. Winter became a team with Eclipse, and a spotted pinto earth pony named Mirty.

Summer ended up on the opposite team with a Yak named Jigme and a Changeling named Amberwing. 
“Good luck! Though Winter, I was the champion back in flight camp so don’t expect me to go easy on you,”

“I’m just as good as you!!! Dad taught me a lot! Used to play for his team in his school!!” Winter called back.

“Okay, that’s nice but did you try for the young filly’s league? Did you go to the full filly’s playoff? Not bragging but I won like three years in a row,” Summer said proudly and posed, "I would've kept going if I didn't get older,"

Her team got excited at this. A champion on their team! “We’ll my father was the coach the whole season!! I didn’t need to join. I helped him drill new training techniques for the fillies.” Winter retorted.

Summer didn’t look impressed, “so? Because your father was a coach?..That’s pretty sad, you know you actually got to put in the work blue girl, to become the best! Not just have talented relatives,” she smirked. 

“Oh, I have talent at buckball!!” Winter started fuming as the two Pegasi stood in the center.

“Pff, Oh really? Then why don’t you have a cutie mark?” She smirks getting right into Winter’s face, every other pony was just watching as this got intense. 
Some gasped at Summer’s retort, and others snickered thinking it was funny. 

“Take. That. Back.” Winter gritted her teeth glaring at the prissy champion.

“Should I?...” Eclipse asked, he was worried, not wanting things to escalate into a fight. 

“No, let them fight it out,” said Estelle who was watching by the sidelines 

“Take what back? THE TRUTH!?” Summer just laughed, “like no offense, but if you were so good you would have found your talent by now,” 

Snarling, Winter flew over, grabbing a ball and spinning before kicking it as it flew straight into a nearby basket. “Game on, Summer!!!”

“Well, at least your gonna be a good sport…..when you lose!” Summer stuck her tongue out and got ready! There was a fire in her eyes of determination, "there is no way I'm letting this spoiled, lazy, underachiever win!" She thought confidently. 

Eclipse however was terrified. Seeing how fast Winter kicked the ball, he could only imagine the impact if he failed to catch it. 

“You’ll be fine,” Estelle tried to assure him, even though she knew it would end badly for him seeing how he was shaking.

"I just hope nothing like the bombe happens again..." he thinks to himself.

Nullah was in the bleachers holding a sign in his tail that had written on it in crayon, ‘go team Winter!', wanting to support his favorite treat supplier and friend. Though the writing was a bit messy and hard to read, it was still adorable though!! 

The teams took their places, Mirty facing off with Jigme for the kickoff, Summer and Winter defending the floating baskets held by Amberwing and Eclipse. 

"Don't worry so much Eclipse, I'll be sure the ball doesn't hit you or go in the goal," Summer assured him. 

Winter and summer glared at each other before starting the game. It went back and forth before Summer's team made the first goal.
Some creatures had gathered to watch and cheered on Summer who was incredibly precise, Eclipse found it hard to not just rely on his chaos magic but he tried his best.

Winter glared and served the next game. It was intense before Winter’s team made a shot for the goal. The ball flew to Eclipse!

"Oh no!!!" he thought to himself, then remembered to not think about the incident! Though it was really close to the incident...
He braced himself as the ball came and he barely caught it in the basket. Winter and Mirty cheering. Nullah smiled waving the sign higher! Summer being very competitive was annoyed she had missed the shot! 
“Beginner’s luck,” she exclaimed in a huff, then the next Round began!

They shot point after point but it came to the final round both tied. The next point wins.


Summer with her team huddled together. “Okay, so we have to go hard, no mercy! Blue girl is actually pretty good, Mirty is a strong kicker, and Eclipse is too paranoid to lose so we need to really act as if our lives depend on it!” 

Meanwhile, Nullah was giving bottles of water to team Winter. 
“Thanks, Nullah. Eclipse you’re doing great!! And Mirty’s bucks are top-notch! We just have to keep this up, play defensive, and wear them out.” Winter instructs the team.

As they got back into possessions Discord was eating popcorn and cheering! “You can do it son!” he yelled.
 
“Thanks da….” Eclipse then stopped in his tracks wide-eyed “what are you doing here?? Da….I mean Discord?...” 
 
“Why ask such a thing? I’m just here to cheer you on!” He smiles 

“No, I mean there?” Eclipse pointed to another Discord on the other side with a team Summer tee shirt. 

“Oh, well like the fans I’m divided on which character I morally agree with, so I’m going for both sides!” Eclipse now felt more pressure as he got into position. “Just make sure this doesn’t end up like THE BOMB Incident!” Discord yells and Eclipse started shaking. 

“NOT HELPING!!!” 

He faced forward as the whistle blew and they started the final round. The ball went back and forth. Until Mirty made a winning shot for the basket. But Eclipse got PTSD as it looked like the bomb so he used the bucket as a shield by flipping it around. It bounced away and the crowd groaned.

Summer got excited, they were gonna ace this!! Winter saw things going badly and got worried as she could not stand the idea of losing to Summer and giving her more excuses to brag.

Winter called a time-out and flew over to check on her friend, “you okay?” She asked, lifting the bucket.

“Sorry, it’s just I’ve done crazy things in the past and well... it’s too long to get into... I just don’t like round objects coming straight for me...” he admits 

“Ahh... so what if Eclipse is nervous? She just doesn’t want us to win, honestly, Winter's a bit of a sore loser,” Summer whispers to her team.

“Is this about the…bomb incident?” She whispers the last part. Having heard what Discord said. “Hey, if you don’t feel like playing anymore that’s fine,”

“It is but I….I just don’t want to let you down...” he looks down a little ashamed at his inability to continue right now. 

“Hey, you did great!! You carried us all the way here and I’m proud of you for that!” She praised him with a smile.

“Thanks for the support, and understanding,” he smiles, loving how considerate she was.

“So you need another player?” Summer shouts, “or are you quitting like always bluey?”

Winter glared in Summer's direction then turns to Eclipse again, “Hey, it’s up to you, just ignore her,” Not wanting to pressure him to keep going.
After some consideration, Eclipse decided he didn't want to play anymore. Not wanting to relive the trauma all over again of the bomb incident. Winter hugged him in reassurance, not wanting him to feel bad for stopping.

Summer then flies down to Winter, “well I respect you not wanting to force a pony but you and I still got to win or lose!…so I suggest we do something else just you and me,”

“You’re not suggesting cloud ball are you?” She raised a brow. Flying up to her.

“It’s clear we are evenly matched after seeing your flying skills, maybe a race?”

“Fine! All around Ponyville, and back.” Winter suggests determined.

“Okay! You're on!” Summer beamed confidently. 

The others were a little worried, especially how eager the two were, it seemed they were a bit too adrenaline filled. Their teams sat aside to let the others play. Winter sat with Eclipse with a wing over him while Nullah gave him chocolate to praise him for his hard work.

They would have it after school once the course was mapped out. Everyone heard about the upcoming race and wanted to be there to see it.

The two mares locked eyes, glaring at each other, sweat falling down their faces. Every other creature was in silence, this was big! The sun was reaching high noon! 
Nullah was wearing a cowboy hat with straw. In His mouth he had a recorder he used to play the theme from, 'The good the bad and the ugly.' summer and winter were ready. 

Estelle used her magic to show them a detailed drawing of Ponyville and the marked path. Eclipse stepped up to explain. "Right! You two obviously start here at the school. You'll head to Sugarcube Corner, to the old school house, around the red barn at Sweet Apple Acres, back into town towards Rarity's boutique, around the town hall, and back here!" Eclipse says, using a baton to point at every location on the map. 

The two nodded in understanding, wings were at the ready all the school came to see this, the rivalry was well known at this point. 
When they were signaled to go they took off, pretty close as they flew to the village.
Summer was not the fastest pony in the world but she was incredibly precise! Winter though was pretty good, especially after her training in the past couple of weeks.

Every pony stepped aside as they zoomed on. They sped through the town through the forest towards the old schoolhouse. Summer shoved Winter aside laughing, making her almost fly into the bell!! But Winter swerved just in time. 

"Cheater!!!" Winter called after her and quickly caught up.

"Not my fault you're a terrible flyer!!" Summer called back while speeding ahead. The two sped on and on to Sweet Apple achers which was the turning point to head back.

They were both adrenaline filled, the two being so opposite but similar. "Let's see how you like it!" Winter says, flying up to catch a strong wind before diving down and passing Summer!! Who screamed in surprise and trailed back as Winter took the lead!

"Hey! That's not fair!!" Summer yelled wiping off the rotten apple.

"It's not my fault you can't fly properly!!" Winter laughs turning around the barn back to town. Summer quickly caught up, cutting ahead once they got to The Carousel. 

Summer was finally taking the lead as she went through the town giving Winter a wink as she passed by.

“Oh no, you don’t!!” She yelled to catch her, right next to Summer after rounding about the town hall. This was the final stretch back to school! 

They started shoving and pushing each other when they bumped into one another. It didn’t stop. As they flew faster to the finish line, however, they only flew inside the palace and through the halls!!

All the other creatures had been waiting with bated breath but when they saw the two approach the speed and messiness were shocking. 

“You are cheating! Shame on you!” Summer exclaimed as she pushed back.

"You're the one shoving!!" Winter exclaimed. The two fought more and more but still flying, they were so distracted that they flew away from the finish line into the palace! Not even paying attention to who was winning. 

Inside, Luster Dawn and Sunburst were organizing the library after getting a new shipment of books and other records. "Thanks for the help Dawn! With this done, we're making things easier for Starlight!" Sunburst says as he put away some scrolls.

"Not at all! I'm glad I could helpd, now we have more books now! So much more to learn and do!" Luster Dawn cheered as she put away the last of the books, "and...done! That's the last of the books," She beamed admiring their hard work, but then heard voices. 

"Do you hear that?" Luster Dawn asks.

"It sounds like..." Sunburst reached up to rub his ear, "Fighting?..."

"STOP SHOVING!"

"YOU STOP SHOVING!!"

Down the hall, Winter and Summer we speeding right down, "LOOK OUT!!" Luster Dawn shouted but they didn't hear, both her and Sunburst jumped out of the way. 

Without looking, they slammed right into one of the book shelfs, the two falling straight to the ground! Summer had almost fallen on top of Winter, which she blushes and quickly distanced herself.

"What were you two thinking?! Flying so recklessly!!!" Sunburst snapped at them

"Sorry..." both mares apologized, when a HUGE book fell right on Summer! And another on Winter! They were the two volumes of the school rules that had expanded since Starlight took over in order to include other creatures. 

Sunburst and Luster Dawn flinched watching the books fall on the two now uncauntious mares.

"At least it's just those two..." Sunburst sighs relived, adjusting his glasses. Just then the whole room started to shake. 

The gigantic impact caused all the walls to shake, and all the books come tumbling down, creating a huge ocean of books! Sunburst and Luster Dawn groaning under the pile, they had to start all over! 

"Why did I say that..." 
> Book III Chapter II “A long time to Recover”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Winter could faintly hear beeping and muffled voices. She tried waking up, eyes fluttering open to see where and who was with her.

Winter heard muffled voices, she could hardly see but, wherever she was, it was bright and sterile. ”Just for a few days if she wakes….” She faintly heard a voice.

“Is her face gonna stay like that?” She heard someone else ask. Her eyes barely opened seeing Nullah in her face looking down at her.

“Good morning,” Summers says though it sounded weak, Winter saw two nurse ponies, a Doctor, and Eclipse standing around talking. She moaned in pain, trying to sit up only to get a headache.

“No, no! Take it easy,” Eclipse hurridly says as he quickly went over, helping her rest her head in an upright position, he looked concerned yet relieved.
She flinched when she tried lifting her wings but one hurt more, looking over and saw how it was wrapped. 

“Oh come on…”

“Well, there’s no point in whining princess...” She heard Summer say annoyed. She laying in a bed close to Winter. But there was a spare bed between them that hasn’t been used but was still reserved for someone else. Summer had bandages all over her wings and some on her face.

“Please.... don’t call me that,” Winter asked as she carefully laid down again. Wincing in slight pain.

“Well, stop complaining then- ouch!” Summer felt a sharp pain in her neck when she turned to talk to Winter.

“You two were really foolish your both lucky no permanent damage was done! It’s going to take three days of recovery,” the doctor said. Examining the X-rays for the mares. Showing both their wings were fractured.

“How long was I out?” Winter asks Eclipse with a groan, looking up at him. Feeling some bandages on her head too.

“Ehh you hit your head rather Hard so about a week…” 

Summer looked incredibly embarrassed hearing it. “A whole week?!” She exclaimed before stopping as a headache kicked in.

“Technically a week and a day..” the doctor corrected, adjusting their glasses.

“I didn’t need to know that!- Ouch” Summer shouts again. 

“Well as the doc said your physical injuries will heal in three days so that’s good,” Eclipse says trying to make it sound better, Nullah just boops Winter's nose.

Winter only flopped back down, sighing before looking at Eclipse. “Could you get my books then?” At least to keep her busy.
“Of course! No problem at all…..which ones?” He smiles awkwardly.

“If she’s reading it, it’s probably lame,” summer says under her breath.

“My Carmane SanRoja series?” Winter asks, ignoring Summer’s statement. "It should be by my bedside,"

Eclipse salutes, “will do my lady!” he responds smiling, “Nullah said he’ll stay here with you to look after you, so you're in good care!” he assured, then exits along with the doctors and nurses to let the mares rest.
Winter blushes a little at the way he said that, She loved how dedicated he was and cared for her. 
Summer was rubbing her head not hearing what books Winter had just said, the two sat there awkwardly hating beings in the same room as each other.

But at least Winter had Nullah. Gently stroking his head and down his back, letting him nap and having little Boop moments. The doors then opened as a new pony-er, dragon pony kid was wheeled in.

The nurse wheeled him into the room and onto the spare bed. He made sure everything was good before leaving. Summer was curious about their new roommate, what this….creature was?

He seemed to wake up and looked at the two, then looked at Winter and Nullah. “Oh, hey! You like snakes? I like snakes as well!!”
“Oh, he’s not mine, he’s my friend’s companion. This is Nullah,” Winter introduced, holding the snake in her hoof.

Nullah smiled a cute crunched-up face!
“That’s awesome! You look like you were in a bad accident?” He looks inquisitive 
“One that could have been avoided,” Summer says snarkily.

“You’re the one who started it all,” Winter muttered to herself. If she hadn’t gone and brag at the beginning of Buckball and called her out. 

“Umm, sure like I was trying to have a fair competition. But NO, all you could do is have too much low self-esteem,” Summer grumbled at her. 

“I did not!!” Winter roared in annoyance then. Before going back to pampering Nullah with love and affection.

 “You just can’t take the fact that you're not as good as me and instead of being a good sport about it, you complain, whine like a little filly, and make us hit a bookshelf!” Summer rolled to her side not looking at Winter.

Winter didn’t look at her either. Turning to the other side with Nullah. “Once Eclipse gets here with my Carmane series we don’t have to talk.”

“Good!….wait did you say Carmane?...” She asked, the small creature looked at the two interested. 

“She did! I know that series!” He said excitedly. This was some very juicy drama, he wished he had some popcorn.  

“Yeah?...” Winter glanced back a little. So what?

“I love those books! It’s a great adventure series! Ever since I finished the Daring Doo series, it was the next best thing to read!” Summer says surprised Winter has read them. 

“We all have something in common! Yay!…well, that and being hospitalized,” the young creature said with a chuckle.

“I’m just hoping Carmane and Gale end up together already,” Winter sighed thinking about said ponies in her head. She was a huge romance fanatic. Ever since she read the series, Winter had been anxiously waiting for their relationship to get better after Carmane left the academy for thieves. 

“Well, that was an emotional scene... I loved his confession to her! I’ll be honest it was so cute,” Summer said enthusiastically, squealing in excitement remembering the chapter.

“It was! And the kiss!” The creature replies, having also read the series. 

“WAIT WHAT!! HE CONFESSED?!” Winter exclaimed sitting up. Only for her headache to come back and her back to ache.

“Uhh, yeah..? It’s like the biggest scene, like, in the whole series! Winter, what have you read?” Summer was confused by the reaction.
 
“I’m halfway through the second book!” She exclaimed. While she was happy about her favorite couple getting together she wanted to read it herself!!

“Pff what? How?! Winter, book 5 came out yesterday, and I’ve finished it!…like, see what I mean? You complain to me about stuff yet you're the one who's too lazy to read the books properly!” she snickers. 

“It’s not that!! I like to enjoy things at my own pace. So what if I’m a slow reader?!” She asked her.

“Umm, your own pace? You know that’s useless, especially in the professional world.” Summer flipped her mane out of her face. "Take it from an actual Wonderbolt in training!"  

“I really liked the part where Carmane turned evil,” the creature said out of nowhere. 

“Oh yeah, that was epic! ….what is your name anyway little one?” Summer asks the little dragon pony.

“Just call me Flame!” he smiled happily. 

“Stop talking about it, please!!! I don't want to hear spoilers!” Winter covered her ears with her hooves. But that only made her headache come back. They were not paying much attention to her. 

“Sure thing, I won’t spoil anything else………………………..BUT! Like the moment Gale DIED WAS CRAZY!!!” flame exclaimed to Summer.

“Oh, right I remember that! I cried...” summer replies, wiping away a supposed tear.

Winter screamed then, trying to bury her head under her pillow to block out their voices. But they only spoke louder about the series. Just then Eclipse walked in with the book series and was reading the fourth book!

“You guys on when Gale kicked the bucket? Oh yeah, that was hard-hitting! But hey, he came back to life as a Cyber pony! Which really fits his personality and love of electricity,” Eclipse analyzed as he walks in, then sees Winter. “Winter this series is great!" he beams holding up the fourth book. Winter could not understand how he could have read it so Quickly? Then again he probably used some chaos magic to read it- But wait, what did he just say??!?!??? 

“STOP TALKING!!” She cried under the pillow. Nullah patted the girl's back with the end of his tail trying to comfort her, but that wasn’t doing much.

“Oh, something wrong Winter?” He said confused.

“Nah, she’s just causing a tantrum again because we actually read at a normal pace,” Summer replied.

“The two of them, and now you are spoiling the series for me!!!” Winter exclaimed.

“Ohh….hold on, you haven’t read them all? Then why do you have all the books?” Eclipse asks confused as with his powers he could read a whole novel in ten minutes.

“It was a bundle deal…” she replies, smushing her face into the mattress.

“Well hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to... It's just, I can read rather quickly if you go at your own pace,” he explains. 

Summer rolled her eyes. “Don’t apologize Eclipse, she needs to grow with tough love,” 

Eclipse was not amused at the statement. “Hey Summer, knock it off. It was rude of you to say that about her, not everybody can do everything at the same pace.” 

“Tough love?…” Winter trails off sitting up. She cracked a smile, trying to keep herself together. Eclipse walked a little closer seeing her start to cry. Winter turned to Summer, eyes burning with anger and sorrow. “You have no idea, Miss Jubilee.”

“Ok, sorry Eclipse,” Summer sarcastically says. Then she and Flame just went on talking.  Though a little uneasy by Winter's last comment.

Eclipse went to Winter and put the books down, “hey look it’s ok, I’m sorry she said that...” he whispers trying to comfort her. “Don’t listen to them, I can try to get you another room if you want?” 

Winter didn’t say anything though. Nullah reached up to nuzzle her while wiping away her tears. 

“Oh!! When Carmane met her mom!!!” Summer spoke excitedly. Remembering the ending to the fourth book.

Eclipse seeing she was affected in ways he didn’t understand decided to give her space. "Just keep her safe and warm," he says to Nullah telepathically. Nullah nods and huggles up with her. Eclipse would leave hoping she feels better.

“CAN’T YOU JUST SHUT UP?! Or at least keep your voices down? You understand that I haven’t read the whole series but yet you continue to spoil it all when I asked you constantly to stop!!.... You don’t even consider how I feel because I’m not perfect!!” Winter snapped as Summer kept talking about the later novels.

“Hey now, I understand you're stressed but it’s just a book,” Flame said in response.

“Just a book?! It’s a series I happen to enjoy just like so many others and wanted to share the experience with someone else!” She retorted. Eclipse was still in the room.

“Hey don’t go off at him for that!” Summer berated.

“Thanks, though maybe we should be more quiet...” he suggests to Summer, she then gets annoyed. 

“Well, I didn’t ask your opinion on my voice!” She then looks at Winter. “So, who’s this other creature you wanted to read to?”

“Estelle, Mirty, Eclipse, but of course, my dumbest forgot he’s a speed reader!” She hoofpalmed only to make her headache worse.

Eclipse felt there was some subtext he was missing but didn’t know what? 

“Fine, we’ll stop talking about it...” Summer sighs annoyed. Crossing her arms together. 

Winter highly doubted it. She pulled her curtains so she wouldn’t have to see them. Try to enjoy what peace and quiet she could. 

As night came, Flame and the Summer would be quietly chatting, Winter tried to ignore them regardless of what they were talking about. But the room was so quiet she could hear them talking about the rest of the series. It was ruined for her.

~~~

The next day rolls around Summer wakes up feeling nice and healthy, “ahh that’s better, I can tell I’ll be better in no time!” She rubs her eyes and then stretched, “you good Winter?”

Winter still seemed asleep but was really awake but didn’t want to answer. Nullah sleeping next to her coiled up. A nurse came in to check on them and opened the curtains the light was way too bright for Winter. She shut her eyes, moaning at the brightness.

As the day went by, the three of them felt bored. Summer tried to make conversation. 

“So...how did you end up here?” The small strange creature shrugged. 

“I was thrown out a window” he casually says. 

Summer looked shocked, “what?!” 

“It’s a long story,” he stated not seeming bothered by such a traumatic-sounding incident. 

“Why would you be thrown out a window?!” Winter then exclaimed, joining the conversation.

“It all started with a doughnut….” He replied Summer and Winter were bewildered. 

And so, the little Flame told the girls all about what had happened because of a donut. 
It was an incredible story that was so intriguing afterward, they both were blown away! It was almost as crazy of a story as the Bomb Incident! 

After he finished, he then asked, “So... how did you guys end up like this?...”

“Uhhh…” Winter trailed off, not sure how to explain.

“Miss blue over there tried to cheat her way to a win during a race getting us both hurt,” summer replies bluntly,

“Oh, Winter! that’s not nice!” Flame said surprised, shaking his head disapprovingly.

“No, it wasn’t,” Summer agreed, shaking her head too. 

“I didn’t mean to bump into her!!” Winter explains, trying to defend herself.

“You seemed pretty angry! Like it looked deliberate” Summer retorted,

“I said I didn’t do it on purpose!!” Winter kept insisting but they didn’t believe her.

“Just admit it, you're jealous of me!... So you wanted to cheat.” Summer claimed, then felt herself getting a headache.

“Why would I be jealous?” Winter questioned, “I’m not jealous of you, there’s nothing I want from you!!”

“Maybe?... I don't know... you can’t cope that I'm just better, or is it because I’m spending time with Ecl…” she was cut off as Eclipse enters the room looking cheerful. 

“Hey, Summer! Winter!....and Flame,” Eclipse greets, waving to them. Flame waves back. “Hey everypony, how are you today?”

Nullah sat up a little seeing his master return, slithering over to him. He patted Nullah on the head.

“Honestly I’m hungry,” Winter replies to him, ignoring Summer again, "Hospital food isn't that filling..."

"Something we can agree on," Summer rolled her eyes again. 

“Hey, guys! So... I was thinking, maybe we could get you two to do something fun?” He knew how much the two were not getting along so he had a plan.

“What kind of fun?” Summer asked slightly glaring at Winter.

“Please tell me you brought a board game or something like that,” Winter pleaded, sitting up slowly. 

“Yes, I did indeed!” He said replying to Winter trying to keep a fun mood up.

“Well, what is it? Chess? Checkers? Snakes and Ladders?” Winter tried to guess, interested as he came closer with his board game.

He gets out and shows Ogers and Ooglyets! Summer looks nervous 

“Wha? Like no way I'm not playing that! It’s like... for nerds…” Summer shivered at the word. 

Eclipse looks confused “but you told me you love this game? Come on, let's all have fun! You too Flame!” the little dragon pony cheered at being included. 

Summer hoofed palms, not wanting to have let Winter know it was a favorite pass time for her. 

“Sweet!! I’ve been wanting to play this but could never have enough players,” Winter says excitedly as they moved to be around Flame’s bed.

“Ok, you guys all know the rules?” He says excitedly as he gives them character sheets.

“Yup,” they say as they filled up the character sheets. It took a little while but then they finished.

Eclipse got his GM screen and was ready, “ok, show me your characters and we are good to go!” 

Nullah was snuggled with Winter, he had a Wizards hat on for the occasion.

"I don’t know what I should be called...” Winter admits feeling a little embarrassed.

“Well, I’m a high elfin!” Summer says proudly, “my name is Windez!”

“I chose to be a Rouge but as for a name…”

“You're a rouge? That figures” Summer says snarky 

“Well, I'm Athon a fire Mage!” declared Flame. 

“Awww that’s cute,” Winter rubbed Flame's head. “Have any suggestions Eclipse?”

“Maybe edge lord,” Summer suggested sarcastically with a smirk. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?!” Winter questioned before calming down. She tried to think back on her studies from old ponish, “Corveadwe,”

“Ohhh now that’s clever! I like it!” Eclipse compliments, “now you're a cultured mare!” 

Summer looks in bewilderment, how did she know old ponish!….did the blue girl actually learn it? But Eclipse started the game properly so she hadn’t had time to finish her thoughts. 

They put their sheets down before beginning a basic adventure since not all of them have played before.

______
It was Quest for the hidden gem, a simple starter story to get into the groove. As the game master, Eclipse explains how in the lost kingdom of Tambelon, there was a great Jewel! Whoever would find it would be given untold riches!

Of course, they got excited and started on their journey with not much stuff.

The team worked pretty well…at first, they had gained a map to the lost kingdom but it led only two ways one path was longer and safer the other was shorter but more dangerous.

“Let’s go the shortest way. It’s more efficient and with any encounters, we can grab more loot and experience!!” Winter suggested. Slowly picking up on the game.

“And get killed? You know the mobs are probably higher level than us, so we won’t stand a chance! At least the safe path will give us more growth at a steadier pace” Windez argues.

“This is our first mission! I highly doubt Eclipse is just gonna throw in a level hundred or more mob at us... right?...” 

______
Winter looked between Summer Flame, then all three looked at Eclipse.

He looked a little sus, letting out a cough. “Well, umm... a good GM never reveals his secrets!” he remarks. In his mind panicking a little, 'wait what level is this adventure in???'

“Well if we do and die just remember it’s on you,” Summer says glaring at Winter, as they agreed to go down the dangerous path.
_______

They faced a few basic forest creatures like a couple of bats and bugs. So far nothing too major and they were leveling up well!! Farming experience, loot, and bits! Until…

A level 50 Manticore appears! 

"The great beast shows its teeth and fire bursting out of its mouth!!!” Eclipse exclaimed as the beast spawned in front of them.

______
“Hold on….manticores don’t breath fire?” Flame stated.

“Yeah but it’s fantasy just….ROLL with it” Eclipse joked. Even though Nullah did the drums, nobody laughed. 
______

“Well uh..." Corveadwe gulped, looking up at the huge monster.

Windez glared annoyed at her, “I told you!” she exclaimed.

“WELL, I'M SORRY!!! I THOUGHT MR. GM WOULD ACTUALLY GO EASY ON SOME BEGINNERS!!!” Corveadwe yelled out in annoyance, feeling a bit betrayed.

“Hey don’t get all feisty ladies, this looks like a job for Athon!… THE FIRE MAGE!!!”  with his claws, he cast a magic circle using his great staff of power and then….he rolled a 5... 

“Oh...sorry, only a 2 percent damage,” the great gm said as the manticore got more enraged! 

Windez was successfully ducking from its fire breath. Corveadwe quickly moved away too. Looking through her bag in hopes of finding something useful! “I swear if this manticore has a thorn under his paws,”

Windez tried an elfpony spell of luring but it distracted the beast only for a moment. “But that’s my best spell!” She said annoyed 

“Yeah maybe against stallions but this animal is too strong!” Athon stated, punching what fire was caught on his mane.

“Okay, think, think,” Corveadwe said to herself. 

______
Winter herself was trying to think logically. If they really did encounter a manticore they couldn’t approach it as Fluttershy had. 

Then she got an idea. “Windez what other spells do you know?!” 

“Well umm…I think  I got….ahhh!!!” Summer screamed in terror! 

“What?!” Asked Eclipse in worry. 

“Oh sorry, it’s just my neck is killing me...” Summer says as she readjusts herself on the hospital  bed “ok as I was saying…”
_____ 

Athon ducked again as the creature had given him damage. “I have a sleeping spell but it’s not strong enough!” Windez admits 

“Okay, that plus, Athon what about you? What else can you do?” Corveadwe asked the mage. 

“I am a fire mage!!!” He said proudly as he got hit again.

“YES WE KNOW but what can you contribute?” Windez yelled.

“oh umm I can enhance the ability of a spell for a short time with my heat” 

 “That’s it!!!” Corveadwe exclaimed, “I want to enchant one of my arrows with an enhanced sleep spell!!!” 

“Yes! That’s actually clever…” Windez admits.

“We can but it only works for a few seconds, so you better be quick!” Athon says trying to keep the beast back.

Corveadwe hurried to get Athon away so they could enchant her arrow. She then gave one of her arrows to Windez to enchant.

“Ok please let this work……” she put in all her Concentration and!!……

————
The dice kept rolling and spinning….everypony was on the edge and they got an 18!

“Is that high enough??” Summer asked Eclipse smiled and nodded 
————

The arrow was glowing a pinkish hue, she passed it to Corveadwe who took aim. 

Then Athon used his powers to enhance it. The arrow tip lit up with a small pink flame which then Corveadwe released toward the beast.

“It hits the manticore and he falls asleep!!!” Eclipse exclaimed

—————
“We did it! Great job…” then Summer felt wet completing this….Rogue

“YES!!!” Winter cheered to herself along with Flame.
—————

“We can’t kill it if we tried it’s too high of a level,” Corveadwe says feeling a bit disappointed they couldn’t get loot or exp.

“At Least we are still alive!” Says Windez relived, using healing items to heal the group.

“And it’s all thanks to me Athon the fire mage!!!” Athon says proudly the two girls chuckle. He was really cute!

“Yes, that’s right,” Corveadwe praised, ruffling the top of his head. Before they snuck off to find the gem again. 

After a while, the three had reached the lost kingdom of Tambalon as they entered they felt confident their levels had been raised greatly! There was one last major obstacle in the way...

They went into the chamber where the gem was kept. It felt too easy with how quiet it was.

Something was wrong….then a huge flash of light something appeared!! It was a tremendous goat creature!! With massive curvy horns. 

“Played by me!!” Eclipse proclaimed. 

______
“Umm, you can't play as a GM! It’s not in the rules?...” Asked Summer.

“Well, it is now!!!” He replied with an evil laugh. Nullah held up the O&O rulebook, with the rules about the GM. Most of it scribbled over with crayons.

Winter hoofpalmed before looking back at the game. “I choose to launch an arrow! See if it has a weak spot,”

She rolls but it’s a low number...
_____

“Mwahahaha!!!! You cretins!!! You can’t stop me!!!” He creates an energy shield to protect himself.

A light bar appeared over the villain. It was purple like his shield and there was a question mark over his levels.

“Uhh... how are we meant to beat this guy?” Windez says annoyed. 

“This looks like a job for ATHON THE FIRE MAGE!” He then sends a great fire but is not effective

~momenst later~

“This dice is rigged!!!” Athon Exclaimed getting another low number. 

Any ideas Windez?!” Corveadwe yelled using some arrows to distract the large goat.

“Well, what is the weakness? This creature is like…..oh the bell! Get the bell!” Windez realized.

“Aim for the bell Athon! Windez, you and I disable the shield!!!” Corveadwe instructs. But as he rolled it was the worst roll.

“Athon misses and the great goat shoots a corruption spell on Athon!!!” says Eclipse as Flame was now out of the game…

“NO!!!” Both Corveadwe and Windez yelled in irritation. Now they had to do it themselves.

“You're a higher level, got anything??” Windez asks 

“Uhhh, arrows, dagger,” she looked through her inventory.

The great Goat used his powers to freeze Windez in place. “Ahh!!! I can’t move!!! Come on, destroy the bell!!”

Cordeadwe looked up at the large goat. She had an idea, but it was risky. She ran while taking aim with her bow, releasing it as the arrow flew to its eyes. While it was distracted she made a run for the bell with her dagger to cut the rope holding it around its neck.

“Ahh!” He yelled she was about to cut the bell and!!….

———————
"Well?!..." Winter asked as Eclipse paused mid-sentence. Anxiously waiting for the results of her turn.

“Sorry just seeing if that roll was allowed” Eclipse looked through the rule book “oh ok it’s all good…..you are successful!” Winter got excited. 
———————

Cordeadwe cut the bell and it fell to the ground!

It rang as it fell off, Cordeadwe grabbed it and used it to take away the goat's powers, making him shrink in size and grew weaker.

“Noooooo....” he shrunk to the size of a mouse “Curses!” 

Windez was released from being captured. “Great work” she compliments, but not looking happy.

Cordeadwe still held onto the bell, glaring down at the small goat. “Leave now before I squish you.”

"EEK!" he scurried away.

They Both saw the red coloured gem, it shone brightly. "So what powers does this have?"

“The GM said it would grant us riches,” Cordeadwe replies walking over to take it.

"YES! I can finally archive The Great Knowledge of the Elfin Ponys!!" Windez Exclaims excitedly. 

"But it only grants one wish! and then it's useless other than for money" The GM's voice could be heard. 

“Okay then... so who gets the wish and who gets the riches?” Cordeadwe asked Windez.

“I actually need both the wish and the money as I’m in debt if you remember how much a ow to the Mages guild,” Windez says

“Hey!! I led us here, I should get the reward!!!” Cordeadwe argues.

“Umm yeah but it’s not like you need it I mean I get you're a gross Rogue and all that but I’m actually an important character” Windez gets sassy and annoyed, with her high position she felt she deserves it more.

“Just because I’m a Rouge doesn’t mean I’m gross. I’m just as good as you!! My leadership got us here!!!”

“Your….pfff I’m the leader, like without my skill and status you would have never won, you know that right?!! I got you free from those mercenaries and enchanted most of your weak weapons!” 

“Your enchantments were only strong enough because of Athos!!! And I took down that goat monster by myself while you were frozen and he was blasted out of the world!!”

“Hey stop trying to take all the glory for yourself! I know you're all insecure and all. But seriously, this is annoying! I’m taking the gem and that’s it, no more discussion!” Windez goes to take it. 

“No!!” Cordeadwe ran and tackled her, “I WANT TO BREAK HER STAFF!!!”

“Ahh! That’s it!” Windez uses a magical spell to stun Cordeadwe it misses but the two struggle as they tackle each other

_____
Winter and Summer were shouting at each other. Poor Eclipse looked between the two mares disappointed, he thought this game was a good idea.

He hoped it would bring them together and be better friends. It seemed to be working at first, they were working together! But unfortunately, it was not to be. The two girls kept rolling the dice and hitting each other, it was almost like the two characters' fight was starting to happen in person as they argued.

Flame moved back to lean against his pillow and watch the whole thing. Eating a chocolate bar he snuck in. They were not even asking if their rolls were working anymore, they just did it and shouted about what happened. 

“WINDEZ THROWS A BIG ROCK AND IT HITS YOU!” Summer says to Winter.

“I don’t think you’re character has the strength to do that….” Eclipse tries in vain to take control again. 

“WELL, SHE DOES NOW!!” Summer retorts 

“CORDEADWE SUMMONS HER FLOCK TO PLUCK OUT YOUR EYES!!!” Winter yelled back, hitting Summer and pulling at her mane.

She grabbed Winter's ear and pulls it “WINDEZ SHOOTS A POSOIN DART INTO YOUR ARM!!!” 

Flame just eats kinda enjoying this. Nullah also enjoying some popcorn.

“CORDEADWE STABS-“ before Winter could finish, Eclipse used his magic to freeze them.

“Ok!! I thought this would be a great way to get you to stop fighting and acting like fillies but no. You just can’t help yourselves!!” Eclipse is really annoyed.

“SHE STARTED IT!!!” The two mares yelled glaring at the other.

“Being here the whole time, I can say BOTH of you need some tolerance!” He packed up the game and gets up still having them stuck. “Tomorrow afternoon after you're discharged, you two are coming with me,”

 “NO!!!” They both yelled. Once he left the room, the magic stopped and they fell to the floor.

“What does he mean!?!?!” Summer asked, “us two staying with….” 

“Well, this is the best hospital experience I’ve ever had!” Flame says still eating. The two look at him just a little annoyed before making their way back to their beds, having enough of each other for the day.

They didn’t speak to each other, just in silence as they lay there in their beds. Winter would try and read her Carmane book but just couldn’t get into the mood after hearing all the spoilers. In frustration, she threw it down but it bounced on the bed back and hit her in the face she groaned exhausted laying back on the bed and staring at the ceiling. 

Winter wasn't sure what Eclipse had in mind, but whatever it was she didn't have a good feeling about it.
> Book III Chapter III “The sleepover”
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day came and the two were allowed to leave the hospital. They said goodbye to Flame who had to stay longer, but the two promised they would come by to visit. When the summer and Winter stepped out, they were not excited as they still needed some days of recovery…..and they had no idea what Eclipse was planning to do with them.

They stood outside the hospital about to go their separate ways when Eclipse came over stopping them.

Eclipse looked a little smug, “Now you two cannot argue. I’ve got permission from the doctors to be sure you're both properly recovering!” 

Summer was worried, “What are you talking about?…..” 

"We're just going home to rest, I promise you I will not do anything to strain myself," Winter swore to him. But Eclipse shook his head. 

“No can do ladies. For the next night or so you two are….having a sleepover! At my place!” He announced, Nullah tossing confetti in the air. His grin turned into a smirk, knowing there was not much the two mares could do about it. 

So they unwillingly followed him, walking since they still couldn't fly for another few days. In fact, this was the first time either of them had been to his house! The mares were genuinely curious, suddenly there was a gentle thunderclap. 

It started to rain heavily so he helped them move quickly, using his magic to make an umbrella over them. He went to the rental he had it was a typical two-story Ponyville building. 

“Welcome you two!” Winter still didn’t like hearing that, “Summer, Winter, we are having a slumber party!” Thunder and Lightning flashed as the two mates gulped at the thought

“Couldn’t you just have taken us home?” Winter asked.

Eclipse replied, “No I thought it would be great for us three could to have fun!” 

Summer blushed a little “Fun?.. oh dear..” 

“What fun would we be having?” With raised a brow.

They walked into the house and dried up, “I read the Sleepover rule book,” he says the other two got worried.

"I know that book! Slumber 101! Read it a few times myself," Winter replies when Summer took her over to the side.

She spoke quietly, “Okay blue girl. Look, we both like Eclipse and I know we don’t like each other but, we should try to get along for his sake...” Summer glanced at the excited stallion who was getting things ready. 

“Temporary truce?” Winter asked, holding out the wing that wasn’t in a cast for the last few days.

“Temp truce,” Summer replies, shaking it with hers. It was an older house, a bit creaky. Lighting flashed outside with the loud thunder, once again it just felt like something wouldn’t go right. Almost like it happened a long time ago...

“Okay! What is on the agenda!” Winter asked happily, if it meant making Eclipse happy then so be it. She can put up with Summer for one more night. 

 “First, marshmallows!!!” He said enthusiastically, "Please let this work..." he thought to himself as Nullah got a bag. 

The bag said, 'Nullah Mellows! Soy delicious!' “And ya know what we make with these?” He smiles 

“S’mores!!!” Winter says excitedly. She always loved making them even if she wasn’t camping.

"Perfect! I know the exact way to make them right," Summer states as she had been taught by her father, who was a previous Junior Speedsters councilor. 

“They’re s’mores,” Winter says trying not to sound too annoyed as she grabbed what was needed, getting more Horsey chocolate bars for herself.

Summer tried to look like she was not bothered but her eye twitched. "Hehe, You're right, hey why don't you make them then Winter! hehe..." she laughed awkwardly.  

“Sure!! Of course, I like mine with extra chocolate, how about you?” Winter asks the two.

"Whatever you want Winter I'm taking it easy!" Eclipse says. 

Summer cringed, she hated the idea of Winter making them with so much sweetness. "J-just a little chocolate Winter hehe..."

“Alright,” she replies, putting them together and letting them toast their marshmallows before giving them the crackers and chocolate.

Summer was trying not to correct Winter. It was hard, 
"This is so embarrassing..." she thought as they tried them. Summer thought it was okay but not great. "Average s'mores, but she's got no ambition," She said under her breath. Eclipse seemed to love it though. 

“And here you go, Nullah,” Winter says, giving the snake some of the crackers with a bit of marshmallow.

"The chocolate could have been better, needs better cocoa-to-sugar balance. It was a little cheap." Summer blurted out not being able to help herself. 

Eclipse looked unsure, "I mean, I guess...."

Winter only bit down on her snack. The extra chocolate smeared over her lips.

"Winter could have chosen better choc......... BUT STILL, GOOD JOB!" Summer caught herself before she went too far.

Winter glared a little, licking the chocolate away, “So good!!!”

“So, ummm... *cough* what ought to be next thou stallion?” Summer asked.

Eclipse smirked. “Whilst thou nights end, thee rides the storm” he quoted to Summer. 

“Thou shalt see as thee waits for the light,” she replied. 

“Thy light needs not come as thee are already here shall I compete thee to a summer's day?” Eclipse exclaimed to her she giggles at the comment.

 “Oh, you~” She gives him a rather interesting wink.

Winter watched this play out, an irritating feeling …..her jealousy rising.

She munched on her s’more, angrily finishing it and almost choking before swallowing. “Okay!!! Any other board games or activities?” Winter then prompted, wanting this little banter to end.

“Well pillow fights are meant to be next,” Eclipse got the book out. 

“I’ll throw my pillow on you,” Summer winked flinging her nice mane and chuckling. 

Eclipse blushed, “Hey! Hehe …..” At that point, Winter wished she has a raven army to attack, “Well you two are still recovering, so it’s probably not a good idea.”

“Too bad, I would’ve made you two beg for mercy,” Winter smirked, bumping her hooves together with an evil grin.

Summer smiled, “So you're that kind of mare?” 

Eclipse rolled his eyes, “Hey now, this is a totally innocent sleepover...” 

Summer pats his head, “Yeah, keep telling yourself that.” She winks at him which would kinda seem flirtatious to Winter who now really wanted a pillow fight.

So she went for the next best thing, taking some of the marshmallows in the bag, using her wing, and throwing it to Summer.

It hit her in the face making her messy and sticky. Nullah took a photo. “Well, at least I can say this is self-defense.” She grinned menacingly as she grabbed and threw a group of marshmallows at Winter.

“Oh, it’s on!!” Winter grabbed one of the other bags and threw some at her, too.

“Umm, guys we need to keep this place clean, I don’t own it you kn….” He ducked as marshmallows were thrown back and forth, the two mares getting more determined to destroy the other.

“Come on Eclipse!!! Choose the winning side!!” Winter called, hiding behind the kitchen counter while Summer was behind the couch.

“No! She’s the aggressor and provoked WAR! Join the side of morality Eclipse!” Summer replied as she threw many of the soft white treats. Nullah had fun taking photos of the situation. 

“Who even gave you that?!?!” Eclipse asked as he was ducking, hoofs over his head to avoid getting hit.

It was with your things at home, Nullah thought to himself. Snapping another photo of Eclipse when a marshmallow stuck to his horn.

“Ehk! Stop you two it’s sticky!” He tried in a vain attempt at peace but was all for not as Summer almost hit Winter in the eye with a marshmallow. She fell to the ground, laying on her back panting heavily white sticky marshmallow was all over her. Nullah took another photo, he was now dressed like a 1940s war Correspondent. 

Summer ran up shouting, “Chaaarrggeee!”

“ATTACK!!!” Winter yelled back. Sticking some of the marshmallows to the chocolate and throwing it back at the yellow pegasus.

It got in Summer's mouth!! “Das-not good quality CHOCOLATE!!!!” Her scream muffled, throwing crackers back at her.

Winter just laughed in victory, “I AM THE WINNER!!” She cheers, striking a victory pose that Nullah snapped a photo of. 

The place was a complete mess, Eclipse just buried his head in a pillow. “I should have just let them pillow fight...” he sighed heavily. Nullah patted his back in pity. 

The two looked around and Winter grabbed a cloth. “Don’t worry, I’ll clean up,” she says picking up the marshmallows on her side.

Summer grabbed one as well. “Our mess, our responsibility,” she said as she went to clean. It was night by the time they had finished and they were tired as it takes a lot more to clean a mess than to make one.

“So…now what?” Winter asks, Eclipse looking at all the photos Nullah took. The little snake chose the best ones to put in the photo album he was assembling. 

“Well, let’s try to just sit and maybe play a harmless game,” he suggests exhausted. 

“Harmless,” Summer snickered, “what does your book say?”

He looks through it. “Oh, here we go! A completely nonphysical and apparently a classic game!” The two mares looked intrigued 
“Truth or dare! Simple harmless fun!”

They paused then. This could go really well or really bad. “Okay…who wants to go first?” He asks looking between the mares. "It’s a little filly’s game, right? They should easily get along!" Eclipse naïvely thinks.

“Right! So... Winter, truth or dare?!” Summer smirked, this was not something she had played in a while. But thought it could be fun.

“I’ll start simple, dare,” she says boldly, not wanting to take a back seat and pick truth.

Summer thought for a moment, “I dare you to drink mustard right out of the bottle,” Summer felt like there was no way Winter could manage this. Nullah felt chills, interested in where this might go…

“What?!” Winter exclaimed then, she hated anything sour, especially mustard!!!

“You wanted a dare,” Summer points out. Winter groaned and went to the cabinet where the mustard was. It was a big bottle and was extra strong. She gulped nervously looking at it, then squeezed some into her mouth. Not too much but she gagged tearing up, hurrying to get some water to wash it out.

Summer laughed. “I told you this sleepover would get spicy.”

Winter coughed more before sighing, “Okay…Eclipse…truth or dare?” She coughed.

“Hmm, truth!” He says, thinking this should be easy.

“Okay…..biggest accomplishment?”

“Oh well umm….” He thought realizing he should be careful. 
“Getting away from my parents and exploring!”

“That’s fair,” she nods, getting ice cream in hopes of helping her ruined taste buds.

“Okay, Summer. Truth or dear?” He asks. 

“Hmm truth,” she goes, interested in what he might ask. 

“So, is it true you have a fear of snowballs?” 

“What!? How did you…..umm, yeah, kinda. It’s just so cold...” She shivers at the thought.

Winter chuckles at learning this, snickering and having another spoon full. Already planning on how to attack Summer when winter came around. When Summer asked for Winter’s turn, she replied with truth this time.

Summer felt a little embarrassed. “Okay Winter, what do you really want to accomplish in your life?”

“Find out my purpose of course! Winter replies simply. It’s all she’s wanted,  and from there she can branch out. “Okay, Eclipse, truth or dare?"

“Dare,” he says as Nullah gets the camera out again wanting to see where this will go.

Winter hummed looking around and trying to think of a good dare for her dear friend, then she walked away to get a jar of cookies. “Open this…without magic,” 

"Oh no..." He thought as he was not a pony, not used to using his muscles very often. 

“Oh, this has gotta be good,” Summer remarks rubbing her hooves together. Watching as Eclipses takes the jar and breaths deeply before trying to open it. 

“Grrrrr!” He strained and tries again and again. But couldn't seem to get it open! He kept trying till his face was turning red! He kept trying to grip it with his hooves, using the tapping technique and even biting on it!! But it was too hard for him.

Summer laughed. “This is why I do bicep training.” Eclipse sweated and Nullah took a few photos. “That might take awhile, as he’s doing that I’ll ask you, blue girl! T or d?” Summer says to Winter. 

“Okay,” Winter was hesitant but wasn’t going to back down. “It’s your turn to ask me. What’s worse than drinking mustard?” She would regret that later.

Summer smirks, “Well you want a dare then?”

“Do your worst!!” 

Summer grinned evilly, her not-so-innocent mind went wild! “I dare you…..TO WEAR A MAID OUTFIT FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT!” she cackled. 

“WHAT?!” Winter exclaimed in panic, before smirking confidently, “Hah! Where are you even going to get one?!”

“Come on, I'm sure Eclipse has one, I know what he's into~” she giggles. Eclipse was still trying to open the jar not paying attention, wanting to complete his dare.

Winter blushed more, looking over to the unicorn. “Do you have anything like that Eclipse?” 

“Hmm? Sorry, what are we talking about?” He asked. 

“Where is your ….you know what,” Summer nudged him. 

“My……wait Summer why do you…” he blushed brightly. 

“Not for me though, I know you would like that…for Winter!” 

Eclipse went dead red. “W-well…I mean you know and …yeah,” he blurted out.
 
Summer chuckles as Nullah points to a cupboard where the outfits would be in.

Winter was nervous as she walked over and opened it seeing quite a selection of clothes. “What’s with all this?!” Winter exclaimed taking the outfit.

“N-nothing! Just -hobby!” Eclipse could hardly talk feeling so embarrassed. Hiding his face in the jar. 

“Come on, don’t be shy Eclipse. I know you love it,” Summer teased, with a slightly seductive tone in her talk. Nullah had the camera on standby. Winter went into a room before coming out a little annoyed, pulling at the tight outfit. Using her wing to give quite the gesture to Summer, glaring at the pegasus.

“Looking good girl!~” Summer cheered, a glint in her eyes. “You should play a lot more,” 

Now he had his head in a pillow, “I’ve been stuck in a room for a decade what do you expect?” he asked muffled. 

The maid outfit was tight and obviously not practical for normal use, Nullah kept snickering finding these mortals so entertaining he took another photo. 

“Okay, fine!! Miss Summer, truth or dare?” Winter questions, walking over and sitting across from the mare.

Summer rolled her eyes and smirked. 'As if she could come up with a better dare.' she thinks, "Dare! Miss Winter."

Her smirk returned but wider, pointing to the closet, “Wear the bunny costume, the latex one.”

“Ha!!! I knew you…..wait what?” She paused, genuinely surprised. Was she being serious?

“I saw it in there, go ahead,” Winter motioned with her head. 

“Fine...” she groans frowning, “stop exposing me.” 

Eclipse moaned into his pillow, too embarrassed to look. “Don’t worry Eclipse, I’ll look as hot as the sun in it.” Summer assures, winking as she goes to put it on. Soon coming out in a full bunny suit ears tail and all. 

Eclipse takes a peak and sees the two and almost faints. Nullah is having the time of his life!

“Okay. Now you have to stay in that the rest of the night! Just like me. I bet you can’t even last that long!” Winter bragged.

“Oh, girl you underestimate my abilities!” She says determined not to lose to Winter “Eclipse who do think looks….more pleasing Maid mare or bunny mare?” She says Eclipse is too speechless to answer 
“I’ll make a bet with you!! Loser…can’t fly for a whole week.” Winter offers. Both of them fly pretty frequently so it was a fair bet.

“Deal.” Summer agreed, with a snicker “Just don’t cry when you lose.”

“Oh, I won’t because you’ll be the one losing!!” Maybe truth or dare wasn’t a good idea.

It was admittedly hard to move around as both skimpy outfits were tight. Eclipse had recovered though he felt embarrassed, now Winter knew or at least saw that he had these outfits hidden away.
….
“Discord what are you doing?” Midnight asked as she walked in after checking on all the dimensions. Finding her husband sitting on the couch surrounded by snacks.

The two mares forgot all truths and only did dares as Eclipse still struggled with the jar of cookies. He was wearing 3D glasses and had a stereo system hooked up. To help himself not think about the other two as he did like it, but would not admit it.
Eclipse tried to open the jar and was now making inventions to open it. He had a lab coat on doing everything he could. 

Winter had dared Summer to go outside in the freezing cold night with her outfit and walk around the house. Which rose the risk of someone seeing her, thankfully no one didn't

After that, Summer dared Winter to clean the whole house and look happy whilst doing it. Little Nullah took photos between the three, wishing that this little system could take videos cause then THAT would’ve been more entertaining. But this dimension hadn't quite reached that technological advancement and still used traditional film reels.

“That’s it girl smile! Looking like a mare of dreams~” Summer teased as Winter dusted the shelves. She was so annoyed but also hated having to keep smiling as it reminded her of that one time.

“Well then, I dare you to dance! Dance as if your life depended on it! On the table!” Winter called out from where she was dusting, using the duster to point at the coffee table in the living. Winter knew the suit on Summer was already tight on her soooo…A little revenge didn't hurt anyone. 

“0hhhh you are a heartless mare.” She then got up on a table and started to dance “I hope you're watching this Eclipse. Because you would like it!~” Summer shouted to the kitchen in a rather sing-song voice. But Eclipse was so focused on his elaborate contraption to open the jar he ignored it. He was determined to complete his dare! Nothing was going to stop him.

Summer would do some interesting moves as she thought might as well go big but it was a strain as the outfit was tight. “Wh-when you f-finish dusting you need to dance as well!” She panted

 
“Gladly!!” Winter yelled back without arguing. When she finished she jumped on the kitchen counter and danced just as expressive as Summer. Nulla on the side cranking up a music player for the music while snapping photos. 

Meanwhile, Eclipse had finished his contraption, pushing the button to start the process so it can unscrew the jar lid. “Yes! Now the secrets will finally…..” He then heard the music.  “What are they doing?!” He went to go and check, he didn’t want them to be fighting and the house to be burned down.
He went to the living room and saw the two of them dancing! both were incredibly passionate trying to outdo each other with their somewhat explicit moves. Eclipse was as red as a red tomato!

“Eclipse!! Came to join us??” Summer asks beckoning him with her wing. Discord burst out in laughter at his son's reaction to it all with how red-faced he was. 

“Bbbb-ut I don't... I ummm, am and like you know?” He couldn’t form a proper sentence. Nullah went behind him and with his strength, pushed Eclipse onto the table in between the two dancing mares.

“You okay?” They both asked looking down at him. Their manes frizzled. Nullah had taken many good photos, this was a sight to behold! Eclipse sweated and gulped as he was in between them, staring up at the two beautiful goddess-like mares.  

“Yeah…..I g-guess...” Feeling dizzy, he had gone from being a single stallion who was locked away from the outside world, to now having two mares dance in his chosen outfits was a lot for him to take in.

Summer was finding it harder to breathe with how tight the latex was, but kept going determined. “Join stallion show us ya moves,” Summer beckoned, pulling him to his hooves. Eclipse reluctantly joins, giving up. 

“Yeah! We dare you to dance with us!!! You can't refuse 'cause then you'd be breaking the rules!!” Winter beamed, taking his other hoof to pull him towards her. Unlike Summer’s getup, her dress wasn’t as tight.

He was so nervous, Summer pulled him back and started to move a little more seductively. He gulps more as Winter tries to outdo Summer's moves.

They would bump each other to ‘shove’ them away. While poor Eclipse fell back on the couch, Nullah took more photos.

They kept bumping each other as they started scuffling again Eclipsed just watched almost mesmerized, face turning a darker shade of red by the minute and unable to say or mutter a single word.

The two mares were now wrestling with each other as they had become more competitive there was shoving and bumping. 
Which turned into full-on punching and kicking, pulling at the other’s mane, tail, and wings.

Eclipse got up, shook his head, and slapped himself to come together. “Oh no...I know I’m a young male but I need to control myself! These two are going out of hoof... " he thought to himself. Eclipse jumped on the table and tried to break it up but got caught in the middle of the brawl.

Nullah was taking many photos, he would need to get more space on his camera at this rate. The way the photos came out, they almost looked pretty heated in a different way. The girls were red with anger, Winter knocked over the jug of milk she had brought with her so she could enjoy the cookies once Eclipse opened the jar! The milk flying everywhere!
Eclipse accidentally banged into them, and the milk spilled over them and the table. The three fell off the table onto the floor. One on top of the other with Eclipse being sandwiched between the two mares.

They groan in pain from the fall. "Can you please get off me?" Winter strained to say, being the bottom-most of the pile. 

"R-Right," Eclipse stutters as he tried to get up. “ Summer fell back against the table. As the stallion tried to help Winter up, they slipped on the milk and Eclipse fell back on the floor again just barely between Summer's leg, with Winter over his back. Nullah snapping a photo once more.

"Sorry!!" Winter apologized again as she backs up against the couch. 

"You better be!!" Summer snapped annoyed, "Look at me!! My mane!!! I'm a complete mess now thanks to you!!!" 

"ENOUGH!!!" Eclipse snapped, a shade of red so bright it wasn't on the color wheel. "I am tired of you two constantly fighting, this was supposed to be a fun sleepover, my very first mind you!! But you're ruining it!!!" 

"I'm so sorry...." both girls say. Just then they started to hear a sputter and clank. "Do you guys hear that?" Summer asked looking around. 

A look of realization on Eclipse's face appeared, "Oh no..." Just then the wall busted open. It was Eclipse's jar-opening machine!!! It started going crazy, bouncing around as it kept trying to open the damned cookie jar. Everyone screamed trying to avoid getting hit by the machine, running into each other as it paraded around the room!! 

Suddenly the dial on it started going into the red and it was making a lot more noise than it should. "IT'S GOING TO BLOW!!!" Eclipse realized, "TAKE COVER!!!!"

The ponies and Nullah hurried to hide in the kitchen. There was a sudden boom from the other room as Eclipse’s contraption broke down in its attempt to open the cookie jar and it failed. The jar crashed to the ground hitting hard and!!!... The lid was still stuck on top!!!

Walking back into the room, they all tumbled onto the floor. They were exhausted by then. The place was a mess again but once recovered, the two mares started cleaning up.

Nullah was developing the photos and got a blank book out to put them in, along with some stickers and glitter. He was president of the Feather Sanctuary book club after all!! 

Eclipse sighed as he gathered the broken parts of his machine. He had felt feelings today he hadn’t felt before and he just wanted to go to bed. He picked up the cookie jar annoyed, and throwing it into the kitchen. When he didn't hear the glass break, he went in and the blasted cookie jar lid was still closed shut. "FOR TWILIGHT'S SAKE!!!"

He sighed to himself, still annoyed as he glared at his new arch-enemy. Winter came over, needing a cookie break when she easily popped it open. Eclipse looked dumbfounded, if he wasn't supposed to be disguised as a pony, his jaw would literally be on the floor. 

“You know it was a push and twist right?” She asked him.

He just looked with a totally baffled face, after all that time, effort, and work! “You know….I’m…..going to bed” he slowly made his way to his room, “and you two gotta sleep together!”

Summer smirked, “oh really~” 

“Not like that! J-Just!... Oh never mind” he went to his room as the other two finished cleaning. This was too much excitement for one night...

Nullah slithered after him with all his scrapbook equipment, he could just finish tomorrow after a good night's rest.

For the first time, the two actually laughed together watching a defeated Eclipse go to bed. They still weren’t calling off the bet as they went to their room… which had one bed…

They would remain in both outfits but as they stood there puzzled, both thinking about how the heck were they going to fit in the bed! It was not even very big! 

“So like…how are we meant to do this?” Summer asked confused. 

“One of us can sleep on the sofa?” Winter prompted. Then remembered how much of a mess they made and it was probably drying up from all the cleaners they used. "Never mind...well, you could sleep on the floor?" 

“No thank you!!" Summer lightly pushed her, "We will just have to sleep in the bed together! I slept in a rough environment back when I went through the desert! So this should be easy!! Unless of course, you're not comfortable with the idea? Then you can sleep on the floor instead!” Summer implies.

"After all the cleaning I did? No. I will not wake up to a sore back thank you very much!!" Winter retorted softly, not wanting to wake up Eclipse.

"What cleaning? You barely did any cleaning!!!"

"For your information, I was cleaning up all the milk I spilled because you knocked me over!!" 

"You only spilled it because you were clumsy!! You weren't looking where you were dancing! Which by the way was horrendous, it's very clear that dancing isn't your special talent." Summer mocked as she walked over to the bed. " I just want to get some sleep! So let's just stick to our own sides and not talk for the rest of the night alright?" Winter was unsure especially how big her maid outfit was but agreed. 

“Fine, I just want to get some sleep too...Why were you in the desert in the first place?” Winter asks as she sits down on her side by the window. 

“Long story I’ll tell you in detail later,” Summer says as she tucks herself in all nice and snug. Winter did the same the best she could. 

They had their backs to each other. Not saying a word as they fell asleep. But, it was tricky with their costumes.

They certainly were not pajamas and the comfortability was low, Summer moved around a bit. Then the blanket tug of war started. With it being a small bed, the blanket was just as small, making it hard to share. Both tried to pull the shared blanket around them more to their side. Neither wanted to bother Eclipse and ask for an extra.

They kept struggling for the Blanket tired and groaning, Eclipse had gotten up just for some water. As he was heading back to bed, he heard the noise from their room. Hoping they weren’t fighting, he peeked in but as it was dark and all he saw was the bed moving, sheets moving around, and hearing the groans from the two. He then, without a word just closed the door and went back to bed. 

Nullah almost took a photo but thought, let them do their thing. Summer and Winter would go through the rest of the night without a lot of sleep.

Eclipse woke up in a better mood the following morning. Making breakfast for the three of them and making a separate one for Nullah. He heard their door open and turned to greet them before cringing. Their heavy eye bags plus the ruffled-up costumes made them look like zombie ponies.

“Welp, I wanted you two to get along ….guess I succeeded,” he blushed a little and teased. The two of them rolled their eyes.

The rest of the day went well, once they had completely recovered, the girls could finally return home, Winter had to ask Eclipse about the outfits. Embarrassed, he explained their origin, she laughed and didn’t judge him thinking it was alright, he was an adult stallion after all.

Things would go back to normal after that as they returned to School. 

To be continued…