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Artrageous
|
1093
| 6 |
Derpy Hooves,Original Character,Trixie,Adventure,Comedy,Dark,Romance,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
Background Currents
|
A retired Wonderbolt is caught up in a series of murders that span Equestria.
|
incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Artrageous, a retired Wonderbolt, is aimless and attempting to find meaning again in his life. He is nudged in a direction, then caught up in the strong undertow of a larger menace spreading across Equestria. He and his new friends find themselves drawn in, but only on the periphery as the mane 6 and the princesses take charge of the issue. Reluctant to let everything just drop and be handled by others, they struggle to provide relevant assistance while being backstage to the events.</p><p>Incorporates some personalities and plots inspired by events on the Equestrian Dawn mush.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-21T16:13:08+00:00
|
2011-10-21T16:13:08+00:00
| 1,131 |
It was three more days before Artrageous arrived at Ponyville. Two of them were spent flying, the one in the middle was resting up at the Burst’s farm. They were a pair of earth pony floriculturists that also made honey on the side. Bee Burst, Versifier Burst, and their little colt Rhyming were pleasant, generous ponies and Art was grateful for a day to rest his wings and look at fields of flowers. He helped out a little, weeding and planting. Bee dressed up in her keeper-cloak and showed him how she smoked her bees. At one point they may have all broken into song and as he spread his wings and led a swarm in flight across a field. It was that sort of rare, magical afternoon.
It was an average, uneventful afternoon when Artrageous arrived at the little town. He spotted the large farms when he was approaching Canterlot, and swung in their direction. As he grew closer he saw the streams and candy coloured buildings. There were a few clouds in the sky, but he searched for the strange ones. He saw a large cumulus with rainbows pouring out of it.
All right, they don’t get much stranger than that, he thought, this must be where the pegasoi park their houses. There were a few others of unusual shape, including one cloud-house that was painful to look at. It seemed strangely out of focus, crossing his eyes, it resolved into a manedelbrot-like spiral sculpture which was still painful to look at, but obviously was the original intention. On the ground beneath it was a house shaped like a giant mailbox.
Art sighed, he’d make something impressive later. Right now he wanted a place to park his stuff and to take the harness off. He left the cart parked on one cloud, grabbed a second and teased and fluffed it with his wings till it had become a structure. He also painted it purple, like a cloud catching the last rays of a sunset.
“On a clear day you can seek forever.” A cheerful voice said behind him.
Arty flipped over. Hovering behind him was a grey mare with a blond mane. His impulse was to look for her cutie-mark, but he tried holding her gaze instead. That turned out to be hard. She watched him with one eye, then her other swung to stare at him while the first darted off to one side. As the two of them approached focusing on just him, she started to rotate until she was hovering upside-down. This was a rather adept piece of flying, and Arty was compelled to duplicate it. Since he hadn’t done anything like it in a while.
“Hello, I’m...”
“National Disaster!” Her eyes went wide, “Tragedy!”
“What!”
“A nation mourns her lost heroes! Moral drops with fallen idols. Rest of season cancelled. Witnesses scared for life. How to explain to your foals.”
The world was spinning for Artrageous, and not just because he’d forgotten to flap while upside down.
She caught him before he hit the ground, hooking his hooves and flipping him so he landed on them, slowing Arty enough it was merely a painful strain in his legs. It knocked the wind out of him, but the feeling he had been double-bucked in the gut was from before. He struggled to breathe, to say anything, choking and knotted inside.
“The sky is the sky,” she hugged him, “Princess raises the sun every day. Rivers run out to the sea. Ponies still love you. Nothing is forgotten, everything is forgiven, in time.”
“I’m...” he said, managing to force it out, his eyes stinging.
“The mail pony,” she answered, slapping a saddlebag with her wing and giving Artrageous another squeeze around the neck with her forelegs. “You don’t have any.”
Then she turned and quickly flew out of the worst introduction of his life.
* * * * * *
Artrageous was walking through Ponyville for the first time. He’d unpacked his cart by himself. It was one of those things, he would have appreciated help, but didn’t want to ask, and no pony noticed on their own. He was going to be upset either way, and wasn’t sure which option he would have preferred. It probably would have gone faster with help, he thought, and my wings wouldn’t hurt so much.
It seemed pleasant enough, widely spaced, colourful buildings, lots of flowers and decorations, ponies occupied with various tasks. Arty was keeping to himself when a shout behind him made his mane and tail frizz.
“I don’t know you!”
He turned, there was a pink... blurr, with blue eyes. “I don’t know you, and I need to know you. I know every pony here. Every pony! You must be one of the new ponies. There’s a lot of new ponies in Ponyville, so I’m throwing a Pinkie Pie Ponyville pony party for new ponies! All the new ponies will be there, and the ponyville ponies. Are you a party pony? You have to be there, so you can meet every pony. We’ll have punch and games and my name is Pinkie Pie!”
“I’m... Artrageous,” he gasped.
“Great! I’ll see you therrrree.” She threw her arm over his shoulder, held up a hoof in front of him, “Pinkie swear.” He blinked. She repeated, shaking her hoof, “Pinkie swear! Double dare! Break a promise if you don’t care. You’ll be sorrrrry”
She eyeballed him, very closerly.
“I’ll, be there. Sure. I pinkie-swear. Thank you for the invite Pinkie Pie.”
“Okaaaay. Oh lookie! There’s another new pony.” She bounded away, a distant scream of “I don’t know you!” startling another pony.
Artrageous watched, this must have been what the nurse was talking about. He didn’t want to go to the party, and he didn’t want to not-go. He fondly remembered enjoying parties and crowds, before... his retirement. He wasn’t sure he could enjoy himself at one now. He looked at the ground, his hoof. He had pinkie-sworn. He had a hunch it wasn’t a good idea to disappoint the pink one. Some ponies ride with the wind, other ponies make it, and that pony, well she was a force of nature and all his instincts said it was best just to be swept along.
|
TrueKillerHun
|
1095
| 1 |
Angel,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
A Corrupted and Sad Human in Equestria
|
A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land
|
incomplete
| 27 | 8 |
<p>A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land. This is a FPN (First Person Narrative) as well as my first fanfic</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-04T11:14:52+00:00
|
2011-10-04T11:14:52+00:00
| 5,415 |
A corrupted and sad human in Equestria (a first-person narrative fanfic)
By TrueKillerHun
Chapter 1: Life ends as I know it...or is it?
"Ha, ha, ha! How embarrassing to get your pants dropped on graduation, huh, Draco."
"I'm sorry to say that your mother died of cancer yesterday. I'm sorry."
"That was your final strike, Geoff! You're fired!"
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Those voices continued to ring in my mind as I sat in the middle of my empty apartment living room. A few months ago, I finally graduated from high school(thank goodness), only to start my school free life in a terrible way. At my graduation ceremony, a bully that he think its funny to pull off a prank before graduated, so he decides to pull my pants down(including my boxers) and show everyone my private area with a scar over it. They all laughed and pointed at it, which hurt my life only by a little bit.
Few weeks after that, I returned from my job as a clerk for Harkins when I saw a police officer standing outside of my new apartment. He, then, told me about my mother, informing me that she is died of cancer. This hurt my heart because I now know that I'm the only member of the Dowling family that is still standing.
Then, a month past after that sad event. My boss, Rick Standford, wish to see me in his office in Harkins. I arrived in his office and he started to bombard me with the past mistakes I made in my six months that I worked here. I ask if I can have an another chance to make it up, but he said that twenty-five mistakes is way too much. He gave me my last check, a pink slip and said you're fired at the top of his lungs. I ran out with tears in my eyes as I returned to my apartment.
Which leads to the present. I was sitting on the floor in my living room with a notice in my right hand. The apartment owners informed me that tomorrow they need my bill paid or I will get kicked out of the place. I had a suitcase next to me, since I was leaving the apartments anyway. All of my possessions in my home was pawned and paid all my bills last month except my home fee. The only items in the room except the suitcase was my iPhone in my pocket with the ear buds in my ears. I listened to Disturbed, All-American Rejects and the other bands I had on my phone.
Oh, forgive if I didn't introduce myself. My name is Geoff Dowling, but you may call me Draco if you want. Why is my nickname Draco, you may ask? Well, my favorite animal, or mythical being, was dragons. Everything I used to have was all dragon-related: clothes, pants, shoes, socks, wallets, etc. I had pictures and statues of dragons in my home before I sold most of them to a pawn shop. I still don't understand why they call me Draco, but it fits.
Returning to the current situation, I checked the contents in my suitcase, which have a picture of a red and black dragon on it. I double checked if I have everything I need. "Let's see," I said to myself. "Shirts, pants, boxers, spare shoes and boots, body spray, makeup, colored contacts, socks, protein bars. Yep, I have all I need to survive in the streets." By now, you are possibly wondering why the makeup and eye contacts. Well, I dislike my current appearance on my face with its large scar over my right eye that I had since I was six and the odd mixed eye combo of blue and red. So, I apply the peach-colored makeup over my scar and insert the blue eye contacts over my red eye everyday since my mother's death. Continuing from where I left off, I closed the suitcase and set it behind my head as I shut off my phone for the night and lay on my back on the floor.
I sighed, "Well, Draco. Starting tomorrow, it will be the beginning of the end of your life, you idiot." Tears ran down my face as I continued talking to myself, "No one will ever love you and your wish for death may come true tonight." I looked outside through the window above my head and saw a shooting star, as well as a start of a meteor shower. I crossed my fingers, hoping for one of those meteors to land over my home and kill me.
I begin to shut my eyes, still dropping tears from my eyes. My head rested on my suitcase as I begin to enter my slumber. My life may change for the better, but it won't, I thought.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
I awoke with the morning sun beating down on my face. I stood up and stretched my body as I open my eyes. I stopped midway up as my eyes made contact with the surroundings around me. I suddenly found myself outside in a grassy field with a lake on my right side, and trees in the distance on my left. I hear no sounds of any vehicles, as well as no signs of any tall buildings of any kind. All there was is clouds in the sky and mountains in the distance.
Where the hell am I? I thought to myself.
|
TrueKillerHun
|
1095
| 2 |
Angel,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
A Corrupted and Sad Human in Equestria
|
A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land
|
incomplete
| 27 | 8 |
<p>A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land. This is a FPN (First Person Narrative) as well as my first fanfic</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-04T11:15:29+00:00
|
2011-10-04T11:15:29+00:00
| 4,919 |
Chapter 2: Equestria? Talking ponies? WTF?
"OK, Draco, where are you exactly?"
I walked around the lake that I found when I woke up in a unknown land. I was thinking to myself, trying to figure out where the hell I was. "Let see," I said. "I went to sleep on the floor of my apartment, then I found myself out in an open field with no noise of anything, as well as any buildings of any kind." I continue to exam the area more carefully.
"Grassy fields, clear lake, white clouds, and mountains in the distance," I whisper as I exam the area. "Either I'm in Europe, Asia, or Canada?" Double take on the area. Definitely in Europe, I thought. "But, just in case." I took out my phone and turned it on. Wait for it to finish loading up all the apps, then I pressed the GPS app. I pressed the "Find Me" button and waited for a while, then the GPS replied with "Cannot find satellite, please try again" beamed on the screen. I try again and it still can't find the satellite.
This is freakin' bull, I thought as I put the phone away in my pocket. Why can't I find myself in this stupid phone. I returned to where I woke up when I realized something was missing. "Where is my suit...," I said as I looked around when I saw who took my suitcase, a little, white bunny rabbit. It was carrying my suitcase on its back when its eyes made contact with mine.
"Give that to me," I said to the bunny,with my right hand sticking out. "Now." The bunny took a step back as I took a step closer to it. As soon I took another step, the bunny started to sprint the direction behind it, with my suitcase still on its back.
"HEY, STOP!" I shouted as I started my chase after the white rabbit.
I honestly don't know where this bunny was going, but all can focus on was getting my suitcase back because I had something in there that I don't want anyone to get their hands onto.
The bunny ran over a bridge and heading into a nearby town. I didn't stop to observe the area since I was already in the town, following the bunny up the road. I did manage to get close enough to dive at the bunny and grab the case it was holding on its back. I rolled and stood back up, saying, "Yes! Got it back. Now," I kneed down to the bunny, who was sitting in front of me. "Don't you ever steal this from... me... ever..." My sentence soon cut short when my head moved up and saw the residents of the town looking at me, but the residents weren't humans. They were freakin' ponies, so many colorful ponies. There was regular ponies, unicorns, and pegasi (seriously, unicorns and pegasi?) And it didn't stop there. It seems they were TALKING to each other, and I can understand them.
"What is that thing?" one of the ponies said.
"That can't be a pony, can it?" said another.
I started to slowly stepping backwards away from the bunny, with my suitcase between my arms when I bump into someone. "Hey, watch where you going." said a voice behind me. The voice belong to a woman that was standing behind me. I slowly turned my head and body to the direction of the owner of the voice. My eyes widen when I saw who I bump into, a unicorn. Her coat was a light purple color and her eyes is purple like her body. Her hair style is what you see on a human woman's head, purple hair with streaks of a lighter purple and pink (still fresh from out of school, so expect not many descriptions on all beings and I'm not great at describing, so shut up.) Her eyes meet with mine. "Are you a human, the creatures of myth?" she said to me. My eyes didn't break any contact with her eyes since I was shocked of what I saw. "Um, hello? Can you speak?" said the purple unicorn as she took a step closer. I step back away from the unicorn. "Don't be afraid, I don't bite," she said. "You are probably wondering where you are, don't you?" I shock my head, still not breaking any contact from her. "Well, you're in Equestria and this town we are in is Ponyville." Equestria? Ponyville? OK, now I know I'm not in Europe, or Earth if that's possible. I manage to open my mouth, try to speak to the lady, when suddenly a voice rang in my ears that made me and the unicorn jump.
"LOOK OUT BELOW!" it said. The voice sounded like a woman, but with a little boyish tone in it. I look up and saw a rainbow, moving towards me.
"HOLY MOTHER OF..." is all I manage to say before the rainbow hit me, thus knocking me out cold.
(2 hours later, I believe)
"What is this thing, Twilight?"
"I don't know, Rainbow Dash, but I believe this thing is a human."
"A human? The creatures of myth? 'all must be joking."
"It's true, Applejack."
"I hope this human likes to party."
"Darling, a party probably the last thing this human needs."
My mind finally returned from being knocked out when I heard voices near me. I keep my eyes shut, so they can't know I woke up. One of the voices that I heard I already know. The one they call Twilight had the same voice as the unicorn that I meet earlier.
I was almost startled with a hand, or hoof, was placed on my head. Later, a voice spoke near my left ear, but the voice sounded more like a whisper than a shout. "..um," it said. "is this human still, um, alive?" The next voice that spoke was the unicorn's. "He's still alive, Fluttershy. I'm pretty sure Dash didn't hit him that hard." The boyish tone voice came up next. "That's great that he is still alive, Twilight, but I'm more concern about what's on his face and his right arm." I know what she meant, she is wondering about the scar over my right eye and the blue dragon tattoo that is wrapped around my right arm with its head on the back of my hand and its tail on my neck.
I felt something poking at my arm, a nail I believe since the poking was starting to hurt. A young boy's voice spoke up, saying, "Is this what dragons look like from where he came from?" The unicorn's voice came up again. "I don't know if dragons exist from where he come from, Spike, but maybe we can find more information about him when we look in his suitcase."
My eyes opened and stood up, saying, "DON'T TOUCH THAT!"
All the voices became startled and looked at me. My eyes widen when I saw the owners of the voices, more ponies, including the purple unicorn, and a small, purple creature.
Oh crap, I thought.
|
TrueKillerHun
|
1095
| 3 |
Angel,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
A Corrupted and Sad Human in Equestria
|
A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land
|
incomplete
| 27 | 8 |
<p>A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land. This is a FPN (First Person Narrative) as well as my first fanfic</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-04T11:16:03+00:00
|
2011-10-04T11:16:03+00:00
| 4,519 |
Chapter 3: Friendly Faces, Sad Memory
I found myself in a library when I open my eyes, thus making contact to the ponies and the creature.
I honestly don't know how long I looked at the ponies or the small creature. As the time past, I took a further scan on all the ponies and the creature to get more detail. The pony on my left is a white unicorn. Her mane and tail are purple and curled. Her eyes are a azure color, as well as a light blue eyeshadow. The pony to her left is an orange, normal pony. Her mane and tail is blonde and each ends with a red ponytail. I notice besides her emerald eyes is her freckles under each eye. To her left is another normal pony, but her body, poofy mane and tail is pink. Her eyes is blue, the only thing that's not pink. Besides her is a blue pegasus with reddish-pink eyes. Her hair is what seems to be like a rainbow and her hair style is shorter than the others, leading me to guess that she might be a tomboy. The next pony is a yellow pegasus, but I didn't get much detail on her since she keeps hiding behind the tomboy. Her mane and tail is a light pink and her eyes is cyan. To my right is the unicorn from earlier, already describe her. Next to her is the small, purple creature. His body is purple, of course, with green spikes on his back, starting at his head and ends on his tail. His eyes is a green color. He seems to be a large reptile, but what do I know? I also notice the ponies had tattoos on their flanks. The white unicorn had three blue diamonds on her, the orange pony had three apples, the pink pony had three balloons (two blue, one yellow), the blue pegasus had a cloud with a rainbow lighting bolt coming out of it, the yellow pegasus had three pink butterflies, and the purple unicorn had a six-pointed pink star.
After examining each of these beings, their eyes staring at me was becoming a bit creepy so I spoke up. "Um," I said. "It's rude to stare at people for a large amount of time without introducing yourself , you know." The first to speak was the purple unicorn. "Of course," she said. "My name is Twilight Sparkle and these ponies..." She pointed her hoof at the others. "... are my friends."
Each came closer to me and each introduce themselves to me. The white unicorn is Rarity, the orange pony is Applejack, the pink pony is Pinkie Pie, the blue pegasus is Rainbow Dash, and the shy, yellow pegasus is Fluttershy. They, including Twilight, is very polite, which I didn't expect since when I meet people on Earth, they always called me a weirdo. "Nice to meet you all," I said. "My name is..." "Geoff Dowling," a voice said. My head move towards the owner of the voice, which was the purple reptile, holding my wallet. "Yeah, Geoff," I said as I took my wallet back from him. "But you may call me Draco if you want." "The name's Spike," he said. "And why should we call you Draco?" "I don't know, Spike," I muttered. "Probably something to do with my love to dragons." He smile when I said that. After that, he spoke yet again. "Well, you like me since I am a dragon." I raised an eyebrow and moved my head closer to Spike, saying, "Really? I didn't expect a dragon to look like you" Twilight, soon, spoke next. "What did you expect a dragon to look like?" "Well," I said as I try to figure out what to use as an example. Then, I noticed my tattoo on my right arm and my suitcase. "Something like this." Holding out my arm. "And that." I pointed at my suitcase. "Seems spooky," Dash said as she move towards at my case. "Yet, look awesome."
"DON'T GO NEAR THAT!" I shouted, which made everyone jump when my voice rang in the library. I ran towards my case, grabbed it and sat on the ground with it in my arms. "What is your deal with this suitcase?" Rarity said. "Is there something in there that 'all not letting anypony know?" Applejack said next. "Yes," I whispered. The next voice was Fluttershy, the owner of the quiet voice from earlier. "Can we see it," she said. "I mean if you want?" My eyes look at Fluttershy. Her cyan eyes were so beautiful and it felt like her stare are stabbing on my soul. Damn it, I thought when I look into her eyes. "OK," I manage to say. "But you must never tell anyone about this." Each of their heads shook in agreement, but Spike's. I open the locks on the suitcase, when Spike's voice came up. "You probably shouldn't open that." "And why's that?" I said as I start to open the suitcase, when suddenly black smoke exploded out of it. "(cough) HOLY MOTHER OF (cough)," I said when I was inhaling the smoke. The smoke filled the room, which made everyone, except Spike, cough. Windows suddenly open in the library, causing the smoke to escape to the outside. My vision return when I saw black ash in the case. "Who the hell did this," I said when I turn my head at the ponies and Spike. Spike spoke up. " I, sorta, looking in your suitcase and, then, suddenly I sneeze. When I sneeze, flames came out and burn all of your things you had in there. Sorry." I looked back at the black ash, saying, "nonononononoNONONONONONO!" I start to dig through the ashes, throwing it everywhere, looking for "it". Then, I felt a flat and smooth surface in the ashes.
Could it be? I thought. I shove both of my hands into the ashes and pulled out a black, metal box. "Oh, thank goodness!" I said in relief. I threw my suitcase to my right and set the box on my lap. I wipe off the ashes on the top and it revealed a gold plate with an inscription bolted on the box. It reads:
"To my son,
who I love very much"
I unlock the lock that is on the box and opened it. Inside was things that once belong to my father. On the top, his combat knife, blade as long as twenty centimeters. It have a dragon and a tiger engraved on the blade. Next to it was its housing, you know, where to put the knife in when I want to carry it around with me. On the bottom was his gun. A custom-made gold Desert Eagle with a lazer sights attached on the bottom of the barrel. Engraved on the handle, a blue tiger on the left and a red dragon on the right. Spare magazines rested below the gun. I noticed a picture sticking out below the butt of the gun. I grab the picture and looked at the image. It was me, age six, with a patch over my right eye. And the person's shoulders that I was on was my father.
"Father..." I whisper as I closed my eyes and a tear drop down on my face.
(Flashback, thirteen years ago)
"Come on, daddy. I want to play horsy again."
"Son, your old man is tired. Why don't you go play with your toys?"
"OK."
Ah, young Geoff. So young and filled with so much energy. His mother was in Florida and his father in the living room in a two-story home in Maine. His parents' divorced about three years ago. His father had rights to have his son during the summer and school breaks. Geoff love his father more than his mother. His father was a military man, a Sargent. When he is off in the battlefield, Geoff always wished his father luck and come back with stories.
This was a happy time for Geoff, until...
One day, during a school day in Florida, Geoff jumped off the bus when he saw his mother and a military officer. He noticed his mother was crying and the officer had a white note with a red spot on it and a large, black box. "Why is mommy crying, officer?" Geoff asked the officer. "Son, I have some bad news for you," the officer said. "Two days ago, your father was in a scouting mission with his team. The mission was a success, but with casualties." "Who?" the little boy said. "Well, your father wrote you a letter before he continued with his mission, before he..." He gives Geoff the note. "Read this."
It reads:
"Dear Geoff,
I might be on this mission a bit longer than I expected. I wonder how you are doing in school. I hope your grades are improving. When I come home, I want to take you out to a..."
The rest was unreadable due to the red spot. "Why is this spot covering the letter, mister?" Geoff asked the officer. The officer sighed, "That is your father's blood. He got shot directly to the head with a sniper bullet." The boy stepped back from the officer. "What are you trying to say?" "He's dead," the officer said. "I'm sorry."
Geoff was completely shocked of what he just heard. All the happiness in him vanished into thin air. He cried to his father's death, knees on the ground. The officer gave the black box to Geoff's mother, telling her to give the box to him when he is at least sixteen. Since that day, Geoff never acted the same way ever again.
(Present Day)
I don't know how long I was out, but when I open my eyes the ponies was gone, as well as Spike. I put the picture back in the box and locked it up. I placed the box on top of a nearby table when I noticed a note on the table. I pick up the note and read it myself. The note only had three words: "Follow the arrows" "Follow the arrows?" I questioned the note. "What did it mean by..." My sentence was cut short when I see arrows on the door in the library. I open the door and find more arrows, floating in the air. I followed the arrows when I noticed the sky was dark and the bright moon beaming down on my face. How long was I out?
The arrows soon lead me to a building. It look like a gingerbread house from that one fairy tale I heard when I was little. The arrows was pointed at the door of the building. I walked towards the door and pushed it open since the door here lack a doorknob. In the building, a note was placed on the counter across the room. I picked up the note and it reads: "Upstairs"
I looked around for the stairs. I found them on my left, so I started my assent up the stairs. The room on the top was completely dark. Windows must of been covered up with curtains, I thought. I felt around the wall near me for a light switch. I found the switch and flick on, then all of the sudden...
"SURPRISE!"
"OH CRAP," I shouted as I jump backwards towards the stairs. I fell down the stairs, hitting some steps along the painful way down. My fall stopped at the bottom, hitting the floor with such force, it cause one of the painting on the wall to fall and hit me on the head. I was knocked out before I could manage to escape from the object.
|
TrueKillerHun
|
1095
| 4 |
Angel,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
A Corrupted and Sad Human in Equestria
|
A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land
|
incomplete
| 27 | 8 |
<p>A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land. This is a FPN (First Person Narrative) as well as my first fanfic</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-04T11:16:25+00:00
|
2011-10-04T11:16:25+00:00
| 3,697 |
Chapter 4: The last thing I need: Parties
"Look. He's waking up."
I shook my head when I awoke from a painful fall on the stairs. I run my right hand over my head when I felt a bump on my head. The bump felt more like a hat of some sort. I grabbed the hat and put it in front of my face. I cocked an eyebrow when I saw what kind of hat it was.
"A party hat?" I said in confusion. Looking up from the hat, I meet eye to eye to a pair of blue eyes, which startled me. "Holy!" I shouted. Backing away, I saw who the owner of the blue eyes. "Pinkie Pie?" She shook her head. "Yeah, it's me. Pinkie Pie. And I threw this party just for you."
A party? I looked around the pink pony and saw balloons, streamers, snakes, and a punch bowl. I also realized the other ponies from earlier were there as well, except Spike. "Why throw a party to an outsider?" I said to Pinkie. Twilight spoke up, answering my question. "She always throw parties to any new pony coming to Ponyville. Or in your case, a human." I looked around the room once more before I speak. "After the hell I been through?"
"What do you mean?" Applejack said. "Ever since I graduated from high school," I said in anger. "My life have been a complete mess. My pants got pulled down in front of everyone in my graduation ceremony, including my underpants." I heard a giggle from Rainbow Dash. "You think that's funny? It's not for me. Few weeks after that, my mother died from cancer." Dash's giggling stopped after I finished my sentence. "Not so funny now, huh? About a month after that, my boss from the job that I had for a few years fired me, thus losing all of my money."
Fluttershy walked up to me after I told my experience after graduation. "I'm sorry for your loss," she said. "WHY ARE YOU SAYING YOU'RE SORRY? YOU'RE NOT THE ONE WHO CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN!" I shouted in anger. Fluttershy backed away from me after I shouted at her. The others backed away as well. "AND YOU THINK THROWING A PARTY FOR ME WILL CHEER ME UP AFTER ALL THAT?" I said as I pointed my finger at Pinkie Pie. "But I thought.." she said before I interrupted her. "YOU THOUGHT NOTHING. THE LAST THING I FUCKING NEED IS A STUPID PARTY." Pinkie's mane and tail suddenly went from puffy to flat.
I started to move towards the stairs before I was stopped by Applejack. "And where are you going?" she said. "Out of this fucking town," I said as I picked her up from my path and threw her to my left, landing near Rarity. "And don't try to stop me," I said as I ripped the hat from my hand and threw it up in the air as I walked down the stairs and out the gingerbread building.
I walked back to the library, which is a large, oak tree. I shoved the door open and walked up to my suitcase. I picked it up and moved it next the black box that I placed on a table. I dumped out the black ash from the inside of the case and put the black box back in it. I locked up the case, picked it up and started my leave before my path was blocked by Twilight, standing in the doorway. "Leaving already?" she said.
"I told you before," I said. "Don't try to stop me. Now, move." Twilight refused to moved away. "Not until you tell me the sudden anger back at Sugar Cube Corner." "I said move," I shouted at her, but she still doesn't move away. "Until you tell me, I won't move from this spot," Twilight said. I put the suitcase on the ground and walked to the wall next to the table where my box was resting at. I dropped to the ground with my back against the wall. I shed a tear before I start my confession. "Look, I'm sorry for my sudden attitude back at there," I said as more tears bloom from my eyes. "But I lost someone that is very important to me way before I can came here." Twilight walked away from the door, which mysteriously closed on its own, and sat in front of me before she speaks. "Who? Your mother?" "No," I said before I cover my eyes with my hands. "My father."
"Your father?" she said. "How did he died?" More tears fell from my face. "Don't want to talk about it." Twilight moved next to my left before speaking. "Please tell me. Talking about it will make you fell better." I sigh before I talked. "When I was six, he was a military man before he died. The cause of his death was... was..." Tears started to move down my arms when I shed more. "... a direct bullet shot to the head, thus killing him." Twilight gasped when I finshed my sentence. "Oh my," she said in shock. She moved her head away from me, thinking before she moved back. "Do you have a picture of him?" I shook my head. "In my suitcase." I suddenly felt something bumping my head after a second past. I moved my head away from my hands when I saw my suitcase floating in the air in front of me. I looked at Twilight when I saw a strange aura forming from her head.
"Don't be startled," she said. "We unicorns have the ability to use magic to do numerous things like levitation." Magic? Damn. Looking away, I grabbed the floating case and open it up and pulled out the black box. I opened the box and pulled the picture of me and my father and showed it to Twilight. "The large one," I said. "is my father and the little guy with the patch is me." "Wow," she said. She looked away from the picture and stared at the contents in the box. "What are those?" I put the picture back in the box, closed it, and put it back in the suitcase. "They belong to my father," I said as I put the case next to me. "He gave them to me before he died." I stood up and looked down at Twilight. "Come on, I have to apologized to a few ponies for my attitude earlier." She stood up as well and walked next to me. "Of course," she said when the aura on her horn formed up again. "I can get us there fast, so stay near me."
"How are we get back at Pinkie's..." is all I manage to said before I realized I was back in the room where Pinkie and the others were at. "Um, never mind."
"Look. The jerk is back," Rainbow Dash said when she sees me.
"Listen to me before you bombard me with names," I said. "I'm here to say I'm sorry for earlier." I looked at Applejack. "I'm sorry, AJ, for throwing you across the room." "Apology accepted," she said. I, then, looked at Fluttershy. "I'm sorry for yelling at you, Fluttershy." "That's OK," she said in a quiet voice. "Now," I walked and kneed down in front of Pinkie Pie, mane and tail still flat. "I'm sorry for running out on your, I mean, my party. I should give your party a chance before I stormed out." Pinkie's mane and tail sudden went puffy again. "So you're here to party?" she said.
"Um, yeah?" I said before she put a party hat on my head.
"Well," she said. "then let's party."
|
TrueKillerHun
|
1095
| 5 |
Angel,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
A Corrupted and Sad Human in Equestria
|
A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land
|
incomplete
| 27 | 8 |
<p>A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land. This is a FPN (First Person Narrative) as well as my first fanfic</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-04T11:16:50+00:00
|
2011-10-04T11:16:50+00:00
| 3,306 |
Chapter 5: Pinkie's (or my) Party
The party started out with Pinkie jumping towards what it seems to be a old record player. How far back is this place, I thought. Earth is way ahead with fancy technology such as mp3 players and Eco-friendly vehicles. She cranked the lever that was attached to the player and music started to play. I dislike the music that was playing, but I don't want be rude. So, I ignore Pinkie's music choice. I walked up to the punch bowl, which was located next to my right, and poured some of its contents in a small glass cup. I hold the glass by its bottom while I walked up to Rainbow and Applejack, who were standing near a large, wooden tub that was filled with water and... apples?
"Bobbing for apples?" I said as I reached to the tube. "I never see this game since my fifth birthday." "Wanna join?" Dash said. I finished the punch from my glass before I gave an answer to her. "Sure, why not?" I placed my cup next to the tub and put my hands on the tub. I inhaled deep, hold my breath and shoved my head into the water. Feeling around in the water for an apple, I manage to get not just one, but two apples on my mouth. I pulled up from the water with the apples in my mouth.
"Wow," Applejack said in amazement. " I never seen anypony, or anyone, pulled up with two apples." I spit out the apples, which landed on my hands. "I always get two apples," I said. "never on purpose, though. Want the other one?" "Sure," she said. She grabbed the apple from my right hand with her mouth and started to eat it as I ate mine. I stopped when I was near the core of the apple while Applejack completely finishing hers. I looked around for a trash can. I found it across the room, but just walking up to the trash wouldn't be much fun since this is a party, so I started to make a bet in my mind when I realized that I didn't know what the ponies here used for money.
I turned my head back to Dash and Applejack and ask them, "What is the currency that is used here?" "What do you mean?" Dash questioned. "I mean," I answered. "What do you ponies used for money?" "Oh," Applejack said. "We used bits." She and Dash pulled out gold coins and showed them to me. "These are bits," Dash said. Applejack spoke next. "Why you asked a random question?" "Well," I said as I looked at the apple core in my hand. "I want to throw away this core to the trash that is located on the other side of this room, but just walking up to it won't be much fun. So, I figure if I could make a bet with you both." "A bet?" they both said. They looked at each other before turning back. "How much?" Dash said. "Two, if I can throw this core to the trash can from here." "Deal," they said. I looked at the trash can and started to aim for the can. Holding the core in my hand, I tossed it up in the air and landed into the can. "Nailed it," I said as I turned back at Rainbow and AJ.
They gave me two of their bits and I put it into my front left pocket. Easy money, I thought. "I wonder if there is anything special in the water?" I thought aloud before Pinkie, out of nowhere, spoke up. "Oh, there is." "What?" I said to her. "It's a secret," Pinkie said. "You have to figure it out yourself." I turned away from her as she hopped away to dance with Twilight. "Now I'm curious what those 'secrets' are." I said. I inhaled once more and dove my head into the water. Seconds past when I can't find anything in the water before I felt my head being grappled by something. I pulled my head out of the water immediately, hoping whatever hooked onto my head released itself, but it was still attached to my head. My vision was black, making me believe that this 'thing' is still attached to me. I felt around my head with my hands, thus making contact with a scaly surface.
"I do believe that there is something eating my head," I said after I felt around once more to realize that my mouth was free. I heard Pinkie's voice near my right ear. "Gummy! Stop biting poor Draco's head." So, she is using my nickname; I thought as this 'Gummy' character released its grip from my head. I was surprise of what Gummy looked like. "An baby alligator?" I said in confusion. "Yeah," Pinkie said. "He's my pet. And don't worry about any bite marks on your head, Gummy doesn't have any teeth." And, as usual for her, she bounced away. "That would explain why don't feel any pain when that gator was biting on my head," I said to myself. "Well, I'm out." "Out?" Dash said. "Yeah, I'm finished with this game. Nice to have some fun in this party, don't you agree?" She and AJ shook their heads, agree with my excuse.
I walked to a nearby wall in the room and sat down on the ground with my back on the wall. I stretched my arms in the air and dropped back down when I realized my right arm was around something as it descent from the air. I looked to my right and saw...
"Fluttershy!" I said as I jumped from the ground into the air, shocked of who I put my arm around. I noticed she was blushing from my honest mistake. "Many apologies, Fluttershy, many apologies. I didn't know you were there." "No, no," she manage to say. "It.. it was my fault to b.. be there." "No," I protest from her apology. " It was my fault. Now, I will be.. um..." I looked around and pointed at a random wall away from Fluttershy. "... over there. Sorry." I walked away from her to a new wall, looking around near the wall, making sure no other being was near my arm length. I sat down to the ground with my back on the wall. That was way too close, I thought. Don't want to be in that situation again.
I pulled out my ear buds that was attached to my iPhone from my right pocket, since the music was getting a bit boring. I pressed on the phone and 'The Offspring' started to play. "Ah," I quietly said in relief. "Much better." I closed my eyes before Pinkie started to shake my body, think that I might fall asleep during her party. I stopped the music as I press the phone once more to stop the music and put the ear buds back in my pocket.
"Wake up," Pinkie said. "Don't fall asleep when we start to have cake." She shoved a piece of what it seems to be chocolate cake into my mouth. I swallowed the cake and stood up from where I sat, looking at the pink pony. "Don't ram food down people's throat when they.." I said before the flavor from the cake started to kick in. That cake was delicious as it travel down my throat and into my stomach. "Wow, this is good. Did you make this?" Pinkie started to speak yet again, but at rapid-fire speed. "Yeah, I did. I made that cake here at Sugercube Corner for your party. I figure I make a cake that would be super good for a human like you and my friends, or should I say our friends. It took me two hours to make this cake and.. say, where did you get that scar over your right eye and that weird mark over your arm? Is that suppose to be your cutie mark? That's a weird place to have it. Wait, do humans have cutie marks? It must be pretty funny to have that for a cutie mark, don't you agree? Wait, what we're talking about?"
I have a confused look on my face, having no idea what the hell this crazy pony trying to say. "I have no idea," I manage to say in confusion. "You lost me at 'Yeah'." Pinkie smiled and started to hug me. "Whaa..." I muttered before I realized the others, including Fluttershy, who was hiding in the corner on the other side of the room, hug me as well. I spaced out while they were hugging me, confused of what just happen.
Are they... hugging me, I thought. They can't have that kind of feeling for an outsider like me, can they? Wait. Can't have that kind of feeling to these ponies, you idiot. Being just friends is the way to go.
"Hey," I heard a voice from my ears, echoing like I was in a large empty room. I shook my head to return to reality. I looked around and realized that the party decor and the wooden tub was gone. I looked down and saw Pinkie, looking up at me. "You're staying with me, Draco," she said with a smile on her face. I gave a confused look again, piecing together of what I just hear. "Really?" I said. "Well, that awfully nice of you" Pinkie smiled once more before she pointed at a bed on the other side of the room. "You can sleep on my bed," she said. "I'll sleep on the ground here." "Oh, no," I said, protesting her offer. "I'll sleep on the ground, you sleep on your own bed. I will be OK sleeping on the ground, Pinkie. I don't want to sleep on a... OH SHIT!" I totally realized about my suitcase being left at the library. "My suitcase. I left it at the library." "Don't worry," Pinkie said as she pulled up my suitcase with her teeth. "How the..." I said before Pinkie interrupt me. "Twilight dropped it off here about an hour ago while you were looking at the ceiling." My eyes widen of how long I spaced out for. An hour, I thought. Damn.
"Well," I said as I took my suitcase from the pink mare's mouth. "I should thank her when I see her tomorrow." I dropped the case to the ground and rested my head on it. "Do you need any blankets?" Pinkie said. "Nah," I said, denying her offer. "I'm good. You should get some sleep." She shook her head in agreement and jumped up to her bed. Not for long, Pinkie was fast asleep before I started to sleep.
Well, I hope my experience here goes a lot smoother tomorrow that today, I thought before I fall into my slumber.
(several hours ago, back at Earth)
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN'T FIND HIM?"
"He's not here, sir. I saw him walking in his home yesterday and now I can't find him."
"THEN, LOOK AGAIN! THAT BASTARD CAN'T GO FAR IN THAT TOWN!"
"Of course, general. Lieutenant, out."
The general slammed his fist onto the arm of the chair he was sitting at as the call cut from contact. His name tag reads "General Tornheart". "Everyone," the general said as he stood from his chair. "look for our target as I check the test subject." "Yes, sir!" many voices rang out the room as the general stated to walked out the main computer room. He walked down a large, dark hallway that ends with a large, steel door that have a inscription on it.
It reads: "Phazon test subject. Warning: Wear Protected Gear as you enter this room. Authorized Personnel Only."
The steel doors opens and a large room with a tall storage tube stands in the center, as well as a few computers and monitors around the tube. A few engineers were sitting at the computers. "Hey," the general shouted at them, getting their attention. "How the test subject?" "Still manage to survive with how much we inject into his system," one of the engineers said, not breaking any contact from the computer. "Sir, if I may ask?" another of the engineers asked. "Why do we call this substance 'Phazon'? Do you want to get sued?"
The general sighed before he begins. "In the late 60's, a meteor landed near this base, carrying a unknown blue substance. The scientist from that era researched this blue liquid. After many tests with this substance, they called it 'Blue Death' since it was killing plants and animals. In 2002, a video game called 'Metroid Prime' was released and it spoke about the same blue substance that shared the same properties as 'Blue Death' except the mutations it caused. It got the government attention, so they decide to change the name of the blue substance 'Blue Death' to 'Phazon'. After that game released, it got us to try to combine creatures and plants with Phazon, but failed. Then, a fellow Sargent stepped up and offer to be a test subject for our research on Phazon. Since then, he still that subject in that tube." The general walked up to the large tube. On the bottom of the tube, there was a name plate attached to it. It reads: "Sargent J. Dowling, Russel."
"But recently," the general said as he continued. "his life signs are starting to weaken. This worried us before we realized he had a son. So, a few years ago, we injected a small portion of the Phazon into his bloodstream as a flu shot. Now, we are looking for his son since he, somehow, disappear from his home yesterday."
"But, why the son?" the first engineer said.
"Both the Sargent and his son shared the same DNA, so this way we can't start a new research," the general said.
He looked up at the being in the tube, saying, "You hear that, Sargent. As soon as we find your son, you can finally die in peace as we use him as the new test subject." And just like that, the general turned around with his back facing the tube and exit the room, laughing.
The Sargent looked up as the general left the room. He, then, lowered his head and whisper something.
"Geoff, where ever you are, keeping hiding. As long you hide, you can't share the same pain I've been through. And I'm sorry."
|
TrueKillerHun
|
1095
| 6 |
Angel,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
A Corrupted and Sad Human in Equestria
|
A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land
|
incomplete
| 27 | 8 |
<p>A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land. This is a FPN (First Person Narrative) as well as my first fanfic</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-04T11:17:44+00:00
|
2011-10-04T11:17:44+00:00
| 2,959 |
Chapter 6: New Day in the New World
I awoke with pain on my neck as I stood from the ground of Pinkie's room. I got to stop sleeping on that suitcase, I thought. I looked at the bed that was in front of me and saw Pinkie, still sleeping while hugging her pet alligator. I dropped back to the ground and started to do some push-ups. "To 100," I said to myself.
1...2...3...4
What do I need to do today? I thought. One, thank Twilight for dropping of my suitcase. Two, look for a job since I might be here for a while. Three (important), thank Pinkie for giving me a party, letting me sleep in her home and apologize for the behavior I had.
51...52.......53.........54...........55
Weird, I never slow down around the 50's. And I never remember to put bricks on my back. Wait, what?
I turned my head to look behind me and saw Pinkie Pie, standing on my back. "Good morning, Draco," she said in a cheerful voice. I shook my head and continued my push-ups.
56...57...58...59...60
"Hey," Pinkie said. "Why are you doing that?" "Well," I said as I continue. "I need to keep my body in shape." I stood back up, stretched my body and looked down on the pink pony, saying, "Do you know where the bathroom is? I need to use the john, as well as a nice shower." Pinkie smile and started to bounce towards the stairs. "Follow me," she said. I grabbed my suitcase, which was sitting next to me, and followed her. As I followed the joyful creature down the stairs, my stomach started to hurt. Probably hungry, I thought before Pinkie stopped at a random door.
"Bathroom is in here," she said before walking away. "Hey, Pinkie," I said to her, which made her stop and turned her head around to look at me. "Thanks for the party and allowing me to spend the night here. And, sorry for shouting at you." Pinkie suddenly hugged me like she did last night, saying, "That's OK." She, then, bounced away to the lower level of her home.
"Task three," I whispered. "Check."
(back at Earth)
"Any luck?"
"No."
"Well, keep looking. The general won't be very happy if he figures out that the target isn't in the town."
The personnel at the computers were chatting to each other about not finding their target, Geoff. They knew if they can't find him, the general will give his usual "motivation" threat. None of them want a magnum pointed at their heads.
"Say," one of the personnel said. "What if we use the global scan? It could make the search a lot easier."
"Not a bad idea," said the general, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Everyone jumped as they saw him. "Don't stand around like a bunch of dumb monkeys, continue the search."
"YES, SIR!" the personnel shouted and went back to their job.
The general sat on his chair, which is located behind them, and looked at the monitors that was in the room.
"Where are you, you fucker?" the general whisper.
(in Ponyville, Equestria)
"Ah, much better," I whisper as I felt the warm water hitting my body and face. I was standing in the tub, that was standing in the middle of the bathroom in Pinkie's home. The tub was small, but I was able to fit my body into the tub.
I looked at down onto my body and mange to see a few scars on my chest, as well as the scar on my groin. How I got the scar there was from a rookie doctor's mistake as it was his first time to deliver a new baby to the world, which happens to be me. He mistakenly almost cut my manhood before my father, who was there, stopped him. They stitched up the gap and cut the cord, which was still attached to my mother. How I received the scars on my chest is another story, which I will tell you later.
I grabbed the bottle of shampoo that was in the tub and pop the lid open, inhaling the smell. Bubblegum? I thought. No, cotton candy? Maybe cotton candy bubblegum? I squeezed the contents out to my hand and rubbed it onto my head. Putting the bottle back where I found it, I rub the substance onto my dirty blond hair before I felt something poking my area. I looked down and saw...
"Pinkie!" I shouted as I jumped out the tub and grabbed a towel that was near me and wrapped it around the waist area of my body, covering my behind and manhood. "What the fuck are you doing in here? Ever heard of privicy?" Pinkie jumped out the tub and asked, "Where did you get those scars?" I didn't answer because I pushed her out the bathroom and shut the door. After closing the door, I answered her question, "I will tell you when I get changed, but never come in here when someone is washing up. Serious."
"Okie-Dokie," she said. I sighed and started to put on the clothes I wore last night until I realized a white note sticking out of my suitcase. I pulled the note out and read it.
It says:
"Dear Geoff,
I noticed the ashes from your suitcase was still scattered around the main room of my home, so I swiped up the ashes before I hit me. You only have one pair of clothes. So using my magic, I manage to repair a set of clothes out of the ashes, as well a pair of shoes. And I got to say, you sure do like dragons. Thank me tomorrow, OK?
Sincerely,
Twilight Sparkle"
I open the case and found a set of clothes, as well as shoes. Damn, I thought. After removing the old clothes, I started to put on the new clothes. I pulled up my camo boxers; black pants with dragons stretched out with the tails near the end of the legs and heads on my front pockets; socks and the shoes with, of course, dragons; a dark red belt with a black dragon on it; a dark red shirt that had a red dragon and a blue tiger, a black trench coat, and dark blue shades over my eyes. I put the bits I earned from last night into my front left pocket, as well as my phone into my front right.
After I put the old clothes in my suitcase, I looked at the black box that was resting next to them. "Should I?" I whispered to myself. I open the black box and both my father's knife and Desert Eagle was still inside. I grabbed the gear that hold the knife and put it on, then took the knife and insert it to the housing that was on my left side of my chest. I strapped the knife in so it won't fall out while I was out and about. I grabbed the magnum and looked at it for a moment before storing it inside one of my inside trench coat pockets.
I buttoned up the buttons that was on the coat so no one will see the knife. Now I ready, I thought. I grabbed my case and exit the bathroom. I walked back to Pinkie's room and place the case near her bed. I can trust her since she was so generous to let me spend the night here.
I walked down the stairs and looked around to find Pinkie on the ground floor of the home. I got a better look of the main room of her home. Sweets such as cakes, brownies and other such treats all around me. "This is a bakery?" I said aloud. "Yes," said a voice near me. " And you must be the human that everypony is talking about." I turned around and saw a blue pony with a pink mane and tail. I noticed the group of cupcakes that she had for a tattoo, or what I believe the cutie mark that Pinkie said last night while she talked at an insane speed.
"My name is Mrs. Cake, by the why," she said. I shook my head, saying, "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Cake. My name is Geoff." She raised an eye brow. "Really? I thought your name was Draco since Pinkie Pie can't stop talking about you." "Well, you can call me Geoff or Draco, I don't really care. Listen, if you see Pinkie, can you tell her I went out for a few things?" Mrs. Cake shook her head, agreeing to my request. "Thanks," I said as I walked out the bakery and out of the streets of Ponyville.
As I walked on the streets, I noticed some ponies were looking at me, as well as talking about me. "Who's that?" one of the ponies said. "It's the human that appeared yesterday," said another. "Can't be the same human that is mentioned in the morning paper" the first pony told him. I stopped walking and turned my head at the ponies. Their eyes widen as they made contact with my face. I walked towards them, saying, "What do you mean 'mentioned?' " They were started when I talked to them. "Y-you talking t-to us, human?" the first pony said. His coat was all brown, as well as his mane and tail, and his cutie mark is an hourglass. "Yeah," I said to the brown colt. "Now, what about me in the paper?" He pulled out a newspaper with his mouth from his saddlebags. He was shaking as I took the paper from his mouth. I hold the paper in front of me and started to read.
It reads:
"HUMAN, A CREATURE OF MYTHS, SPOTTED IN PONYVILLE
Yesterday, a mythical being was spotted in a small pony town called Ponyville. Residents were startled as they saw this human. Yes, you heard me right. A human. This being was chasing a poor white rabbit that was holding a black case on its back. The human manage to get the case from the rabbit and the residents was surprised that the human spoke in our language.
'I was scared when I saw the human,' said one of the residents. I went to each resident who saw the..."
Before I could read any more, my vision got very bright. "SON OF A BITCH!" I shouted as I covered my eyes, dropping the paper. As my hands covered my eyes, I noticed my shades was missing. I removed my hands from my face and looked around to find them before I saw the same white bunny rabbit that took my case yesterday, now holding my shades.
"You again?" I spoke in shocked before the rabbit took off running, wearing my shades on its face. Not again, I thought as I chased the rabbit once more. I chased the rabbit out of town and it stopped at the lake that I found when I awoke in this world. It stopped near a yellow Pegasus with a pink mane and tail. Wait a minute, I thought, Is that...
"Yo, Fluttershy," I yelled out at her. She squeaked as she jumped into the air and landed near a bush. The rabbit slapped its face after seeing Fluttershy hiding in the bush. "Oh, sorry," I apologize to her. "Didn't mean to scared you." She popped her head out, saying, "Th-that's OK, Geoff. Wh-why are y-you here, anyway?" I pointed at the bunny, who was standing near Fluttershy. "This little rodent took my shades from my face." "Oh, Angel," she said as she turned her head at the rabbit. "Give that back to Geoff." The rabbit sighed and tossed the shades to me. I caught them in the air and put them back on over my eyes. "Thanks," I told the bunny.
Fluttershy jumped out of the bush, saying in a quiet voice, "What are doing today, anyway? I mean, it's none of my business." I noticed a blush forming on her muzzle before she turned away her head, hiding behind her pink mane. "I trying to look for a job," I told her. "Figure I might be here for awhile, so why not?" "I, uh," Fluttershy said, still hiding behind her mane. "heard that Applejack l-looking for a pony wh-who wants to help out at her f-farm." I walked up to her, then kneeing down on one knee, saying, "You felling alright? Your face is bit red." As I looked at her face, it started to cover her whole face in red. "Y-yes," she whisper. I place my right hand over her forehead, which made her head redder. "You sure? You're a bit warm." Before I began to speak again, Fluttershy started to run away from me and the rabbit. The rabbit sighed once more before he walked by me. He jumped into the air and slapped me on the face. "Hey," I said to him. "What was that for?" The rabbit shook his head before he sprinted after Fluttershy.
What was that all about, I thought. Anyway, AJ hiring huh? Wait, Fluttershy never told me where she lived. FUCK! Wait a minute, I thought. Aj was wearing a cowboy hair, have a southern ascent, and she smelt like she was working at a farm. "Farm?" I said to myself. "Probably. Maybe at the farm I noticed while I was chasing that rabbit." The pain in my chest started to hurt a little more. "I will get some food," I said to my stomach, thinking I was hungry. "After getting that job."
Task Two: Semi-Check
|
TrueKillerHun
|
1095
| 7 |
Angel,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
A Corrupted and Sad Human in Equestria
|
A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land
|
incomplete
| 27 | 8 |
<p>A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land. This is a FPN (First Person Narrative) as well as my first fanfic</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-10T17:43:38+00:00
|
2011-10-10T17:43:38+00:00
| 3,657 |
Chapter 7: Getting the Job, Visiting a Boutique, and...BOOM!
Walking down the dirt road back into town, I looked for the farm I've passed moments ago. It took about five minutes until I saw a red barn in the distance to my right. Maybe that's it, I thought to myself. I took the road that leads to the barn. As I walked up the road, I noticed apple trees to both of my directions. "Apple farm?" I said, speaking my thoughts. I arrive at the farm and started to look around for Applejack. While I looked around, I saw crops, pigs, and a small shack.
After spending a few minutes looking for AJ, I gave up. Maybe she's not here, I thought. Then, before I started to leave, I saw her, hitting one of the apple trees with her rear legs. I walked towards her, shouting out, "What's up, AJ?" She moved her head from the tree to me. "Oh. Howdy, Geoff," she smiled. "What do ya need?" "I heard that you are looking for extra help on your farm, if I'm correct?" I said to her. She walked away from the tree and stood in front of me. She looked up to me and said, "Yeah, but I never expect you will be interested." "Well, I do need a job," I told Applejack. "since I might be here for a while." I clapped my hands together. "So, what do you what to know about me? Previous job? Level of education? Criminal records?" Her eyes widen as she took a few steps back away from me. "No, no, no," I said. "I'm no criminal, AJ. Honest."
"Oh, good," she said in relief. "For a moment, I thought ya were gonna to rob me." I folded my arms together over my chest, shaking my head."I don't blame you. I do look like a criminal in this get-up." After a breif moment of silence, I spoke up. "So, like I said before, what do you want to know?" Applejack exam my body for a moment, then speaks after looking at my head, or to be more exact, my scar. "How did you get that scar over you eye?" I sighed before I replied. "To make a long story short: mother, alcohol, drunk, broken bottle, contacted on my right eye."
"So," Applejack said. "Your mother was drunk from drinking alcohol?" "Yes," I reply. "Broke one of the bottles," AJ continue my story. "And hit yer head?" "More like a swing to the right eye. Manage to make contact. After about thirty minutes, I was in the hospital after my mother reliazed her mistake. Doctor said I was lucky that she didn't stab my eye or I will be dead." Applejack cocked her head to the left, saying, "Why did yer mother hurt ya?" "If I remember correctly," I answered to her. "she thought I was my father, blaming him for divorcing her or something. I don't know." "Divorce?" AJ said in shock. "Why did they break up?" I shuttered after she said that. "Oh," she said. "I understand, sugarcube." Sugarcube? I thought. What the hell did she called me that? Eh, it's better than what the bullies at my junior high before they started to call me Draco. Geoffie, ugh.
"Anything else you want to know?" I said to AJ. "No," she said. "I think I got enough info from ya." Confused, I said in question, "But I only told you my..." "I say," she said. "I have enough. You got the job." "But, AJ," I told her. "I barely told you anything about..." I stopped myself when Applejack looked at me with an angry expression on her face. "Never mind. I got the job and that what matters."
"So," I said,rubbing my hands together. "where do you want me at?" AJ walked over to a tree with apples still hanging from the branches, saying, "I want you to wait for the apples in the trees to drop in these buckets here while I buck them down." She pointed at the buckets at the base of the tree. "Pick up any apples that doesn't land in any of the buckets and put them into the buckets. Then," she pointed at a wagon that was located a few meters from my right. "Dump the buckets into that wagon and place the empty buckets to the next tree that is near by. Got it?" I shake my head. "Good. Then let get started."
For a few hours, AJ kicked near of the base of each tree, causing the apples on the branches to fall into the buckets below, and I grabbed the apple-filled buckets , dumped them into the wagon and placed them at a nearby tree or wherever Applejack was standing at. As I continued the same routine, I went through the events that happen to me in the past few months before I arrive here. After remembering each event in detail, questions started to pop into my mind. Why would the bully pulled that stupid prank on me at graduation? Maybe a dare from his friends? And I don't remember my mother having cancer. Why would an officer told me about my mother's death? Her friends or a nearby hospital will call me on my phone and tell me this kind of news. Lastly, twenty-five mistakes? I been working at Harkins for several months and never made any mistakes while I was working there. Maybe some underage kids sneaked past me to see a R-rated movie while I wasn't looking or I forgot to do inventory? Any of these events make no sense to me.
"Hey, Geoff," AJ called out to me while I was thinking to myself. "You OK?" I looked at her. "Yeah, I'm alright. Just thinking to myself." "What were you thinking about?" "Things that are not important to you." "Well," she said, started to walk towards at the now apple-filled wagon. "We're done fer today. Thank you fer helping me." "No prob," I nod my head to her. AJ straped herself to the wagon and started to walk back to the red barn while I follow behind.
The pain in my stomach returned and I grunted under my breath. "Ya OK back there?" Applejack said. "Yeah," I answered.
"Just hungry. Haven't ate anything since I woke up this morning." "Take a few apples," she reply.
"Wow. Thanks, AJ." I took some apples from the wagon and began to eat. This is getting weird, I thought as I finish the last apple. My stomach starting to ache this morning and it can't stop. What the hell is going on?
As we arrive at the barn, AJ told me to wait outside while she put the cart inside. I nod my head and she walked into the barn. While she was gone, I took out my phone, insert the ear buds into my ears, and played the first song that was marked under "VG (Video Game) Soundtracks". Made sure no one was around, I sang quietly to myself:
"Move!
We bounce, roll, rock, groove.
Do what the fuck we want to!
Ain't no rules, we acting a fool!
Now grind to the beat.
Muthafucka, let's move!
We bounce, roll, rock, groove.
Do what the fuck we want to!
Ain't no rules, we acting a fool!
Now grind to the beat.
Muthafucka, let's move!
Yo, listen this a bang, bang. I ain't playing main, main.
Still, still kill it, kill it with the with the flame, flame.
Got it pass locked, locked people on the block, block.
Bang when they rolling cause they know that shit'll rock, rock.
See them bodies drop, drop. Yeah, that shit is so official.
We get it hot, hot. Killing it is not an issue.
I got a problem with you... Yeah, I hear that shit a lot.
Till I start to breathe, breathe on 'em, then they screaming stop!
They try to ride with me, but they all falling off.
Nobody can can stop me, I hit em like a Molotov.
I pull back and explode on a beat.
Then watch them hit the ground and explode on the street.
We bounce, roll, rock, groove.
Do what the fuck we want to!
Ain't no rules, we acting a fool!
Now grind to the beat.
Muthafucka, let's move!
We bounce, roll, rock, groove.
Do what the fuck we want to!
Ain't no rules, we acting a fool!
Now grind to the beat.
Muthafucka, let's move!
See I'mma a monster, I unleash the iron horse.
I need beef when I eat boy I'mma carnivore.
I need that feed-back...
That you only get from chopping a man at the kneecaps.
I relapse, ease back.
I got tendencies of making you bleed with a mean ax.
He's that demented, seriously twisted dude turning your face to a speed bag.
A heavyweight henchman rocking a ski mask,
With enough guns to make the army mad.
But they ain't trying to fight that dude.
So when he comes into there sight they just... MOVE!
We bounce, roll, rock, groove.
Do what the fuck we want to!
Ain't no rules, we acting a fool!
Now grind to the beat.
Muthafucka, let's move!
We bounce, roll, rock, groove.
Do what the fuck we want to!
Ain't no rules, we acting a fool!
Now grind to the beat.
Muthafucka, let's move!
Yo, listen this a bang, bang. I ain't playing main, main.
Still, still kill it, kill it with the with the flame, flame.
Got it pass locked, locked people on the block, block.
Bang when they rolling cause they know that shit'll rock, rock.
See them bodies drop, drop. Yeah, that shit is so official.
We get it hot, hot. Killing it is not an issue.
I got a problem with you... Yeah, I hear that shit a lot.
Till I start to breathe, breathe on 'em, then they screaming stop!
They try to ride with me, but they all falling off.
Nobody can can stop me, I hit em like a Molotov.
I pull back and explode on a beat.
Then watch them hit the ground and explode on the street.
Move!"
As the song finished, the barn door open and Applejack walked out with two wooden stands that are filled with apples. Putting the phone and ear buds back into my pocket, I asked AJ, "What are we off to?" "We're gonna sell these apples in Ponyville," she replied. "Usually, Macintosh would help me with..." I interrupted her, "Wait, who?"
"Big Macintosh, he's my brother."
"And, what does he look like?"
"A large red colt with an orange mane. His cutie mark is a green apple, showing its core."
"Where is this 'Macintosh' now?"
"I don't know. Can't find him."
Before I could reply, I was knocked down to the ground. "What in the name of...?" I muttered as I taste dirt and turned around to find a colt standing in the place that I was at. The colt matched the characteristics of the Macintosh character that Applejack describe. "Sorry, sis," he said to AJ. "I was in the bathroom." "Macintosh!" AJ shouted at him. "It's rude to shoved my new friend." I stood up and dusted off the dirt on my pants and coat. I looked at AJ, then Macintosh, who is staring at me. "Yeah, I'm a human," I said, knowing what he is thinking. "Deal with it." I noticed while I was still dusting off that there are several rips on my coat and pants. "Damn it."
"What?" Applejack asked. She noticed the rips on my get-up, then said, "Oh. Maybe Rarity can get those fixed up." "That's great and all," I replied. "But I don't know where she lived." "Don't worry, Geoff," she said. "I'll get a map for you." AJ ran back inside the barn, leaving me with Macintosh.
"What's up? You Macintosh?"
"Yeup."
"Applejack's brother?"
"Yeup."
"That's cool."
"You like my sister?"
"She's alright."
"I mean, like-like?"
"What do you... Oh. OH! Oh, no. Oh, hell no. She's a pony, I'm a human. It's just...weird if that happened."
After my little talk with the red colt, AJ return with a piece of paper in her mouth. "This the map?" I asked her as I took the paper from her mouth. "Yeup," she said. "You'll find the Carousal Boutique, where Rarity work and lives, on there, as well as some useful buildings." "Again, great, but this alone won't be enough," I said to AJ before I opened the map and found several buildings marked, as well as a legend that helps understand what each mark goes to what name. "Never mind."
"Here," Applejack hold up a small brown bag with her front right hoof and dropped it on my left hand that was free from the map. "What's this?" I asked. "Your pay for the day," she said.
"What? It's only been a day."
"Trust me," she said as she walked off with Macintosh, who walked with the carts attached to him. "You gonna need it."
I opened the bag by loosing the string that was wrapped around the top and found about twenty bits in the bag. Thanks, Applejack, I thought as I put the four bits in my pocket in the bag. I tighten the string on the bag and tied it on my belt.
"Now," I said to myself as I looked at the map. "To find that Boutique."
(Ten minutes later, at the Boutique)
Very fancy, I thought as I looked at the building in front of me. It's a colorful (not surprise) two-story building with large windows on the ground level. At what I believe is the front door is a picture of a horse above it. I walked to the door and knocked a few times. After a moment, the door opened and Twilight walked out, bumping into me.
"Hey, how rude," she said as she backed away with her eyes shut. "Can you watch where you were..." Her sentence is cut short when she opened her eyes and saw me in front of her. "Oh. Hi, Geoff." She exam my body. "I see you found my note."
"No duh," I replied. "Thank you, though." "You're welcome," Twilight said. I noticed she was wearing bags over her back. "Got a few things?" I questioned. "Oh, yeah," she replied. "Just some things I need." Twilight started to walk past me, saying, "Well, see you around, Geoff."
"Same to you," I shouted out to her as she disappeared from my vision. "Now that's done," I turned back to the building behind me. "Time to ask a white unicorn for a favor."
I pushed the door open and a bell rang in the room. "Just a moment," a voice spoke from the upper level. Later, Rarity appeared and she take notice of my presence. "Oh," she said. "Hello, Geoff." "Same to you, Rarity," I said. "Hey, can you do me a favor?" Rarity nod her head, then take notice of the rips on my coat and pants. "I'm guessing the favor is to ask me to sew those rips on your outfit, if I'm not correct?"
"Pretty much," I reply. "So, can you?" "Of course, Geoff," she said, then turned around and started to walk behind a curtain. "I'll give you some privacy so you can remove the coat and pants. Let me know when they're off."
I removed my shades and began to remove my coat and pants. Before I yelled out for Rarity, I took my father's Eagle from my coat and hid it behind a nearby couch, removed the brown bag from my belt, with it included, and my phone and ear buds from my pants. "Done," I said. A purple aura formed around my coat and pants. They floated to behind the curtain and Rarity said, "Give me several minutes and they will be good as new."
"OK," I replied before I walked to the couch and sat down, putting the ear buds that are connected to my phone. I pressed the note symbol on the phone and then pressed the Heavy Metal collection. Disturbed started to play before I closed my eyes to rest from working with Applejack. Seconds later, I began to dream.
The dream was a memory. It showed a 15 year old boy, who was me before the dragon tattoo on my right arm, reading Night by Elie Wiesel (Good book). Then, three larger males walked into the picture, taking the book from my hands. I saw myself trying to get the book back from them before I punched the larger male of the group, who was holding my book over his head, in the guts, grabbed my book from the ground and began to run. They pulled out small handguns from their pockets and started to chase after me (not joking).
A white flash blinded my vision, then a new scene takes place. I was running down an alley, bullets flying near my head, before I see a dark blue figure in a window. There's that figure again, I thought. I've been seeing this figure since my flu shot a month ago before the events that are happening in my dream. I heard the males chasing me talking aloud.
"Come back, Draco," the largest one yelled. "We just want to kill you."
"Why do we call him 'Draco' again?" one of the other males said.
"It's short for 'Dragon Collector,' " the shortest male replied. "Dra...Co"
"Oh," the second male said. "I thought you idiots ran out of names to call this douche and started to use names from that stupid J. K. Rowling book series."
"I guess you guys are idiots, are you not?" I laughed before a bullet flew past my head. "OH, SHIT!"
Another bright flash, then a new scene takes place. I was hiding behind a police vehicle while bullets from the three males fly by the car, some manage to hit the car. The officer who owns the vehicle was in the ground with bullet holes on his chest. He manage to call for back up before a bullet made impact to his head. I need to take them out, I thought. But how?
I noticed a Glock in the dead officer's holster. Risking my life, I rushed out to the body. Some bullets flew past my head. They sure do like my head, I thought. Reached the body, I grabbed the gun out its housing and pointed at the males. I pulled the trigger on the gun and shot the male on my left's gun out of his hands, as well as the male on the right. I pointed the gun at the male in the middle and pulled the trigger. Unfortunately, the bullet didn't hit the male's gun, but it made impact to his chest.
At that moment, his buddies looked at him and asked if he's OK.
"I... feel... cold," he muttered before he dropped to the ground. A pool of blood started to form around his body. I was stocked of what I did. I dropped to my knees and released the gun from my hand. The dead officer's back up finally arrived and started to order the remaining two males to drop to the ground.
"I... I... j-just...," I whispered, still stunned of what just happen. "k-k-killed... a... a..."
One of the officers, female, from the back up walked up to me and spoke to me, but her voice sounded familiar. She keep saying my name, as well as calling me Darling. My body was shaking. No, wait.
I awoke from my dream and I saw Rarity with her hooves on my chest.
"Uh, wha?" I muttered. "Your clothes are done from repair, Geoff," Rarity said as she removed her hooves from my chest. "Are you OK? You been screaming while you were napping."
"I was?" I questioned. "Anyway, thanks, Rarity." She moved the folded clothes that was floating behind her and dropped them on my lap. Like earlier, Rarity moved behind the curtain. I put on the pants first. Feels like they were new, I thought. I tighten the pants with my belt and tied the brown bag on it. I, then, dropped my phone and ear buds, which was placed on the couch, into my front right pants pocket. Lastly, I put on the coat and grabbed my father's Eagle from behind the couch, putting it into the same pocket I had it in before.
"OK, Rarity," I said before she walked out. "Now, how much do I need to pay?" Rarity smiled, "It's free, Geoff. You don't need to pay me." Surprised, I said, "Really? Wow, thanks again."
I put on my shades and made my exit out the door. "See ya around, Rare." "Same to you," she said as she used her magic to shut the door behind me.
Damn it, I thought. Had that dream again. I continued to say "I just kill a man" repeatedly. Saying this, I put on my buds and played How I Could Just Kill A Man by Rage Against the Machine.
I was lost into the song when something knocked me down to the ground. The buds flew out of my ears. "Son of a...," I said as I turned my head and found Rainbow Dash on my back. "Dash, what the hell, girl?"
"Sorry, Geoff," she apologized as she stepped off my back. "Just trying out some new moves." I stood up and looked at Dash. "For a pony named 'Rainbow Dash', you crashed into me twice." "I'm the fastest Pegasus in Equestria," she said, looking up to me. "I know what I'm doing."
"You sure?" I said in disbelief. "I'm starting to think you are not that fast as you say you are."
Rainbow jumped and floated in front of me, her reddish-pink eyes staring at my eyes. "Is that a challenge?" I grinned, "If I am, yeah. Prove me wrong."
She dashed into the air and started to do some fancy moves. Moving left and right, spinning around, I was not pleased. She, then, darted up to the sky, disappearing into the clouds high above. "Where is she?" I said to myself as I scanned the sky. Dash suddenly appeared from the clouds, but her wings were folded on her side. Her eyes were closed. Dash wasn't flying, she was falling. Oh shit, I thought as I ran towards where she might land. Timing it right, I jumped off a large bolder and attempted to catch Dash. I noticed when I was close enough that she was smiling.
Why is she...
BOOM!
"HOLY SHIT !" I shouted as I flew high into the sky from a sudden boom. Was that a sonic boom?
My shades flew out from my head as I continued to fly in the sky. My rise into the sky soon became my drop to the ground. SHIT, SHIT, SHIT, I thought before I landed into a lake. Dived about twenty feet into the water. I started to swim to the surface before something slammed into my right leg. I shouted in the water and started to prey whatever on my leg off. I felt sudden pain and my nerves went nuts. I slammed my fist on the thing and it released its grip.
I manage to surface the lake. I looked around my surroundings. Nothing but trees and vines is all I found.
I swim to land and dragged my body to a nearby tree. I rested my back on it and looked at my right leg. I saw blood and few rocks sticking out of my leg.
"Oh...shit," I muttered. "That's...that's...blood."
I passed out from the blood loss.
(Back at Earth)
Russel Dowling. That was the name of Geoff's father, as well as the test subject in the large tube. For thirteen years, he been in this mess. Had to ignore his life and his son's to live like this. He remembered how the Phazon felt when he first used it.
The crystal spikes sticking out of his back, the large blade extended out of his right arm, his body, all glowing light and dark blue.
His appearance completely changed.
Never want my son to go through this, he thought. I'm sorry, Geoff, for not being there for you for all these years.
"I'm sorry."
|
TrueKillerHun
|
1095
| 8 |
Angel,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Adventure,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
|
A Corrupted and Sad Human in Equestria
|
A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land
|
incomplete
| 27 | 8 |
<p>A human with his life at an end finds himself in a strange land. This is a FPN (First Person Narrative) as well as my first fanfic</p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-07T01:43:27+00:00
|
2012-01-07T01:43:27+00:00
| 2,738 |
Sorry for not updating, but the reason why I haven't posted Chapter 8 of this fic is because every time I have the chapter completed, but the dang .doc file always get corrupted for some reason.
I'll try to get the next chapter up as soon as I can or hope the .doc doesn't get corrupted again.
Again, sorry.
|
mbpony 512
|
1097
| 1 |
Main 6,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Sonic Rainboom Redux
|
It's Rainbow Dash's ultimate race for the finish as she goes up against Sonic the Hedgehog...
|
hiatus
| 34 | 14 |
<p>(Current undergoing revision)</p><p>In the aftermath of the Mare-do-well incident Rainbow Dash has dissappeared from Ponyville and only Twilight and the other Elements may have a clue of where she went, but they aren't talking. </p><p>Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash is in for the race of her life when she goes up against the fastest thing alive...Sonic the Hedgehog on the orders of Dr. Eggman/Robotnik.</p><p>Image is credited to LeylahShan at DeviantART</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-05T21:51:09+00:00
|
2013-04-28T21:57:34+00:00
| 5,230 |
When worlds are being threaten and when lives are at risk, who do you turn to save the day?
Standing her ground for what may be the final time, Twilight looks around her…. her friends were reunited against a common foe, the vile queen of an invading army. An army so numerous and cleverly hidden that it was impossible to tell friend from foe. This was how they were defeated easily and brought towards their queen. A foul disgusting form of an alicorn all covered in black. With green hair shining through and hole within her legs gave her a horrific appearance that was accompanied by her bug like wings and her crocked horn.
“Sssssso….thissss be the famoussss Elementsssss of Harmony?” she said.
“Yessss…my queen,” one of her bug drones stated, similar in appearance to their queen but a bit smaller in stature.
“But yet I only count five elementssss…..” the Queen stated, “Where’ssss the sssixth?”
“She’s long gone from here Ah reckoned,” stated Applejack.
While Twilight was a bit unnerved at Applejack mentioning their former element friend, she was none the less relieved to know wherever the last element was at least that pony was long gone from here….It’s was sad to see that it was just because of the missing element that started this whole mess in the first place….
Her emotions were hard to read at the moment as different thoughts when through her mind…
Betrayal, trust, friends, enemies…they betrayed me…my own friends tricked me out of my life.
“Are you okay…” Twilight asked slowly.
“What makes it looked like I’m okay,” stated the confused emotional pony who looked like she was about to cry, “I just found out my own friends just tricked me out of my own glory and for what…to teach me a lesson.”
“Rai…” stated Twilight.
“Save it, it’s one thing to teach me a lesson, it’s another thing if you all were to talked to me about this…. but this…. this is cruel,” she stated angry, “I trusted you…. defended you and you go and do this just to teach me a lesson?!? You girls are the worse…” she then took off into the air and flew away.
Twilight and the others started to rush after her to not only explain themselves but also to calm her down.
Little did Twilight and the others knew that they were being followed by a young peagus on a scooter.
Soon Twilight and the others were able to corner their wayward friend along the open fields beyond Ponyville’s border.
“Wait….hold on, a minute,” stated Twilight but her friend wouldn’t listen to her.
They race towards an open field where Twilight decided to use her magic to try to bring their friend back down to the ground. It would be a difficult task to overcome with the fact of how fast their friend was going from the air.
“Stand aside girls, I’m going to try to bring her down,” stated Twilight to her friends as they moved aside.
She started to concentrate on the magic flowing through her body and near the depths of her soul as she focused the power within her horn.
That was when she heard one of her friends say, “Twitchy tail!!! Twitchy tail!!”
Twilight turned around and before she could respond she felt a huge flash of purple light behind her.
She turned around when the screaming started and looked up to see her former friend in pain and screaming as loud as she can.
“Twilight…” cried out one of her friends but the screaming drowned it out as she was preparing a magic string hold to try to pull their friend back. Yet she underestimated the power that was in hold of her friend as it nearly blast back.
Soon the screaming stop and the dust cleared itself. Twilight coughed up a bit of dust to clear her throat and when she looked up she saw the sky was clear and her friend was gone.
“Twi…what the hay just happen?” asked one of her strong willed friends, but she couldn’t answer them as the shock of being blown back was still stirred in her mind.
“What was that power,” Twilight thought to herself.
“Um….um Twilight,” called out the shyest voices amongst her friends. She was as quiet and was barely hearable, but Twilight was able to hear her amongst the silence.
“Yes,” she replied to her friend as she turned around and saw coming towards them was a young peagus on a scooter…a young orange peagus on a scooter…a young orange peagus on a scooter that idolizes the very friend that Twilight wasn’t able to save just now. The little filly had tears of anger in her eyes as she came towards them.
“YOU!!!” she cried… “What did you guys do to her?”
“Uh-oh,” stated one of Twilight’s friends.
“I saw you guys in your costumes and I saw that purple light, you guys got rid of her!!!” she complained, “to think I was foolish enough to start looking up to you….”
Tears were coming down the young filly’s cheeks as the accusations continued, “You guys got rid of the only mare that I ever looked up to as a sister… You….you….jerks.”
She went away fast on her scooter with neither Twilight nor any of the others trying to stop her. Her words rang in their minds, just as the disappearance of their friend was as well.
Only one thing that went through Twilight’s Sparkle’s mind at the moment and that was, “This wasn’t the way it was suppose to happen. This wasn’t as it was planned.”
Somewhere deep down inside herself, Twilight knew that this may change things in Ponyville when words gets out. She turned to her friends for some sense of reassurance, but all she got were faces of shame and of guilt. As each pony was thinking of their missing friend, wherever she was…
Little did Twilight and her friend know that their missing friend was alive and well, but when she woke up from her dazed confusion, she was staring at a strange man… “Well, a pleasure to see you awake my dear.”
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mbpony 512
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1097
| 2 |
Main 6,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Sonic Rainboom Redux
|
It's Rainbow Dash's ultimate race for the finish as she goes up against Sonic the Hedgehog...
|
hiatus
| 34 | 14 |
<p>(Current undergoing revision)</p><p>In the aftermath of the Mare-do-well incident Rainbow Dash has dissappeared from Ponyville and only Twilight and the other Elements may have a clue of where she went, but they aren't talking. </p><p>Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash is in for the race of her life when she goes up against the fastest thing alive...Sonic the Hedgehog on the orders of Dr. Eggman/Robotnik.</p><p>Image is credited to LeylahShan at DeviantART</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-09T14:05:40+00:00
|
2013-04-28T22:00:09+00:00
| 5,107 |
He stood staring at the creature before him, confused by his own appearance. He knew this would happen as jumping through two dimensions could take a lot out of a person of her weight and size. Yet, what he didn’t count for was the dimensional jump changes her appearance from one form to another. That fact alone was fascinating to see with in own eyes.
It was still an astounding feat that this plan of his work and all it took was one measly Chaos Emerald and a brief look into her world. In fact, it wasn’t by chance that found her world in the first place as he slowly recalled…
It was just after another humiliating defeat from that blasted hedgehog and his miserable allied friends. While recovering from his recent defeat the good doctor started to think…
“There must be some way to defeat that wretched hedgehog in combat. Something that would put that creature in his tracks, but what?”
He spend the next few weeks searching for anything and anyone who was faster than the hedgehog in terms of pure speed and agility.
It was only after a few days when he decided that there was no one on this planet or in this dimension fast enough for the hedgehog, given the hedgehog’s determination. So then the Doctor decided to let his computers to find traces of another world in other dimensions for abnormal speed energies.
It only within a week when the computer picked up disturbing speed signatures from the amounts of wind rations coming from his technological versions of an anemometer.
The energies that were recorded were almost similar to the hedgehog’s sonic boom moves.
With a few calculations and a exact position from his anemometer device, the doctor was able to discover the idealistic world of Equestria.
A simple world if it weren’t for equestrians that inhabited it already. Their true leaders seem to be two monarchs with great power. Such power that would be explored further study in the future. Yet, as of now it wasn’t of great importance as soon as he uncovered the speed disturbance….came from the sky above.
“Truly she was a magnificent sight to behold,” the doctor recalled when discovered the rainbow mane equestrian, the one they called Rainbow Dash.
“Such speed and such attitude. Exactly like the hedgehog down to the foolish little sidekick that accompanies her. Still it would be best to try acquiring this equestrian with a bit of Chaos Emeralds that is…."
With some of his remaining searcher bots on hold, he was able to find the purple Chaos Emerald and all its shining glory before the wretched hedgehog and his filthy friends did.
All it took now were weeks into preparation the device of bringing in this “Rainbow Dash” creature to this world. The doctor was especially fortunate when that very day came and that Rainbow was angry enough to be a bit confused and mislead by the Doctor’s words and the explanation of his world.
He planned his part well for when he brought Rainbow Dash into this dimension and his lab, he would concoct a tale of so that would paint him as the rightful ruler of this land and that miserable hedgehog and his friends as the true pest they are.
That’s what she told the rainbow haired thing…. at least she looked like one of Sonic’s furry things despite her wings attached to her back.
“A slight change or two, to her form,” the doctor thought, “with the proper training and records of the hedgehog’s moves and previous attack feats over the years. She will be fighting ready.”
It was a big risk for the doctor to attempt something of this act, but in order to beat miserable hedgehog, such feats of science should be taken into question and studied to its fullest.
She woke up confused and conflicted. Her memories were a bit fuzzy, but after what the doctor told her she knew she what her purpose was. She learned that this world was under oppression by this speedy creature known as Sonic, and that he and his allies collect what is to be called Chaos Emeralds to change this world into a worse oppression. She was brought her to stop him and his cohorts of evil and collect the emeralds. When the Doctor has all seven Chaos Emeralds, then he would send her home.
It would be a difficult fight for her to overcome, but she was no quitter and she was a quick learner too. After viewing the doctor’s previous fights with Sonic on what he called video feeds. It would be a challenge or two to accomplish any of these moves, but she was confident in her skills that she knew that she could take this guy on and win.
She had to if she wanted to return to her world…her home.
To be continued
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mbpony 512
|
1097
| 3 |
Main 6,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Sonic Rainboom Redux
|
It's Rainbow Dash's ultimate race for the finish as she goes up against Sonic the Hedgehog...
|
hiatus
| 34 | 14 |
<p>(Current undergoing revision)</p><p>In the aftermath of the Mare-do-well incident Rainbow Dash has dissappeared from Ponyville and only Twilight and the other Elements may have a clue of where she went, but they aren't talking. </p><p>Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash is in for the race of her life when she goes up against the fastest thing alive...Sonic the Hedgehog on the orders of Dr. Eggman/Robotnik.</p><p>Image is credited to LeylahShan at DeviantART</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-15T03:08:39+00:00
|
2013-06-02T01:43:07+00:00
| 4,887 |
Once again none of the following characters are owned by me as they are a property of Hasbro, Lauren Fraust, Sega and the Sonic team...
Home, that is where she rather be right now. Home in her cottage with her pet rabbit and the rest of her animal friends.
She rather be at home back in Ponyville instead of being here in Cancerlot facing off a wicked Queen and her evil invading army forces. But then again, that’s the problem when you’re a friend of Twilight Sparkle, the Princesses’ star student and an all around powerful unicorn.
It was Twilight Sparkle that reunited them to take on this threat after…that day. That day they lost…her. It wasn’t hard to recall how all this came to be…
Ever since…that day, life in Ponyville was turn for the worse. For not only, did they lie one of their own to teach her a lesson on bragging, but they also lied the entire town and when the mayor found out about the truth well….
“Because of your foolishness,” shouted the mayor, “Ponyville is down a weather peagus and it would take weeks for us to get a replacement from Cloudsdale. Have you all had anything to say for yourselves?”
“No mayor,” stated Twilight silently speaking for all of them as they all felt shame and guilt coming from the mayor’s anger.
“Is there anything else I need to know about?” the mayor asked Twilight in a frustrated tone.
“There is nothing else to know mayor, for you know what we do and soon will the princesses,” stated Twilight with a calm demeanor.
“I’ll try to reassure the citizens about the disapperance, but let it be known…I am truly disappointed at you girls,” stated the mayor as she left the girls in Twilight’s tree house home.[/hr]
Things got worse when the Princesses found out as she was also disappointed in Twilight and the others action. The actions that made her rethink her role as one of the Elements.
She knew that her former friend was headstrong and a tad egotistical, but that didn’t compared to the many times she stood up for her and her made her feel strong.
She was supposed to be the Element of Kindness, but her recent actions made her rethink her entire role and made her doubt her own kindness towards others ponies.
Ponies who gave them look of disgust and annoyance.
“Look,” some of them would say, “It’s the Mare-Do-Well. Going to save another pony in danger Mare-Do-Well.”
She knew that despite the Mayor’s words, most of the townponies already knew the truth. And it was all thanks to the little orange peagus filly that saw them in the act.
It was because of the young one’s outburst during the Mayor’s speech that no pony trust her and that included the young filly peagus that couldn’t fly.
The young one rode scooter throughout her days she saw her.
The young filly that idolized her former friend and blamed her and the others for her disappearance because of this whole mess that she created.
Now when she needed her friend the most, she wasn’t going to be there because she was gone. Gone to who knows where….[/hr]
Cloudsdale Weather Factory…
“Are you sure you’re ready for this…” ask a weather pony.
“Sure, sure, this is going to be a snap,” stated the voice.
“Well you are replacing a fellow weather pony, a leader for that division in fact, until an unfortunate incident,” stated the weather pony.
“Did they say how she disappeared?” asked the voice.
“None what so ever, but according to the letter from the mayor over there, it said that a few ponies played a cruel joke on the mare that lead to her disapperance,” stated the weather pony in a sad and concern tone.
“Well, no pony going to get through me…after all who knows, if this would grant me a spot on the Wonderbolts…” stated the voice.
“You got a long way to go before you get to that,” stated the Weather Mare, who handled the voice her assigned papers, “Here’s all you need to know of your assignment. Are there any questions Lightning Dust?”
“Just one….”she stated, “When do get started?”
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mbpony 512
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1097
| 4 |
Main 6,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Sonic Rainboom Redux
|
It's Rainbow Dash's ultimate race for the finish as she goes up against Sonic the Hedgehog...
|
hiatus
| 34 | 14 |
<p>(Current undergoing revision)</p><p>In the aftermath of the Mare-do-well incident Rainbow Dash has dissappeared from Ponyville and only Twilight and the other Elements may have a clue of where she went, but they aren't talking. </p><p>Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash is in for the race of her life when she goes up against the fastest thing alive...Sonic the Hedgehog on the orders of Dr. Eggman/Robotnik.</p><p>Image is credited to LeylahShan at DeviantART</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-21T16:27:12+00:00
|
2014-12-07T23:15:05+00:00
| 21,295 |
Once again before I begin I would like to say that the characters in this story is not my own, as they are a property of Hasbro, Lauren Fraust, Sega and the Sonic team.
For the past few days all she was doing was running. Running in trying to gain an understanding of her new form. Where she was once a pony with wings she was now a bi-legged being with wings. Yet her speed increased when she came into this new world.
The doctor who has taken her In and through him he told her of the creatures of this world and how they were more of a menace than a threat. They hold several gems of power called the Chaos Emeralds and for some strange reason she felt a bit on edge when she heard of the term “Chaos.” However, the doctor tried to explain that he wants to harness the power for god and help the creatures of this world. The doctor promised her that with the power of the Chaos Emeralds he would be able to send her back to her own home world.
The doctor must know how to send her back because it was the doctor that summoned her here in the first place using only one of the Chaos Emeralds. If the doctor had all seven of them, then he would be able to send her back home. It was all the hope she had to try to train herself to face off with these creatures in her new body.
She wasn't use to flying and maneuvering herself on the ground, but it what kept her alert and ready for anything. All she had to do was be patient and try to keep these creatures off balance for any good chance of prevention of a counterattack. She wanted the advantage and she is going to work hard on getting it.
Speed was what he was known for and it was due to his legendary speed that he was able to cover vast distances in such a short time periods.
It was due to his speed that he was hunting down the diabolical doctor. He hasn't shown his mustache self in almost a month or two after their last battle. Even when he learned of the recent surge of Chaos Control energy he knew that the doctor had to be behind it. The doctor truly kept himself hidden this time around to not be found. However, he knew it was only a matter of time before their forces clash again. The hard part of it was the waiting and he hated to wait. So he decided to see if his kid brother figured anything out on the whereabouts of the doc.
HE knew the training was hard for the creature, but he need her beyond her promise of “20% cooler” whatever that term meant. However, he needed her at her best and fastest to keep up with the hedgehog and his allies. He did promised her that he was able to send her home and he meant that promise well as he was going to send her home in order for him to conquer it and its power all to himself.
That’s why he had her going around various obstacle courses designed to test her flight and speed and even her newly enhanced strength that this world given her all to test her limits and to see if she could go beyond those. He wouldn't leave anything to chance as he will defeat the hedgehog this time, but only with a little backup help.
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mbpony 512
|
1097
| 5 |
Main 6,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Sonic Rainboom Redux
|
It's Rainbow Dash's ultimate race for the finish as she goes up against Sonic the Hedgehog...
|
hiatus
| 34 | 14 |
<p>(Current undergoing revision)</p><p>In the aftermath of the Mare-do-well incident Rainbow Dash has dissappeared from Ponyville and only Twilight and the other Elements may have a clue of where she went, but they aren't talking. </p><p>Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash is in for the race of her life when she goes up against the fastest thing alive...Sonic the Hedgehog on the orders of Dr. Eggman/Robotnik.</p><p>Image is credited to LeylahShan at DeviantART</p>
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everyone
|
2011-12-30T17:12:26+00:00
|
2011-12-30T17:12:26+00:00
| 4,418 |
Hi there, once again I do not own any of these characters as they are a product of Sega, Hasbro, Lauren Faust and the Sonic team.
This chapter focuses on Interlude as we head back to Pony Ville...
Interlude…Pony-ville (Several days ago)
He was just stepping out of their tree house/library home for just a few minutes to run an errand, but when he returned he suddenly found his best friend and master and their friends were all gone.
Now here he was standing in front of the highest order of the land, telling the twin rulers of what has just transpired…
“So Spike, you tell us that Twilight and her friends just disappeared just like that,” asked one of the rulers in a harsh tone.
“Y…y…yes,” he stated meekly, as the little baby dragon has not attempt to do this feat before without the aid of his master.
“Hmm…” stated the more benevolent and kinder part of the twin rulers.
They were the Princess of the moon and the sun respectively. They are highly regarded as powerful beings throughout the land of Equestria and rulers of all pony kind in Cancerlot, Pony-ville and its neighboring borders.
“Spike, I would like you to show us the spell that Twilight used,” asked the kinder Princess of the Sun.
He was grateful to have brought the cursed book with him. Since it was a bit burnt on some of the pages, then maybe the princesses could figure it out better than he could.
After a few moments of slience, the lighter side of the Princesses spoke in a clear elegant voice, “Because of the damage to the book, it seems that instead of teleporting somewhere within Pony-ville borders, Twilight and her friends have teleported somewhere beyond any reach.”
“What does thou mean, sister?” The dark princess asks her much older sibling.
“It means that Twilight and her friends are on another world…one that even I cannot pinpoint,” the Sun Princesses response sadly.
“Another…world?!? Is magic like that even possible?” asked Spike the baby dragon.
“Yes,” stated the lighter Princess, “I have unique experiences with this type of spell. However, when Twilight used the spell, it combined her magic with the powers of the Element of Harmony to transport them to another world.”
“Can you get them back, sister?” asked the darker Princess.
“No….for the worlds beyond Equestria are vast and wide and even with the combine powers of my sister and I, we cannot pinpoint the location of the Elements,” the lighter Princess stated sadly.
“Princess do you think Twilight…”Spike started to say sadly.
“No, young dragon,” stated the light Princess, “I do believe the Twilight is still alive and breathing. I cannot sense her physically, but her magic is strong and a small trace of it is still amongst this plane.”
“So, that means you can bring her back?” asked Spike.
“No,” states the lighter Princess, “Even though her magic still lingers on this plane…tracing such magic like Twilight would be impossible given the massive worlds that she would have crossed on her journey. We would have to be patience and hope for her and the rest of the Elements would find their way back home.”
“Princess, some of the Elements have families…how could we explain this to them?” asked Spike.
“I believe we could tell them the best way we can…” states the Princess of the Sun,” Most of them know of Twilight’s power, but if we try to explain what happen. There could be confusion and distrust amongst the families and the Elements themselves, when they return. For now…we could say that it was an order of mine until they have fully returned to explain things themselves.”
“You mean….lie?!?” asked Spike.
“While it may seem dishonest at first, some lies are possible comprehend instead of the truth. Believe me, Spike, I do not like it anymore than you do….” The lighter Princess said sadly.
And thus, the lie was made…it was told to the families that upon the orders of Princess Celestia, Twilight and her friends were supposed to be on a quest for a rare material. What the material was; it was stated to be a secret for now…
Still, Spike did not like the distrust within the Pony-ville community. With Rarity’s absence, her boutique business temporary closed down and her little sister, Sweetie-belle, is off living with their parents along with Rarity’s cat Opalescent. The same thing happened to the Apple family with the absence of Applejack. Mr. and Mrs. Cake had a tough time with some of the orders and the customers at their local bakery without the aid of Pinkie Pie. Although oddly enough, Pinkie Pie’s little pet alligator, Gummy proved a bit of a safety relief in some ways when it came to entertaining customers. Fluttershy’s animals were, sort of, being taken care of upon the orders of Spike with several of the Palace guards that Princess Celestia sent with him. Twilight’s library/tree house home was temporary closed down, and Spike was able to stay with the Apple family, for a while or two. As long as Spike was able to keep up the work within the family apple farm. As for Rainbow Dash and her job as a weather pony, she wasn’t truly missed by her co-workers that much, given Rainbow’s usual attitude, but she was fast at her work, so that made the job a bit tougher. The only pony that missed Rainbow Dash was Scootaloo, her biggest fan and admirer and she was comforted by her friends within the days ahead. Tank, Rainbow Dash’s pet tortoise was cared for by Scootaloo, with the assistance of Spike and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders.
Still life in Pony-ville went on like was, as the days turned to weeks and so one. Each night before bed, Spike would look upon the sky to see the stars coming out and wish for the safety and return of his friends.
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mbpony 512
|
1097
| 6 |
Main 6,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Sonic Rainboom Redux
|
It's Rainbow Dash's ultimate race for the finish as she goes up against Sonic the Hedgehog...
|
hiatus
| 34 | 14 |
<p>(Current undergoing revision)</p><p>In the aftermath of the Mare-do-well incident Rainbow Dash has dissappeared from Ponyville and only Twilight and the other Elements may have a clue of where she went, but they aren't talking. </p><p>Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash is in for the race of her life when she goes up against the fastest thing alive...Sonic the Hedgehog on the orders of Dr. Eggman/Robotnik.</p><p>Image is credited to LeylahShan at DeviantART</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-01T03:44:46+00:00
|
2011-10-01T03:44:46+00:00
| 8,695 |
Finally it is the fight you been waiting for...SONIC VS RAINBOW DASH!!!
For those of you with weak hearts, you may not want to read this chapter, for the intense speeds of these two characters, which I do not own and they are a property of Hasbro, Lauren Faust, the Sonic Team and Sega, will be too much for one person to handle.
Seriously I am kind of proud of this chapter and I truly do hope you enjoy it....
While everyone else was searching for the chaos emeralds, she was off in a flash searching for her prey. When the good doctor told her everything he knew about this “Sonic” character and how much of a bully he was to the good doctor’s plans, she knew she had to straighten him out. Then she’ll search for these chaos emeralds.
The doctor told her every little bit about the creature and how much of a menace he was to the good Doctor, and that just infuriated her more. She never liked bullies, even if she herself is one at times, thus making it her one of her life goals to always defend the helpless and the needy.
Soon she spotted it from high above the clouds… just a brief glance before it sped away, the sight of a blue blur. She knew she had her target in her sights now. So she decided to try to see just HOW fast he truly was, by pushing herself in full force towards him.
Meanwhile, Sonic the Hedgehog, the fastest thing alive, was speeding down the pathways in searching for his next adventure, when he felt it coming …the burst of speed coming down his way. He felt it by the tip of quills to the sound of the air closing in by his ears. He knew he had to sidestep away in hopes for it not to crash into him. However, as soon as he did that he saw a blur of it coming by. There was something different about this blur, and he noticed it right off the back that this blur held a colors of the rainbow. He soon slowed down and looked ahead as his pursuer was rushing back towards him and stared him down, face to face. Within the depths of his mind he knew that things just got a bit interesting right now.
“Sonic the Hedgehog, I presume,” she stated with a tone of annoyance.
“Yeah, who wants to know?” he asked.
“I do,” she stated, maintaining her annoyance, “I heard that you were fast. I heard that you were the fastest thing in this world. Well guess what, so am I.”
She proved it to him by flying at top speed creating her usual rainbow streak behind her. She stopped at a clear distance to try to rush back to her prey.
Sonic saw her coming and once again side-stepped away to avoid a collision with her.
“Whoa, it’s like you’re trying to run me over,” stated Sonic.
“That was the plan actually,” she stated while stopping to try to gain another try to run him over.
Sonic then knew that this person was trying to hurt him. So now he had to defend himself. Speed was the key he needed so he rushed off towards his attacker.
Rainbow Dash then saw Sonic running towards her from a clear distance and decided to fight back as well. So she rushed ahead.
The two forces of speed coming at opposite ends, similar to the north and south poles of the world.
No one could truly describe what happen that day. Some say that the earth shook with a force so powerful enough to cause a shockwave; others say that they saw the light of a rainbow halfway across the world. Whatever happens that day, it was a clash worthy of beings of speed.
Time stood still to these two, no one saw them either coming or going, it was just speed at its finest.
Loop-de-loops, springs, they were going through the works of things. Nothing was left untouched. As it was clash after clash between these two. No matter how much Sonic tried to out maneuver her, Rainbow Dash was just as better at this than he was.
Only one person could expect such a feat and he was far away to see it for himself...
“Ha, ha,” cried the voice of Dr. Ivo Robotnik who was laughing with glee as he was viewing the race, via the bracelet from Rainbow Dash’s foot, within his eggmobile, “Finally, I have found someone that can truly give that Hedgehog a run for his money. Now nothing can stop me from achieving my goal of conquering not only this world, but the other world that these ponies are from, and after that who knows, I might even run for president. Ho, ho, ho. Still I wonder what’s keeping that Applesauce so long…”
The evil doctor was currently trying his best to carry off a gigantic green emerald of power within his Eggmobile and away from its proper pastel.
While the Doctor was doing that, Applejack Pony was in her little pickle of trouble, with evading the anger fists of Knuckles the Echidna.
It was not one of his normal missions to observe and not interfere with the others, but it was his job and he was one to do his job well…
Several weeks after the recent battle appearance of Dr. Eggman, his superiors quickly received word of the weird energy signatures caused by some form of Chaos control. At first they were just a few blips on the radar that disappeared after a while, but it was only until recently that these blips appear again. With Rogue currently out on retreat, only he and Omega were the ones they send out to search for the source of these signatures. However, but should they meet up with her they were allowed to brief her in the situation immediately.
So they split up with a majority of these creatures in the forest, but one of them was a bit fast and was out of reach. He decided to take that up personally, and meet up with Omega later. It was a bit fortunate that their superiors were able to obtain a chaos emerald, the red one, early on as it would make travel through chaos control much easier.
When they teleported to the forest the first time, they tried to make contact with Rouge, only for her to briefly get bits and pieces of it since the signal was a bit messed up. Omega volunteered itself into finding her since he got a much clearly fix on her location, while Shadow tries to find more of these energy spikes on their wrist bracelets.
It was only after five or so minutes, when he first felt that burst of speed. It was not any ordinary burst of wind. He knew Sonic was around here somehow, but where was the question. That was when his wrist bracelet flared with frequents beeps. It seems that there was some unknown source of speed flying off against the familiar speed of Sonic.
Taking notice of this, he decided to investigate after seeing that it was going a bit faster than even the blue hedgehog to keep up with it. Yet, that made the challenge more interesting. Using Chaos control, he teleported his way to Sonic’s location and when he got there he saw the destruction.
It felt as if two different, but very unique speeds were going at it and destroying nearly everything in sight.
If Sonic is involved in this then this could be a bit serious than they thought…
This leads to where he was now…trailing the two speedsters behind and noticing the destruction that they have left in their wake.
“Whoever did this is going to pay,” he thought to himself as he notice the fallen trees and nearly scared animals in the area.
He rushed off in pure speed, barely breaking a sweat. It was just a little run to see who was faster and who to stop first, the one in the air or the one on the ground?
They were running….running without a care in the world. Running the only way they knew how. Their clashes were quick and frequent, causing destruction in its wake, but they did not care. However, they were soon becoming tired down and near exhaustion, but their unique determination to win only kept them fighting on.
They were truly unaware of their surroundings as their only thoughts were one beating the other. They did not even notice the soon speeding path of the black hedgehog with red strip on his head.
“This charade ends now,” he said, “You both have caused a lot of destruction today. Or have you two notice anything at all?”
For the first time since they fought, they soon started to see the destruction around them. Impacts on the ground, flowers wilted away, trees fallen and animals scattering away from the carnage.
With a deep breath the blue one, known only to all as Sonic the Hedgehog, took a deep breath, sighed, and said, “You’re right Shadow, this has gone long enough. I guess we got carried away.” With a low chuckle he continued on placing his hand in front of him, “May I suggest a truce between the two of us?”
The light blue creature stared at the unique gesture. Surely this was a trick, and it was at that moment that she saw it. Within the black hedgehog’s hand was one of the chaos emeralds, a red one to be exact. Now she knew this could be a trick and that this new creature was a friend of the blue menace. Now all she had to do was to try to get it away from the two hedgehogs.
“Sure…” she responded and just at that moment she used what remaining energy she had left within her and kicked Sonic into the other hedgehog body, thereby having him drop the chaos emerald in his hand. With burst of speed she was able to created a miniature dust tornado and grab the emerald before anyone saw her.
With a brief look back at her foes, she decided to flee after getting her objective, besides something tells her that she will be meeting up with Sonic soon.
After the dust cleared the two hedgehogs were stunned at the recent actions.
“Well that could have gone better,” stated Sonic.
“We underestimate her, and with that she was able to steal the chaos emerald that was in the government possession,” said Shadow.
“Five to one, Eggman is behind all this,” stated Sonic.
“Agree, round up your friends if you must, while I gather my team and see to it that Eggman will pay,” said Shadow.
Now Sonic was a bit worried knowing that this new thing has just gotten on the bad side of Shadow the Hedgehog.
“Eggman, whatever you are planning I am going to stop you,” he thought to himself as he rushed off to look for Tails at his work shop.
"And then I flew back here, according to this here doo-hicky," stated Rainbow Dash.
"Wow," they all said.
"That was nothing, wait until you hear my story," said Twilight.
Still, overseeing his new allies from his main lab, he recalls the rainbow one's tale against that prestering blue Hedgehog. However, all of them were still unaware of overall plan as his robots were assisting him in working overtime with the machine that took weeks to build, with the assistance of his new allies. The Machine would make all of his own dreams come true.
They were truly unaware of...the Endgame....
To be continued
|
mbpony 512
|
1097
| 7 |
Main 6,Crossover,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Sonic Rainboom Redux
|
It's Rainbow Dash's ultimate race for the finish as she goes up against Sonic the Hedgehog...
|
hiatus
| 34 | 14 |
<p>(Current undergoing revision)</p><p>In the aftermath of the Mare-do-well incident Rainbow Dash has dissappeared from Ponyville and only Twilight and the other Elements may have a clue of where she went, but they aren't talking. </p><p>Meanwhile, Rainbow Dash is in for the race of her life when she goes up against the fastest thing alive...Sonic the Hedgehog on the orders of Dr. Eggman/Robotnik.</p><p>Image is credited to LeylahShan at DeviantART</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-04T20:11:21+00:00
|
2011-10-04T20:11:21+00:00
| 6,399 |
Okay this Chapter sort of speeds the story up a bit, so I do apologize if readers get lost along the way. Also these are not my products as they're a property of Hasbro, Lauren Faust,Sonic team and Sega...
When he first felt the burst of wind coming in through his laboratory window, his wind machines outside went a bit haywire as they were twirling like crazy. He then assumed that his could be the work of that his good friend and great big brother. While at first, he knew that his big brother could take care of himself, it did not help him out that he worried for his friend own safety. He was currently unaware of the full situation just as he was also unaware of the dangers that surround him at this very moment…yet he still worries. While the wind wasn’t all that dangerous at the time, it still felt that something bad was about to happen to them all.
Soon out of nowhere, he felt it upon his own two tails, as something light was soon wrapping itself around him. He quickly jumped out of the way and tried to look around for anything suspicious. The only thing he seems to have notice the small vines that surrounded his laboratory on the floor, not moving at all.
Now curious he decided to follow the vines outside and towards a steaming pile of them ahead. Once he was able the gather the pile up, he soon felt the rope tightening and then saw most of it wrapping him up.
“Well, well that was a lot easier than I thought,” stated a voice to the two tail fox. Soon he notice an unknown face, it looked like a horse, one that had a horn on its head.
“Dr. Robotnik said you were smart, but I did not think you were a bit foolish enough to fall for such a simple trick,” the thing stated.
“Eggman is behind this,” he thought, “Then that means….Sonic is in danger.”
Far away from them Cream and Cheese were coming upon Tails workshop, unaware of what was happening over there
Sonic the hedgehog sped off to the direction of the forest that surrounded the workshop of his best friend and little brother, Miles Prowler, better known to his friends as Tails. When he first reached his workshop and notices him not being there and the place was nearly a wreck, Sonic then runs into the forest terrain in hopes of finding his best friend in time.
Worried a bit out of his mind that his best buddy might be in trouble, Sonic rushes off to the rescue.
Meanwhile... in another part of the forest, a young rabbit and her little companion was walking along the wooded trail until the heard a small noise that cried for help.
“Did you hear that Cheese?” the young rabbit said with her little companion nodding in agreement. The two of them sped off to the sound of the direction.
Soon they came upon a tangled of vines everywhere and in the center of the vines lies what they assumed was their friend, Tails.
Tails was mumbling to be let loose and Cream and Cheese tried their very best to get him out. Soon they felt a breeze of wind and suddenly in a blink of an eye Tails is freed and is standing next to… “Mr. Sonic,” cried Cream.
“Hey there you two,” stated Sonic, “Lucky for you guys, I was just in the neighborhood.”
“Yeah, thanks Sonic,” stated Tails.
“My question is how you get caught in something like this in the first place?” asked Sonic.
“You never guess what I saw Sonic,” started Tails who went on to explain his encounter with the pony with power.
“Whoa, that is sort of like the encounter I had only this one flies and had rainbows following her. She was almost as fast as me,” stated Sonic.
“Cheese and I saw one too and this one was yellow,” stated Cream with Cheese nodding in agreement.
Noticing the concern look on Sonic face, Tail comments, “You think Dr. Eggman is behind all this, do you Sonic?”
“What other reason is there, I mean they can’t all be a coincidence that we all were attack by these…things, Right? “ stated Sonic.
“Well, when you put it that way…” stated Tails, “Yet how do we know if these things are dangerous , I mean they could just be scared and alone?”
“The one we met, was a bit frighten by our appearance, right Cheese?” commented Cream
“Chao, chao,” stated the young chao.
“You may be right, and with Eggman involved in this it could make things a bit more difficult,” called Sonic as he reflected back to his battle with the flying invader.
“Either way, if Eggman is in on this, then we both know that the chaos emeralds will be a factor in this one too. Given that my attacker just ruined my own Chao emerald tracker,” commented Tails sadly.
“Well that just makes the adventure more fun,” comment Sonic, “Come on Tails, there’s no times to waste.”
Soon Sonic quickly speed off in to the face of adventure. Tails following along, stops and calls for Cream, “Cream, you’re welcome to join us if you like. I’m sure we can be able to take you home…”
“No thank you Tails,” she stated poilitely, “I’m going to see if I can find Amy, I’m sure she wants a piece of the action as well. We will try to catch up with you guys later.”
The two flyers sped up to catch their speedy friend unaware of what is happening to their other friends.
Amy Rose could not believe her bad luck. She was running with Cream and Cheese trying to catch up with Sonic and Tails. As they were running along the forest, Amy relates to Cream of how she encountered a pink thing who bounces as she walks and she had a blue chaos emerald. She tried to stop the creature, even using her piko-piko hammer, but the creature somehow survives it all and Amy ended up look like a crazy fool, more so than usual. The pink thing ended up disappearing from Amy’s sight as she was just getting her second wind. That was when she met up with Cream and Cheese, who told her that Sonic needed her help…again, and explained the situation to her as they ran towards Tails workshop.
When Sonic and Tails heard the story, they figure it was Dr. Eggman who was behind all of this. SO the four of them rushed from Tails’ workshop to find Eggman’s new hideout, and along the way they encountered Knuckles, who grumbled about fighting another one of those things, while Eggman stole the Master Emerald. That meant BIG TROUBLE if Eggman now had the powers of the Master emerald in his hands.
The friends soon rushed up and ran into “Team Dark” as they were called; consist of Shadow the Hedgehog, Rouge the Bat and Omega the robot. They were also looking for Dr. Eggman as well. However, they too were having trouble finding him.
“IF only we had a lucky break,” Amy thought, and then if by magic one of Eggman’s robots appears from afar. Amy told Sonic and the others what she saw and they soon began to follow the robot deeper into the forest and towards the outside enterance of Eggman’s new hideaway.
“This could be a trap,” stated Shadow the Hedgehog.
“No duh,” thought Amy, as this was too easy for Dr. Eggman to pull. They all had to be on their guard.
Once they entered the door shut upon them and they were standing within an army of Eggman drones and robots.
“Oh yeah now this is an welcoming,” stated Sonic as he and the others were battle ready.
Meanwhile in the other section of the lair, the six pony friends were relax and telling each other tales of their unique encounters with the creatures of this world when suddenly.
WHEE-WHEE
The red alarm goes off and soon Dr. Robotnik cried out from afar, “HELP SOMEONE SAVE ME FROM THESE CREATURES…”
The six ponies rushed off into the unknown to save their only chance of getting home…
|
Emeral Frost
|
1098
| 1 |
Adventure,Alternate Universe,Dark,Tragedy
|
The Equestrian Empire
|
cancelled
| 6 | 1 |
<p>Equestria has spread across the cosmos and has became a beautiful holder of life. But, that life can be taken away. Now, many great empires fight for the right to the Universe.</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2012-02-08T03:29:04+00:00
| 745 |
Space is a void. It’s filled with everything and yet still has massive songs of nothingness. The Equestrian Empire (Which was formed in 4392 to fight off an opposing force) has spread across this vast expanse and grows every day. The Equestrian Empire, as mentioned above, is split into two main vice royalties that are ruled under the two solar Goddesses, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
The two groups are the Solar Empire and the Lunar Republic. Each has its own government that is ruled under the main government that the goddesses directly control and rule. Even though the vice royalties are ruled by their own governors, Celestia and Luna look over them and keep them in check. The groups are divided into many smaller occupations known as provinces and states. The Solar Empire call theirs ‘provinces’ and the Lunar Republic call theirs ‘states’.
Even though the two live in harmony, other empires across the cosmos fight and wage war with one another. The Equestrian Empire wars with an empire called the Histarian Empire. This war has left many planets scorched with battle scars and some were even destroyed. The Histarian Empire isn’t even a fraction of the massive civilization that they try and conquer, but their advanced weaponry and technology make up for size. If the Histarian Empire ever got a foothold, they would most certainly take it over.
The main world that started it all, Equestria, is the home of the goddesses. The planet is still to this day untouched by war. In fact, the only thing (other than the massive cities) that looks out of place is the massive magical shield that covers the entire planet. This shield is is maintained and powered by Celestia and Luna’s own magic. There are other planets with shields (only the ones that have a significant importance has one), but are powered by generators that have to be recharged every ten years.
The empires government is rather like a complex web that involves everypony and every planet in it. First, there’s the main branch, The Lawsva Sect. This branch controls which laws are passed and where they affect. The Second branch, Semi-Lawsva, controls what the civilizations and colonies on certain planets do. The third, Planets of the Empire (Yes a horrible name, not the one who made it. Take it up with the ones who did make it), weapons. It tells (and it’s added to when new tech is invented) what weapons are used and forbidden. That’s it. The two vice royalties and their states and/or provinces have their own branches, but they’re not important.
Yes, life in the Equestrian Empire can be great. But, life hasn’t been great. The Goddesses have been using all the resources they can get to fend off a Histarian Empire attack. The small skirmish has been raging for years now and has no end in sight. The Histarian Empire now has something called The Obliteration Cannon. It does just what it is named. It can put a hole straight through a planet and keep going. On a lighter note, it takes almost four months to charge by Equestrian time. But, it hasn't been fired in five months.
|
|
BubbleBerry Pop
|
1099
| 1 |
Adventure,Crossover
|
My Little Pony: The Equestrian Mole
|
Twelve arrive to compete, but one of them is not who they seem.... who is THE MOLE?
|
incomplete
| 7 | 1 |
<p>Twelve contestants arrive to compete for the chance at 1,000,000 bits, but one of them is not who they seem. One of them is placed as a mole to sabotage the efforts of the others and keep as many bits out of the group pot as possible. Who is the secret saboteur? Who is THE MOLE?</p>
|
everyone
| null |
2011-09-29T02:17:10+00:00
| 1,139 |
ON A CLIFF NEAR BUCKINGHAM
Day 1
A lone pony sat quietly up at the edge of a cliff in Buckingham. His name was Esquire but for the duration of the show he would simply be referred to as Mr.E, he was to be the host for the challenges, quizzes, and executions to come within the next few weeks. He was standing proudly as he awaited for his guests to arrive, the guests that will partake in the quest for a potential prize of one million bits. Twelve contestants will take part in this grand adventure but one of them is not who they seem... one of them is a saboteur, the mole purposely placed into this game to cause chaos and disarray for the other contestants as the attempt prevent victory and keep as many bits as possible from getting into the final pot. Any and all bits they can keep out of the pot, they them self will receive when this game is all said and done. So with that it leaves us with one question, Who is the mole?
As if on queue a bright yellow carriage came into view, traveling just up the trail carrying the first two contestants ready to start their adventure. Slowly the carriage came to a stop just a few feet away from Mr.E, prompting him to trot over instantly ready to introduce himself to the first of many to arrive. As he approached the carriage a small ruckus could heard within as the door suddenly flew open and out stepped a large brown and white Griffon. The first contestant was Gilda.
Name: Gilda:
Alias/Nickname: G
Birthday April 11th
Favorite Color: Brown
Hometown: Mt.Griffsburg
Occupation: Flight School Secretary
GILDA: I don't know why I even came here, this wont even be a challenge. Nothing but a bunch of dweebs ready to be picked off one by one.
"Greetings and welcome contestant number one, Ms. Gilda I am Mr.E, your host for the duration of the competition." The black host pony gave one of his signature grins as he held out a hoof.
"Yeah, yeah... lets get this show started so I can get my bits and get out of here." Gilda completely ignored the outstretched hoof and just waited outside the carriage in her position as a second figure started to emerge from within the carriage. It was contestant number two, he was a light blue pegasus pony, his mane a darker shade of blue gently swaying with the wind as he stepped out in his Wonderbolt uniform. Contestant number two was Soarin'.
Name: Soarin'
Alias/Nickname: Bottomless Pit
Birthday: December 12th
Favorite Color: Sky Blue
Hometown: Cloudsdale
Occupation: Stunt flyer/performer
SOARIN': I'm so excited for this! I've honestly never been this excited since I first joined the Wonderbolts! Oh and when I found that mare that had made that amazing pie at the Grand Galloping Gala last year! That was some good pie, and an even greater mare!
Completely ignoring the rudeness from the griffon Mr.E quickly set himself to introducing himself to the newest contestant, "Greeting Soarin', I am your host for the entirety of the game." Once again he held out a hoof, one that wasn't ignored as the two shook hooves and continued to chat, "and you may already know a little bit of your travel companion Gilda correct?"
Soarin' shook his head frowning slightly as he removed the hoof of his costume, "actually she hardly talked to me at all, I tried talking to her but she mostly ignored me. The ride was rather awkward to be honest." The blue pegasus rubbed a hoof through his mane but before he could continue a deep growl erupted from his stomach causing him to blush slightly, "is there any food around? I'm so hungry!" The host laughed as Gilda just glared and rolled her eyes.
GILDA: I hope he goes first, he did nothing but eat in that carriage! It was border lining disgusting and infuriating!
SOARIN': She seems kind of harsh, but I cant tell yet really. May have to keep an eye on her.
Before the conversation could go further, or a fight could break out, a new carriage was pulling in and parking next to the first. This one was a deep violet and the first contestant to trot out wasted no time pulling all attention to himself as he seemed to be talking down to whoever was unlucky enough to share the carriage with him, "I'm going first, it's my royal right! So just wait for your turn, you commoner. Not that you deserve one." The third contestant was none other than Prince Blueblood
Name: Prince Blueblood
Alias/Nickname: Blueblood
Birthday: March 13th
Favorite Color: Gold
Hometown: Canterlot
Occupation: Unspecified
BLUEBLOOD: The whole idea of making this a contest in the first place is simply ridiculous! No commoner could ever do better than me! They may as well just call me the winner and go home.
Mr.E just shook his head as he gave the same greeting he gave the others, and not so surprisingly it went ignored much like the first one as the prince took his place standing proudly in front of the violet carriage. "Hello, Is it my turn?" Carefully stepping down from the carriage with a very surprisingly cheerful attitude was contestant number four, a dark pink earth pony whose mane and tail were two shades of a lighter pink. Happier than ever, contestant four was Cheerilee.
Name: Cheerilee
Alias/Nickname: Lee/Ms.Cheer
Birthday: February 14th
Favorite Color: Burgundy
Hometown: Ponyville
Occupation: School Teacher
CHEERILEE: I'm so happy to be here, my students are at home cheering for me and I want to do the best I can for them!
The host wasted no time shaking hooves with the merry mare, "Pleased to meet you Cheerilee, I am Mr.E your host for everything to come!" He flashed her one of his signature smiles as he got closer to her, almost whispering, "so how was the trip with the prince? I hear he can be... well to put it frankly, the biggest jerk around."
Cheerilee just smiled, something she seemed to do nonstop as she shook her head, "he seems nice enough to me."
CHEERILEE: He didn't really seem that bad in my opinion, at least he didn't say anything to really get upset over.
As the dark pink pony was taking her place next to Blueblood, a dark red carriage began to arrive traveling up the trail just as the previous two had done and soon parked itself right next to the second carriage. Before the doors could open everyone present could already hear singing and music coming from within. The voice was certainly a definitive one, and sure enough the pop diva herself stepped out of the carriage. Contestant five was Sapphire Shores.
Name: Sapphire Shores
Alias/Nickname: Sapphire
Birthday: November 18th
Favorite Color: Sapphire
Hometown: Canterlot
Occupation: Pop Artist
SAPPHIRE: MMMMMMMmmmMMMM, I am so excited to be here! That mole wont know what hit him!
"Hello Ms. Shores, it's a pleasure to have you here. Are you ready for the challenges to come?" Mr.E had on a big grin as he shook hooves with the pony of pop.
"I was born ready honey, and please call me... Sapphire!" Sapphire was already reaching into her singing voice as she took her spot, allowing her fellow traveling pony to exit the carriage. The unicorn to walk out was a light mint green with a few streaks of white showing throughout her mane and tail. This unicorn was quickly identified by the lyres she had for cutie marks. Contestant six was Lyra.
Name: Lyra
Alias/Nickname: N/A
Birthday: June 28th
Favorite Color: Teal
Hometown: Ponyville
Occupation: Musician
LYRA: I kind of feel bad for leaving Bon-Bon for this, but it's the chance of the lifetime to get my name known so I can provide a better life for us both. She has already given so much for us, it's my turn to return the favor. This is for you Bon-Bon!
"Good morning Lyra. I am your lovely host! Are you excited to be here?" The black stallion turned his attention to the mint green unicorn as he once again put on one of his signature smiles.
Lyra merely nodded as she took her spot next to Sapphire, "I am, I left a lot to be here so I'm not leaving without those bits and my name known around Equestria."
"Good, you'll need that determination to win!" The host flashed the unicorn a wink before turning his attention to the sky blue carriage making its way just like the few before it, and soon enough it was parked next to the rest. Mr.E waited with a grin as the doors slowly opened revealing the pegasus inside. The mare stepped out, confidence easily seen on her face as she shook around her rainbow mane. Contestant seven was Rainbow Dash
Name: Rainbow Dash
Alias/Nickname: Dashie
Birthday: August 7th
Favorite Color: Rainbow
Hometown; Ponyville
Occupation: Weather pony
RAINBOW DASH: Ha, Pinkie is going to be so jealous I get to be here! This is going to be so awesome!
"Judging by that smile on your face, I'd assume you're quite excited to be here." Mr.E was chuckling as he watched the rainbow maned pegasus look around already sizing up her fellow contestants.
"You bet I am, I'll wipe the floor with them all in ten seconds flat. The only competition I see here is Gilda, I've known her for a long time so I know what she's capable of and that I'm still better." The cyan pegasus puffed out with pride as she looked over the colt in front of her, "who the hay are you anyways?"
"My name is Mr.E, and I will be the host for The Equestrian Mole. I will see you all through this little adventure of ours." The jet black stallion was puffed out in pride as he introduced himself.
RAINBOW DASH: Mole shmole they wont be able to stop me!
GILDA: I can't believe that dweeb is here, I cant wait to see the look on her face when I win!
"YEEHAW!" The sheer exclamation of joy drew the hosts attention back to the sky blue carriage as a yellow farm pony was stepping out. The colts mane and tail were yellow and orange and he wore a brown vest and cowboy hat, his smile only growing bigger as he shook hooves with the host. Contestant eight was the farm pony Braeburn
Name: Braeburn
Alias/Nickname: Brae
Birthday: September 30th
Favorite Color: Orange
Hometown: Appleoosa
Occupation: Farmer
"Welcome Braeburn," The rest of his introduction went the same way as the rest had that morning and the yellow farm pony eagerly talked with the host.
BRAEBURN: Yeehaw, this is going to be fun! We sure can really use them bits back in Appleoosa!
Braeburn barely had time to get into place as the next carriage was already pulling up, the orange carriage was the second to last and was pulling in right next to where the black host pony was standing. The door opened and a grey earth pony with black hair carefully trotted out, she was being extra careful as to protect the instrument she carried in the case on her back. The next contestant, and number nine, was Octavia.
Name: Octavia
Alias/Nickname: Tavi
Birthday: July 22nd
Favorite Color: White
Hometown: Canterlot
Occupation: Musician
OCTAVIA: These challenges shouldn't be too hard for me, it'll pay to be able to keep a level head like I can.
Once again and with as much enthusiasm as he has had all morning, the host immediately went to introducing himself as a small squeak was heard from the carriage. The nervous yellow pegasus peaked out from the side and instantly hid again as she saw how many ponies were actually there. After a few deep breaths and some coaxing from the host, the pegasus finally made her way to join the others outside the carriage. The tenth contestant was Fluttershy.
Name: Fluttershy
Alias/Nickname: Shy/Miss Rose Papillonne
Birthday: May 2nd
Favorite Color: Yellow
Hometown: Ponyville
Occupation: Animal Caretaker/Veterinarian
FLUTTERSHY: Oh.... umm.... I'm happy to be here.....
"Nice of you to join us Miss Rose Papillonne" the host flashed another smile as the yellow pegasus squeaked in surprise as he called her by her supposed to be secret pen name.
"Wait, Papillonne? As in THE Rose Papillonne?" Sapphire was already trotting over eager to meet the timid pegasus, "You are quite the author Miss Rose, I'm definitely a fan!" The pony of pop laughed as she shook hooves with Fluttershy, who seemed to only shrink more and more from the attention.
"Oh...," Fluttershy's face was pink as she avoided eye contact with the other pony, "if it's okay... please don't call me that. No....nopony was supposed to know about that."
Sapphire Shores only laughed more as she started to get into her singing voice, "OOOooooohhhhhHHH! I want to be in a coalation with you! You and me can get far in this game!"
SAPPHIRE: Anypony that can write like that is going to be a good friend of mine!
FLUTTERSHY: I... I don't know.... how they...found out...... it's so embarrassing.....
Mr.E had to break up the conversation quickly as the last carriage started to arrive, "alright ladies, can we keep the game talk for until after the game starts?" He flashed them both a smile as he turned to Fluttershy, "I am Mr.E, the host of Equestrian Mole. And if you'll excuse me I must introduce myself to our last guests."
Just as he finished the last carriage pulled in, it was a dark navy and everyone present looked to it with anticipation to know who the last contestants would be. The air would have been quite, but the azure unicorn exiting the carriage was loudly proclaiming how Great and Powerful she was, her cape waving in the wind . The eleventh contestant was The Great and Powerful Trixie.
Name: The Great and Powerful Trixie
Alias/Nickname: Trixie/Tri
Birthday: October 27th
Favorite Color: Violet
Hometown: Canterlot/Ponyville
Occupation: Show Mare/Entertainer
TRIXIE: Ha, like any of these ponies stand a chance against Trixie! What foals!
"Hello Trixie, I am-"
"Trixie is The Great and Powerful Trixie! Not just Trixie!" Trixie huffed as she turned her head, now completely ignoring the host.
RAINBOW DASH: Are you kidding? I thought this was supposed to be a challenge! Of course Trixie is the mole!
"......right so that just leaves us with one more contestant." All eyes went back to the navy carriage as a purple hoof accented by a shining silver shoe tentivly stepped out. The hoof belonged to one of the most well known ponies in all of Equestria, just short of only her sister. Contestant twelve, and the final contestant, was none other than Princess Luna.
Name: Princess Luna
Alias/Nickname: Lulu
Birthday: January 1st
Favorite Color: Midnight Blue
Hometown: Canterlot
Occupation: Royal Ambassador
LUNA: Well, I don't really need the bits, but Celly thought this was a good way to get other ponies to know me.... and for me to know them.
The princess let out a sigh as she took her spot next to Trixie, allowing the host to trot himself over and give a quick introduction before heading back to address the group as a whole. "Now that everypony is here, we can get to explaining the game! As you all now know, I am Mr. E. Mr. E Colt to be exact. You all know why you are here, some for the experience but most for the bits. And, you also know that there is a mole among you, a saboteur only here to hinder your progress and keep you from winning anything. They them self will win whatever is kept from the group total. So keep you eyes and ears open, you will need to know as much as you can about the mole if you want to stay in this game. The pony-" Gilda snorted as the host seemed to ignore her presence entirely.
GILDA: I am not a pony, and I never will be something so lame!
"Pardon, the contestant that scores lowest on the quizzes, or is the slowest in case of tie, will be executed and immediately put on a carriage home." Mr. E took a moment to pause for dramatic effect as he let his words sink in. Everyone present already knew everything he was saying but now that it was happening and set to start in just a few moments, everything was just becoming real. "Now, the competition begins!" A cheer came out from a few of the contestants, but most shifted slightly uncomfortably as Mr.E trotted over to the edge of the cliff. "First I will need the two of you who are good with numbers or have a good memory."
RAINBOW DASH: Finally we're starting, but numbers and memory? Seriously? Who is good with that?
"I'll do it," Octavia stepped forward nodding to everypony as she took a place next to the host.
Trixie stepped forward next ready to challenge anypony who would challenge her, "The Great and Powerful Trixie will nominate Princess Luna to be the second. Trixie knows that without a doubt she is the best with numbers."
TRIXIE: Trixie saw her with her abacus when she was teaching The Great and Powerful Trixie. Nopony will be better!
Princess Luna looked around nervously as everyone was now looking at her, "I suppose I get the job then." Slowly she trotted to Octavia and Mr.E, who was smiling bigger than ever.
"Excellent, now you two will be carried back down the cliff in one of the carriages and all you will have to do is memorize the combination given to you one number at a time as everypony else here jumps down this cliff to meet you at the bottom." A loud gasp came from the group as the reality of the challenge sank in. "If you two can manage to relay back the correct numbers in order you will get 10000 bits for the pot. Good luck ladies."
Both mares were taken to the first carriage and were quickly driven off back down the trail as Mr.E turned his attention back to the others. "So now your job will be to jump down into the lake below and deliver to the two you just sent down there your respective numbers that will range from one to twenty. Any question?"
Not surprisingly enough to most ponies Blueblood was the first to vocalize some objection, "I refuse to put myself in any kind of danger like that! I am a Prince, I am too important to risk myself so recklessly like some commoner!"
BLUEBLOOD: What kind of crazy pony would even expect someone like me to even try that!
Mr.E simply smiled as he looked over the group, "each of you that makes the jump will add 1000 bits to the group pot, so if you refuse to jump then you are costing the group the bits. I might also add that if three of you refuse, the whole possible 10000 is then lost."
BLUEBLOOD: I refuse to do this, those bits are not worth it!
GILDA: Oh he is jumping, I will make sure of it.
TRIXIE: He's going, Trixie will not allow some foal to keep her from any bits!
"Everyone will choose weather or not to jump in just a few moments, but first as I am sure of it some of you may want to take off some of what you wore here as to not get it wet correct?" There was some agreement from those with clothes, while those without just shook their head and shrugged, "so everypony will have two minutes to take off what they want and join me over here, then the jumping will begin! So your time starts now!"
Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Cheerilee, Lyra, and Gilda all immediately went over to join Mr.E right off the bat. Soarin' and Braeburn followed soon after deciding not to take anything off, leaving just Trixie, Sapphire, and Blueblood. Trixie and Sapphire managed to take everything off and joined the others but Blueblood refused, fully aware his mind was made up and that he wasn't going to jump.
"And three.... two.... one.... TIME!" As Mr.E looked over the group he nodded in approval, "seems you are all ready to go, but if any of you remove anything or add anything to how you are now your jump will not count. Is that clear?" Clopping his hooves together he smiled bigger than before, "so, who's first?"
Immediately Blueblood stepped forward," I refuse to go, just give me my number and send me down the trail!"
Gilda was next to step forward, already getting in the prince's face, "you ARE going, in fact I'll make sure you go first!" Quickly she picked up the prince and started walking to the edge.
"Unhand me you filthy bird! You have no right to do this!" Blueblood was struggling with all his might, but the griffons hold kept him still.
Mr.E cringed as Gilda turned looking to his direction giving him some sort of death glare, "what's his number?"
"Eight" Mr.E was shaking but smiling as she watched her hold him just over the side of the cliff.
"Eight! You got that? Forget it and I will hurt you!" Blueblood was never given the chance to respond as he was suddenly sent screaming and flailing down the side of the cliff, the lake of water quickly approaching.
SPLASH
TRIXIE: Trixie likes that griffon, if she hadn't done it Trixie would have!
Prince Blueblood was in a panic as he slowly realized what happened to him and where he was, slowly he floated and paddled his way to shore to a slightly chucking Octavia and a grinning Luna. "Eight, the number is eight!" He glared at them both as he trotted to the mat holding towels for them after their jump and started to quickly drying himself off.
BLUEBLOOD: That bird will pay for the damages to this suit! I will personally make her pay!
Octavia quickly regained her composure as she looked to the princess next to her, "how about I get the first half and you take the second? Remembering five numbers should be much easier than ten."
The moon princess simply smiled and nodded in reply, “sure.”
LUNA: I probably could have memorized them all myself, but Celly says to try and not argue with anypony....
Back up on the cliff, Gilda turned back to the group fully satisfied with her work, "anyone else?" Her smile grew from the silence as she looked back to the host, "then I'm next!"
Mr.E simply nodded but stepped in her way before she could go, "very well, but first..." The host pulled out some rope from what seemed like nowhere as he smiled back to the griffon. "I will need to tie your wings since you are able to fly, only to make things fair of course."
Gilda rolled her eyes as she stood still, "fine whatever just do it so I can go!"
Mr.E made sure to tie the rope nice and tight before stepping back to admire his work, "alright, now your number is Fifteen"
"Yeah yeah, I got it," in a flash Gilda jumped and started her dive into the water below, much unlike the jumper before her she managed to enter the water barely making a ripple and quickly made her way to the awaiting Octavia and Luna. "Fifteen, and you better remember it."
OCTAVIA: I really don't like that griffon but I'm going to hold my tongue.... Unlike her I actually have class and manners.
The next three ponies to go all went off without any problems. Rainbow Dash, The Great and Powerful Trixie, and Soarin' each reaching the bottom and filling up the last three numbers for Octavia to remember: Nineteen, Three, and Seven.
Five ponies remained up top, one of which was shaking in fear refusing to even look at the cliff. "I.... cant do it...." Fluttershy could feel her eyes watering as everypony's attention went to her.
Braeburn stepped forward ready to comfort the trembling pegasus, as he looked to the others that remained "ya'll may have ta go first, it'll take a while to get her ta go, if she does at all...." The cowpony sighed as he went to trying to convince the cowering pegasus.
BRAEBURN: She aint gunna make this easy, ah'll tell you that! Ah don’t mean ta be rude or anything, considerin she’s mah cousin’s friend n’ all…. but why come if ya aint gunna compete?
Sapphire was next to step forward as Cheerilee and Lyra didn't seem so eager, "Alright, Mr.E looks like I'm next!" She had on a simple smile as she trotted to the edge.
"Alright Sapphire, your number is fourteen," Mr.E had a big smile as he pointed a hoof to the cliff, "after you."
With deep breath and a little tune to calm her nerves, the pony of pop was soon off heading straight down for the lake. Leaving two to go while Braeburn was busy trying to calm down the frightened yellow pegasus.
The pink earth pony turned to Lyra with a comforting smile, "I'll go next if you want to wait a little longer, I don't mind."
Lyra shook her head as she stepped forward, "No, I'll go, I'm here for Bon-Bon I need to do this." The unicorn slowly approached the edge of the cliff as she peaked over looking down, only the thoughts of Bon-Bon keeping her there as she looked back to the host, "my number?"
"Twelve," With a quick nod from Mr. E the mint green unicorn leapt off the cliff leaving Cheerilee up next, as Braeburn was now getting frantic with Fluttershy.
The teacher slowly made her way to the pegasus as she gave her a small pat on the shoulder and a warm smile, "It's alright Fluttershy, nopony will force you if you don't want to go." Cheerilee turned back to the host smiling as big as ever, "I'm ready."
"Then your number is six," Stepping aside Mr.E was smiling as Cheerilee took her place and jumped making a decent sized splash as she hit the water. Slowly as she made her way to the shore Octavia appeared in deep concentration as Luna was there waiting with a smile, "my number is six." And with her job done the earth pony made her way to start drying off.
CHEERILEE: Oh my, that was definitely something! My students will have hay day when they hear about this!
With that there was only two ponies left up as Mr.E slowly made his way to them, "so who's next?"
Fluttershy immediately squeaked and balled up more, "I cant..... I just cant!"
Braeburn was nudging her softly trying to help her relax, "hey it's alright, ya’ll will be fine alright? Ah can personally guarantee it." The yellow pony was smiling proudly as the pegasus looked up to him.
"How....can you guarantee that?" Fluttershy was slowly unballing herself, there was just something about the farm pony’s voice she felt she could just trust.
Braeburn was completely caught off guard by the question, putting him in a frantic search for an answer, "by..... ummmmm...." He could see that she was intent for an answer so he needed to act fast or risk her actually not jumping, "here, with this." Braeburn slowly took off his hat and placed it on the Fluttershy's head, "that there is mah lucky hat, nothin' bad will happen to ya with it on. Ah promise!"
The timid pegasus looked up from under the hat, "Pinkie promise?"
The earth pony tilted his head now completely confused, "Pinkie what now?"
Fluttershy actually giggled slightly as she stood up leading Braeburn through the motions of a Pinkie promise until he finally managed it right even if he still didn't completely understand. Slowly the pair made their way to the cliff, Fluttershy still very scared and shaking but she was still standing there next to Braeburn as he looked to the host, "can we go together? It's tha only way she’ll go."
Mr.E just shrugged and nodded, “that’s fine by me, Fluttershy your number is thirteen and Braeburn you are seventeen." Taking out his last piece of rope he went about tying Fluttershy's wings.
Braeburn gave Fluttershy one last comforting pat on the back before they both finally jumped off together causing the biggest splash as they hit the water. There was cheering all around as they made their way to shore, Rainbow Dash immediately coming to bring Fluttershy a towel, "You did it Shy!"
Fluttershy turned a deep red as everyponies attention went to her, “I did.... I did it!" For the first time since arriving the shy pegasus was actually smiling.
Everyone was so caught up in the moment that Princess Luna had to clear her throat to attract everyone's attention back to her, "not to be rude, but I still need the numbers."
"Oh.... umm.... thirteen" Fluttershy offered a small smile as Luna looked over to Braeburn.
"Mah number is seventeen." The yellow earth pony stood proud as the host finally came down the trail to meet them.
"Good job everyone, that would be a total of 10000 bits," everyone was cheering as their first success boosted their morale, "however.... 2000 was lost due to a penalty."
"WHAT?" Trixie was infuriated as she stepped forward, "how did we lose bits?"
Mr.E was smiling as she signaled over to Braeburn and Fluttershy, the realization dawning on their faces. "A certain somepony took off a hat while somepony else put it on."
Braeburn’s ears fell back immediately as he looked to everypony, "ahm sorry guys, ah wasn't thinking up there.... ah just wanted to help...."
TRIXIE: Trixie would think that farmer did it on purpose, but he probably isn't smart enough to be the mole. Trixie will have to watch Fluttershy more carefully....
Fluttershy moved over closer to Braeburn before everypony could get upset with him, "please don't be upset... he just wanted to help...."
SOARIN': Could it have really been sabotage? From what I know they're both nice ponies.....
Mr.E quickly brought the attention back to himself as he looked to Octavia and Luna, "We still have one more challenge to finish. Do you two have all the numbers in the correct order?"
Octavia stepped forward as she simply nodded, "Eight, Fifteen, Nineteen, Three, Seven."
Luna was quick to finish the rest as she stepped forward, "Fourteen, Twelve, Six, Thirteen, and Seventeen."
The host stood silent for a moment as if he was thinking it over, "Is that your final answer?" The two mares nodded in unison as he looked from one to the other, "then the pot now sits at 18000, good work!" As everyone cheered the carriages all made their way back down the trail, parking back in front of the group. "That wraps things up for tonight, so lets get to the hotel you will all be staying at for the next few nights so you can all unpack your things and relax.
THE GALLOPHRY PALACE
As the carriages parked, all the contestants were finally able to get their first looks at their new home for their time during these challenges. The hotel stood tall above them all as they were lead inside into the main lobby where Mr.E was already waiting for them with a big smile, twelve black duffle bags were lined up behind him, each labeled with everyone’s cutie mark , and a table sat nearby lined neatly with several journals numbered one through twelve. “Hello and welcome to The Gallophry Palace everyone. This is where we will be staying while we are on our little adventures of ours. Now it’s time for us to choose journal numbers, and your roommates.”
BLUEBLOOD: They’re expecting me to share a room with some commoner? I don’t think so!
“So let’s get this started shall we?” Taking a small bag he had behind him, Mr.E reached in and pulled out a small chip, “the first contestant in room 201 is…” The host was smiling as he paused for drama before reading the name on the chip, “Prince Blueblood! Come on over here Blueblood, grab the bag with your cutie mark and select the journal you want. Remember that these journals are for you and you alone to take notes in to help you figure out who the mole is, so use it as much as you see fit.”
Blueblood stepped forward and lifted his bag from the ground as he trotted to the table looking over all the journals there, “I’ll take number one, since I am the most important pony here.”
BRAEBURN: That prince toots more horns than a marchin’ band, it’s kinda crazy.
Mr.E looked back to the group as he reached back into the bag and pulled out a second chip, “and your roommate is….. Gilda!”
The griffon stepped forward almost smiling at the clearly disgusted prince, “Perfect!” As she looked over the bags she grabbed the only one without a cutie mark and just grabbed any journal off the table, her’s was number five.”
GILDA: Ha, I kind of like sharing a room with that dweeb of a prince, he probably hates me after today and you know what? He probably should!
As the griffon and the prince left arguing for their room, Mr.E turned back to the rest of the group as he reached into the bag and pulled out another chip, “next up and first for room 202 is….. Trixie.”
“It’s The Great and Powerful Trixie! How many times will Trixie have to say that?” The azure show mare huffed as she stepped up taking her bag and proceeding to the table, “Trixie is taking number nine.”
As she stood next to the host, he was already reaching into the bag, “alright and your roommate is….. Cheerilee!”
“Me?” The pink earth pony stepped forward smiling as she took her bag and trotted to the table, “I think I’ll just take six.” And with that the school teacher was off heading to her room with her Great and Powerful roommate.
“Next is room 203, and the first spot goes to….” Mr.E made sure to take his time as he reached into the bag swirling around the remaining chips before finally pulling one out, “Rainbow Dash!”
“Yes! My turn!” The rainbow maned pegasus flew over quickly picking up her rainbow lightning bolt marked bag and gliding to the table, “I’ll take seven.” Finally collecting her stuff she landed herself next to the host looking over who all was left. “So who is my roomie?”
Mr.E flashed a smile as he reached into the bag, “lets find out!” Slowly he pulled out the next chip before reading it out loud, “next for room 203 is….. Soarin’”
RAINBOW DASH: YES! This is so sweet!
The Wonderbolt just smiled as he collected his bag and started looking over the remaining journals, “I think I’ll take ten, it was my audition number for the Wonderbolts so I’d say it’s my lucky number!”
“Well let’s see if that number works for you then,” The host nodded to the two as they took their leave, allowing him to turn back to the rest that remained, “Alright, first for room 204 is…..” Reaching into the bag he instantly pulled out a chip, “Octavia!”
OCTAVIA: To be honest I’m hoping for Lyra, that way she wont mind me playing music just as I wouldn’t mind her.
The grey musician stepped forward and grabbed her bag as she trotted with grace to the table and selected her journal, “Mine will be number Twelve.”
As she took her place next to him, the host reached back into the bag and pulled out the next chip “Now, your roommate is….. Braeburn!”
OCTAVIA: Well it’s not who I wanted but he is on my watch list so this may work out.
The yellow cowpony stepped forward smiling, “yeehaw, it’s mah turn!” Braeburn quickly grabbed his red apple marked bag and went over to the table looking at the journals that remained, “Ah suppose ah’ll take four!”
And with his selection made the two earth ponies made their way to their room, leaving only four ponies left. “Alright, lets see who is the first for room 205.” Mr.E shoved his hoof back into the bag and pulled out one of the remaining chips, “First up is…. Sapphire Shores!”
“MMMMMMMMmmmmmMMMM yeah yeah!” The pony of pop was singing away as she grabbed her bag and went to take a journal, “I’ll take number eight!”
Fluttershy was avoiding eye contact with the pony of pop as Mr.E was busy pulling out the next name, “please no….. please no….”
“Next up is….. Fluttershy!” Mr.E couldn’t contain his laughter as the earth pony celebrated and the timid pegasus recoiled before slowly stepping forward, her head hanging low.
FLUTTERSHY: Ummm…… I don’t want to be mean…. but Sapphire scares me….
Slowly Fluttershy grabbed her bag with the three pink butterflies before looking over the last three journals, “I guess…. I’ll take number eleven?”
Mr.E was still chucking as the two turned to leave and he was left with the final two ponies, “Alright Princess Luna and Lyra it appears you two get the last room number 206! Please just grab your bags and take whichever journal you want.”
Princess Luna stepped aside smiling as she let Lyra go first. The mint green unicorn took number three so she was left with two, “Shall we head to our room then?”
“Lets go,” Lyra wasn’t entirely sure how to react so she just trotted silently next to the Princess as they headed for their room.
Everyone was left to their own business for a few hours before they were once again summoned to the main lobby. Mr.E was waiting for them all as they slowly got there in different intervals until the last of the group finally arrived. “So how is everyone liking their room and roommates?“ The host didn’t even bother to wait for a reply as he just continued, “So is everyone ready for the next challenge? For this one you all must divide yourselves into two teams of six. One group is those who will fight when a challenge arises, and the other group is those who choose to avoid the altercation altogether and flee.” Immediately Trixie, Rainbow Dash, Soarin’, Braeburn, Gilda, and Sapphire took to the fight team, leaving Luna, Octavia, Blueblood, Fluttershy, Lyra, and Cheerilee on the flight team. “Good, now flight team I need you to follow me, the fight team you all get the day off. Your challenge isn’t until tomorrow morning so kick back and relax.” With that Mr.E turned and started to leave the hotel, the six members of the flight team following close behind. Three carriages were awaiting outside to take them to their unknown destination.
A CORN FIELD JUST OUTSIDE BUCKINGHAM
As they arrived at the cornfield the sun had already set and Luna just watched as somewhere in Canterlot her sister raised her moon while she was here competing.
LUNA: I can still raise the moon here, but Celly was insistent that I focus fully on this game….
The host brought attention to himself as everypony was busy looking around at their surroundings, “Alright flight team, I need you now to decide amongst yourselves which three of you are followers and which three are leaders. The followers come to my left and the leaders to my right.” Mr.E took his spot just in front of the cornfield as he waited for them to make their decisions.
Blueblood was again the first to step forward, “I refuse to be a follower, I am a leader!” Before anypony could argue he already went to standing to Mr.E’s right.
Since nopony felt like arguing with him they let him stay and went to deciding the other two who will be leaders, eventually it was settled with Luna and Octavia so they took their spots next to Blueblood as the other three went to Mr.E’s left. “Great, now you will all be paired up and the simplicity of this game is this. The followers will be blindfolded and sent into this corn maze behind me with only a flashlight and a radio ear piece. It will be the leaders job to lead them through the maze without getting them caught by any of the three the guard ponies patrolling around in there. The leaders will be watching from a hot air balloon up above, so be sure to keep track of your follower and escort them to safety, every follower that make it out safely will earn the team 10000 bits. Does everyone understand? Or any question?” After a few moments of silence Mr.E just smiled, “good, then lets get started!”
After a quick shuffle up Fluttershy was teamed with Prince Blueblood, Princess Luna teamed with Cheerilee, and Octavia with Lyra. The three followers were blinded and placed in three different starting points within the maze with only their flashlights and radios as the leaders were sent skyward into the air in the hot air balloon. From above the three leaders quickly went to planning their routes just as the bell was rung signaling the start of the game.
Luna was quick to get started as she levitated her radio in front of her, “Cheerilee, can you hear me? Go forward quickly you have a good distance to go before your first turn comes alright?”
Cheerilee happily trotted along as she followed as directed, “got it!”
Octavia was also managing her leader role quite well as Lyra already turned the forth corner, only bumping into the wall twice now. “Lyra, you have a guard pony heading your way from behind. Turn right now and keep going!”
LYRA: This was pretty intense, I couldn’t see anything with that blindfold on and with only Octavia’s voice to lead me…. My heart was pounding!
Fluttershy was still barely out of her starting position as she kept bumping into wall after wall, the fact that Blueblood was only just yelling at her through her earpiece not helping her in the slightest, “MOVE! Come on, Hurry up!” Fluttershy was trying her hardest as she continued to stumble around hitting every wall she came across. “What are you useless or something? The guard pony is coming! MOVE!” Blueblood was about ready to quit as the sound of crying was now very evident to all in the balloon.
Fluttershy was soon grabbed by the first guard pony and escorted out of the maze leaving just two left in the field and a lost 10000 bits for the group. Luna and Octavia just shook their heads in disgust as Blueblood just stood there not caring about how bad he just hurt the poor pegasus pony who was still crying down below.
OCTAVIA: How could anypony be that heartless? First his refusal to jump and now this? If he’s the mole he isn’t doing a very good job of being subtle….
LUNA: I’m going to have to talk to Celly about this…. She isn’t going to like how he is acting….
Luna did her best to clear her head of what she just witnessed as she focused back to her partner, “Cheerilee, take a right now there is a guard pony heading your way from the left.”
“Alrighty!” Cheerilee was still happily trotting along completely calm as she did her best to listen to Luna. “Where next?”
“Go forward then hang a left when I tell you, your almost there but the guard pony is closing in so you need to hurry.” Focusing ahead of the maze Luna was now able to plan out the last of the escape route. “Go left now quickly!”
Octavia remained calm and collected as she continued with Lyra, but with two guard ponies nearby her escape paths were almost all blocked. “Lyra, go right and get ready to gallop. The guards are nearby but I’m leading you to a decent straight run so you can get away alright?”
“Alright, just tell me when to go,” Lyra bumped into a wall as she turned right but continued on slightly dizzy.
“A left here and run!” Octavia was now planning ahead from the end of the straight path as the guards seem to know they were on her trail.
Lyra took off as fast as her hooves could go as soon as she cleared the turn, “how far do I go?”
“The turn is coming up so slow down and turn right…….. Now!” Octavia let out her held breath as there was now a comfortable distance between Lyra and the guards, now she could focus on getting the unicorn out of the maze.
Cheerilee continued as she had been and happily trotted out the maze with Luna’s directions to the awaiting Mr.E. “Congratulation, you have earned 10000 bits for the group!” The host took off her blindfold as he led her to the still sniffling Fluttershy, “that just leaves just one team still out in there.”
Octavia was watching as the third guard pony turned and was now patrolling dangerously close to Lyra, “quick, turn right…. The guard is blocking your exit we need to get around him.”
“He’s blocking the exit?’ Some aggravation was apparent in Lyra’s voice as it came through the radio. “So which way do I go now?”
“Just turn the corner, it will turn to the left almost immediately, just stay there and hide…. We’ll have to wait for him to pass by and hope he doesn’t turn…”
“What are you crazy?” Lyra was about to panic as she pressed herself against the wall of corn, “and what happens if he turns?”
“Quiet, it’s a calculated risk I know but from what I’ve seen odds are he wont turn.” Octavia was really taking a risk with this, but she trusted her observations he wouldn’t turn. “Just stay absolutely quiet.”
Lyra put a hoof to her mouth as she could hear the guard approaching, his hoof steps louder than ever with her heightened sense of hearing since being blindfolded. Slowly he got closer and her heart began to beat faster, soon enough the big moment came but he continued forward. Lyra let out a sigh of relief as she heard him pass by, “can I move now?”
Octavia watched in shock that her plan actually worked as the guard continued on his way, “y…yeah just turn left then immediately go right…. You’re almost at the exit.”
Lyra slowly moved away from the wall as she turned left, the sound of the hoof steps slowly getting quieter but she didn’t turn fast enough as she walked straight into the wall of corn making them rustle a lot louder than she would have liked, “oh no….”
The guard was all the way down the hall of corn but as soon as he heard the sound he immediately turned around and saw Lyra, Octavia just watched in horror as he charged at full gallop in Lyra’s direction. “RUN LYRA RUN!” Octavia now had to act fast, the guard was catching up quick so there was no room for errors if Lyra was going to make it in time without getting caught, “Right now! LEFT! Come on Lyra you’re almost there! Left!”
Lyra was running at her full gallop, but no matter how hard she pushed herself the hoof steps behind her just kept getting louder and louder. The guard pony was catching up quickly and if she didn’t hurry she was going to get caught. “How far left?”
“Last right, turn now!” Octavia fell back on her haunches with a loud sigh as Lyra completed the last turn and got out of the maze just seconds before the guard grabbed her.
Mr.E immediately went to removing the unicorns blindfold, “Congratulations Lyra, you made it… but just barely. That puts the group total earnings at 20000 for this challenge and puts the group total to 38000 bits.” Octavia, Luna, and Blueblood finally rejoined the group as Mr.E continued, “there is actually one other little detail I need to share with you all.” Everyone’s eyes were immediately set on to the host as he smiled, “there was an exemption at stake here tonight, the way to get it was simple. Either have the pony placed at the specific starting point and escape for the leader of that team to get it, or get caught for the follower to get it… so can I have Fluttershy, Luna, and Octavia step forward?” Immediately the three stepped forward as they were now the only ones eligible for the exemption, “and for this challenge, the exemption goes to………… Fluttershy!”
BLUEBLOOD: Are you kidding? She gets the exemption? She was useless!
LUNA: Although with what she went through the pegasus deserves it, but still….. She now lost us 12000 bits….. Maybe she knew about the exemption if she got caught…..
With the last of what was needed finally wrapped up everypony got back into the carriages and headed back for the hotel.
THE GALLOPHRY PALACE
The flight team finally made it back to the hotel just in time for dinner as they quickly took their seats with the rest of the group. “So how’d it go?” Braeburn was smiling as the group as he asked the question everyone was obviously thinking.
Luna was the first to respond as she got settled and started to grab some food, “we earned 20000 bits out of 30000.”
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow as the next obvious question came up, “So what happened to the other 10000?”
Fluttershy squeaked instantly and sank into her chair as Octavia started rubbing her back offering a comforting smile, “Fluttershy and Blueblood failed the challenge due to…. communication difficulties… he basically yelled at her until she cried and got caught.”
Blueblood turned his head up as she snuffed at the rest of the table, “It’s not my fault she was-”
The pompous prince was quickly cut off as Rainbow Dash quickly flew into his face, “You made Fluttershy cry? I should hurt you for that!”
Braeburn was quick to get up and try to pull Dash away from the prince, “Careful Rainbow, ya’ll aint wanna go home on account ah him do ya?”
Fluttershy decided to add in before anything bad could happen, “it’s okay Rainbow….. I got an exemption from it….”
“MMMMMMMMMhhhhhmmmmmmmm,” Sapphire was clopping her hooves in joy, “Miss Rose is here to stay!”
Fluttershy squeaked again as she sunk back into her chair, now a very deep red, “please….don’t call me that….”
TRIXIE: Trixie has known Fluttershy for some time now, and has never heard of this name…. Trixie will have to ask Twilight when she gets back home but for now she’ll definitely keep an eye on that pegasus.
Mr.E finally walked in with a big smile, “Good evening everyone, I’ll take it the events of the challenge have been shared fully by now?” His smile grew bigger as the group nodded, “good, so tomorrow morning will be the fight team’s turn and then you all will be taking your first quiz. So I hope all of you are making good use of your journals.”
OCTAVIA: I’ve been taking very detailed notes, and from what I’ve gathered the only possibilities for the mole right now are Fluttershy first, then Braeburn and Prince Blueblood next.
Rainbow Dash was looking at Mr.E with a smile, “so what will we be doing tomorrow anyways?”
“In due time Rainbow Dash, you and everyone else on your team will find out first thing tomorrow morning.” The host bowed to them all as he turned to leave, “be sure to sleep well, you will need it! Good night everyone.”
Dinner ended soon after Mr.E left and everyone excused themselves to their rooms since at least one from each room, excluding Luna and Lyra’s, needed to be rested for the challenge the next day. The two that stayed up the latest was the light blue pair of pegasi, both were too excited for the challenge to come.
Soarin’ still had some snacks with him that he was happily chowing down as he talked with his fellow flyer, “so what do you think the challenge will be?”
Rainbow Dash was pumped as she glided around the room, “I’m not sure, but I hope it’s something action packed! I’m ready to kick flank and fly!” The rainbow pegasus landed on the floor and crouch low in an attack ready stance.
Soarin’ chuckled slightly as he stretched out his wings, “I know what you mean, if it has anything to do with flying then I’ll have this in the bag! Flying is the name of my game!”
Rainbow watched her roommate and friend with a big smile, “hey Soarin’ you and I are close considering your relationship with Applejack and all, and we are both good friends with Fluttershy who now has Sapphire! So if you and I work together we can get pretty far in this game.”
Soarin’ actually stopped eating for once as he listened to Rainbow’s speech, it actually made a lot of sense. “So you and I work together since we’re rooming together makes sense, but the only thing I am concerned about is Fluttershy, she has already costed us quite a few bits….. do you think she can be the mole?”
RAINBOW DASH: Fluttershy the mole? Well I suppose it makes sense… but I still think it’s Trixie!
“Honestly I don’t know, so far everything she has done is something she would normally do…. We both know that.” The rainbow pegasus waved her mane around as she thought about it, “I still say it’s Trixie!”
Now the stunt flyer nearly choked in what he was eating, “Trixie? Why? She hasn’t done anything yet!”
Rainbow Dash just scoffed, “Are you kidding? It’s Trixie! What more reason do you need? You should at least know her a little bit!”
“I don’t know she seems fine when around Twi and Luna, and they do have Midnight,” Soarin’ just shrugged as he kept eating, “what about Brae and Blueblood?”
Rainbow rubbed a hoof under her chin as she thought about it for a second, “That prince is probably just some jerk but Braeburn? You really think he can be the mole?”
Soarin’ reclines back into his bed as he looked up to the ceiling, “I wouldn’t say no, but I cant say yes either….I’m just going to keep an eye on him. But for right now, consider us partners in this game!”
“Deal, but you better not end up being the mole!” Rainbow Dash laughed as she jumped onto her own bed. “Good night Soarin’!”
“Night Dash!” And with that both flyers finally went to bed.
MAIN LOBBY
Day 2
The next morning the fight team was quickly assembled into the main lobby where Mr.E was waiting for them to arrive with a big smile as they lined up in front of him, “alright, are all of you ready to head out for your challenge?”
BRAEBURN: Ah am so ready, ah need to redeem mahself for the mess up in tha first challenge!
TRIXIE: Trixie has been ready for this, Trixie is too Great and Powerful to lose!
Mr.E quickly led the group outside as they all got into their carriages and were quickly carried off to their destination.
BUCKINGHAM COLISEUM
Mr.E led the group of six to the center of the arena as they entered the coliseum, six other ponies were already waiting for them there. Of the six two were earth ponies, two were unicorns, and the last two were pegasi. “Alright fight team, the basis for your challenge is simple. This will be like an olden time gladiator battle of five on five.” The six there looked at each other slightly confused as the counted to make sure they had their numbers right, “the other remaining member of your team will be Caesar, or the king/queen for your team. The sole objective for this game will be to take out the enemy Caesar. So I will need you to pick out exactly who you want to take that role, but bear in mind that their role will be big in success for the challenge they themselves will not be of major use to the rest of the team as the rest fight to defend them. Those who will be fighting please stand to my right while the designated Caesar please head over there to the table for further instruction.” With one hoof, the host pony pointed to the table a few feet away.
Gilda and Trixie wasted no time lacing themselves to the right of Mr.E leaving just Braeburn, Soarin’, Rainbow Dash, and Sapphire. “Alright guys how are we going to figure this out?” Soarin’ immediately took charge as he looked to his fellow ponies.
Rainbow Dash looked over to Mr.E before turning back to Braeburn, “listen Brae, I don’t mean to be rude, but out of us all here you are the only one who has costed us some bits….”
The yellow farm pony quickly cut her off as he nodded, “ah understand, ah’ll take the job to prove ah really didn’t mean to lose us them bits.” With a nod from the other three they all took their place next to Mr.E as Braeburn looked over to the table, “ya’ll just make sure to protect me okay?”
Mr.E joined Braeburn in his walk to the table as five separate helmets and a laurel could now be seen on the table, only one of which was silver while the rest were gold. “Alright Braeburn, since you are Caesar the laurel is yours, but now you must name who on your team is more likely to be a traitor. They will receive the silver helmet, but choose carefully and present them all with their helmets as I tell the opposing team that they too will have an earth pony Caesar.”
The farmer had to remove his cowboy hat to put on the laurel as he carefully looked the silver helmet over, “more likely ta be a traitor?”
BRAEBURN: Well how am ah supposed to know? All ah had to go on was what ah knew about everyone…. And that wasn’t much.
After finally making his decision he called everyone over and started handing out the helmets, the silver one going to Trixie as she looked at him quizzically as to why hers was a different color, “and why does Trixie not get a gold one?”
As if on queue Mr.E trotted back to the group, “I see the silver helmet has been given out, then Trixie this is for you.” The black host pony held out a small piece of paper in which the stage mare quickly grabbed from him and began to open it up, “I’d recommend reading it away from everyone before we start.”
Trixie just rolled her eyes as she left a few feet away from the group and opened the note reading it to herself in a hushed voice, “You have been selected as the most likely to be a traitor by Caesar, now is your chance to prove them wrong or right. If and only if your team is victorious in this challenge then you will have an important decision to make. You can do the good thing and let your Caesar live allowing your team to keep the bits earned or you can sacrifice those bits and slay Caesar yourself to earn yourself an exemption for tonight‘s execution. The choice is yours.” The magician had to read the note over twice more to make sure she fully understood it and made up her mind on what she was going to do before she rejoined the rest of the group ready to compete.
“Alright now that we are all ready I just need to explain a few things. First everyone of you will be wearing one of these specially made harnesses,” Mr.E held up one of the black harnesses for an example, “they all have two sensor plates that will stay in place on both sides of the body, the challenge is to simply take out both plates. The first team to take out the opposing teams leader wins. Also it will be good to note that they have sensors in them to instantly break if you go out of bounds, so watch the boundaries. Another thing to note is that you all will be provided with a spear as your only weapon, excluding for Caesar who will be provided a shield. They are specially made so that they only affect the plates and will not pierce skin or harm anyone in any way but they do not have to be used to smash the plates. Oh and one last note goes to Trixie specifically, you can use magic but only to form a small shield or to shoot bolts at an enemy target. So now is everyone ready?” With a quick nod they all began to suit up.
Rainbow Dash: This is going to be sweet, the other team wont know what hit them!
“Oh before you begin I might add that your opponents are specially trained fighter ponies, so they will not make this easy. Good luck!” Mr.E trotted to the sidelines as the two teams each lined up at their starting positions, the challenge was about to begin, “READY….. SET…….GO!” The host blew hard on his whistle and everyone quickly took off.
Soarin’ instantly took to the sky flying straight up to the edge of the arena boundaries, if there was anything he knew it was to get a good view of the battlefield, “time to shine and prove why the Wonderbolts are the best!”
Rainbow Dash took off along the ground bobbing and weaving as the enemy ponies charged in her direction, but after a quick glance it quickly became apparent that none of the opposing pegasus ponies were after her. Looking up the rainbow pegasus finally realized who the first one was targeting, “Soarin’ look out!” As quick as she could Rainbow took off up into the sky, but she wasn’t fast enough as she had to watch the pegasus instantly smash into the Wonderbolt, sending him several feet out of bounds instantly smashing both of his plates. Soarin’ was out.
SOARIN’: How could I screw up so badly…. Spitfire will have my hide when she hears about this!
Rainbow Dash quickly shot up to the pegasus who was now flying directly at her. The two were locked in a game of chicken as both refused to give the other an inch. The two were in full speed as they got closer and closer, their collision just about guaranteed when suddenly out of nowhere a brown and white blur swooped in and instantly smashed both of the enemy ponies plated with her talons, “sorry Dashie, but you’ll have to be faster than that if you want to win!” Gilda let out a loud laugh as she took off after the remaining enemy pegasus.
Trixie had her hooves full as she was left dealing with both unicorns. Braeburn was behind her with his shield but he wasn’t much use to her as she returned the shots heading in her direction from the enemy unicorns, “come on is that all you got? Trixie can do this all day!” The two on one battle continued fiercely as both sides continued shooting and dodging, Trixie only managing one good shot to take out a plate on one of the other unicorns.
The only one on the fight team having a problem now was Sapphire Shores, no matter what the pony of pop tried the other earth pony always had her on the ropes barely able to dodge his strikes. Sapphire was quickly getting desperate as she looked up to the sky for anyone to help and quickly spotted the rainbow maned pegasus, “Rainbow, help me!”
The next few moments were a blur as the cyan pegasus instantly swooped down at the earth pony causing him to roll out of the way just in time while simultaneously taking out one of the pegasus’s plates, but the move provided the golden opportunity as Sapphire swung her spear like crazy and managed a lucky hit to one of his plates smashing it on contact. The unicorns from both sides were quick to act and soon both Rainbow Dash and the enemy earth pony found themselves out and on the sidelines, leaving a very shocked Sapphire in the middle of the battlefield alone. The only thing she could think to do was run, so she did straight to Trixie and Braeburn.
“What are you doing over here go! Trixie has this covered!” The stage mare was not amused as the singer looked around franticly for what to do next, “look, Trixie will have you covered with her shield so all you need to do is charge over there and take out there leader and we win.”
In an instant Sapphire could feel the unicorn pushing her forward as a shield appeared in front of her, “alright, then….” Sapphire Shores took off as fast as she could straight at the two unicorns as the shield deflected their attempts at stopping her and soon she found herself barreling through their defenses straight for the last enemy earth pony and her target.
SMASH
Trixie quickly shot off two shots taking out one plate on each of the unicorns as her distraction idea worked, but what amazed her the most was that Sapphire actually managed to take out a plate on the earth pony before going down herself. So now the teams were left with both teams having one unicorn, a flyer, and their leader, and out of all that were left she and Braeburn were the only ones still with two plates. They were winning.
Braeburn was busy dodging whatever stray shots were fired his way as he mimicked the other earth pony’s method of staying behind their unicorn, but eventually that wouldn’t be enough. He will have to be able to defend himself if Trixie lost so it was either defend himself now or possibly become a sitting duck later, the choice wasn’t hard. Slowly and inch by inch the cowpony stepped away from the unicorn fully aware that he was attracting the enemy unicorn’s attention as he turned and leaned onto his front hooves just as she shot at him. Giving the kick all he can Braeburn bucked the bolt straight into the sky and luckily managed a direct hit on the enemy pegasus, but he quickly found himself on the floor as his body went limp from the magic behind the bolt. He was definitely now a sitting duck and sure enough one of his plates went quickly.
Trixie acted quickly as she got in front of Braeburn, but with him not moving her job instantly became harder and she quickly lost her first plate. The performer tried her hardest to keep up as she shot bolt after bolt but she was quickly losing ground. Deep down she knew they were going to need a miracle to win this, and now that just didn’t seem likely.
SMASH
All jaws dropped as Gilda now stood over the enemy Caesar, both of his plates now fully destroyed, “and that’s how it’s done!” The griffon stood proud as the rest of the team cheered from the sideline.
Trixie finally let out a sigh of relief as the end game whistle was blown and she was able to turn to Braeburn as he slowly started to get up, “Trixie wanted to thank you for giving her this helmet.” The azure unicorn smirked and with a quick flash of light a bolt from her horn quickly smashed the cowpony’s last plate.
Mr.E stepped forward almost instantly as he blew the whistle again, “looks like you made your choice Trixie, you have now earned an exemption for tonight and no bits are earned.”
“WHAT?’ Gilda was quick to get into the unicorns face, “how dare you cost me the bits that I earned!”
Trixie just huffed and turned her back, “The Great and Powerful Trixie will do whatever it takes to ensure she makes it to the end of this game, so if some bits are lost along the way then so be it!” With that the magician quickly headed back to her carriage.
The rest of their group just shook their head in disbelief, how could anyone be that selfish? They all knew they would have something to think about when they got back, slowly they all climbed into their carriages and were on their way back to the hotel.
THE GALLOPHRY PALACE
The rest of the six sat patiently in the lobby as they watched the returning six walk into the door. The looks on most of their faces made it apparent that whatever happened wasn’t very good. Luna was the first to speak up as they sat with them, instantly opening her journal to take notes, “what happened?”
Rainbow Dash just shook her head as she looked to Trixie, “ask her! She costed us 20000 bits!”
Once again Trixie huffed as she looked back to group, “and Trixie got an exemption from it! The Great and Powerful Trixie will dare any of you to say you wouldn’t accept the offer!”
Rainbow was already in her face, “I can guarantee I wouldn’t! It’s called loyalty, ever heard of it? I would have thought Twi would have at least taught you that!”
The unicorn was now pushing back as she glared at the pegasus, “Trixie doesn’t need to be taught anything! If you would refuse that kind of offer than you are a foal!”
Quickly Mr.E stepped in pushing the two apart, “alright ladies, now isn’t the time for that. If everyone will take their seats I will be happy to show you all the events for both challenges.” Mr.E held up two disks as he smiled, “that way you all know exactly what happened if you were not there. Make sure to take good notes or you may miss something crucial. The first quiz is tonight!”
As the movies ended everyone went their separate ways to think and study for the first quiz. None of them wanted to be the first to go.
GILDA: I’ll admit I hate Trixie, but I would have done it too…. So the mole has to be either Soarin’ for losing so quickly, Blueblood for not even trying to be helpful, and Fluttershy for losing twice.
OCTAVIA: After watching everything today, I may have to change up my ideas on who the mole is.
LUNA: I personally know Trixie, so I wouldn’t put it passed her to do what she did…. She isn’t a suspect for me.
Cheerilee was trotting to her room smiling but as she was walking by the rooms a mint green unicorn pulled the earth pony into her room looking at her intently, “Cheerilee, I need to talk to you.”
“Oh? What about?” Cheerilee tilted her head slightly but was still smiling as big as ever.
“About the game, what else? The quiz is coming up and I want to make sure we don’t go home!” Lyra sighed as she sat on her bed pulling out her journal, “after what we saw today I think we can say Trixie isn’t the mole.”
“But didn’t she cost us 20000 bits?” Cheerilee was genuinely confused, she had been thinking about Trixie being the mole since she saw the videos.
Lyra quickly flipped through her journal to prepare for more notes, “I know that, but think of why… she did it for the exemption. I mean, I know I probably would have done it…”
“You’d give up bits for an exemption?” Cheerilee was taken aback, she wouldn’t expect Lyra as such a game player.
“Well yeah, it’s not like I have a choice. I’m doing this for Bon-Bon, so if I need to give up bits to guarantee my spot then I’d do it.” Lyra nodded her head as she dug through her bag and pulled out a picture she had brought of Bon-Bon.
“I suppose I could see that, and it does make sense.” The pink earth pony sat as she thought about it, “then who do you think is the mole?”
Lyra put the picture back in her bag as she flipped through her journal, “right now my guesses are still on Braeburn and Fluttershy, but mostly Fluttershy.”
“Fluttershy? Well she did lose us bits so I suppose that makes sense, but Braeburn? Wasn’t he just trying to help at the cliff? What else did he do?” Cheerilee was now writing in her journal as she really started thinking about it.
“Braeburn did lose us the 2000 bits, but he also wasn’t that helpful at the gladiator challenge. Which also brings me to Soarin’, he’s a Wonderbolt right?” Lyra was busy scribbling away as her thought process started to go, “Aren’t they suppose to be the best flyers in Equestria? He lost that challenge in under a minute easily putting our team at a disadvantage.”
“But Braeburn was put in that position wasn’t he, by the others? Though Soarin’ is a Wonderbolt, so he should be the best flyer here… maybe he just wasn’t paying attention?” The school teacher was now getting more and more confused. “Well it’s something to think about, but right now I just want to take a nap. See you later Lyra.”
CHEERILEE: Was Lyra trying to confuse me? She didn’t seem too helpful after all that… could she be the mole?
The rest of the day went by quickly and soon everyone found themselves at dinner once again, but this time the conversations were kept down as everyone was anticipating the upcoming quiz. After tonight, one of them was going home and none of them wanted that to be them. Causally Mr.E trotted in either oblivious to the anxiety in the air or ignoring it completely as he smiled to the group. “I hope you all studied up because it is time for the first quiz, who would like to go first? Once you’re done you may head back to your room until you are called back down for the execution ceremony.”
One by one the contestant walked to the booth set up for them to take their quiz.
Question 1: What color carriage did the mole arrive in?
A. Violet
B. Red
C. Sky blue
D. Orange
E. Yellow
F. Dark blue
RAINBOW DASH: How in the hay am I supposed to remember that? I think Trixie came in the sky blue one…..
Question 2: What is the mole?
A. Pegasus Pony
B. Griffon
C. Earth Pony
D. Unicorn Pony
E. Alicorn
LUNA: Well I know it’s not me so I can scratch that answer
Question 3: Was the mole selected as good with numbers or having a good memory?
A. Yes
B. No
CHEERILEE: Both Luna and Octavia have been so great so far, I don’t think they can be the mole.
Question 4: What number was the mole to jump?
A.1st
B.2nd
C.3rd
D.4th
E. 5th
F. 6th
G. 7th
H: 8th
I: 9th and 10th
J: Did not jump
SOARIN’: You have got to be joking…. I need to take better notes…..
Question 5: Which team was the mole on for the second challenge?
A. Flight
B. Fight
LYRA: I’m going with fight, they just have more potentials for the mole than our team did….
Question 6: In the corn field maze challenge was the mole a Leader or Follower?
A. Follower
B. Leader
C. Did not compete
GILDA: I’m pretty sure I know who the mole is so this quiz is too easy.
Question 7: What role did the mole play in the gladiator battle?
A. Caesar
B. Fighter
C. Traitor
D. Did not compete
FLUTTERSHY: Oh…ummm… I don’t really know….
Question 8: Was the mole selected for Caesar or the traitor?
A. Yes
B. No
RAINBOW DASH: YES, Trixie was the traitor!
Question 9: Is the mole exempt tonight?
A. Yes
B. No
SAPPHIRE: Well odds are with no so I’m going with that!
Question 10: Who is the mole?
A. Sapphire Shores
B. Prince Blueblood
C. Fluttershy
D. Braeburn
E. Lyra
F. Cheerilee
G. Octavia
H: Princess Luna
I: Rainbow Dash
J: Gilda
K: Soarin’
L: The Great and Powerful Trixie
BLUEBLOOD: I doubt anyone actually knows that, but I’ll figure out soon enough!
Soon after the last quiz was done all the contestants were once again brought into the main lobby, only now a giant screen sat in the middle of the room on a makeshift stage with twelve chairs neatly lined up in front of it. Mr.E stood next to the screen with a small laptop sitting on the podium next to him, his smile as big as ever as they all walked in, “greeting in welcome all of you to your first execution, here is where we find out which of you knows the least about the mole and is therefore going home.” Slowly they all took their seats as he turned on the giant screen to show a giant green hoof print in the middle screen with all of their pictures around it, three in each corner. “One by one I will pick your picture and hoof print will blink from green to red. If it turns green then you are safe, if it turns red then you have been executed from the game and are therefore the mole‘s first victim.” Mr.E then turned his attention to Fluttershy and Trixie, “you two have exemptions for this quiz so you are automatically safe.” After a few quick taps at the laptop the pictures of Fluttershy and Trixie turned green. “Now then, who wants to go first?”
Cheerilee took a deep breath as she raised a hoof, “I’ll go first!”
“Very well,” once again the host went to tapping at the laptop and soon the hoof print began to blink from green to red. “Cheerilee you are….”
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..
…
….
…..
……
…….
……..
………
……….
………..
GREEN
“Safe,” Mr. E smiled to the earth pony as her picture also turned green, “alright then who’s next?
“Ah’ll do it,” Braeburn was the next to raise his hoof and soon the screen’s hoof print resumed it’s blinking.
.
..
…
….
…..
……
…….
……..
………
……….
………..
GREEN
“Yeehaw!” The earth pony celebrated as his picture was now the fourth to turn green.
Next up was Princess Luna, she watched the screen intently as it flashed from red to green.
.
..
…
….
…..
……
…….
……..
………
……….
………..
GREEN
The princess nodded and smiled slightly in approval as her picture turned green.
LUNA: I was actually kind of nervous…. Celly would have teased me to no end if I lost first!
Octavia was the next to volunteer, she held her instrument close as she watched the hoof print. Outside she was as calm as can be, but inside she was as nervous as everyone else
.
..
…
….
…..
……
…….
……..
………
……….
………..
GREEN
Blueblood was now the next to go as she sat there proud and fully certain he wasn’t going anywhere.
.
..
…
….
…..
……
…….
……..
………
……….
………..
GREEN
BLUEBLOOD: I knew I was safe, there is no way I’d lose to some commoners and Luna was already safe!”
“Alright now it’s my turn,” Gilda stood up as she watched the host tap on the laptop once more. The hoof print doing as it has done and blinking from green to red.
.
..
…
….
…..
……
…….
……..
………
……….
………..
RED
“WHAT?” Gilda’s jaw dropped as the red hoof print was staring her in the face, “no way, this cant be right! How can I lose to a bunch of dweebs?” The griffon quickly stormed off as she grabbed her bag, “you know what I didn’t even want to be here anyways! Laters lameos!” Gilda quickly stomped outside the awaiting carriage, unlike the ones that brought them here this one was simply all black with a picture of the world and a pony in the middle of it.
“And with that, Gilda is the first to be executed by the mole. Good job making it through the first execution everypony.” Mr.E quickly went to turning the rest of the pictures green as he also deleted Gilda’s from the screen entirely, “Eleven of you are left, but come next execution there will be only ten.”
BLUEBLOOD: Good riddance! Now I get my own room like I deserve.
RAINBOW DASH: I wasn’t expecting Gilda to go so early…. but it just means that my competition got a little easier!
Everypony slowly made their ways back to their rooms to get a good nights sleep, tomorrow was just going to bring another challenge and they needed to be ready.
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Adventure,Crossover
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My Little Pony: The Equestrian Mole
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Twelve arrive to compete, but one of them is not who they seem.... who is THE MOLE?
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<p>Twelve contestants arrive to compete for the chance at 1,000,000 bits, but one of them is not who they seem. One of them is placed as a mole to sabotage the efforts of the others and keep as many bits out of the group pot as possible. Who is the secret saboteur? Who is THE MOLE?</p>
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2012-01-21T18:21:25+00:00
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The Contestants
Name: Rainbow Dash
Alias/Nickname: Dashie
Birthday: August 7th
Favorite Color: Rainbow
Hometown; Ponyville
Occupation: Weather pony
Name: Cheerilee
Alias/Nickname: Lee/Ms.Cheer
Birthday: February 14th
Favorite Color: Burgundy
Hometown: Ponyville
Occupation: School Teacher
Name: Soarin'
Alias/Nickname: Bottomless Pit
Birthday: December 12th
Favorite Color: Sky Blue
Hometown: Cloudsdale
Occupation: Stunt flyer/performer
Name: Braeburn
Alias/Nickname: Brae
Birthday: September 30th
Favorite Color: Orange
Hometown: Appleoosa
Occupation: Farmer
Name: The Great and Powerful Trixie
Alias/Nickname: Trixie/Tri
Birthday: October 27th
Favorite Color: Violet
Hometown: Canterlot/Ponyville
Occupation: Show Mare/Entertainer
Name: Sapphire Shores
Alias/Nickname: Sapphire
Birthday: November 18th
Favorite Color: Sapphire
Hometown: Canterlot
Occupation: Pop Artist
Name: Fluttershy
Alias/Nickname: Shy/Miss Rose Papillonne
Birthday: May 2nd
Favorite Color: Yellow
Hometown: Ponyville
Occupation: Animal Caretaker/Veterinarian
Name: Princess Luna
Alias/Nickname: Lulu
Birthday: January 1st
Favorite Color: Midnight Blue
Hometown: Canterlot
Occupation: Royal Ambassador
Name: Octavia
Alias/Nickname: Tavi
Birthday: July 22nd
Favorite Color: White
Hometown: Canterlot
Occupation: Musician
Name: Lyra
Alias/Nickname: N/A
Birthday: June 28th
Favorite Color: Teal
Hometown: Ponyville
Occupation: Musician
Name: Prince Blueblood
Alias/Nickname: Blueblood
Birthday: March 13th
Favorite Color: Gold
Hometown: Canterlot
Occupation: Unspecified
DINING HALL
Day 3
Princess Luna sat alone peacefully eating her breakfast as she watched the sun slowly begin to arise. With her normal schedule back in Canterlot having her awake throughout the night and asleep through the day, she was only now getting tired but now everypony was set to start waking up so there was no chance of sleep now. Until she can get used to the new schedule the princess of the night was going to have to rely heavily on her excellent note taking skills to get her through this game since she couldn’t rely too much on thinking clearly when she is as tired as she is sure to be soon enough.
The Great and Powerful Trixie was the first to join the princess downstairs and quickly started to fix up her own breakfast, “didn’t sleep well Trixie takes it?”
“Not too much sleep really, but I’ll manage,” Luna let out a soft sigh as she finished off her breakfast that had been sitting in front of her for some time.
“So then is it safe for Trixie to assume you have been thinking about the game?” The show mare was already smiling as she looked up from her food, “of everypony here Trixie will obviously only trust her teacher.”
TRIXIE: The Great and Powerful Trixie will always trust Princess Luna, there is no way she is the mole.
The princess was already shaking her head but a small smile formed across her muzzle, “Yes actually I have, I’ve been up for quite some time so it was something that came up. Did you care to discuss anything in particular before the others arrive?”
The azure mare laughed slightly as she nodded, “but of course Trixie does! This is a game after all, and The Great and Powerful Trixie isn’t against making a coalition or two to help her get farther.”
Luna was giggling softly as she looked over her pupil, “not one to make too many friends are you Trixie?”
“Trixie doesn’t need friends here, she has all she needs in Ponyville,” a small blush was now finding its way to the magician’s face as she smiled, the show mare was furiously rubbing her cheeks as she tried to rub away the blush, “With all Trixie has she doesn’t need anything else.”
The conversation was cut short as slowly the others started making their way downstairs and helping themselves to breakfast. There was some small talk as everypony ate, but most decided to just stay quiet and to themselves. “Good morning everypony!” Mr. E burst into the room with a big smile as he looked over everypony present. “Did you all sleep well knowing you made it passed the first execution?” There was various replies from the group as Mr. E continued, “Well today is a new day and as we all should know, with a new day comes new adventures!” Some of the group let out a groan as the exuberant host continued on, “now once again the group will be split in two. One side the doers the other thinkers. I need five doers and six thinkers so go ahead and decide that now.”
RAINBOW DASH: Thinking? What do I look like? An egghead?
In an instant Rainbow Dash, Trixie, Blueblood, and Soarin’ took to the doers side while Lyra, Luna, Fluttershy, Cheerilee, and Octavia took to the thinkers side, leaving just Braeburn and Sapphire left to decide.
Sapphire took a quick glance of one team then the other and was quick to start heading to the thinkers side as she looked back to Braeburn with a smile, “I’d like to take this side, if you don’t mind.”
The yellow cowpony just simply smiled and nodded as he looked to those he was left with, “not at all, as long as ya’ll actually let me do something this go around.”
“There will be no doubt about that Braeburn, trust me.” The was the host was smiling mixed with how he talked made most everyone uneasy as they all started to get seated again. “Right, so now that that is settled you all need to know that the doers will be taken to their challenge just after lunch, as for the others your challenge will take place tomorrow. Until then you are all free to go.” With a simple nod the host pony quickly dismissed himself and left everypony to do as they pleased.
OCTAVIA: Why is it that every time that pony opens his mouth I get a bad feeling about what is to come?
After a few more minutes Fluttershy was the first to excuse herself from the table as she went to study her notes and soon after everypony else started to leave as well most leaving in groups as they all went their separate ways leaving just Sapphire sitting by herself. As she watched everyone leave she wanted to talk to somepony but it already seemed everyone was set with their small groups or just themselves. Eventually the pony of pop decided she’d just head to her room for a quick nap, she was sure her roommate wouldn’t mind while she studied. Slowly the singer made her way to the room but as she neared the door she could just barely hear the canary yellow pegasus inside narrating to herself whatever it was she was writing. With curiosity quickly getting the best of her Sapphire quickly found her ear pressed to the door and only after a few words her eyes popped open as she realized that Fluttershy wasn’t writing notes.
Inside the room the usually shy and quiet pegasus was quickly narrating to herself through her excitement as she was just now getting into a more intimate part of her new novel, “the younger mare was laid across the bed a deep blush across her face as she was fully spread for her soon to be lover, “m…. make me sing,” the words were soft and low as the mare’s blush only deepened. Scarlet Skies chuckled softly as she slowly leaned down, kissing the bridge of her lovers nose, “anything you wish.” The two ponies lips met in a passionate embrace as Scarlet’s tongue quickly- EEEK!” In an instant Fluttershy was red faced and trying to hide away her book as Sapphire Shores quickly barged into the room with a wide knowing smile.
“Please tell me I can read that!” Sapphire Shores was quickly approaching the pegasus as she eyed the journal she was trying to hide. “Or better yet, just continue! I’ll just sit here and listen!” The singer was getting into her sing song voice as her excitement only grew.
Fluttershy’s head only got lower and lower as her blush deepened, “b…. but it’s now finished…… nopony is….. supposed to know about it yet.” The yellow pony had her journal well tucked under her as she looked as Sapphire, “wh….what are you doing here a….anyhow?”
Sapphire Shored just raised an eyebrow as she looked to Fluttershy, “this is my room too you know, I was going to take a nap but this just seems so much better!” The earth pony let out a slightly sung giggle as she continued to watch the journal. “So do you take any actual notes in there at all?”
Fluttershy looked down at her journal before picking it up and flipping through the pages, her blush remaining as she finally notices how much of the journal was already taken up by her new novel, “well some.”
SAPPHIRE SHORES: Does she want to go home? Come on! I may love her books more than the next pony but even I know I need to take notes in this game!
Sapphire quickly went to her bed and retrieved her journal before looking back to Fluttershy, “Now I trust you so I’ll share my notes, but you have to promise not to tell anypony else alright?”
“Oh um okay…” Fluttershy just sat there as Sapphire opened up her journal and began going over everything she had written so far. The two sat there for the next few hours until it was finally time for lunch, as they made their way downstairs it seemed everypony was already seated and talking as they ate.
Soon enough Mr. E made his appearance once more with his signature smile as he looked over the group, “Did everypony enjoy their morning?” Without waiting for a full response he continued, “now then as soon as you are finished I will need to see the five doers in the main lobby the challenge starts as soon as the last one arrives. Everyone else enjoy the rest of your day you will be informed on how they do later this evening.” As quickly as he came the host was gone once again leaving everypony to talk amongst themselves again.
TRIXIE: The Great and Powerful Trixie isn’t afraid of anything, she can do any challenge blindfolded!
Without wasting time Trixie, Blueblood, and Braeburn made their way to the lobby as Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ took their time as they walked, “listen Soarin’ I’m telling you Trixie is the mole! Just keep an eye on her and you’ll see.”
SOARIN': To be honest I’m not really sure why Rainbow dislikes her so much, but maybe she is right to watch her…… or maybe she is just trying to trick me. Ugh, I’m just more confused than ever!
Soarin’ threw the thought around in his mind for a while but the more he thought about it the more the fact that Rainbow was so adamant about somepony else being the mole made her seem more suspicious than anything. If anything all he knew was that he couldn’t truly trust anypony.
GALLOPHRY PALACE LOBBY
As soon as Rainbow Dash and Soarin’ were seated the host took his spot in front of the group of five, “Alright everypony since you all decided to be doers, your challenge will have you do a dare based upon what you roll. One by one I will take you into the next room, in there is a simple craps table with a colored die sitting on top. All you have to do is roll the die and then do a dare according to what you roll. Simple enough to understand? The prize for this challenge is 40000 bits, now to make sure you earn those bits for this challenge at least three of the five of you need to successfully complete your dares. Again simple right? Though I would also like to mention that these dares are specifically made for each of you so don’t expect anything easy.” With a smile he looked over the five in front of him before deciding to start with the magician, “alright so Trixie follow me and we shall begin!”
The stage mare followed close behind as they both entered the next room. Sure enough it was just a simple room with the craps table sitting directly in the middle with an azure colored die right on top, Mr. E took his place behind it and with a smile beckoned her over, “So what does Trixie have to do then?” A soft blue glow covered the die as Trixie lifted it up to inspect it.
Reaching under the table Mr. E pulled out a card and began reading it out loud, “Trixie for your dare should you roll a one through three you will have to dye your mane green or pink, we’ll leave that up to you. Now should you roll a four through six you will have to dye your coat green or pink.”
Trixie just stood there with her mouth hanging open as she looked at the host in disbelief, “there is no way The Great and Powerful Trixie will color any part of her body! Trixie is a performer and is well known as the beautiful and amazing mare that is blue and silver! Trixie is not going to do this!”
“Now hold on, you haven’t even rolled the die yet! Besides this is for 40000 bits, just roll and go to the salon then you can make your choice on whether or not you’ll do this alright?” Mr. E was practically grinning from ear to ear now as he sat there watching the stage mare huff and puff about the scenario.
“Fine, Trixie will roll and go,” with that she threw the die on to the table and watched as it bounced around before finally stopping and settling on the number two, “Trixie is still not going to do it though!”
“Please send in Rainbow Dash on your way out please,” Mr. E continued to smile as he watched the obviously annoyed mare leave taking his time to replace the die on the table with a new blue die but this one had rainbow edges. Soon enough the weather pony flew in with a smirk as she approached the table, “so what did you make the braggart do? She seemed rather upset.”
“You all will find out each other’s dares later, in the mean time I’m sure we should be going over yours right about now.” With a quick grin the host grabbed the second card under the table and began to read, “So your dares are, if you roll a one through three then you’ll be saddled with a ball and chain until lunchtime tomorrow, and a four through six will reward you with a cell to yourself for the night.”
The weather pony let out a slightly unsatisfied groan as she thought it over, “so basically it’s no flying or no nice bed then?” As the host nodded she put a hoof to her chin trying to figure which she’d prefer, “well then I guess I’ll hope for a higher number then, I can do without a bed but no flying would drive me crazy.” Rainbow grabbed the die and tossed it across the table, her nerves working as she watched it continue to roll willing it to land as she wanted until it finally slowed and stopped, “Yes, a four!” The mare gave a small hoof pump as she looked to the host, “so now what?”
“You’re free to go, you’ll be shown to your new room for the night later this evening.” Mr. E shooed the pegasus out as he replaced the die with a new white one, “and if you please send in Prince Blueblood.”
RAINBOW DASH: Just stay in some cell for the night? That’ll be easy! We should have this challenge in the bag!
The prince quickly made his way to the room as he was summoned by the blue mare, “is it finally my turn then? Honestly I’m the prince I should have been first!” The white unicorn sat at the edge of the table not really paying attention as he simply just look himself over, “and can we get this over with? I can probably think of better ways to use my time.”
“By all means roll the die now if you want, or you can let me at least explain your dares first if you are so inclined enough as to actually listen.” The host rolled his eyes a bit, the prince was by far one of the worst ponies to be around in his personal opinion.
With a soft white glow the die flew into the air and tumbled around a few times before finally landing on the number five, “there now can I go so I can get this over with?”
Mr. E tried and failed miserably to hide his glee as he looked to the card he had for Blueblood and to the number he had rolled, “certainly, your carriage is waiting for you just outside. If you please send in Braeburn next on your way out.”
The host was just barely able to replace the white die with a yellow as the cowpony finally stepped through the door, “Hey there, Ah reckon it’s my turn now right?” With a slight nod from the other pony Braeburn stepped forward and took a seat just in front of the table, “so what do ah do for mah dare then?”
As the farmer leaned forward taking the die in his mouth the host took his chance to grab the next card and start reading aloud, “Alright Braeburn, if you roll a one through three here then you will have to go the rest of the day and until noon tomorrow without food of any kind.”
BRAEBURN: Ouch, ah don’t think ah can go without eatin’ for that long…..
The host continued on despite the seriously scrunched up face Braeburn was making at the first dare, “and if you roll a four through six then you will have to go the rest of the day and again until noon without any sleep.”
“No sleep? Not even at night?” Braeburn was slightly stunned silent as he thought it over, in truth he didn’t like the sound of either dare but if he had to pick one over the other he would probably go with the lack of sleep in account of him always able to eat back on his farm. Food was just something he was used to on a regular basis, and going a day without just didn’t seem pleasant. “Alright, then ah guess here goes nothing’.” With a quick flick of his head he released the die from his mouth and watched as it rolled across the table bouncing off the opposite wall before slowing and finally stopping, “six…. That was which one agin?”
“No sleep,” The host said it so nonchalantly that it almost didn’t sound that bad, “you will be given a place to stay overnight so we can watch you and still allow your roommate some sleep, so now please send in out last guest for this challenge please.” There was a slight grin on the host’s face as he replaced all the dies back onto the table alongside the one Braeburn had used. As he placed out all the cards used he smiled once more when the stunt flyer flew into the room.
“Hey, so it’s finally my turn? Alright let’s do this!” Soarin’ sat at the end of the table and tilted his head slightly as he looked at the dice and the table, “so…. What exactly do I do?”
Mr. E pulled out the last card from under the table as he looked over the wonderbolt sitting there ready for action, “You Soarin’ now have the chance to win exemption from the next execution, but only if you complete all the dares given to your fellow contestants.”
SOARIN’: Alright this will be easy! I’m pretty much guaranteed to stay now!
The host picked up the first die and placed it in front of the performer, “For your first roll if it’s three or lower then you will have to dye your mane pink or green, four or higher then you will have to paint your coat one of those two colors. Got it?’
“Wh….what?” Soarin’ was caught off guard as he thought it over, “I have to color my mane?”
“Or your coat, depends on what you roll and if you really want the exemption,” The host was more than pleased as he continued to smile, a certain smile that was almost challenging Soarin’ to do the dare.
“Alright then….’ The flier took a deep breath before taking the first die and throwing it across the table watching it intently as it bounced around before finally stopping on the number one, “So then….. My mane is going to be dyed green?”
“Or pink, and personally I’m leaning more to pink!” The host gave a small laugh before moving the first die from the table and pushing the second closer to Soarin’, “now, with this one a one through three will earn you a ball and chain until lunch time tomorrow and a four through six will earn you an overnight stay in a not so comfortable cell for the night. Which would you prefer?”
The sky blue pegasus tapped his hoof to his chin as he thought it over, “well I guess I’d prefer the ball and chain, I’m a wonder bolt after all can’t say I’m used to less than the best when it comes to sleeping habits.” With that the pegasus picked up the second die and tossed it across the board watching as it stopped on a four, “horse apples……”
SOARIN’: Ugh, this is not turning out so well for me at all……..
With a smirk the host continued on as he replaced the current die with the next one, “so with this die the lower numbers will win you a full cast on the lower half of your body until lunchtime tomorrow and the higher numbers will win you a second jump off the cliff from challenge one.”
“Another jump?” Soarin’ hoof pumped the air as he thought about it, “I’m so doing that!” Quickly he grabbed the die and tossed it across the table, his gaze never breaking away from it as it bounced around. His mind was frantic as he willed the die to land in his favor until it finally stopped and he immediately did a flip in the air, “YES a six! When can I go? Can I go now?”
Mr. E did nothing to hide his amusement as he shook his head, “sorry, but you still have to roll one more die, then you can go get started on your growing list of dares.” With that said, the host went to pushing the next die in front of the Wonderbolt. “Now this last one is a little more special than the rest, the dare itself was chosen for Braeburn but we did keep you in mind when deciding what the dare should be.” An almost mischievous grin spread across the host’s face as he continued, “So one through three will leave you with….. no food at all until lunchtime tomorrow.”
Soarin’ immediately broke away from his happy place as his ear and eye twitched from what he just heard, “wh…..what? NO FOOD?”
“That’s right, but four through six leaves you with no sleep until lunchtime tomorrow. So which would you prefer?”
“Are you kidding? I can’t go without food! I’d die!” Soarin’ slowly reached for the die mentally pleading for the second dare. “Please no sleep…. Please no sleep…. Please no sleep.” With a deep breath he tossed the die and waited, the seconds that passed seemed like hours as he watched the die bounce around going from a high number to a low before finally stopping and making his worst fears a reality. The three on the die just stared back at him in an almost mocking way as he shook his head, “can I roll again?”
“Sorry, but all the dares are now set Soarin’ your carriage to your destinations is waiting outside, and remember this is for both 40000 bits and for you exemption.” The host left the room leaving the stunt flier sitting in silence with his head against the table.
SOARIN’: I really want that exemption…. But no food? FOR A DAY? I’m not sure I can do that…..
Slowly the pegasus picked himself up off the floor and started heading outside where sure enough the carriage was waiting to take him to his first stop, “the Salon then I assume?” The carriage ride went by much too slow as his mind was left a jumbled mess, he had to choose now whether or not to do the dares. It was an all or nothing concept so if he said yes here he’d have to go through with the rest, and a no meant that he and the rest of the team was left with only one other no…. the sudden stop by the carriage pulled him from his thoughts and nowhere near ready to make a decision.
As Soarin’ stepped from the carriage a very loud voice was clearly heard from within the salon and as he entered the mare yelling was none other than The Great and Powerful Trixie, “Trixie has already told she is not doing this! Now get that dye away from her!” The stage mare turned around huffing as only scowled more as she saw the wonderbolt at the door, “what do you want? Here to see if Trixie is going to do this? Because she isn’t!” The azure mare stomped out around Soarin’ and started to get into her carriage.
“Wait, you’re just leaving? What about the team?” Soarin’ didn’t know what to think, the fact that she wasn’t even thinking about doing it seemed almost too much. It was like she was deliberately trying to sabotage everything.
SOARIN’: She is just refusing to do anything, and losing us a lot of bits! It’s like she is trying to look like the mole! So… maybe she isn’t? I don’t know….
With a sigh the wonderbolt slowly made his way further into the salon, with one guaranteed no already he couldn’t risk saying no now. “Good bye food…..” Soarin’ gave his head one good shake as he approached the salon pony. “Hey, I guess I’m here to get my mane colored?”
The salon pony was a very light pink pony with a hot pink and purple mane, he was simply shaking his head as he watched the unicorn leave before turning his attention to the newcomer. “Hey there, the name is James, but most call me Hairspray! You actually going to go through with this?” The earth pony smiled slightly as he shook his head again, “that last mare to come here wasn’t exactly….” The pony had to take a moment to figure out how to say anything without coming off as rude, “willing to go through with it.”
“That’s kind of why I have to, she already said no so now I definitely cant….” The wonderbolt hung his head low as he let out another sigh.
“Then if you please take a seat over here, and don’t worry I’ll do my best to make sure you still look as good as you do now alright?” James gave a small laugh as he turned and started grabbing his supplies, “Now from what I’ve been told you have the choice between green and pink right? Well just a suggestion, but for you I’d go for a nice darker shade of pink. With that blue coat of yours the green would just clash in a very unappealing manner.” The colt shook his head distastefully as he thought of it, “but it is still your choice.”
Soarin’ was quick to stick his tongue out at the idea but as the thought it over it didn’t seem to be too bad, and if he was stuck doing this he may as well go all out, “Sure, do what you want and make me look my best. I do have a marefriend back home and I’m sure she’d love to see this.”
“Oh? A marefriend huh? Now you do know that know you’ll have to talk to me more about this right? I do love gossip as I work, and with this mane of yours it may take a while.” With a playful wink the salon pony started getting to work.
“Hey, what’s wrong with my mane?” The wonderbolt crossed his fore hooves as he glared slightly.
“Nothing, I’m just saying it’s a lot of hair is all so come on tell me about this marefriend of yours.” The other pony kept his grin as his hooves worked through the acrobats mane.
“Oh…” The light blue of Soarin’s face was quickly starting to turn a slight red, “well her name is Apple Jack. I met her at the Grand Galloping Gala last year when my team performed that night. She was selling apples and apple based accessories there that night, though I only had one apple pie it was the single most amazing apple pie I ever had.” The flier was rubbing his stomach now just at the thought of it.
“So classic story of getting the guy through his stomach huh?” James laughed as he worked and listened, after an hour and a half his work was finally done and he managed to take a step back to admire his work. “The pink really does look good on you there Soarin’.”
“Does it?” Soarin’ turned around and looked at himself in the mirror tilting his head back and forth so he could see his mane fully, he had to admit it wasn’t as bad as he was expecting though not something he’d like to keep permanently. “Thanks Hairspray, you did amazing considering what you had to work with.”
With a polite nod stylist was smiling, “I was more than happy to do it, you were by far one of the best clients I have ever had. Good day and thanks for sharing your stories! Good luck with whatever else you have to do.” With a wave and a quick light hearted shooing motion he pushed the flier out the door.
Turning around the wonder bolt stepped into the carriage and quickly driven off to his next destination in a much lighter mood this go around. Throughout the trip his hoof was often in his mane as he inspected it over and over, the more he looked at the pink the better it just seemed to seem and if the rest of the dares were going to be like this then it should be a problem at all. As the carriage finally stopped his happiness and excitement just grew more as he saw the familiar scene of the cliff they started the game on but what surprised him was the unicorn standing there already with the host waiting as he got out the carriage. “Prince Blueblood?”
The prince still had his nose in the air as he watched the approaching pegasus, “what do you want? I already told this insistent host that I’m not doing this!”
“Really? But this is so awesome! Why would you not?” Soarin’ looked over the edge with a very large smile as he looked back to the host.
“Whether or not you do this is your choice Blueblood, but keep in mind you could potentially be costing the group 40000 bits by making that choice.” The host stood obviously unamused as he shook his head.
“I don’t care, I was forced off that cliff the first time and I’m not going to do it willingly!’ The white unicorn had his back to the others as he pushed his nose up even higher.
“Alright then, your carriage will take you back to the hotel when you are ready to leave.” Mr. E wasn’t surprised as the prince immediately took off, “anyways Soarin’ you seem rather excited to do this so you ready? Today is just a simple jump alright? No numbers to memorize.”
“Got it!” The blue pony was already at the edge of the cliff and ready to jump as he gave the host one last look, “do I need rope again or can I just go?”
“No, no rope needed just jump when you are ready.” Before the pegasus could jump the host interrupted him once more, “oh and Soarin’ I really like the mane.” With that said and a very large grin he watched the wonderbolt jump up into the air to get higher before diving down and disappearing under the water.
SOARIN’: THAT WAS AMAZING!
BACK AT THE LOBBY
The ride back to the hotel was rather uneventful and soon Soarin’ found himself inside the hotel lobby once again, but what he wasn’t expecting was everypony already sitting there just staring at him as he walked in, “what? Why is everypony staring at me?”
Rainbow Dash was the first to react as she suddenly fell over in a fit of uncontrollable laughter, her legs kicking into the air sporadically, “S…… Soarin’! Wh……what happened…..” The light blue pegasus was struggling for breath as tears welled up in her eyes, her hoof shaking as she tried to point at his mane, “w….why pink?”
Soarin’ just waited for her laughs to die down before he finally responded, “well it was actually suggested by the stylist, and I think it looks pretty good.” He flashed a quick smile before finally joining the others and taking a seat next to Rainbow.
“Now that the distractions are out of the way, we can go over today’s results if anyone is interested,” The room quickly went silent as the focus went to the host, “right so today’s challenge was for the doers to do a dare based off what they rolled on a die. If at least three of them successfully completed their dares then the whole team wins 40000 bits.”
OCTAVIA: 40000 bits over some measly dares? That sounds way too easy…..
If they weren’t before all eyes were now locked onto the host as he continued to read, “the first to go was Trixie.” With a smirk he looked to the stage mare who refused to look back at him, “would you like to tell them your dare and how you did?”
Trixie rolled her eyes as she looked over the group, “fine The Great and Powerful Trixie will tell you. Trixie rolled a two so she was told she was supposed to dye her mane green or pink. As you can see Trixie refused, she was not about to ruin her image with some horrid color!”
RAINBOW DASH: I knew she was the mole! It’s so obvious!
LYRA: You have to be kidding….. does she have to be that stuck up?
“Moving on, next up after Trixie was Rainbow Dash,” Flicking his attention to the weather mare he continued on, “she has yet to do her dare but she hasn’t said no yet. Care to explain further Ms. Dash?”
“Yeah sure,” with over the top dramatic gestures the mare brought all the attention back to her, “So I went in and rolled a four so basically I get to spend the night in some cell or something but whatever I’ll do it easy peasy!”
The group let out collected sigh mostly sure that they had at least one completed dare now, the host was only grinning more and more as he continued, “Next up after Rainbow was Prince Blueblood. Care to take it from here?”
“I actually don’t care to thank you!” Once again the prince huffed and turned his nose away as if uninterested.
“Alright then I’ll continue, he came into the room and basically rolled before I could tell him anything. His dare was to jump the cliff once again from the first challenge.” The group groaned and looked away knowing what was coming next, “he refused.”
“Now in order to win this challenge everypony left has to successfully completely their dares, on that note lets move on to Braeburn. Care to elaborate for your dare?”
“Basically ah just have to stay up ‘til lunchtime tomorrow, so no worries ah can do it!” The cowpony flashed the group a smile as he looked to Soarin’, “So ahm guessin’ we‘re a shoo win?”
“Not unless Soarin’ completes his dares as well.” The host drew all the attention back to him as he continued, “Soarin’ care to explain your unique situation?”
“Sure,” Soarin’ gave his mane a give flip and flashed a smile, “basically I was offered an exemption.” Again the group groaned fearing the worst, “hey hold on, I didn’t finish. Long story short is I have to complete just about every dare the other four got. I rolled a one for Trixie’s dare which is why my mane is pink. I got a four for Rainbow’s dare so I have to stay in a cell too.” The two blue pegasus gave each other a high hoof before he continued, “then I got a six and had to jump like Blueblood and I did it.” Soarin’ suddenly stopped as he remembered the last dare, the idea of it lowering his excitement level dramatically, “and I got a three on Braeburn’s…… so I can’t eat anything until lunch tomorrow….”
Rainbow and Fluttershy were the first to wrap a hoof around Soarin’ for comfort as he hung his head, “ouch dude, that won’t be easy for you….. Sorry about that but at least you’ll earn an exemption from it right?” Rainbow was trying to be helpful but other than that she didn’t know what else to say.
Fluttershy chimed in as the others got silent, “and just think of how much it’ll mean to everypony if you help win this challenge.”
“And with that I’ll leave everypony to their own business until dinner time, but I must tell you all it will be in your best interest to bring your journals to dinner tonight. I have special surprised for everypony.”
All the ponies present quickly went about their separate ways leaving the three left still together as they looked around at one another, Soarin’ was still a little down with his situation but he decided to change the subject in favor of something else to keep his mind off food. “So Fluttershy, any ideas on who the mole can be?”
Fluttershy was completely caught off guard as she looked at her fellow fliers, “Oh…. Umm…. I don’t really know who the mole can be…” The canary yellow Pegasus just squeaked as she hid behind her mane.
“Oh come of Shy, you have got to at least suspect somepony! I mean look at Trixie! How can anypony NOT suspect her?” Rainbow Dash already had her journal out as she went to scribbling in it the recent details of the last challenge.
Soarin’ shook his head as he thought, “I’m not really sure I believe Trixie is the mole but the possibility is there I suppose.” The wonderbolt was tapping his chin as he thought, “what kind of notes do you have Fluttershy?”
In an instant the timid pegasus went from yellow to a dark pink, “o…oh n….nothing that…. would be of use…..” Fluttershy was already trying to hide her journal as she slowly slid it behind her. “M…maybe you two…. can help me?”
“Sure thing Shy,” Rainbow Dash gave her a soft smile as the three of them went to sharing their notes and discussing the game thus far.
RAINBOW DASH: Sometimes I don’t think that Fluttershy is cut out for a contest like this…… but I’ll do my best to help her.
ROOM 202
Upstairs The Great and Powerful Trixie was sitting in her room as she heard two ponies walking and talking just outside her door. With a quick peek outside she noticed the light green unicorn and grey earth pony walking down the hall in her direction. “HEY!” In a forced whisper Trixie caught the attention of the two mares as she waved them over to her room.
Both Lyra and Octavia were skeptical as they stepped into the stage mares room, Trixie wasn’t exactly the most trusted pony of the group left after her actions in the last two challenges. “Yes? Where’s Cheerilee?” Octavia gave the group a quick look over to make sure the pink mare actually wasn’t in the room.
“She went to go talk to somepony else but that doesn’t matter, Trixie was thinking that she may need to form a sort of coalition with a few ponies if she is to get farther in this game. And to Trixie you two seem to be some of the more smarter ones of the group.” The magician’s horn began to glow as she sprawled out on her bed and opening her journal with a pen in hand. “The Great and Powerful Trixie is willing to share any notes she has in return for the same.”
Lyra stood there thinking about it but before she could respond Octavia stepped in arching and eyebrow, “and why exactly should we trust you? So far you’ve done nothing but come off as the mole this whole game.”
OCTAVIA: Trusting the stage mare? That’s a laugh, but if I can get some useful information from her then maybe it’ll be worth it….. maybe.
The blue unicorn let out a small sigh as she looked both Octavia and Lyra in the eyes before talking, “Trixie knows she hasn’t been doing the best to make friends here but for right now she is just covering her own tail. And besides if everypony like you believes Trixie to be the mole then she will just make it farther as they all get executed one by one.”
Lyra simply nodded as she opened her journal sitting upright on Cheerilee‘s bed., “well, that logic actually makes sense. It may not be the best way to play the game but I’ll admit it is effective, so I‘m in. How about you Tavi?”
Octavia let out a small sigh as she took a spot next to Lyra, but lying down as she tucked her legs under her. “Alright fine, I’m in. Trixie really isn’t one of my suspects anyhow.”
Trixie missed the agreement entirely as she watched the other unicorn sitting in a way she had never seen, “why do you sit like that? Is it comfortable?”
LYRA: Again with the questions about how I sit…..
The mint green unicorn rolled her eyes as she tapped her pen to her journal, “how about we cover something more important right now? Like who you suspect as the mole?”
The Great and Powerful Trixie quickly flipped through a couple of pages before starting, “Alright then, Trixie has been studying her notes carefully and has come up with Fluttershy as a suspect, or the one who helped her lose bits in the first challenge.”
“Braeburn? Really, to be honest I was actually thinking the same thing.” The grey earth mare cracked open her journal as she started scanning her notes, “he just comes off as trying to be too nice. It’s like he’s putting on an act or something.”
“I can maybe agree with Braeburn because I don’t know him, but you really think Fluttershy? Why? Back home me and Bon-Bon sometimes have lunch with her, she doesn’t seem like somepony well who could be able to be the mole.” Lyra shifted slightly as she tried to think about it, “I just can’t see it.”
“The Great and Powerful Trixie has known Fluttershy for quite some time since her second visit to Ponyville and with her personality it would be easy to hide the fact that she is the mole. Trixie will keep an eye on her that’s for sure.” The stage mare continues writing notes as she went, “then who is on your list Lyra?”
LYRA: Octavia is actually the top of my list, with the way she almost got me caught in the maze challenge but I couldn’t tell her that so I just made something up.
“My picks? Well personally I’m actually leaning to the royalty here. Blueblood and Luna.” Lyra quickly scanned through her journal as she went, “I mean can royalty really lose a game like this? I figure one of them has to at least be the mole.”
“Trixie is the personal student of Princess Luna! There is no way she is the mole, Trixie would more than definitely know!” Trixie simply shoved her nose up at the idea, “however Trixie can agree with the guess on Blueblood. Unless he is playing like Trixie is then he’d be high on Trixie’s list too.”
“So the consensus we seem to be coming to as of right now is Blueblood and Braeburn then? Writing the quick note the earth pony closed her journal and started for the door, “this has definitely been at least somewhat enlightening. I do hope we can stay partners for the duration of the game then Trixie?” Lyra followed quickly after and joined Octavia just outside the door.
“Trixie would more than happily agree, now if Trixie isn’t mistaken it is about time for dinner correct?” The magician climbed off her bed as she joined Octavia and Lyra. “Should we be heading downstairs then?”
GALLOPHRY DINING HALL
Soarin’ had his head on the table as he let out a very loud and slightly annoyed groan, “Why do I have to be here? This is torture!” Every pony around him continued to eat watching as he continued to complain, “those dice must have been rigged.”
“I can answer your question with ease; really it’s simple the challenge would be too easy for you if there was no temptation. You are free to bow out of your dares at any time but if you do then the whole challenge is lost.” The acrobat let out a frustrated sigh as he placed his head on the table leaving Mr. E to continue, “Now as a special treat for everypony I took the liberty of ordering special dessert for tonight.”
“What?” Soarin’s head was immediately up again as he watched a table be rolled in with ten covered plates, the fact he was getting one apparent, “can I just go? Please?”
“I think just watching dinner was fine for you so yes you may leave, I have somepony ready to escort you to your temporary sleeping quarters for the night. Rainbow will be joining you shortly.” With the mention of her name Rainbow was instantly alert to the conversation. “Good night Soarin’ we should see you in the morning.” Waving slightly the host just smiled as he watched the wonderbolt give the dessert table one last longing look before leaving.
“So what’s for dessert anyway?” Rainbow was already hovering over to the table ready to lift one of the lids.
Mr. E was quick to swat the mares hoof away before she could peek, “I have three different dessert specially ordered for tonight so if you’ll take your seat we can get started.”
“Fine…” Rainbow had her hooves crossed as she mumbled back to her chair.
“Good, so with the desserts I ordered three different types of cake and three different frostings but to make things fun I had them all shuffled up so that even I don’t know what’s with what. Meaning you all get to draw names to decide the order then you all get to pick which plate you want. Simple right?”
“So what’s the catch?” Octavia was already attempting to form some kind of plan for this, there was just something she definitely didn’t trust going on.
“No catch what so ever, just meant for you all to enjoy and to get a little amusement for me out of it. Just watching Soarin’ was amusing enough for me though.” The host gave a slight chuckle as he pulled out a velvet bag with everypony’s name in it. “So then is everypony ready to begin?” Without waiting Mr. E shoved a hoof into the bag and pulled out a name, “Princess Luna looks like you get first pick.”
The princess of the moon quickly made her way over to the table as she looked over the shining silver lids and neatly places numbers covering each lid. “I’ll just take my number, two.” Using her magic she lifted the tray and floated it back to her seat before finally removing the lid and just staring at her generously cut piece of cake with a dark blue colored frosting on top.
“Oh carrot cake with blueberry icing, very nice.” Without skipping a beat the host already had his hoof in the bag and was pulling out the next name, “next up is….. Sapphire Shores.”
“Seeeeeensational!” The earth pony was quick to get to the table as she grabbed tray number eight and went back to her chair just as fast as she got up. “I have….” In an instant the lid was off and the pony of pop looked down to her cake instantly noting the brown colored cake and similar colored frosting, “Chocolate my favorite! With blueberry filling!” Sapphire was practically singing as she started biting into her cake.
“So we know two types of cake but only one frosting, lets see if the next pony can change that then.” Once again the host dug around the bag before pulling out the next name. “Octavia, you’re next.”
The grey earth pony slowly got up from her seat, her mind still at work trying to decide about how to go about this. As time went by Octavia just couldn’t figure and rhyme or reason to the numbers so she just decided to go with ten since she knew it was Soarin’s number and he wasn’t going to pick it for obvious reasons. Grabbing the tray with her teeth she promptly made her way back to her chair and removed the lid. The black frosting first caught her off guard but the cake she recognized as carrot. “So carrot cake but the frosting is?”
“That would be blackberry frosting, one of my personal favorites.” The host was once again smiling as he nodded to the musician before reaching back into the bag and pulling out the next name, “Next to choose is Braeburn.”
“Alright, mah turn.” The farmer mad his way to the table and following the others lead he simply picked his number four and went back to his seat. As he lifted his lid he was greeted with a yellow colored cake with a dark red frosting on top.
“Lemon cake with raspberry icing, not too bad I do enjoy both, and that covers all three cakes and frostings! Well done.”
“Thanks ah guess?” Braeburn shrugged as he started into his cake.
Mr. E already had the next name picked as he looked over those who remained “Now next we have Trixie, whom I’ll assume will take your number as well?”
Trixie got up from her chair with a smile as she approached the table, “Actually the Great and Powerful Trixie will take number seven."
“Hey that one is mine!” Rainbow was up in a flash as she got in the show mares face.
“Trixie thinks otherwise, considering she just picked it!” The magician stuck out her tongue as she levitated the tray over to her chair lifting of the lid as she sat down again. One her tray sat a dark brown cake with a red frosting. “Seems Trixie got chocolate cake and raspberry frosting.”
Rainbow Dash huffed as she sat back in her chair with her hooves crossed.
RAINBOW DASH: Ugh, honestly I think she does this just to annoy me, and it works every time! How can Twilight stand it?
Seemingly oblivious to the stare down between the two mares Mr. E went on with drawing a name, “next up is Cheerilee.”
“Me?” The school teacher didn’t waste time as she got up grabbed her tray marked six and made her way back to her seat. “My cake is…” Lifting her lid she quickly noted the chocolate brown color and the dark blue frosting on top. “Chocolate with blueberry, I’m sure this will taste great.” The pink earth pony smiled as she took her first few bites into her cake.
“Moving on,” Mr. E held up another name as she read it over, “Prince Blueblood, you’re up.”
“Obviously I’ll be taking plate one, the others are lucky they didn’t take what’s mine.” The prince kept his nose up in superiority despite the many rolled eyes and rude remarks made by the group. As he sat down again his magic quickly removed the lid and set it aside, leaving him staring at another chocolate cake but this time with blackberry frosting.
“Fluttershy you’re up!” The host was smiling as he waved the name in the air.
“Oh… umm.. okay…” Letting out a slight squeak Fluttershy slowly made her way to the table, “I… I’ll just take five…. If that’s okay.” The last of her sentence trailed off as she kept her head low taking the tray back to her table and finding a lemon cake with blueberry icing under her tray.
“That leaves just Lyra and Rainbow so then…… the one who gets to pick is….,” reaching into the bag the host pulled out one of the two remaining names. “Lyra! So then Rainbow you get whichever tray is left over.”
Lyra wasted no time grabbing tray number three, leaving Rainbow with tray nine which was Trixie’s number. “Oh great, I bet it’s something gross and dumb.”
As they both sat down Lyra opened her tray to find a carrot cake with raspberry icing and Rainbow found a lemon cake with raspberry icing.
“Now that we are finished with that I have just one more thing to inform you all with, “for tonight there will be a curfew that will be starting in one hour, so if any of you are found outside your room after one hour there will a 10000 bit penalty to the group pot. Is that clear with everypony?” After receiving a chorus of agreements the host turned and left then for the night but just as he reached the door he turned back around, “oh and before I forget Octavia since Braeburn will not be sleeping tonight just inform the receptionist when you are ready for sleep and Braeburn will be escorted downstairs to where he will be spending the night, and Rainbow Dash as soon as you are finished here somepony will escort you to your cell for the night.” With that Mr. E turned and left.
With the generous portions of cake given to them some of the ponies were taking longer to finish their dessert while others were quick to leave the dining hall. The first out were Rainbow Dash as she was escorted out, Trixie, Sapphire Shores, and Princess Luna who all, with the exclusion of Rainbow, went back to their rooms to avoid punishment with the curfew in place soon.
As she was working her way through the cake Octavia started to notice something sticking out from under her cake, and after a few scratches with her fork she finally noted it was an envelope. As she looked around it was apparent nopony else saw it so quickly she stashed the envelope into her collar and pushed her plate away announcing she was done. Stepping into the lobby and making sure the coast was clear the musician pulled the envelope out and quickly ripped it open pulling out the letter inside reading it to herself.
Congratulations on picking the special topping in the secret berry game. As you may have noticed there was only two blackberry frostings while there was four of the other two. Being one of the two who picked the blackberry frosting you are now offered a chance at exemption for the upcoming execution, but for that luxury it will cost the group. By now you know of the curfew so all you have to do to earn the exemption is keep a fellow contestant out of their room until after curfew costing the group 10000 bits but earning you what could be a life saving exemption. The choice is yours but remember the consequences could be great so choose wisely.
OCTAVIA: I knew something was up with the desserts! But now the question is should I take this or not…..
Octavia just sat lying down on one of the lobby couches deep in thought as she watched what remained of the ponies who were still eating start to leave the dining hall. Cheerilee and Fluttershy left together so even if she wanted to get one of them, it was probably out of the question. Though as the next two started leaving the dining hall what caught her eye was the fact that it was Braeburn and Blueblood leaving together. As far as she was concerned she never knew the two to even talk to each other but as clockwork the reasoning quickly clicked in her mind, Blueblood also had blackberry icing and was therefore attempting the same thing she was. “I’m going to have to stop that somehow…” Before her mind could work out on that Lyra was finally making her way out of the dining hall prompting Octavia to get up and follow after the unicorn. “Hey Lyra hold on I wanted to talk to you about something!”
Lyra turned around and smiled as she saw the other mare, “about?”
“What do you think? About Trixie, do you really think we can trust her?” Octavia looked around trying to act normal but she knew she needed to keep Lyra from getting to her room if she was to earn that exemption. Though she felt bad that she was using Lyra she knew it was better for her to be safe even if she was positive she was on the right track to figuring out the mole.
“I don’t see why not, she seemed right in most of what she said and honestly I think I can applaud her for playing the way she has thus far. Getting the others to think she is the mole is pretty genius even if she is trying a little too hard.”
“That’s the thing though, I don’t think she is trying. She is probably legitimately trying to lose the bits that she has been losing. I mean look at today she didn’t want to get her mane dyed and that’s not even a big deal.” Octavia stole a quick glance at a nearby clock noting that eating the desert had taken about half an hour so she only had to waste another half hour with Lyra before she could win her exemption, but she also had to get Braeburn away from Blueblood the only problem was she couldn’t think of a way to do that.
“Helloooo earth to Octavia,” Lyra was waving a hoof in front of the mares face obviously unamused as it became apparent her explanation went unheard, “is there something on your mind or what because you completely just tuned me out there which is rude considering you asked me in the first place.”
“Sorry Lyra, maybe I’m just tired maybe we can move to my room for a bit and continue there? I’m not sure I feel safe talking out in the open anyways.” Octavia did her best to fake a yawn as her eyes fell on the reception desk, causing her mind to instantly fix her main problem in seconds. “Just let me tell the receptionist so Braeburn will have a place to be since I’ll probably fall asleep as soon as we’re done okay?”
“Yeah sure fine,” Shaking her head Lyra made her way upstairs to room 204.
Octavia waited patiently as the receptionist seemed to take her time answering the bell on the counter, when the mare finally did arrive Octavia wasted no time saying how tired she was and explaining the situation with Braeburn. “No problem at all, we’ll have that sorted out in just a few minutes.”
“Thank you,” With that out of the way Octavia turned and headed upstairs amazed to find Braeburn already being escorted out of room 201 by a pegasus pony with Blueblood looking on unamused as he ticket to safety just walked out his door. Octavia feeling a bit over excited with her achievement shot the prince a quick wink before heading to her room and leaving him fuming.
“Took you long enough didn’t it?” Lyra was once again sitting upright in a position that still baffled Octavia to no end.
“Sorry, the receptionist took a while to realize somepony was dinging the little bell on the counter, “anyways though back to what you were saying?” Octavia took her spot on her bed as she carefully tucked her legs under herself and opened her journal, but before the two could continue a steady stream of hard knocks on the door interrupted them once again. “Ugh who is it?”
“Who do you think Ms. Octavia?” The uptight voice behind the door was unquestionably Prince Blueblood.
Lyra was left rather confused as she turned her attention back to Octavia, “what does he want?”
“I don’t know, but I suppose I’ll have to find out,” With a sigh Octavia was already up and opening the door to greet the unicorn staring at her with a wide smile.
Blueblood stood at the door as he looked over the gray musician, “I must admit that was well played there Ms. Octavia. I wasn’t aware somepony else was even capable of being that masterful, but I feel I must warn you now that in what could have been a rather powerful alliance you just made a very big enemy.” The smile Blueblood had just seconds ago quickly faded as he looked up finally noticing Lyra sitting in the room, “oh and might I add that it is almost curfew so maybe you should be heading back to your room hmm? Before some other pony here benefits from your slight of mind.”
“The curfew!” Lyra quickly sprung up and started for the door before the final words of the stallions statement finally sunk in, “wait, what do you mean benefits?”
Octavia could do nothing but glare as Blueblood’s smile returned, “oh so she didn’t tell you? And here I thought you two were in a coalition together.” Faking a yawn the prince turned and started heading back to his room, “my job is done here and it is getting late so good night ladies.”
Lyra watched him go before finally turning back to Octavia, her expression clearly demanding an explanation, “well?”
Octavia let out a sigh as she slowly grabbed the letter out of her collar and holding it out to Lyra, “Just don’t get mad alright?”
Lyra quickly scanned over the letter before crumpling it up with her magic, “You were going to use me? Just like that? For your own benefit… That’s just low Octavia, especially for you.” With a flick of magic Lyra tossed the letter back before storming off to her room. Leaving Octavia nothing to do but just go to bed and wait for her challenge the next day.
LYRA: Oh Celestia I feel so used! For all I know she’s been using me from the start!
OCTAVIA: Well that didn’t end well and now I probably just lost an ally and mad an enemy…… wonderful.
BLUEBLOOD: And that makes one less team to worry about, if anything I can probably get one to join me after this.
DAY4
MAIN LOBBY 1 AM
Braeburn let out a very exhausted yawn as he turned to the clock for what seemed like the millionth time that night, “just one in the mornin? Ah still have about four hours until ahm supposed to be up back home….” Once again he yawned as he repositioned himself on the couch trying to get comfortable again.
“Mind if I join you?” Luna carefully trotted around the couch as she watched the farmer for any signs of rejection.
“Not at all princess, though ifin ya don’t mind me askin’ why are ya’ll up at this hour?” Braeburn once went about repositioning himself as the bigger pony took a spot on the couch laying in a similar position as himself with her hooves tucked under.
“I’m normally awake during the night anyways,” The princess of the night let out a slight sigh as she looked out the window admiring her stars in the sky, “other ponies may not be prone to staying up to enjoy what I do every night but I do.”
Braeburn was quick to pick up on the tinge of sadness in the other ponies voice and was determined to do what he could to help, “well if it helps any, most of us over in Apploosa enjoy the night stars. Our lights aint as bright as they are in some other town and cities so we still get a clear view every night.”
“Really? Well it’s good to know somepony else appreciates my nights…. Thank you. The Apple family stallions all seem to be quite the gentlepony.” Luna gave a slight smile before looking back to the window letting out a slight sigh.
Braeburn tilted his head slightly as he looked up to the princess, “You know the Apple family?”
“Not personally no, but I know the ones that live in Ponyville. First I met Apple Jack then I met her little sister Apple Bloom then I met Granny Smith and finally I met Big Macintosh.” Again the princess sighed but this time it seemed to be more happy than anything as a slight blush started to form across her face. “Though now I guess I can add you to the list of Apples I know.”
The blush didn’t go unnoticed as Braeburn smiled for the first time that night, “So ah take it you know Big Mac pretty well then? He can be quite the gentlepony.”
Luna’s blush only deepened as she turned her head trying to hide her face, “Macintosh can be very wonderful company when you can get him talking. He’s very passionate in what he does and cares for. I find it very…. admirable.”
Braeburn’s smile only grew as he tried to sound as nonchalant as possible, “and I’m sure he finds you….. just as admirable.” Luna’s reaction alone left in a fit of giggles as he rolled on the couch holding his stomach. “A….ahm sorry… princess… it’s just…. you’re not….. very good at…. subtly.”
Luna was now reaching shades of red that could rival Big Mac himself as she lowered her
head, “well just don’t go telling anypony alright? Telling everypony about Midnight blew up into national news that, well, has yet to die down in Canterlot so we agreed to try to at least keep it under wraps for now.”
“Not a problem princess, ah can keep a secret. It’s just good to know ol’ Mac has found himself somepony nice considerin how much time he spends working the farm.” The excitement from the conversation was quickly dying out as Braeburn let out yawn. “By the way princess ah do appreciate your company, it does help me stay up through the night.”
“Well to be honest I appreciate the company as well,” Once again a blush appeared on Luna’s face, “I suppose I got used to Mac’s company during the night. Despite having to work in the morning and through the day he always insisted on staying with me through the night.”
“Big Mac stays awake at night and during the day? Ah knew he worked hard, but not that hard.” Braeburn had his hooves crossed as he rested his head letting out another yawn.
“Well he tries at least but he usually ends up falling asleep after a few hours into the night, not that I mind though he needs his sleep.” Luna gave him a slight nudge as he let out another yawn, “Hey now, I let Macintosh sleep but you aren’t going to get that luxury.”
“Ahm not asleep,” Braeburn shook his head talking more to himself than replying to the princess. “Ahm not asleep. So princess, who are you lookin’ at for the mole then?”
“Well as of right now considering Trixie is my personal student I know her and how she acts, which isn’t far from how she acts here so I’m fairly certain it’s not her. Though for all I know that could be my downfall if it turns out she is.” Luna smiled slightly as she thought about it, “but as I said I’m fairly certain it’s not her. How about you then Braeburn? Who is on your list?”
“Well to be honest ah was thinking Trixie, but not ya got me thinkin otherwise... so maybe Blueblood?”
“I don’t know, even though both Blueblood and Trixie have been the ones to basically cost the group bits I’m not sure I believe the mole to be either of them.” Princess Luna’s eyes went back to the window as she just watched her stars twinkle in the sky, “It’s like they’re trying too hard to seem like the mole to the point where it just seems unlikely.”
Braeburn rubbed his chin with a hoof as he thought everything over, “ah suppose that makes sense so then who?”
“My guess would be the one trying to cast blame onto somepony else by calling them out as the mole in front of the group, but also capable enough to outperform everypony in challenges at the right times to keep suspicion of themselves.” Luna’s gaze shifted from the window to Braeburn to see if he was catching on to who she was hinting at but his blank expression made it apparent he wasn’t following. “My suspicion is on Rainbow Dash as of right now.”
“Rainbow? Hmmm, ah suppose that does make sense….” Braeburn opened up his journal and was immediately scribbling away.
BRAEBURN: Ah feel like ah can trust the princess, so I have no reason to doubt what she says.
LUNA: It was definitely nice to have company throughout the night again, even if it’s only for one night.
ROOM 204
6 AM
Octavia tossed in her bed again and again as she tried to will herself back to sleep, the backfire of her plan the last night kept her up most of the night and when she finally did find sleep it didn’t last nearly long enough. So here she lay tossing in bed chasing something to elusive to catch. “Ugh… maybe some music will help…” Gathering her case the musician slowly made her way out of her room and started heading down stairs towards the lobby. Octavia was lost in thought as she entered the lobby and began going through the motions of setting up. Soon enough the mare found herself carefully balancing herself on her hind hooves and letting her bow do the work as she vented her frustrations through music. It wasn’t until after about the third song that Octavia finally opened her eyes to find she had a very attentive audience of two, “oh….. I’m sorry did I wake you?”
“Not at t’all, we were both awake already. But your music was very amazing.” Braeburn clopped his hooves together in applause.
“Oh well thank you, I couldn’t sleep anymore so I decided to play some music.” Octavia carefully placed her pride and joy back into its case as she turned to the two still watching her. “Mind if I ask why you two are awake?”
“Well I suppose I have the same reason as you,” Luna for the first time let out a yawn as she stretched slightly, “though that was actually quite a while ago. I’ve been talking with Braeburn here since basically.”
“Mhm, since ah can’t go to sleep the company was greatly appreciated.” Braeburn flashed the princess a smile as she yawned again, “Though if yer fallen asleep you are free ta go to bed ya know? The sun is already up so I’m sure I can handle mahself until lunch.”
Finally accepting what was apparently obvious Luna just nodded and turned to the stairs, “wake me for the challenge when it’s time please.”
“Sure thing princess!” Braeburn waved as she left before turning to Octavia with a smile, “care to join me for breakfast then?”
“Sure, just let me put my stuff away and I’ll meet you there.” With a nod Braeburn left for the dining hall as Octavia made sure her case was securely locked before sliding it onto her back and heading up the stairs. “So he starts talking to Blueblood and Princess Luna?” Putting her instrument back in its proper place Octavia was sure to grab her journal before starting out the room again. “Seems like my roommate has been busy making friends with just about everypony here…”
OCTAVIA: I really don’t trust him… making friends with everyone just makes him seem suspicious. Add to that his record of losing small amounts of bits here and there and it just makes sense that he is the mole.
As Octavia entered the dining hall Braeburn was already seated with a bowl of outs smiling at her just as he did with Luna. “Anything good for breakfast today?” The musician was trying her hardest to seem normal, but deep down she knew she really couldn’t trust this farm pony. So for now she’d have to play friends to see if she could get anything from him.
“Just oats, though ahm not complaining. We all eat oats all the time in Apploosa.” Braeburn was doing his best to hold conversation as he added more oats into his mouth, “So, why couldn’t ya sleep?”
Octavia busied herself with her own bowl of oats as she sat a few seats away from Braeburn, “oh, well it’s nothing really just antsy about the upcoming challenge I suppose.”
“That all?” Braeburn was smiling as big as ever now, “well don’t worry about it none, ahm sure your group will do just fine. Considerin’ ya’lls got a more compliant group than we did.”
Octavia couldn’t help but giggle slightly, “you may have a point, a group with both Trixie and Blueblood must be…. interesting…. to say the least.”
“Tell me about it, but at least we get some entertainment from it and this time we get to keep our bits. So that’s a plus.”
Again Octavia found herself giggling as she nodded in agreement, “but even with their antics and such you still managed to pull through a win so it seems.”
Braeburn smiled in return, “only if ah can stay awake for a few more hours an’ we keep Soarin’ from eatin anything, yeah.” As if on cue Braeburn yawned showing off a rather unattractive mouthful of half chewed oats.
Just the sight of his face had Octavia cracking up and laughing, “It seems sleep deprivation makes us forget our manners hmmm?”
OCTAVIA: Honestly I don’t know if he does it intentionally or not but now I realize why he can make friends with everypony so easily… he’s definitely somepony to watch.
Braeburn could only smile sheepishly as he finally finished his bowl of oats, “sorry, ah suppose lack of sleep can do that…”
As the two continued on slowly the rest of the group began to join them for breakfast. Lyra made it apparent she was still rather upset as she avoided talking to Octavia entirely which would have been fine, but the fact that Blueblood came in and sat next to her was a bit of a shock to Octavia.
OCTAVIA: What a dirty little creep, but it’s Lyra’s choice to trust a snake. If she gets bit it’s not my fault.
The last to arrive was Rainbow Dash who let out a big yawn as she took a spot next to Fluttershy, “let me tell you, that bed in that cell was not comfortable at all…”
“Sorry to hear that Rainbow,” Fluttershy gave her friend a comforting hug as she looked around noticing Soarin’s absence, “what happened to Soarin’?”
“Oh he just went back to our room, he didn’t even want to look at breakfast. To be honest I kinda feel bad for him, he really loves food.” Rainbow Dash shrugged before diving into her own breakfast.”
Not one to miss a beat Mr. E made his usual appearance as everyone got situated with their breakfast, “seems some ponies decided to sleep in today? I trust everyone here will fill them in later than?” His smile was as big as ever as the group nodded, “good, then we can move on. So first things first Rainbow Dash has completed her dare and Soarin’ has completed another part of his. So if both Braeburn and Soarin’ can complete what is left of their dares then the group earns 40000. Not too bad really. Though the money could have been guaranteed by now if other ponies had done their dares right?” Trixie just huffed and looked away as Blueblood simply ignored the comment entirely. “So then the next team to go today is the thinkers. Your competition will be just after the others ends, so just after noon alright? See everyone then!” And just as quick as he came Mr. E once again left the group to themselves.
Immediately Octavia’s eyes went to Lyra, she needed to at least talk to her, “Hey Lyra, I kind of wanted to ask you something do you have a minute?”
Lyra didn’t even bother to look up form her breakfast, “I’m still eating Octavia, besides I already made plans to talk to somepony else after breakfast.”
“Fine, just find me when you’re done then.” Octavia just rolled her eyes as she left the dining hall.
Breakfast went normally for the rest of the group as they slowly made their way back to their rooms or just elsewhere. Eventually the only two that remained were Lyra and Blueblood. “Now that the all other ears are gone, we can have ourselves a nice little chat and maybe strike a deal or two.” Blueblood was smiling as he turned to the mint green unicorn.
“Listen here Blueblood, I know how you work, as if last night wasn’t proof enough of that.” Lyra was more than certain she knew what she was getting into with this unicorn so she knew to set things straight as soon as possible. “Before I strike any sort of deal with you I’m demanding a certain guarantee from you first.”
“Oh? And in what position are you in to demand anything exactly?” The way the prince spoke was already pushing Lyra to the edge. “what’s to stop me from just going to somepony else if you wont agree?”
“Maybe the fact that nopony likes you perhaps?” Lyra could only smirk as she saw the prince’s smile fading. “Honestly with how you’ve acted so far the only pony that would possibly give you the time of day is Trixie, and good luck getting far with her.” Lyra turned and was ready to leave as she started trotting to the door.
“I still have the princess as well you know.” Blueblood didn’t even bother moving as he used his magic to open the door, challenging Lyra to leave. “So for me that makes two, and you what do you have? You already lost Octavia so now you all you have is what? Some school teacher? Admit it, you need me.”
“Need you about as much as I need Octavia, goodbye then Blueblood.” Without another word the unicorn mare left not bothering to look back.
BLUEBLOOD: Well that went smoothly…. No matter I’ll have her on my side in no time.
MAIN LOBBY
Mr. E stood smiling in front of the group with Braeburn barely keeping his head up and eyes open on his left and Soarin’ holding his now very agitated and very loud stomach in his hooves. “I’d say a congratulation is in order. Both Soarin’ and Braeburn have officially completed their dares adding 40000 bits to the group total, making your total earnings to 78,000 bits.”
“Can ah go ta sleep now?” Braeburn yawned as he looked up the stairs longingly wanting so bad to just curl up in his bed for the rest of the day.
“And can I go eat? I’m so starved right now” Soarin’ was doing his best to stand up straight but with a hoof over his stomach it just wasn’t working out too well.
“Yes, you both are free to go. All I need right now are those in the thinking group, if you all will follow me it is time to start your challenge.” Mr. E simply turned and trotted out the front door soon followed by the thinking team.
CHEERILEE: Well here we go! This should be fun.
BUCKINGHAM ART GALLERY
Mr. E sat patiently as the ponies with him were obviously distracted admiring the art around them, “As you all seem to have noted by now we are in an art gallery, this will be the location of your next challenge.” At the word challenge everypony’s head instantly turned in his direction, “but before we can get into the specific details I need you all to form three teams of two.”
“I’ll team with Fluttershy,” In a flash Sapphire Shores was next to the canary yellow pegasus, startling her into hiding behind her mane.
“I believe I should be with Cheerilee then,” Luna smiled to the pink earth pony as she trotted over to her side.
“What, no” Lyra was the first to vocalize her complaint as she realized who that left her with.
Octavia wasn’t too far behind as she tried to change partners. “No hold on, maybe we should shuffle this up a bit more.”
“Lyra and Octavia will make up the last team then,” Mr. E just smiled more as they both reluctantly moved together. “Now that we have that settled let’s get on to the challenge shall we? In the next room you will find an exhibit featuring fifteen paintings, each team will then have only five minutes to memorize where each painting is. After your time is up you will be escorted to another room and there you will have to recreate the room you just saw. Each team to successfully recreate their room within ten minutes will add 20,000 bits to the group total. Making for a possible 60,000 bits total to be won. Any questions?” After a moment of silence the host clopped his hooves joyfully, “Good, then which team would like to go first?”
“I suppose we can go first,” Cheerilee stepped forward with Luna right behind. “Best to get it over with and do our best right?”
“Right,” Luna nodded as they joined the host who was already trotting off to the door to the next room.
Mr. E held open the door as the two stepped inside, the gallery room itself was about as simple as it gets, a completely white room with two square columns dividing the room in half. Two painting were on the left and right walls, three were hanging on the back wall and there was four painting on each column, one for each side. “Alright you two have five minutes starting now.”
Luna and Cheerilee wasted no time as they immediately went to the left side wall, the first of the two paintings made it apparent what the theme of this particular gallery was about. The painting featured Soarin’ flying through the sky but with a pink mane like he has now. The second of the two paintings on the wall featured Fluttershy standing at the edge of the cliff from the first challenge, Braeburn’s hat clearly sitting on her head.
“Alright simple enough,” Luna nodded her head as she focused on the paintings, making sure to fully commit them to memory. “So left wall is Soarin’ and Fluttershy. Both pictures of pegasi with pink manes.”
“Left is pegasi and pink manes, got it.” Cheerilee made the mental note as she started moving to the back wall. “That was a great way to memorize that Princess Luna.”
Luna just smiled at the compliment as she turned her attention to the first painting on the back wall. This one was simply the violet carriage that had dropped off two of the contestants on day one. “Cheerilee, do you remember who was in this carriage?”
“I was!” The school teacher was smiling brightly as she looked at the painting, “it was me and Blueblood.” Slowly Cheerilee started looking over the other two paintings on this wall, the last of which also featured Blueblood. “Look princess, Blueblood is there too.”
“Good, that makes this wall easier for us.” Noting the two ends had to do with Prince Blueblood, Luna then focused on the middle of the three paintings. The painting itself was very plain, only featuring the Equestrian Mole logo in various shades of green. “Alright I believe we have this wall down as well.
The two then moved to the last of the three walls, the first of the paintings caught Luna off guard. This one was an exact copy of the painting she was just looking at, except this one was done in various shades of blue rather than green. “Seems they are trying to make this a bit trickier.”
“Seems so,” Cheerilee was still smiling as big as ever as she attempted to note which color logo went where.
As they moved on to the second painting it became apparent that it also was similar to another painting, this one simply featuring the orange carriage from day one.
“Alright so, right wall is Blue logo and orange carriage. Two opposite colors if I’m not mistaken.” Luna stood silent with her eyes closed for a few moments as she mentally walked through what they had so far. “So from the top, left is pegasi pink manes, right opposing colors, and back wall is ends Blueblood and middle green logo”
“We’re running out of time, should I just take one column and you take the other?” Cheerilee was eyeing the clock placed over the door, so far they had just over a minute left.
Looking to the clock Luna agreed and started for the further back column. The first painting that was facing the wall was Lyra running through the maze with a guard pony close behind. “Lyra in maze got it.” Moving around clockwise Luna’s next painting was the sky blue carriage. “Lyra in maze then blue carriage alright next.” The next side of the column held a painting of the yellow carriage. Making the mental note Luna continued around the column for her last painting. The last side featured a painting of the logo once again this time done in various shard of red. “That makes green Lyra in the back then clockwise around blue, yellow then red.”
Cheerilee started on the front side facing the door, her first painting was Trixie standing proud in the traitor’s helmet from the gladiators challenge. “Trixie, simple enough.” Moving around clockwise Cheerilee found a painting of the dark blue carriage. “Okay. Blue… like Trixie!” Smiling to herself Cheerilee continued around the column, the third painting was the logo again only done in purple. “Well it’s close to blue…” Moving on to the last side Cheerilee was slightly at a lose, this painting was the red carriage which obviously didn’t match with the other paintings. “hmmmm….” Looking passed the paintings to the wall behind the column Cheerilee finally got it, “Red goes on the side that can see the pink manes!”
As always Mr. E was right on time just as the clock reached zero, “And that’s time. Ready to start reconstructing the room?”
Luna gave her partner a nod before looking to the host, “I do believe we are.”
“Alright then if you will follow me into the next room,” Mr. E quickly turned and led the pair out and down the hall to a room similar to the one they were just in. “Inside you will find an exact copy of all the paintings all hanging on the wall like in the previous room only obviously not in the right positions. Just make sure every painting is in the right position within ten minutes and 20,000 bits gets added to the group pot. Good luck, your time starts now.” With that the host stepped aside and the two entered the room ready to go.”
“First find the four for your column first, that way we can get those out of the way alright?” Luna quickly took charge as she went to the left wall using her magic to collect the painting of Lyra in the maze. The back wall gave her a bit more problem though, the middle painting was her red logo painting but the two corners were both the blue carriages. Taking a closer look Luna chose the lighter of the two before continuing to the last wall which yielded no luck for her last painting. “How are you doing Cheerilee? And have you seen a yellow carriage?”
“I have two for my column, have you seen Trixie anywhere? And yes there is a yellow carriage on the first column I believe.” Cheerilee finally collected her third painting from the back wall as she continued to look for her last one.
“Trixie is on the right wall the one on the painting on the left.” Moving to the first column Luna quickly collected her last painting and moved back over to her column the princess didn’t bother looking at the paintings as she took them off, “Alright Lyra first in the back, next is the blue and yellow carriages, and finally red logo. Got it.”
Cheerilee, without magic to rely on was trying her best to get done as soon as possible. “Trixie goes first, then the blue carriage and blue logo, and finally red carriage. Alright all done Luna, what’s next?”
“Start placing the ones from your column and work from there.” Luna grabbing what was left from her column quickly set to work in placing Soarin’s painting on the left wall, the green logo on the back wall, the orange carriage on the right, and finally back to the left wall with Fluttershy.
Cheerilee was a little slower than the princess but managed to place the painting of Blueblood on the back wall, and the purple logo on the right wall. “Is everything where it goes? I still have one more painting.”
“Which one is it?” Looking around the room, Luna seemed satisfies with the looks of things thus far. The only open space was the left hand side of the back wall. “Which painting do you have?”
“Purple carriage, goes on the back wall right?” With painting in mouth Cheerilee went over and placed the final painting.
Together the two went and knocked on the door, in an instant the host opened up and strolled into the room. “I assume you’re finished already?” Looking up the clock had stopped with a minute and twenty seconds, “just wait outside while I check your work.”
Luna and Cheerilee sat together just outside the room as they waited, “so how do you think we did? Do you think we got it right?” Cheerilee was looking up to the princess as she smiled.
“I’m fairly certain we did, everything looked in order as I remembered it.” Luna gave a definitive nod as she smiled as well.
After about a minute or so Mr. E finally stepped out the room again, “It’s incorrect. You still have just over a minute to find the problem and fix it. Your time starts again now.”
Luna and Cheerilee jumped up as they shot into the room again, “alright we need to go over everything quickly.” Luna led as they started at the left wall, “both pegasi with pink manes. This side should be right.” Cheerilee simply nodded as they moved to the back wall. “You and Blueblood were in the violet carriage on the left, the green logo is in the middle, and Blueblood’s painting is on the right. This looks right too.” Turning to the right wall Luna could easily tell something was wrong, “this isn’t right; the purple logo doesn’t go here. We need the blue one. It’s supposed to be the opposite color of the orange carriage.”
“Oh, hold on I know where that is.” Turning around Cheerilee grabbed the blue logo off her column and traded it with the purple one. “I guess I mixed them up, sorry princess.”
“It’s a simple mistake; at least we managed to fix it.” Turning around the clock was just winding down to zero. “At least I hope it was the only mistake.”
Once again Mr. E made his way into the room and shuffled them both out to wait as he checked over the room once more. This time around the host reappeared faster as he came out of the room wearing his signature grin. “Congratulations you successfully managed to recreate the room; the group total is now 98,000 bits.”
CHEERILEE: We did it! The princess was really good at this.
LUNA: I’m not sure if I should be concerned about that mistake….it was an easy one to make but it still could have been intentional.
Luna and Cheerilee were moved to another waiting room as Mr. E went to greet the other two teams. “Alright everypony, team one has finished so which team will be going next?”
“Don’t we get to know how they did?” Octavia raised a brow as she had her hooves crossed.
“Of course not, at least not until later.” The host flashed her a wink before he turned to Lyra, “does that mean your team is up next?”
The unicorn just sighed but nodded, “the sooner the better I suppose.”
“Good, then follow me!” Ignoring the obvious tension between the two Mr. E led them to the first room. “As you know all you have to do is memorize every painting in this room then recreate it in the next room go it?” With a nod from both Octavia and Lyra the host opened the door and stepped aside, “you have five minutes starting now.”
Lyra immediately turned to Octavia as they entered the room, “Don’t bother me while I’m memorizing, just memorize on your own so we can get this done alright?”
“Alright by me then,” Octavia shrugged off the hostility as she took to the other side of the room.
Except for the sound of their hoof steps on the floor the rest of the five minutes went by in complete silence as the two mares focused intently on memorizing the paintings in front of them.
“Time’s up, you two got everything memorized?” Mr. E didn’t bother waiting for a reply as he led them to the second room down the hall. “Alright, inside you will find an exact copy of all the paintings you just saw hanging on the walls. Just put them in the right spaces within ten minutes to complete the challenge. Got it?”
“Ready Lyra?” Octavia tried to offer a friendly smile but Lyra just simply moved to the door.
“Your time starts….. Now!” Moving aside the two entered the room ready to go.
Octavia gave the room a good look around before deciding on what she thought was the best way to go about doing this, “Just grab a painting, figure out where it goes, trade it with the one there, and then repeat. That should make things simple enough.”
“I know what I’m doing, so start helping Octavia.” Lyra didn’t even look back as she was already levitating a painting off the wall and moving it across the room.
“The hostility is really getting old you know Lyra,” Octavia rolled her eyes as she set to work on the first painting she found.
“That coming from the one willing to just use her friends huh? That makes sense.” Lyra just shook her head as she floated another painting into position.
“It was for an exemption, sorry for taking the opportunity when it showed up.” Octavia was getting slower and slower as she worked, her attention mostly going to Lyra as they talked.
Finally Lyra stopped working entirely as she looked back to Octavia, “and that makes it okay? It never crossed your mind to just ask?”
“No actually it didn’t, considering I didn’t figure you’d go for it. I don’t see what the big deal is anyways.”
“No you don’t, and that’s the problem. Do you know my last name Octavia? It’s Heartstrings, a name I’m sure you’ll recognize.” Lyra didn’t try to hide her aggravation as she said her name.
Octavia just stood silent as the name rung in her head, “Heartstrings? As in Heartstrings music company? The biggest music company in Canterlot?”
“That’s my parents company, and do you know how they got that company?” Lyra stood there her expression challenging Octavia to respond, but when she didn’t Lyra just continued, her eyes already starting to water “They used me! I was just a filly and they used me! From the moment they learned of my special talent, I was pulled out of school to perform for any absurd amount of bits they could get the Canterlot elite to agree to. I earned everything my parents have, and I never saw a bit out of it. The only friends I had turned out to be other ponies I could perform with or had important enough parents to spread my name around. I left after I figured it out, but by then they already had enough and started their company. ” Finally all the held back tears flowed freely and Lyra was just left shaking where she stood.
“Lyra I’m sorry I-”
“NO! It’s too late for apologize,” Look up to the clock Lyra started for the door, “I’m done.”
Octavia had just enough time to look up just as the clock reached zero, “great….”
Mr. E walked into the room looking around at the obviously unfinished, “Octavia, you and Lyra failed to complete the task. So no bits will be added to the group total.” Octavia just sighed as she followed the host to the waiting room where Lyra was apparently absent.
OCTAVIA: Well knowing that now, I can’t say I blame her for hating me….
Walking back to the front the host greeted the only two ponies remaining, “Alright then, are you two ready to start your challenge?”
“You know it!” Sapphire Shores was already singing while Fluttershy simply nodded her head.
“Then follow me, just remember you will only have five minutes to memorize all the paintings. Then just ten minutes to recreate it. You ready?” Mr. E waited at the door as they nodded, “then good luck.”
Stepping into the room Sapphire decided to take lead, “don’t worry Fluttershy, I have this covered alright? You can just sit back and relax.”
Before Fluttershy could reply Sapphire Shores was already up on her hind hooves starting to sing and dance around the room. Only stopping every few moments to take a close look at the current painting or to figure out lyrics for her song.
After the five minutes were up Mr. E walked into the room to find Sapphire still singing and dancing with her hooves outstretched high in the air above her head.
“Time’s up, now if you’ll follow me to the next room.” Turning around the host lead the two down the hall before stopping in front of the next room. “Inside all the paintings are already hanging, but they are mixed up. Just put them in the exact order as in the last room in under ten minutes and 20,000 bits will be added to the group total. Got it?”
“We are ready!” Sapphire continued on into the room with her high energy as Fluttershy simply followed slowly behind, slightly hiding behind her mane.
“Then good luck, your time starts now.” Closing the door the host left them to their work.
“This will certainly be eeeeeasy!” Sapphire wasted no time getting into the groove of her song made up for the challenge. “Fluttershy, if you please just bring me the paintings I sing about and I’ll have them up in no time.”
“Oh umm… okay…” Without skipping a beat Sapphire was already singing and dancing, leaving Fluttershy to attempt to hurry around the room to gather all the painting just in time before Sapphire started on the next one.
Within five minutes Sapphire was already wrapping up her song, smiling as she looked around the room. “Great job Fluttershy, I believe that should be it!”
Fluttershy simply nodded as she silently panted behind Sapphire. Keeping up with the pony of pop proved a lot harder than she initially expected, as she had to move much faster than she was normally used to.
“You’re done already?” Mr. E checked the clock as he stepped into the room, “I didn’t expect anypony to be done that quick. Well if you’re sure you have it right just wait outside while I check your work.”
Outside the door Sapphire pulled the pegasus into a close hug, causing a light squeak from the startled Fluttershy, “you did fantastic!”
Fluttershy immediately went to hiding her face as she heard the compliment, her bright yellow face turning a slight pink “oh well thank you… but you did do most of the work.”
FLUTTERSHY: Maybe Sapphire isn’t as bad as I thought… she still kind of scares me though…
Mr. E stepped out of the room just moments later, his expression showing he was obviously amused. “Well I’m surprised but you did replicate the room perfectly. Congratulations.” After a brief celebration both Fluttershy and Sapphire were ushered into the second waiting room where the other four were waiting. “The results of this challenge will be revealed once we get back to the hotel, see you all there.” Flashing the group a wink the host turned tail and left.
GALLOPHRY PALACE LOBBY
Mr. E once again stood in front of the group as everyone sat patiently to hear the results of the latest challenge. “So for the thinking group’s challenge they were split into three teams of two and shown an art gallery room filled with fifteen paintings. There job was to memorize it in five minutes, and then they were given ten minutes to recreate the room with all the paintings in the same positions. If the team was successful they would earn 20,000 bits for the group total. Making for a possible 60,000 bits, however only two teams succeeded adding only 40,000 bits to the pot. Making the group total 118,000 bits out of a possible 170,000 bits. Whoever the mole is, they’re going to have to step up their game if they want a decent amount of bits to take home.”
“Are we going to find out which team didn’t succeed or what?” Rainbow had her hooves crossed as she glared to the host.
“I was just about to get to that Rainbow Dash, wouldn’t want anypony missing out on possible clues as to who the mole is before tonight’s execution now do we.” Mr. E offered a slight chuckle as he put in the tape to be played for everypony.
Everypony sat in silence for the next forty five minutes as they watched each team go through the challenge, but what had everypony’s attention the most was the argument that broke out between Octavia and Lyra. Both ponies in question avoided gazes that the others threw their way and only turned back to the screen when it was the next teams turn. The whole group seemed to get a slight laugh as they watched Sapphire’s rather unorthodox method not only work but actually do so in record time.
Once the tape was over Mr. E once again gained all the attention, “alright so now that you all know what happened, and I hope you all took good notes, it will be time for dinner and one by one once you finish eating you will excuse yourself for tonight’s quiz. And then it will be time for the execution, in which only Soarin’ in safe from with his exemption.”
Dinner had a bit of an ominous cloud hanging over it as every pony sat silently eating their food and looking through their journals trying to study as much as they can before it became time for them to take the quiz. The first to finish was Cheerilee, with the rest of the group following soon after.
QUESTION 1:
Where is the mole from?
A. Canterlot
B. Ponyville
C. Apploosa
D. Cloudsdale
E. Ponyville/Canterlot
CHEERILEE: Most are from Canterlot right? Seems like the safe choice.
Question 2:
Was the mole a doer or thinker?
A. Doer
B. Thinker
LUNA: Considering who is on the doer side, I’d say odds are the mole was there.
RAINBOW DASH: Duh, Trixie was on my team. Obviously doer.
Question 3:
What number journal does the mole have?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 6
F. 7
G. 8
H. 9
I. 10
J. 11
K.12
BRAEBURN: Ah suppose it’ll just be a lucky guess….
Question 4:
Does the mole have exemption from tonight’s execution?
A. Yes
B. No
SOARIN’: I’m the only pony with exemption and I know it’s not me so this is easy!
Question 5:
Was the mole successful in their dare?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Did not do a dare
TRIXIE: Trixie knows she isn’t the mole and doubts Blueblood so she knows it’s not no.
Question 6:
Was the mole successful at the gallery?
A. No
B. Yes
C. Was not at gallery.
LYRA: I’m going Octavia; something just tells me it’s her…
BLUEBLOOD: My guess is they weren’t at the gallery; nopony in that group seems capable of being the mole anyways.
Question 7:
What topping did the mole select for dessert?
A. Blueberry
B. Raspberry
C. Blackberry
D. Did not get dessert
SOARIN’: Obviously it’s not D… great now I really want dessert…
Question 8:
Is the mole male or female?
A. Female
B. Male
CHEERILEE: There aren’t very many males here, safest choice is female.
Question 9:
Did the mole sleep in their room last night?
A. Yes
B. No
SAPPHIRE SHORES: More than likely yes, since only three didn’t.
OCTAVIA: Safest choice is yes, but I’m not so sure…
Question 10:
Who is the mole?
A. Fluttershy
B. The Great and Powerful Trixie
C. Princess Luna
D. Braeburn
E. Sapphire Shores
F. Prince Blueblood
G. Rainbow Dash
H. Octavia
I: Lyra
J. Fluttershy
K: Cheerilee
FLUTTERSHY: Oh my… I don’t know…
MAIN LOBBY
After everypony finished their quiz they all sat together in the lobby, where Mr. E stood next to the giant screen that simply showed one giant hoof print and had all their pictures around it. “Are we ready to begin then?” Mr. E started tapping away at his laptop and Soarin’ pictures took up the screen with the hoof print just below it. “Soarin’ you have an exemption, therefore you are safe.” After a few more taps at his laptop, the picture of the wonderbolt quickly turned green.
SOARIN’: Oh yeah, here to stay!
“Alright so now that those exempt are out of the way, who wants to go first?” Almost immediately Sapphire Shores shot her hoof up, and used her other hoof to lift Fluttershy’s as well. “Sapphire and Fluttershy it is then, we’ll just start with Sapphire.” Mr. E quickly went to tapping at his laptop once more and Sapphire’s picture soon took over the screen.
The hoof print flashing from red to green.
.
..
…
….
…..
……
GREEN
SAPPHIRE SHORES: I knew it, me and Fluttershy are going to stay here all the way to the end.
Smiling once more Mr. E went to work on his laptop again, this time pulling up the picture of Fluttershy, “Miss Rose Papillonne, you are…” Once again the hoof print started to flash between red and green.
.
..
…
….
…..
……
RED
“WHAT?” Sapphire was quick to get up and start hugging Fluttershy, “No, you can’t go yet! It’s still too early!”
Fluttershy just smiled as she slowly returned the hug, “its okay, I’m fine with it. Really.” Getting up from her seat the pegasus walked over to her bag before looking back to the group. “Try your hardest okay everypony?”
Rainbow was the next to hug the canary colored pegasus, “go tell our friends I say hey okay?”
“Sure thing Rainbow,” Fluttershy smiled and nodded as she turned to start leaving
Once again Sapphire went over to her wrapping her into yet another hug, “promise me you’ll send me your new book when you’re done okay? I am a big fan of your work.”
“Alright, I promise.” And with that Mr. E escorted Fluttershy out of the room as every just sat and watched in silence.
SAPPHIRE SHORES: I can’t believe she’s gone… now I need to win! For the both of us.
RAINBOW DASH: I kinda saw that coming, but it was pretty hard to see her go…
BLUEBLOOD: I say good riddance to bad rubbish. She was useless anyways.
Finally Mr. E came back in and all attention was one him, “that leaves only nine contestants left, and one mole. Get a good night’s sleep everypony you are going to need it.”
With that the group finally dispersed, each heading their own way ready to face whatever the next day was set to bring.
|
BoredBrony
|
1100
| 1 |
Original Character,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Peace in The Storm
|
A quick short about one little pony who finds peace in the loud crashes and booms of the storm.
|
complete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Some little ponies are often startled by the loud noises of the storms. One little pony, However, Finds peace in the booming thunder and bright lightning. A quick short written out of boredom. Enjoy.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T04:27:01+00:00
|
2011-09-29T04:27:01+00:00
| 981 |
It was raining yesterday.
It was loud. My friends all say that they hated it. I don't know why, How can anypony hate the bright lights and the pretty flashes? It's almost like when they have fireworks in Ponyville, Only the fireworks are different. It even comes with water you can drink while you watch. I don't know how anypony could hate that.
It was raining last night.
It was loud. Mommy and Daddy yelled at each other again. I don't know why, They tell me that they love each other. So why do they yell every night? But last night, I didn't hear them much. The pretty fireworks in the rainy sky were louder than Mommy and Daddy were. So I went to sleep with the pretty fireworks keeping me from hearing Mommy and Daddy too much.
It was raining today.
It wasn't very loud anymore. The pegasus ponies were taking the rain away. I don't know why, Even though I know it's their job to. They could've just let it rain for one more day. But they didn't. It stopped raining by the time lunch time came. I didn't get to drink the water from the sky. Instead, I only had what Mommy packed for lunch. It was juice. It was good, But it didn't come from the sky. It didn't come with the lightning to play in the sky like fireworks. It was just boring old juice. Why couldn't the pegasus ponies let it rain for one more day?
I wish it would rain tonight.
It's too quiet here. Some ponies came and got me from school. I don't know why, But they tell me that Mommy and Daddy went away. But why would they do that? They've always been home before, So why are they gone now? Why did they leave me behind? Where did they go? And why doesn't anypony tell me why I'm going to my Grandparent's house? They all look sad too. Why are they sad? Did something bad happen? Nopony will tell me anything.
I wish it would rain tonight. It's too quiet here.
~ Inspired by Boredom
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 1 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
|
My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
|
incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-01T04:57:05+00:00
|
2023-05-14T05:52:53+00:00
| 9,017 |
It was a nice summer day in Domino City. The sun was bright, people were going to and from work and of course, the everyday ‘Duel Monsters battle to the finish!’
“It won’t be long now until your title is finally mine Yugi; you don’t stand a chance this time! You’re down to your last 700 life points with no monsters on the field and I have my Blue-Eyes White Dragon out on the field. You can’t win!”
Blue-Eyes White Dragon
< Level 8 / ATK: 3000 >
Seto Kaiba
< LP: 2400 >
Yugi Moto
< LP: 700 >
Yugi Moto; currently Yami; and Seto Kaiba, Domino City’s biggest rivals were having another battle to determine who was better. Kaiba had set the match to take place on the second biggest building in the city, second to KaibaCorp headquarters. Their battle overlooked the entire city.
“Don’t be so sure Kaiba! It’s my move!” Yugi placed two fingers and the top of his deck and dramatically drew his next card. He then slowly turned the card over so he could see it. “Alright Kaiba, watch this! I activate my first face down card, Pitch-Black Power Stone!” Yugi pressed one of the buttons of the back of his Duel Disk, causing a face down card to slowly flip up revealing a Trap Card. “This card gives me access to 3 extra Spell Counters.”
“HA! A couple measly Spell Counters aren’t going to help you!” Kaiba was always arrogant. He never realized when he was beat. “If that’s your best then I suggest giving up now.”
“You thought that was all?”
“What are you planning!?”
“I activate my other face down, Miracle Restoring!”
“OH NO!”
“Oh yes… By removing 2 Spell Counters from my Pitch-Black Power Stone, I can summon the Dark Magician that is in my Graveyard...” The stone began to glow. “Now, come forth my monster!” The blue sphere created by Yugi’s Miracle Restoring card exploded in a large blinding yellow light. When the light cleared, a new monster stood on Yugi’s side of the field. “My Dark Magician!” The monster was well known as Yugi Moto’s signature monster, a staff wielding wizard wearing purple armor and a large pointed hat.
Dark Magician
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
“Yugi, I won’t let you defeat me again!”
“Sorry Kaiba, but I already have duel in the palm of my hand.” Yugi took the last card he was holding in his hand and slid it into one of the slots on the back of his Duel Disk. “I activate Polymerization to merge my reborn Dark Magician with the Buster Blader in my hand!” Yugi’s final card flipped up and moved in between Yugi’s Dark Magician and Buster Blader. The two monsters started swirling together into a weird vortex as look of utter fear appeared in Kaiba’s eyes as though looking into the eyes of Death himself. He knew what was coming. “Now I summon Dark Paladin, the ultimate wizard! There was another explosion as a single monster with an appearance similar to Dark Magician but his armor was blue with a red trim and he was wielding a long sharp staff. He twirled the staff several times up above his head before slamming the end on the ground sending out a mass of shockwaves. The force nearly pushed Kaiba off the building.
Dark Paladin
< Level 8 / ATK: 2900 >
“I know you have experienced with this monster in the past Kaiba...” Yugi was right. This was the same monster he used to defeat him in the Battle City finals. Kaiba would never forget that battle. The day where he lost his Egyptian God card and the day where he and Yugi were sent back in time to find Egypt in ruins. “As you know, Dark Paladin gains 500 attack points for every dragon on the field and in the graveyard. You have four dragons in your graveyard plus the Blue-Eyes White Dragon on your field. That means my Paladin gains 2500 ATK points!”
Dark Paladin
< ATK: 2900 → 5400 >
Kaiba suddenly lost all confidence. “But that is enough to-”
“Take out the rest your life points... Now my Paladin, attack and destroy his Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”
Kaiba began to yell out in anger like he always does. “I won’t let you win again, especially not with same monster! I activate my face down card, Enemy Controller!” A giant video game controller appeared in front of Kaiba head. “Go controller, Up, down, left, right, B, A!” The button pressed themselves down as Kaiba called of the inputs.
“Kaiba, don’t you realize that cheating gets you nowhere?” Yugi’s mocking remark only served to made Kaiba angry. “By discarding a card from my hand, my Paladin is able to negate your Spell!” Yugi plucked out a card from his hand and slid it into the open slot on the front of the Duel Disk.
“NO! THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!” Dark Paladin blasted the controller, turning it into a smoldering pile of plastic.
“Face it, Kaiba, you’ve lost...” Dark Paladin held his staff up high yelling a battle cry. “Dark Paladin, attack Kaiba’s Blue-Eyes and end this duel!” Dark Paladin twirled his staff before slamming it against the ground. The impact sent out a massive blade-like shockwave that sliced through the ground leaving a large line behind it.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” The wave passed through Kaiba’s dragon cutting him in half like butter. Kaiba stood there holding his arm in front of his face trying to block out the smoke that was covering the field. The massive explosion could be seen the city streets.
Seto Kaiba
< LP: 2400 → 0 >
“It’s finished...” The wizard standing on Yugi’s side quickly vanished and Yugi retracted his Duel Disk into its off state. He walked up to Kaiba who was now on one knee.
“Why? Why can I never defeat you?”
“No matter how many times you ask, the answer will always be the same.”
“Yeah, yeah, the heart of the cards and all that junk...” Kaiba stood back up looking down at Yugi.
“Until you can truly grasp the heart of the cards, you’ll never win. You let you’re jealousy and arrogance cloud you’re mind.”
“Listen Yugi, I don’t need any of your magic mumbo jumbo in order to win. I am a champion duelist, and eventually I will defeat you and claim what is rightfully mine.”
“Kaiba...” Yugi had some frustration in his voice.
“Enough...” Kaiba rose back to his feet again and towered over Yugi. “I’m not going to listen to your garbage anymore. Since I did drag you up here, I am willing to give you a ride but I want to hear no more heart of the card crap.”
“Alright, I accept your offer.” A helicopter with the logo ‘KC’ on the side appeared in the distance. It came and touched down on the building. Roland, Kaiba’s right-hand man signaled for the two to get on.
“This is our ride, Yugi. Better get on now, I’m not waiting for you.” Kaiba and Yugi hopped into the chopper and set off. The trip was pretty standard, for a while anyway... Yugi spent the trip staring outside the window, not really focused on anything. Then he looked up at the sun that was almost completely set on the horizon.
“Yugi…”
“Huh?” Yugi was a bit startled. He looked back at Kaiba who was looking out the other window. He was not paying him any attention. He looked back outside at the sun again. “That was strange…” While he looked out the window, he noticed something odd about the sun. He tried to focus in on it but all he could make out was a very faint figure. It had wings and what looked like to be a pointed head.
“Yugi? Hey Yugi...” Kaiba held out his arm and snapped his fingers a couple times. “Hello? Is anybody in there?”
“Huh?” he turned back to Kaiba.
“It looked like you were in a trance or something. I guess that is pretty normal for you though.”
“I thought I heard a voice…”
“Not again...”
“I’m being serious Kaiba. It sounded like someone was calling for me and I thought I saw some image in the sun.”
“You know staring at the sun is not healthy for your eyesight?”
“Hmm…” Yugi reached into his deck box and pulled out three cards, Slifer the Sky Dragon, Obelisk the Tormentor and the Winged Dragon of Ra. He stared at them for a short bit. ‘Could this be somehow connected to the god cards? Or perhaps…’ He looked down at the Puzzle hanging around his neck. ‘Perhaps it’s something inside my Millennium Puzzle?’ Suddenly, his puzzle and the god card in his hand started to glow. “What the?”
“Yugi, what’s with light show!?”
“I don’t know. The gods are reacting for some reason!” ‘Does it have something to do with the voice I heard?’ It was bright. They couldn’t see anything but each other.
“This better not be another trick, Yugi!”
“I’m not doing this Kaiba! The gods are doing this on their own!”
The chopper rocked and shook. Roland was having trouble keeping the chopper stable. “Mr. Kaiba, what is going on back there!?” He tried looking back but even his sunglasses didn’t stop the bright light. He gripped onto the controls and tried to stabilize the spinning chopper; it took a few seconds but he eventually got things back on track. He sighed and wiped the sweat off his face. He activated the autopilot and stepped back where Yugi and Kaiba were. Only now they were nowhere to be found. “Uh… Mr. Moto? Mr. Kaiba? Anyone?” He was completely alone. “Oh boy, Mokuba is not going to be pleased when he hears about this…”
Yugi and Kaiba found themselves falling in the center of a large rainbow vortex. Neither of them had any idea what was going on. Yugi looked over towards Kaiba who was yelling and looking down into the void below. Kaiba seemed to flash blue for a fraction of a second. Yugi wasn’t sure but it felt like the blue aura was making the shape of something. Yugi suddenly flashed purple, just like Kaiba did. The edge of the vortex was very slightly transparent; Yugi could see what looked like mountains and landscapes outside. As he looked down into the black void below him, a pair of red eyes looked back at him. The faint shape of a pair of wings came into view before he blacked out.
Seto Kaiba awoke with a splitting headache and no idea of what just happened. He slowly opened his eyes to see he was in some kind of hospital. A feeling of relief fell over him knowing he was still alive. He’s already lost his soul twice, once by Pegasus and again by Dartz, and he didn’t want it happening again. However, something was off. He felt a little uncomfortable in his current position, like there was something on his back.
“I’m glad to see you are awake.” Kaiba turned and saw something truly unexpected and terrifying. A small white horse standing next to the bed... Talking to him!
“What the!? What are you!?” Kaiba jumped at the sight of this thing. “What is going on!? Where am I!?”
“I thought you would react this way. Your friend was the same when he learned he was a pony.”
Kaiba thought for a second before responding. “When he learned he was a-” Kaiba looked down at his hands... or at least what was left of them. His hands were flat like hooves and he had grown wings that were sticking out through holes in his shirt. He had a dark blue coat and a brown mane that resembled his normal hair. “WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!?” He charged at the horse nurse and grabbed her. “You better tell me what is going on here!?”
“Just go into the waiting room. Your friend will explain everything.”
“You better be right.” Kaiba released the pony and slowly trotted out of the room, eyeing the weird white pony that stood by the bed. As Kaiba left the room, he saw a violet-color pony with spiky black and yellow hair and a blue jacket. “YUGI!” Yugi turned around; his eyes were now innocent and hair was not as spiky as before. “You better explain to me what’s going on here RIGHT NOW! This better not be one of your pathetic illusions.
“Well…I’m not really sure myself. I pretty much had the same experience you did.” Yugi voice had also changed, making him sound like a child.
Kaiba groaned. “First, I’m sucked up by some bright light then I wake up to find out I have been turned into some idiotic cartoon horse! This is downright humiliating!”
“At least we are not alone.” Yugi looked around the hospital waiting. There were no humans at all; just ponies of many different colors. Some ponies had wings, some had horns and some had neither. “Wherever we are, these horses seem to act just like the humans in our world. I haven’t seen a single human since we got here.”
“How do I know we were not just thrown into another digital realm like before?”
Yugi looked down at his hooves. “That is a good point but somehow, I don’t think that is case. We have newly shaped bodies but I still feel… Me… If you understand what I am saying.”
“Well, I refuse to stay in some little town that looks like it’s from a cartoon made for girls. There is no way this is real!”
“Kaiba please, we need to focus. There must be somebody here who can help us.”
About that time, a lavender horned pony come in through the front door and approached the receptionist. “Hello, I was informed you recently had a couple odd ponies come in, a purple unicorn and a blue pegasus.” The mare pointed over towards Yugi and Kaiba. “Thank you, Miss.,” The horned pony approached them. “Hello.”
“Hi?” Yugi replied reluctantly. “Do you know us?”
“I got a letter telling me to head over to the Ponyville Hospital to meet a pair of ponies, a purple unicorn pony and a blue pegasus.” She looked up at Yugi’s head. “Wait a minute, where is your horn? I was told you were a unicorn.”
Yugi placed his hoof on his head and felt around. “Well, the nurse said I had a horn when they brought me in but it seems to have mysteriously vanished.”
“Strange… Anyway, my name is Twilight Sparkle. What about you?”
“My name is Yugi Moto.”
Twilight turned to Kaiba. “And you?”
Kaiba didn’t respond too well. “Now you listen here, I am the president of the biggest gaming company in the world and I demand answers as to where we are or I’ll face the entire weight of the Kaiba Corporation!”
“Woh Kaiba, calm down...” Yugi interrupted. “She is clearly here to help. The nicest thing you can do is listen to what she has to say. You are here to help us, right?”
“Of course!” Twilight peeped. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t help ponies in need.”
“Good because needless to say, we are a little lost...”
“That’s OK! Why don’t you pick up your stuff and we’ll head over to my tree house.”
“Tree house?” Kaiba questioned. “This is going to be a long day...”
Ignoring Kaiba, Yugi had walked up to front desk and was talking with the pony. “We’re here to pick up our stuff. I came in with Duel Disk, a deck of Duel Monster cards and a necklace that looked like pyramid.”
The desk attendant raised her eyebrow. “A Duel what now?”
“Oh uh...” He had forgotten that he was in a completely different world, one where Duel Monsters appears to have never been invented. He had to think of something. “It’s a round thing with wings-like things you slide into your arm...” The attendant continued to look in disbelief but pulled out a box with Yugi’s stuff anyway. “Thank you, ma’am.” He reached into the box and pulled out his Duel Disk. It took a little effort but he eventually slipped it onto his front left hoof. Next, he took his belt and wrapped it around his waist. Luckily his box still had his cards. Finally, he took his Millennium Puzzle and wrapped it around his next. The second he dropped it and it fell on his shoulders, Yugi froze and jerked back with a quick burst of light.
“YUGIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!”
Yugi’s hair had spiked outward and a horn spontaneously appeared on his head. “What the, where am I?” Then he looked down at his hooves. “AH, where are my hands!?”
Twilight was confused about what just happened. “Um… Well, his horn is back but what exactly is going on?”
“Slow down there Yami! Everything is ok.” Yugi felt an arm on his shoulder. It was Yugi’s spirit standing behind him that only he could see.
“Yugi? What exactly is going on?”
“Well, that’s what I am trying to figure out Yami. From what I can tell, we have been transported to another world and we have become some kind of miniature horse called a pony.”
“Well, that would explain what that weird light did but why are we ponies?”
“Hmm... Maybe ponies are the dominant species in this world? They seem to do everything humans do back in our world.” Yugi pointed his hoof over to the lavender unicorn. “That is Twilight Sparkle. I think she wants to help us out and she seems nice enough.”
“You mean that purple one standing by... Standing by... Is that? Is that Kaiba?”
“Yeah, needless to say he is a little disgruntled right now...” Yugi looked back at the Pharaoh and looked him over. He looked pretty much the same as him just slightly different hair and a horn. “Oh, so THAT is what happened to my horn!”
Yami was confused. Using his hoof, he felt his forehead. Sure enough, there was a little stump sticking a few inches out of his head. “Huh, would you look at that.” As he touched it, a golden spark shot out. “Oh, it’s magic…”
“Maybe that is why you have a horn and I don’t. You have a history with magic and I am just a normal person.”
“Interesting… So, what do you propose we do now that we are here?”
“Twilight said she would take us to her home. She didn’t say anything about what is going on but she is the only lead we have.”
“I guess it’s better than nothing…” Yugi vanished and Yami approached Twilight.
“What was that all about?” Twilight asked. “First you grow a horn and then you begin talking to yourself. What is going on here?”
“Huh… I guess I have quite a bit to explain…”
Yugi, Kaiba and Twilight headed though Ponyville towards Twilight’s home. On the way, Yugi tried to explain the situation between him and the real Yugi. “So, you see, I am a completely different person then who you met back at the hospital. Yugi and I share a body and we can swap at will.”
“So, what is your name then?” Twilight asked.
Yugi stopped for a moment. “Well, I don’t actually know...”
“I don’t follow…”
“There is a lot about my past I don’t know; all of my memories were lost. All I know is that I am pharaoh from Egypt over 5000 years ago and that I somehow became sealed within this-” Yugi grabbed the puzzle around his neck and showed it to her.
Twilight examined the puzzle. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It’s actually one of seven Millennium Items as they are called. This one is the Millennium Puzzle.”
“So, if you can’t remember your name, what do they call you?”
“Most people just continue to call me Yugi since we share a body but I am called Yami or Pharaoh on occasions.”
“So, Yami, are you really over 5000 years old?”
“If what I have been told is true then yes.”
“That is amazing! You are even older then the Princess!”
“The Princess?”
Twilight nodded. “Princess Celestia, she controls the sun. I’m also her number one student and personal protégé.”
Yami’s mind stopped. “Can you repeat that? Controls the sun?”
Twilight chuckled at Yami’s ‘joke’. “It’s not like it moves on its own. Who ever thought of a colony where nature controls itself? That’s why the Everfree Forest is so weird.”
Yugi’s spirit appeared again. “They control nature here?” Yugi asked.
“This world is quite unusual. I am quite interested to see what else this place has in store. Maybe we will find out the reason we were brought here. I get the feeling our puzzle had nothing to do with us being here.”
“Yeah, I have that feeling too. This doesn’t seem like anything we have experienced in the past.”
“Hey guys, we’re here.” interrupted Kaiba. They were now standing in front of a large hollowed out tree. “Well, at least now I can see how the economy of this world is...”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Twilight replied.
“Don’t mind Kaiba... He owns KaibaCorp, the biggest gaming company in the world and I imagine he is not exactly happy with the living conditions.”
“KaibaCorp? Is that why his cutie mark is a large KC?”
“What the heck is a Cutie mark?” Kaiba asked.
“All ponies have a cutie mark.” She pointed to the stars on her flank. “It’s supposed to appear on your flank when you discover you’re special talent.”
“That’s... strange...” Kaiba looked over at Yugi’s flank. He had a golden eye much like the one that appeared on each of the Millennium items. Suddenly Yugi reverted back to his normal state. His cutie mark changed to a black smiley face.
“How about we go in?” Yugi asked. “It will be nice to get some relax after today…”
“I’ll have Spike warm up some tea for us.” Twilight pushed open the door. It was completely dark inside. “Huh, Spike must be over at Rarity’s place. Now, where is that light switch?”
The light flashed on and a large amount of ponies crowded the 3 ponies in the middle. “SURPRISE!”
“What in the world is going on here?” Kaiba shouted.
“Why it’s a party of course.” A hyperactive pink pony came bouncing out of the crowd. She looked like she had too much coffee. “When I heard there were new ponies in town, I knew I had to throw a surprise party because I do that with every pony! But first I had figure out where you were going and I thought “Duh” they are going to Twilight’s place because all the new ponies go to Twilight’s! So, I called everyone in town for a surprise party and here we are now! So, were you surprised? Were you, were you, were you!?” The pink pony stood directly in front of Kaiba, almost making contact with his eyes.
“Get out of my face... or some… pony is going to get hurt...”
“Aww, don’t be such a party pooper.” She then turned her attention to Yugi. “How about you, what’s your name?”
“Pinkie Pie! You couldn’t even let them get acquainted before throwing a party?” Twilight yelled.
“Yep...”
“Pinkie Pie, you are so random...”
“So, are you going to introduce those two?”
“Oh, of course! This here is Yugi Moto and Seto Kaiba. They are from… uh...”
“Domino City...” Yugi added.
Pinkie Pie began to look at them. She had a weird look in her eyes that he couldn’t place his hoof on... “Okie dokie loki!”
“I guess since everyone is here already, I’ll introduce you to my friends.” Twilight asked.
“You do whatever you want.” Kaiba replied. “I’ll do what I want…”
“Whatever… You already met Pinkie Pie. She is… Interesting… Don’t question what she does or how she does it. Trust me; it didn’t end well for me. Anyway, let’s meet my other friends.” Twilight pulled Yugi through the crowd. Yugi found himself in front of 2 new ponies. “Girls, this is Yugi. He is the one Pinkie is throwing this party for.”
First one to speak up was the orange earth pony wearing a hat. “Well hello Yugi, my name is Applejack.” Yugi shook her hooves. “It’s always nice to see new ponies around, at least ones that are not jerks…”
“Um… Yeah…” Yugi replied.
Next a light blue pegasus with rainbow hair stepped up. “My name is Rainbow Dash, best flier in all of Equestria.”
Suddenly, Applejack smacked Rainbow over the head. “You just met him. Can’t you at least wait before you bragging like that?”
“I don’t really mind.” Yugi replied. “She reminds of a friend I have back home. He may be a bit of a loudmouth but I know he means well and that he has the potential to do great things.”
“You sound like you know a lot about friendship.” Twilight replied.
“That’s because all my friends and I all share a powerful bond.” Yugi raised up his left hoof. “The ink may have faded but we all carry a symbol of our friendship right here on the back of our hands.”
“Like a drawing? Is that what you’re cutie mark is?”
Yugi looked back at his cutie mark to see the same face Tea had drawn on their hands. “Yep, exactly the same.”
“A friendship cutie mark?” Applejack asked. “Now ain’t that sumthin. You’ll fit in just perfect with us.”
Yugi turned back to Twilight who appeared to be looking around. “What is it, Twilight?”
“I can’t find Rarity or Fluttershy…”
“Oh, they are over there.” Rainbow pointed over at the other side of the room where a white unicorn and a yellow pegasus were approaching Kaiba. “They look like they are talking to that blue pegasus over there.”
“Oh no, not Kaiba…” Twilight muttered.
Rarity and Fluttershy had approached Kaiba who was in the middle of reading a book. He stopped when he noticed he was being watched. “Can I help you something?”
“Oh, well Pinkie Pie told us you were one of the new ponies in town and I wanted to meet you.”
“Well good for you. Now leave me, I don’t feel like talking.”
“My how rude. We are just trying to welcome you into Ponyville.”
“Well, it was not my choice to be here. I’d rather be back home. I have a company to manage.”
“Oh, you run a company? What kind of company.”
“A gaming company, the biggest and richest company in the world.”
“So, you make board games or something?”
“No, we develop software and equipment for the game of Duel Monsters. Now can you please go away?”
“Oh, come on, we are just trying to be nice. Can’t you at least show us this duel monsters or something.”
“You want to see a Duel Monster?”
“Indeed…”
“Alright then…” Kaiba closed his book and stood up and held his left hoof into the air. The wings on his duel disk came out and rotated up connecting at the ends and rotated back down to the outer edge of his arm. He placed his right hoof on his deck. Despite not having fingers, he was somehow able to grip his cards just fine is if he had fingers. “How about I show you my almighty Blue-Eyes White Dragon!?” He held the card up and threw it down onto his duel disk. A large rainbow projection appeared behind him forming a giant creature. Soon the features became clear. It was large white dragon with a round snout and dark blue eyes. It gave an extremely loud roar that got the attention of all the ponies in the party.
“DRAGON!!!” Pinkie Pie screamed. All the guests suddenly ran for the door trying to get out. In less than a minute, everyone was gone except for Yugi, Kaiba, Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy who was currently hiding behind Rarity in fear.
Yugi approached Kaiba. “Seriously, Kaiba… What did you go and do that for?”
“Hey, she wanted to see a Duel Monster and that’s what she got.” He remarked sarcastically.
“Couldn’t you have shown something a little nicer?” Rarity asked. “You scared Fluttershy half to death.”
“What do I care? People are usually in awe to the power of my Blue-Eyes White Dragon.”
Yugi sighed and held out his left as his Duel Disk rotated into place. He drew a card from his deck and threw it down. Yugi’s ace monster, his Dark Magician materialized in front of him. The cowering Fluttershy opened her eyes to see the large man in purple standing in front of her opposing the scary dragon. “What… Is that?”
Yugi turned back to Fluttershy. “That is my good friend, the Dark Magician.”
“Oooh…”
“Hey Yugi…” Twilight interrupted. “Mind telling me what is going on here? Why is there suddenly a dragon and some magician in my library?”
“These are Duel Monsters. It’s a game we play back home.”
“So, is that what the device and cards are for?”
Yugi nodded. “Uh Huh, it’s a really famous game back home. It even has some historical importance. I could show you how to play the game if you want.”
A pink blur busted in through the door and a grinning Pinkie Pie was now standing in front of Yugi. “Did you say game!?”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll show you how to play Duel Monster. First thing you need to know is that there are 3 kinds of cards, Magic, Trap and Monster cards…”
Yugi had begun explaining the game to the six ponies sitting around him. It was like teaching Joey all over again. It was quite a nostalgic experience. Maybe, he thought. Maybe this will be quite enjoyable. However, unknown to him, there stood a figure. I hooded pony standing outside watching the action unfold. Pulling up her left forehoof, she raised her Duel Disk, drawing the card from the top of her deck. She stared at it with her violet eyes. “Won’t be long now...”
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supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 2 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
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My Little Duel Monsters
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An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
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incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
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teen
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2011-10-03T01:00:31+00:00
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2023-05-14T06:41:46+00:00
| 6,147 |
It had been a good 3 hours since our heroes had arrived in this new world run by ponies. At first it was a bit intimidating teaching a species that never even heard of the game but after teaching them about duel monsters, Yugi had grown quite fond of the six ponies. There was something interesting about them but he couldn’t quite figure it out. Either way, it didn’t really matter. He needed to find a way back home. He didn’t want his friends to worry.
“I think that’s about everything there is to know.” It took a while but Yugi thought he finally taught them to play. Sadly, they didn’t have any extra cards so Yugi just let them use his cards. Twilight seemed to like his Dark Magician, and Fluttershy wouldn’t let go of his Kuriboh. It made sense.
“Wow this is a complex game!” Twilight exclaimed. “I wish you had more cards then we could duel.”
“Yeah, sorry Twilight, it was quite sudden and I couldn’t bring any more cards.”
“Ooh! Ooh! Maybe Kaiba will let us use his!” Pinkie Pie chirped.
Kaiba looked over at her with an irritated glare. “In your dreams...” After a few weird looks, Kaiba went about his business. The light that had pulled them into Equestria also seemed to bring along his suitcase that contained his hidden laptop. His brother Mokuba carried one as well. He thought he could get in contact but to no avail. So instead, he decided he would use this time to figure out his current dilemma. “Shouldn’t we be trying to find a way back?”
“Aw... You can’t go yet... You haven’t even done anything yet. You’ve just seen siting there talking to your suitcase”
“It’s a laptop that I’ve been using to try and find a way back...”
“Well why don’t you duel Yugi so we can see a duel?”
Kaiba gave a glare at Yugi. This might be his chance to get back at Yugi. But that wasn’t important at the moment. “I already dueled him shortly before we came here. I need to do more research so I can adjust my deck.”
“How about us?”
“I don’t play with dweebs. Besides, you don’t even have any cards.”
“She can use mine Kaiba.” Yugi interrupted.
“Oh, come on!” He was stuck. If Kaiba wanted to get anywhere, he had to duel a... Pony... “Fine, but after this I am done. I don’t have time to waste with you losers.”
“Great! Now let me fit her.” Yugi removed his Duel Disk and fitted it onto Pinkies left arm. Her eyes grew as she gazed at it like a huge diamond. “Alright, you’re all set up. Remember what I taught to you.”
“Okie dokie loki!” Pinkie Pie bounced away and got into a position several feet away from Kaiba. Kaiba was less than entertained. He was dueling against someone who had never dueled before. This was going to be easy.
“Hey, Pinkie Pie?” Applejack intervened. “Ah know your ich’n for a duel and as much as ah would like to stay, I got some applebuck’n tah do...”
“Oh! Ok!” Pinkie knew that Applejack was a busy pony so she didn’t care if she left.
“Come on already!” Kaiba shouted. He held out his Duel Disk. “Launch Holo-Imagers!” Two small devices with wings darted out the sides of his duel disk. After hitting the ground, the wings retracted and device flipped over releasing a multi-colored light. “Let’s duel!”
Seto Kaiba
< LP: 4000 >
Pinkie Pie
< LP: 4000 >
Applejack was approaching Sweet Apple Acre. She could see her little sister Apple Bloom waving to her. “Hey Apple Bloom. I’m back from Pinkie’s party.”
“How were the new ponies?”
“One was a bit of a jerk but the other was really nice. He showed us this weird game from where he comes from called Duel Monsters.”
“Ooh, is it something I can get a cutie mark for!?”
“Well ah don’t think the game actually exists here. These ponies come from a faraway place.”
“Aw… I would like to at least see what this Duel Monsters thing is…”
“I can arrange that if you want…” Applejack and Apple Bloom turned back to see a strange pony standing outside the gate of the farm. She had a black robe that covered most of her body. All that could be seen was a tiny bit of her light blue legs.
“What do you want?” Applejack asked. Apple Bloom was hiding behind her back hooves.
“What do I want?” She held out her front left hoof through her robe. She had some circular device on her arm. It looked kind of similar to what Yugi and Kaiba were wearing but it was black. A single monster zone shot out from the center and two wings extended out from the sides with two more zones on each wing. The device lit up and five red arrows appeared on the length of the blade. On the circular part, a pair of red eyes and a mouth lit up and a 4000 appeared between the two eyes. “What I want is your soul…”
“Oh, I want to go first!” Pinkie placed her hoof on the top her deck and drew her starting hand. “Ooh, how about this one!” Pinkie set her card down on the disk. Her monster began to materialize. Though was had come was not what Yugi had expected. Her monster was nothing but a little brown ball of fuzz. It made a little squeal.
Kuriboh
< Level 1 / ATK: 300 >
“Kuriboh…” Yugi groaned as he planted his hoof on his forehead.
“AHHH, it’s so adorable!” Fluttershy jumped towards the creature sitting in the field, but instead of grabbing it in a hug, she flew right through it and landed in the dirt. She looked back in confusion. “What happened? Why can’t I touch it?
“It’s only a hologram.” Kaiba explained. “All the monsters in this game are just holograms.”
“Oh...” Fluttershy sulked back to her place next to her friends.
“My turn, you pink freak!” Kaiba drew he first card. “Let me give you a real lesson about Duel Monsters…”
“But Yugi already taught me how!”
“Well clearly, he didn’t teach you well enough. If he did, you wouldn’t have left such a weak monster on the field undefended, especially in attack mode.” Pinkie looked confused. “Now I will show you why… I summon my Lord of Dragons!” Kaiba’s monster appeared on the field as a tall man in a blue suit. He was wearing bone armor over his whole body with dragon feet as shoulder pads and a cape.
Lord of D.
< Level 4 / ATK: 1200 >
“Now I activate the magic card known as Flute of Summoning Dragons! This allows me to call forth two dragons from my hand and summon them straight to the field.”
“Oh no!” Yugi yelled.
Kaiba’s Lord of Dragons grabbed a hold of the flute and blew into it. “And now use my flute to summon the two Blue-Eyes White Dragons from my hand!” A pair of white lightning bolts rained from the sky striking the ground. The lightning bolts then formed into two copies of the same dragon that appeared in the library earlier that day.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon (x2)
< Level 8 / ATK: 3000 >
“Blue-Eyes White Dragon number 1; attack her puffball with your White Lightning Attack!” Kaiba’s Blue-Eyes opened its mouth and charged a white ball of electricity. The dragon unleashed a humongous energy beam that blasted through Pinkie’s Kuriboh shattering it like glass and flew towards Pinkie.
“YIKES!” Pinkie ducked down covering her head as the blast hit her. She didn’t feel any pain but it fell like being pushed by a windstorm. After it was over, she looked up confused. “Wait, what happened?”
Pinkie Pie
< LP: 4000 → 1300 >
“The monsters are only holograms remember? None of it is real…”
“Oh yeah, right!” Pinkie regained her Cherie look.
“Now go, my second Blue-Eyes, wipe her rest of her life points!” The second dragon did the same as first. This time the beam went straight for her directly.
Pinkie Pie
< LP: 1300 → 0 >
“Aw, it’s over already?”
“Well, that was fast.” Twilight stating the obvious. “We didn’t even see the duel. It was over on the first turn.”
“She clearly had no idea what she was doing.” Kaiba responded.
“You didn’t even give her a chance!”
“You’re not supposed to let your opponent get a chance.”
“Break it up!” Yugi interrupted. “Don’t listen to Kaiba, he just really competitive.”
“Yeah, but still...”
Suddenly, there was a loud bang that echoed through the sky. “Huh? What was that?” Everypony turned to see dark clouds forming over Sweet Apple Acres.
“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.
“I don’t know...” They’re questions were answered when a large monster began rising from the ground. It was visible all the way from the library. It was humongous, as big as Canterlot Castle. It was a blue creature with spiked shoulders and had a few large horns on its head.
“Yugi, are my eyes deceiving me or is that Obelisk the Tormentor!?” Kaiba questioned.
“Yes but... That’s impossible. There is only one copy of Obelisk and I have him!” Yugi reaches for his deck box on his belt pull out his deck spreading it in front of him. He skimmed through his cards and gave a look of horror. “No… no no no!” He skimmed through his deck several more times.
“Don’t tell me you lost him!”
“Not just him, Slifer the Sky Dragon and The Winged Dragon of Ra are missing as well. Someone must have stolen them from my deck while we were in the hospital.”
“Hey Yugi.” Twilight asked. “What exactly is the problem? I thought Kaiba said Duel Monsters are not real.”
“Not these cards Twilight. Obelisk the Tormentor, Slifer the Sky Dragon and The Winged Dragon of Ra are not normal cards. They are known as the Egyptian God Cards and they hold a power far greater than any mortal can possibly imagine. In the wrong hands they can cause irreversible damage to anyone unfortunate enough to face one of these beasts.”
Twilight’s ears drooped down. “Why would simple cards hold such a dangerous power?” About that time, Yugi and Co. could see a small yellow filly running towards them. “Apple Bloom, what is going on!?”
Apple Bloom stopped for a few seconds to breath. “Twilight, Applejack’s in trouble!”
“What happened?”
“Applejack had just come back from Pinkie’s party and she told me about that new game of yours and some strange pony appeared out of nowhere. She said she wanted to duel my sister for her sole or something.”
Yugi froze. “Wait, did you say she wanted to duel for her soul?”
“Uh, yeah?”
“Yami…?” Yami’s spirit appeared next to Yugi. “You think someone from our world followed us here?”
“Possibly, Twilight says Duel Monsters doesn’t exist here and then out of nowhere this happens only a few hours after we show up. The timing is too perfect. We have to be on our guard.” Yugi nodded.
Yugi turned to Twilight. “Twilight, we need to find Applejack now! I think she might be in serious trouble!”
“Right!” As soon as they started moving, something unusual happened. Obelisk turned completely black like a silhouette and the dark clouds above it parted creating a large hole in the sky. The large form of Obelisk then started breaking down into a cloud of black smoke that rose up into the air creating a tornado like spiral that funneled upward into the sky. Finally, a single bolt of black lightning came down and the struck down where Obelisk once stood.
“That can’t be good…” Yugi muttered before they ran off to help Applejack.
They finally arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. There was nopony in sight no Applejack or anyone. All that was left was some strange black mark on the path. It almost looked like it was burned into the ground. Something about it sent shivers down their spines.
“APPLEJACK, Applejack where are you?” Twilight shouted.
“Your friend is not here anymore…” Everypony turn to see a single pony leaning up against an apple tree. She was tossing an apple up air, constantly throwing and catching it.
“Who are you and what have you done with my friend!?”
“I told you she is gone. I sent her to place where she will spend the rest of eternity.” She said, pointing to the black mark on the path.
Everypony gasped. “You... You KILLED HER!?” Twilight screamed. “You killed my best friend!?”
The figure snickered. She acted like she was all high mighty. “Maybe, maybe not… What are you going to do about it?”
“I am going to destroy you!” Twilight charged her magic, focusing on the about-to-be-dead pony in front of her. “TAKE THIS!” Her horn let loose a power stream of purple energy directly at the pony. Right before impact, a black barrier formed around the pony and the attack ricocheted off her hitting a nearby tree. Twilight was left utterly confused. “How did you block my attack so effortlessly? Nopony is that strong!”
The still mysterious pony stepped forward. As she walked forward, the Pharaoh appeared next to Yugi. “Yugi, that pony is using shadow magic.”
“Are you sure Yami?”
Yami nodded. ‘Yes, I can see the darkness practically seeping out of her.”
“You don’t seem to have any idea what you are messing with…” A cloud of darkness started flowing from underneath her cloak. “I control a power unlike anything Pony-kind has ever witnessed-” She lifted her right hoof up and pointed at Twilight. “And you Twilight will witness my power first hand!”
“FINE!” Twilight growled. “I’m going to warn you, I’m not afraid of holding back my power when you hurt my friends!” Twilight tried to step forward but Yugi stopped her. “What?”
“Twilight, this pony is using shadow magic. Let me take care of her.”
“Sorry Yugi, but this is personal.” She pushed Yugi off of her and approached her opponent. “Alright, so how do you want to do this, a magic duel?”
“I have a better idea…” She held her left hoof revealing a duel disk. “How about we play a Shadow Game?”
“NO! DON’T DO IT!” Yugi yelled.
The pony laughed as her duel disk started glowing. A small black ring formed on the ground and grew outwards passing the ground under Twilight and stopping right behind her back hooves. Twilight looked around at the new barrier that was now streaming a black fire blocking her escape. “What is going on?”
“I sealed us inside so nopony can interrupt our duel.” She held up her duel disk and activated it.
Twilight tried stepping back but slammed into the barrier keeping her inside. “You want to duel me… with a game Duel Monsters? But I don’t have any cards or a duel disk…” Twilight was cut off by a rainbow-colored light covering her arm and fanning out. An unusual looking Duel Disk had materialized on her arm. It had a unique design completely unlike Yugi and Kaiba’s disks. The center was a dark purple circle with a pink 6-pointed star. The edges all slightly protruded of the circle. “But... how?”
“Hmm... It’s just as Master predicted, Celestia knew this was going to happen so she placed a spell on the Elements of Harmony to magically create your deck for you in your time of need…”
“Wait, what do you mean the Princess expected this would happen? What does she have to do with this?”
“You will find out soon enough… That is of course if you manage to beat me but you are not leaving this duel alive!” Twilight couldn’t tell why but something about this pony was familiar.
“Twilight, be careful!” Yugi shouted. He was worried this duel could turn ugly; she wasn’t experienced like them. This would be her first duel, but Twilight was smart. She would figure something out.
“Let’s get this duel started already. The faster I can destroy you Sparkle the better!”
Twilight grunted and held up her left hoof. Five individual star shaped zones shot out from the center in all directions from her duel disk and rotated around to the outside of her arm making up the five slots. “Bring it…”
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 4000 >
The hooded pony chuckled and raised her duel disk. “Alright then… Let us duel…”
Unknown
< LP: 4000 >
“Since I am clearly the Superior here, I’ll go first.” The hooded mare drew her starting six cards. “I’ll start off by summoning this monster face-down in defense mode. That will be all for me…”
“Now it’s my draw!” Twilight shouted as she drew. ‘Ok Twilight, just remember what Yugi taught you. You got to think ahead and plan out you’re moves. Now let’s see… what is the connection between all my cards?’ She scanned her cards for a moment, and then a certain magic card caught her eye. ‘That’s the card!’ “I’ll start my turn by summoning a monster called Magical Exemplar in attack mode!” Twilight’s monster materialized as a human woman with a green robe, long hair and gold jewelry around her forehead and neck.
Magical Exemplar
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
‘Alright, hope this card works…’ Twilight lifted her duel disk and a hidden card tray slid out from under her deck zone. “I play a field card, Magical Citadel of Endymion!” Twilight set her card in the tray and it retracted into the duel disk. All around them, a huge city began to form. In four separate corners were a tower and a giant tower formed behind Twilight. The city was surrounded by several arcana rings.
“What in Equestria is this?”
“This… is my citadel… Let me explain, every time a magic card is activated, it gets what is known as a Spell Counter. These Spell Counters can be used to power my monster’s effects. Not only that but many monsters in my deck have the ability to stock up on Spell Counters themselves. Magical Exemplar for example gains an additional two counters every time a magic card is activated.” Twilight’s monster held her hands facing each other and two black orbs with a strange triangle formed between them. “Next, I activate Spell Power Grasp, this lets me add one counter to any card on the field and I choose my Citadel. And as an added bonus, my citadel gains an addition counter and my Exemplar gains another two!” Two more orbs appeared around both Twilight’s tower and her monster. “Spell Power Grasp also lets me search my deck for another copy of itself.” Twilight pulled out her deck and plucked out a single card and put it into her hand. “Now I can activate my Exemplar’s special ability. By removing her spell counters, she can summon a monster from my hand or graveyard with the same level and by removing all four of her counters; I can summon a second Exemplar from my hand!” The four black spheres landed on the ground next to Twilight’s monster forming a portal. From that portal a complete duplicate of Exemplar appeared next to the first one.
Magical Exemplar
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
‘Twilight is doing great.’ Yugi thought to himself. ’She is playing like she’s been playing the game for years.’
“Next, I’ll equip one of my Exemplars with the Shooting Start Bow spell card. This card may lower her attack power by a thousand but it allows her to attack you’re life points directly!” A white winged bow appeared in one of the monster’s hands.
Magical Exemplar
< ATK: 1700 → 700 >
Twilight smirked. ’Now even if her face down monster is a trap, I’ll still get a shot at her life points. I may not do as much damage had I just attacked but better safe than sorry.’ “And of course, my monsters all gain Spell Counters from my magic card.” Both her Exemplars gained two each and her tower gained one more sphere giving it 5.
“Now, my Magic Exemplar will use her new weapon and bypass your face down monster!” Her monster aligned the shot and fired a glowing arrow flying over the card and hitting her opponent. The hooded pony clenched her chest as it hit her.
Unknown
< LP: 4000 → 3300 >
“Now I’ll attack your face-down monster with my unarmed Magical Exemplar!” Twilight’s monster held her hands together and began forming a ball. She fired the ball and blew up the hooded figure’s monster. The face down card flipped showing a young purple armored wizard before being blown up.
“Not like it matters. Whenever Apprentice Magician is destroyed, I can immediately summon another from my deck to take its place.” The pony placed another monster face down.
“That will be all.” Twilight, felt amazing. This duel was exhilarating! It was like nothing she had felt before. On paper it sounded a little boring but after such an amazing first move. It was obvious there was more to this game then she had first anticipated.
The hooded pony was growing frustrated. “It’s my turn and I’ll start my turn by activating the Magical Dimension spell card.” Upon sliding her card into her Duel Disk, a weird coffin in chains appeared behind her. “With this, I can tribute a spellcaster on my side of the field to summon an even stronger spellcaster from my hand.” As the coffin opened, her face down magician jumped up and got into the coffin and it closed again. The pony chuckled and a single card in her hand became covered in a purple magic aura. She lifted it up and roughly slammed the card onto her duel disk. “Please welcome to the stage, the Dark Magician!”
“WHAT!?”
‘Oh no…’ Yugi thought. ‘Her opponent is a Dark Magician user! This could be bad.’
The all too familiar card appeared in front of Twilight. The very monster she was ogling not even 20 minutes ago was now appearing out of the coffin with the most terrifying stare she had ever seen. This Dark Magician was nothing like Yugi’s. It had black armor and white hair and an extremely creepy smile.
Dark Magician
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
“Oh, and did I forget to mention that Magical Dimension also destroys one monster on your side of the field?” The pony pointed over at her monster with the bow.
“Not my Exemplar!” Twilight screamed. The coffin that her Magician appeared from reached out with shadowy tentacles and pulled Twilight’s Exemplar wielding the bow into the darkness. “At least her spell counters won’t be going to waste because when a monster with spell counters is destroyed. The counters move to my Magical Citadel giving it a total of 8 counters.”
“Not that you’ll get the chance to use them. I activate Foolish Burial! This lets me send a monster from my deck straight to my graveyard.”
“But why would you send a monster you haven’t even summoned to the graveyard... Wait!” Twilight was remembering back to when Yugi was teaching them to duel.
“Just because a monster is sent to the graveyard, doesn’t mean it’s gone. There are a few cards that can summon monsters that were sent to the graveyard earlier in the duel. One card in particular is called...”
“Monster Reborn!” A huge glowing symbol appeared behind the pony, rising out of the ground. “This lets me bring any monster from the graveyard and summon it to the field.” The ground below them shook and a familiar blue figure rose up behind the pony.
“Obelisk!” Yugi and Kaiba yelled simultaneously.
Obelisk the Tormentor
< Level 10 / ATK: 4000 >
The creature was even more massive up close. Twilight had begun to shiver; she had never seen something so large and terrifying. “Ahaha-ahahaha-AHAHAHAHA! How does it feel Twilight! How does it feel to stare into the face of death? Who is Great and Powerful now!?” Twilight’s attention instantly changed from the growing beast to her opponent. The clues were finally adding up. There was only one pony that would use the term Great and Powerful.
“TRIXIE!?”
The pony stopped laughing. “Well... Well... Well... So, you finally figured it out...” Trixie slowly removed her hood. She was very similar as before but she looked like she had been through hell. Her mane was all messed up and she was covered in cuts. “Surprised?”
“Trixie, what happened to you?”
“What happened to me...? What HAPPENED TO ME!? YOU HAPPENED! My life was just fine until you destroyed it!”
“What did I do?”
“Because of you, I LOST THE ONE PONY WHO WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO ME!” Twilight recoiled and Trixie seemed to calm down. “Over the years, I’ve seen many ponies who don’t exactly think my magic is that special.” Twilight seemed to be confused. “What? You thought you were the only ones? Many ponies try to outclass me on stage and fail.” Trixie took a deep breath and looked into the sky. “But there was one filly, her name was Starshine Hope. She came to my trailer and asked for an autograph one day. I didn’t think much of it at first but she came back the next day and I ended up breaking her heart... Once I learned the truth about her, I was crushed, so I offered to take her in and train her myself.”
“So, what happened?”
“I needed more time to prepare, I didn’t have the proper supplies or experience yet. I also wanted to visit my mother so she could give me proper advice. On the way I ended up here in Ponyville. It turns out the news of a psycho unicorn and an Ursa Minor spreads fast… I stopped getting letters from her and I suspect she wasn’t getting mine either. So, I decided to go and visit her myself and set things straight. When I got there, I found out she had moved on. She had completely forgotten about me… And our promise…”
“How can you know for sure she had forgotten and what promise are you talking about?”
“Our personal life is not for you to hear Sparkle; you ruined my life enough already. I could handle the home and my things but Starshine was the first true friend I ever made and after losing her I felt like I had lost everything... I just couldn’t take it anymore…”
Atop the highest point within the Everfree Forest, Trixie stood, hooves barely along the edge of the cliff. She looked down. It was a 30-story drop. It would be impossible for a normal pony to survive that long.
“My entire reputation was shot; I lost my only true friend… It felt like my entire life was meaningless… I just wanted nothing else but for it to end…” Trixie’s eyes began to water but her tears never touched the ground. “Starshine... Goodbye...” Taking a single step, Trixie slid of edge, going into a nearly endless fall. Her tears began to burn her eyes from the sheer force of the fall. “I was about to hit the ground but something appeared below me, like a kind of darkness. There was nothing I could do so I just fell into it.” Trixie became completely surrounded by the darkness.
“The Great and Powerful Trixie, so we finally meet...”
Trixie recoiled. “Who’s there? What do you want with me?”
“Why, I want to help you of course…”
“How, I have nothing left!”
“Your wrong, you do have something left… Your power, you can use it to turn your life around…” Trixie’s ears perked up. “Yes, I can see you’re interested…”
“Yes, I’ll do anything to get my life back. Please, I’ll do anything!”
“Just relax my child, and open yourself to the darkness.” A dark smoke began to consume her, she could no longer breath. “Don’t struggle against it, let it in and embrace it. Embrace the darkness and you will become the most powerful unicorn in all of Equestria!”
Trixie began to scream as the darkness completely took hold. The smoke surged into her body as her power grew more powerful than ever. Then, Trixie opened her eyes and the pain stopped. She was no longer falling in the darkness. She was completely unharmed at the top of the cliff she jumped from. She looked down at her hoof to see an unusual device attached to it. “Where did this thing come from?”
“That my dear Trixie is your new life. Draw a card from your deck and place it on the blade of the duel disk. Once you do, your true power will be awakened, not even Twilight Sparkle can compare.”
Trixie’s eyes opened wide. She looked down at the deck and drew the card causing single zone shot out from the centerpiece and two wings shot out from each side of the zone. Trixie stared with wide eyes at the card, it was shrouded in a kind of black aura. “Something about the card was mystifying, like I could hear it talking to me. It promised me great power and all I needed to do was play the card.” Trixie slowly lowered her right hoof and set the card on the duel disk. As soon as it came in contact, her disk exploded into a flurry of black lightning threatening to take her over.
“You must gain control Trixie. This is not my power, it’s yours!”
Trixie focused as hard as she could. She stood up on her hind legs and screamed into the sky. The black smoke started flowing out from her body as her scream changed into a devilish laughter. “I’M COMING FOR YOU TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” She came back down on her front hooves. “And when I find you... you are going to pay…”
Nobody said anything. Her story was not the kind they expected from Trixie. It was few minutes before Twilight finally spoke up. “You... Tried to commit suicide?”
“I HAD NOTHING TO LIVE FOR! You took everything I had! Master promised me a new life and a chance for revenge. I wasn’t going to pass that up. Of course, Master was missing a key component. Without it our plans would never work.”
“The Egyptian God cards!” Yugi exclaimed.
“Exactly, without the god cards our greatest weapon is powerless. However, now that we have them, we are unstoppable. You’re little farmer friend was the perfect test to try out my new power. It went way past my expectations.”
Twilight was starting to become upset. “Trixie, I can’t say I know you all that well but I want to help you. Don’t fall for the darkness, it will only cause you more harm in the future.”
“SHUT UP! I accepted this power so I can finally destroy you and have you out of my life forever!”
“Please don’t...”
“Nothing you say will stop me!” Trixie stood back on her hind hooves and screamed into the air holding a card. Black lightning was flowing around her leg and the card. “This monster can only be summoned while I’m in control of an Egyptian God and a creature of Darkness and sending them to my graveyard!” Obelisk and Dark Magician began to dissolve into a black mist and swirled into the air creating a funnel between the clouds and Trixie After a few seconds, a black lightning bolt came down through the funnel and struck Trixie. Two red scars began forming on Trixie’s forehead from the back of her scalp, one on each side. They were shaping like lightning bolts leading to her eyes then rounded around her eyes forming a sort of eye liner. Once the scars circled around to the front tips of her eyes, the red light faded leaving a black mark. “Stolen past and taken peace… Awaken the darkness and engulf the world in your cleansing shadow!” Trixie opened up her eyes. They we no longer the usual purple color, they glowed a bright red and no longer showed to reflect any light.
“Trixie?”
“The Great and Powerful Trixie is gone...” Her voice sent chills down Twilight spine. It wasn’t her normal voice anymore; it was like Trixie had a second more sinister voice talking behind her normal voice. “You may now call me ‘The Dark and Malevolent Trixie!’” Trixie broke into a maniacal laughter that echoed through the sky.
Twilight was on the verge of tears. “What have they done to you...?” Twilight wiped away her tears. “If you really want to go through with this, you leave me no choice…”
Suddenly, Trixie’s shadow that was resting upon the ground began to rise up behand, taking on a physical form. The shadow began to morph into a horrifying image, a tall bird like creature with massive wings and red scars on his head just like Trixie and a pair of red glowing eyes. “Behold, the most powerful creature in existence! Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony!” The monster leaned its head back charging black energy in front of its face. Once the charge started releasing lightning, the monster blasted Twilight’s Exemplar with a black and white energy beam.
“Agh...” At the moment her monster was destroyed, Twilight began to feel on tug in her chest. She pushed it aside and put her focus back into the battle. “You didn’t even command it to attack!”
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 4000 → 2700 >
“I don’t need to; he is fueled by my inner darkness, my inner hate. He will destroy anyone I want to see destroyed!”
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< Level 10 / ATK: 3000 >
“He may not have as many attack points as Obelisk but that doesn’t matter… Not only is Iseris immortal, but if your life points hit zero while he is on the field... Well... You’re going to find out soon enough...”
“In that case, I will just have to destroy it!” Twilight drew her next card.
“Before you make your move, there is something you should know. At the beginning of every one of your turns, Iseris inflicts you with 100 points of damage for each DARK monster in my graveyard. Purgatory Discharge!” An array of black tentacles shot out from Trixie’s graveyard and lashed at Twilight causing to her lurch back.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 2700 → 2400 >
She felt it again. “When there are 6 or more counters on my Citadel, I can remove 6 of them to special summon Endymion the Master Magician from my hand…” The spheres around the tower circled together creating a warp gate and a new monster came flying out. It held a striking resemblance to Yugi’s Dark Magician but its clothing had a golden trim and it wore a large cape.
Endymion the Master Magician
< Level 7 / ATK: 2700 >
“When Endymion is summoned to the field by this effect, I can return one magic card from my graveyard to my hand.” Twilight’s Shooting Star Bow ejected from her graveyard and she put it in her hand. Twilight began to think of her options. ‘I can end this battle right now if I wanted to. If I were to equip Endymion with Shooting Star Bow and the Mage Power card in my hand, he would have 3200 ATK. However, that alone is not enough. But I do have my Spell Power Grasp in my hand. If I play that face down, Endymion will go to 3700 which would be enough to deplete her life points to zero... But...’ Twilight looked up at the dark creature looming over her. ‘If I can defeat that creature, maybe I can break the hold it has on her and I can help her...’
“Trixie doesn’t have all day!” Trixie shouted.
Twilight knew what she had to do. It didn’t matter what she had to do. She had to help Trixie. “I activate Endymion’s special ability. By discarding the Spell Power Grasp in my hand, I can select and destroy one card on the field.” Twilight slid her card into the graveyard and Endymion started charging his staff. He let loose a stream of lightning and aimed it right at Iseris. The blast landed right on target and the field burst onto a frenzy of explosions. “Yes!”
“I don’t think so Twilight.” The smoke cleared revealing the still standing shadow. “Iseris cannot be destroyed by spell, trap or monster effects. And just for clarification, magic cards don’t work either…” Twilight gave Trixie on odd look. “In this world, Magic cards are called Spell cards. I guess the Pharaoh’s world is just that primitive that it’s still using the old term. So don’t think you can loophole spell effects by using magic, it doesn’t work…”
“In that case then… I equip Endymion with the Mage Power spell card.” Putting a large emphasis on the word Spell. “This boosts his power by an additional 500 points for every spell and trap card on my field including itself.”
Endymion the Master Magician
< ATK: 2700→ 3700 >
“Go Endymion; attack Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony!” Endymion launched a purple electrical ball this time.
“That won’t work either!” Iseris retracted itself into its shadow and avoided the attack. The attack exploded a short distance from where Trixie was standing. “Iseris can’t be destroyed in battle either. Unfortunately, since it’s in attack mode I still take damage...”
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 3300 → 2600 >
“But, that’s not fair! If I can’t destroy it with spell, traps or monsters, how can I beat it?”
“You can’t! I warned you that Iseris was immortal meaning there is no way to destroy him!”
“But that... You can’t... oh...” Twilight looked downwards. She had a chance to win and she blew it. If only she knew the power of Trixie’s monster. “End turn...”
“Giving up, are we? What a pity...” Trixie drew her card and looked at it for a second. “I activate a spell card known as Cursed Greed. If I control a Level 10 or higher DARK monster, this lets me take possession of a random card from your hand.” When the card materialized on the field, a large black hand shot out and grabbed Twilight’s Shooting Star Bow. The hand retracted back and the card reappeared in Trixie’s hoof. “Thank you so much for donating to those in need. I equip Iseris with your own Shooting Star Bow!” Twilight expected to see Iseris holding her white bow, but what she got was completely different. Iseris was now holding a black flaming bow. The arrow was made entirely of a dark purple fire.
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< ATK: 3000→ 2000 >
“Hehehe…” Trixie pointed over at Twilight. “Iseris, attack Twilight with Shadow Star Bow. Make her suffer for all the pain she caused me!” The shadow held up the bow and shot its flaming arrow at Twilight. The arrow plunged into her chest.
“AHHHHHH!!!” Twilight shrieked in pain. Standing on her hind legs, she looked down. The flaming arrow stood there, sticking out of her chest.
“TWILIGHT!” Her friends yelled at the shriek.
“Why... (pant) why does it hurt so much?” Twilight was in shear pain; she felt the arrow like it was real. “I thought these were... (cough) just holograms...”
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 2400 → 400 >
“Ha, normally yes but not this time?” Rarity and Fluttershy ran up to help Twilight, but was blocked by the barrier. “While normally these are nothing by harmless holograms but while Iseris in on the field, all the damage you take is real!” Trixie slowly walked up to Twilight. “Like I said, Iseris is made from my inner darkness, my hate…” Trixie’s smiled, her mouth almost reaching ear to ear. “Every time I see you in pain, it just makes me so happy. I enjoy seeing you suffer!” Sticking her tongue out, Trixie began to make a very disturbing cackle. “Don’t expect a quick death. I’ll make sure to squeeze every... single... last... breath... and saver it!”
“You monster!” Rainbow yelled.
“You ruffian!” Rarity yelled.
‘That’s it! I won’t let this continue on anymore!’ Yugi’s puzzle began to glow and shake. A large beam shot into the air and surround Yugi.
“YUGIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!”
The light evaporated to revealing a whole new Yugi standing on his hind legs, his front hooves on his hips and his eyes closed. He was no longer wearing his coat, it was now attached to his neck and hanging off like a cape. He opened his eyes and pointed at the blue unicorn. “Trixie! This Shadow Game has gone on long enough!” Slowly Yugi began to walk towards the barrier.
“Girls...” Rarity asked. “Are my eyes deceiving me or did Yugi just grow a horn?”
“His voice changed too!” added Pinkie.
The barrier, which had thrown the ponies back earlier, stood no chance to the power of Yugi’s Puzzle. Upon touching the barrier, Yugi’s head lit up with golden eye and the barrier shattered like a rock through thin glass. “One thing you should know about me Trixie, I don’t take lightly to people hurting my friends…”
Trixie was genuinely surprised. “So, this is the five-thousand-year-old Pharaoh I’ve been hearing so much about...”
“So, you have heard about me...”
“Master warned me about your power. Bringing you to Equestria was the only way to get the Egyptian God cards so it was risk we were willing to take.”
“That was a pretty foolish move on your master’s part.”
Twilight’s friends had begun to run over and help her up. “Yugi, what’s going on? Why the sudden change in attitude?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I’ll tell you later, but right now, Twilight needs to get some medical attention. I’ll deal with Trixie...” Using his magic, Yugi slipped off Twilight’s Duel Disk and slipped it onto his own hoof.
“Right! Don’t show Trixie any mercy!” Yugi simply nodded as the 4 ponies carried Twilight away. The only ones remaining were Yugi, Kaiba and Trixie.
“Trixie, can’t you see the darkness has clouded your mind?! Can’t you see what you doing here is wrong?”
“She is just getting what she deserves.” Trixie replied.
“She had nothing to do with you losing Starshine!”
“She ruined me, made her parents forbid me from ever seeing her again!”
“You have nobody to blame but yourself...”
“Shut up, you don’t understand the relationship me and Starshine had!”
“I understand perfectly. She was your friend and you’re afraid of being alone.”
“No, I’m not doing this for me; I’m doing this for her!”
“What?”
“Enough of your talk! Make your move so I can destroy you then go onto Twilight!”
“Fine, my draw!” Yugi had no cards left, he placed his hoof on Twilight’s deck. ‘Heart of the Cards, guide me…’ Yugi drew his card...
“Don’t forget, you take three hundred points of damage from Iseris’ effect! Purgatory Discharge!” The tentacles came out once again and slashed at Yugi.
Yugi Moto
< LP: 400 → 100 >
Yugi felt it, this duel definitely was real. “It doesn’t make a difference; I still have a chance to defeat you!” Yugi looked down at his last card. ‘Joey, I hope this works as well for me as it does you.’ “I activate Cup of Ace!” A small golden goblet appeared in the center of the field. and started spinning “If the cup stops upright, I am able to draw two cards from my deck. However, if it stops upside down you get to draw instead.”
“You’re putting the fate of this duel in a coin flip?”
“Yes, because I have my friends and the Heart of the Cards at my side. Something you could never understand.” The cup spun several times in air before slowing down. ‘Come on heads…’ It continued to slow down until finally coming to a halt. “Upright!”
“No way!”
“Now I am allowed to draw two cards.” Yugi drew his new cards. ‘Perfect, just what I needed.’ “I activate the Book of Moon magic card! This allows me to target any monster on the field and flip it face down into defense position and I use it on your Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony!”
“But, Iseris is only protected against cards that destroy it!”
“Exactly, with your monster face down all his power is gone!” As Trixie’s card flipped upside, the marks on her face disappeared along with the red glow in her eyes. “Now if I recall right, you said that even though Iseris is unbeatable, you can still take battle damage?”
Trixie didn’t like where this was going. “Yeah…? But Iseris is in defense position so you can’t do damage, or did you forget?”
“Normally any monster in defense mode is protected against battle damage... However, there are ways around that. I equip Endymion with Fairy Meteor Crush! Whenever a monster equipped with this card attacks a monster in defense mode, the difference between its attack points and your monster’s defense points are deducted from your life points!” Endymion started emitting a bright golden light also growing stronger from Mage Power.
Endymion the Master Magician
< ATK: 3700 → 4200 >
“But Iseris has no defense points! Attacking him with piercing damage is basically like attacking my life points directly!”
“Exactly… Endymion, attack her face down monster and finish this duel once and for all!” Endymion twirled his staff and fired a purple sparking ball at the shadow. The blast passes right over card as it flips up and lands its mark on Trixie, exploding into a perfectly circular explosion.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!” Trixie fell over on the ground; she was covering her head.
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 2600 → 0 >
“You brought this upon yourself Trixie. You gave yourself to the darkness and hurt my friends.”
“Do you think I care? You can’t stop me and neither can Twilight! I’m already in possession of your god cards I will make sure all of you suffer when I send your souls to the shadows!” There was a poof of smoke and Trixie disappeared. Yugi turned back and approached Kaiba.
“Nice recovery Yugi. That dweeb had a chance of victory before she got hurt but she screwed it up.”
“Kaiba, she had her reasons. She wasn’t going to let the darkness take away Trixie.”
“Spare me the details. Though as much as I want to get back home it doesn’t seem like we will ever get a chance. You heard what they said, Duel Monsters doesn’t exist here. That probably means they won’t let us leave until the mastermind behind this whole scheme is dealt with…”
“For once, I agree with you...”
It was dark. There was nothing aside from two hooded figures standing in the room looking into a reflecting pool in the middle of the room. There was a puff of smoke and Trixie appeared before the two of them.
“Look who it is?” said the larger one. “Looks like the Great and Powerful Trixie got her flank handed to her.”
“It wasn’t a total bust, stupid.” Trixie growled. “I managed to get the God cards and I defeated that hic of a farm pony.”
“But you failed to beat Miss Sparkle. She is the biggest threat of the six.” The shorter one added.
“What was I supposed to do? That Pharaoh has incredible luck.”
“It’s not luck… Master warned you about the Pharaoh’s power. He has the power to manipulate the heart of the cards at will, even though he himself doesn’t know it yet.”
“Doesn’t make a difference, you lost the duel and wasted your turn. Tomorrow it’s my turn to create some havoc.” The larger one replied.
“My, my, aren’t you impatient...” said the smaller one. “If you’re so into getting this started then I’ll go with you. Your attack on that party pony will act as the perfect distraction so I can sneak in take out that shy pegasus pony. I need her out of the way so I can get to Miss Rarity.”
“So, you two are just going to leave me out of this?” Trixie asked.
“We need you to watch over the Pharaoh and his little buddy and make sure they don’t do anything funny. Besides, Twilight is in the hospital, you’ll never get to her in that state.”
“Alright.” said the larger figure. “So, me and smarty-pants here will go tomorrow and take out our targets. He will go and get the shy one while I go and get my revenge on that stupid pink party pony. She will pay for what she did!”
“Fine, I’ll wait here and watch. At least I will get to see Twilight cry in agony when two more of her closest friends are gone. Oh, I almost forgot, here.” Raising her hoof, Trixie pulled out two cards from her Duel Disk. “Here are the other two god cards, Slifer the Sky Dragon and The Winged Dragon Ra.”
“Slifer is mine!” The larger one called.
“I’ll be taking The Winged Dragon of Ra.” The smaller one replied. “Only makes sense.”
“These god cards are exactly what we need the summon Iseris.” said Trixie. “With him by our side, we can’t lose!” The three of them broke into maniacal laughter. Their laughs echoed for miles but nopony heard, not except for one, a mare upstairs looking out a large window holding a devilish grin on their face...
“And so, the next phase begins…”
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 3 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
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My Little Duel Monsters
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An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
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incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
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teen
|
2012-01-07T07:17:35+00:00
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2023-05-14T06:32:49+00:00
| 4,789 |
Nearly 24 hours had passed since the two duelists had mysteriously appeared in Equestria. Only yesterday did Yugi and friends witness the birth of a new evil, Trixie and the beast known as Iseris. In an unexpected twist, Yugi’s God cards were stolen right from under his nose and Twilight’s close friend Applejack was gone as a result. It was reaching around noon when Yugi went to visit Twilight in the Ponyville hospital. She was awake and faring well, luckily. She had bandages wrapped around a head and chest.
“Hey Twilight, are you alright?” Yugi asked, back in his regular form.
“It’s ok...” Twilight sounded quite tired. The whole ordeal with Trixie left her weakened. “The doctor says will be out in 3 days...”
“We are just lucky you didn’t sustain any major injuries. The only major hit you took was the arrow.”
“When that monster attacked me… it felt so real… The arrow piercing my chest was a lot more painful than my physical injuries show...” Twilight was about ready to pass out again when there was a knock on the door. “Come... In...” The door opened and someone walked in. It was a large pony. Her bright coat glistened in the sun coming in through the window and her rainbow flowing mane blew through the wind. “P-p-p-p-princess? What are you doing here?”
“Hello my faithful student.” Celestia replied. “I can see you are healing well.”
“No Duel Monsters card will take me down that easy...”
“Hmm...” Celestia then turned her attention to Yugi. “I can see you made it to Equestria safely my Pharaoh.”
Yugi gasped before switching places with Yami. “So, you know of me, you must be the Princess Twilight told us about.”
She nodded “Yes, I am Princess Celestia. I must say it’s quite rare to find a being older then myself. It’s quite an honor to meet you Pharaoh, though I wish I had brought you here under better circumstances.”
“What do you mean you brought me here…? Wait!” Yugi remembered back to when he and Kaiba where on the chopper. “That was you who were calling to me!”
Celestia nodded. “Yes, I am indeed the one who contacted you. Our world has many connections to other worlds through various portals and I exploited one of them to reach your world. During my youth I had a strange fascination with learning about other worlds and yours was rather interesting to me.”
“So, what brought your attention to me?”
“Well... At first your world wasn’t anything special until I did a little research on your history and how your people used to fight it out with otherworldly creatures. Of course, Yugi Moto wasn’t born yet so I couldn’t have met him however I did have a vision.”
“A vision, like future sight?”
“Yes, I have the unique ability to see short visions of the future in my sleep pertaining to future dangers. In one of my visions, I saw you Pharaoh and how your spirit became intertwined with this boy Yugi Moto. I decided to return recently to check if my theory was correct and it looks like it was. You hold power over your cards unlike any other being in your world; you have the Heart of the Cards on your side.”
“But I don’t understand how do you know so much about Duel Monsters and the Heart of the Cards? Twilight told me Duel Monsters didn’t exist in this world.”
Celestia sighed. “Well, she is mostly correct. Duel Monsters doesn’t exist here, at least not anymore.”
“What exactly do you mean?”
“You see, Duel Monsters did exist many, many years ago. It was just as famous of a game as it is in your world, believe or not…” Celestia dropped down her head and looked at the floor. “But something happened…” Celestia slowly approached the window and looked out. There were many ponies just going about their day. “Twilight, I want to ask you a question, a hypothetical question.” Twilight nodded. “If you were to ask any one pony in the entire world what the biggest threat to Equestria and most evil is, what do you think they would say?”
Twilight thought to herself for a second. “Well… Depending on where they live and how much they know their history, they would probably say either Nightmare Moon or Discord…”
Celestia chuckled to herself for a second. “Yeah, I guess they would… Both Nightmare and Discord were pretty dangerous and there are many other threats out there you haven’t even heard of however…”
“What is it?” Yami asked.
“As evil as Nightmare Moon and Discord are, there is a much worse evil out there. One who almost completely destroyed Equestria.”
“Princess, what are you saying? Is this evil we are dealing with really more dangerous than Nightmare and Discord?” Twilight asked.
“Worse… This evil is my creation…”
Twilight was shocked. “Wha- What? What do you mean you created it?”
“I guess I should start from the beginning. Twilight, as you are aware I was forced to banish my sister to the moon over a thousand years ago. I thought I could handle ruling Equestria on my own but after 200 years, the effects started taking its toll on me…” Celestia’s horn lit up, projecting a field inside the room. Within the field, a visual of her story came onto focus.
A brown dirt covered stallion approached a pair of large doors guarded by two soldiers in armor. “I’m here for an audience with the Princess. I have an appointment.”
“You may enter.” The two guards moved their spears out of the way and allowed him to pass.
The door opened to reveal a completely dark room. The pony stepped into the dark room. “Hello? Princess?” He continued forward.
“State your purpose peasant!” A voice boomed from the darkness. The stallion looked forward to see a pair of pink eyes looking at him through the darkness. Suddenly, a golden light emitted from above the eyes revealing the face of a not so benevolent Celestia. She had bags under her eyes as well as a thin layer of black going around her eyes.
The stallion slowly approached her. “P-p-p-p-princess…”
“STATE YOUR PURPOSE!”
“I-I come to ask you when we could possibly get our daughter back… We miss her so much…”
“You’ll get back your daughter once you have paid off your debt. I sent her to the doggy mines to dig up gems to pay it off but so far, she has done nothing but waste my time.”
“But she is just a filly, take me instead!”
“The Diamond Dogs prefer younger workers; they won’t work with adults… But your debts are piling up so I feel we may need another worker. Since we can’t take you or your wife, I think we will just take your son. He is young enough and he will remind you to not skimp out on your payments.”
“NO, PLEASE!” The doors flew open as 2 guards came in dragging a crying colt along the floor.
“DADDY!” The colt yelled out.
“Please, stop this!”
“GUARDS!” Celestia yelled. “Get this pony out of here…”
“STOP!!!” Twilight screamed. “Please... I can’t watch anymore of this...” The vision disappeared. “Princess, what happened to you?”
Celestia looked at her hooves in disappointment. “After I banished my sister, I went into grieving. I thought I finally put it all behind me but I was wrong. Eventually it started to eat me up on the inside until I turned into a tyrannical monster, one even worse than Nightmare Moon and Discord.”
“Princess Celestia… I had no idea…”
“I have feared this day since you became my student. I had hoped you would never find out but if you hate me now… So be it…”
Twilight was shocked. “Princess, I could never hate you. You are the nicest, kindest, most understanding pony I have ever met.”
“Don’t lie Twilight, I know you live in constant fear that I will banish you or send you back to kindergarten. I’m nothing but a-”
“That is quite enough…” Yami spoke up. “Princess, you can’t let you past mistakes hold you back. You can’t just bottle them up but you can’t just let them roam free and take over your life like they are now. You made a mistake, I have too. I was once so focused on winning a duel, I played an evil card and, in the end, I lost due to my selfishness and greed. I will never forget that day; Yugi gave up his own soul in order to save mine… I was devastated… But in the end Yugi reminded me to just move on and not let it control me. You need to do the same.”
“I wish it were that easy… The grief I had bottled up inside of me and I let it out in anger against my own subjects and it ended up nearly costing me the life of myself and every pony in Equestria. I didn’t realize it at first but that colt from that vision set off a chain of events that led to the near destruction of Equestria. During his escort to one of my slave camps, the carriage ended up going missing in the Everfree Forest, the passengers were never found. I sent a research team into the forest to find them, one of which was a brilliant Pegasi who went by the name of Lord Crawford. He discovered some kind of hidden ruins with art of monsters and told of battles from ancient times.”
“The same thing happened in my world. A man named Maximillian Pegasus was out on research in Egypt and found a tomb almost exactly as you described. He got a stroke of inspiration and turned the so called ‘Shadow Game’ told in the ruins into the game we called Duel Monsters. Am I to assume that is what happened here too?”
“Exactly; the game caught on like wildfire on became an Equestrian-wide sport. Eventually, the three beasts known as the Egyptian god cards came into my possession and I used them to control the Duel Monsters industry. I even invented my own kind of monsters; a kind that doesn’t exist in your world; Synchro Monsters.”
Yami nodded. “I am aware of what Synchro Monsters are; I witnessed them first hand not too long ago when a time traveler named Paradox tried to change history. While I don’t know exactly how they work I do know they are very powerful.”
“So, what happened?” Twilight asked, continuing the conversation.
“Shortly after Duel Monsters came into the picture, I discovered one of my Diamond Dog slave camps had been destroyed. Every pony and Diamond Dog was still alive but they were all lifeless zombies, like their very souls were extracted from their bodies. The entire camp was also covered in what would only be described as black scorch marks.” Twilight and Yami looked at each other for a moment. “What I hadn’t realized at the time was that it was the same camp I sent the colt’s older sister to. Her name was Midnight Rose; she was the daughter of gardeners with a special talent for making any flower bloom even in the dead of night. A very beautiful talent but it was all wasted when I sent her to the slave camp to dig for gems.”
“So, what does this Midnight Rose have to do with the story?”
“Midnight Rose… Is the original Dark Summoner.”
“What?” Both Twilight and Yami said in unison.
“She somehow acquired a mysterious power while in the camp and escaped leaving the place in ruins. A couple years after the events at the camp I held a Duel Monsters championship in Canterlot. The reward was five hundred thousand bits and a chance to duel against me using the Egyptian god cards. It was the chance of a lifetime to duel against the god cards themselves so of course many ponies entered.”
“I’m assuming this Midnight Rose entered too?” Yami asked.
“She didn’t just enter…”
Thousands of ponies were all crowded around a large arena sitting in the stands. In the center was a large rectangular arena. It was a large Duel Monsters arena with the main center area and two separate standing areas for the contestants. In the red corner was a light pink earth pony mare with a dark red mane curled up and shaped like a flower. In the blue corner was a blue unicorn stallion with a white mane.
“It looks as though this is going to be another easy victory for our beautiful Rose!” A voice yelled. It was an announcer up in a watch tower using the royal Canterlot voice. “Midnight Rose has shown spectacular strategy and gameplay. Over the course of this entire championship, she hasn’t even taken one point of damage! Will the trend continue?”
“Let’s see how you handle this!” She swiftly drew a card from the deck that was lain down on the panel in front of her. “I’ll start off by using the effect of my Glow-Up Bulb from the graveyard. By sending the top card of my deck to the graveyard, I can summon it from my graveyard.” Rose’s newly revived monster was a small patch of dirt with an eye poking out. It had a white flower on its head. “Now, I think it’s time to end this! I’m tuning my Level 1 Glow-Up Bulb with the Level 3 Lonefire Blossom and Seed of Flame already on my field!” Glow-Up Bulb flew into the air and burst into a large green ring while the other two monsters flew into the ring before transforming into small white spheres. The monsters exploded column of light and rose pedals.
“Synchro Summon! Black Rose Dragon!” Floating behind Rose stood a huge black and red dragon. Its wings were almost entirely made of roses.
The unicorn looked in horror at the display in front of him before screaming “Please, don’t attack me! I forfeit, ok? Just please don’t attack!” The stallion ran off stage carrying his tail between his legs.
“Hmm… Pathetic…”
“Wow! Just the sight of Midnight Rose’s Black Rose Dragon made her opponent cower in fear and forfeit the match!” Rose turned back and the elevator on the side of the arena lowered her down. As she reached the bottom, the announcer was there waiting for her. “So, how does it feel to win the biggest Equestrian Duel Monsters Championship to date and win without even a scratch?”
She glared at the announcer. “I haven’t won yet, not until I beat the Princess…”
“Ooh, calling out the Princess! Yes, in case any of you in the audience have forgotten, the Champion of this amazing tournament gets a shot at dueling the Princess herself, Celestia!” Celestia was at the top of the bleachers in a small private box. She was tapping her hoof on the side of her throne with a disgruntled look on her face. She groaned as she stood up and flew out the box down to the arena. “Alright, it’s the time for the duel you’ve all be waiting for! Rose may have a perfect record but Celestia has access to the three most powerful cards in all of Duel Monsters, the Egyptian God Monsters!”
Celestia landed down next to the arena in front of Rose. Her horn lit up and a deck of cards flashed into existence. She levitated it over towards Rose and she grabbed Rose’s deck from her hooves. “You should be honored to hold the god cards, but this is a one-time thing. Don’t get used to it.” The two of them shuffled each-others decks for a few moments and handed them back to each-other. Celestia turned back and started walking to her side. “Good luck… You’re going to need it…”
“You’re the one who is going to need it…” Celestia chuckled at her statement, but what didn’t notice was that Rose had slipped a card into her own deck after Celestia had shuffled it.
The pink pony and white Alicorn both stepped up on their own platforms and were lifted up to the panel. “Let’s get the match underway!” The announcer yelled.
“LET’S DUEL!”
Princess Celestia
< LP: 4000 >
Midnight Rose
< LP: 4000 >
“Since I am your Princess, I get the first move.” Celestia drew her card and grinned. “I’ll start things off by activating my Solar Recharge spell card, by discarding a Lightsworn monster from my hand to the graveyard, I can draw 2 cards and then I must send the next 2 cards of my deck to graveyard!” Celestia placed down a monster to the graveyard space, drew 2 cards then placed 2 more cards in her graveyard. As she placed the cards in the grave, a bright light started shining from the sky into the field.
“What is going on?” Rose asked.
“When Solar Recharge sent two of my cards to the graveyard, it sent my Lightsworn Beast Wulf. When he is sent straight from my deck to the graveyard, I can summon him!” Celestia monster appeared. It was a white humanoid wolf with very thick armor and holding a spear.
Wulf, Lightsworn Beast
< Level 4 / ATK: 2100 >
“Now I summon Lightsworn Summoner Lumina.” The monster was a female with blond hair and a while dress.
Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner
< Level 3 / ATK: 1000 >
“I activate the effect of my Summoner. By sending one card from my hand to the graveyard, I can summon a Lightsworn monster from the graveyard.” Celestia discarded yet another Lightsworn to activate her effect. “I’ll use it to bring back the card I discarded for my Solar Recharge earlier, Jain, the Lightsworn Paladin!” Jain was a tall woman with white armor, a shield and a sword.
Jain, Lightsworn Paladin
< Level 4 / ATK: 1800 >
“AMAZING!” The announcer yelled. “The Princess has managed to summon three monsters in just one turn. She now has enough monsters to summon one of fabled god cards. Could she be planning to summon one already?”
Celestia just chuckled. “I can tell you he is not far off. In fact…” Celestia grabbed a single card from her hand and revealed it to Rose. “I have one in my hand right now.” Celestia placed the card back into her hand. “Lucky for you I already summoned this turn so I can’t summon him this turn…” Celestia looked down at her deck and picked up 5 cards. “Since my turn is over with, I am forced to send 5 cards from my deck to the graveyard because of my Lightsworns. Don’t think of this as a disadvantage; no; the more monsters I send the graveyard the more power I have!”
“Typical tyrant…” Rose grunted in disgust. “We’ll see about that!” Rose drew. “I activate Graceful Charity. This lets me draw 3 cards as long as I discard 2 cards afterwards.” Rose drew her cards and examined her hand for a moment before discarding. When she did, two small dandelions appeared. “Just like how you summoned your Lightsworn Beast, when my Dandylion was sent to grave, it leaves behind two Fluff Tokens.”
Fluff Tokens (x2)
< Level 1 / ATK: 0 >
“Now I summon my Lonefire Blossom.” The monster was small flower with a bulb spewing fireworks.
Lonefire Blossom
< Level 3 / ATK: 500 >
“I can activate my Lonefire Blossom’s special ability! By releasing a plant type monster, I control, I can summon a new plant from my deck to replace it. I release one of my Fluff Tokens!” One of the dandelions dissolved and was replaced by a strange looking plant covered in brown vines with a small pair of eyes. “I summon Copy Plant!”
Copy Plant
< Level 1 / ATK: 0 >
“My Copy Plant has the ability to take on the Level of any monster on the field so I will have it copy the Level of my Lonefire Blossom!” Copy Plant started shift it vines around changing its shape until it was mostly comparable to her Lonefire.”
Copy Plant
< Level 1 → 3 >
“The stage is set; I’m tuning my Level 3 Copy Plant with my Lonefire Blossom and my remaining Fluff Token!” Copy Plant transformed into three green rings that surrounded the other two monsters. “Chilling flames engulf the entire world. Pitch-dark flower, set into bloom!” The sphere burst into light forming a massive pillar between the rings.
< 1 + 3 + 3 = 7 >
“SYNCHRO SUMMON! Grace this battle with your presence, Level 7, Black Rose Dragon!” From the vortex of petals emerged Midnight Rose’s ace monster, the massive black dragon with red-rose wings.
Black Rose Dragon
< Level 7 / ATK: 2400 >
“Not bad peasant, but you will have to do better than that…”
“Well how about this then? When Black Rose Dragon is summoned, it has the ability to vaporize every card on the field!”
“What!?”
“Go my Black Rose Dragon, destroy every card on the field! Black Rose Gale!” Rose’s dragon opened its mouth and gathered energy before releasing a powerful whirlwind upon the field. All of Celestia’s monsters were nothing to the attack and were blown away with ease, shattering like glass. The winds soon overcame Black Rose Dragon, destroying it in the process. When the destruction was over, the field was completely cleared of monsters. “Now that your field is cleared, I can activate this! Go Monster Reborn!” Rose threw down her card and a purple portal opened in the ground. A new and completely unscathed Black Rose Dragon rose from the portal. “Since Black Rose Dragon destroyed all your monsters last time, I will use it to attack your life points directly!” Black Rose once again charged its fire breath but this time it more condensed, aimed directly at Celestia who had just put her guard up. Celestia groaned as the fire threatened to throw her backwards off the platform.
Princess Celestia
< LP: 4000 → 1600 >
Celestia quickly regained her composure. “You got lucky; I’ll make sure you suffer dearly for that…” Celestia quickly drew her card, as her eyes turned to the card her mouth widened into a horrifying smile. “Now you will see what happens when mess with ME! When there are 4 or more Lightsworn monsters in my graveyard, I can summon THIS, my ultimate beast!” Celestia held the card high. The clouds above her began to part, shining a bright light onto the field. “Radiant beast, decent from the heavens and cast your judgement on these pathetic fouls! Come forth, JUDGMENT DRAGON!” Out from the light descended a massive winged dragon. It was covered in grey feathers and had blood red talons. It also had several long tendrils coming from its snout giving it a bit of a mustache. It roared into the sky shaking the very ground beneath their hooves.
Judgment Dragon
< Level 8 / ATK: 3000 >
The crowd cheered and roared for their Princess. “OH MY! Princess Celestia has just summoned her most powerful monster outside her god cards. This is truly a rare sight!”
“Now let me show you how you really destroy a monster... By giving up 1000 of my life points, I can activate my dragon’s special ability.”
Princess Celestia
< LP: 1600 → 600 >
Judgment Dragon slowly started to rise up high into the sky. He expanded his wings and a bright light beamed down form he wings onto the field. “Destroy her monster with Light of Destruction!” The light solidified until the field was completely covered in white. “You see, like your Black Rose Dragon, my Judgment Dragon also has the ability to wipe out every single card of the field. However, unlike yours, mine doesn’t destroy itself in the process.” As the light cleared, Black Rose was completely gone, not even a pile of ashes. “Now that you have nothing to protect you, Judgment Dragon is going to attack your life points directly!” Judgment Dragon tilted its head back and opened it mouth. “Rays of Judgment!” The feathered dragon released an incredibly bright yellow ray towards Rose impacting the ground in front of her. She grabbed onto the edge of the area for leverage.
Midnight Rose
< LP: 4000 → 1000 >
Celestia picked up 4 more cards from her deck and placed them in the graveyard. “I send 4 more cards due to Judgment Dragons ability and with that I end my turn…”
“Your pathetic dragon doesn’t scare me! Ha, I activate the spell card Pot of Greed. This lets me draw 2 cards from my deck. Now I activate Premature Burial. By giving up 800 of my life points I can summon a monster from my graveyard. Be reborn my Black Rose Dragon!”
Midnight Rose
< LP: 1000 → 200 >
“Just give it up already…” Celestia groaned as the dragon pulled itself from the ground.
Black Rose Dragon
< Level 7 / ATK: 2400 >
“Now I activate One for One. This allows me to discard a monster from my hand and summon a Level 1 monster from my deck.” A little white furry ball appeared next to Rose’s dragon. “What do you think of my Spore?”
Spore
< Level 1 / ATK: 400 >
“Now I play the spell card Seed of Deception, this allows me summon any low-level plant from my hand. Welcome out Dark Verger.” Rose’s new monster was just a small weed with two large leaves with eyes.
Dark Verger
< Level 2 / ATK: 0 >
With only 1 card in her hand, Rose held the card up high. “Now for the finishing touch… I play the spell card Flawed Treaty!” She slammed the card onto the field. “Let me explain how this card works. This lets me take one card from my deck and add it to your hand. In exchange, you cannot attack next turn.” Rose searched through her deck and pulled a single card out and threw it towards Celestia. She looked at it with question. “Now I use Flawed Treaty’s second effect. By giving up my battle phase this turn, I am allowed to declare the name of a card. If that card is in your hand, it’s added to my hand!”
“So… You plan to take the card you just added to my hand, right?”
“Not quite… I call the name…” Rose held her forehoof into the air. “SLIFER THE SKY DRAGON!”
Suddenly, the entire audience gasped and went silent. Celestia’s face was struck with terror as she looked at her hand, the god card that she had so foolishly shown Rose was about to be used against her. The card glowed with a yellow aura and Celestia shot it towards Rose. “You don’t have any idea what you’re doing…”
“I know perfectly well… I sacrifice Black Rose Dragon, Spore and Dark Verger!” The three monsters turned into a pure light and launched into the sky. The clouds parted and greeted the offerings with a light. A large form appeared above the cloud. It was a large red dragon whose body seemed to go on forever. It had a second mouth up on its nose and many rows of teeth.
Slifer the Sky Dragon
< Level 10 / ATK: 0 >
The entire audience had gone completely silent. “That ends my turn…”
Celestia drew. She looked up nervously. “Since you have no cards in your hand, Slifer is powerless. That was a foolish mistake on your part.”
“Do you think I care? Thanks to my spell card, you can’t attack this turn and you don’t have enough life points to activate your dragon’s ability.”
Celestia grunted and looked down at her hand. Her eyes were drawn to the trap card Rose had given her; she placed it face-down. “Just go...”
“My draw!” Rose examined the card with a smile. “This duel is over; I play a spell card known as Blue Rose Offering! First, I must give up half of my life points.”
Midnight Rose
< LP: 200 → 100 >
“Now by removing a Black Rose Dragon from my field or graveyard from play, I can summon a new monster!” Several thick thorns shot out of the ground curling around each other forming a sort of cocoon. A black light was emitting from inside the cocoon. The light slowly dissipated and the cocoon started to crack. “Come forth, Violet, Knight of Thorns!” The cocoon exploded revealing a new figure. It was a tall women covered in purple vines, almost like armor. Her sword was like a giant thorn and a pair of red eyes could be seen under her helmet.
Violet, Knight of Thorns
< Level 8 / ATK: 2700 >
“Oh my!” The announcer yelled. “Black Rose Dragon transformed into some sort of knight. Is this Rose’s true ultimate monster?”
“I’m activating Violet’s special ability. By remove a plant-type monster in the graveyard from the game, I’m allowed to draw one card, but if it’s a spell or trap card, it goes to my graveyard.” As she placed her hoof on her deck, a small black spark of electricity ran up her leg. She jumped at this feeling and stared straight forward for several moments. Finally, she drew it. She chuckled and turned her attention to Celestia. “Princess, do you fear death?”
“I don’t fear anything. I am a god; I am the ruler of this land and I fear nopony.”
“Is that so? How about your subjects?”
Celestia recoiled a bit. “What are you saying?”
“Do your subjects fear death? Do they feel they are safe living under your rule?”
“Of course, they do. I am most powerful being in existence. Nothing can stop me.”
“Do they really?”
“I am their ruler. They respect me.”
“But does being a ruler truly mean they respect you? Is it really respect… Or is it fear?”
“What are you implying?”
“You’re the most powerful being in Equestria, how do you know your subjects don’t worship you because they are afraid of you?”
“Shut up, worthless trash! I don’t have to listen to your crap. GUARDS!” A swarm of armored Pegasi with spears all approached Rose. “Get rid of this pest, this duel is over.”
“Your right, it is over…” She held her last card up. “FOR YOU!” The sky blackened and Slifer began to dissolve into a black powder. “I sacrifice Slifer the Sky Dragon and Violet Knight of Thorns!” The remains of Slifer and Violet began to swirl into the air creating a tornado-like vortex. “Stolen past and taken peace… Awaken the darkness and engulf the world in your cleansing shadow!” As the two monsters were sucked up into the clouds, a black lightning bolt came down the struck Rose. The shock of the lightning threw all the guard ponies back and the very foundation of the area shook beneath them. Rose pulled her head back and looked into the sky as two scars began to form across Rose’s forehead. They started on her hairline and formed around the edge of her eyes. She tilted her head back and looked at Celestia. Her eyes suddenly changed into a blood red color.
Before Celestia could say anything, Rose’s shadow began to expand and rise up out of the ground creating a winged silhouette. It had jagged edges at the corners of its head and bright red eyes with red scars like Rose. “What… Is that?”
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< Level 10 / ATK: 3200 >
Rose slowly climbed over the card panel and onto the field. Parts of the arena began to spark and malfunction as she slowly walked towards Celestia. “You’re about to feel the wrath of my ultimate creature; Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony. My name... Is Midnight Rose, I will be the one to destroy you and put an end to your terror once and for all!” Celestia slowly stepped back, something about the new creature made her uneasy. Rose lifted her hoof and weakly pointed at the Princess. “Attack…” The shadow jumped out of the ground and flew up towards Celestia’s dragon. A black flaming sword appeared in its hand as it came down cleaving it in half. Before Celestia could even react, she saw the creature going for her. She flapped her wings in an attempt to run but barely got off the ground before the sword made contact. Celestia screamed as the sword’s slash left a black burning scar across her chest. She slowly fell to the ground and hit the dirt with a thud.
Princess Celestia
< LP: 600 → 400 >
Celestia tried to pull herself from but found it difficult due to the pain. “Rose… What are you doing?”
“What, you still haven’t figured it out?” Rose leaped down from the dueling platform and came up close to Celestia. “I’ve had enough of your rule. You’re nothing but a heartless tyrant who does whatever she wants with who she wants. You sent me to one of your slave camps to pay off the ridiculous taxes you enforced on my family and everypony else. But oh, that was not enough. My eternal slavery wasn’t enough for you. You had the gull to force my own little brother into a slave camp too?”
“But… I…”
“Don’t even try to make up excuses… In fact, I don’t think you even remember what happened to my brother do you?” Celestia just stared back at her. “Let me remind you… Thanks to your strict rule about being late, your pathetic excuse for guards that were holding my brother attempted to take a shortcut through the Everfree Forest just to make it to the labor camp in time.” Rose leaned up close. “Can you guess what happened?” Celestia pulled back. “While they were following the path through the Everfree, the ground collapsed underneath them and everypony in board fell into a RAVINE!”
Celestia gasped. “Wait, I remember that! But… I was only told the group went missing, the bodies were never found. How do you-”
Rose snickered and a faint black aura formed around her. “That is for me to know and you to find out. All you need to know is that I am now more powerful than any pony in Equestria. Even you…” Suddenly, Rose was tackled to the ground by a group of armored guards. “Hey! Let go of me!”
“You’re under arrest for assaulting the Princess, unauthorized use of black magic and resisting arrest.”
Celestia motioned the guards to hold her down. “No, you have already proven yourself to be much too big of a threat. Simple incarceration won’t do…” Celestia began to slowly rise into the air and six small colored stones appeared around her. The stones began to spin around her creating a multi-colored tornado. “The Elements of Harmony will seal your soul in stone, trapped forever, never to be released.” As the elements were about to hit max power, they suddenly stopped and faded. “What? What happened with the Elements?” The stones slowly faded in color until they were pure grey and then a small sphere of stone formed around the stone. The 6 stones dropped to the ground, nothing but rocks. Celestia could only look at the elements in horror.
“Ha… AHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” Rose laughed. “Oh, how unfortunate, it looks like karma has finally caught up to you!”
“What exactly are you saying?”
“Isn’t it obvious? The elements won’t accept your call anymore because you’re a tyrant!” Suddenly, Rose seemed to explode with energy and the guards were launched away. The dark creature returned behind her and launched itself towards Celestia. Before the monster could reach her, Celestia grabbed her cards and the once Element of Magic and then teleported away.
Rose started laughing even harder. “YES! RUN! RUN LIKE THE PATHETIC COWARD YOU ARE!”
It had only been a few hours since Rose attack Canterlot and the city was already in flames. Anypony who didn’t side with Rose had their soul stolen from their very bodies by her new creature of darkness. Everypony else who was left teamed up with Rose and turned against Celestia, realizing that she was nothing but a tyrant who controlled them.
Celestia watched Canterlot fall from the balcony of her castle. Tears started forming from her eyes as she looked at the now powerless Element of Magic. “How did it come to this? Did I really turn into a tyrant?” Celestia trotted over to the vanity mirror beside her bed. She was shocked to see the black liner around her eyes. Even though she knew it from lack of sleep, to her, it looked just like the black scars Rose had on her face. For just a second, she could swear her eyes flashed red. She then looked down at her attire. Her new crown was significantly larger then when Luna and she ruled, as a sign of dominance. Finally, her hair was no longer shimmering like a rainbow like it normally did. It was becoming jagged and turning a faint orange, almost like a raging fire. She looked at the mirror one last time. “No…” Instead of her reflection, she saw a twisted and deformed version of herself. Her whole coat was a very faint orange, her main was a raging inferno and she was now where flat golden headpiece where her crown was. “I’m turning into my sister…” She quickly knocked her crown to the ground and slammed her hoof down on it shattering it to pieces.
Then, a loud explosion could be heard from outside, followed by a large group of frightful screams. She was about to fly out and do something but she quickly stopped herself. The Elements were gone and she was powerless against Rose. As she was turning around, her eyes glanced at her Duel Monsters deck. On the top was Slifer the Sky Dragon. Celestia picked it up and looked at it for several moments. “Rose… She somehow used these… Cards… To create a beast of unparalleled strength...” Then, Celestia picked up the deck of cards and threw it at a nearby wall, spraying the cards everywhere. “Stupid cards… They have caused nothing but trouble.” The Princess slowly stepped back outside to the balcony, sky had become dark by nighttime and Luna’s moon could be seen. “Oh Luna… I’m so sorry... I’ve spent so long grieving over what I did to you, now I am turning into the very thing I banished… Please… Just give me a sign… Tell me how to fix this I will become a better ruler, a better pony in general.” Then she heard a sound, it sounded like the crinkle of paper. She glanced back down at her cards spread across the floor. The Element of Magic had somehow rolled across the floor and found its way to her cards. It slowly rolled around the cards, somehow navigating its way around the cards until finally coming to a stop on top of one. With her magic, the Princess picked up the stone and glanced at the card underneath it, and then her eyes gleamed. “Thank you, Luna, I understand now.” Celestia levitated the card and the element to her side, spread her wings and flew off to her and Luna’s original castle in the Everfree Forest.
“So, you discovered a way to beat Iseris?” Twilight asked.
“Thanks to sister’s sign, I realized what I needed to do. Since the Elements were useless, I had to find a way to harness its power into a Duel Monster’s card.”
“Of course...” Yami replied. “Since Iseris is immune to pony magic, if you infuse it within a card, it may actually work.”
“So Princess, did it work?” Twilight asked.
“Yes, it did. Sadly, I only had access to the Element of Magic since I left the other five behind but the single Element was more than enough. After I created the card, I confronted Rose. It was the most difficult duel I have ever had in my life but she was overconfident and I won. After that I released a spell over all of Equestria that removed the memories of past events including the creation of Duel Monsters.”
“So, what did you do with the cards?” Yami asked.
“Many of the cards were destroyed in the uprising, including the God cards but whatever was left I sealed away.”
“Where did you seal them, if you don’t mind me asking?” Twilight asked.
“You haven’t figured it out?” Celestia slowly approached Twilight and put a hoof of her chest. “They are inside the Elements themselves…” With her magic, the Princess levitated Twilight’s new duel disk over to her. “I used a special spell to seal them within the Elements so if the future element bearers were to ever combat the same magic, I encountered all those years ago, the elements would grant the holder the power to fight back.” At that moment, there was a loud bang and the sky turned dark. There was a thunder storm brewing. Yami stared out the window. A look of horror had fallen upon both him and Celestia.
“Yugi?” Twilight asked. “What is going on?”
“Slifer the Sky Dragon...”
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 4 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
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My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
|
incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-07T07:12:31+00:00
|
2023-05-14T06:45:27+00:00
| 4,972 |
The day after Twilight was hospitalized, Pinkie had decided to go and get supplies for a Get Well Soon party. At the time she had decided to decorate Sugarcube Corner for the inevitable Welcome Back party. “Hey Pinkie Pie, where did you want me to hang this banner?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Um... How about over there!” Pinkie pointed at the staircase leading upstairs. Rainbow Dash flew up and hung the banner up on the railing then pinning the other side up against the wall underneath the stairs.
“So, tell me again why we are setting up a party now? Twilight doesn’t get out for three days and what about Applejack?”
“If we are going to be fighting evil, I want to be ready with a party the moment they are back!”
Rainbow Dash flew back down and simply gave Pinkie a distraught look. “Hey Pinkie Pie?”
“Yes Dashie?”
“Am I the only one feeling a little-” Dash hesitated for a second. “Well... Guilty about what happened to Trixie?”
Pinkie Pie dropped her smile and stared at Dash. “Why would you feel guilty?”
“Well, after everything she said I can’t help but feel a bit like a hypocrite. I brag all the time about what I do and ponies praise me for it. She does the same and she gets tomatoes thrown at her. Only difference is I do it because I enjoy it, but she has to do it to make a living.”
“When you say it like that, she almost sounds like the Wonderbolts. She performs for ponies and they give her bits because they like her.”
“She just wanted to be recognized and she lost everything for it, even her closest friend…”
Feeling upset for her friend, Pinkie walked over hugged Dash. “It’s not your fault... Trixie is just going through a phase. I’m sure Twilight going to help her.”
“But what about Applejack, we have no idea what happened to her. She could be dead for all we know.”
Pinkie thought to herself for a moment. “No, I don’t think she’s dead. It’s just this feeling I have… I don’t know where she is but my Pinkie Sense is telling me she is still alive somewhere…”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Besides, next time Trixie shows up I want to be the one to take her down and save Applejack.” The pegasus held up her left hoof like a fist. “If what Trixie said is true then all of us should be able to summon our own duel disks and decks whenever we are about to battle.”
“I wonder what decks we will all get? Yugi’s deck was cool and all but it didn’t feel right to me, the deck Twilight got fit her almost perfectly and it’s like she already knew how to play it.”
“I’ll probably get some kind of super awesome flying monsters that are so fast my opponent won’t even know what hit them!”
“Maybe I’ll get something food related; or maybe party related!”
“Pinkie… Do you ever think of anything but parties and food?”
Pinkie suddenly leaped forward and wrapped her hooves around Rainbow Dash. “I think about my friends too!”
Rainbow Dash just sighed. “Oh Pinkie Pie…”
As the two ponies were embraced in a hug, the back door quietly opened up. A hooded figure stuck her head and in and looked around. “Perfect, everypony is in the front…” She quietly tiptoed over to one of the stoves trying to not make a noise. She extended a clawed arm outward and pulled it away from the wall. “Careful...” She turned the stove enough so the back was showing. Snickering to herself, she held up her right claw and swiped at the large cords causing them to limp to the floor. With one last snicker, she pulled out a box of matches.
In the other room, Pinkie and Dash were still locked in a heartwarming hug, until Dash began sniffing. “Pinkie... You smell that?” Both of them continued sniffing.
Suddenly, Pinkie’s eye went wide. “Dash; we need to get out NOW!”
“Why?”
“NOW!!!” With her hooves still around the pegasus, Pinkie launched towards the front door.
Behind the shop, the hooded figure opened the box revealed a bunch of sticks with red and white tips. “Sayonara suckers...” Taking one of the matches, she quickly swiped it across the black sandpaper, lighting the tip on fire. Turning her back to the shop, she tossed the lit match directly into the open window. Almost instantly, Sugarcube Corner exploded into an incredible blaze. Several of the passing ponies jumped back and screamed at the sudden inferno.
Pinkie Pie watched in horror as her home was burned to the ground, the light reflecting off the glare in her eyes. Her eyes started tearing and her hair completely deflated. “No...”
The surrounding ponies were all talking amongst themselves for a few minutes as the fire died out. After the fire was completely gone, Mr. and Mrs. Cake had finally returned from getting supplies. The second they saw their shop; they dropped their saddlebags and ran over to help Pinkie. “Pinkie dear, what happened!?” Mrs. Cake asked.
“I... I don’t know...” Pinkie stuttered. “I think it was a gas leak…”
“But you take great care of the appliances Pinkie Pie.” Mr. Cake spoke. “How did this happen?”
“Better question is how did the fire start in the first place?” Rainbow Dash interrupted. “The Cakes were gone the whole time and it’s not like we had anything cooking in the back room…”
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie’s mane flared back up into its normal poofy state and she bolting into the wreckage of the house. She moved the charred remains of her bed to reveal a metal bucket slightly jittering around. She pulled the bucket off the ground only to be greeted by a small pair of eyes. “Oh Gummy! I was afraid I lost you! I’ll never let you go!” She relentlessly kissed her little alligator. “I don’t know what I would do without you...”
Rainbow Dash was inspecting the back of the shop-that-was-no-more when something caught her attention. There was small white match box was lying on the ground just outside the building, it wasn’t as damaged at the other objects and was only missing one match. “Uh, Pinkie Pie… You might want to look at this…”
Pinkie and the Cake family all approached her, she held out the box to them. “A box of matches?” Mr. Cakes ask.
“It must have been Trixie; I knew she wouldn’t stay hidden for long!”
“Wait, the great and powerful Trixie?”
“But isn’t Trixie a unicorn, and a really powerful one now?” Pinkie asked. “Why would a unicorn need matches to start a fire?”
“Who said anything about the weak and lame Trixie?” An unknown voice called. Rainbow Dash suddenly turned around to see a large hooded figure standing on top of a still-standing support beam. Pinkie and the others had noticed to. “I’m quite surprised Pinkie Pie. I was not expecting you to smell the gas leak that fast. That’s quite impressive...” The figure jumped off the support beam, landing with a loud thud. “I was hoping the explosion would have finished you off but obviously I was wrong...”
Rainbow Dash jumped at the large hooded creature standing in the center of the charred rubble. “ARE YOU INSANE!? You just burned down my friend’s home!”
“Collateral damage...”
“Collateral... You sick jerk!”
“Look who’s talking...” The figure snickered before pulling out her left claw from her robe. She was wearing a very familiar duel disk.
“That duel disk... So, you ARE working with Trixie!”
The figure started laughing. “Come on, Trixie is nothing but a useless braggart; she couldn’t even handle Twilight Sparkle. Unlike her, I won’t fail!” The unknown figure held her left claw up and her duel disk snapped into place and lit up with red lights. “Come on, pink freak!”
“Hang on! If you’re going to fight anypony then fight me!”
“I’m not here for you Dash, I want the pink one…”
“Well too bad, you have to go through me first!”
The hooded figure thought for a moment. “Alright, how about we make a compromise…?”
“What kind of compromise?”
The figure simply snapped her fingers. A large black ring formed under her and shot outward like a shock wave, launching Mr. and Mrs. Cake backward out of the wreckage. The wave barely stopped outside the remains of Sugar Cube Corner creating a black flaming barrier trapping not only her and Rainbow Dash, but Pinkie Pie inside the wall. “I’ll let you duel me, however... If you happen to lose...” She held up her arm pointing the pony behind Rainbow Dash. “She pays the price...”
Dash gasped. Turning back, she saw Pinkie Pie stepping back towards the wall. She then turned her head back to the still unknown arsonist. “What; no way! I would never put my own friend’s life at stake over a stupid card game like that?”
“Heh... I’m not giving you a choice...” The figure held out her left claw and positioned her duel disk in front. “If you really care for your friend then you will do it.”
“Hmm, fine!” Rainbow Dash held out her front left hoof. A circular multi-colored light engulfed her arm as small white disk materialized. Bringing her hoof up to her head, a small golden stub came out of her duel disk and split in half creating a holographic card tray. The neon lights upon her duel disk were slowly changing between all the colors of the rainbow. “I won’t allow you to touch a hair on Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow Dash continued to stand her ground on the opposite sides of the shop of her opponent casting a death glare into her enemies’ yellow eyes.
“Rainbow Dash…” The pink pony whimpered.
“LET’S DUEL!”
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 4000 >
Dark Summoner
< LP: 4000 >
In the mist of darkness, Trixie and another figure were watching over the duel at hand. “Who does she think she is!?” Trixie complained. “Going around insulting me like that; some nerve! When she gets back, I am going to rip her a new one!”
“Trixie, behave.” The other figure spoke. “Besides, Master will deal with her later. I am sure the Master won’t appreciate her reckless behavior, especially setting the shop ablaze like that. We need to defeat the Elements in a duel, not torch them alive…”
Trixie simply crossed her hooves and huffed. “Well, I’m still going to punch her when she gets back…”
“You do that… Meanwhile I guess it’s my turn to jump into action.” The figure revealed his silver horn as it started glowing. “While she deals with the Elements of Loyalty and Laughter, I will deal with Kindness and Generosity…” There was a flash of light and he was gone from view. “Hope your ready Miss Rarity… Because you’re about to feel suffering like no other…”
“I call first!” Rainbow Dash swiftly drew her card leaving a small wind trail. ‘Aw yeah, this monster will definitely do some damage!’ “I summon Zeradias, Herald of Heaven in attack mode!” From the sky dropped a beam of light exploding into a green and white winged figure with red horns wielding a forked lance. “Let’s see you handle this guy!”
Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
< Level 4 / ATK: 2100 >
“Ha, what do you think of THAT! 2100 ATK points right off the bat!” The hooded figure didn’t react however Dash’s monster did. His body suddenly started to fade and crack before exploding into light particles. Rainbow Dash jerked back in shock. “What!? What just happened to my monster?”
The figure chuckled. “If this is all you got then this is going to be the easiest duel ever. It’s obvious you didn’t actually read the card. You glanced at its high ATK and didn’t even bother to see if it had any effects.”
Rainbow Dash looked down at the card and read it to herself. ‘If this card is on the field but “The Sanctuary in the Sky” is not on the field, destroy this card.’ “Are you kidding me!? If I don’t have that card then I can’t use it?” Rainbow Dash sighed and slid the card into her graveyard. “If that’s what I need to use it then I just need to get it; I play Terraforming!” A single card slid out from Rainbow Dash’s deck. “This lets me add one filed spell from my deck to my hand so I’m adding the very card I need.” Dash then held her duel disk up and a slot shot out from the side of the disk and she slapped the card in. “I play the Sanctuary in the Sky filed spell.” The clouds above slowly began to shift around and form together. With a glow of light, the clouds formed into a sky palace with a large staircase on the front and a statue in the middle.
“Your monster is already gone; much good it will do you…”
“That’s why I’m playing Monster Reborn to bring Zeradias back from my graveyard.” A purple hole opened up in front of Rainbow Dash and her monster leaped out back onto the field.
Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
< Level 4 / ATK: 2100 >
The hooded figure just shook her head. “What a waste of a perfectly good spell card…”
“Don’t criticize me, just take your turn.”
“At this rate Dash, this duel is going to be over too fast, even for you.” The figure drew her first card. “Since I control no monsters and you do, I can summon my Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn without tributing another monster.” The figure’s monster appeared as black feathered humanoid bird with a blue feathered head.
Blackwing – Sirocco the Dawn
< Level 5 / ATK: 2000 >
“It’s too weak to beat my Zeradias.”
“That’s why I’m calling in backup with this card.” She slid another into her disk and a spell card appeared on her field. “My Summoning Madness spell card… This card allows me to summon twice this turn as long as I throw out a card in my hand… I discard Blackwing - Gladius the Midnight Sun.” She slid her card into the graveyard. “This allows me to summon Blackwing - Blizzard the Far North!” This bird was much smaller than the last looking like a traditional bird but with light blue and black feathers.
Blackwing – Blizzard the Far North
< Level 2 / ATK: 1300 >
“Blizzard the Far North’s ability activates when it’s successfully summoned allowing me to summon another Blackwing from my graveyard.” The graveyard portal opened again to reveal another humanoid black bird with knight armor and two swords.
Blackwing – Gladius the Midnight Sun
< Level 3 / ATK: 800 >
“And that’s not all!” The figure plucked a card from her hand and revealed it to Dash. “When there is a Blackwing monster on my field I can special summon Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind from my hand!”
“What, are you kidding me!?” Dash screamed. Yet another bird formed on the field, a near black dark blue bird with green feathers on its head.
Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind
< Level 3 / ATK: 1300 >
“No way… Four monsters just like that?” Rainbow Dash was slowly stepping away in fear, not expecting a swarm of monsters so effortlessly.
“And if you even think about stopping this pain train you have another thing coming… As long as my Summoning Madness is in play you can’t prevent my monsters from being summoned and all spell and trap cards are useless when I special summon a monster!”
“That’s not fair!”
“That’s not all; I activate Gale the Whirlwind’s special ability! It has the ability to cut your monster’s ATK and DEF points in half!” Gale swung its wings blowing a gust at her Zeradias making it struggle.
Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
< ATK: 2100 → 1050 >
“Oh no…” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself.
“And it’s about to get a lot worse.” Pulling her right claw back, she reached out and pointed at her monsters. “Now my Level 2 Blizzard the Far North tunes Level 5 Sirocco the Dawn!”
“Wait what!?” Dash got her answer immediately. Blizzard flew up high into the air changing its body into two orbs of light and Sirocco started floating up towards it. The two spheres suddenly transformed into two large green rings scanning down Sirocco’s body turning into a yellow wire-frame. The wire-frame also suddenly changed into five spheres like Blizzard and exploded into a beam of light flowing through the center of the rings.
< 5 + 2 = 7 >
“I Synchro Summon; Level 7 Blackwing Armor Master!” This new monster was much larger than the last few; it could hardly be considered a bird anymore. It was a large humanoid figure covered in black armor with red trimming and a single red eye in the center of its beak. It crossed its arms and let out a loud screech before extending its arms back out.
Blackwing Armor Master
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
The hooded figure held their claw out and clenched its fist. “But I’m not done yet! Level 3 Gale the Whirlwind tunes Level 3 Gladius the Midnight Sun!” A completely replay of the last summon happened this time with Gale turning into three rings and scanning over Gladius turning into three spheres.
< 3 + 3 = 6 >
“I Synchro Summon; Level 6 Blackwing - Nothung the Starlight!” This creature was another large humanoid-like bird with shoulder pads, a cloak and a massive black and white sword. Putting its left claw on its arm, it swung around its sword as though showing off its skills before holding the sword up high.
Blackwing – Nothung the Starlight
< Level 6 / ATK: 2400 >
Rainbow Dash stared eye at the large monsters with terror. This was nothing like she had experienced with Trixie. “How… How did you do that? Yugi never told us how to summon like that!”
The figure chuckled. “Probably because he doesn’t know how... Yugi and Kaiba come from a world where Synchro Monsters have yet to be invented. Let me give you a little tutorial; when you have a tuner monster, you can summon a Synchro Summon from your Extra Deck by tuning it with non-tuners and adding up their level to equal to Synchro Monster. It’s basic math but of course only someone as great as me can Synchro Summon at this caliber.”
“You know everything you did was basically pointless…” Pinkie finally spoke up. “Your monsters before had more total ATK than your new ones.”
“SHUT UP! It makes no difference; I’ll still crush Rainbow Dash!” She pointed her claw upwards at Nothung. “I activate Nothung’s special ability! When this monster is successfully summoned, he deals you 800 points of damage!” Nothung held his sword into the air and fired a bolt of lightning into the sky before coming right back down on Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 4000 → 3200 >
“But that’s not the end; your monster also loses 800 ATK points!”
Zeradias, Herald of Heaven
< ATK: 1050 → 250 >
Dash quickly recovered and went back into position. “Is that all? Even with that damage you can’t beat me this turn.”
“You obviously have no idea what you’re talking about! Nothung the Starlight attack Zeradias!” The giant blade wielding bird suddenly bolted forward towards Rainbow’s monster and slashed it straight down the middle. As Dash held her right hoof up to block the wind, a yellow glow formed around her.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 3200 >
The hooded figure recoiled back. “What the; why didn’t you take any damage!?”
Rainbow Dash snickered a bit. “As long as my Sanctuary is on the field, I don’t take any damage when my Fairy monsters battle. It’s like Pinkie said, if you didn’t combine all your monsters like you did you would have beat me in the first turn.”
“You can’t hide behind your little pixies forever.” The figure reached out her hand and pointed at Rainbow Dash. “Blackwing Armor Master, attack her directly!” The figure’s Armor Master charged forward holding its right arm back before thrusting it right towards Dash causing her to grab her chest.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 3200 → 700 >
“Hope you liked that because there is more where that came from Rainbow Crash!” At that moment, Rainbow’s eyes widened. She looked back up at her enemy and stared at her face hidden by the hood.
“You… Only ponies from Cloudsdale use that name…” Rainbow Dash released her chest and regained her composure. “I get it now… That’s why you hate me and Pinkie Pie so much…” Pinkie looked over at Rainbow Dash with a confused look on her face. “There is only one pony I know who would hate Pinkie Pie so much and would know that name… Or should I say griffon…?”
Saying absolutely nothing, the hooded figure finally pulled her hood off revealing her feathered face. “Dash…”
“Gilda…” The two stared down for several moments, completely unmoving.
“Oh my gosh, Gilda!?” Pinkie screamed.
“I’m surprised it took my best friend so long to recognize me…”
“You’re no friend of mine Gilda…”
“Because you abandoned me for these… LOSERS! They call you the Element of Loyalty yet you couldn’t even stay loyal to your best friend!”
“That’s because I grew up! I realized that you’re not a real friend; you’re just a bully and a jerk that only cares about friends who are cool!”
“Yeah, so? We were friends far longer; does that mean nothing to you?”
“No, not when you’re being a massive jerk to everyone I care about. My new friends actually stick up for me and understand me in a way you never could!”
“Understand you!? Who understands you more than me!? I’ve known you since the day I moved to Cloudsdale and I know more about you then any pony!”
Rainbow Dash groaned loudly in frustration. “Gilda, you are not above this like you think you are! You don’t know the meaning of loyalty!”
“You getting the Element of Loyalty was a total flub!”
“I EARNED IT FAIR AND SQUARE!”
“There is no way a traitor like you could get the Element fair. I know your kind; you believe that just because you have some kind of magical artifact that now you’re the Princess of Equestria. Well, you’re not; you’re just another worthless pony who cares about nopony but themselves! Well guess what, that pretty little Element is USELESS against me!”
Rainbow took a step back, fear filling her face. “You… You sound just like Trixie…” Gilda didn’t move or respond. She just threw a card into her duel disk causing a face-down to materialize on her field. Rainbow took that as ending her turn and drew her own card. “Whatever you and Trixie have planned, we won’t let you do it…” Rainbow Dash examined the card she drew and thought for a moment. A light bulb suddenly went on in your head. “Alright Gilda, let’s see how you like this… I play the continuous spell card Fountain in the Sky!” A second smaller sanctuary appeared next to her first one and latched itself to her sanctuary. This had a large circular fountain with a waterfall going of the temple.
“Cute…” Gilda replied.
“And with that I summon the Shining Angel!” A new fairy appeared in front of Rainbow Dash; a tall man with a white robe, golden wings and a halo.
Shining Angel
< Level 4 / ATK: 1400 >
“Shining Angel, attack Gilda’s Blackwing Armor Master!”
Gilda did a double take. “What, are you stupid?” Shining Angel elegantly flew towards Armor Master but the birdman quickly retaliated destroying him in seconds with a slash of his arm. When the monster exploded, it left behind several light particles floating the air.
“Due to the effect of my Sanctuary, I take no damage, but it doesn’t end there…” She pointed up to the second part of her sanctuary floating up in the air. “When my Fairy monsters are destroyed, my Fountain activates…” The light particles flew up to her fountain and the fountain began to drip water on her making Dash glow. “I can remove them from play to regain Life Points equal my destroyed monsters ATK points.”
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 700 → 2100 >
“Shining Angel’s ability activates now. When he is destroyed in battle, I can summon a LIGHT Attribute monster from my deck with 1500 ATK points or less.” A light shot out from her deck and on to field revealing an exact duplicate of the monster she just had. “I summon another Shining Angel!”
Shining Angel
< Level 4 / ATK: 1400 >
Gilda squint her eyes at Rainbow’s monster. “What are you planning…?”
“Shining Angel number two, attack Blackwing Armor Master!” Once again, Shining Angel charged at Armor Master only to be destroyed effortlessly and just like before, its light caused the fountain to rain down on Rainbow Dash. “Now my fountain gives me 1400 Life Points…”
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 2100 → 3500 >
“And my Shining Angel’s special ability activates!” Once again, another Shining Angel flew out from her deck.
Shining Angel
< Level 4 / ATK: 1400 >
“Shining Angel number three, attack Blackwing Armor Master!” Once again, the monster attacked, was destroyed and its energy allowed the fountain to flow.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 3500 → 4900 >
Gilda’s eye grew wide and she let out a growl. “You little CHEAT!”
Rainbow Dash grinned. “So, you figured out my strategy huh?”
“You allowed all your monsters to suicide on purpose just so you could keep regaining your Life Points!”
“Bingo, who’s the smart one now?”
Gilda scoffed. “Take all the Life Points you want; it isn’t going to matter in the end when I destroy you!”
“In that case…” Dash motioned her hoof at the field. “I use Shining Angel’s special ability!” Another light flew from her deck and onto the field. This time it was a large orange ring. “Since I already used all my Shining Angels, my Nova Summoner will take its place.”
Nova Summoner
< Level 4 / ATK: 1400 >
“Nova Summoner, attack Blackwing Armor Master!”
“Are you kidding me!?” Nova Summoner charged at Armor Master and was promptly destroyed like the Angels before it and like before, its light charged up her fountain.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 4900 → 6300 >
“Nova Summoner’s effect activates when it’s destroyed!”
Gilda groaned in frustration. “Let me guess… It lets you summon another copy of itself…?”
“You’re catching on; Nova Summoner can bring a Fairy monster with 1500 ATK or less from my deck to the field.” With that, another light came from Rainbow Dash’s and materialized another Nova Summoner.
Nova Summoner
< Level 4 / ATK: 1400 >
“Nova Summon, you know what to do!” Like before, the cycle repeated again with her monster being destroyed and it restoring her Life Points.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 6300 → 7700 >
“I think that’s enough for now… I use Nova Summoner’s special ability to summon a third Nova Summoner to the field in defense mode.” The ring monster reappeared on the field and took on a blue color.
Nova Summoner
< Level 4 / DEF: 900 >
“Now even if you destroy my Nova Summoner, I can use its special ability to summon a different monster from my deck and protect my Life Points…” Rainbow Dash slid a single card into her disk. “I’ll throw down a face-down and end my tu-”
“NO, YOU DON’T!”
Rainbow Dash jerked back. “What?”
For a moment, a flash of red could be seen in Gilda’s eyes as she motioned her card. “I play the continuous trap; Drain Force Draw!” Gilda’s face-down flipped up to reveal a trap. “Since your Life Points are higher than they were at the start of this turn, this trap card allows me to draw 1 card for every 2000 Life Points that you gained this turn!”
“Uh oh!” Pinkie Pie yelled. “You gained a lot of Life Points this turn!”
“7000 to be exact; that means I get to draw 3 new cards!” Gilda swiftly drew the cards from her deck. “However, I take 400 points of damage for each card I draw from this effect…” Gilda’s trap card suddenly shot a bolt of lightning at Gilda who took the blast fairly well.
Gilda
< LP: 4000 → 2800 >
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie gasped simultaneously. “That’s not all my card does however, as long as Drain Force Draw is on my field, I can draw a card every time you recover Life Points, so long as I give up 400 points in return.” Gilda suddenly laughed into the air. “Go on; keep increasing your Life Points. The more you do the more cards I get!” She continued to laugh. “You’re lucky my trap can only be played at the end of the turn or else I would have drawn a lot more cards.”
Rainbow Dash took a step back. “You… Do your worst, your trap doesn’t scare me!”
Gilda just grinned and drew her card. “You’re going to regret those words… I summon Blackwing Bora the Spear!” Another bird appeared in front of Gilda, this time humanoid-like one with a red-feathered head, yellow hair-like feathers on its head and a massive drill in its right arm.
Blackwing – Bora the Spear
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
“Bora the Spear, attack Rainbow Dash’s Nova Summoner!” Bora lunged forward aiming its drill at Rainbow’s monster. “When this monster attacks a monster in defense position, it inflicts piercing damage!”
Rainbow Dash grinned this time. “Not like it matters, I can’t take damage thanks to my filed spell…”
Gilda grinned back. “I activate the quick-play spell Mystical Space Typhoon!” A vortex of wind formed around the sanctuary and slowly it started breaking apart. “This card destroys one spell or trap card on the field so your Sanctuary is no more!” The sanctuary finally collapsed in a pile of rubble behind and promptly vanished. Gilda’s monster finally finished its attack and speared right throw Rainbow’s Nova Summoner making it explode.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 7700 → 6900 >
Rainbow Dash stood her ground against the explosion. “My field spell may be gone but I still have my other cards. Not only does my fountain will give me an extra 1400 Life Points but my Nova Summoner allows me to summon another monster to replace it.” First her monster powered her fountain causing it to rain down on her.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 6900 → 8300 >
After that a light shot out from her deck onto the field; this time it was another angel-like creature with a blue robe and large white wings. “I summon a monster known as Honest.”
Honest
< Level 4 / DEF: 1900 >
Gilda tapped her index finder to the side of her head. “Did you forget about my trap card!? Every time your Life Points increase, I can draw a card for 400 Life Points.” The griffon drew another card from her deck and was lightly zapped by her trap card.
Gilda
< LP: 2800 → 2400 >
Gilda didn’t see it but Rainbow Dash grinned. ‘At this rate she is going to drain all her own Life Points away herself. This will be easy!’
Gilda regained her composure from the card that shocked her. “Now then… I’ll have my Nothung attack Honest!” Nothung lunged forward this time raising his sword overhead. He flew above Honest and came down slashing it in half and making it explode.
“My fountain restores my Life Points again!” The fountain rained on her like before.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 8300 → 9400 >
“And my trap card lets me draw again!” Gilda replied drawing her card.
Gilda
< LP: 2400 → 2000 >
“I told you, gain all the Life Points you want. It won’t make a difference, especially now that you’re wide open for a direct attack!” Blackwing Armor Master shifted his stance. “Armor Master now has a straight shot at your Life Points, go!” The armored bird lunged forward stabbing Rainbow Dash in the same manner as before but this time she just shrugged the damage off.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 9400 → 6900 >
“You’ve managed to give your Life Points a boost but at this rate you won’t last long… I’ll destroy you and everything you love!” Gilda threw a card into her duel disk making it appear on the field. “I’ll throw down a set card and end my turn!”
Rainbow Dash said nothing; she just looked down at the ground. “Gilda… Tell me something…” Gilda didn’t reply, she just stood her ground looking at Rainbow Dash. “What kind of garbage did this Master of yours put in your head?” Gilda’s expression instantly changed to that of worry and took a step back. “According to Trixie there is some kind of master involved and I know that isn’t you…”
“Master… She offered me a chance…” Rainbow’s face hardened, trying to listen to her words. “She gave me a chance to destroy the one who gave me false hope…”
Rainbow gasped and took a step back. “False… Hope…?”
Gilda closed her eyes. “You… You actually gave me hope that I could be someone and that friends were real… I’m a griffon, there is no so such thing as friendship where I come from; we are some of the greediest jerks in Equestria. When I first met you in Cloudsdale, I was just a shy little fledgling and you offered your hoof in friendship… Then those ponies STOLE IT AWAY!” Gilda suddenly opened her eyes with the most horrifying death glare Rainbow Dash had ever seen.
“Those… Those eyes…”
“You ponies are all the same! You spread the word of friendship and go around acting like your saints, but YOUR NOT! Friendship is nothing but false hope that leads to disappointment and I plan to eradicate that starting with you two; the one who stole my friendship and the one who allowed it to be stolen!”
“Gilda, I didn’t mean to steal Rainbow from you!” Pinkie called. “I would never intentionally hurt a friend and my friend’s friends are my friends!”
“Shut… UP! You were never my friend and never will be!”
“They messed you up in the head Gilda!” Rainbow replied. “Pinkie Pie didn’t steal me from you, it was your own fault our relationship was broken. It was your choice to treat my friends like trash and I won’t allow it. Don’t let them mess up your head like they did Trixie, we aren’t the bad guys here!”
Gilda just snickered to herself. “Trixie… Like I would ever compare myself to that excuse for flesh…” Rainbow Dash took another step back. “Trixie is driven by her angst and sadness; having the one she loved the most torn away from her. She is an emotional wreck that can’t even live her own life without being acknowledged…” Gilda reached out her right claw and clenched it into a fist. “I’m doing this because friendship is nothing but a joke and must be destroyed!” The griffon then unclenched her fist and pointed at Rainbow Dash. “You two stole my pride and honor and that is what drove Master to me. The pink spaz could have fought her own battle but like the best friend you are you had to defend her and once I beat you, you will have to live with the burden of failing her forever… That… Is why friendship is garbage…”
Rainbow Dash had her eyes closed now and said nothing. She simply placed her hoof on deck. “It’s my… TURN!” She drew the card with all her might creating a powering gale in front of her. “I will never allow you to hurt my friends!” She slammed her card into her duel disk as hard as she could. “I play Memories in Ruins! By banishing a filed spell from my graveyard, I’m allowed to draw 2 cards, but I’m now allowed to play any field spells this turn!” She drew two more cards just as roughly as the last card, afterwards her face-down flipped up. “Now I play Miraculous Descent! This card allows me to summon any of the Fairy monsters I previously banished! Return to me Honest!” A beam of light came from the sky and Rainbow Dash’s Honest floated down back onto the field.
Honest
< Level 4 / ATK: 1100 >
“That monster won’t help you…”
Rainbow Dash suddenly made a horizontal motion with her right hoof. “I activate Honest’s special ability!” Honest started glowing slowing turning into pure light before hopping into Rainbow Dash’s hoof. “It has the ability to return directly to my hand. Next, I play a continuous spell card…” As Rainbow Dash slammed her card into a duel disk, a large podium appeared behind her with two large walls with curtains on the sides. “Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen. This allows me to special summon a Fairy type monster from my hand as long as there are no monsters on my field.” She once again slammed another card onto her duel disk. “I summon Airknight Parshath! This monster normally requires a sacrifice but Valhalla lets me summon it without sacrificing another monster!” A large centaur appeared in front of Rainbow Dash with a blue and gold armor, several white wings and carrying a sword and shield.
Airknight Parshath
< Level 5 / ATK: 1900 >
Gilda smirked. “Another pitiful monster…”
“It’s still more than a match for your Bora the Spear!” Rainbow’s monster reared back letting out a battle and charged towards Gilda’s smallest bird.
Gilda’s smirk suddenly turned into a maniacal smile. “I activate the trap Sonic Guard from my hand!”
“You’re activating a trap card from your hand!?”
“While I control 2 or more Blackwing monsters, this trap allows one of my other Blackwing monsters to take the hit instead of my Bora!” Blackwing Armor Master quickly flew in the pathway of Airknight Parshath’s attack and blocked Bora. “My trap also gives my Armor Master a power boost, increasing his ATK equal to Bora’s ATK points!” A whirlwind of feathers spiraled around the two birds creating a tornado-like shield them.
Blackwing Armor Master
< ATK: 2500 → 4200 >
“Not only are you taking a huge chunk of damage but come next turn I will have a straight shot at your Life Points!” Rainbow Dash didn’t respond. “What’s wrong; too scared to admit you failed?”
A glimmer of light flickered in Rainbow Dash’s eye. “I activate Honest’s effect from my hand!” As Rainbow slammed the Honest card into her graveyard, a bright light engulfed Airknight Parshath. “By sending Honest from my hand to the graveyard, my Airknight Parshath gains your monster’s ATK points!”
Airknight Parshath
< ATK: 1900 → 6100 >
“6100 ATK points!?”
“Go, Airknight Parshath, destroy her Blackwing Armor Master!” Rainbow’s monster charged at Armor Master and let out a powerful diagonal slash across its crest causing a massive explosion. Gilda held her up right claw to block the gale force of the explosion.
Gilda
< LP: 2000 → 100 >
“I’m still in this game!”
“That is where you’re wrong; I activate the spell card Rage of the Archlord! When a Level 5 or higher Fairy monster on my field destroys your monster in battle, this card blasts you with 2000 points of damage!” Rainbow Dash slammed the card into her spell and trap zone with all her might. “THIS ENDS NOW!”
*ERROR*
Rainbow was cut off guard by a sudden loud buzzing sound emitting from her duel disk. “Wha-What!? Error!?” Her duel disk was flashing between a red X and the word “Error” printed in red. Before she could ask anything else, she heard a faint laughter from behind the explosion cloud. The smoke cleared to reveal Gilda laughing maniacally like earlier and worst of all, her Blackwing Armor Master was still standing.
“Surprised?”
“How did Armor Master survive!? You didn’t activate your face-down card!”
“I didn’t need to, Blackwing Armor Master can’t be destroyed in battle and since you didn’t destroy it, your spell card doesn’t work.”
“No…” Rainbow Dash lowered her head. “I was so close!”
“It’s ok Dashie, you did your best…”
The Pegasi looked down at the now worthless card in her hand when she suddenly remembered something. “When Airknight Parshath inflicts damage to your Life Points, I’m allowed to draw 1 card!” She drew the card with all her might and turned it over so she could see. ‘Lumenize; that card lets me negate one attack and have my monster gain the negated monster’s ATK… I can still do this!’ With a flick of her wrist, she put her trap card in the duel disk. “I’ll throw down a face-down and end my turn!”
“Try what you want, it won’t matter… You have no chance… You never had a chance!” Gilda held her right claw high and a black light engulfed it. “My turn, I DRAW!” As Gilda drew her card, it left a trail of black fire behind it. “You still haven’t noticed my Blackwing Armor Master’s special ability and now’s the time to unleash it!”
Rainbow Dash took a step back. “Special ability? What about not being destroyed in battle?”
“That is only one of its effects; its other effect is triggered when it battles another monster. Take a look at your Airknight Parshath…”
Rainbow Dash looked up at her monster. At first, she saw nothing but then her eyes quickly gravitated to the small black metal stake in its shoulder. “What is that?”
“That is what’s known as a wedge counter, Armor Master leaves that behind on any monster it fails to destroy.” The griffon then pointed upward at the wedge. “And since your monster has a wedge counter, Blackwing Armor Master has the ability to take away ALL of its ATK points!” The wedge within Parshath suddenly vanished causing the monster to kneel down in pain.
Airknight Parshath
< ATK: 1900 → 0 >
“No!”
“And I’m not done yet, I play Monster Reborn!” The purple graveyard portal opened up and a large humanoid Blackwing flew out on to the field.
Blackwing – Sirocco the Dawn
< Level 5 / ATK: 2000 >
Gilda closed her eyes. “I bet your wondering why I brought Sirocco back…? Lucky for you none of my monsters are tuners so I can’t Synchro Summon…” She suddenly opened her eyes again with a flash of red. “Unlucky for you my Sirocco has a special ability!” She raised her claw and each of her Blackwings started to emit a strong vortex around them. The strong wings all flew up into the air and crashed down on Sirocco the Dawn. “Sirocco has the ability to absorb all the ATK points of my other Blackwings!”
< 2000 + 2500 + 2400 + 1700 = ATK: 8600 >
“WOWIE!” Pinkie Pie screamed. “That is a lot of ATK points!”
Gilda then placed her right claw on her waist. “As much as I would love to just slaughter you with my whole army of monsters, Sirocco’s effect prevents anyone other than himself from attacking when he uses this effect… However…” Rainbow didn’t like the look Gilda was giving her. “Blackwing Armor Master… Blackwing Nothung the Starlight… Blackwing Bora the Spear…” The three monsters all lined up in front of her and she called them. As she held up a card in her hand emitting a powerful glow, the three birds were sucked into the sky as beams as light. Suddenly, a gigantic lightning bolt followed after striking the middle the field. “I summon the Egyptian God, Slifer the Sky Dragon!” Gilda took the card and slammed it down onto her duel disk. The sky above them was parted by a massive beam of light and a new monster descended. The large red dragon was coiled around in the sky giving off a near endless length. It stuck its head and arms out from the clouds and roared into Rainbow Dash’s face.
Slifer the Sky Dragon
< Level 10 / ATK: 1000 >
Rainbow Dash took a couple steps back with sweat beating down her face. “Your monster may be big but its stats kind of suck. It wouldn’t matter anyway since Sirocco the Dawn prevents you from attacking with it.”
Gilda chuckled to herself. “Didn’t you learn anything from Trixie? The god cards are nothing in comparison to our real weapon…” Gilda held up another card in her hand and revealed it to Rainbow Dash; the Pegasi lost all color in her face when she saw it. Gilda grabbed the shoulder of her hood and tore the entire robe off ripping it to shreds. Now with her wings free, Gilda flew up and hovered several feet in the air. “I sacrifice Sirocco the Dawn and Slifer the Sky Dragon in order to summon my ultimate beast!” The two monsters did a very familiar motion, swirling into the air creating a dark funnel into the sky. A large black lightning bolt came down and struck Gilda where she flew. Gilda had her arms outstretched and screeched into the air being overtaken by the power she was now filled with. The two lightning bolt shaped marks burned into her forehead and leaked into the purple eyeliner Gilda naturally had creating a large black circle around her eye. She also stretched out her wings which were quickly overtaken by a black color from the tips of her feathers leading all the way down to the base of her wings. She finally came down and hit the ground with a thud, opening her blood red eyes. “Oh yeah, now THIS is true power!”
“Be careful Dashie!” Pinkie cried. “Remember what happened to Twilight when Trixie played that card!?”
“Yeah, anything that monster does is real…”
Gilda chuckled to herself again. “Witness the glory that is Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony!” As Gilda slammed the card into her disk, her shadow stretched outward behind her before pulling itself off the ground; however, this version was significantly larger than Trixie’s version. With Trixie it was about three times her height, this one was at least ten times her size and roared with black flames
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< Level 10 / ATK: 9100 >
More sweat fell down Rainbow’s face. “What in Equestria? Why does it have so many ATK points!? Trixie’s only had 3000!”
“The reason is simple moron. Iseris’ ATK strength is determined by the ATK of the DARK monster used to summon it plus an extra 500. Sirocco had 8600 points so Iseris has a grand total of 9100!” Rainbow Dash took a couple steps back before hearing some loud hoof steps come in from behind her. She turned around to find the Pharaoh and Princess Celestia were now arriving on the scene.
“Oh no!” Yami yelled. “She already summoned Iseris!”
“Well, look at who decided to show up… You’re too late; nothing you can do can stop me now!” Gilda simply grinned and made a horizontal sweep with her right arm. “I activate my face-down card!” Gilda’s face-down card flipped up and started to glow. “Remember how Sirocco’s ability prevented my other monsters from attacking? Well, my monster has to attack now!”
“WHAT!?”
“Last Assault forces my monster to attack this turn ignoring any effects that prevent them from doing so! It also prevents you from activating any cards or effects when I attack!” A bolt of lightning suddenly shot out from Gilda’s card and struck Rainbow’s face-down turning it photo-negative. Rainbow’s eyes went wide as though staring into the eyes of death itself; Pinkie Pie had nothing to say either. “It’s been fun, but all good things must come to an end… ISERIS, ATTACK!!!” Using its wings, Iseris conjured up a black flaming tornado, launching it at Rainbow Dash. Several ponies in the watching crowd start to cry and panic.
“Oh, dear Celestia!” Mrs. Cake cried. As soon as the tornado made contact, Rainbow Dash started screaming in absolute agony; her voice reaching a pitch in which rivaled Rarity. She was feeling pain like nothing she had ever felt before; it was like being hit by a thousand lightning bolts. After what felt like an eternity, the tornado finally dissipated. Everyone watched as the smoke cleared. Standing there on her hind legs was Rainbow Dash. Nearly half of her body was charred black and her eyes were rolled into the back of her head. She had her mouth open, breathing heavily, pumping her chest back and forth with every painful agonizing breath. Then she began to tilt forward...
“RAINBOW DASH!!!” Pinkie screamed.
Rainbow Dash kept falling and falling and falling. A million thoughts were going through her head. ‘I failed... I failed Yugi, I failed Twilight... I failed Pinkie Pie...’ These thoughts were causing tears to come to her eyes. ‘l failed all of you... I’m... A failure...’ She hit the ground with a thud.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 6900 → 0 >
Gilda couldn’t help but start laughing “When you mess with me, expect to get messed up...” Then Gilda turned her attention to Pinkie. “Since you lost that means it’s time to pay up!”
No idea what to do, Mr. and Mrs. Cake banged on the barrier keeping them away from the pink mare. “Stay away from her!” Mr. Cake yelled.
Gilda snickered “Too bad, a bet is a bet and I need to collect…” Gilda walked on by Rainbow Dash and closed in on Pinkie Pie who was being pushed back against the barrier. Pinkie Pie turned back and looked at the Cakes with a look of fear they have never seen in her before. Before she could turn back, Gilda’s claw had wrapped around her neck and lifted her into the air.
“You… *gasp* don’t have to do this…”
Gilda leaned in close and looked her in the eyes. “Yeah, I kind of do…” Right below Pinkie Pie, a strange black hole like portal opened up in the ground. It was letting out a small series of sparks that zapped her hooves. “Sayonara dweeb…” Gilda released Pinkie Pie’s neck letting her fall into the miniature black hole. Her legs were suddenly dissolved into black particles which were all being sucked in.
“RAINBOW DASH!”
“Pinkie… Pie...” Rainbow Dash could only watch as her best friend evaporated into nothing and was pulled into the black abyss. The pink earth pony held out a hoof hoping somepony would grab her but nothing came. Her hoof was sucked in as well and with a flash, the portal vanished leaving a black mark on the ground like seen at Sweet Apple Acres.
“Hmm...” Gilda took a few steps up to Rainbow Dash, inspecting the damage. She looked down upon her defeated ex-best friend. “Loyalty is a bitch, isn’t it?” Suddenly, Gilda socked Rainbow right in the gut with her right claw, knocking her on to her back. She then followed to grab Rainbow by the mane and hold her right up to her face; nose to beak. Rainbow Dash’s expression was one of total fear and it made Gilda feel wonderful. Her eyes were shaking violently and were covered in tears. “Let this be a lesson to you...” Using her mane like a handle, Gilda turned around and chucked Rainbow Dash’s motionless body directly at the Cakes. Before she could hit the barrier, the Cakes split apart allowing Rainbow’s body to shatter the barrier like glass and fly right between them. The mare bounced like a rag doll before rolling over and stopping on her face. “Never… Screw… With ME!” Gilda flapped her wings and shot off into the air into before anypony could stop her.
With the barrier gone, everypony ran over to help Rainbow Dash; the Cakes were the first to get to her. Mr. Cake used his nose to pick up Rainbow Dash and put her on his back. “Don’t worry Princess; I’ll take her to the hospital.” Mr. Cake ran off with his wife in tow.
Tears were streaming down Celestia’s eyes as she watched the mare be carried away. “Rainbow Dash… Pinkie Pie… I’m so sorry…”
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 5 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
|
My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
|
incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-28T22:42:19+00:00
|
2023-05-15T11:51:29+00:00
| 5,156 |
It was a bit past noon. Rarity had gone over to meet Fluttershy for their usual spa day. They were a little behind today however, with Twilight being hospitalized, Fluttershy had grown too frightened to leave the sanctity of her cottage.
“Fluttershy dear, we are running quite behind. I promised Aloe and Lotus we would be there an hour ago.” Rarity was getting frustrated. It was a tradition of hers to go to the spa with Fluttershy but she just wouldn’t budge.
“Sorry Rarity but... I just don’t feel safe... With that scary looking shadow hurting my friends I just... Eep...” Fluttershy jumped as Angel Bunny had tapped her leg and crossed his arms. “I’m sorry Angel but I can’t leave you here alone...” Angel simply shook his head in disappointment.
“Fluttershy, that creature can’t hurt you unless you fight.” Rarity tried to reason with her but it was quite difficult. “Please Fluttershy, you can’t stay cooped up in here forever.” Fluttershy cowered down under her coffee table still whimpering. “Come on girl! Pony up!” Rarity’s tone changed to bit more confident Rarity. “Remember that dragon? You were afraid of it at first but after seeing it attack us, you stood up and stared it down to crying. Where is that courage?”
“I... I just can’t...”
Rarity fell down disappointed. “Looks like I’m going alone today-”
*BANG!*
“WHAT WAS THAT!?” Rarity ran outside to look for the source of the explosion. What she saw frightened her. There was a huge red dragon flying through the sky. It was similar to the giant blue creature summoned by Trixie. Fear started flowing into her as Fluttershy slowly creeped outside her cottage.
“R-r-r-rarity? What is that thing.” Fluttershy asked. Angel was hiding behind her leg. Even he was frightened by this creature.
“I’m not sure darling... My guess it’s one of those ‘Egyptian God Cards’ Yugi was taking about.” Suddenly, the dragon evaporated into a cloud of black mist slowly rising into a sky. The mist spiraled upward creating an elegant but creep upside-down tornado. She knew what was about to happen. “No, not now!”
*BANG!*
A large bolt of black lightning fell from the sky striking the middle of Ponyville. Their fears were confirmed. It was ‘just’ like Trixie.
“Slifer the Sky Dragon... Such a majestic creature is it not?” Rarity and Fluttershy turned to find the source of the male voice. There was a pony standing in Fluttershy doorway. He wore a black cloak with a hood covering his face.
Rarity was the first to speak up. “Hey you, just what are you doing here, and what’s happening over in Ponyville?”
The figure snickered a bit then trotted out of the doorway. “My partner is currently taking care of your party crazy friend...” This sent a chill down Rarity’s spine.
“You... You ruffian! Don’t you DARE hurt Pinkie Pie!” Rarity was now panting like she had just ran a mile nonstop she looked like she was about to hyperventilate.
“My word... Such rude remarks!” The figure flicked his hood a little revealing his silver unicorn horn. “You’ll learn to not say such things to royalty! Until I’m done with Fluttershy, I need you quiet!” His horn glowed and a weird blue mist formed around Rarity hogtying and gagging her. “Ah, much better...” He turned to look at Fluttershy cowering behind a tree. He charged his horn for a second before shooting a fireball burning the tree to the ground.
Fluttershy simply squeaked trying to hide behind the charred stump. “Please... Go away... Leave us alone...”
The figure took a couple steps forward before raising his from left hoof revealing a duel disk. He held it out and disk activated springing out a single slot. The slot spread out 2 more times on each side forming the full 5 slots. “You’ll have to beat me in a duel first...”
Fluttershy continued to hide behind the stump. “No... I won’t...”
“Yes, you will...” Using his horn, he created a black shockwave that stopped just short of Fluttershy. “Now, shall we begin?” Like with Twilight, Fluttershy’s hoof glowed with a rainbow light and a butterfly shaped Duel Disk materialized onto her leg. It was similar in shape to a Battle City Duel Disk as it had to flaps that rotate into place. The flaps were shaped like angel wings. The figure grinned from within with hood he knew she had no chance at victory. She was far too shy to fight with the big boys. “Let’s Duel!”
Dark Summoner
< LP: 4000 >
“Please... I don’t want to fight...”
Fluttershy
< LP: 4000 >
The duel was starting. The still hooded figure went first. “Hmm... You have no chance, not with this good of a starting hand!” He slid his first card into the spell/trap zone. “I activate the spell card Cost Down. By discarding a card from my hand, I can summon a high-level monster with 1 less sacrifice.” He slowly took a card from his hand and slid in into his graveyard which looked like a creepy red smile. “Next, I summon my first monster! Go, Ally of Justice Omni-Weapon!” The monster materialized as a crazy looking blue cannon with several arms and an oversized drill.
Ally of Justice Omni-Weapon
< Level 5 / ATK: 2200 >
“Let’s see you handle him... End my turn with 2 face-downs...”
Fluttershy had yet to draw her hand. She was absolutely frightened. “I... I don’t want to do this...”
“You don’t want me to hurt your friend, do you?” He said turning he head to Rarity.
“You wouldn’t!”
“Yes, I would. I’ll tighten her restraints and crush every bone in her pretty little body. How about a little example...” His horn started to glow and more magical straps started forming around Rarity’s body, causing her to panic and scream through the gag.
“Please stop...”
He didn’t stop, he kept tightening and Rarity kept screaming
“Stop... Please stop...”
“Oh...” Fluttershy finally got his attention. “I didn’t hear you. I was listening to the pained screams of Miss Rarity. Its such pleasure to my ears!” Rarity heard that. All she could think of was how crazy he sounded. Pleasure from torturing her? That’s just sick... “So, your finally going to go?” Fluttershy nodded. “Good...” He finally released his grip on Rarity, once again focusing on Fluttershy.
*Gulp* “My draw...” Fluttershy slowly drew her card trying to drag it out. *Squeak* “I... I summon Naturia Cherries... In defense mode...” She continued to move slowly. Taking about 10 seconds just to put her card down. Her opponent was tapping his hoof in frustration. Her monster was just as the card said, a cherry...
Naturia Cherries
< Level 1 / DEF: 200 >
“I... I... End my turn...”
The figure burst out in laughter. “That’s it!? You really do suck, don’t you?” He drew his card. “I summon Ally of Justice Cycle Reader.” The monster appeared as small mechanical grey and yellow spider.
Ally of Justice Cycle Reader
< Level 3 / ATK: 1000 >
“Now Omni-Weapon will attack your Cherry!” Using its oversized drill, the monster blew a hole straight through Fluttershy’s monsters.
“At least my life points are safe...” Sighed Fluttershy.
“Don’t be so sure... When my Omni-Weapon destroys a light monster, I can draw a card and if it’s a low-level dark-attribute machine, I can summon it instantly.”
Fluttershy looked at him with a puzzled face. “But... My monster was an earth-attribute...”
The pony pointed at his trap card. “When I destroyed your monster, I activated my DNA Transplant trap card. This card changes all monsters into an attribute of my choosing, and I choose light!” Fluttershy gasped in horror. “Now let’s see what I get...” The pony drew his card, chuckled then revealed his card. “Well, well, well, Ally Salvo, a dark machine...” His monster appeared as black ball coated in purple lightning.
Ally Salvo
< Level 2 / ATK: 400 >
“Now your wide open for an attack!”
“I… I activate my monster’s effect...”
“Huh?”
“When Naturia Cherries is destroyed and sent to the grave, I can summon 2 more...” Fluttershy ejected her deck and spread it out in front of her. Her eyes darted left and right searching her deck.
“Any day now...”
“Oh! There they are!” Fluttershy finally found the cards she was looking for. She took then out and place them face-down. When she put her deck back into her duel disk, it started to shuffle itself. “Eep!” Fluttershy jumped and covered her head.
The opposing pony face hoofed. “Your duel disk is programed with an auto-shuffler, stop being so pathetic...”
“Oh, uh... Ok...”
“Can I go now?” Fluttershy nodded. “Good, because now my 2 remaining monsters will destroy the 2 Cherries you just summoned!” His monster vaporized her face-downs like nothing. “Don’t think your safe yet, I activate my second face-down, a card known as Urgent Tuning.”
*Squeak* “What does that do?”
“This card allows me to Synchro Summon during my battle phase, as long as I have the appropriate monsters!”
“Synchro? Yugi never taught us about those...”
“Well, I’m about to! I’m tuning my Ally of Justice Cycle Reader and Ally Salvo!” Cycle Reader formed into 3 neon green ring that overlapped the black sphere turning it into 2 while glowing orbs.
< 3 + 2 = 5 >
“When the stars descend, it will call upon the start of catastrophe. Synchro Summon! Ally of Justice Catastor!” The rings exploded into a bright light. Gold and silver spider legs started to slowly reveal themselves from the light. Fluttershy was frightened. She could hear the monster. Its sound was unlike anything she was ever heard of. It sounded like razor blade scraping against metal with a faint humming. As the light cleared, the monster finally revealed itself. It was large gold and silver creature with 4 legs. Its body arched downward and it had a golden mask-like cover on its head with a glowing blue eye. The figure broke into a maniacal laughter after seeing the rise of his ace monster, Ally of Justice Catastor.
Ally of Justice Catastor
< Level 5 / ATK: 2200 >
“Hahahaha!!! You can’t beat me now! Catastor is unstoppable. I’m holding your life in the center of my hoof.” He continued to laugh almost non-stop.
*Squeak* “Please stop... I don’t want to fight... I don’t...”
“Too bad, Ally of Justice Catastor, ATTACK!!! Catastrophe Beam!” Catastor started charging energy into its glowing eye into the glow had become incredibly bright. “FIRE!!!” It released it beam directly at Fluttershy, exploding on contact and knocking her back.
Fluttershy was shrugging to get up. Her wings were all cut up and she had scratches all over her body. “I... I thought only Iseris could do real damage...”
Fluttershy
< LP: 4000 → 1800 >
“Is that what Trixie told you? If that’s the case, then you should look at your back leg...” Fluttershy turned around to see the magic shackle on her leg used to keep her in place. “I’ve always liked to play my games with some... Shall we say... Conditions... Every time you take damage, that shackle with shock you with a powerful electricity.”
“Why... Why do something like that? Why do you want to hurt me and my friends? We didn’t do anything to you...”
“Didn’t do anything... DIDN’T DO ANYTHING!?” The figure was now screaming at the top of his lungs. “Ok... Ok... Got to stay calm... Can’t blow my cover just yet...”
Rarity noticed this pony was starting to act kind of... Weird... She couldn’t place her hoof on but she felt as though she knew this stallion. She knew him from somewhere...
“Its... my turn...” Squeaked Fluttershy. ‘I need some to protect me from his creatures.’ She drew her card. ‘This will help...’ “I summon Naturia Dragonfly in defense mode... Fluttershy’s monster appeared as simple red dragonfly. “That’s... All...”
Naturia Dragonfly
< Level 4 / DEF: 400 >
“Are you going to do anything? You might as well place your hoof on your deck and surrender so you don’t have to go through the pain, I’m about to inflict you with. Omni-Weapon destroy her Dragonfly!” Omni-Weapon once again charge forward with its drill arm, slamming it into her Dragonfly, but something was wrong. “Why isn’t my attack working!” His monster attack was doing nothing. The dragonfly was completely unaffected.
“My Naturia Dragonfly can’t be beaten by monsters with over 2000 attack... and both of your monsters have 2200...”
The figure was shocked, she actually put up a decent defense, however... “Don’t think for a second that you’ll beat me. You may have ‘overlooked’ my Catastor’s ability. It instantly destroys any non-dark monster it goes into battle with.”
Fluttershy gasped. “No, my dragonfly!”
“Catastor, obliterate her dragonfly!” Catastor fired its laser, destroyer her dragonfly and creating another large explosion. “Since your monster was in defense, your safe this turn...” Fluttershy didn’t move. “Did I stutter? It’s your move...”
“I... Can’t... I won’t...”
“Suit yourself then...” The pony turned back to Rarity and began using his magic again.
“I’m sorry Rarity... I can’t do it...” She could hear Rarity trying to scream again. It hurt her to do but she couldn’t go on. She was too scared.
Rarity continued to scream underneath her gag. The binds were crushing her. “How about we turn things up a notch?” Said the figure. Pointing his horn at Rarity, he fired a constant stream of electricity direct at her. Rarity began to squirm on the ground, convulsing her chest forward. “Yes! Suffer Rarity! Suffer!” Occasionally her skeleton would flash for a second.
Fluttershy just continued to lay there watching her friend suffer. She could stop him but she was far too scared. She looked at Rarity, seeing the pain in her eyes. Why couldn’t she be more assertive? Why was she always so scared? Her friend was in trouble. She had to help. If she continued to nothing, Rarity will die. No! She wasn’t going to stand for it! Finally, Fluttershy stood. “ENOUGH!”
The figure stopped instantly. Looking back at her. “What the?”
Fluttershy stood up. Confidence flowing through her. It was time for her to take over this duel. “Right! My draw!” She skimmed the cards in her hand, formulating a strategy. “First off, I summon Naturia Pumpkin.”
Naturia Pumpkin
< Level 4 / ATK: 1400 >
When Pumpkin if summoned, I can summon another monster from my hand. I summon Naturia Beetle.”
Naturia Beetle
< Level 4 / ATK: 400 >
“Now I play the spell card Monster Reborn in order to revive my Naturia Cherries!”
Naturia Cherries
< Level 1 / ATK: 200 >
The hooded stallion looked at her. “Just what are trying to accomplish here?” Then it hit him. “No, you not going to-”
“Now, I’m tuning my Cherries with my Pumpkin and my Beetle!” Just like with her opponent, her Cherries turned into a single green ring that overlapped her 2 other monsters. “The power of Mother Nature will bring life to a fierce beast to protect her precious land. Synchro Summon!”
< 1 + 4 + 4 = 9 >
The light beamed down and hit the ground. Thick green vines started to grow out from the hole. “I summon you, Naturia Leodrake!”
Naturia Leodrake
< Level 9 / ATK: 3000 >
The hooded stallion snickered. “You got lucky. There is nothing you can do to win this fight.”
“Don’t you think it’s over. I won’t let anypony hurt my friends! Especially not some torture-crazy lunatic!”
The stallion broke out into laughter. “You won’t let you hurt you friends huh? Oh God that is rich!” Eventually he fell onto the ground laughing and kicking his silver legs in the air.
“What so funny?”
“It’s funny because I’m not the one you should worry about!”
“Huh? What do you mean by that?” Fluttershy looked up and noticed a large figure in the air. It came down quickly making a loud thud upon landing. Fluttershy instantly recognized the creature. “G-G-Gilda?”
The figure turned to look at his partner. “So, how did it go, Gilda?”
She snickered. “Even better than planned. Pinkie Pie has been disposed of and Rainbow Dash is done. You should have seen the look in her eyes.” Gilda licked her lips. “Delicious! She was so frightened; I wouldn’t put it past her if she was traumatized for the rest of her life.”
Fluttershy looked down at the ground. She couldn’t believe it. Applejack... Pinkie... Even Rainbow? She couldn’t let this continue. “How dare you... HOW DARE YOU! I don’t care who are, who you work for or what you plan on doing to us, but you do not, I repeat, YOU DO NOT HURT MY FRIENDS!!!”
Gilda and hooded figure jumped at the unexpected anger. “What the heck happened to the shy personality I saw last time I was here?” Asked Gilda.
“She was like this at the Gala too.” Said the figure.
“I AM GOING TO DESTROY YOU!!! Naturia Leodrake, destroy his Ally of Justice Omni-Weapon!” Her Lion reared up before making a giant leap and pouncing on top of her monster. Using its claws, it tore the monster to shreds.
Dark Summoner
< LP: 4000 → 3200 >
“Bravo Fluttershy, bravo... I will admit, you definitely made a change for the better. You destroyed my Omni-Weapon and you put a dent in my life points.”
“I set one card face-down and end my turn...” ‘He may think he has me backed into a corner with his Catastor’s special ability, but I am prepared. The second his monster attacks, he will trigger my Mirror Force trap card, leaving him wide open.’
Her opponent drew her card. “First I activate Pot of Green allowing me to draw 2 cards.” His duel disk flashed with the words ‘Draw 2.’ “Hahaha... HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Oh, how convenient is that! First, I will summon my Ally of justice Unlimiter. But this is only the beginning, I activate a spell card called Generous Monarch.”
“What does that do?”
“Generous Monarch lets me choose a card in my hand and give it to you.”
This only confused Fluttershy. “Why would you give me your cards?”
“You’ll see...” The figure took hold of a single card in his hand and threw it over to Fluttershy. She caught it with her open hoof.
Fluttershy looked at card with fear. Why did he give her this card? She stared at the gold bordered card he had tossed to her. “Is... is this...”
“That’s right Fluttershy, I’ve handed you my Egyptian God Card. The Winged Dragon of Ra!” Gilda started chuckling in the background. She clearly knew what was happening. “You know what, I’m actually feeling so generous today, I’m not only going to give you Ra, I’m even going to help you summon it.”
“What?”
“I activate the spell card, Rushing into Battle. This forces you to summon a high-level monster from your hand.”
“You mean now I have to summon it?”
“YES! DO IT! SUMMON THE WINGED DRAGON OF RA!”
“Umm, ok?” Upon placing the card down, Fluttershy’s duel disk erupted with lightning “EEP!” She couldn’t control the electricity flowing the card. She fell onto her flank unable to keep her balance anymore. Out from the sky, a giant sphere floated down from clouds. It was Ra, but it wasn’t. Ra was still trapped in orb. “Where’s the dragon?”
“In order for you to summon it successfully, you must now recite the chant written upon the card.”
“Chant?” Fluttershy looked down at her card. There was in fact a chant written on the card. The weird thing was that it wasn’t there a minute ago. “But... I can’t read that. I’ve never even seen this language before.”
“I thought not. The text can only be read by members of the royal family and I-” The pony finally pulled off his hood, showing off his shining silver coat and glistening gold mane. “Fit that role perfectly...”
Rarity and Fluttershy’s eye shot wide open. The pony that had been terrorizing them this whole time was none other than Prince Blueblood. Princes Celestia’s far removed nephew.
“Great beast of the sky, please hear my cry.
Transform thyself from orb of light and bring me victory in this fight.
Envelop the desert with your glow and cast your rage upon my foe.
Unlock your powers from deep within so that together we may win.
Appear in this Shadow Game as I call out your name, Winged Dragon of Ra!”
At that moment, the sphere above their head began to glow and transform. It grew wings, legs, arms, and a giant ring. The golden dragon glowed brightly in the sky, the sun reflecting light off its gleaming coat. “Feel the wrath of the almighty Winged Dragon of Ra!”
The Winged Dragon of Ra
< Level 10 / ATK: 0 >
Blueblood looked back to see Rarity. Her face was bright red. “Oh, I’m guessing your surprised to see me huh? I guess I’ll let you let out your anger...” Blueblood finally released the stream of magic keeping Rarity’s mouth shut.
“YOU! I should have known a stuck-up jerk like you would join Trixie!”
“Such harsh words for a lady.”
“Don’t you talk to me like that. Your hardly a gentlecolt yourself!”
“BECAUSE OF YOU! You ruined me. After you humiliated me at the Gala, nopony respected me after what you did. They all just laughed at me for getting told off by a... By a... MULE!”
Rarity was practically fuming. Her entire coat turning a bright red. “You... I’LL KILL YOU! WHEN I GET MY HOOVES ON YOU, YOUR DEAD!”
“Please stop...”
“I’M GOING TO BREAK YOUR HORN AND SHOVE IT DOWN YOUR THROAT!!!”
“Please Rarity... Stop...”
“I’M GOING TO SHAVE YOUR MANE AND STRANGLE YOU WITH IT!”
“ENOUGH!” Rarity stopped, finally snapping back to reality. She recognized that voice. The voice of Fluttershy. “Rarity please. I can’t stand to see you like this. I didn’t become friends with a murderous psychopath. I became friends with the most generous dress maker in Equestria. Don’t let your anger make you forget who you are.”
Rarity shook her head, regaining her composure. “Your right Fluttershy. I let my anger get to me.”
“Don’t worry about it. You were just confused, like I was at Gala...” A tear could be seen sliding down her cheek. “Just... Don’t lose sight of who you are. Remember your mark, remember your element...”
“Oh, Fluttershy!” Rarity was full blown crying now. “Thank you, that really helped. You really are a good friend Fluttershy...”
Suddenly, a maniacal laugh coming from the half-hooded stallion standing across from Fluttershy. “HAHAHAHA! Yes, this is just delish! Listen to your friend Miss Rarity. It will be all the more satisfying when I take her away from you!” It was time for him to strike. All he had to do was win. “By tributing Ally Unlimiter, I can double the attack of my Catastor.”
Ally of Justice Catastor
< ATK: 2200 → 4400 >
Blueblood looked down at the last card in his hand. Somehow, he felt that the others knew what we were going to do. There was only one thing he would do. It was time for him to finish this. “Now, I sacrifice Catastor and The Winged Dragon of Ra!” Ra formed in a black mist wrapping around Catastor before spiraling into the air. It was time. The black bolt struck Blueblood creating all too familiar scars upon his forehead. “Oh Lady Rarity!” he said in a singsong tone. “If you thought I wasn’t charming before, then you’re in for a rude awakening my pretty...” Blueblood opened his mouth revealing a not so pretty sight. He had vampire fangs and a tongue like a snake. “Unlike that pathetic excuse for Unicorn, I am quite strong with the darkness. Trixie could only dream of being this powerful. The darkness in my heart rivals that of Nightmare moon herself!” Blueblood stood up as an explosion of energy spiraled around him. The black aura engulfed his entire body.
Both Fluttershy and Rarity watched in horror at the dark creature rose from the ground. “Eep...”
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< Level 10 / ATK: 4900 >
“Where’s all the confidence you had a minute ago?” Blueblood held his hoof in the air. “Let me guess, you were originally planning on springing your trap when I attack?”
“Oh, I... ah...” Fluttershy squeaked.
“Let me guess, Mirror Force?”
“How did you-”
“Hold on a second!” Yelled Rarity. Blueblood looked back at her. “Trixie told us Iseris could only be summoned by sacrificing and Egyptian God and a Dark-Attribute monster, but your DNA Transplant is making all your monsters Light.”
“Simple, the monster must be of Dark origins. Since Catastor was naturally a monster of darkness, he was the perfect sacrifice.”
“That’s not fair!”
“I’m not the one who made the rules.” Blueblood turned back to Fluttershy. “Now... Let’s end this... Iseris, ATTACK!” Iseris’ eyes start to glow red before firing a large laser just like Catastor.
Rarity closed her eyes. “I can’t look!”
The attack punctured a hole straight through Fluttershy’s monster before landing it mark on her. The ground exploded under her as a red beam was shot into air. Though there was no screaming, no sound. Fluttershy just stood there unmoving in the small crater. Her eyes rolled back into her head and there was smoke emitting from her body. “Rarity... Don’t forget your element...”
Fluttershy
< LP: 1800 → 0 >
Rarity gasped. Her friend had just been blasted with most lethal attack she had ever seen, yet somehow, she was still standing. “Thank you Fluttershy, I won’t...” Slowly, Fluttershy began to fall forward. A small void appeared directly under her as impacted the ground. The void completely sucked Fluttershy in. She was gone. Rarity began to cry. Not to a large extent. Just enough for it to be visible. “Fluttershy, I will never forget you...”
Blueblood looked over his accomplishment as the scars on his head disappeared. All that remained was a small black scorch mark where Fluttershy had stood. “Looks like my work is done. So long suckers!” His horn glowed and ‘poof’, he was gone along with the restraints holding Rarity down. Gilda had snuck off sometime during the explosion.
Rarity trotted over to the small crater looking at the scorch mark along the ground. “Oh Fluttershy, you didn’t deserve this... It should have been me...” With tears streaming from her eyes, she turned and galloped back to Ponyville. Gilda had mentioned Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash. She hoped it wouldn’t be true but, in her heart, she knew it was real. “Please my friends, please be ok...” At this time, she was the only remaining Element of Harmony remaining unscathed. It was up to her now.
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 6 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
|
My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
|
incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-18T00:38:53+00:00
|
2023-05-14T06:58:04+00:00
| 4,320 |
Deep within Ponyville Hospital, Twilight Sparkle was fast asleep in her bed trying to recover from were duel with Trixie the previous day.
“WAAAAHHHH!” Twilight’s eyes shot open and she bounced in air sending her blankets flying at a cringing whine that had just entered the room. “No! I won’t do it!” Trying to get up, Twilight looked over to see a small unicorn filly with a bright blue coat and a white mane with blue stripes. She was locking the door.
“What in Equestria is going on?”
The filly turned back to look at Twilight. “Oh, I didn’t know somepony was in here.” She then ran over to Twilight and jumped up putting her hooves on the bed. “Sorry if I scared you Miss.”
“Oh, it ok...”
The filly starting looking up and down Twilight body. Her body was a bit banged up and she had a few bandages around her chest. “What happened to you?”
“Eh, I got into a little fight. Don’t you worry about it... What about you? You ran in screaming a newborn foal.”
“It’s just that... I’m scared...”
“I kind of figured that out. What are you scared of? Doctors trying to give you a shot?”
“No, I’m scared of the operation...”
“Why is a filly of your age getting an operation!?”
“It’s my horn.” The filly poked at her horn a few times. “For some reason, I’ve been completely unable to perform magic. I’ve tried and tried but I can’t do it.”
“Well, don’t give up hope...”
“My parents have been trying for months to figure out why I can’t do magic. The doctors say my mind and horn aren’t mentally connected and my mental signals aren’t making contact.”
“My, my, that’s some pretty complex stuff for a filly.” Twilight lightly tapped on the filly’s head. “I have a feeling you’re going to be powerful unicorn when you grow up.” Twilight stopped tapping. “But you’re going to need to go through the operation if you ever want that to happen.”
The filly nodded. “Thank you, Miss.”
Twilight attempted to get out of bed. It put a bit of strain on her but eventually landed on the ground wobbling a bit. “Now you should probably go back to your room. The doctors are probably looking for you.”
“Ok!” Twilight decided to help escort the little filly out of the room. After she opened the door, the filly went running out down the hall.
“Ah, kids...” Suddenly, she heard a ton of voice coming from down the hall. She looked down and noticed about 4 doctors quickly pushing a stretcher down the hall. “Oh, I hope nopony has been hurt too bad...” When the doctor ran past, the world nearly froze around Twilight when she saw a rainbow maned Pegasus on the stretcher with a breather mask on and covered in burns. “Rainbow Dash! NO!”
As they rounded the corner, Twilight looked the other way and found the Cakes had been following behind them. “Oh Twilight! It was absolutely horrible!” Said Mrs. Cake. “That horrible Griffon came back!”
Twilight’s ears perked up. “You mean Gilda?”
“Yes! She burned down our shop, summoned some black monster thing, attacked Rainbow Dash and now Pinkie Pie is missing!”
“Wait, wait, wait! A black monster thing?”
“Eh, it came out of her shadow.” Said Mr. Cake. “It has wings and freaky red eyes.”
Twilight began to rub her head in frustration. “I can’t believe it... Gilda’s a shadow servant too?” The frustration was really starting to get to her. First Trixie, now Gilda? Who else could be one? “Listen, just to be safe, avoid anyone wearing a black hooded robe.”
“Oh yes, we will!” Mr. and Mrs. Cake turned back down the hall. Just as they were leaving, Yugi and Celestia showed up.
“Twilight, my faithful student! What are you doing out here?”
“I saw the doctors run by with Rainbow Dash...”
“Yes, unfortunately we didn’t make it in time. I’m also afraid your friend Pinkie Pie was banished to the Shadow Realm...”
Twilight looked down at her hooves. In just one day, everything had taken a turn for the worst. The only ones remaining were-. “Twilight!” Everypony turned back and saw Rarity in a full gallop down the hall.
“Rarity!” Yelled Twilight. “What’s going on?”
Rarity was heavily panting. “Twilight! They got Fluttershy!”
Twilight recoiled back in shock. “No... It can’t be...” She began to gather up her mind at what was happening. “Who did it? Trixie? Gilda?”
“That’s the thing! You’re not going to believe this but it was Blueblood! Prince Blueblood is working alongside Trixie!”
“Oh...” Celestia sighed. “That is quite troubling...”
Yugi was looking between all the ponies that had gathered in the hall. “Perhaps we should head back into the room so we can recap and go over everything that we know.”
“Good idea Yugi.” Celestia replied. Twilight, Rarity, Yugi and Princess Celestia all headed back into the room.
Twilight slowly pushed herself back on the bed and put her head down. “I can’t believe This is happening... We defeated Nightmare Moon with no problem and though a little rocky at first, we eventually beat and resealed Discord... But why are we having so much trouble with simple pieces of cardboard? It doesn’t make sense...”
“You’re not alone Twilight.” Said Yugi. “Duel Monsters is a dangerous game. We have to get serious, no more holding back!”
Twilight started looking left and right around room. “Hey, where’s Kaiba? I haven’t seen him all day.”
“He is back at the library doing some simulations in hope of finding a way to beat Iseris.”
“He isn’t going to find one.” Replied Celestia. “There is only 1 card that can beat it.”
“Speaking of which...,” said Twilight. “You never got a chance to tell us how you beat Iseris all those years ago.”
“The only way to beat Iseris is through the use of one specific card.”
“Do you have the card on you?” Asked Yugi.
“Sadly no, Its locked in a sealed room in Canterlot Castle, much like the Elements of Harmony. I couldn’t let it fall into the hands of the Shadow Servants. That would be disastrous.”
“Hey guys?” Asked Twilight. “Can’t we just reprint the card and use it; I mean it is just cardboard...”
“NO!” Roared Celestia. “It doesn’t work like that! The card was enchanted by the Elements of Harmony 800 years ago! I can’t just make another!”
Twilight backed up. She had never seen Celestia get so mad before. “I’m sorry...”
Celestia shook her head and shrugged it off. “No, I’m sorry for yelling at you... Your just not understanding the situation we are in. This isn’t a just some colt’s card game. This is life or death. If we can’t the beat Shadow Servants, they will destroy everything... I witnessed the destruction all those years ago. The only was I was able to escape it was by erasing everypony’s memory as well as the memory of all those that lost their lives. Everything I had worked for was destroyed just like that. I practically had to rebuild Equestria again completely from scratch...”
Everypony in the room simply looked at Princess Celestia not saying a word. Finally, Twilight spoke up. “No, we won’t let that happen!” Twilight pushed herself up and stood up on the bed. “We’ve defeated the worst of the worst. We have proved several times that nothing can beat our friendship. They’ve already gotten 4 of us but isn’t going to stop me. No Destroyer of Harmony is going to stop us!” Using her magic, Twilight levitated her Duel Disk and slipped it onto her left hoof. “We will show that FRIENDSHIP... IS... MAGIC!!!” Upon saying the last word Twilight’s Duel Disk turned on rotated into place.
“That’s the spirit!” Yelled Rarity.
“Friendship is a powerful thing.” Added Yugi.
“My faithful student...”
Twilight extended out her hoof, holding out in the middle of the ponies. “To friendship...”
Rarity extended her hoof. “To friendship...”
Then Yugi. “To friendship...”
“I’m proud of you Twilight, you’ve grown so much since the day you came to Ponyville. I’m glad to have you as my student.” Finally, Celestia held out her hoof, finishing off the circle. “To friendship...”
“ALRIGHT!” The 4 ponies said, lifting their hooves in a break.
As the ponies broke their circle, a dark figure sitting atop her throne began to laugh. “Oh Celestia... You never cease to surprise me.” The figure stood up and began her decent down the stairs to her seat. “However, the Pharaoh might become a problem... Yami is neigh unbeatable. If he gets that card then there is no way I will beat him, even at full power.” She turned her attention to the reflected pool in the ground The only thing she saw was Princess Celestia joining in a laugh with the 3 ponies. Spitting at the sight, she turned her attention the large window within the room. Trotting over to it, she stared up at the moon. Then it hit her. “Trixie! Blueblood! I require your presence in the throne room!”
On que, the unicorns trotted into the room. “What is your need, Master?” Asked Trixie.
“I need you two to head over to Canterlot to perform a little... Task...”
“What would that be your highness?” Asked Blueblood.
“Celestia and the others will be heading there soon to acquire the one thing that can beat us. I need you to cut them off.”
“Yes, Master...”
The figure turned her head to Trixie. “And Trixie, your failure to defeat Twilight Sparkle yesterday was quite a disappointment.” Trixie nervously looked down at her hooves. “However, I’m giving you a chance to redeem yourself.”
“You are?” Asked Trixie.
“Go with Blueblood to Canterlot Castle and crush Celestia. Make her feel pain like I did. I want to see her quibbling at my feet. Make her suffer... Do you understand my request?”
Trixie thought about it for a second. She wanted her to beat Celestia? No, that couldn’t be it. She knew her Master wanted Celestia for herself. She clearly wanted something else. She just had to figure it out. “Y-Y-Y-Yes Master... I understand...”
“Good... You may leave...” In a flash of light, Blueblood had disappeared. Reaching into her robe, Trixie threw down a smoke bomb, exploding into a cloud of smoke. When the cloud cleared, Trixie was gone. Then Gilda walked into the room.
“What about me your highness?” She asked.
“Gilda, I have something I need to discuss with you first...”
“What would that be?”
“To put it simply, although you succeeded in capturing your target, you still failed your assignment.”
Gilda recoiled back. “What!? That’s bull!”
“You may have captured the Element of Laughter but you left the Element of Loyalty incapacitated and in case you didn’t know, we can only send ponies to the Shadow Realm if they lose a duel.”
“Yah, and?”
“And, because of the state you put her in, she CAN’T duel!”
Gilda hesitated, thinking about her mistake. “Ah... Well...”
“The fact is, we can’t send her to the Shadow Realm until she is back on her feet. So, you better come up with a pretty good idea because I’m not assisting you this time around.”
“Yes Master. I’ll fix this problem and capture Rainbow Dash.” With a screech, Gilda flew out an open window.
“I swear, why are the strong ones always so dumb?”
“Miss Sparkle, I’m asking that your get your rest.”
“No, I have to help my friends!” Twilight was trying to wrestle her way out of the hospital but the doctor kept holding her down. “I must go!”
“No Miss Sparkle, you must stay here. You are in no condition to do anything.”
“I’m fine.” Said Twilight as she jumped off the bed. As soon as she landed, she started wobbling nearly fell over but the nurse caught her. She let out a nervous giggle. “I guess not.”
They had originally planned to take Twilight to Canterlot to get the card but the doctors all suggested she stay in bed. Celestia thought that maybe it was for the best. “Listen Twilight, don’t worry, we will get that card and be back soon. As long as I have the Pharaoh, there is nothing to worry about.”
“Maybe we should get back to the library and check on Kaiba before we leave.” Suggested Yugi.
“Good idea. He may be a valuable asset to us.”
“Alright. Rarity?”
The unicorn turned to Yugi. “Yes?”
“You should probably run home and pack up. Who knows how long we will be in Canterlot.”
“Your right. Plus, I can’t just leave Sweetie without somepony watching her.”
“Just meet us at the library when you’re ready.”
Rarity turned and made way for the door. “Be back soon.”
Yugi turned his attention back to Celestia. “We should go.”
“Indeed.” Yugi and Celestia turned to the door and starting leaving the room. Celestia stop in the middle of the doorway. “Twilight, just stay safe.”
Rarity was in a slow trot down the hallway. She was still in the hospital. As she walked past a slightly open door, she heard the sound of a heart monitor. With curiosity getting the best of her, she peaked her head inside. Her eyes watered at the sight of her rainbow maned friend completely unconscious, battered and bruised. “Oh Rainbow, you didn’t deserve this...” She put her hoof on Rainbow’s mane, lightly brushing it.
“Pinkie Pie...” Rainbow muttered.
Rarity gasped. Looking closer, she realized Rainbow was still unconscious. “Oh my, sleep talking?”
“No... Pinkie Pie... Failure...” Suddenly, Rainbow Dash started struggling. Her chest was heaving up and down. “No!” Rainbow’s heart monitor started to accelerate. The beats were getting faster.
“Oh, no! I think she is having a nightmare!” Rarity didn’t know how right she was.
Rainbow Dash was lost. Lost within her own mind. She wandered aimlessly in the darkness. She had no idea where she or anything else was. “Hello!? Anypony here!?” Her voice echoed for mile yet nopony heard. “Hello!?”
“Rainbow Dash...”
The pegasus jumped. “What? Who’s there?”
“Rainbow Dash...”
“Who’s there!? Come on out and fight me coward!” She said, getting up on her hind legs.
“Rainbow Dash...”
Rainbow was getting fed up with these strange voices. “Alright... Come on out so I can clobber you! I’m done with these games!”
“But we’re not Rainbow Dash... No, we’re just getting started...”
All around her sides, she noticed 5 black portals opening in the ground below her. “What’s happening?”
Out of one of the portals rose a familiar purple unicorn. “Rainbow Dash, you shall pay for your crimes against humanity.”
“Twilight?”
Next came an orange earth pony. “You betrayed us Sugarcube...”
“Applejack? What are you talking about?”
Third came a yellow pegasus. “I’m sorry. I can’t be friends with a killer...”
“Fluttershy...” Rainbow’s eyes were starting to tear up.
Forth, a white unicorn. “It your fault she’s gone...”
“Rarity? What are you talking about? Who is gone?”
“Me...” a voice came from the fifth and final portal. Out of the voice came a pink bubbly earth pony. “You killed me Dash...”
“No... It wasn’t my fault...”
“You promised you would keep me safe...”
“Pinkie Pie, I’m sorry... I tried... Please understand... I tried!”
“Sorry isn’t going to cut it...”
“Please Pinkie Pie! I tried as hard as I could! I was just not strong enough...”
“That too bad... Because now we must get rid of the traitor...”
“Pinkie Pie?”
Out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie pulled out a fully lit torch. “Burn the traitor!”
“No...”
“Burn the traitor!”
“No!”
“BURN THE TRAITOR!”
“NOOOOOOOO!” Rainbow Dash yelled at the top of her lungs. She had betrayed her friends. Betrayed their trust. She was a failure...
Yugi and Celestia approached Twilight’s tree. They needed to check up on Kaiba who had been couped up all day. The door slammed open as Spike came running out in a panic. “Make it stop!”
“Woh buddy! What’s going on?” Asked Yugi.
“Its Kaiba!”
As Yugi opened the door to the library taking a quick look inside his eyes widened at what he saw. The floor was littered with crumbled up scrolls, the trash can was like a mountain, and Kaiba was an absolute mess. His mane was shriveled up and he was no longer wearing his white jacket. He was slamming his hooves on his laptop. “Chance of success, 0%.”
“RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! THIS CARD IS PISSING ME OFF!!!”
Yugi stepped back a bit but eventually entered. “Kaiba, what are you doing?”
“I been trying to find a way to destroy that ROTTEN CARD! Thousands of decks, tens of thousands of combinations and NOTHING WORKS!” Kaiba sat up out of his seat and looked over at his computer. “Dumb simulator...” With his hoof, he slapped the top of his computer shut. Sitting back down, Kaiba crossed his armed in frustration before looking over at Celestia. “Who’s the new broad?”
Yugi shifted his eyes to the Princess. “Oh, this is Princess Celestia. She says that she knows a way to beat Iseris.”
Kaiba’s eyes widened. “WHAT!? She knows how to beat that thing!?”
Yugi nodded. “Ya, there is a card she has locked in a vault over in Canterlot Castle. We’re headed over there to get it.”
“Hmm, interesting.”
“You don’t have to come with us. Though we are bringing Rarity along since there is nopony available.”
“Oh, can I go!?” Jumped Spike.
Yugi thought for a moment. “Eh, I don’t know...”
“Come on! I never get to go to Canterlot. Twilight always just leaves me behind.”
Yugi stared at him for a second. “Alright, you can come.”
“YES!”
“Just stay out of trouble...”
There was a knock at the door and Yugi went to answer it. When he opened it, he the Rarity standing outside with a pair of saddlebags over her back. “Sorry if I took too long. There was a bit of trouble regarding Rainbow Dash.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“I’m not exactly sure. She kept muttering things like ‘failure’ and ‘traitor.’ Yugi just rubbed his chin. “Oh, I hope nothing back is going to happen. Deep down, that Pegasi’s mind is as fragile as Fluttershy.”
“I know what you mean. The more confident you are, the more you break down when you fail...” Yugi quickly shifted his gaze over to Kaiba before shifting back to Rarity. “Anyway, since Twilight isn’t able to come with us, we’ve agreed to bring Spike with us. Hope you don’t mind...”
“Oh no, it fine. I kind of like Spike’s company.” Out of the corner of his eye, Yugi noticed Spike was lightly floating above the ground.
“Our ride should be here soon.” Interrupted Celestia. “It will be arriving right outside the door.” Celestia exited the room and the others followed. Except for Kaiba of course. “Ah, there it is.” She pointed her hoof up into the sky. There were a pair of carriages being pulled by a couple of Pegasi in armor. After they landed. Celestia climbed aboard, beckoning the others to come up. Yugi joined Celestia while Rarity and Spike took the other carriage. The Pegasi then took flight, carrying them to they’re next destination, Canterlot.
As they flew over the land, Yugi gazed at the setting sun. ‘I have a bad feeling this isn’t anywhere close to being over.’
A ghostly figure appeared next to Yugi. “No, it’s only just beginning...”
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 7 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
|
My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
|
incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-28T22:43:00+00:00
|
2023-05-14T07:02:26+00:00
| 3,955 |
High in the clouds of Equestria, two golden chariots flew carrying three ponies and a baby dragon. Yugi and Celestia occupied one while Rarity and Spike the other. Yugi looked down upon the ground checking out all the sites. He had seen many places before in his world but this was a completely new experience. Then something came to his mind. “Hey Princess, can I ask you something?”
Celestia turned her eyes towards him. “What is it?”
“Well, there’s been something that has been bugging me for a while now. Back when we were with Twilight, you mentioned that you had a sister that you once banished. What exactly was that about?”
Celestia sighed. “It’s a long story, even further back than our history with Duel Monsters. You see, many years ago, both me and my sister Luna ruled this land together. I ruled over the day and she ruled over the night. She can even walk among the dream world and see the very dreams of ponies, a very powerful ability.”
“So, what happened?”
“Back in the day, ponies slept through the night and worked during the day. She felt as though nopony cared about her and that nopony knew what actually did for them. She just couldn’t stand being ignored constantly, both by our subjects and me... She just wanted somepony to know she actually existed. That is when she became Nightmare Moon, and tried to plunge Equestria into eternal night. I fought her… And lost… There was only one way to defeat her… The Elements of Harmony… I wasn’t the only one tied to the elements, she was as well and I feel that might have contributed to the why Elements won’t respond to me anymore. I wasn’t there for her when she needed me and now thanks to my mistake, she forever lost 1000 years of her life… Now she lives in an Equestria she doesn’t fully understand and among ponies that don’t understand her…”
“I understand perfectly.” Yugi replied. “The Pharaoh is not much different. Something happened 5000 years ago and his spirit sealed within the Millennium Puzzle I carry around my neck. We are still trying to figure out what exactly happened all those years ago.”
“About a year ago, Luna finally broke out of the moon and tried sending Equestria into eternal night once again. Unknown to anypony else, I sent my number one student to Ponyville and make some friends. I knew all along that she had the potential to be the Element of Magic and all she had to do was awaken the other five Elements.”
Yugi raised his right hoof as like he was counting fingers. “Six Elements… Twilight, Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Applejack... But wait, don’t you need all six of them for them to work? Wouldn’t that mean the Elements can’t be used anymore?”
“You’re quite smart Yugi. While it is true the Elements wouldn’t work now that three of the bearers have fallen, the Elements wouldn’t have worked anyway. Whoever is controlling Iseris has access to a kind of magic like I have never seen, normal pony magic doesn’t work against it. The only kind of magic that seems to work against it somehow has a connection to the game of Duel Monsters.
“Shadow magic...”
“What?”
“Shadow magic is what we used in ancient times to call upon the spirits of Duel Monsters to fight for us. Its likely Equestria has some kind of history related to Duel Monsters just like my world and this evil got a hold of it.
“It’s very possible; I had to use a rather unorthodox method to create the card I mentioned. I had to use a bit of Iseris’ own magic combined with magic from the Elements. I’m surprised it even worked.”
“Shadow magic is not necessarily evil; it’s all based on the one controlling it. Shadow magic can simply be described as opening a portal to another realm where the monsters are real. By making that card, all you did was harness the power of the shadow realm and infuse its power and Elements into a card.”
“I guess I still have much to learn about the world of Duel Monsters…”
Trixie was slowly sneaking through the inner walls of Canterlot Castle. Just as she turned a corner, she noticed a ground of armored ponies walking her way. She quickly jumped back and hit behind a pillar. She could hear them conversing with each other as they walked by.
“So, what happened to Celestia? She ran off without saying where she was going.”
“I overheard her talking to her sister that she was going to Ponyville to meet up with some 5000-year-old Pharaoh. They were talking about something called ‘Duel Monsters.’”
“There have been several reports of gigantic beasts appearing over Ponyville then disappearing quickly after.”
“I heard about that. There were reports of giant blue bipedal beasts, mile-long red dragons and gold-plated dragons. What’s weird is that all reports say they just hover in the sky and then disappear and every time they appear, an unscheduled storm occurs.”
“What is going on around here? I’ve been trying to ask Princess Luna but she has been coped up on her room ever since Princess Celestia left.”
Suddenly, a new castle guard come running up the hall. “Hey, we have reports of an intruder in the castle.” Trixie started to sweat. “Spread out and search the castle.” All the guards run in multiple and seemingly missed Trixie hiding behind the pillar.
“That was close…” Trixie continued down the hall the guards were blocking. Around the corner, she saw a pair of two large doors. As she was about to open the door, she was interrupted.
“Halt! Stop right there.” Trixie spun around to see one of the guards that she was eavesdropping on just moments ago. “Nopony is allowed to enter her highness’s room, especially one who snuck into the castle.”
Trixie just grinned. “And what do you plan to do to stop me?” The guard simply moved closer pointing his spear at her. “Fine, have it your way.” She held up her hoof and extended her duel disk. After that, every resident in the castle could hear a loud scream. All the guards quickly started running towards the scream but Trixie didn’t care. She opened the large door and approached her new target.
After a long ride, Yugi and the others had finally reached Canterlot. The chariots came down and landed right at the front gate. The three ponies and baby dragon hopped out and slowly walked up to the drawbridge that was currently up.
“Give me a second...” Spoke Celestia. Her horn lit up a bright yellow and the drawbridge came down. When the bridge was finally down, Spike jumped onto to Rarity’s backs and the four of them headed in.
“So where exactly is this card, we are looking for Celestia?” Yugi asked.
“It’s up in a secret vault alongside the Elements of Harmony.”
“You mean that room Discord broke into?” Rarity asked.
“Yes, but luckily, he never found the card; it’s hidden within the vault itself. I took extra special precautions with this one.”
The main room came into the view. It was a large hall with entrances to both sides. There was also a big stairway in the middle splitting into two more sets of stairs. However, all eyes lay upon a hooded figure standing directly at the bottom of the staircase. He flung off his hood revealing his face. “Hello Aunty Celestia, happy to see me?”
“Thrilled...”
Blueblood frowned. “Don’t be too enthusiastic. Thou knew I would be here.”
“Blueblood, how could you tarnish our family name like this?”
“Tarnish our name? PAH! Your stupid sister already did that...”
Celestia’s hair burst into flames as the Royal Canterlot voice echoed through the castle. “DON’T YOU DARE TALK ABOUT MY SISTER LIKE THAT!!!”
“Oh, quite a touchy subject... You always were overly protective of that useless sack of garbage.”
“SILENCE!!!”
“Or what Tia, are you going to send me to the moon?” Blueblood mocked. “You seem to have forgotten that your feeble unicorn magic is useless against me…”
“You little...”
“Oh, and I wouldn’t worry about Luna. She’s in good hands...” On cue, there was a loud explosion. Celestia’s eyes shot open and she bolted back out the door. She looked up to see the massive image of the Egyptian God, Obelisk the Tormentor hovering over a balcony near the top of the castle.”
“That’s my sister’s room! Where are all the guards!?”
“Trixie and I took care of them all. Speaking of Trixie, it looks like she is almost finished disposing of the Night Princess.”
“Not if we get to her first...”
“Ah, but before you go, I have a little score to settle...” Using his hind legs, Blueblood lifted himself up and slammed his hooves down onto the ground sending out a ring across the floor. Spike held on tight to Rarity’s mane as the wave slid right under them and stopped. “This time, your my opponent milady.”
Rarity stepped back a bit. “You want to duel me?” She looked back at Spike and gave him a concerned look. “Spike, you better get back…” Rarity held her left hoof high in the air and it started glowing. The light burst into multi-colored sparks and a new duel disk materialize on her hoof. The centerpiece was a large white diamond; connected to the center was a 3-slot golden card tray. The tray extended out and a secondary tray came out from the side making it a full 5-slots. “Alright, this is for Fluttershy; you and me.”
Blueblood put a smirk on his face. “You know what? I’ve got a better idea... How about we make this a 2-on-1? After all, your dragon friend is in the barrier too.”
Spike stepped back. “But... I don’t have any cards.”
“Oh, that’s right, only the Elements of Harmony have a deck in this day. Since your unable to duel, I guess that means it’s the Shadow Realm for you.” A black portal began to open under Spike and he began to sink.
“Spike no!” Rarity yelled.
Unknown to everyone, Celestia’s horn started glowing. In a flash, a Battle City-like duel disk appeared in front of her. “Hey Spike!”
He turned his head back and saw Celestia throw the Duel Disk towards him. He jumped and caught with both hands dispelling the portal underneath. He looked at it for a second before looking back at Celestia. “Princess... How did you?”
“Did you really think I would forget about you? I’ve known you since you hatched, I’m not going to lose you like the others.”
Spike slid the disk onto his arm and it rotated into place. “Uh, I didn’t see all of Yugi’s explanation about how this game works...”
“Don’t worry Spike, I’ll help you out.” Rarity said. “I watched Blueblood duel Fluttershy so I know all of his strategies.”
Spike blushed a bit. “Thanks Rarity...”
Celestia and Yugi turned to each other. “Princess, we should go and help your sister, and then we can get that card.” Yugi suggested.
“I know a way around without using the grand stairs.” Celestia added. Yugi nodded and the two ran out through the left side door of the room.
“Now what do you say we put this ruffian in his place?” Rarity asked.
“Let bury him into the ground!” Spike added.
“Such crude remarks...” Blueblood responded. “Now, since this will be two against one, I think it’s only fair I start the duel with 8000 life points.”
“That’s fine with me.” Rarity replied. The two of them stood in a triangle in the middle of the foyer. Rarity and Spike had their sides facing each other. Spike stood to the left of the stairs while Rarity stood on the right. Blueblood stood right in front of the stair activating his Duel Disk.
“LET’S DUEL!!!”
Rarity
< LP: 4000 >
Spike
< LP: 4000 >
Blueblood
< LP: 8000 >
“Mind if I take the first move milady?” Spike asked.
“Of course, you can, dear.”
“Alright!” Spike drew his first card. “I’ll start by summoning Armed Dragon LV3!” The monster appeared as a small red and black dragon about twice the size of Spike.
Armed Dragon LV3
< Level 3 / ATK: 1200 >
“Next, I’ll set one card face down. I’ll pass on to Rarity now...”
“Now I draw and I summon Gem-Knight Sapphire in defense mode.” Rarity’s monster was a large man-like creature made completely of sapphire.
Gem-Knight Sapphire
< Level 4 / DEF: 2100 >
“That’s it for me. Take your best shot Blueblood.”
“I intend to...” Blueblood drew his card. “Let me show you how a real Unicorn duels. You may think you know my deck but you’re wrong. My Ally of Justice monsters may be powerful but they pale in comparison to these beauties. When you have a monster on the field and I have none, I’m allowed to special summon this monster from my hand without sacrificing. Say hello to Cyber Dragon!” Blueblood’s first monster appeared as a large silver dragon towering them in size. It had no hands or legs, just a simple body like a snake.
Cyber Dragon
< Level 5 / ATK: 2100 >
“Since that was a special summon, I’m still allowed to normal summon this turn. I’ll call out my Cyber Valley!” This second monster highly resembled his original dragon but appeared more organic.
Cyber Valley
< Level 1 / ATK: 0 >
“Now I am going to show the power of Cyber Dragon. Destroy Armed Dragon with your Strident Blast!” Cyber Dragon held back it head and small lights began flowing from the wires coming from its neck.
“Hold on Blueblood!” Spike yelled. “I activate my face-down card, Threatening Roar!”
“What?”
“This card stops your machine’s attack dead in its tracks.” The card released a pulse across the field and Cyber Dragon slowly let up and dropped it head back down.
“Fine, you’re safe for now. I’ll end my turn with a face-down.”
“Alright, I guess it’s my turn again...” Before Spike could make his move, his dragon started glowing white. “Woh! What’s happening?” The white glow began to change. It grew in size a spawned a few new body parts. The white silhouette dissipated and revealed an evolved monster. “Dude! What was that?”
Armed Dragon LV5
< Level 5 / ATK: 2400 >
“I think your monster just got stronger.” Rarity replied.
“It did? Awesome!” Spike shot a glare at Blueblood. “Now my Armed Dragon is stronger than your Cyber Dragon but first I summon Spear Dragon!” The monster appeared as a mid-sized blue dragon with nose like a sword fish.
Spear Dragon
< Level 4 / ATK: 1900 >
“First I’ll attack with Armed Dragon!” Spike’s dragon opened it mouth and several shockwaves fired out, Cyber Dragon to burst to pieces. The shards of metal from the dragon rained down from the air and Blueblood covered his head.
Blueblood
< LP: 8000 → 7700 >
“How dare you inflict damage upon me!” Blueblood yelled.
“Don’t think it’s over just yet. My Spear Dragon has yet to attack and since your Cyber Valley has no attack points, this is going to do a lot of damage.” Spear Dragon then lunged toward Blueblood’s monster. “Cyclone Blast!”
“Wait Spike!” Rarity called.
“Hah! You just triggered my monster’s effect!” Cyber Valley started to glow and exploded into a light stopping Spike’s monster.
“What?”
“When Cyber Valley is attacked, his effect activates allowing me to remove him from play to end the battle phase immediately before you can do any damage.” The glowing light then shot up into the air swirled downward into Blueblood’s duel disk. “I’m also allowed to draw one card.” Blueblood took his card. “Thank you kindly...”
“I walked right into that one…” Spike looked down at his hand. “Since I can’t do anything else, I’ll just put a card face-down.” Once Spike’s turned ended, his dragon started glowing. “Armed Dragon is evolving again!” His dragon grew to an unspeakable size. It let out a roar that shook the ground.
Armed Dragon LV7
< Level 7 / ATK: 2800 >
“My turn again.” Rarity said drawing her card. Her face beamed. “Ooooh, this will definitely help. I play the spell card Gem-Knight Fusion!” Rarity took the card, and over dramatically slid the card into a spell slot. “This let’s my combine my Gem-Knights into a new fusion monster.” Taking a card in her hand, Rarity placed a new monster down. “I combined Gem-Knight Sapphire with the Gem-Knight Amber in my hand.” The two monsters swirled together into a vortex, completely swallowing them up. “Now I summon, Gem Knight Aquamarine!” Rarity’s new monster was definitely bulkier than the previous two. It wore thick blue armor and a cape.
Gem-Knight Aquamarine
< Level 6 / ATK: 1400 >
“Now since Spike was such a dear and cleared your field, you’re wide open for an attack.”
“Uh oh...” Blueblood muttered.
“Gem-Knight Aquamarine...” Rarity thrusted her right hoof right at Blueblood “Attack Blueblood’s life points directly!” Aquamarine lunged forward with a shield-like weapon with a blade, stabbing the prince is the chest. Blueblood grabbed his chest and let out a quite growl.
Blueblood
< LP: 7700 → 6300 >
“After my monster attacks, it goes into defense to protect my life points. Luckily, he has quite a bit of defense.” Rarity’s Gem-Knight took a defensive stance.
Gem-Knight Aquamarine
< ATK: 1400 → DEF: 2600 >
“That’s all for me. It’s your move...”
Blueblood was still holding his chest from the previous attack. “I’ll make you pay for injuring me...” He drew his card and a sinister smile appeared on his face. “OH YES! I couldn’t have asked for a better draw!” Blueblood slammed his card onto his disk. It let out a bunch of red light covering the field. A figure began to appear in the light. Then a sound came. A humming sound...
Rarity’s eyes widened at the familiar sound. “Oh no...” A pair of legs followed. Once again, Rarity shivered.
“I summon Ally of Justice Core Destroyer!” The light finally cleared. The monster held a huge similarity to Ally of Justice Catastor from Fluttershy’s duel but it was quite smaller.
Ally of Justice Core Destroyer
< Level 3 / ATK: 1200 >
“Core Destroyer may not be as strong as Catastor but his ability is just as deadly. Whenever he battles a monster who is Light attribute, that monster is immediately destroyed before the battle even begins.”
Rarity looked at him with confusion. “But we don’t use Light monsters...” Then her eyes shifted to Blueblood’s face-down. “No... Your face-down card!”
“Ah, so you remember? I reveal the permanent trap card DNA Transplant!”
“What does that do?” Spike ask nervously.
“DNA Transplant is a powerful card that lets him change the attribute of every monster on the field to an attribute of his choosing.” Rarity replied. “His Ally of Justice monsters gain special abilities power when faced against light monsters. That’s how he beat Fluttershy...”
“Exactly!” Blueblood yelled. “Ally Core Destroyer, attack Spike’s Armed Dragon!” Core Destroyer built up its energy within it eye, making it glow a bright red. Then fire a laser directly at Spike’s monster disintegrating it and created a massive cloud of smoke. “Lucky for you, like Catastor, Core Destroyer can’t inflict damage when it destroys a monster by its effect...” Then, something started to stir from the cloud. “Huh?” Suddenly, out of the smoke cloud floated a bunch of pink color thorned spheres that charged towards Blueblood. “What’s going on?”
“It’s simple Blueblood...” Spike replied. “By destroying my dragon, you unleashed a trap I had set last turn.” As the spheres hit Blueblood’s duel disk, it started to spark and Core Destroyer exploded. “What happened to my monster?” Blueblood’s duel disk suddenly started spewing out cards from the deck zone and into the graveyard.
“When you destroyed my Armed Dragon, you unleashed my powerful Deck Devastation Virus trap card! This virus infects your hand, deck and field destroying every monster that has 1500 Attack or less.”
Blueblood groaned and looked down at his deck. It was significantly smaller than before. “I place two cards face-down. Make your move.”
Spike drew his card. “Alright... I think I’ll have my Spear Dragon attack your life points!”
“Spike!” Rarity yelled.
“I activate my Draining Shield trap card!” A small rainbow barrier formed around Blueblood just as the Spear Dragon made contact. “This trap blocks your attack and all the attack points of your monster get added to my life points.”
Blueblood
< LP: 6300 → 8200 >
“Your little virus stunt may have put a dent in my deck by life points are back to full power.”
“Aw man, I can’t believe I screwed up again...” Spike moaned. “I should have seen it coming.”
“Don’t worry, it happens to us all.” Rarity replied.
“Yeah but-”
“Just let me take over from here...” Rarity drew her card. “Hmm... I’ll just place two cards face-down and end my turn.”
“That’s it!? What a joke!” Blueblood chuckled. “You failed to beat me and now you are going to pay the price!” He swiftly drew his card and turned his eyes to it. He slowly began to chuckle before breaking into a full crazed laughter. “Oh, how ironic fate can be… You left me for some… Beast… And now he has doomed you to an end filled with nothing but pain and suffering!”
“What do mean?” Spike asked nervously.
“Thanks to your virus, you’ve set the stage for the most lethal monster in my whole deck… I play Overload Fusion!” The ground slowly below them started shaking and several cracks began to form in the tiled floor. “This destructive card allows me to remove any number of machine type monsters in my graveyard from the game as long as at least one of them is named ‘Cyber Dragon.’” One by one, cards ejected from Bluebloods graveyard. “I remove twelve of the machine type monsters in my graveyard from play!” The floor tiles began overturned and a large machine arose from beneath the castle. It was nothing like they had ever seen. It had a head and tail that looked exactly like Blueblood’s Cyber Dragon but it had this extremely bulky centerpiece in the center of the body with several holes. Suddenly, several extra heads started to form from the holes, all of which just like Cyber Dragon.
“What is that thing?” Rarity asked.
Channeling the Royal Canterlot Voice… “BEHOLD THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE MACHINE IN MY ENTIRE ARSENAL, CHIMERATECH OVERDRAGON!” As the beast’s twelfth head formed, it unleashed an ear-splitting roar, shattering every window within view. “Prepare to meet your doom!”
Yugi and Celestia were running through the hall when they were stopped by a sudden earthquake and a roar so loud, they couldn’t even move. “What is that terrible sound!?” Yugi asked. It was no good, the roar was completely blocking out their voices. Suddenly, the stained-glass windows around them started to shatter and fall to the ground.
The two continued to hold their heads down until the sound finally stopped. Celestia stood back up. Her mane had gone frizzy from the sound. She simply shook her head and put it back in place. “I’m not sure what just happened but I fear it has something to do with Blueblood.”
“Me too...”
“We’re really close to Luna’s room. It should be just down that hall.” Celestia pointed to a pathway a little down the hall.
“Then let’s go.” Yugi bolted down the hall turning around the corner. At the end was a large pair of doors. He pulled at the door but they wouldn’t open. “It’s locked...” He turned back to see Celestia viciously running at the door. Yugi jumped out of the way at the last second as Celestia reared up and smashed the door right down. They rushed in to see Luna barely standing. Her body was covered in scratches and bruises. Her opponent hadn’t put up a barrier.
“Thou have not beaten us yet vile fiend...” Luna whispered. She had an unusual monster on the field, a large white and golden dragon. It had a single yellow sphere orbiting around it.
Standing before her was a familiar blue unicorn. Her eyes glowed red and she had Iseris’ black scars on her head. “You fail to see that Trixie has you beat already. This next attack is going to finish you off.” She turned to look at the intruders. “Well, what have we here? Come to save your weakling of a sister, Princess?”
“LET HER GO!” Celestia roared.
“You’re too late! Iseris, attack the Princess’s monster and end this duel once and for all!” Iseris pulled its two wings together and formed a large black sphere of lightning between them before firing it at Luna’s monster. Luna just stood there as her monster was vaporized.
“LUNA!” Celestia jumped forward to grab Luna before she hit the ground. She looked down at her fallen sister. “No Luna, please. I’ve already lost you once…”
“Its… Too late for me… Goodbye sister…” The dark portal forms beneath Luna and she dissolved until there was nothing left. She was gone. Then Celestia turned back to Trixie.
“You’ll pay for this…”
“Sorry, but I have to go and tell my master the news. Though I will have to thank your sister for the duel, it was very… Interesting…” Trixie let out a maniacal laugh. “It’s time Trixie made herself scarce.” Trixie threw down a smoke bomb and vanished.
Celestia continued to sit in her position where she held Luna. Yugi trotted up and put his hoof on Celestia’s back. “Princess, stop worrying about her, she will be fine.”
“Yugi...”
“If what you say about her being banished for a thousand years is true, she can handle herself, but it’s your duty to get her out.”
“Those thousand years... Nightmare Moon... I wanted nothing more than to save Luna...”
“Then do it! Stop worrying and save her! What would Twilight think if she saw you right now?”
Celestia stopped. She looked up at a photo frame of Twilight sitting on her dresser. “Twilight...” Finally, Celestia stood back up. “Your right Yugi. I can’t sit here mopping all day. Twilight would never forgive me...”
Yugi simply smiled at the Princess. “That’s the spirit!”
The Princess went over and opened the door. “Let’s go. We need to hurry and get that card.”
Yugi nodded. “Right!”
Chimeratech Overdragon
< Level 9 / ATK: 9600 >
“Neither of you stand a chance against my Overdragon.” Blueblood looked his ‘victims’ with confidence. “Before I attack, I will summon my Doomcaliber Knight, just for some extra insurance.” Blueblood’s monster appeared as a black horse rider with a shield and sword. [ATK:1900]
Doomcaliber Knight
< Level 4 / ATK: 1900 >
“Now the time has come… Overdragon, attack Spike’s monsters and wipe out the rest of his life points!” Overdragon started charging energy within one of its twelve heads. Spike pupils shrunk, looking into the face of death. “Evolution… Result… BURST!!!” The dragon fired a large white electrical laser towards Spike’s dragon. The shot exploded into sparks covering the entire field. Blueblood could not help but break into a maniacal laugh during the whole scene.
As the smoke cleared, a battered and bruised Spike could be seen. He was still standing on both legs. “I’m… Not done yet…”
Spike
< LP: 1100 >
Blueblood was stunned. “How are you still alive!?” He looked up at his dragon. I was much smaller than it was before the attack and it seem to be letting out sparks.
Chimeratech Overdragon
< ATK: 4800 >
“What happened to my dragon’s attack points!?”
“Hmm...” A voice came from the smoke. The smoke cleared to reveal Rarity with a smirk on her face. There was a new spell card next to her. It had a picture of a goblin within a magnifying glass. “You like it? It’s a nifty card known as Shrink. I activated it right before your attack hit, cutting your dragon’s attack in half!”
“I had him squirming in fear at my dragon and you MESSED IT UP!” Blueblood pointed at Rarity. “Overdragon, attack her Knight with your Evolution Result Burst!” One of the dragon’s other heads started to charge up.
“What are you doing Blueblood? Your monster already attacked this turn!”
“Ah, that’s the wonder of Chimeratech Overdragon. For every monster removed to summon him, he can attack. Since I removed twelve monsters, he has the ability to attack twelve times!”
“What kind of sadist uses a monster that can attack twelve times!?”
“That is why Overdragon is my favorite monster. There is no kill like overkill and Overdragon does just that.” Overdragon finally released its charge and vaporized Rarity’s monster.
When the smoke cleared again, light blue shards could be seen floating around Rarity. “Ha, by destroying my Gem-Knight, you triggered its special effect. When Gem-Knight Aquamarine is sent from the field to the graveyard, I can choose one monster you control and return it to your hand.” The shards launched themselves towards Blueblood’s Overdragon. Suddenly, Blueblood’s Knight jumped in the way, blowing up on contact. “Wah... What happened?”
“When you activated the effect of your monster you triggered the effect of my Doomcaliber Knight. By sacrificing himself, he can stop your effect.”
Rarity let out a small growl. “You’re the same as you were at the Gala. Letting someone else take the blunt of anything thrown at you… You spoiled mongrel…”
Blueblood snickered. “While the master doesn’t exactly approve of my methods, they get the job done. Now luckily for you, Overdragon can’t use its multiple attacks to attack directly so the two of you are safe this turn. And since my turn is over, Overdragon regains its power.”
Chimeratech Overdragon
< ATK: 4800 → 9600 >
So, it’s my turn then...” Spike drew his card and frown appeared on his face. “I set a monster face-down on the field and end my turn.”
“It’s my turn now.” Rarity drew her card and then turned to Spike. He was sweating and looking at his cards. ’Poor Spike, he doesn’t seem to be drawing anything he can use and he keeps blaming himself for all the traps Blueblood has been using.’ She looked down at her cards. ’I’m not getting anything good either… Wait a minute, that’s it!’ ”I activate Card Destruction! This forces us to discard our entire hand and draw a new hand.” The three of them dumped their hands into the graveyard and drew new hands. Rarity looked over her cards. ’Ok, much better.’ She then turned to Spike. He was no longer sweating and had a large grin on his face. ’Looks like Spike also got a good draw.’ Rarity looked through her cards again. “Ok, first I’ll summon Gem-Knight Emerald.”
Gem-Knight Emerald
< Level 4 / ATK: 1800 >
“But he won’t stay around long because I activate my face-down card; Gem Enhancement. This card lets me trade in my current Gem-Knight for a stronger one.” Emerald vanished and a new monster appeared in its place, a large knight with full white armor and large crystals on his shoulders. “I summon Gem-Knight Crystal!”
Gem-Knight Crystal
< Level 7 / ATK: 1950 >
“I’ll end my turn with a face down… Do your worst Blueblood…”
“I will...” Blueblood put his hoof down to draw his card, but the second he touched his duel disk a small black spark went up his leg. Blueblood simply smirked then the top card started to let off a black glow. With all his might, Blueblood drew the card and left a black trail behind it as he drew. “I’ll start this turn by activating the card Monster Reborn!”
“No…” Then Rarity’s fear turned to confusion. “Hold it; you removed all your monsters to summon your Dragon... You don’t have anything left to summon.”
“Not quite… While it’s true that I removed my monsters to summon my Overdragon, he only requires that I remove machines to summon him. That means that anything that is not a machine is still in play, just like this next monster. I’m sure you remember it from out last encounter Rarity.” A giant staff rose up behind Blueblood and started glowing red. The sky turned dark and lightning could be heard.
“Great beast of the sky, please hear my cry.
Transform thyself from orb of light and bring me victory in this fight.
Envelop the desert with your glow and cast your rage upon my foe.
Unlock your powers from deep within so that together we may win.
Appear in this Shadow Game as I call out your name, Winged Dragon of Ra!”
The sky exploded with light as the Dragon of the Sun appeared. Its roar was could be heard for miles.
The Winged Dragon of Ra
< Level 10 / ATK: 0 >
“Sadly, he won’t be staying long... I have something much worse in store for you.” Blueblood took a card from his hand and held it up in the air. It was shrouded in a dark aura. “I sacrifice Chimeratech Overdragon and The Winged Dragon of Ra!” Ra dissolved into the black mist while Overdragon melted into a black sludge and swirled into the air, coming back down as a black lightning bolt striking Blueblood. Blueblood stood up on his hind legs as the familiar scars appeared on his head. “HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!” His shadow then came up of the ground into a familiar form but he was different. Iseris has twelve heads protruding from different parts of his body, just like Chimeratech Overdragon. In a booming Royal Canterlot Voice, Blueblood spoke again. “YOUR FINISHED RARITY! I’LL DESTROY YOU, YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR PRESIOUS LITTLE DRAGON!”
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< Level 10 / ATK: 10100 >
“Iseris, attack Miss Rarity’s Gem-Knight Crystal!” Iseris’ multiple heads started charging a black electrical blast similar to Overdragon.
“Hold on!” Rarity yelled. “I reveal my face-down card; Waboku. Until the end of this turn, we can’t take any damage and neither of our monsters can be destroyed in battle.” Iseris fired its attack and a barrier appeared over Rarity that reflected the attack.
Blueblood looked at her with displeasure. “ENOUGH OF YOUR PATHETIC STALLING! YOU CAN ONLY HOLD OUT FOR SO LONG BEFORE YOU EVENTUALLY FALL!”
Yugi and Celestia had reached the final stretch. A long hallway surrounded with stained glass windows. To Yugi’s surprise, none of them had been broken by the event earlier. Celestia ran up to a door adorning a sun. “I need to minute to unlock the seal.” Celestia aimed her horn forward a thrusted it into a small hole in the door.
Yugi took this time to look at the windows. The designs made him a little curious. He first took notice to the mural of a black alicorn flying over six ponies. The spirit of the Pharaoh appeared next to him. “Hey Yugi, what does this remind you of?”
He inspected the mural closely. “Those six ponies along the bottom look a lot like Twilight and her friends and the black one looks kind of like Princess Luna.”
“Not Luna, Nightmare Moon...”
“Luna’s evil alter ego?”
“Yes, I think this may be some kind be a mural to those events Celestia mentioned.”
“Just like how your past was engraved on the stone tablets.” Yugi turned and trotted to another mural. It had a dragon holding puppet strings attached to three ponies. The Pharaoh noticed and followed him. “What is it about that dragon that makes me feel uncomfortable?”
“I can sense some kind of weird energy. It’s not shadow magic, it’s something else…”
“That’s not all. Look at his body! That’s not a normal dragon.”
“I think you’re right, it looks like he adorns parts of a whole bunch of different animals, like a Chimera.”
“I don’t know what that thing is but it gives me the creeps.” Yugi stopped when a bright light came from the door Celestia was opening.
“It’s open.” The Pharaoh vanished as Yugi trotted over to the open door. Inside the room was a small box sitting on a pedestal. Celestia lifted the box and handed it to Yugi.
“Is the card inside this box?”
“No, that box holds the Elements of Harmony. The same Elements Twilight and her friends used to save my sister.”
“If it isn’t here, then where is it?”
“Here...” Celestia put her hoof on top of the pedestal and pushed it down. The pedestal slowly sunk into the ground until it was completely gone. Once it was gone, a small compartment opened in the wall behind it. A single strip of stone emerged from the wall with a single card standing upright. Celestia then used her magic and revealed it to Yugi. “Here it is. This card has the power to destroy Iseris.”
“So, what do we do first?”
“First we need to help Spike and Rarity defeat Blueblood...” Celestia held the card up and pointed her horn at it. The card swirled around in the air and was engulfed in a green flame. “I just hope we were fast enough...”
“WHY ARE YOU WAITING!? TAKE YOUR TURN ALREADY SO I CAN DESTROY YOU!”
Rarity turned to Spike. “Spike, this is it. Make this turn count…”
Spike looked down at his deck and gulped. He slowly lowered his fingers onto his deck.
This was it; Spike only had one chance to win. The duel depended on his next draw. He placed his fingers on his duel disk and prepared to draw. “Wait...” He clenched his hand over his stomach. Something was coming up. Suddenly, he let out a loud belch and covered his duel dusk in flames.
Rarity recoiled back. “Spike, manners!”
“Sorry Rarity...” ’That was weird. It felt like the Princess was sending me something but nothing came out...’ Spike shook his head. “Alright, my draw...” Spike placed his fingers down again and drew his card. As the card came out of the deck slot, a bright light started overtaking him. He slowly pulled the card out holding out as far to his right as possible. Once he saw the card, his mood completely changed. “I’ll start off by playing my own Monster Reborn and I use this effect to bring back my Armed Dragon LV7.”
Armed Dragon LV7
< Level 7 / ATK: 2800 >
“Like that is going to help you.” Blueblood added.
“I’m not done, now I play Level Up! This allows me to upgrade my dragon even without destroying any monsters. Armed Dragon, evolve from Level 7 to Level 10!” Spike’s Armed Dragon started to grow even bigger, its new size rivaled that of Blueblood’s Overdragon.
Armed Dragon LV10
< Level 10 / ATK: 3000 >
Finally, he looked down at the card he had just drawn. ’Alright, let’s see what this card can do…’ “I activate-” The absolute second Blueblood saw the card, all the color drained from his body.
“HARMONY FUSION!” Suddenly, a small multicolored vortex appeared up above Spike’s head. Spike’s Armed Dragon LV10 and Rarity’s Gem-Knight Crystal then transformed into two glowing stars and shot upwards and flew into the vortex. The vortex slowly condensed before erupting into a six-point star shaped pink explosion. The explosion released a massive shockwave with a deafening screech. The shockwave could be seen for miles.
Celestia let a single tear escape from her eye as she saw the blast radiate over Equestria. “He did it, Spike played the card…”
Back at Ponyville, Twilight pulled her head up to window barely catching a glimpse of the familiar shaped wave. “It’s… So beautiful…”
Kaiba also opened the door to the library to see the blast. “What in the world is that!?”
As the explosion dissipated, all that remained was a large new creature completely covered in light. It was a dragon, but no ordinary dragon. It was large white dragon cover in diamonds and crystals. Its scales were a light blue and it bore large semi-transparent diamond armor. Spike looked upon his new beast with pride. Rarity’s eyes were glued to the monster, its beauty pulled her in. Blueblood looked in terror of the monster. Finally Spike spoke up. “Through the strength of the bond between me and Rarity, we have created a new monster. Be born, Translucence Diamond Dragon!” Its enchanting roar echoed through the sky.
Translucence Diamond Dragon
< Level 10 / ATK: 3000 >
Blueblood face changed from fear to glee. “Hahaha! Sorry good buddy but your monster only has 3000 attack points. Good try though....”
“We are not finished yet…” The boys turned to Rarity as she pressed a button on her disk, flipping up her final face-down card. It was a large ring surrounded by fireballs. “I activate the trap card, Ring of Destruction, and put it on Iseris.” The ring disappeared and reappeared around the neck of Iseris.
“Just what are you trying to accomplish? Iseris is unaffected by trap cards. Your trap is useless…”
“Don’t be so sure Blueblood.” Spike replied. “All I have to do is discard one card from my hand and my Dragon can negate the effect of any monster on the field.” Blueblood recoiled in terror. “Face it, you lost, we won!” Spike was giggling like child then he turned to Rarity. “Can you believe it, we actually him beat!” Rarity had her eyes close and her head was tilted to the ground. She almost looked sad. “Rarity?”
“Spike… I’m afraid you’re only half right. Blueblood HAS lost but…”
“But?”
“When Ring of Destruction destroys a monster, it does damage to ‘both’ players, not just him.” Rarity opened her eyes and turned to Spike. “Once that bomb goes off, Iseris will be destroyed, taking both me and Blueblood with it.”
“ARE YOU INSANE!?” Blueblood yelled. “Do you really plan to destroy yourself just to save this… Beast?”
“But Rarity, my dragon has the ability to prevent us from taking any effect damage.” Spike replied.
“Spike…” Rarity replied. “Translucence Diamond Dragon only prevents the controller from taking damage. You control the Dragon, not me… And… I wouldn’t want it any other way…”
“What are you talking about? I will gladly give you control of my drag-”
“Spike!” The baby dragon recoiled at Rarity’s sudden anger. “There is nothing you can do. This is my choice to make! I couldn’t live with myself if I let anything happen to you.”
“But I... I can’t... I won’t... I’ll find another way to defeat Blueblood”
Suddenly, Rarity was in front of Spike and was holding him in the air with her front hooves. Spike had shut his eyes. “SPIKE! LISTEN TO ME! What is more important? Me or Equestria?”
“I...I...”
“If you truly love me, you’d this for me...”
Spike’s heart stopped. Did she really just say that? This was the hardest choice he has ever had in his life and quite possible hardest he ever will make. A choice between possibly dooming Equestria or letting the love of his life be lost, maybe forever... Then he felt something... Something warm... He opened his eyes. He saw Rarity. Her eyes were closed and right in front of his face. She had kissed him... Right on the lips no less. After a few seconds, she stopped and pulled and away. Her eyes stared right into Spike. “Rarity... I’ve made my decision...” Rarity reached over and grabbed Spike’s right claw. Slowly, she dragged it over his duel disk. “I discard one card from my hand to activate the effect of Translucence Diamond Dragon, disabling your monster’s ability...” Those words hurt him more than anything in the world but it what Rarity wanted and that’s all that mattered.
“Thank you Spike...” At that moment, the collar around Iseris started blinking. “Ten seconds…”
On the other side of the room, Blueblood had gone into a full panic. “No, please!” He looked down at the cards in his hand. “There must be something I can do!?”
“You have exposed yourself for the spoiled brat you are. Nine… This sacrifice is my final act of generosity. I don’t care if I am forced to give up my own life, as long as I can take you down with me and protect my friends! Eight…”
“No, I refuse to go down with ‘you’ you filthy peasant!”
“Seven…” Blueblood swiveled around and charged energy in his horn before firing a blast at the barrier. The beam just bounced off the barrier, not even making a dent. “Six… Five…”
“You pathetic little worm. I knew you would fail me eventually…”
Blueblood’s ears perked up. “Master, is that you? Please help me!”
A small stream of black sparks started flowing outside the barrier and a new pony flashed into view leaving a still smoking scorch mark on the ground. She was wearing a robe like Blueblood but the hood seemed a bit more jagged. “You sicken me Blueblood. Your nothing but a coward who lets others take the fall for his shortcomings. Your scum who doesn’t understand a thing about what we stand for.”
Blueblood shuttered. “What do you mean? I’m your best duelist!”
The mysterious pony broke into laughter. “You’re really are pathetic. You actually thought I had even a shred of respect for somepony as selfish and spoiled as you.”
“WHAT!? No, please, I’m sorry!”
“Goodbye Blueblood...” The pony sparked a couple times before teleporting away in a flash. Blueblood turned back to see nearly all the lights on the ring had gone out.
“Two…” Rarity counted closing her eyes. “Goodbye Spike… Stay safe…” Finally, the ring stopped blinking before exploding. Blueblood screamed as the explosion engulfed his entire body. Spike crouched down covering himself from the explosion as a barrier formed up around him blocking the explosion. Spike only barely opened his eyes enough to catch Rarity get suddenly blasted by the flames. The entire explosion was contained within the barrier creating a dome of flames. Eventually the fire dissipated leaving the two ponies lying on the ground with a black smoking hole forming underneath the two of them.
Blueblood
< LP: 8200 → 0 >
Rarity
< LP: 4000 → 0 >
Spike quickly ran over to Rarity and grabbed her hoof. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at him. “Spike… I just want you to know that I will never forget you…”
Spike clenched onto her hoof tighter. “I won’t forget you either.” Rarity closed her eyes one last time before bursting into a cloud of black particles that were pulled into the black hole, leaving behind the usual scorch mark and Rarity’s Duel Disk. Spike looked over where Blueblood was. He was already gone leaving nothing but a mark and his Duel Disk. He saw one of Blueblood’s cards that were scattered on the ground was covered in a black fire. As he approached it, he noticed it was Iseris’ card. The fire quickly burned the card until it was completely gone leaving nothing but burned paper. He barely turned his head when another card caught his eye. He bent down and picked it up. “The Winged Dragon of Ra…”
“Congratulations young dragon.” Spike spun around to see the strange hooded pony from before again. “Keep that Egyptian God card, think of it as a reward. Without Blueblood the card is useless to us anyway.” There were a few more sparks and the pony was gone again.
Just then, Celestia and Yugi arrived from the east hall. Celestia stopped for a moment to look over the damage. “What happened here?”
“Princess Celestia, your back!” Spike jumped up and started hugging Celestia’s leg.
Yugi looked around for a second. “Where’s Rarity?” Spike’s mood suddenly changed, and then Yugi noticed the two marks on the field. Yugi took the hint and simply turned away.
“It was her choice; she sacrificed herself so I could go on.” Spike held up Harmony Fusion. “Translucence Diamond Dragon… A monster made from the bond between Rarity and me…”
Celestia trotted up to Spike and held out her hoof. “If I may?” Spike held up the card and Celestia levitated it up. “800 years... I had hoped to never use this card again...”
“They will not get away with this…” Yugi replied. “I won’t allow Rarity’s sacrifice be in vain. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and now Rarity… I promise I will find a way to bring you back.” He turned back to the Alicorn and dragon. “I may not be from this world but you greeted me and open arms and claimed me as you’re friend. This world is like a second home to me now and I refuse to let it fall into darkness. It’s up to us to protect Equestria. It’s up to us to protect our home!
“Sorry Yugi… But I can’t help…” Both the boys turned to the Princess. “I’ve done enough damage as it is. It’s best I don’t get involved. It’s all up to you Yugi; you and the others are Equestria’s last lines of defense.” Celestia began to trot up the main staircase when she stopped. “Tell Twilight I am sorry…”
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supersaiyanmikito
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1102
| 8 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
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My Little Duel Monsters
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An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
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incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
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teen
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2013-07-06T12:42:36+00:00
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2023-05-14T07:05:14+00:00
| 2,726 |
Less than an hour ago, Yugi went off to Canterlot with the Princess, Spike and Rarity. Twilight wanted to go as well, but the nurse claimed she wasn’t in any condition to leave so she stayed behind for they’re return.
“I really hope they’re ok...” Sighed Twilight. She was laying on her back staring up at the ceiling. Several things were going through her head. Then she noticed her door was slightly open. It wasn’t open by much, but enough for someone to see in. Twilight adjusted her head so she could see outside. There were a small pair of eyes looking in. “Is that you little filly?”
The blue coated filly laughed nervously. “You saw me huh?”
“Trust me, I used to do the same thing back at the academy...”
The filly giggled. “Well, you are pretty interesting.”
“How am I interesting?”
The filly thought for a moment. “Well, you helped me get over the fear of my operation. You said I may become a powerful unicorn someday.”
“I wasn’t lying either. Your just like me when I was your age. After I witnessed the Summer Sun Celebration for the first time, I wanted to learn everything I could about magic. The Princess inspired me to become what I am today. She even accepted me as her personal student.”
“I guess we are the same. Back in Manehattan, I spent a lot of time in the hospital. They were still trying to figure out what was wrong. Admittedly, it was pretty boring. I wanted to play with friends. I didn’t care about magic.”
“What got you into magic then?”
“Well, while I was in the hospital most of the time, I liked to sneak out every now and then so I could explore the outside. My favorite thing was going to the fair during the summer.”
“The fair is always fun.”
“Yeah! It is, but last year was the greatest ever.”
“What happened?”
“Well, it started out fairly simple…”
The small blue coated trotted along the path, looking at all the attractions at the summer Manehattan Fair. The fair had everything. Rides, games, candy. “Hmm, what should I go on first?” The filly looked at the various rides. “Maybe I should go on the Ferris Wheel, or maybe the…”
“WELCOME FILLIES AND GENTLECOLTS!” Boomed a voice. The filly swung her head around to find the voice. She saw what looked to be a caravan surrounded by ponies. She trotted up the crowd. She tried looking through but the group was too thick. She poked one of the mares in the group.
“Hello? Miss? What’s this group for?” The mare just shrugged and turned back. The filly grunted in frustration. “I guess I’ll have to get through it!” She ducked down and slowly crawled through the crowd, pushing her way through.
“COME ONE! COME ALL!” Boomed the voice again. The filly shoved the last few ponies out of the way and ended up right in from of the Caravan. “COME AND WITNESS THE AMAZING MAGIC OF THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!” Out of nowhere, the Caravan folded out, transforming into a giant stage. Suddenly, there was a poof on stage and a blue unicorn with purple clothing appeared.
The entire crowd ‘ooh’ed and ‘ahh’ed. “Woooowwwww…” Said the filly.
“Watch in awe, as The Great and Powerful Trixie performs the most spectacular feats ever witnessed by pony eyes!” The unicorn stood up on her hind legs as fireworks blasted through the air.
The filly looked around. Some of the crowd was cheering but there was a good portion talking amongst themselves. “So what?” Said a colt from the crowd.
“What makes you so special?” Said a mare.
“Your just a braggart.” Said another.
“Well, well, well…,” Trixie spoke. “It appears we have some neeeeeighsayers in the audience. Who is so ignorant, as to challenge the magical ability of The Great and Powerful Trixie?”
“Oh, and just how are you so ‘great’ and ‘powerful’?” Said a mare from the front.
“I’m glad you asked. Why only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic strong enough to vanquish… The Dreaded… URSA MAJOR!” The horns on the stage suddenly shot fireworks into the sky making a large neon blue bear.
“Cool!” Said the filly.
“When all hope was lost, the ponies of Huffington had no one to turn to but The Great and Powerful Trixie stepped in and with her awesome magic, vanquished the Ursa Major and sent it back to its cave in the Everfree Forest!” The neon bear in the sky was confronted by a neon Trixie waving her want, shutting the light on the bear off.
“I’ll challenge you!” Said a mare from the audience. She was a yellow earth pony with brown hair. She had a beach ball cutie mark. “Can you do this?” The mare pulled an oversized beach ball and jumped on top of it. She flipped upside down and started balancing on her nose.
“Oooooh” The crowd awed.
“Yawn…” Replied Trixie. She levitated her hat off her head and pulled a tiny hair clip from her mane. She held it in front of her before launching it into the mare’s ball. The ball sputtered and wheezed before flying into the air with the mare still holding on. “Who next?” The crowd remained silent. “Well then, once again The Great and Powerful Trixie has proven herself to be the most amazing unicorn in all of Equestria.” Trixie turned away. “Was there ever any doubt…”
A short time later, the filly retuned to Trixie’s caravan in hopes of meeting her. She knocked on the door. There was a couple step heard inside and then the door opened. Trixie didn’t look too happy. “What do you want?”
“I… Uh…” The filly stuttered.
“Well? Spit it out!”
The filly jumped back a bit. “I… Just wanted to say I liked your show…”
Trixie glared back at her. “Really?”
“Yah, I can’t do magic yet but I really want to learn how.”
“Is that all you came to say? Trixie is quite busy you know…”
“Oh, sorry. I was just hoping I could get your autograph.”
“Really?”
“Really!”
“Five bits…”
“Five bits?”
“Hey, Trixie needs to make a living. In case you didn’t realize, her shows are free. Trixie lives on donations and tips.”
“Well… Ok…” The filly reached into her bag and pulled out a few bits. “Here, this should be enough.” Trixie took the money and went back into the cart. She came out a minute later with a picture of herself and a quill. She simply wrote her name in fancy letters and handed her the picture. “Thanks Trixie!” Then she ran off.
“So, you got inspired by this ‘Great and Powerful Trixie?’” Twilight asked nervously. “She sounds amazing!” Twilight was obviously lying but maybe this would help her learn a bit more about Trixie’s history.
“Yeah! The other ponies didn’t seem all that impressed but I thought she was amazing. The idea of using magic that doesn’t really have a use but looks cool seemed interesting.”
“But aren’t you afraid of being yelled at like Trixie? I’m sure you don’t want people trying to outdo you like with her.
“Trixie has her reasons.”
“What?”
“Well, the next day I was let out of the Hospital. My parents discovered I snuck out so I wanted to take them up to fair to meet Trixie.”
“Come on! I want you to see this!” The filly was practically dragging her mother towards the large stage from the previous day. The display was mostly the same as the day before. She boasted a couple times, got a few rude comments from the audience. Afterward she went to visit her again in her trailer. She knocked a couple times. “She is so amazing!” When Trixie opened the door, she looked down and simply rolled her eyes.
“What…?”
“I brought my parents to meet you!”
“Great, is that all you wanted to say?” Trixie turned back to head inside. “Now if you don’t mind, get lost…”
“Woah, woah, woah!” The filly’s father interrupted. “Don’t you talk to our little girl like that!”
“Hey, Trixie didn’t come and bother you when you’re off duty.”
“She is just a filly. You shouldn’t be so rude to her.”
“That’s the only way she will ever learn her place.” The parents recoiled back slightly. “You think life is all fun and dandy, huh? Well, let me tell you something. Being nice will not get you anywhere. If you’re not firm and blunt, people will backstab you at the first chance they get. She needs to learn that you simply can’t be ‘taught’ magic. You get good at it through intense personal training. Being taught by someone else will only hold you back. You need to find your inner fire by yourself and use it yourself. That’s why I don’t take lightly to the criticism. It’s MY magic and MY talent. Nobody else can control your destiny.”
“…” Trixie stopped and looked down at the poor filly who was on the verge of tears. “So… You say at the hospital cannot help me? Am I never going to perform magic?”
Her mom snuggled up close to her. “Don’t you listen to her sweetie. The doctors will find a way to fix your horn…” The filly struggled out of her mom’s arms and ran off. “Now look what you did!”
“Her horn… What did you mean by fixing her horn?”
“She suffers from an unlinked Horn! She can’t use magic without an expensive operation.”
Trixie expression changed. She looked down at the ground in shame. “I didn’t know…”
“Yeah, you didn’t…”
“Please… Let me talk to her...”
“No, you have done enough damage.”
“Please, I know how I can help… Just trust me…”
“And what if you make it even worse? You think I am going to take that chance?”
Trixie looked down and then looked back at the inside of her home. “I’ll pay for the operation…”
“Wha… What?”
Trixie re-entered her cart and came back with a rather large bag. “Here is my life savings. Take it… If I really do cause more harm, I’ll leave you alone and you can spend that so she can get her operation.”
“This… I can’t-”
Trixie held her hoof to the mother’s mouth. “Trust me…”
The filly was hunched over by a nearby lake. Trixie words constantly ringing through her head. Was there really nothing they could do to help her?
“Hey…” She turned her head back and saw Trixie standing behind her. She wanted nothing to do with Trixie and just buried her face into her hooves. “Listen… I’m sorry about what I said earlier… It was not my place to tell you that.”
“Why did you say it then?”
“Because I was trying to protect you…”
“Protect me from what?”
“Ridicule… Ponies respect those trained by the professionals but even more if they are self-taught. A random pony from nowhere with an amazing power, you don’t realize how big of a deal that is. But…”
“What…”
“Then I learned of your little problem. unlinked Horn, that’s a rather rare condition.”
“So, they told you, didn’t they?”
“Yes, and once I heard, I had to come back and talk to you. You see, I’m familiar with the condition. My mother had the same thing.”
“She did?”
“Yes, and she beat it without an operation…”
“Wow, she really did?”
“Yes, and it was all through her hard work and research. She found a way to re-establish the broken link with mental training.” Trixie leaded back and started looking up at the sky. “She was a great pony mother, so talented. They say because she managed to get through her condition naturally, she was much stronger than an average unicorn. She was even accepted into the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“Where is she now?”
“Last I heard she was working at the school help Celestia with her ‘new’ protégé. That was several years ago though. I haven’t heard from her in ages.” Trixie stopped and looked back over to the filly. “I know I said you should deal with it yourself but I need to ask you something…”
“What?”
“I want to train you. Mother told me how she overcame her condition and I still have a relatively good idea how it works… Of course… If you want to…”
The filly’s eyes went as big as saucers before she tacked Trixie to the ground “THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!” Trixie could feel the filly’s tears rolling down her chest.
“It’s ok, just let it out…. Sister Lulamoon is here to make things all better. I’ll make sure you become just as powerful as my mother, if not stronger…” The filly continued to cry into her chest, then a though came to Trixie. “You know, we have been talking this whole time and I realize I never asked for your name…”
“My name?” Trixie nodded. “It’s Starshine…. Starshine Hope…”
Starshine Hope…
Starshine Hope…
Starshine Hope…
“Miss? Are you feeling, ok?”
Twilight broke out of her sudden trance. It was her, the main reason for Trixie’s defection was standing right in front of her. “Sorry, I was just thinking of something. If Trixie was going to teach you how to break through your condition without surgery, why are you here getting one?”
A stream of tears started running down Starshine’s face. “Because she never did… After our talk, she said that she would be unable to train me right away. She said she wanted to track down her mother first and give her the news she had a protégé. After that, she would return to train me like she promised. While she was away, she started sending me letters. She gave me some tips on keeping my mind calm to prepare me when she returned, but she never did… One day, my dad was reading the newspaper when he saw an article from Ponyville.”
‘Oh no…’
“It was said that a crazy blue unicorn invaded the town bringing a creature of mass destruction. I obviously didn’t believe it. Those papers always blow those events out of proportion. I tried sending letters but my parents always stopped me. They trusted Trixie and she turned out some psycho unicorn. They thought she would be a bad influence. Eventually I got a letter passed them but I never got a reply. I have no idea where she is now…”
“I’m so sorry that happened.”
“It’s all that Twilight Sparkle’s fault…” Twilight flinched at this remark. “She ruined Trixie… She upstaged her and chased her out of town. I bet she was the one who brought that creature in. Trixie takes pride in her work; she would never intentionally do anything to harm her reputation. It was that stupid Twilight Sparkle… The newspaper even tries to play her off as the hero! Can you believe that! She is nothing but a monster! I will NEVER forget that name… Twi-”
“Twilight Sparkle?” Came a voice from outside. Twilight instantly froze up in pure terror. The nurse came in through the door carrying a wrapped box. “Miss Sparkle? I have a package for you…” She looked at the mortified Twilight and then at the little Starshine. “Am I disturbing something?”
“Twilight… Sparkle…” She turned to the still frozen unicorn. “You… It’s you…” She jumped onto the bed and got right to Twilight’s face. “YOU! IT’S YOUR FAULT TRIXIE IS GONE!!
“Please, can you calm down?” Twilight replied.
“Calm down? CALM DOWN!? DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU DID TO ME!? I can’t believe I actually opened up to you. I thought you were my friend… You’re probably going use this to harm her even more you monster!”
“Please Starshine… Trixie is just... Misguided… I am only doing what needs to be done…”
“By what? Ruining her life?”
“Starshine, Trixie has taken on a dark path. I don’t want you following suit.”
“Dark path, you would say that…”
“She is a serious threat to Equestria right now. She has to be stopped before it’s too late.”
Starshine just huffed. “Serious threat to you… Your just afraid Trixie is going to throw you off your little high chair. You’re nothing but a monster who ruins pony’s lives!” Starshine jumped off the bed and made her way to the door. “Good bye…” Starshine slammed the door HARD, even patients several rooms away could feel it.
The dark figure peered out her window, staring out into the moonlight. Then with a bang, Trixie appeared in the room. “I have retrieved the Princess of the Moon…”
“Oh? Did you now?”
Trixie nodded. “It was easy. She was clearly inexperienced with the game and had virtually no idea what she was doing.”
“As expected, Celestia was around when Duel Monsters was created but Luna never was.”
“It was like taking candy from a filly…”
“Speaking of fillies, I have something interesting to share with you. It appears there has been some… Tension… So, to speak…”
“What exactly do you mean?”
“It appears Twilight has had a rather nasty encounter with an old… Protégé… Of yours, if I am not mistaken.”
“You… You mean Starshine?”
“Starshine began some idle conversation with our little Twilight. Once Starshine discovered who she was talking to, things got a bit out of control.” The figure walked over to Twilight and put a hoof on her head. “I want you to go to her. Mend her wounds Trixie. You ARE the only one she fully trusts after all…”
“What should I do with her? I could never put Starshine in harm’s way. She is like a sister to me.”
“I know she is… And how fun would it be to have you’re little sister there to cheer you on while Sparkle falls to her knees?”
Trixie stood still. She didn’t know what to think. Was she really going to be reunited with the only pony who ever cared for her? The thought of seeing Starshine made her happy but sick at the same time. “Can I really show my face to her like this? I don’t feel right letting her see me as a follower of darkness…”
“Are you doubting me?”
“No Master, I could never doubt you. You gave me reason, it’s just… Starshine…”
“In that case…” A dark aura shrouded the pony and started flowing into Trixie. “Let me open your eyes a bit.” Trixie struggled at the new power flowing into her body. It was like nothing she had ever felt before. As fast as it started, it was over. The aura disappeared and the pony removed her hoof from Trixie. “Now Trixie, are you ready to reunite with your sister?”
Trixie opened her eyes. They were glowing a bright red. “Yes, sister and I shall finally be reunited. Neither of us will alone anymore…”
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supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 9 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
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My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
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incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
|
teen
|
2013-07-08T14:52:06+00:00
|
2023-05-14T07:10:12+00:00
| 2,171 |
Rainbow Dash slowly started to open her eyes but there was nothing to see. It was just darkness, darkness everywhere. “Where am I?”
“You’re in my world now ‘friend’…”
She looked up to see a dark figure walking towards her. “P… Pinkie?”
The pink pony approached Rainbow Dash. Her hair was deflated and straight. “I’m disappointed in you Dash… You know that breaking a promise is the quickest way to lose a friend, don’t you?” Dash tried to move forward but found she was chained to a non-existent wall. She was standing on her hind legs with her front legs bound above her head. “You can’t escape Dash. You haven’t taken your punishment yet…” Pinkie leaned in close to Rainbow’s fast. “Do you know what that is? Do you know why are you being punished? You remember what you promised me?”
“I promised I wouldn’t let Gilda lay a finger on you…”
“And what happened...?”
“I let you get banished to the Shadow Realm…”
“You think I like it when my friends make promises they cannot keep? No, it means I can’t trust them anymore. You betrayed my trust, Rainbow.”
“I know… I’m sorry… I would do anything to bring you back…”
“Anything, huh?” Rainbow’s eye perked up. That was not Pinkie’s voice, no, she recognized that voice. She closed her eyes and reopened them to be greeted with a bright light. She was no longer in the darkness or being restrained. “Well, well, well, have a nice nap?” Rainbow turned her head to see a blurry figure in front of her. “I seriously thought you were better than this? You were always such a tough one back in the day. You have gone soft…”
Her vision finally started to clear up. “Gilda…?” The griffon was sitting down on a chair with her arms crossed at the end of the hospital room.
“Happy to see me?”
“Screw you…”
Gilda sighed. “Oh Dash... Even when you lose you still win. Despite me defeating you fair and square…” Dash growled at Gilda. “My Master was not all too pleased how easily you fell. The only way I can be rid of you once and for all is to defeat you in a duel and your currently in no state to fight… That is, without a motivation…”
Rainbow froze for a second. “What did you do!?” Gilda simply lifted her claw and pointed at the other end of the room. Rainbow turned and was instantly horrified. In the corner lie three fillies. A yellow earth pony, a white unicorn and an orange pegasus. They were all unconscious with their front hooves bound behind their back. She quickly turned back to Gilda. “Let them go you monster!”
“I figure you would come after me sooner or later but I can’t wait that long so instead I’m making an ultimatum…” She looked up at the clock. It was 3:00PM. “You have until 6 to meet me over at Ghastly Gorge. If you don’t show…” Gilda stood up out of her chair and approached the orange filly, grabbing her by the neck. “If you don’t show, the Eels will be having Pegasi for dinner…”
“You’re sick!”
“It’s too bad really. This poor filly will never achieve her lifelong dream of flying alongside her hero. You know who that is right? It’s you Dash… This filly idolizes you more than anyone in Equestria. ‘Oh, Rainbow Dash is so cool! Rainbow Dash is the fastest pony in Equestria!’ Too bad she will never even learn to fly…” Gilda reached behind Scootaloo’s back and plucked a single feather from one of her wings. “Take a look at this feather Dash, this will be the last you ever see of your precious fan if you don’t show.” Gilda set the feather on the bed right next to Rainbow’s head.
Gilda stepped back over to the fillies and picked up all three with one claw. “Oh, before I go, I have little update about what’s happened just to motivate you a bit more. Fluttershy is long gone to the Shadow Realm.” Rainbow’s eye widened. “And the prince is dealing with that prissy unicorn as we speak.” Gilda leaped up onto the window’s ledge. “Remember, Ghastly Gorge by 6 or…” She slowly scrapped a claw over Scootaloo’s throat. Gilda gave one final farewell to Dash before flying out the window.
“Gilda! Get back here!” Gilda didn’t respond. Rainbow slowly pulled herself out of bed. She slid off the side and impacted on the ground. She groaned in pain. “Must… Save… Scoots…” She crawled along the ground and came up to the door and slightly opened it. There were several employees walking up and down the halls. There was no way they were going to just let her leave. Rainbow turned back to the window Gilda had left out of. She pulled herself up and out the window. Luckily, she was only on the first floor and there was a bush below her. It still hurt though. Rainbow pulled herself together and began limping down the road.
Rainbow was still limping when she entered into the center of Ponyville. She was slowly sneaking through the alleyways as to not be seen. She continued forward until she saw an open window. Peeking through the window, she looked around for a clock. There was a small clock hanging on the wall, it read 5PM. She let go and rested herself up against a garbage can. “I failed… There is no way I can get there in 1 hour at this rate…”
“And just what are you doing here?” Rainbow lifted her head up to see. A dark blue pegasus approached her, it was Kaiba. “I thought you were supposed to be in the hospital?”
Tears were streaming from Rainbow’s eyes. “Gilda… She took her…”
“I was on my way to the hospital to ask that Twilight a few questions only to see you sneaking around the back allies. Now tell me, what you are doing here?”
“I… Have to save her… She will die if I don’t…”
“Why should I care? You’re band of freaks is no better than Yugi’s little gang.”
“Please… She is like a sister to me… I’ve already lost Fluttershy and Pinkie, I can’t lose Scoots…”
“Sister…”
Rainbow struggled to get up and took a battle stance. “I will not stop until I save her, even if I have to go through you…” Kaiba wrapped his hoof around his necklace. “I know you may not care about family or friends but she is only thing I have left. I will NOT let Gilda take her away from me. Now move out of my way!”
Kaiba just stood there, almost unmoving. He closed his eyes for a moment before clicking down on the card hanging around his neck. The front opened to reveal a photo, a photo of his brother… ‘Mokuba…’ He snapped it shut and turned his gaze back to Rainbow Dash who was shaking. It was clearly painful just to stand up. “Rainbow Dash, let me tell you something… I may not care for my friends, especially self-proclaimed ones like Yugi and his gang but when you talk about my family like that, you’re making a grave error…”
“What would you know about FAMILY? You’re nothing but a selfish, arrogant jerk!”
Kaiba growled and grabbed Rainbow by the neck, lifting her into the air his wings. “Let me tell you something you little twerp, I couldn’t give a damn about my step-father. He deserved what he got and I hope he burns in Hell, but my brother… You never… EVER insult my brother or say I don’t care for him! I put my life on the line every day to make sure he is safe! I have been there for him and he has been there for me every day. Every day at the orphanage. Every day during my studies. Every day trying to run Kaiba Corp… Nobody lays a hair on him without feeling my full fury.” Kaiba pulled her in closer to his face. “Now, you have anything else to say?”
Rainbow just gave a little smirk. “So, I guess you understand why I have to do this… Nopony lays a hoof on Scoots. She may not be my flesh and blood but she is the closest to a little sister I have and I will NOT… LOSE HER!” Rainbow pulled back her hoof and socked Kaiba straight in the face. She quickly regained balanced and landed directly on her feet.
Kaiba landed back down in front of her and wiped a small bit of blood on his cheek. He looked at the blood on his hoof. “If this were any other situation you would be in serious trouble for assaulting me… But…” Kaiba approached Rainbow and passed behind her. “You have a sister who needs you.” He turned his head back and motioned towards his back. “Now get on, you’re in no condition to be wandering the streets alone. I’ll take you to the duel site.” Rainbow limped up onto Kaiba’s back and grabbed around his neck. “Just remember, this doesn’t make us friends. I’m only doing this so I can get out of this dumb world and back to Mokuba.” With that, Kaiba spread out his wings and they took off towards Ghastly Gorge.
Gilda was sitting down on a rock with a nail file sharpening her claws. She heard the sound of wings flapping nearby and looked back towards Ponyville. Kaiba was approached quickly with Rainbow on his back. Gilda stood up and approached the edge of the gorge as Kaiba landed down on the other side. “10 minutes to 6… Cutting it a little close now, aren’t you?”
Rainbow stepped down off of Kaiba. “Alright, I showed up. Now let Scootaloo and the rest of the crusaders go. They have done nothing to you.”
“Sorry, but I have other plans.” Gilda lifted up into the air and flew down into the gorge. Rainbow and Kaiba followed her to 2 small ledges on each side halfway down into the gorge. Gilda landed on one side while Rainbow landed on the other. Kaiba landed a separate ledge nearby Rainbow. “Take a look over there.” Gilda pointed over at a small tree protruding from the wall. A simple pulley system with rope appeared to be installed on the tree. One end of the rope was connected to small box on the wall of the gorge with the number 4000 on a little screen. The rope looped through the pulley and came down where the crusaders hung below.
“Just what have you done with them!?”
“I decided I would make this game a little more interesting. As you can see, the three of them are suspended over the gorge. That box is directly connected to your duel disk.” Rainbow looked down at the duel disk on her arm. “I made some ‘adjustments’ while were you were resting. As your life points decrease, the pulley system will lower them further into the gorge to their doom below.” A couple giant eels suddenly popped out of the side of the gorge and attempted to chomp down the crusaders but were way too low to reach them.
Rainbow held her head low and shook back and forth. “What happened to you Gilda? The Gilda I knew may have been a jerk but you…” She lifted her head back up. Her eyes were now red and watery. “You are just heartless… I don’t know what you did with her but I want the old Gilda back. You’re not her; you’re not the griffon I grew up with.”
Gilda started snickering before breaking out into a full crazed laughter. This continued for about 20 seconds. Finally, she stopped. “The Gilda you knew is long gone. She was weak, you did nothing but hold her back.” She looked down at her claws. “I was alone and confused, then I met Master. She promised me power, she promised to awaken to griffon bloodlust inside me… And boy did if feel good… It feels so nice not being held back by emotions.” She looked back up at Dash. “I want to see you suffer ‘old friend’. When this duel is over, you’ll be out of my life once and for all along with your precious little fan over there!” Gilda held her left arm up and her duel disk snapped into position. Dash did the same with hers. “It’s time Rainbow Dash… PREPARE TO SPEND THE REST OF ETERNITY ALONE IN THE SHADOW REALM!!!”
“I’ll admit I am impressed; Gilda has put on quite a display.” The dark figure was watching the duel through the reflection pool. “However, she is foolish. I have a feeling this duel will not go according to plan. Rainbow Dash seems… Different… I can’t exactly put my hoof on it but I don’t like it. If this duel turns another disaster like Blueblood’s, I may actually have to step in…”
“Let me make you a little deal, I’m not even going to put up a barrier for this battle. You can leave whenever you feel like it. Of course, by leaving you are also forfeiting the lives of those three fillies over there.” Gilda turns to look at Kaiba. “And don’t even think about trying anything funny. If you try to interfere and rescue the crusaders, I will release the pulley dropping them straight into the gorge.” She turns back to Dash. “Now, let’s this game underway…”
Gilda
< LP: 4000 >
“I’ll make you pay you heartless monster…” Dash drew her first card.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 4000 >
“I’ll start off with this, Sanctuary in the Sky!” Dash opens the slider on the side of the disk and inserts her card before being retracted. “As I am sure you are aware, as long as this card is on the field, you cannot hurt my life points in any battle containing a fairy. Now I set this monster face-down in defense mode. I’ll also place another card face down and I end my turn.”
Gilda began to snicker again. “Is that really all? Didn’t you’re parents ever teach you if something doesn’t work once then don’t try it again?” Gilda drew her card. “Hmm… I summon Fane the Steel Chain!”
Blackwing – Fane the Steal Chain
< Level 2 / ATK: 500 >
“I’m not done yet, if I control a Blackwing monster, I can automatically summon both Gale the Whirlwind and Bora the Spear to the field!” 2 More monsters appeared.
Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind
< Level 3 / ATK: 1300 >
Blackwing – Bora the Sharp
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
Kaiba was carefully watching the duel from a distance. ‘These birds of hers are unbelievable. She was able to summon 3 monsters in one turn just for having one on the field.’
“Now get ready to taste my wrath, Rainbow Dash! I am tuning-” Suddenly, Gilda looked up to see a barrage of spikes falling from the sky. She braced herself but her monsters were not so lucky. They were all but swiss cheese to the spikes before exploding into many shards. She looked up to see her whole field was cleared of monster. “What did you do!?”
Rainbow Dash had her hoof on one of the activation buttons. “When you summoned your Gale and Bora you triggered my trap card, Needle Ceiling! When there are 4 or more monster on the field, it destroys all face-up in play. While destroying your own monsters it left mine in the clear as it only hits face up monsters.” Gilda clearly had a look of frustration on her face. “I knew you’re strategy was to summon a large army of monster so you could tune into one of your more powerful monsters so I set a trap to prevent you from swarming the field… Now what did you tell me about not using the same strategy twice?”
“Curse you, Dash! I’ll make you pay for that…” To her disappointment, Gilda just placed one card face-down. “I’ll set and end my turn…”
“Fine!” Rainbow drew and examined her card closely. “I reveal my face-down monster, Cloudian Sheep Cloud!” Rainbow was suddenly surrounded by hordes of small clouds with a pair of eyes.
Cloudian Sheep Cloud
< Level 1 / ATK: 0 >
“Man Dash, you always have your head in the clouds now, don’t you?”
“You won’t be making jokes after this! Now I summon Cloudian Turbulence!” Rainbow’s monster materialized as a large green tornado with arms and eyeholes.
Cloudian Turbulence
< Level 4 / ATK: 800 >
“When Cloudian Turbulence is summoned to the field, he gains 2 fog counters for every Cloudian on the field and I count 2. Now I will sacrifice those 2 counters in order to summon 2 Smoke Balls from my deck straight to the field!” Rainbow pulled out her deck and searched for 2 cards and placed both of them on the disk. The Smoke Clouds looked like small yellow babies with large eyes. Before Rainbow could do anything, she looked up and saw a familiar sight, large spikes raining down cutting through her clouds destroying them all. “What did you do!?”
“I activated my Fake Feather trap card. By removing a Blackwing card from my hand, I can copy any trap from your graveyard and use it like my own so I copied your Needle Ceiling! Looks like we are back to square one…”
“Wrong…” Gilda gasped. “I had a backup plan… You see, by destroying my monsters you gave me just what I needed to summon one of the most powerful cards in my deck.”
“You lie!”
“If there are exactly 4 fairy monsters in my graveyard, I can special summon this new monster! BEHOLD, ARCHLORD KRISTYA!” Rainbow slammed her card on her duel disk. The card erupted in a blinding light shooting up and piercing through the clouds. The clouds appeared to open a large hole in a sky as a beautiful new creature came down. She had bright silver armor and large red phoenix-like wings. Part of a red cloak appeared to be hanging out form the bottom of her armor.
Archlord Kristya
< Level 8 / ATK: 2800 >
‘I have to admit I am impressed.’ Kaiba thought to himself. ‘Not only did she destroy all of Gilda’s monsters but she managed to recover from losing 4 monsters AND summoned a monster with 2800 attack points all in the span of 2 turns. This is going to be fun.’
“I activate Archlord Kristya’s special ability! When she is summoned, I can bring back 1 fairy monster from my graveyard to my hand.” Rainbow ejected a card from her graveyard. “I bring back my Sheep Cloud. Not only that, but as long as Archlord Kristya remains on the field, no player can special summon. That means you can’t swarm the field next turn.” Rainbow looked up from her head and stared at Gilda. Gilda was actually somewhat intimidated. She had never seen Rainbow so serious before. “Now that you’re wide open, Archlord Kristya, attack Gilda’s life points DIRECTLY!” Kristya materialize a pure white word into her hand with a red flared hilt. She dashed forward and slashed Gilda right down the center. “Had enough?”
Gilda
< LP: 4000 → 1200 >
Gilda quickly shook it off. “I won’t go down that easily…”
“I have you beaten Gilda, you exhausted all you’re resources in your first turn. Give up.”
“What, give up like you did on me? No thanks. I got enough of that already.”
“What are you talking about; you abandoned me because you didn’t think my friends were cool enough. You have nobody to blame but yourself.”
“I’ll admit, I was rather upset when you left me for those dweebs but I eventually got over it. I returned to Cloudsdale and continued with regular life but of course it didn’t last. After you won the Young Fliers Competition, I started slipping away again. You were always a great flier, probably even better than me, but after I was gone to seemed to skyrocket passed me. I could never hope to be better than you.”
“THAT’S ALL THIS IS ABOUT!? JELOUSY THAT I WAS BETTER THEN YOU!?”
“Not even close. Sure, I was quite heartbroken to find out that you had become so much better than me but I was still happy for you. Not too long after I came back to Ponyville to talk things over. I had just discovered you’re location and when I found you, you were talking to those three fillies. You were telling them about the story of how you got you’re cutie mark.” Gilda shook her head in anger. “You know what I learned that day? You were never meant to be my friend; it was you’re destiny to dump me for those losers since the day you were born. You know what that feels like, to know you we were NEVER meant to be together? It made me feel worthless, like I had WASTED several years of my life.”
“Gilda, just because I was destined to meet them does NOT mean we were never meant to be friends. You and my friends don’t have keep up this stupid rivalry. All ponies will eventually make new friends, there is no reason to think that you have to abandon you’re old friends to make new ones. We can all live together.”
“You’re one to talk. You were the one who said that we couldn’t be friends anymore.”
“Because you thought my new friends were lame. You even went as far as to blame Pinkie Pie for something you had no proof of.”
“Shut up…” Gilda growled. “SHUT UP! This conversation is over; let’s get back to the duel. Those eels are getting hungry.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you. I am not playing around this time.” She slid a card into one of the spell and trap slots. “I activate my spell; Lucky Cloud. If I summoned 2 monsters with the same name during the duration of this turn, I get to draw 2 cards and if you remember, I used the fog counters earlier in order to summon 2 Smoke Balls. Now I get to draw 2 cards… That’s it for my turn.” Gilda grew her card and looked down at the ground. “What’s wrong, realize that you cannot win?”
Gilda looked back up with a huge smirk. “No, I just had an interesting revelation. The fact is you’re more like me then you realize.” Rainbow gave her a look of displeasure. “Think about it now, first I summon a bunch of monsters in one turn and you destroy them all with a trap card. Then when you summon a bunch of monsters, I destroy with all with a trap.”
“What’s your point?”
“Last turn you were able to summon a monster with 2800 attack points because my trap happened to send ‘just’ the right amount of monsters to the graveyard.” Gilda held up a card close to her face. “Well guess what; you just so happened to send ‘just’ the right amount of monsters to the graveyard so I can summon THIS monster, and look at that, it ALSO has 2800 attack points…”
“Sorry to tell you Gilda but that won’t work. As long as my Archlord Kristya is on my field, neither of us can special summon monsters.”
“And that is why I’m playing this, my Breakthrough Summon spell card! Until the end of my turn, all effects that prevent me from summoning are negated and you can’t activate any cards in response to my summon, however, I am not allowed to attack this turn but it makes no difference, your monster is going to the graveyard weather you want it or not!” Gilda threw her card down onto her duel disk. Her disk became shrouded in black lightning. “Hahaha, can’t stop me now Dash!” Below them within the gorge, a giant black vortex had started to open. A single black claw popped out of the hole and soon a whole creature emerged. It was a fierce looking black dragon with spikes and blades covering almost his entire body. “Behold one of the deadliest cards in my arsenal! DARK ARMED DRAGON!” The creature roared in the face of Rainbow Dash who was starting to get a bit nervous.
Dark Armed Dragon
< Level 7 / ATK: 2800 >
‘It’s almost like watching someone duel themselves in the mirror.’ Kaiba thought. ‘They have matched each other move for move almost exactly.’
“Now let me show you Dark Armed Dragon’s special ability. I can remove from play 1 dark monster from my graveyard which allows him to destroy 1 card on the field and I destroy you’re Kristya!” She ejected a monster from her graveyard and her dragon a power red energy ball in its mouth blasting Rainbow monster.
“Don’t get excited yet, when Kristya is send to the graveyard from the field, she is instead sent to the top of my deck meaning I will draw her again next turn.”
“Lucky break but it won’t save you for you see, I can activate Dark Armed Dragons effect again in the same turn! Say goodbye to your face down card!” Once again, the dragon fired a blast impacting the card. The card flipped itself up before exploding leaving behind a bunch of golden dust in the air. “Not so in the lead anymore.”
“Look again…”
Gilda looked around. The whole battlefield was covered in golden dust. “What is going on?”
“That trap you destroyed was not an ordinary trap. Its effect can only be triggered when it’s destroyed and by destroying my Angel’s Judgment trap card, you’re Dark Armed Dragon is at my mercy. When my card is destroyed by a monster effect, it leaves behind fairy dust. This dust takes over you’re monster and destroys it.” Dark Armed Dragon began to struggle but soon exploded in a golden light. “Not only that, but when Angel’s Judgment destroys a monster, it’s attack is added to my life points…”
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 4000 → 6800 >
Gilda suddenly collapsed to the ground in defeat. ‘I can’t do it… I can’t win… She has responded to everything I throw at her. This is not the same Dash I battled last time.’ Gilda looked back up at Dash. Her face was still just as serious as before. ‘What happened to Dash? Why is she suddenly so strong?’
‘It’s because she is determined to not fail this time you fool!’ A sudden voice came to her.
“Huh? Master?”
‘Don’t you get it? Clearly, she understands the gravity of the situation and is determined to not lose this time. This is not the same Rainbow dash you fought before. She is much more powerful now.’
“What do I do? I’m finished if I don’t make a move.”
‘Don’t worry, I foresaw this outcome and made a backup plan… Release the Crusaders…’
Gilda was shocked. “What? Release them? Why?”
‘Just do it you fool! Release them and hand them over to Rainbow Dash but don’t forfeit. This match will continue soon enough.’
“Whatever you say Master…” Gilda stared over at Dash for several seconds before lifting off into the air.
“Hey, where are you going!?” Gilda flew over to where the crusaders were hanging and cut the rope, grabbing them before they fell into the gorge. “Gilda?” Gilda flew back over to Rainbow Dash and dropped the 3 fillies in front of her.
“Think of this as a little gift before I destroy you…”
Rainbow Dash rushed in and checked on the crusaders. Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were completely out cold however Scootaloo appeared to be regaining consciousness. “Squirt? Are you feeling okay?” Scootaloo slowly opened her eyes and looked up at Rainbow Dash looking down at her. Rainbow Dash suddenly broke into tears and hugged her. “Oh squirt, thank Celestia you’re ok! I don’t know what I would do without you…” Scootaloo looked up and down Rainbow as she hugged her…
*CHOMP*
Rainbow recoiled back to see a large bite mark on her shoulder. “Squirt, what did you do that for?”
“Scootaloo is not here element of loyalty…” Rainbow looked back up to Scootaloo who was now standing up perfectly. The top half of her face was covered in shadow and eyes and her eyes were blank and soulless. “So, we finally meet Rainbow Dash.” Her voice was completely different. It was like she had a second voice overlapping her normal one.
“What did you do with Scootaloo!?”
“I knew Gilda was not going to win this fight so while the duel went on, I decided to do a little remote work on Scootaloo. This whole time I’ve been using my magic to get into her head and take over her mind. She was quite a feisty one but she fell just as easily as I expected. She doesn’t belong to you anymore; she belongs to me. A mind slave with no free will of her own!” ‘Scootaloo’ broke into a maniacal laughter. Gilda was also grinning quite a bit.
Kaiba was just watching from above at the situation taking place. ‘Now where have I seen this before?’
“Welcome…”
“Joey!”
“Not exactly… Joey is not present, he’s gone away…”
“It’s Marik.”
“That’s correct, and if you want your friends then you will listen to me…”
‘This is just like the time Marik used his mind tricks to force Yugi into dueling Wheeler back at battle city. This is about to get ugly…’
“Let her go, NOW!” Rainbow yelled.
“Sorry, but you’re little squirt here is too valuable to just release.”
“Scootaloo! Please listen! You have to break free!”
“I told you she is not here anymore. She is my mind slave. Hahaha!”
“You coward… Hiding behind my friends, using them as you’re meat shield. You make me sick…”
‘Scootaloo’ laughed again. “Well, it seems I have turned the tables on you. You’re greatest fan is now you’re greatest enemy! You can’t hope to defeating me now, not with you’re so called ‘sister’s’ life in my hands! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 10 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
|
My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
|
incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
|
teen
|
2014-01-01T17:13:30+00:00
|
2023-05-15T11:52:44+00:00
| 2,087 |
Rainbow yelled in pain and recoiled back to see a large bite mark on her shoulder. “Squirt, what did you do that for?”
“Scootaloo is not here element of loyalty…” Rainbow looked back up to Scootaloo who was now standing up perfectly. The top half of her face was covered in shadow and eyes and her eyes were blank and soulless. “So, we finally meet Rainbow Dash.” Her voice was completely different. It was like she had a second voice overlapping her normal one.
“What did you do with Scootaloo!?”
“I had a feeling Gilda couldn’t win this duel alone so I stepped in. This whole time I’ve been using my black magic to get into this filly’s head and take over her mind. She was quite a feisty one but she eventually broke. She doesn’t belong to you anymore; she belongs to me. A mind slave with no free will of her own! HAHAHAHAHAAA!”
“Let her go, NOW!” Rainbow yelled.
“Sorry, but I need her for the time being.”
“You’re sick, using my friends as a pony shield. What kind of creep brainwashes an innocent little child to fight for them?”
“I wouldn’t expect you to understand, this goes far beyond your knowledge. Just give up your soul-” The pony held up what appeared to be Iseris’ card. “And I will release your precious little sister.”
“I… I…”
“Come on ‘Dashy.’” Gilda teased. “What do you care about more, your loyalty to your Princess, or your little Scootaloo?”
“…”
“Well Rainbow Dash, what’s your answer?” The filly asked. “Give yourself up now, and Scootaloo will be returned to normal and you will be reunited with your dear friends in the Shadow Realm…”
Rainbow Dash looked down at her duel disk, her eyes twitching. ‘Maybe I should just give myself up… Scootaloo doesn’t deserve to suffer like this; I never wanted her to get hurt…’ Rainbow slowly hovered her right hoof over her duel disk. “I… I give-”
‘Wait!’ Said a voice. Rainbow looked up in shock. She looked back and forth but there was nopony else around. ‘Don’t give up, you can’t let her win!’
“Who… Who is there?”
‘Please, you have to listen to me! Don’t quit. Scootaloo looks up to you. She would never forgive you if you surrendered your own life, even to save hers.’ Just then, a ghostly figure visible only to her appeared in front of Rainbow Dash.
“Pinkie Pie?”
‘Please Dashy, you have to fight. Defeat Gilda and this pony controlling Scootaloo, you have to.’
“But Pinks, how can I when it puts Scootaloo at risk? I can’t do that to her...”
‘Since when have you become such a sissy?’ Another familiar figure appeared in front of her. ‘The Rainbow Dash I knew would never have given up so easily. What happen to yah?’
“Applejack… I’m just scared… I don’t want to lose anypony else…” Tears were starting to form in her eyes.
‘Then FIGHT! You are the most loyal pony I ever knew. Don’t back down; show them just how loyal you are!’
‘Don’t worry Dashy. Although we may be gone, we will always be with you.’
Rainbow Dash wiped her tears away and looked up. “Thank you, Pinks… Thank you AJ…” The two figured nodded and then vanished, leaving her looking at Gilda and the possessed Scootaloo. She slowly stood up. “I will NEVER give up! I will fight to the bitter end!”
“Oh?” Gilda questioned.
“You may have taken my friend’s souls but you will NEVER take away their place in my heart! As long as I don’t give in, they will always be by my side. They will never abandon me, just like I will never abandon Scootaloo. She is like family to me and I never quit on family.” Rainbow held up her duel disk and struck a battle pose. “GILDA! You messed with the wrong pegasus and now you are going down, DUEL ME!”
Not-Scootaloo grinned, and slowly broke out into laughter. “How touching, your love for your friends and family almost brings me to tears. You respect those close to you and will go to the ends of the Equestria for them. It’s sad really, you could have been a powerful ally but you decided to work for the Princess instead.”
“Just what are you going on about?”
Scootaloo pointed her hoof at Rainbow Dash. “The moment you were chosen by the Elements of Harmony, your fate was sealed. All I want is for every pony to have a right to choose their own destiny. We don’t need Celestia, the Elements or anypony else controlling our lives. Allowing others to take control leads to this exact situation we are in now. The two of us, holding control over the life of your precious sister and you fighting to the death to save her. We don’t need this; I don’t need this…”
“Will you just shut up already?” Scootaloo stopped her speech and looked to the side where Kaiba was standing. “You honestly think anybody believes the crap that comes out of your mouth? I’ll admit I agree everyone should control their own destiny…” Kaiba suddenly pointed at not-Scootaloo. “But if you’re so pathetic as to let things get so out of control in the first place, you’re not worth the space! I got where I am today by taking it by force. For years I let my stepfather control my life… And I took control and wiped him off the face of the earth! I took control! I made my own destiny!”
“Some of us were never given a chance; the Princess stole my life away from me! At first, I thought I was doing the right thing and supporting my family but once I learned what I was doing was for naught and only put my family in danger, I finally realized the truth… Celestia is a tyrant and needs to be DESTROYED! Once she is out of the way we can finally be free!”
“Is that really what you think…? Or are you just being a crybaby because things didn’t go your way and now you want to revolt against the Princess? Face it; your plan will never work. Your tiny little gang of rejects are doomed to fail!”
“Is that so? If you’re so confident that our band of ‘rejects’ don’t have the power to change destiny, why don’t you beat me and prove it?”
“Hmm, I thought you would never ask.” Kaiba held up his left hoof and his duel disk rotated into place.
“I’ll show you what I am capable of…” The filly performed a massive backflip over the gorge and landed over on the other side. She held up her right forehoof and a black duel disk just like Gilda’s materialized on to her arm; Gilda landed next to her momentarily after. “We will continue from where Gilda and Rainbow Dash left off but we now play under Battle Royale rules.”
Kaiba closed his eyes. “Dash, I want you to listen to me.” He opened his eyes again. “Keep your focus on birdbrain over there, you’re too close to the kid and you will only hold back…” Rainbow simply nodded. Kaiba turned his attention back to Scootaloo and Gilda. “It’s been a long wait but now I can finally let loose.”
“You will try…”
“LET’S DUEL!!!” The four said in unison.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 6800 >
Seto Kaiba
< LP: 4000 >
Gilda
< LP: 1200 >
Yami Scootaloo
< LP: 4000 >
Kaiba quickly drew his cards. “Since your partner went last, I’ll start this battle off! I’ll start by sending the Thunder Dragon in my hand to the graveyard. By doing this, I can add two more Thunder Dragon from my deck to my hand.” Kaiba slid a card into the back of his duel disk. “Now I combine them together with Polymerization to create the Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon!” Two green scaled serpent dragons with wings appeared on the field and swirled together before exploding into a flurry of electricity. The resulting monster was a creepy red dragon with green bird like feet, a purple horn and two heads.
Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon
< Level 8 / ATK: 2800 >
Lastly, Kaiba threw two cards into his disk. “Finally, I’ll leave these cards face-down for later and that ends my turn.”
Scootaloo stood still for a moment rubbing her chin. “Hmm… I have an interesting idea…” The possessed filly proposed. “Since I have no intention of revealing my true dueling deck quite yet, instead I will use a little spell I invented.” The filly held her hoof over the duel disk and several black particles floated down enshrouding it. Slowly, a deck of cards formed up in the deck slot. “This magic draws from the user’s heart and builds the deck for them, similar to what Celestia did with the Elements of Harmony however mine draws from heart’s dark side. Now, let’s what this one holds in store…” Once a full deck was made, she drew her cards. “Hmm, exactly what I expected… This is going to quite fun, destroying you with the very cards that represent her feelings towards you Rainbow Dash. Of course, after I’m finished with Kaiba that is.”
“You can try but you stand no change at defeating me!”
“We will see about that… I’ll start by summoning my Elemental Hero Stratos to the field in attack mode.” The filly’s monster was a tall man with blue armor and jetpack made from propellers.
Elemental HERO Stratos
< Level 4 / ATK: 1800 >
“When Stratos is summoned to the filed, I can add any Hero monster from deck to my hand.” She ejected a single card from her deck is put it in her hand. “I’ll add Elemental Hero Sparkman from my deck to hand.” Next, she held up a spell card. “Now I activate a card known as Dark Fusion. This works similar to Polymerization but its slightly different. It allows me to combine monsters from my field and hand in order to summon a dark fusion monster.” The pegasus took two cards from her hand and slid them into the graveyard. “I’m using it to fuse the Elemental Hero Sparkman I just added to my hand and the Elemental Hero Clayman I already had.” Sparkman was a tall man with blue clothing and yellow armor while Clayman was a large grey colored golem with square arms and legs. The normal fusion swirl that was normally there for a fusion was different. It was surrounded with a black lightning. “Arise my fallen hero of earth and thunder, Evil Hero Lightning Golem!” The new monster looked like Clayman but with Sparkman’s armor and a slight color pallet change. Most of the armor was a teal color with purple lightning bolts running up and down the body. There were large red rubies on the chest and the back of the hands.
Evil HERO Lightning Golem
< Level 6 / ATK: 2400 >
Kaiba laughed. “You know super heroes are supposed to be good guys, right? If you’re trying to come off as some kind of hero trying to save the world from a tyrannical dictator, I suggest using cards that don’t have ‘Evil’ in the name. It kind of defeats the whole purpose.”
“You best learn your place, Seto Kaiba; you don’t fully comprehend what kind of power you are dealing with... I activate Evil Hero Lightning Golem’s special ability. Once per turn he has the ability to annihilate any monster on the field!” The filly’s golem flexed its arms and held out his right arm, firing a large bolt of lightning at Kaiba’s dragon.
“Not quite, reveal trap card! Interdimensional Matter Transporter!”
“Interwhat!?”
“This trap cards allows me to temporarily remove my monster from the field to avoid it’s destruction, then it returns to my field at the end of your turn!” Kaiba’s dragon glowed for a moment before suddenly squishing itself flat and warping out of existence.
The filly simple laughed. “You fool, now you left yourself wide open for a direct attack. Lightning Golem, attack Kaiba’s life points directly.” Lightning Golem held up his right and roared to the sky. A bolt of lightning came down and struck his fisting giving him an electrical charge.
“Not so fast, reveal trap card!” Kaiba’s face-down flipped up revealing what appeared to be a chest plate that looked like a mouth. “Thanks to my Attack Guidance Armor, your attack will be blocked by a different monster.” It quickly flew over towards Scootaloo’s Stratos and equipped itself to it. Stratos was forcefully pulled over to Kaiba’s field and hovered in front of him.
“You little...” Lightning Golem charged relentlessly with a red glow in his eyes. His fist made contact and crushed Stratos with no trouble. The possessed filly had a look of frustration on her face.
Yami Scootaloo
< LP: 4000 → 3400 >
“That’s it for my turn.” Scootaloo placed down two cards. “I’ll leave these two cards face-down for you. It’s you turn once again Element of Loyalty.”
“And now that your turn is over, my dragon returns to me.” Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon re-stretched itself warping back into existence.
“Alright...” Rainbow swiftly drew her card hold it far back in her hoof. She turned to it and her eyes shimmered. “Prepare yourself Gilda; I call forth the Agent of Mystery Earth.” A silhouette about the size of a normal pony appeared in the sunlight and swooped down in front of Rainbow Dash. It had large blue and green wings; short white hair and it was holding a small orb in its hand.
The Agent of Mystery – Earth
< Level 2 / ATK: 1000 >
“Ha! What do you plan to do with that weak little thing?” Gilda boasted.
“I wouldn’t be so cocky if I were you… Agent Earth has a special ability! When she is summoned to the field, I am able to add any Agent monster from my deck straight to my hand.” Rainbow hovered her hoof over her deck and it started to glow. “However, if Sanctuary in the Sky in on my side of the field she gets an added effect. Instead of bringing out a normal Agent monster, I am allowed to add the king of the Agents himself!” Rainbow drew the card and held it up high. “Now I remove Agent of Mystery Earth from my game!” Agent Earth suddenly exploded into small light particles. The pegasus threw her card down on to her duel disc and a large ray of light shot up into the sky. Gilda and Scootaloo watched the ray pierce through the clouded sky and open a hole in the clouds. “Descend from the heavens, lord of Agents… MASTER HYPERION!” Then a gigantic figure started to descend from the opening. The size of the creature was incredible. If they didn’t know better, they would say it was as massive as the very planet itself. It was wearing a long black and golden robe. It had gigantic wings that seemed to be nothing a raging inferno. The creature descended far into the background behind Rainbow Dash, covering up the very horizon.
Master Hyperion
< Level 8 / ATK: 2700 >
Normal Yugi and Spike were one their way back to Ponyville, riding in a single carriage pulled by guards when they saw the gigantic monster appearing in the distance. “Woh! That is one massive monster!” Spike shouted.
“It looks like a duel is going on over in Ponyville.” Yugi replied. He climbed up to the front of the carriage so the guards could hear him. “Can you take us in the direction of that creature?”
“Are you sure it’s safe?” One of the guards replied.
“The monster is only a hologram, it’s not real. We shouldn’t encounter any issues unless either a god card or Iseris appears.” The guard nodded and the guards started towards the giant monster. “I have a bad feeling about this…”
“What’s wrong Yugi?” Spike asked.
“If there is a duel going on than that means one of the Dark Summoners are dueling one of the Elements of Harmony. The only ones who have not been defeated yet are Twilight and Rainbow Dash and they are supposed to be in the hospital.”
“Twilight and Rainbow Dash are some of the strongest ponies I know and they won’t let some fiend beat them. I’m sure they will win!”
Yami Yugi materialized next to Yugi. “I sure hope he is right…”
“I’m still worried though…” Yugi replied.
“Yes, the whole reason we went to Canterlot in the first place was to retrieve the Harmony Fusion card Celestia created to beat Iseris but since a duel has already started, they won’t be able to use it.”
“Spike got lucky with that whole scroll teleportation spell but I doubt that would work again.”
“Even with Harmony Fusion, Spike and Rarity barely won yet Rarity still lost her soul…”
“Poor guy, at his age seeing the girl he loves sacrifice herself like that. But there was a good side to it.” Yami gave Yugi an odd look. “It proves just how powerful their friendship truly is. Their friendship is like nothing I have ever seen, even compared to all our friends back home.”
“As long as we keep cheering them on, they will have the strength to fight on.”
“I warned you Gilda!” Rainbow Dash shouted. “When you kidnapped Scootaloo you crossed the line! Master Hyperion, attack Gilda’s life points directly!” Hyperion held both his hands in front of his chest and a sphere of light started forming between the hands. Gilda had gone into full panic. She had no monsters, no spells and no traps. She was completely defenseless. Suddenly out of nowhere, several links of chain flew over the battlefield and wrapped around Rainbow’s monster, keeping it from attack. Rainbow quickly looked back at her monster. “What just happened?” Rainbow turned back to see the chains coming from a new trap on Scootaloo’s field.
“You didn’t think I was going to let you just attack my partner now did you? When you declared that attack, I activated my Fiendish Chain card; it prevents your monster from attacking and all its special abilities are negated. You were so focused on Gilda you forgot I am in this duel now and I don’t plan to let you harm Gilda more than you already have.”
Rainbow scowled at the fake Scootaloo. “I place one card face-down and end my turn. It’s your turn now Gilda…”
“My draw!” Gilda drew her card. “I play Pot of Greed; this lets me draw two cards… Next, I play a continuous spell card known as Black Whirlwind. This nifty little card activates whenever I summon a Blackwing monster… Like so…” Gilda summoned a strange looking red bird; it was small and was surrounded by a fog. “I summon Blackwing Calima the Haze.”
Blackwing – Calima the Haze
< Level 4 / ATK: 600 >
Gilda’s spell card lit up and a tornado of feathers flew out and struck her deck. “Now my Black Whirlwind activates, when a Blackwing monster is summons, I can add another Blackwing from my deck to my hand.” A single card slid out from her deck. “I used Black Whirlwind to add Blackwing Breeze the Zephyr to my hand, but he won’t stay for long because when he added to my hand by a card effect, he summons himself straight to the field.” Breeze appeared as a small orange bird with yellow wings. Small eyes could be seen in his head.
Blackwing – Zephyr the Breeze
< Level 3 / ATK: 1100 >
“Now for the fun part, I’m tuning my Level 3 Breeze the Zephyr with Level 4 Calima the Haze!” Breeze twirled into the air creating a slip stream behind it before morphing into three green rings. Calima followed in its trail and transformed into four white spheres in the center of the ring. The spheres expanded and a large white beam formed in the center of the rings.
< 3 + 4 = 7 >
Kaiba was in complete shock at this summon. “What kind of trick is this!?”
Gilda held her card high up. A completely new Blackwing appeared. It was barely recognizable as a bird; its entire body was covered in black armor. It had what looked like a large red eyeball in between its beak. “Say hello to my Synchro Monster, Blackwing Armor Master!”
Blackwing Armor Master
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
“A… Synchro Monster?”
“Synchro Monsters haven’t been invented yet…” Scootaloo replied. “At least they haven’t been in your world. These monsters are summoned by tributing monsters who combine total level are equal to the level of the Synchro Monster as long as at least one of the monsters tributed is a Tuner Monster. Quite powerful beasts, too bad you won’t see the day when you can actually use them for yourself.”
“Now I’ll show you just how powerful they truly are!” Gilda pointed her claw at Kaiba’s dragon. “Blackwing Armor Master, attack Kaiba’s Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon!”
Kaiba recoiled at this. “What are you doing!? Your monster is weaker than mine!” Gilda’s Armor Master charged at his dragon and stabbed it in the head with its claws. Both Kaiba and Gilda stood still for several moments before Armor Master pulled out and went back to her side. “Wait, what just happened? Your monster should have been destroyed!”
Gilda just held her claw up and wagged it at Kaiba. “Oh Kaiba, don’t you realize my Armor Master has a special ability? When Armor Master attacks, it can’t be destroyed by battle and any damage I would have taken becomes zero.”
“Then why attack? It makes no sense.” Gilda simply pointed at one of Thunder Dragon’s heads. Kaiba didn’t see it at first but then it hit him. “What is that?” Kaiba’s dragon had a large slab of metal sticking out of its head.
“When Armor Master attacks, it puts a Wedge Counter on your monster.”
“What exactly does this thing do?”
“You’ll see… Now take you turn…”
Kaiba simply drew his card. “I don’t know what your Wedge Counter does but your monster is going down!” Thunder Dragon was started charging an electrical blast in his mouth.
“Not so fast, I activate the special ability of Black Armor Master. When a monster has a Wedge Counter, I can remove it to make the monster’s attack become zero!” The wedge vanished and Kaiba’s dragon seemed to suddenly lose all power, becoming weak. [ATK:0]
Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon
< ATK: 2800 → 0 >
“What!” Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon was now completely powerless and couldn’t do anything. “In that case I place a monster face-down in defense mode and then I’ll place one card face-down. That ends my turn.”
“My turn now.” Scootaloo called. “I’ll activate my Lightning Golem’s special ability. Once per turn, I can destroy one monster my opponent controls. I think the target of my Lightning Golem will be Kaiba’s face-down monster.”
“Not so fast!” Rainbow called, throwing a card into her graveyard. “By discarding Effect Veiler from my hand to the graveyard, your monster’s effect is negated.” A human-like angel appears in front of Lightning Golem. It had blue long hair, large angel wings and wore a white tunic with black stockings. It wrapped its wings around Lightning Golem and then slowly vanished. “You’re not the only one who can assist their partner.”
“It doesn’t matter, I’m still going to attack Kaiba’s face-down monster.” Lightning Golem began charging towards Kaiba’s card. When the card flipped revealing the monster, Kaiba just grinned. It was a small metal sphere with a creepy face-like door. “NOOO!”
“That’s right, you just attacked into one my favorite monsters; Cyber Jar” The jar opened its mouth and created a vortex attempting to suck everyone in. Everybody tried to hold on but their monsters were not to lucky. They were all sucked in before Cyber Jar exploded. “Now for the second effect of my Cyber Jar, every one of us must draw 5 cards from their deck and then if any of the monsters are Level 4 or lower, you have to summon them.” One by one, the four duelists each drew 5 new cards. “I summon these two monsters, X-Head Cannon and Y-Dragon Head.” X-Head Cannon was just a torso with blue and yellow armor. It had twin cannons coming out of its back and a small head near the top of the torso. Y-Dragon Head was just a red mechanical dragon.
X-Head Cannon
< Level 4 / ATK: 1800 >
Y-Dragon Head
< Level 4 / ATK: 1500 >
“I have three monsters.” Scootaloo replied. “Elemental Hero Avian, Elemental Hero Burstinatrix, and Elemental Hero Wildheart.” Avian was tall green birdman with white wings. Burstinatrix was a human woman with red clothes, long black hair and a golden crown. Wildheart was a human male wearing few clothes and carrying a large sword.
Elemental HERO Avian
< Level 3 / ATK: 1000 >
Elemental HERO Burstinatrix
< Level 3 / ATK: 1200 >
Elemental HERO Wildheart
< Level 4 / ATK: 1500 >
“I place one monster face-down in defense mode.” Rainbow continued.
Gilda just laughed. “You’re going to have to do better than that Dash; I have three monsters; Blackwing Shura the Blue Flame, Blackwing Ghibli the Searing Wind and Blackwing Zephyros the Elite.” Shura was a more humanoid bird with mostly blue feathers and black wings. Ghibli was a tiny bird with six red and black wings and three red tails. Zephyros was very human like but with black wings and blue hair.
Blackwing – Shura the Blue Flame
< Level 4 / ATK: 1800 >
Blackwing – Ghibli the Searing Wind
< Level 3 / ATK: 1600 >
Blackwing – Zephyros the Elite
< Level 4 / DEF: 1000 >
“Now that Cyber Jar’s effect is over, I can continue my turn.” Scootaloo said. “Since I have the right monsters on my field, I activate this card, you remember Dark Fusion, don’t you? With this I can summon a dark fusion monster.” Avian and Burstinatrix came together and did the same dark fusion as earlier in the duel. “I summon the dark fusion, Evil Hero Inferno Wing!” Scootaloo’s new monster was a human-like female, almost exactly like Burstinatrix but with black wings and her body suit more like a dress.
Evil HERO Inferno Wing
< Level 6 / ATK: 2100 >
“Now I’ll summon another Hero to my field, Elemental Hero Prisma!” Prisma was a monster made entirely of diamonds. He had large shoulder pads and crystal wings.
Elemental HERO Prisma
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
“Finally, I’ll throw two cards face-down and end my turn.”
Rainbow drew. “Since I have four Fairy monsters in my graveyard, I’m allowed to special summon Archlord Kristya from my hand!” Kristya was returned to the deck when it was last destroyed and now it was back.
Archlord Kristya
< Level 8 / ATK: 2800 >
“Now I will summon yet another monster you should be familiar with but first I must tribute my face-down monster.” Rainbow’s face-down dissolved. “I summon Airknight Parshath!” It was the horseman monster from Rainbow and Gilda’s first battle.
Airknight Parshath
< Level 5 / ATK: 1900 >
Rainbow looked straight into Gilda’s eye. “Alright, let’s try this one more time… This next attack should wipe out the rest of your life points.” Rainbow could tell Gilda was getting nervous, she had no cards to defend herself. “Archlord Kristya, ATTACK!” Kristya materialized its sword and charged towards Ghibli. Right before contact, Scootaloo’s Evil Hero Inferno Wing jumped into the way. Rainbow recoiled back in shock. “What the?” Kristya charged forward and slashed at Inferno Wing, putting a huge scar in her. Kristya had created a large gash on the front of her body. “What did you do?”
“Simple, I commanded my own monster to block the attack. Giving up my monster was a small price to pay for my partner’s safety. But the surprise doesn’t end there. I activate my face-down card, Hate Buster! When a Fiend-type monster I control is attacked, this card destroys both the battling monsters and inflicts you with damage equal to your monster’s attack points.” The gash across Inferno Wing lit up with a bright light before Inferno Wing exploded, taking Kristya with it. Three of them were not affected but the blast came back at Rainbow Dash and blasted her back. She was still standing but the blast had left skid marks where she stood.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 6800 → 4000 >
Rainbow Dash pulled herself back into place. She clenched her fore hoof over her chest; her injuries from the first battle were starting to return. She turned back to Scootaloo. “You… I don’t get you…” The possessed filly just looked at her in question. “You find and help ponies who are down on their luck and give them another chance and then whenever they are in trouble, you take the blow instead… You act and fight like a hero, putting others safety before your own… So, tell me this, why are you against Princess Celestia and my friends?” Just as the filly opened her mouth, a shadow flew over the field. Everyone looked up to see one of Celestia’s chariots flying overhead. Suddenly, two figured jumped from the chariot and landed down behind Kaiba.
“Yugi, what are you doing here?” Kaiba asked.
“Spike!” Rainbow called.
Spike turned to Rainbow Dash. “Dash, what are you doing out of bed? I was told you were badly injured and that it may be days before you wake up.”
“I probably would have if it wasn’t for Gilda.”
Yugi looked at the filly. “Hey, who’s the kid?”
Spike gasped. “Hey that is Scootaloo! She is like Rainbow Dash’s biggest fan!”
“But if she is a friend of Rainbow Dash, why is she fighting against her and alongside the Dark Summoners?”
“Because I am not Scootaloo…” Scootaloo’s voice sent chills down Yugi’s spine, it seemed familiar somehow.
“Someone is controlling her.” Kaiba replied. “Some pony is using the kid in order to take advantage of Rainbow Dash just like how Marik used Wheeler against you back at Battle City. I stepped in since I knew Dash didn’t have it in her to attack her fan.” About then, Spike noticed the other sleeping Crusaders and went to check on them.
Suddenly, Yugi changed to the Pharaoh. “You… Whoever you are, you some nerve pulling a stunt like this.”
“So, you finally come out Pharaoh.” Scootaloo replied.
To the side, both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were finally waking up. “Oh, what happened?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Last thing I remember was you getting everypony some apple juice and then I guess I just conked out…” Sweetie Belle replied.
“Knockout potion I stole from some store years ago, amazing when it comes to pranks.” Gilda replied.
“You have no idea what you are getting yourself into!” Yugi yelled.
“Of course, I do ‘Your Majesty’. I’m showing Rainbow she isn’t as loyal as she thinks.”
“W-what?” Rainbow stuttered.
“Haven’t you figured it out yet? Only reason I took control of her mind and agreed to this battle in the first place was to prove you are nothing but a selfish pony who cares about nothing but herself!” Rainbow’s pupils shrunk. “The whole purpose of this duel was to test you, to see how far you would go to save your so called ‘sister’. I thought you had promise, that you would go to the ends of the world to save her but so far you haven’t proven anything.”
“You… You take that back!”
“You’re hesitating; you’re starting to doubt yourself.”
“N-No… You’re wrong…”
“If you truly cared about Scootaloo you would have surrendered from the very start.”
“Scootaloo looks up to me. If I was to surrender myself to save her, she would never forgive me.”
“So, it’s just as I expected, you aren’t faithful to her. If you truly cared about her, you would be willing to give up everything to keep her safe. You are willing to fight for her but once you are given the chance to give up your own life to save hers, you cower. You’re willing to risk her life just for a chance that you could get out too. I guess it’s true what they say, you can’t care about honorary family as much as ‘real’ family.”
Rainbow finally snapped; her face could be described as nothing but complete rage. “That’s… It… YOU’RE DEAD! AIRKNIGHT PARSHATH, ATTACK HER ELEMENTAL HERO PRISMA NOW!!!!” Parshath galloped towards Elemental Hero Prisma and cleaved it right in half. Scootaloo braced herself and took the hit.
Yami Scootaloo
< LP: 3400 → 3200 >
Scootaloo recovered quickly. “How interesting, you attacked my Prisma but not my Wildheart. If you attacked Wildheart you would have done more damage. You’re afraid that if you do too much damage, you will hurt her. Hmm, maybe you care for her more than I thought.”
Kaiba growled and turned to Rainbow. “Listen, I told you keep your focus on birdbrain. I’ll handle the kid since you clearly can’t do it yourself!”
Rainbow Dash shook her head. “Kaiba, it’s just… What she said about me, that I don’t care for her…”
“Shut up and listen to yourself.” Rainbow lightly gasped. “When you told me you wanted to save the kid, I didn’t think you were this pathetic.”
“What are you saying?”
“Listen dweeb, if you really wanted to save her, she wouldn’t have been able to manipulate you the way she just did. She is trying to make you doubt yourself and if you let that happen then you might as well quit the duel now because you are not worth the dirt you’re standing on.”
Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and stood still for several moments. Everypony just watched in anticipation. Finally, she opened again and smiled. “So, when did you become such a softy Kaiba?”
Kaiba let a little smirk let out too. “If you’re going to team up with someone, you have to be sure you partner is at least half competent.”
“Hm, couldn’t have said it better myself…” Rainbow got back into her battle and pointed at Gilda. “GILDA! You better prepare yourself because I’m going to beat you and nothing is going to stop me!”
“JUST TRY!” Gilda screeched.
“With Kaiba by my side, nothing can stop us. Neither of you can match our total awesomeness!” Rainbow stood up on her hind legs and punched the air a few times.
The possessed filly was concerned. ‘Thanks to that meddling Kaiba, Dash has gotten her original vigor back. I fear mind games are no longer an option, now I have to resort to force…’
“My draw!” Gilda smirked and drew her next card. “I’ll start this turn with Card of Sanctity! Now each us draw cards until we are all holding six cards in our hand.” Rainbow, Scootaloo and Kaiba all drew normally. Just as Gilda was about to draw, she felt a jolt. Her top card released a powerful black light and as she drew, thunder could be heard in the sky. “The time has come! I sacrifice Shura, Zephyros and Ghibli.” All three of her monsters dematerialized and a giant hole could be seen opening in the sky. “I summon the Egyptian god, Slifer the Sky Dragon!” From the hole in the clouds, the familiar red dragon descended two mouths and all.
Slifer the Sky Dragon
< Level 10 / ATK: 5000 >
Gilda just held up another card and grinned. “I think you know what is coming…”
“Bring it on!” Rainbow yelled.
“I play Monster Reborn in order to summon a monster from my graveyard!” A black portal opened in the ground and Gilda’s Armor Master returned to the field. “Now that I have an Egyptian God and a monster of darkness on my field, I can sacrifice them to summon my ultimate monster!” Slifer dissolved into black dust and Armor Master melted into sludge. The two monsters shot into the sky spiraling in reverse directions of each other and into the hole opened up by Slifer. The black lightning bolt came down and burned the scars into Gilda’s head. Lastly, Gilda tucked her wings in for a moment and then spread them, firing brown feathers over the field. Afterwards, every brown feather on her wings were gone leaving nothing but black feathers. She landed down on the ground and Iseris rose up from behind her back.
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< Level 10 / ATK: 3000 >
“Iseris may be strong now, but it’s about to become much stronger.” Gilda slid a spell card into her duel disk. “I activate my Vengeance Force spell card. First thing this does is increase the attack of a dark attribute monster on my side of the field by 1000 points.”
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< ATK: 3000 → 4000 >
“That’s not all this card does either, when my monster declares an attack on an opponent’s monster and my life points are lower than my opponents, my monster gains attack equal to the difference.” Gilda pointed her claw towards Rainbow. “Iseris, attack Rainbow Dash’s Airknight Parshath and finish this duel!” Iseris flew off the ground and lunged towards Parshath with a sharp bladed arm.
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< ATK: 4000 → 6800 >
“You seem to have forgotten about my Field Spell; you always did have a bad memory.” Gilda growled at this remark. “Thanks to my Sanctuary, any damage I take involving a fairy monster is negated!”
“That’s why I plan to get rid of it! Go Mystical Space Typhoon!” A large tornado formed in the center of the field and moved towards Rainbow’s field spell. “This card destroys any spell or trap card on the field and will allow Iseris to inflict enough damage to drop you to zero! You may have gotten your fighting spirit back but it’s too late!”
Gilda’s monster charged towards Rainbow’s monster and Gilda’s spell card flew towards Rainbow’s field spell right beside it. Rainbow stood her ground firmly with her eyes locked onto Gilda’s card and the impending doom heading her way. If she couldn’t stop this attack, she was a goner…
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supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 11 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
|
My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
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incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
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teen
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2014-01-31T10:46:46+00:00
|
2023-05-14T07:28:28+00:00
| 2,030 |
“Iseris, attack Airknight Parshath with Scorching Shadow Strike!” Iseris extended its wing out, sharpening its wing to a fine pointed blade and charged towards Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow was nervous for a second but she quickly recovered. “I reveal my face-down card, Emergency Provisions! This allows me to send a spell or trap card to the graveyard to regain 1000 life points and I’m using it on my Sanctuary.” Right before the tornado made contact; Sanctuary in the Sky exploded and rained light partials onto Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 4000 → 5000 >
Iseris quickly cleaved Parshath in half, causing it to explode. Afterwards, Iseris lunged towards Rainbow stabbing her clean through her chest with its bladed arm; the blade could be seen protruding from her back. Rainbow Dash screamed in agonizing pain.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 5000 → 100 >
Iseris went back to Gilda and Rainbow collapsed on the ground moments after.
“RAINBOW DASH!” Yugi and Spike shouted.
The possessed Scootaloo chuckled for a moment. ‘Good luck standing up after that…’ Suddenly, the filly collapsed to onto her knees. She put a hoof on her head and groaned. “My head!” The filly jerked back and forth; she seemed to be in pain. “What… is going… on!?”
“Master what’s wrong?” Gilda asked.
“AHHHH!” Scootaloo stood up and arched her body backwards. Rainbow Dash pulled herself up just enough to see the filly. “Rainbow Dash!” Dash gasped, that last line didn’t have the duel voice like she has had.
“Scootaloo…?” Rainbow asked.
“Rainbow Dash… Agh… Get… out of… my head!” The filly was constantly jerking her body back forth.
Rainbow Dash pulled herself up completely but she was barely able to stand. Her wounds from the last battle were starting to take her toll on her. “Scootaloo, you have to fight it! I believe in you!”
‘Come on… You can beat this kiddo…’ Yugi thought to himself.
Scootaloo completely fell onto the ground and rolled onto her back. “I’m losing control!” The duel voice was back. “My mind slave is fighting back.”
“Git outta our friend!” Apple Bloom yelled.
“Come on Scootaloo, you can do it!” Sweetie Belle yelled.
“Show her whose boss!” Spike yelled.
“Apple Bloom… Sweetie Belle…” “AH, I AM NOT LOSING TO SOME FILLY!” Scootaloo’s eyes shot open and the entire surface of her eyes turned blood red and Iseris’ scars burned into her head. “Rainbow Dash, it hurts!” “Silence Slave!” “AHHH!” “Be… QUIET!” Just then, the scars burned a bright red and Scootaloo screamed as loud as her voice would let her, then the entire world around shattered like glass and her body fell to the ground.
Rainbow stepped forwards. “Scootaloo?”
The filly slow pulled herself with her back facing the others. “Ha… Ha… HAHAHAHA!” Scootaloo turned back around and the others were horrified. Her already messed up face was even worse now. She had thick veins over her face and really thick black circles around her eyes. “I’m still here!”
“What did you do to Scootaloo!?” Rainbow yelled.
“It no use, you won’t be getting through this time. After that little outburst I did the only thing, I could to keep her under control… I banished her to the Shadow Realm.”
Rainbow’s eyes shot open and her iris’s shrunk. “No…”
“That’s right Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo is GONE! Her soul is lost forever and you will never see her again!”
In the distance, Apple Bloom was starting to sob and Sweetie Belle was full on crying. “Scootaloo is gone… Forever?”
Apple Bloom asked.
“NOOOOOOO!” Sweetie screamed.
Spike was pretty upset as well but Yami Yugi was not pleased in the slightly. He turned to Spike. “Spike, take the girls back to Ponyville. This battle is turning back really fast.”
“Alright Yugi.” Spike walked over the filly and started pulling them back to town. “Come on girls, I think its best we leave this to Rainbow and Kaiba.”
“But… Wut about Scootaloo…?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Don’t worry, I promise you will see your friend again.” Yugi replied. Sweetie Belle cheered up and the three set off back to Ponyville. Yugi turned back to the filly. “I can’t believe you; how could you be so heartless?”
“Heartless? Well allow me to let you in on a little secret… I didn’t banish her to the Shadow Realm. I was lying to you to get a reaction.”
“WHAT!?” Rainbow screamed with anger.
“You understand now? That crushing feeling when everything you love has been stolen away from you by forces you can’t control. The only way you can understand why I do what I do is feel it yourself. This feeling right here, this is why Celestia must pay!”
“You… What did Celestia do to you to make you hate her so much?”
“Celestia… She… She killed my little brother!” Everyone gasped. The filly had a tear coming from her eye. “You don’t know Celestia like I do. She is a heartless monster who rules over this land with an iron hoof. She is just biding her time until I am gone. Once I am out of the picture, you’ll be nothing but slaves to her. She doesn’t care about anyone but herself and that is why I must destroy her. Once I do, Equestria will finally be liberated and everypony can control their own life…”
“You have it all wrong…” Yugi replied. The filly looked at him curiously. “Celestia may have made a few mistakes but she is different now. She understands she made a mistake and now she has to live with it for the rest of her life knowing all the pain she caused. She wants nothing but to keep her ponies safe.”
“How would you know?”
“I know because she told me all about you… Midnight Rose…”
“Midnight Rose?” Rainbow asked.
“Nice to hear that tyrant still remembers my name. Yes, I am in fact Midnight Rose, the same one who attempted to liberate Equestria all those years before.”
“You mean destroy it!” Yugi yelled.
“What you consider destroy, I consider liberate. You know I am not the only one who wants Celestia gone right? While many ponies seem very fond of her, in truth they are scared of her power and would never openly admit to despising her guts. It’s not just her selfish behavior all those years ago; there are many things she has done.”
“Then explain to me…”
“For starters, she doesn’t even have the guts to protect her own ponies. She sits back in Canterlot while she lets her little ‘Harmony Squad’ do all the dirty work for her. What do you think she does during all your battles?”
“You’re the reason she can’t fight. Because of you, she is too scared to fight. You say that she doesn’t deserve to rule Equestria, well now you have her thinking it too. She doesn’t believe she has the power to protect anypony anymore and she is afraid that fighting will one day turn her into a monster like Nightmare Moon.”
“She is already a monster. Once the deed is done, there is no going back. She must atone for her crimes. She may have defeated me all those years ago but now I am stronger than ever!” Midnight arched her back and roared into the sky. The very ground beneath them shook with the full force of her power. A dark aura surrounded her and Rainbow could swear she saw her eyes flash red for a moment. “Now that my true identity has been revealed, I don’t have to hold back anymore! Even though this mortal body is unable to control my full power, this should be more than enough to destroy you. Now let’s continue this duel, I want you to see just what you and the Princess are in for Pharaoh!”
“You’ll have to beat me first! Now let’s duel!” Rainbow yelled.
“Yes, let’s continue…” Just then, Gilda’s spell card exploded.
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< ATK: 6800 → 3000 >
Rainbow was confused. “While Vengeance Force does give my monster a thousand attack point boost as long as it remains of the field, if I use its secondary boost as I just did, it destroys itself after the battle.” Gilda replied. “Iseris may have lost all the strength he had, but the damage has already been done. Now, take your turn Kaiba. Nothing you do will help you now.”
“Hmm, fine then.” Kaiba drew.
“Hold it, Iseris’ special ability activates now; dealing you a hundred points of damage for every dark monster in my graveyard and I count nine monsters.” Several black tendrils shot out of the ground and lashed at Kaiba. Kaiba put his forehoof up in defense.
Seto Kaiba
< LP: 4000 → 3100 >
“It makes no difference to me, because I just figured out a way to take you down.”
“Ha, and how do you plan on doing that?” Gilda replied.
“Like this; I’ll start with Pot of Greed. This lets me draw two more cards. Next, I remove the Thunder Dragon and my Cyber Jar in my graveyard from the game!” Kaiba ejected the two monsters from graveyard and put them aside. “By removing these monsters, I can summon THIS, my Chaos Emperor Dragon!” As the card hit the duel disk, a blazing inferno spiraled on the field forming into a gigantic dragon with gold and blue armor and long orange hair.
Chaos Emperor Dragon – Envoy of the End
< Level 8 / ATK: 3000 >
“No way…” Midnight muttered. “The fabled Chaos Emperor Dragon…”
“By giving up 1000 of my Life Points, I can activate my Dragon’s special ability sending every card on the field and in our hands to the graveyard.”
“You think that is going to help?” Gilda boasted. “Iseris cannot be destroyed by monster effects.”
“Shut it, Gilda!” Midnight shouted. “I know what you plan on doing. The Chaos Emperor Dragon is a monster like no other with such unparalleled power, Celestia actually outlawed back in the day. Thanks to your dragon’s special ability not only do all our cards go the graveyard but we both get slammed for three hundred points of damage for every card sent to the graveyard.”
“3… 300 for each card…?” Gilda stuttered. “Even if Iseris survives…”
“We would still lose the duel regardless… There is a reason that monster is illegal. And I refuse to let you win because of it! I reveal my face-down card, behold the almighty Super Polyermization!”
“‘SUPER’ Polymerization!?” Kaiba asked.
“Now allow me to explain what makes this card so ‘super’. By sending one card from my hand to the graveyard, I’m allowed to combine two or more monsters on the field, regardless of who controls them! Not only that, but you can’t activate anything in response to this card meaning you can’t stop it!”
“Oh no!”
“Now, Elemental Hero Wildheart, combine your power with Kaiba’s Chaos Emperor Dragon!” Up in the sky behind Midnight, a small yellow light formed shooting off bolts of lightning. Chaos Dragon’s body distorted and was sucked into the light along with Wildheart. “I summon Elemental Hero Escuridao!” From the light came a new creature with a thin black body, sharp claws. There was looked like 4 wings on his back making the shape of an X.
Elemental HERO Escuridao
< Level 8 / ATK: 2500 >
“If you think he is strong now, wait until you see his special ability. My Escuridao gains an additional 100 attack points for every Elemental Hero in my graveyard making it stronger than your Chaos Dragon was.”
Elemental HERO Escuridao
< ATK: 2500 → 3100 >
“Too bad, and here you thought Emperor Dragon would win you the game…”
Kaiba simply grinned. “Who said that was my ‘only’ monster?” The dark mare gasped. “While one powerful monster is good, it’s always good to have insurance!” Kaiba revealed a card in his hand. “I activate The Melody of Awakening Dragons! All I have to do is discard one card from my hand and I can add any two dragons from my deck to my hand, as long as they have 3000 attack points and 2500 defense points.” Kaiba slid a card into the graveyard and spread his deck apart and pulled two cards out. “I discard my Pitch-Dark Dragon so I can add two Blue-Eyes White Dragons from my deck to join the third already in my hand.”
“Here it comes…”
“I play Polymerization!” Kaiba swung his right hoof around and set three separate cards on his duel disk. All at once, three separate beasts appeared in front him, large white beasts with a massive wing span and sinister blue eyes. The three dragons swirled together and exploded into a massive of energy. All that was left was a single dragon, just the dragons before. Out from the sides of his neck, two more heads formed out making it into a three headed beast. A small unknown insignia burned into the three heads of the dragon. “Behold, the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!”
Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon
< Level 12 / ATK: 4500 >
“Now why stop there? I summon my Z-Metal Tank!” The new monster was a large yellow tank with a creepy eye between the treads. “If you thought one fusion was bad, let’s see how you handle two!” Kaiba’s X-Head Cannon, Y-Dragon Head and Z-Metal Tank rose up into the and started changing. Y-Dragon Head’s wings popped off and retracted its legs. X-Head Cannon snapped onto the top of Y’s body. Finally, Z-Metal Tank opened a small hatch on the top of its body and the other snapped on top of it. “I combine my three monsters in order to summon the mighty XYZ-Dragon Cannon!”
XYZ Dragon Cannon
< Level 8 / ATK: 2800 >
“By sending a card from my hand to the graveyard, my Dragon Cannon has the ability destroy any monster on your side of the field.” XYZ-Dragon Cannon kneeled down, pointed its cannons towards Midnight’s Escuridao and fired a large electrical beam destroying it in seconds. “Now XYZ-Dragon Cannon, attack Midnight’s life points directly!” Dragon Cannon charged another shot like before and blasted the ground in front of the mare. She was launched back from the blast and rolled on the ground.
Midnight Rose
< LP: 3200 → 400 >
The filly lifted herself back up. Luckily it was just a normal monster so the damage wasn’t real. “You got lucky… But your luck has run out…”
“Not yet, now Blue-Eyes is going to attack Gilda’s Iseris! Neutron Blast!” Each of the three heads charged up their own energy and fired a triple energy beam. “Even with Iseris out, my Dragon is still strong enough to reduce your life points to zero and seeing how you have that thing on the field, you must be taken out now!”
“Not so fast!” Scootaloo yelled. “I activate Dimensional Prison!” The blast was suddenly blocked by a large dimensional rip. When the attack was finally sucked up, the hole pulled in Kaiba’s dragon and vanished.
“What did you do to my dragon!?”
“I sealed it away. Dimensional Prison banishes your monster to another dimension and removes it from play. All that work for nothing…”
“Hmm… I place this card face-down. That’s all for me.”
“My turn.” Midnight drew. “I play Pot of Greed in order to draw two more cards.” Once she saw the card she drew, she was in glee. “I place two cards face-down and end my turn.”
Yugi was a bit suspicious. ‘I don’t like those face-downs. She said she wouldn’t hold back anymore yet she didn’t even play a single monster. There is something going on here…’
Rainbow Dash put her hoof on the top of her deck. “Alright, it’s my draw!”
“You’re not doing anything Dash because now Iseris’ special ability hits you with nine hundred points of damage!” Iseris lashed out towards Rainbow but before it hit, a green spinning shield appeared in front of her and blocked the attack.
“What the?”
“I activated my Ring of Defense.” Kaiba replied. “This prevents you from taking any damage.”
Rainbow was confused. “You saved me? Why didn’t you activate that card during your turn?”
“You would have been eliminated; I could take the damage just fine…”
“Kaiba... Don’t worry, I won’t let saving me bring you down.” Rainbow swiftly drew her card and revealed it to the others. “I play the spell card Wish of a Guardian. All I have to do is send the top card of my deck to the graveyard and then if that card is a Fairy monster, I can draw 1 card.”
“You’re putting an awful lot of faith into your deck Rainbow Dash.” Midnight replied. “Not only do you have to draw a fairy monster, but you have to draw a card afterwards that will help you out of the current situation. The chances of that happening are slim to none.”
“Scootaloo trusts me to save her and as the Element of Loyalty, I won’t let her down!” Rainbow drew her card. “And it looks like my deck trusts in me too, I drew Trust Guardian!” Rainbow slid the card into her graveyard. “Now the duel now rests solely on this next draw.” She looked down at her deck. “Alright Scootaloo… This isn’t just me anymore, this is you too. I dragged you into this and I promise I will get you out… I am the fastest flier in Equestria and now I will show you I can be the greatest sister in Equestria too… You hear that, Midnight? As the Element of Loyalty, I promise to show Scootaloo that I am a worthy sister and role model.” At that time, Rainbow closed her eyes and begun drawing her card. If her eyes were open, she would have seen the spirit of the filly she cared for right beside her, who had also placed her hoof on her deck. Then her eyes shot open. “I PROMISE TO WIN!” Then something happened, Yugi looked down at his deck box and noticed a bright light from inside of it. Before he could touch it, the clip broke off and a beam of light shot out into the sky. Everyone watched as the beam arched back downward and struck Rainbow Dash, creating a sphere of light covering her entire body.
“What is the meaning of this?” Midnight asked.
Then a monster appeared on Rainbow’s field, her Archlord Kristya was back once more.
Archlord Kristya
< Level 8 / ATK: 2800 >
At last, from within the light they could see Rainbow Dash slowly stepping out. “I warned you that there would be consequences for hurting my friend…” Rainbow Dash stopped just inside the light, all that could be seen was a silhouette. “I am loyal to my friends and refuse to let that end now!” Rainbow lifted herself off the ground with her wings, made a full 360 turn clockwise blowing away the light like wind and held her right forehoof back before slamming a card into the spell and trap zone. “I ACTIVATE HARMONY FUSION!”
“NOOOO!” Midnight screamed. “You can’t have that card!”
“This allows me to combine monsters on the field and create a powerful new fusion monster, a monster with the ability to destroy Iseris regardless of its ability!”
Gilda recoiled. “But if Iseris is destroyed, not only do I lose the duel but I lose my soul as well…”
“I use Harmony Fusion in order to combine my Archlord Kristya with Kaiba’s XYZ-Dragon Cannon.” The two monsters shrunk down and burst into two small white stars. The stars launched up into the air and flew into the clouds, exploding into a six-pointed purple star that echoed all over Equestria. All the way back in Ponyville, everypony looked up and awed at the beautiful but two ponies in particular could only smile with tears. Two fillies who knew everything was going to be alright. “The bonding of two make two become one; a promise for a better future where everypony can live in prosperity and live for a new tomorrow. Descend from the sky and shine your protective light over this land; MECH-ANGEL HAVENGUARD!” Finally, the clouds parted bringing a new creature like none of them had ever seen. It was a human-like creature just like Kristya with long red hair. I was covered in golden robot-like armor that resembled Kaiba’s monster. It had a dragon-shaped helmet and dragon wings like Y-Dragon Head, bulky body armor similar to X-Head Cannon, and large feet that liked the treads of Z-Metal Tank. Its legs were the only thing not covered in armor, only a pair of tight black pants.
Mech-Angel Havenguard
< Level 8 / ATK: 2800 >
“Now we are in real trouble!”
“First you hurt Pinkie Pie and now you put Scootaloo in harm’s way, you’re going down Gilda. I activate Havenguard’s special ability; once per turn I can return one Dragon-type monster that has been removed from the game and equip it to Havenguard.” A black dimension rift appeared behind Havenguard and Kaiba’s Ultimate Dragon rose up from the hole. “Then, all the ATK points of that monster is transferred over to Havenguard!” The form of the dragon faded and turned transparent before spiraling into Havenguard creating a dragon shaped blue aura around it.
Mech-Angel Havenguard
< ATK: 2800 → 7300 >
“Seven thousand three hundred!? No, Iseris is supposed to be indestructible!”
“It’s like I said, any monster summoned by Harmony Fusion has the ability to destroy Iseris. Face it Gilda, its over for you.” Rainbow pointed her hoof towards Iseris. “Havenguard, put an end to this once and for all!” Havenguard put its hands in front of its body and its hands morphed into two separate arm cannons. “Hyper… Neutron… WAVE!” A massive electrical blue beam fired towards Gilda. She could only watch in horror as the beam came towards her and she could do nothing. She turned to her master who still had as look of what could only be described as disappointment. Everything went silent… Then the blast impacted right where Gilda stood and let out a loud screech. She was completely swallowed by the beam and was launched backwards, standing no chance against the massive attack.
Gilda
< LP: 1200 → 0 >
After several moments, the beam finally dissipated. Gilda was lying on the ground with a black circle underneath her. She had several scratches and burns over her body. Rainbow flew up and over and landed next to Gilda.
Gilda was a mess but she still put on a smile. “So, this is how it ends huh?”
“It would appear so…”
“I guess I have nobody to blame but myself… I was so angry about how uncool your new friends to me, I never even tried to see what you saw in them…”
“Everypony has a different perspective on others but you need to learn to look past the surface.” Dash lifted her hoof up and looked down at her duel disk. “You know, I should say the same about myself too. Yugi says that one’s deck can show their true self; I didn’t understand it at first but after this duel, I think I understand. Every pony has a duty in their life and mine to protect others, to be their Guardian Angel that will protect others with my own life.”
“Heh, when did you get so poetic…?”
“I guess I have you to thank for it. If you hadn’t beaten me in our first encounter, I never would have felt what true failure was. Failure has always been something I feared since I was a filly but to have my failure cost the life of a close… Neigh; my BEST friend, I finally realized just how important I am to everypony.”
“You never realize how great you have it until it’s gone…”
“Don’t think this means I am going soft or anything, I am still the most awesome pony in Equestria and nothing you say will change that.”
“Same old Dash until the very end…But Dash, promise me something…”
“What?”
“Don’t let her win…” At last, Gilda’s body completed dissolved into black dust and sunk into the hole. The hole vanished leaving nothing but a black mark on the field. Rainbow turned to the filly that was once Gilda’s partner.
“Well done, Dash, you managed to defeat Iseris and erase any darkness that was in Gilda’s heart.” The dark mare said. “Too bad your reunion was cut short, just after she reformed too…”
“Well lucky for me, she left me with a parting gift. When my Havenguard destroys a monster in battle, I regain life points equal to the difference between our monsters’ attack points.”
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 100 → 4400 >
“And with Gilda gone, I guess that means it’s your turn again.” Rainbow flew back over to the other side of the gorge.
“Not quite yet… At the end of your turn, I activate the trap card Sacrificial Return! If a monster is destroyed and that monster was summoned by sending other monsters to the graveyard, I’m allowed to re-summon one of those sacrificed monsters to my field.” A massive black portal appeared in the sky above her and lightning began to roar. “Welcome back Slifer the Sky Dragon!” The red dragon descended from the sky once again but this time, it was in control of Midnight Rose.
“This is not good…” Yugi muttered
“Now, I draw!” As she drew her card, it let off a very visible black lightning. Unlike with the others, this spark was actually easily visible. “I activate Soul Fusion from my hand. By giving up half of my life points, I’m allowed to remove from play fusion material monsters from my deck in order to summon a fusion monster my graveyard.”
Midnight Rose
< LP: 400 → 200 >
“I remove Elemental Hero Necroshade and Elemental Hero Bubbleman in order to summon back my Elemental Hero Escuridao!” The two individual monsters came out onto the field but quickly dissolved into black partials as a black portal appeared in the center of the arena. The two once-monsters swirled into the portal and Midnight’s fusion rose out to join the battle once again.”
Elemental HERO Escuridao
< Level 8 / ATK: 3100 >
Midnight pulled her forehoof back and pointed into the air. “I sacrifice Slifer the Sky Dragon and Elemental Hero Escuridao!” The summoning went off just as expected when the lightning bolt was supposed to come down, something changed. Scootaloo’s entire body was covered in a purple light and her body began to morph. She began to grow larger and a new robe materialized on her. Finally, the lightning bolt came and the light burst over the field. When the light cleared, Midnight’s new form was visible. Her colors her significantly darker, her eyes were a bright red with black covering most of the eye and she was wearing a black cloak like others were but it was majorly different. The back didn’t reach all the way to her flank, the arms outstretched almost like wings and the area over the ears was spiked upward. The cloak almost looked like she was wearing Iseris. Finally, Iseris himself rose up behind Midnight. “Give up now, any hope you had of winning is gone now.”
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< Level 10 / ATK: 3600 >
“I will never give up Midnight!” Rainbow shouted. “I made my promise to Scootaloo and now Gilda. You won’t win.”
Midnight chuckled. “We’ll just see about that, I play a continuous spell, one you should be quite familiar with Dash; Vengeance Force! The very same card Gilda used on you last turn. Thanks to this card, Iseris gains an additional one thousand attack points.
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< ATK: 3600 → 4600 >
And don’t forget, since your life points are higher than mine, Vengeance Force gives my monster a boost equal to the difference in our life points!”
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< ATK: 4600 → 8800 >
“Now you monster is strong enough to destroy Havenguard…”
“How observant Rainbow Dash, now go Iseris; destroy Rainbow Dash’s Havenguard!” Iseris rose up into the air and pulled his wings together, charging a powerful sphere of black fire. “Die!” Iseris fired the shot and Havenguard was vaporized in seconds. Rainbow stood her ground and blocked the dust from getting in her eyes.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 4400 → 2900 >
“I’m still in this duel.”
Midnight just laughed. “I’m afraid that is where you’re wrong. I activate the quick-play spell, Passing the Torch! This allows me to remove a Hero monster in my graveyard from play, and then a non-Hero monster I control gains that monsters effect and becomes treated as a Hero monster. Now my ‘Hero’ Iseris gains the effect of the Evil Hero Inferno Wing in my graveyard.
“Wait, I never saw what Inferno Wing did. It was destroyed before you were able to use it.”
“Then let me explain, when Inferno Wing destroys a monster in battle you take damage equal to either your monster’s attack or defense points; whichever is higher. Meaning you take seven thousand three hundred damage!” Iseris came in close to Rainbow and fired a red beam from its eyes and did a sweep past Rainbow. After a couple seconds, the effect of the beam when off blasting Rainbow Dash several meters back. She skid along the ground like in her first battle.
Rainbow Dash
< LP: 2900 → 0 >
“No Rainbow Dash!” Yugi yelled.
“Game, set, match…”
Yugi ran over to Rainbow only to see her smiling. “I activate Havenguard’s special ability… When he is destroyed… The monster equipped to him is revived in his place…” Rainbow weakly held her hoof up towards Kaiba. “Kaiba, your Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon returns to your field…” A hole opened up in the sky and Kaiba’s dragon descended down right in front of him on his field.
Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon
< Level 12 / ATK: 4500 >
“Not only that but your Vengeance Force is used up and your monster returns to normal.” Midnight’s Vengeance Force card exploded.
Midnight closed her eyes and shook her head. “Once again Rainbow Dash, you’re wrong. YOU’RE DEAD WRONG! I reveal my final trap card, Berserk Retaliation! When used in combination with Vengeance Force, these two cards have a deadly effect. When one of my monster’s attack points is reduced during the battle phase, this card flip-flops the stat change meaning that instead of losing attack points, Iseris gains the attack points instead until the end of this turn!” Iseris charged with power and grew in sized. The sky roared with lightning and darkened.
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< ATK: 8800 → 14000 >
“So sorry Rainbow Dash. You were so close but, in the end, you still couldn’t defeat me.”
“But hold on.” Kaiba interrupted. “Your monster has already attacked and your card only lasts until the end of the turn. What are you trying to accomplish?”
“My Berserker Retaliation has a second effect. When my monster’s attack increases, he is allowed to attack a second time this turn!” Iseris flew up and charged his attack once again.
“Kaiba no!” Yugi yelled.
“IT’S ALL OVER FOR YOU!”
Rainbow was still shrugging to remain. The black portal below her was now starting to pull her in. All she could do was looked over towards Kaiba’s field. Then she saw his face-downs, she was barely low enough to the ground to see underneath his two cards. “Kaiba… Use your trap card now!”
Just before Iseris launched his attack, Kaiba revealed his first face-down. “I activate Magical Trick Mirror! This allows to me to copy the effect of a magic card in another player’s graveyard and activate it as my own.”
“And just what do you plan on doing with that? There is nothing in my graveyard that will help you.” Midnight replied.
“Who said I wanted a card from your graveyard?” Then, a light shown from Rainbow’s duel disk and a card spiraled from her graveyard into Kaiba’s hoof. “I activate Rainbow Dash’s Harmony Fusion!” Just like with Rainbow, the white vortex formed in air waiting for the fusion.
“You fool! You don’t have any monsters to fuse, only your one dragon. Even if you did, you are not meeting the proper requirements for Harmony Fusion to work. You’re only allowed to fuse monsters if at least one of them belongs to another duelist.”
“You mean the card can only fuse monsters that belong to multiple people?” Yugi asked.
“Haven’t you been paying attention? Back in Canterlot Spike fused his Armed Dragon with Rarity’s Gem-Knight and then only a few minutes ago, Rainbow fused her Archlord with Kaiba’s Dragon Cannon. It’s that card’s main weakness; you need the support of another player for it to work properly.” Then, she heard soft chuckling. “What’s so funny Rainbow Dash?”
“I promised I wouldn’t lose and I made absolutely sure that I would not fail.”
“What are you talking about?”
“While it is true that Harmony Fusion requires two ponies to work, you’re overlooking one important fact…” Midnight glared at Rainbow. “I don’t need to give a monster to Kaiba because I already gave him Harmony Fusion…”
“WHAT!?”
Yugi gasped. ‘Of course, even though the monsters being fused all belong to Kaiba, Harmony Fusion itself belongs to Rainbow Dash fulfilling the requirement. The Princess infused the card with the power of the Elements, meaning it’s impossible to use alone. It requires perfect harmony between the duelists. I never thought I’d see the day Kaiba uses a card like that…’
“And that’s not all!” Kaiba continued. “I reveal my face-down card, De-Fusion! This separates my one dragon back into the three that originally created it.” Kaiba’s dragon swirled in the air and did a reverse of the original fusion from before.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon (x3)
< Level 8 / ATK: 3000 >
“Now Magical Trick Mirror kicks in and re-fuses my three dragons into a new monster!” Kaiba’s three dragons burst into three white and spiraled into the air. The three stars flew into the clouds and exploded into the familiar 6-pointed start. Then from the sky descended a new Blue-Eyes, one Kaiba had never seen. Its body was still mostly the same but its body structure was generally sharper than before. It had a 6-pointed star on his forehead that was faintly shimmering multiple colors. Its dragon wings were replaced by pure white feathered that also had a faint rainbow color to them. “Behold the most powerful Blue-Eyes to ever exist! The Blue-Eyes Harmony Dragon! [ATK:0]
Blue-Eyes Harmony Dragon
< Level 12 / ATK: 0 >
“But he has zero attack points…” Midnight replied.
“He won’t for long because now his special ability activates. Now every dragon-type monster in the graveyard is removed from the game and he gains the combined total attack of every dragon removed!” A bright light shot from Kaiba’s graveyard and five monsters all flew out. The Chaos Emperor Dragon, The Pitch-Dark Dragon he discarded and the three Blue-Eyes he fused together.
Midnight’s worry calmed down when she noticed the monster’s attack strength. “Even with all your dragons, your still eleven hundred points too weak. You miscalculated.”
“I never miscalculate.”
“Huh?”
Kaiba simply pointed to her right. “May I suggest you take a closer look?”
“What exactly are you talking about?” Then she turned to her right to see a black portal opening where Gilda once way. Out of the hole flew a single card that changed into a black dragon. “No, it can’t be…”
“This duel was going on long before either of us joined and my dragon affects all dragons in the graveyard, not just mine.”
“So that means Gilda’s Dark Armed Dragon… NOOOO!” All six dragons flew into Kaiba’s harmony dragon and it lit up with a bright rainbow-like aura.
Blue-Eyes Harmony Dragon
< ATK: 0 → 15700 >
Rainbow, who had almost entire faded now, gave one last smile. “Thanks Gilda… We couldn’t have done it without you…” At last, Rainbow’s body was completely absorbed by the vortex and she was gone.
“Take it away Blue-Eyes! Shining Prism Lightning!” Blue-Eyes charged a rainbow aura in his mouth and fired a lightning bolt straight at Iseris. Upon impact, the bolt exploded into a flurry of sparks that shot into the air. The explosion could be seen for miles. Midnight still in the filly’s body flew back and landed on her back. She slowly reverted back to her original appearance.
Midnight Rose
< LP: 200 → 0 >
“You may have beaten me Kaiba but you still failed. Both Rainbow and Gilda and gone and now Scootaloo will be lost as well…”
“Just what are you talking about?” Yugi asked.
“Anyone in control of Iseris when he is destroyed loses their soul. Since this is Scootaloo’s body, she is the one losing her soul, not me. I never needed to win the duel; I was hoping Rainbow would be the one to take out her ‘sister’ but this will have to do.” Midnight started with a small chuckle but broke into full laughter. “Good luck Pharaoh, you’re going to need it…” Then, she lost consciousness and a small black mist could be seen floating away from the filly. Kaiba flew over the filly and looked down at her body. The filly slowly gained consciousness and looked at Kaiba… “Where… Where am I…? All I can remember is a voice telling to do things… Terrible things, and all at Rainbow Dash. I was so scared…”
“Don’t worry, everything is going to be alright.”
“Rainbow Dash… Is she alright?”
Kaiba just turned his back to the filly. “Listen, Rainbow Dash was willing to put her very life at stake to save you. No matter what happens to you, don’t forget that she cares for you just as much as you do her.”
Scootaloo just smiled. “Rainbow Dash…” Then, her body faded into the vortex like all those before her. Once she was gone, Kaiba looked down at the card Rainbow Dash had given her.
“This card…” The card just shimmered. Kaiba spread his wings and flew back over to Yugi. As he landed, he threw the card back to Yugi.
“I can’t believe it…” Yugi said. “Even after all that we still lost Scootaloo and Rainbow. Midnight is way too dangerous; she had to be stopped now.”
“She definitely knows her way around a deck and she wasn’t even using her own cards.”
“Listen… Kaiba…”
“Save it Yugi, I know what you are thinking. Don’t think this duel has made me soft, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo… They just…” Kaiba stopped for a moment. “I wasn’t going to just leave a child hanging like that… Now, let’s back to town…” Once again, he spread his wings and flew back. Yugi just watched him go.
‘Kaiba… I know I can’t be the only one who sees yourself in Rainbow Dash…’
Midnight watched over the remaining duelists in her reflection pool. ‘Seto Kaiba, you meddling human…’ She thought to herself. ‘This is proving to be more difficult than I had expected. If Kaiba proved this much trouble, there is no telling how powerful the Pharaoh is. I think it’s time to rethink my strategy…’ She turned for the door and left the room. Outside was a large dark area with a second reflecting pool and another pony sitting to the side; a blue unicorn. “Great and Power Trixie…” Trixie turned to Midnight. “Rise my Dark Summoner…”
She stood up at attention. “Yes Master, what it is?”
“As it stands, you are the only Dark Summoner remaining other than myself. Our enemies have proven to be much more powerful then I had anticipated. It’s time we put out plan into motion. Trixie, I’m going to Canterlot on business. I want you to leave for Ponyville and eliminate Twilight Sparkle once and for all. And then, you will be reunited with Starshine.”
“Yes Master…”
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 12 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
|
My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
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incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
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teen
|
2014-05-05T18:57:18+00:00
|
2023-05-14T07:35:38+00:00
| 2,092 |
Night had slowly settled on Ponyville. Standing upon a high cliff stood the last remaining outside the leader. The Great and Powerful Trixie overlooked Ponyville, preparing her next attack. She looked down at her right hoof and clenched it. A short burst of black lightning shot around her leg.
“This new power Master gave to me, the power I had before was nothing like this…” She muttered to herself. “With THIS kind of power, I can surely defeat Twilight Sparkle…” Trixie then closed her eyes and didn’t reopen for several moments. “No… Simply defeating her would be too easy. What Twilight did to me and Starshine… An eternity banished to the Shadow Realm is too good for her. If I want her to pay for what she did, I intend to make her suffer. I think it’s time to introduce her to true sorrow…”
Twilight continued to lie down on her bed. Physically she was in good shape but her mentality was another story. When Yugi and Spike arrived back from Canterlot, she wasn’t expecting to hear that she was the only left, all five of her friends had fallen in battle but also, she just couldn’t stop thinking of that filly.
‘Starshine… I had hoped that maybe you were the key to getting back the original Trixie but I never expected such a nice filly could turn so cruel all of a sudden… Maybe her parents were right and Trixie was a bad influence. I want the two of them to be happy again but now… I don’t know…’ Twilight pulled herself up and looked over at the package the nurse had brought in earlier, the one that interrupted her talk with Starshine. She pulled it over with her magic and opened it up. Inside was what looked like several stacks of Duel Monster’s cards. As she pulled the first one out, she instantly noticed something was wrong. “All the cards are blank…?” Also, inside were two scrolls, one had Celestia’s royal insignia imprinted on it. She opened it up and examined the letter.
Dear my Faithful Student Twilight,
As you are aware, the situation has gotten substantially grimmer than I had originally anticipated. Several of your friends have already fallen and the Elements of Harmony are getting weaker and weaker. We have managed to retrieve the card that will defeat our opponents but I wonder if even that can’t help us. However, I do have another plan. Inside the box are a bunch of Duel Monsters cards but as you may have noticed already, they are all blank. Inside the contents of the box is an ancient scroll containing the instructions for a forbidden spell I sealed away many years ago. This is a spell only a couple ponies even know exists. Both Luna and I know this spell and it’s likely our primary enemy knows the spell too. Please master this spell; this may be our last chance to end this.
Also, I want you to know that you were always great student but an even greater friend. Your friends are lucky to have someone like you. I hope you still see me as a friend once this whole ordeal is over…
Sincerely, Princess Celestia.
A tear had start streaming down her face when she finally looked up from the letter. “Does she really believe I won’t think of her as a friend after this?” She threw the letter to the side in disgust. ’I’ve always thought of you as a friend. No matter what mistakes I made you were always there for me and I am going to do the same.’ Just then, she heard a bunch of voices coming from outside the door. A nurse opened up her door and looked like she was in a panic. “What is going on? I can hear all the noise from in here.”
“Oh, it’s terrible, Starshine Hope has gone missing!” Twilight gasped. “She was in her room and she snuck out the window. It looks like she used a bunch her bed sheets to make a rope. You were a friend of hers so I thought maybe you would know?”
‘Friend…’ “No, I have no idea where she could have gone.” The nurse just sighed and closed the door.
She must of have run off looking for Trixie. I can’t have her parent’s finding out she ran away to be with her, especially in the state Trixie is in now…’ Twilight stepped over and looked out the window. ‘But… I don’t know where Trixie is… She could be anywhere and Starshine could be lost anywhere in Ponyville.’
‘Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that…,’ Said a voice.
Twilight looked around the room in confusion. “Who is there?”
‘Don’t tell me you don’t recognize my voice Twilight Sparkle.’
“Trixie!? Where are you?”
‘Somewhere you can’t see me… Somewhere far away…’
“Telepathy… No, there is no way your powerful enough for that kind of magic. Only the most powerful unicorns in Equestria can do that. Even Starswirl the Bearded had trouble using that kind of magic.”
‘Hahahah! You underestimate me Twilight Sparkle. I’ve grown stronger since we last met, MUCH stronger. All of our allies have fallen and now we are the only ones left between our two groups. I believe it’s time we finally settle the score and put an end to this once and for all. Meet me at the lake nearby Sweet Apple Acres. Once I am rid of you, Starshine and I will finally be free!’
“Wait! Trixie!” There was no response. ‘Telepathy… There is no way she has grown that powerful.’ Twilight looked at the table next to her bed and saw her Duel Monsters duel disk. ‘Either way, I can’t let her get away with this.’ The mare picked up her duel disk and slid it over her left forehoof. As she was about the leave the room, she saw the box again. ‘Celestia said she included a scroll with a forbidden spell… Maybe she sent it knowing I was going to battle Trixie?’ Twilight pulled the second scroll out and unrolled it. “Forbidden Art: Duel Monsters- WHAT!?” She nearly dropped the scroll when she saw the spell. “This is… So, this is why it’s forbidden…” She quickly picked up the box and closed the scroll within it. As she opened it, she was quickly stopped by a nurse.
“Miss, you really shouldn’t be out of bed.”
“I don’t care; I’m going to look for Starshine.” Twilight ran passed all the nurses that tried to stop her. She had only one thing on her mind at the moment, stop Trixie.
Starshine had escaped the Hospital and was now lost in some forest. She didn’t care though, her mind instead kept coming back to Twilight. “I thought she was my friend… She said she cared for me but no, it’s her fault I’m not allowed to see Trixie anymore…” She wiped away the tears in her eyes. “Trixie is the only pony who ever gave me hope of actually using magic. Those doctors kept saying they would fix me but all they do is tests. I don’t want to be tested on anymore…” She came to a stop near a large tree and curled up against a tree. “Please Celestia. I just want to see Trixie one more time…”
Finally, Twilight reached her destination. She quickly ran up to the lakeside and looked around. “Alright Trixie, I’m here like you asked!”
“Welcome Twilight Sparkle!” The ground beneath her began to shake and the water in the lake started churning. Slightly off-shore, Trixie rose up from the water. She was no longer wearing any kind of costume or disguise, just her plain regular appearance. Beneath her was large circular platform-like rock. The platform rose up high above the water like a giant pedestal. “Took you long enough to get here Twilight Sparkle. I would have expected someone like you to be one time but now that you’re here…” The water started churning again and several other pillars rose up created a large staircase for Trixie to step down. She leaped between the platforms and landed down near Twilight.
“I came here to finish this off just like you asked.”
“But first, I want to ask you something…”
“And what is that?”
“How is Starshine doing?” Twilight gasped at Trixie’s question. “I know you met her and I know she is here in Ponyville. Now tell me, how is Starshine?”
Twilight looked down at the ground. “She went missing earlier…”
“WHAT!?” Trixie exploded. “What do you mean she is missing!?”
“When she learned who I was, she just took off and nobody has seen her since.”
“Hmm, not surprising considering what happened between you two. I heard that you befriended her and even tried to give her some ‘advice’ but then somepony let it slip that you were actually Twilight Sparkle, the pony that crushed her dream.”
“What do you mean I crushed her dream!?”
“She was everything to me and I was everything to her. When we met that first time, she knew she wanted to learn stage magic just like me. All she wanted to do was provide enjoyment for others; she didn’t even care if she wasn’t considered great or powerful. I used to think like that before…”
“Huh?”
Trixie gave a somber look towards the ground. “Truth is I wasn’t always a narcissist. I originally did believe that others were more important than me. However, it only led to misery, being too kind to others will eventually backfire and ponies will start taking advantage of you. The only way to get anywhere in life is to secure your dominance over others. If others bow to your power, you control them like pets.”
“That’s horrible.”
“That’s why I agreed to help Starshine. She reminded me of myself at that age. The truth is that I was happier before I became this way but that way of living is very short lived and only lasts so long. Dominance of power isn’t as fulfilling but holds true for extended time. I had hoped that she would allow me to relive that time just a little longer before she eventually falls into the dark pit I did.”
“She told me she wanted to see you again so you can help her with illness.”
“Ah yes, that problem. Starshine was born without her brain lobes being properly connected to her horn. It’s an extremely rare birth defect, one that my own mother was born with as well. You know why the doctors only ever run tests and never attempt to perform the surgery?”
“I think I know the answer.”
“The surgery itself is extremely dangerous. It doesn’t risk potential death but with the side effects that do occur, one may wish they were dead. A unicorn’s horn is an extremely important part of the body, and is the conductor for our magic. If a lobe was to be improperly connected, the magic connection may end up going to a different part of the body. Do you know what happens then?”
“Side effects including blindness, deafness, uncontrollable hallucinations, limb failure and worst of all, a potential magic overload leading to unbelievable pain and total body failure.”
“Exactly… But you see my mother discovered the secret to this defect. She defeated her birth defect through sheer willpower and determination.”
“Then please, teach me these techniques so I can help Starshine. I’ll get the Princess to help fix your reputation and maybe even teach you real magic. We don’t have to fight; this can all be settled peacefully.”
“Sorry, but it’s too late…” Twilight could swear she saw a tear in Trixie’s eye. “You ruined my trust in you the first time we met. I deserved nothing that happened to me after I originally visited Ponyville. All I did was put on a free show for you Ponyvillians and you spat in my face. Remember when I said being nice only led to misery? It’s because of ponies like you!” Trixie pointed at Twilight; tears were clearly visible on her face now. “You destroyed my home, my possessions, my career and you didn’t even offer to check if I was okay? You can try to talk your way out of this but the fact is that what happened on that day had nothing to do with me.”
“Well… I…” Twilight shuddered.
“Twilight, no matter how evil master and I come off as we are only victims in this situation. Her dark magic is only as strong as the user’s pain and sadness and you can’t fake the pain and suffering, I’ve been through.” Trixie covered her eyes trying to block the tears. “You don’t know what it’s like waking up in the morning knowing not a single pony would care if I was alive or dead. Starshine is the only pony in this world that even cares I exist and without her my entire life is meaningless.”
“And that is why I want to help you Trixie. I don’t want you to spend the rest of your life in the Canterlot dungeons for crimes you didn’t commit but you’re only making it worse and I refuse to let you bring Starshine down with you. Please, I will help you start over again; I’ll even put in a good word for Celestia.”
“Already told you… It’s too late… My heart is filled with nothing but darkness now and it’s telling me that you must be eliminated…”
“But Trixie…”
“Twilight, the fact of the matter is that I don’t need your sympathy, not anymore. Ponies in this world are cruel and evil and I plan to use my new powers to show it to the world…” Trixie held up her left hoof and her duel disk materialized on her arm. “And you will be the first subject to test my new powers.”
Twilight hesitated for several moments. “I’m sorry Trixie…” Twilight held up her duel disk and rotated it into place. “I tried to help but I can see now that you’ve made up your mind… You’ve left me with no other choice…” Twilight slid her deck into her duel and took on her battle stance.
Trixie shuffled her deck with her magic. “This will be our final duel; a fight to the finish.” Finally, Trixie slid her deck in and her disk slid into active model. “Only one of us is leaving this duel and it is going to be me!” Trixie threw her head back and screamed into the air. Slowly, Trixie began to change. The tip of her horn turned black and engulfed her full horn; covering her forehead in black veins and her coat darkened. A new costume started to materialize onto her; a cape similar to her original magician one but it was black and was jagged at the end, a black suit of armor very similar to the kind worn by royal guards with a match pair of four black iron boots and finally, a large black wizard hat with an oversized leather rim and a metal plated spiked top arched forward just like her Dark Magician card. Her mane had also grown substantially larger and spread out from underneath her hat like a paper fan. Upon completing the transformation, Trixie let out a massive pulse of energy that nearly threw Twilight backwards. “This time, you’re not just dueling Trixie; you’re dueling against Trixie, the Ultimate Supreme Unicorn. Now, prepare yourself.”
“LET’S DUEL!!!”
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 4000 >
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 4000 >
A pink colored mare with a slightly greyed red mane was strolling through the Canterlot garden examining the many statues. “No… No… Not him…” One by one she passed by each statue giving each a minor glance until one caught her eye. “Ah, there you are…” She approached her ultimate target, the reason she came to Canterlot. “Discord, the Spirit of Chaos…” She pulled herself up onto the statue’s pedestal and touched Discord’s frozen leg. “Yes, I can feel his power flowing in this statue.”
“Hey what are you doing?” Called a palace guard. The pony turned around to find two guards. “Nopony is allowed to come in contact with Discord’s statue, that after that incident last time.”
“Sorry but I’m afraid I can’t comply.” The two guards slowly approached her but before they got close, she stepped down and approached them herself. “I just have one thing I need to ask you…” The guards looked at her with concern as she closed her eyes. “Would you like a trip to the Shadow Realm?” She shot her eyes open and the veins on her face bulged for a second. One of the guards recoiled and stopped dead in his tracks. The other guard took notice.
“Hey, you alright?” No response. He went in front of him and noticed his eyes were completely blank and soulless. The remaining guard took a step back and the soulless guard continued to just stand blankly. He turned back to the mare. “What did you do to him?”
“Don’t worry; you’ll be seeing him soon.” Once again, she shot her eyes open and the guard’s vision suddenly cracked before going all black. Soon after, both of the now soulless guards fell over and were absorbed into the dark portal. “Now, back to business.”
“Hold it right there…” She groaned at the new disturbance. The mare turned around only to come face to face with a large white Alicorn. Princess Celestia stood completely still giving the pony a death glare.
“Ha- Ha- HAHAHA! Well, isn’t this a pleasant surprise? Long time no see Princess. I can see the last 800 years have been kind to you.” The dark portal formed below the mare and several black particles covered her body. When the darkness dissipated, her coat was significantly darker and she was wearing a jagged robe similar to when Scootaloo summoned Iseris.
“What are you doing here?”
“Is that all you have to say tyrant? You can give me that look all you want but I can tell that you are terrified of me.”
“What are you doing here!?”
“My mission is simple; I plan on absorbing Discord’s power and using it for myself.”
“What are you insane? If you use his powers, you will completely destroy Equestria. No mortal can handle that much raw chaotic magic.”
“I am more than strong enough to handle Discord’s magic. Besides, what are you going to do about it?”
“I…” Celestia hesitated. “I don’t know…”
“Exactly, you don’t know. You’re not as powerful as you believe and you don’t have the power to protect everypony. You have to keep everypony under close watch and keep ponies under lock and key to make sure things go your way.”
“You don’t understand what it means to watch over your subjects. You can’t save everypony so you save as many as you can, even if it means giving your own life.”
“Like you would know, you’re nothing but a heartless tyrant. You don’t care about your subject’s safety. You only care if you make it out. You only care about them to keep your image up.”
“No, I truly care for my subjects and would do anything to protect them.”
“How about all those years ago? What about back then?”
“That incident nearly 800 years ago, as much as I want it to not be true, is entirely my fault…”
“So, you finally get it…”
“But I am better now; I used that incident to turn myself into a better pony. I try every day to make up for the mistakes I made back then but they keep coming back to haunt me… You are my biggest failure. I let what happen to you spiral out of control and I was too blind to see the pain and suffering I was causing. Now all the pain is returning, it’s like my dark side is trying to come back and enslave me again. When I banished my sister, I made a promise to never give in to the evil in my heart like she did and I broke that promise. Now, even if we were to defeat you and bring everyone back, would they forgive me? Would they forgive me for my evil misdeeds that nearly led to the complete destruction of Equestria. I just- don’t know…” Then out of nowhere, a scroll materialized from a wisp of green fire. Celestia opened it up and read its contents. The scroll contained just five letters.
“PCBFF”
Celestia was completely still, all the memories of their past flowing back to her. “Well, what does it say?”
Celestia simply closed her eyes and the scroll vanished in a puff of green fire. “Thanks Twilight…” As Celestia opened her eyes she lifted herself of the ground with her wings and shoved her left forehoof in the air emitting a blinding golden light. A circular orange disk formed on her hoof with 5 bladed edges like the sun. The edges spun around the disk and stop at the front where they straightened out to a serrated blade. Celestia finally landed back on the ground and looked at Midnight with determination.
‘What’s this? The fear in her eyes, it’s gone…’ Midnight thought to herself.
“I would never give up on Twilight and she never gives up on me! I have a duty to protect my subjects and show others the true power of friendship. Now I realize I am not a failure, I’m only a failure if I give in and let you get away with your evil plans. Midnight Rose, defend yourself because this ends tonight.” Celestia’s horn lit up and a finely crafted white and gold box with a diamond-shaped slot materialized before her. She looked up at her crown and pulled the Amethyst from her royal crown and inserted it into the slot. The box opened with a bright light and Celestia levitated a deck from the box and slid it into her duel disk.
“Well now, this is an interesting turn of events…” Midnight did the same and called forth her own duel disk. “I’ve been preparing for this day for a long time. My power has grown substantially since last time and there are nightmares in my deck like you have never seen.”
“I’ll do whatever it takes to finally take you down once and for all.”
“You will try…”
“LET’S DUEL!”
Princess Celestia
< LP: 4000 >
Midnight Rose
< LP: 4000 >
“You make the first move Midnight…” Celestia started.
“Alright then…” Midnight drew her card.
‘By letting her go first, she can’t use her dragon to destroy the field. Then once my turn comes around, I’ll set up the field with my arsenal and take her out in one move.’
“I’ll start by setting a monster face-down in defense mode. Next, I’ll place two cards face-down and end my turn.”
“It’s my turn, I draw! I’ll start by playing my Charge of the Light Brigade spell card. By sending three cards to the graveyard, I can add any Lightsworn monster from my deck to my hand.” Celestia took the top three cards of her deck and threw them out and then added another card to her hand. “Next I summon Lumina, the Lightsworn Summoner!” Celestia’s first monster was a human girl with a white dress with a scarf, blond hair and she had a magical aura around her hands.
Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner
< Level 3 / ATK: 1000 >
“Hold it right there, allow me to show you one of my most terrifying cards!” Midnight clicked her duel disk and one of her face-downs came up. “Curse of the Unforgiven, activate!” Celestia grew nervous as the ground beneath her shook. All around them, four giant walls rose up from the ground encaging them inside a concrete prison.
“What is the meaning of this Midnight?” Once the walls stopped, two dragon heads emerged from the side walls and began releasing a sickly black sludge into the prison.
“This liquid contains the souls of those you have condemned, and they now they want your life force so they can be free.” The black sludge began to wrap around the Princesses legs, almost like a swarm of snakes. One of the tendrils wrapped around her neck, looked her in the eyes and made a ghostly moan. As the spirit moaned, Celestia could feel a small amount of energy being drained from her body.
Princess Celestia
< LP: 4000 → 3500 >
“This card punishes those who allow others to take the fall for them. As long as this card remains on the field, you will take 500 damage each and every time you summon a monster to your field and if you attempt to attack, you will also lose an additional 100 life points equal to the level of the monster that attacked. Summon all the monsters you want but in the end they will all come back to haunt you and will lead to your downfall.”
“It felt like it was draining my magic… If I can’t summon, this is going to be more difficult than I expected.” Celestia looked down at her hand. ‘This is going to cut it close but I think I have just enough life points to make this work…’ “Alright, let’s continue…”
“I’ll make the first move this time Trixie, my draw!” Twilight eyed the card she drew. “My first move will be to summon this monster, Summoner Monk.” Twilight’s monster formed in the shape of an old man with blue skin, long white hair and a blue robe with white stripes.
Summoner Monk
< Level 4 / DEF: 1600 >
“Now as his name implies, this monster has the ability to summon a Level 4 monster straight from my deck. All I have to do is send a Spell card from my hand to the graveyard.” Twilight plucked a card form her hand and slid it into the graveyard. “I summon another Summoner Monk in defense mode!” A second monster with the exact same appearance as the first appeared right next to the first.
Summoner Monk
< Level 4 / DEF: 1600 >
“And with that I end my turn. Make your move Trixie.”
“Very well, I will make my move!” Trixie drew her card and revealed it to Twilight. “I will start with this monster.” Trixie’s monster appeared. It was a young human girl with long orange hair, blue armor and a pink skirt. She had a large pointed hat and a staff similar to the Dark Magician. “Take the stage, “Magician’s Valkyria!”
Magician’s Valkyria
< Level 4 / ATK: 1600 >
“What do you think of Trixie’s monster Sparkle?”
“Your Valkyria only has 1600 attack points making it equal to my Monks. You can’t destroy a monster in defense with a monster with the same amount of attack.”
“You think I am really that stupid?” Trixie revealed another card in her hand. “I equip Magician’s Valkyria with the Memorial Scepter equip card.” Trixie took a card from her hand and slid it into her graveyard. “Like a teacher passing the mantle to her student, this card allows me to pass on the power of one Spellcaster to another. All I have to do it send a Spellcaster from my hand to the graveyard, then the equipped monster’s attack becomes equal to the sent monster’s attacks.” A second staff appeared in Valkyria’s left hand, this one was a short silver staff with a sphere at the end. “The monster I sent was Skilled Dark Magician. This means my Valkyria’s attack becomes 1900!”
Magician’s Valkyria
< ATK: 1600 → 1900 >
“It may not be a big boost but it’s enough to take out your Summoner Monk. Now Magician’s Valkyria, attack Twilight’s Summoner Monk with Double Magic Spiral!” Valkyria twirled her staff and fired a purple electrical beam at one of Twilight’s Summoner Monks. The blast blew away Twilight’s monster.
“I still have another monster to protect me so I’m safe!”
“Not for long, my Memorial Scepter card has another effect! It allows my monster to attack twice during the battle phase as long as I send the card to the graveyard during the end of my turn.” Valkyria twirled her other staff this time and fired a black electrical sphere, vaporizing Twilight’s second monster.
Twilight held out her hoof to block out the dust from the blast. “No, you destroyed both my Monks!”
“And there is more where that came from…” Trixie placed a card face-down in her spell and trap zone. “Now that it’s the end of my turn, Memorial Scepter must go to the graveyard since I used its second effect.” The scepter Valkyria was holding in her left turned white and vanished, leaving her with her own scepter.
Magician’s Valkyria
< ATK: 1900 → 1600 >
“Your down two monsters and wasted a perfectly good spell card Twilight, what do you plan of doing now?”
“I’ll show you!” As Twilight drew her card, she held her duel disk up and a light began to shine from her graveyard. “I activate the Light of the Citadel card from my graveyard!”
“What!? You can’t activate spells in your graveyard!”
“This one is a bit different. When Light of the Citadel is discarded from my hand to the graveyard, I can activate it during my next turn. It allows me to play a field spell directly my deck!” There was a bright light behind Twilight and a tower began to rise up from the ground. “Here is a card I am sure you remember, the Magical Citadel of Endymion!” The card was just as Trixie remembered it; a large tower surrounded by several other towers. The single tower had a magic ring circling around it. “Now due to the effect of Light of the Citadel, my tower gains a spell counter plus an additional counter for every Spellcaster summoned since it was sent to the graveyard. Since I summoned one of Monks and you summoned your Valkyria; that equals to a grand total of three counters!” Three spheres with a golden triangle imbedded themselves into the tower’s ring and started orbiting the tower.
Trixie looked up at the tower in fear. “Three counters just like that?”
“Now for another familiar card, come out Magical Exemplar!”
Magical Exemplar
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
“In case you forgot, Exemplar has the ability to summon a spellcaster from my hand or my grave as long as I give up spell counters equal to that monster’s level.”
“Trixie remembers…”
“Then in that case, I activate my Spell Power Grasp spell card! This card gives my Citadel a spell counter and then I can add another Spell Power Grasp to my hand, though I can only use one per turn.” A forth sphere materialized on the tower’s ring. “And since a spell card was activated, my cards all gain additional spell counters.” One more counter appeared on the tower’s ring and another two on Exemplar’s necklace. “Now I can remove two counters from Exemplar in order to summon a Level 2 monster from my hand.” Twilight threw down a new monster. It was a short human boy where a brown tunic with a black cape. He was holding an oversized golden scythe. “Meet the Night’s End Sorcerer tuner monster!”
Night’s End Sorcerer
< Level 2 / ATK: 1300 >
“What, you have a tuner monster?”
“Indeed, I do but my Sorcerer’s power doesn’t just stop there.” Twilight’s tuner monster suddenly lunged forward towards Trixie. She tried to jump back but failed as the creature’s scythe impacted her duel disk causing two cards to fly out of her graveyard. Both her cards were slashed in half as they flew out.
Trixie had a look of surprise. “What did you do to my Skilled Magician and Scepter cards?”
“When Night’s End Sorcerer is special summoned, I can remove two cards in your graveyard from play.” Trixie growled in frustration. “Don’t get too worked up, I’m only just getting started. I am tuning my Level 2 Night’s End Sorcerer with my Level 4 Magical Exemplar!” Night’s End Sorcerer flew into the air before splitting into two green light rings. The rings surrounded around her Exemplar who changed into four spheres before exploding into a beam of light.
< 2 + 4 = 6 >
Within the light, Exemplar began to transform. Her clothes changed from green to a dark blue and her hair grew slightly. A large swarm of bats flew out from behind her and all came together in a straight line in front of her. As she held out her hand, the swarm of bats merged together into a massive pole. She twirled the staff around and the light was blown away revealing her staff was actually a large bladed scythe with a dragon-like head at the end and lantern hanging on the end. “I tried to save you Trixie but you denied the hoof I held out for you. Now you will feel the wrath of TEMPEST MAGICIAN!”
Tempest Magician
< Level 6 / ATK: 2200 >
“Huh… I am not scared…”
“You should be because when Tempest Magician is successfully summoned, my Citadel gains a spell counter.” Citadel now had six spheres in its ring. “But that’s not all, Tempest Magician’s special ability allows me to throw out all the cards in my hand and then distribute a spell counter onto the field for every card that I lost.” As Twilight held up her right hoof, the cards in her hand were slashed in half. The pieces of the cards turned white and flew into Twilight’s Citadel. “Since I had two cards in my hand, my Citadel now has eight spell counters in total and that is bad news for you.”
“What are you talking about? You gave up all your cards just to gain a few measly counters and a monster with barely over two thousand attack points… Unless… That monster uses those spell counters!”
“You’re absolutely correct Trixie! Tempest Magician has an extremely lethal special ability. Its powerful magic allows me to fire all the spell counters on the entire field at you in a single blast! This effect will deal you 500 points of damage for every single spell counter on the field, regardless of whose side it’s on.
“F-Five hundred damage for each? With eight spell counters that would mean-”
Twilight nodded. “That you would lose the duel… Sorry Trixie, but you brought this upon yourself…” Twilight pointed towards Trixie. “Tempest Magician, unleash your magic and attack Trixie using all the spell counters on the field!” Tempest Magician floated into the air and held her scythe into the air. All the spell counters in the Citadel flew into her scythe and it started to glow a bright red. “Reaper’s Judgment!!!” Tempest twirled the scythe a couple times and then slammed the blade into the ground releasing a gigantic crescent moon energy wave cutting through the ground. The bladed energy wave slid along the surface of the ground cutting through the very earth like it was butter throwing dirt and rocks to the side. Trixie could only look in terror as the blast hit her, exploding into five smaller waves that continued to slice the ground behind her for several meters before finally coming to a halt, leaving a giant dragon claw shaped scar on the planet.
After nearly a minute, the smoke was still lingering and Twilight was breathing heavily. “Its… It’s over… I’m sorry Starshine, but it had to be done…”
“Hahahaha…” Twilight’s heart skipped a beat.
Celestia struggled to get loose of Midnight’s trap. “Even with your trap in play, it won’t stop me. I plan to defeat you in a single turn.”
“Is that so? Well then let’s see it…”
“I activate Lumina’s special ability. By sending a card from my hand to the graveyard, I can summon a Lightsworn monster from my graveyard and thanks to my Light Brigade card; I have two in my graveyard to choose from. I send Wulf, the Lightsworn Beast from my hand in order to summon the Lightsworn tuner monster; Raiden, Hand of the Lightsworn!” As Celestia threw her card out, a beam of light shot from her graveyard and arced back towards the ground. From the light emerged a human male with a blue scarf and no shirt holding a large golden dagger.
Raiden, Hand of the Lightsworn
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
Just as the monster emerged, another tendril from the sludge wrapped around her and sucked out her energy.
Princess Celestia
< LP: 3500 → 3000 >
“Keep this up and you will destroy yourself. Such an end would be fitting for one such as you…”
“Say whatever you want but it won’t make a difference. Now I’m going to tune Lightsworn Raiden with Lightsworn Lumina!” Raiden jumped into the air pulling his scarf over his mouth. He swung his blade 4 times in front of him before splitting into four green rings. The rings circled Lumina, changing her transparent before becoming 3 spheres of light.
< 4 + 3 = 7 >
“Synchro Summon!” A large golden armored knight appeared from the light. “Arise Lord of the Lightsworns; Michael, the Ark-Lightsworn!” He extended a pair of large metal wings and unsheathed a glowing golden sword.
Michael, the Ark-Lightsworn
< Level 7 / ATK: 2600 >
“That’s another 500 points of damage coming your way.” A third tendril arose and sucked more of her energy.
Princess Celestia
< LP: 3000 → 2500 >
“I’m not going to quit Midnight… Since I now have four Lightsworns in my graveyard, I can now summon this monster! Appear; Judgment Dragon!” The cloud above parted and a massive white feathered dragon descended. When it landed, it shook the earth beneath them.
Judgment Dragon
< Level 8 / ATK: 3000 >
“Bringing out your best monster already? I can see you’re in quite a rush Princess since you’re going to take another hit from my trap!” Celestia’s energy was drain yet again.
Princess Celestia
< LP: 2500 → 2000 >
“Now my monsters merge your powers!” Celestia’s dragon slowly kneeled down as Michael jumped up on top of the dragon, riding on its back. “Now Michael, activate your special ability! By giving up a thousand life points, Michael has the power to remove any monster on the field from the game so I’m getting rid of your face-down monster! Go, Banishing Light!”
Princess Celestia
< LP: 2000 → 1000 >
Michael thrusted his sword into the air and parted the clouds above him. A second hole then appeared above Midnight and a ray of light descended down at Midnight’s card.
“Hold it!” Midnight flipped up her trap card. “I play Ultimate Sacrifice! If I have no monsters in my graveyard or removed from play, this card allows me to give up 4000 life points to negate your effect!”
“4000, but what’s the point!?”
“Because thanks to the effect of Curse of the Unforgiven, if there are no monsters in my graveyard or removed from play, I don’t have to pay life points to activate effects. Not only that but I can’t take any battle damage. So, your whole combo was pointless…”
“So as long as that card remains in play, it’s impossible to touch your life points.” Celestia smirked. “However, your cards have one fatal flaw. They only work if you have no monsters in your graveyard and have no monsters removed from play. That is a pretty big weakness if you ask me…”
“Well as long as Ultimate Sacrifice is in play, you cannot target or destroy any cards on my side of the field with card effects.”
“That may be so but they are still vulnerable to being attacked and you have no more face-down cards.” Celestia held up two cards from hand. “I equip Michael, the Arch-Lightsworn with the Lightsworn Sabre equip spell; but I’m not just equipping one, I’m equipping him with two! Each Sabre gives him an additional 700 attack points making his attack points a grand total of 4000!” A set of white and gold scabbards appeared on Michael’s belt. He reached down pulling them out simultaneously and crossing the two energy swords in front of him in the shape of an X.
Michael, the Ark-Lightsworn
< ATK: 2600 → 4000 >
“Now once my dragon attacks and destroys your monster, you will be open for direct attack that will deplete your life points in a single strike.” Celestia’s dragon slowly tilted its head back and charge up light within its mouth. A ring of light started to form vertically around the dragon’s mouth. “Judgment Dragon attack and destroy Midnight’s monster!” The dragon let out a ray of blinding light towards the target. Before the attack made contact, Midnight’s face-down monster flipped face-up for all to see. “JUDGMENT DRAGON, STOP YOUR ATTACK NOW!!!” The beam quickly spread apart and dissipated before hitting its target. Celestia’s heart raced as she tried to grasp what was happening. “No… You didn’t…”
Twilight looked up just as the smoke was clearing. There was Trixie, standing perfectly alive and well. Her lips slowly moved giving Twilight a malicious smile.
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 2000 >
“No… Your life points should have been all gone!”
“Yes… They should be, shouldn’t they?” The smoke continued to clear to reveal that Trixie had activated a trap card. “You like it? Just before your attack landed, I activate my Blood Contract card. It saved me from your effect but there is so much more to this card then just that. First, I must give up half of my life points, and then any damage taken for the remainder of the turn becomes zero.”
“You’re still giving up a lot of life points.”
Trixie chuckled. “Oh, Trixie is not the only one…”
“Huh?” Then Twilight looked down and noticed something horrifying. There was a glowing red energy tether coming out of her chest. She followed the tether to see it leading right into Trixie’s chest. “What… What is going on? What is this thing?”
“That tether connected to you is linked directly to your life force and now any damage we take for the rest of the duel is real. Should your life points hit zero… Well… Use your imagination…”
“What? You can’t be serious…”
“Your Princess warned you the dangers of Duel Monsters; you blew it off saying it was nothing but a simple card game. Now your entire life rides on this one duel…”
“But… What about you? You’re risking your own life too.”
“As long as it means destroying you, I don’t care what happens to me!”
“No… Trixie!”
“That brings me to my next subject; Blood Contract has another effect. You may have noticed our tethers are linked to each other. This is because due to Blood Contract’s effect, whenever either of us loses life points, we can half the damage we take and inflict the other half to the opponent!”
“So, whenever you take damage, you can deal half of it to me?”
“But there is a catch. I am not the only one who can use this effect. Should you take damage, you can also half the damage and deal the other half to Trixie!”
“But that means neither one of us is getting out of here alive!”
“That is exactly the point! YOU CAN’T WIN!”
“This is insane Trixie! Don’t you realize what you’re doing?”
“Of course, I do but I don’t think you do…”
Twilight stepped back. “What do you mean?”
“Blood Contract’s effect is entirely optional. Should you choose not to use it and take the full force of the damage, you can. After all, activating the effect does allow your opponent to draw one card for every one thousand you reflect back at them. All I want is for you to be gone forever, even if I have to go down with you so I will be using the effect of Blood Contract for the remainder of the duel… However, what about you…?”
“Me?”
“Would you do the same? Are you willing to take me down with you…? Or are you too scared to cause harm to another pony such as myself? After that whole display you put on with your Tempest Magician, I’m starting to wonder if maybe you do have a little bit of hate buried deep within you.”
“No… You’re wrong! I don’t have any darkness in my heart! I… I don’t…”
“Hmm… Sure… Maybe I am wrong but what does it matter now? Even if you choose to not use Blood Contract’s effect, sacrificing yourself to take me out would end the same result. Taking another’s life…” Reality of the situation was finally hitting Twilight; Trixie had her completely trapped. “Now, since I did technically lose 2000 life points for activating Blood Contract, you also lose 2000. Of course, you also get to draw two cards.
Twilight’s end of the tether started to glow brightly and a faint red wave flowed across Twilight’s body leading into the tether causing her to clench her chest in pain.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 4000 → 2000 >
She nearly collapsed completely from the feeling of her very life force being drained from her body. However, she still managed to pull enough strength to draw her cards. “I… I set one card… face-down…” Twilight looked at her other card a bit worried. “Next… I activate a spell… Endymion’s Life Charge… It allows me to restore all the spell counters I used this turn… However, I must give up 100 life points… For every one…”
Trixie chuckled. “So, now it’s time for you to choose. Are you going to pay 1000 or have both of us pay 500 life points each...?”
Twilight looked at the ground. Despite the situation, Trixie was right about her. “I’ll pay the whole thing…”
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 2000 → 1000 >
“Just as I expected. You don’t have the guts to take the life of another pony meaning there is no way to win!”
Twilight tried pulling herself up but found she could barely stand. ‘This is not good, unless I figure out a way around Trixie’s Blood Contract card, all hope is lost…’
“You might as well give up now because there is no chance of getting out of this situation!” ‘And the best part is Twilight has no idea what else is lurking in my deck. She hasn’t even realized that I removed both Obelisk the Tormentor as well as Iseris from my deck. No, I plan to take her out with my TRUE TRUMP CARD!’ Trixie subtly looked down at the Dark Magician in her hand. The card was emitting a very faint black aura and the image on the card was faintly flickering with another image.
Celestia couldn’t believe her eyes. The monster that Midnight had played face-down had left her completely her completely speechless.
“Aw, what’s wrong Princess; at a loss for words?”
“I can’t believe that you would stoop this low… Using… Them…” The creature between Celestia’s monster and Midnight was none other than an equine. A pink haired, butter yellow colored Pegasus.
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supersaiyanmikito
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1102
| 13 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
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My Little Duel Monsters
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An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
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incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
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teen
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2015-06-05T14:22:00+00:00
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2023-05-14T07:45:53+00:00
| 1,375 |
“With 4000 attack points, my Arch-Lightsworn is now strong enough to take you down. All I have to do is take out your face-down; Judgment Dragon, attack Midnight’s last monster!” Celestia’s dragon opened its mouth and began charging up light. As a halo formed around the energy in its mouth, it released all its power as a ray of pure light. Before the blast hit, Midnight’s card flipped face-up. “JUDGMENT DRAGON, HOLD YOUR ATTACK!” The dragon quickly pulled back and the ray of light dispersed before it made its target. Celestia stood in shock, staring at the creature that was staring her back.
Midnight smirked. “What’s wrong Princess; at a loss for words?”
“You… I can’t believe you of all ponies would stoop this low…” The creature standing between her and Midnight was nothing like she expected. Giving her an emotionless thousand-yard stare was a pink-haired butter yellow pegasus.
“What do you think of my new puppet...?” Midnight held her duel disk up and a series of red energy wires flickered from the card leading to the mare almost like puppet strings.
Equestrian Fluttershy
< Level 3 / DEF: 700 >
“No… This is one of you mind-games, isn’t it? You just used your magic to change the hologram’s image to look like Twilight’s friend.”
“Believe what you want but what you see in front of you is real. You see, the Shadow Realm is but a prison for the mind and soul, but what happens to the body left over?”
“Just what are you getting at?”
“You haven’t figured it out yet? The body shouldn’t go anywhere! Even if you lose your mind and soul, your body still remains on the physical plane. I decided to use this to my advantage and so I’m using everypony I ever defeated to form my own personal army!”
Celestia just shook her head in disappointment. “This is low even for you, turning my own subjects into your personal weapons...”
“That’s not the end of it, as for my more… Powerful opponents…” The yellow Pegasi in front of her closed her eyes and suddenly reopened them, glaring at Celestia’s dragon. Celestia suddenly felt the temperature drop. Judgment Dragon slowly started to back off, fear in its blood red eyes. The dragon kneeled down giving off a scared whining sound.
Judgment Dragon
< ATK: 3000 → DEF: 0 >
“Wha… What just happened!? My dragon just lost all of its power!”
“I decided to use my stronger enemies and turn them into my own private Duel Monsters cards! Fluttershy is one of many of your subjects within my deck and all of them have the power of their real-life selves. Take what happened to your precious dragon for example, when ‘Equestrian Fluttershy’ is flipped face-up in battle, she gives the attacking monster The Stare and the attack is negated! That’s not all though, the monster is also forced into defense mode and it loses all its defense points and special abilities!”
“Curse you…” Celestia mumbled. She eyed the last card in her and set it. “I place a card face-down, and then…” The alicorn’s deck started glowing yellow and 3 cards flew off her deck and vanished into the light sending them to the graveyard. “Due to the effect of Lightsworn Michael, I discard 3 cards from my deck and that’s it for my turn…”
Twilight was now kneeling down; she was having a difficult time pulling herself up; this simply made Trixie burst into laughter. “What’s wrong Twilight, can’t handle the pain? If you want this to be as painless as possible, I suggest you just let me kill you!”
“N- Never…”
Trixie simple shrugged. “Have it your way, I draw!” When Trixie saw the card she grinned. “I play Pot of Greed! This lets me draw 2 cards from my deck. Next, I think it’s time I retired my Valkyria for a stronger monster…” As Valkyria vanished, Trixie held up a card and slammed it onto her duel disk. A bright pinkish portal appeared behind Trixie and a new monster emerged. It was a female with a very similar appearance to her Valkyria. She had bright blue armor over her check, legs and head with a short pink skirt and long yellow hair. “Say Hello to my Dark Magician Girl!” Dark Magician Girl lightly stuck out her touch giving Twilight a peace sign.
Dark Magician Girl
< Level 6 / ATK: 2000 >
“Dark Magician Girl… Wait a minute…” Just then, a memory came back to Twilight.
“Now let me explain how summoning works…” Yugi explained. “Once per turn you’re allowed to normal summon a monster from your hand as long as its level is 4 or lower.” Yugi pulled out his Obnoxious Celtic Guardian and put in out in the center of the group. “See, this monster is low enough to summon. However, if a monster has more stars, then this, you must first sacrifice another monster.” Yugi then put out 2 more cards. “Dark Magician is a Level 7 monster while Dark Magician Girl is a Level 6. Since Dark Magician Girl is higher than 4 but lower then 7, you can summon her with only 1 sacrifice. However Dark Magician is 7 and any monster that is 7 or higher requires 2 sacrifices.” Yugi suddenly stopped when she noticed Twilight eying the 2 monsters. “What is it, Twilight?”
“Well… I was wondering something… These cards, do they have some kind of backstory to them? Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl are pretty similar to each other.”
“Why yes, they do; all monsters have some kind of history to them. You see Dark Magician is considered one of the most powerful wizards to ever exist. However, in order pass on his knowledge, he took on a student. That student was the Dark Magician Girl. She may not seem that strong now but eventually she becomes a powerful force that even the Dark Magician can’t defeat…”
‘The Dark Magician Girl is the student on the Dark Magician… Why does that worry me so much?’
“My Dark Magician Girl may not be much now but she about to get a little assistance.” Another card appeared on Trixie’s field, a spell with a green stone. “I activate Sage’s Stone. This lets me summon the Dark Magician in my hand!” Once again, Trixie’s main monster appeared next to Dark Magician Girl. It has the same pitch-black armor and pale white skin and hair like before.
Dark Magician
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
Then, Twilight noticed something. ‘Hang on a second, something doesn’t add up here… Her Dark Magician looks completely different than Yugi’s; he is dark, cold and somewhat unnerving to look at but Dark Magician Girl looks completely unaltered? Why is that?’
Trixie pointed her hoof at Twilight. “Dark Magician, attack Twilight’s Tempest Magician with Dark Magic Attack!” Dark Magician held up his staff and fired a purple electrical sphere at Twilight’s spellcaster. Tempest Magician was quickly destroyed and Twilight took the full blunt of the attack.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 1000 → 700 >
“You’re never going to win at this rate. Every time you attack me, I reflect half the damage back at you and yet you’re not doing anything. Too bad this next attack will finish you off. I want hoping more a much more difficult challenge. Dark Magician Girl, attack Twilight directly with Dark Burning Attack!” Magician Girl twirled her staff and fired a pinkish blast similar the Dark Magician. Right before impact, a rainbow barrier formed over Twilight deflecting the attack.
“Thanks to my Draining Shield, your attack has been blocked and now all your monster’s attack points are added to my life points.”
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 700 → 2700 >
Trixie growled. “Stall all you want but it won’t change that you can’t touch me.”
“We’ll see about that, I draw!”
“My turn, I draw!” Midnight swiftly drew her card and stared at Celestia for several moments before looking at the card. The second she saw it; her face formed a creepy smile. “You’re finished Celestia! When there is a face-up card in my spell and trap card zone, I can send it to the graveyard to special summon this monster from my hand in defense mode!” As Midnight’s Curse of the Unforgiven exploded, she placed a card on her disk. “Enter the spotlight Equestrian Rarity!” To Celestia’s horror, this monster was again one of Twilight’s friends; the white unicorn once known as the Element of Generosity. Like Fluttershy, Rarity’s eyes were also blank and soulless.
Equestrian Rarity
< Level 3 / DEF: 800 >
“Her too?”
“What, didn’t I tell you already!?” Midnight held up her duel disk showing it to Celestia. “It’s not just them; every single soul that has been lost due to Iseris is a part of my deck. When they all bond together, they form one of the most powerful decks in the entirety of Duel Monsters.”
“This is crazy; you can’t just take somepony and turn them into a card. It’s just… It’s just wrong… First, you’re locking their mind and soul into a hellish realm filled with nothing but darkness and now your torturing them even further by turning their physical bodies into your zombie slaves? You’ve only managed to prove to me that you’re even crazier than I thought.”
“And I’m still not done yet; I activate Rarity’s special ability! When she is successfully summoned due to her special ability, she can raise the level of one other Equestrian monster on my field by 1.” The soulless Rarity tilted her head upward and a swarm of clothing started spiral around her. The clothing flew over towards Fluttershy wrapping her in a simple green dress.
Equestrian Fluttershy
< Level 3 → 4 >
“Now for the fun part, I activate the effects of both Rarity and Fluttershy!”
“Both of them!?”
“You see, Twilight’s friend’s all hold a unique power. They all gain a small boost when in the presence of each other and the more of them I control, the stronger they all become!” A small rainbow aura started to form around the 2 ponies.
Equestrian Rarity
< DEF: 800 → 1000 >
Equestrian Fluttershy
< DEF: 700 → 1400 >
“And since Rarity was special summoned, I can still play this monster. I summon Equestrian Applejack in attack mode!” Just like the others, the orange earth pony’s eyes were grey, blank and soulless.
Equestrian Applejack
< Level 4 / ATK: 1500 >
“And don’t forget, they all gain a power boost!” The aura around ponies intensified.
Equestrian Applejack
< ATK: 1500 → 1900 >
Equestrian Rarity
< DEF: 1000 → 1200 >
Equestrian Fluttershy
< DEF: 1400 → 2100 >
Celestia stepped back. ‘This isn’t good, at this rate her monsters will only keep getting stronger and stronger and I’ll be done for!’
“When Applejack is summoned to field, her effect activates.” The earth pony pulled out a lasso and begun twirling it above her head. “Her lasso will capture one of your monsters, this keeps them from attacking and prevents it from using any abilities!” Applejack tossed her lasso, wrapping it around Celestia’s knight. Once it was tied up completely, Applejack pulled back forcing it off the back of the dragon make it hit the ground with a thud.
“No, Michael!”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be worried about him; you should worry more about yourself. I finally have you exactly where I want you… How I have just what I need to summon my ultimate beast.”
“What, but I thought Iseris was your strongest monster?”
“You’re forgetting one critical little fact. I stated earlier that every single pony in Equestria who has lost their soul to Iseris is now a part of my deck. It doesn’t matter whether they are Earth Ponies, Pegasi, Unicorns … Or even…”
Celestia suddenly realized what she what saying. “No… You didn’t…”
“I should really thank her for her contribution. If it hadn’t been for her, I would have never gained so much power.” Midnight held her right hoof and pointed into the sky. “Since Applejack and Fluttershy are both Level 4, I can merge them together to create a new monster!” Midnight grinned. “I overlay Level 4 Equestrian Applejack and Equestrian Fluttershy!”
“Overlay!?”
Suddenly, the sky darkened and the two mares standing before Midnight transformed. Their physical bodies vanished and all that was left were silhouettes of glowing energy, Fluttershy green and Applejack orange. The two mares shot into the air spiraling around each other leaving an energy trail in the shape of a double helix. “With these 2 monsters, I build the Overlay Network!” The ground in front of Midnight began to warp and emit several rays of light that spiraled outward from the center, creating what looked like a miniature galaxy. The two energy mares flew downward and spiraled into the galaxy before erupting into a flurry of green explosions and sparks. “Awaken from your slumber and cast your judgment upon the light! Appear; Equestrian Princess Luna!” From the galaxy emerged a large gray sphere with 2 small purple spheres orbiting around it; the sphere flashed red for a second revealing an unmistakable equine figure. The sphere began to shrink releasing the figure inside; it was a mare much larger in size then a regular pony. She had both wings and a large horn with a faint white aura over her body. When the transformation was complete, the aura faded revealing her dark blue coat and starry night mane.
Celestia slowly took a couple steps back staring at her sister in fear. “No…”
Midnight let out a maniacal laugh. “Yes Princess… How does it feel to be face to face in battle with your sister again?”
Equestrian Princess Luna
< Rank 4 / ATK: 2200 / Units: 2 >
“But I don’t understand… What was that summoning just now?”
“I guess I should explain, Luna is an entirely new breed of monster not previously known to Equestria. She is what’s known as an ‘Xyz Monster’. Xyz Monsters are summoned from the extra deck when you have 2 or more monsters with the same level as that monster’s rank. Since both Applejack and Fluttershy were Level 4, I was able use them to summon Princess Luna who is a Rank 4 monster.” Midnight reached underneath the Luna card on her duel disk and pulled out 2 more cards. They were revealed to be Applejack and Fluttershy. “Now here is fun part, any monster used to summon an Xyz Monster is not sent to the graveyard like a normal monster. Rather, they remain on the field as ‘Overlay Units’ and are used to power the special abilities of the Xyz Monster.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, allow me to show you…” Midnight singled out Applejack’s card. “I send one of Luna’s Overlay Units to the graveyard.” As Midnight inserted Applejack’s card into her graveyard, one of the purple orbs circling Luna flew up into the tip of her horn, disappearing in a flash of light. “By using one Overlay Unit, Luna gains an additional 500 attack points for each monster on the field in defense mode.” Both Rarity as well as Celestia’s dragon started to glow a faint blue.
Equestrian Princess Luna
< ATK: 2200 → 3200 >
“Even with that boost, my sister still can’t take Michael out.”
“I’m not done yet. Next, I activate Rarity’s special ability. I’m allowed to cut her original attack points in half, and transfer it to another monster on my field.”
Equestrian Rarity
< ATK: 1200 → 600 >
Equestrian Princess Luna
< ATK: 3200 → 3800 >
“And I’m still not finished, I equip Princess Luna with the Magic Horn Blade equip spell.” Luna’s horn lit up and extended outwards changing into a long energy sword. “This card grants her an additional 800 attack points.”
Equestrian Princess Luna
< ATK: 3800 → 4600 >
Luna was now officially the most powerful monster on the field. Celestia took a couple steps back. “It’s all over for you…”
“Even if I go down, Twilight and Yugi will still defeat you.”
“Twilight?” Midnight scoffed. “Yugi maybe but Twilight is as good as gone.”
“You… What did you do Twilight!?”
“I haven’t done anything; at this moment my own pupil is dealing with her. You may think Twilight is strong but she is nothing compared to Trixie. I knew the moment I found her; I had found somepony special. Blueblood and Gilda were good candidates but Trixie was on a whole different level. She had an intense hatred buried deep in her heart; it was eating away at her, leading her to potentially even taking her own life. However, she couldn’t bring herself to actually take revenge on the one who wronged her. Not only was Twilight simply too strong for her to even stand a chance, but she had inner morals preventing her from taking action. She was afraid that exacting her revenge would only cement her from ever seeing her own student again, that it would make her own student hate her for committing such a heinous act.”
“Let me guess, you used your magic to ‘push her’ in the right direction.”
“Of course, but it turns out she was far more resistant to my magic then I had expected. She was still afraid that her student would think ill of her even with my magic influencing her. With Blueblood already gone and Gilda standing no chance against Rainbow Dash, I decided to focus all my power on Trixie and unlock her true potential. Thanks to me, the Great and Powerful Trixie is now the most powerful unicorn in all of Equestria.”
“You underestimate just how powerful Twilight truly is.”
“Your underestimating how powerful Trixie truly is. You see, Trixie’s power is far greater than you can imagine. Once the seal I casted on her breaks, she will become invincible.”
“Seal?”
“Her inner power was far too great so I was forced to seal it away. Should that seal break, who knows what she could do…”
“And how long until the seal breaks…?”
“All it takes… Is a little reminder…”
Twilight drew her card and turned it over to see it. ‘PERFECT!’ “I play the spell card Cards of Arcana! In order to activate this card, I must send 1 card on my field with Spell Counters to the graveyard, so I send my Magical Citadel!” Twilight held her duel disk up and ejected her field spell. The towers behind Twilight shrunk into the ground and vanished as Twilight sent the card to the graveyard. “Next, I am allowed to draw 1 card from my deck, plus an additional card for every 3 Spell Counters the card when I destroyed it. Since my Citadel had 10 Spell Counters, I can now draw 4 new cards!”
“Draw as many cards as you want.” Trixie taunted. “Blood Contract is still in play meaning you can’t beat me.”
Twilight looked down at her deck. ‘Her card may prevent her from losing the duel but it’s not invisible. All I need is to draw a card that can destroy it and I can win.’ Twilight placed her hoof on her deck and drew 4 new cards. When she saw her new cards, her expression instantly changed. “Well, it appears destiny is on my side this duel. I drew the card I needed to turn this duel around.”
“What are you going on about?”
“Forbidden Art: Duel Monsters Soul Infusion…” She held up a card.
“Forbidden Art-!?” The card in Twilight’s hoof suddenly exploded into a glorious barrage of rainbows shooting in every direction. “W-What!?” The rays of light spiraled together in the air, slowing morphing into the image of several translucent books floats around the sky orbiting a giant silver crest with 3 blue gems and 2 horn-like protrusions. It had a series of multicolored glass spikes formed around the sides of the crest, glowing with magic.
“This is the power of the new forbidden spell given to me by Princess Celestia herself, the very same she used to create the Harmony Fusion spell card. Normally cards are nothing but paper and cardboard but thanks to this spell, I have the ability to infuse my own magic into the cards and give them their power. The more power I use the more powerful they become.”
“No, that’s cheating!”
“Call it whatever you want but you won’t against this card. Behold the pinnacle of Duel Monsters magic! SPELLBOOK OF JUDGMENT!” The rays of light orbiting the crest suddenly exploded outwards sending prismatic lights all over Equestria. “I used every ounce of magic I had to create this mighty card with unparalleled power. It may not do much at the moment but once its power is revealed, you will understand why it’s my strongest card. For now, I’ll play this card, The Grand Spellbook Tower field spell.” Twilight opened her field slot a second time and placed in another field spell. The ground shook beneath them and a massive structure began to rise up behind Twilight. It was a giant tower that came together at the top like a giant needle. It had several rings of energy spinning around it with the same crest from earlier embedded into the rings.
“Your tower doesn’t scare me.”
“It doesn’t, but maybe this will.” Twilight revealed another card in her hand. “I play Spellbook of Secrets, this lets search my deck for any Spellbook card and add it to my hand.” A small ray of light arched from the tower and a decently large translucent book appeared in front of Twilight. When the book opened, a single card stuck out from Twilight’s deck and she took it out. “Now I summon my Spellbook Magician of Prophecy.” The translucent book flipped a couple pages and a ray of light came out revealing a short human male with a long blue robe.
Spellbook Magician of Prophecy
< Level 2 / ATK: 500 >
“He may not seem like much but with a few books, he becomes a power you cannot defend against. Just like my Spellbook of Secrets, my magician allows me to take any Spellbook spell card from my deck and add it to my hand.” Another card stuck out from her deck and she took it.
“All you’re doing is adding more cards to your hand. What’s the point in all this?”
“This is the point Trixie.” Twilight placed another card in her duel disk and a book appeared in front of her, this one a bright red spell book. “The Spellbook of Power grants my Spellbook Magician an addition 1000 attack points.” The red book hovered down towards the magician and opened itself up facing the spellcaster.
Spellbook Magician of Prophecy
< ATK: 500 → 1500 >
“Why stop at one book when he can have two!?” Twilight played yet another, causing the red spell book started giving off black and blue sparks and its overall colored darkened. “Spellbook of the Master allows me to copy the effect of a Spellbook I already used so I duplicate the effect of my Spellbook of Power!”
Spellbook Magician of Prophecy
< ATK: 1500 → 2500 >
Trixie stepped back. “Now it’s strong enough to stand up to my monsters!”
“Now my Spellbook Magician, attack Trixie’s Dark Magician Girl!” Twilight’s magician shut his eyes and placed 2 fingers on his forehead. The dark infused book in front of him turned around and flipped through several pages before firing a massive beam of red energy towards Trixie’s monster. Dark Magician Girl watched as her impending doom came her way before screaming in pain as she exploded like shards of glass.
*Crack*
“DARK MAGICIAN GIRL! NOOOOOOO!”
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 2000 → 1750 >
Twilight braced for impact as Trixie’s trap took effect.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 2700 → 2450 >
Trixie stared into the space where Dark Magician Girl once stood. She was in a state of complete shock, her pupils had shrunk significantly and her mouth was wide open.
“Since my turn is now over, the effect of Spellbook of Judgment now activates.” The light from the crest intensified. “Now for every spell card activated this turn, Spellbook of Judgment allows me to add a Spellbook card from my deck to my hand. Not only that, but when a monster powered up by the effects of Spellbook of Power destroys a monster in battle, I can add a Spellbook from my deck to my hand. Alongside Spellbook of Judgment, this means I’m able to add a combine total of 6 hands to my hand!” Twilight ejected her deck and took out 6 cards into her hand and put her deck back. “Next, I activate Spellbook of Judgment’s second effect. Now I can summon a monster from my deck who’s level is equal to lower than the number of cards I added to my hand through its effect. Since I got 4 cards, I can summon a Level 4 monster.” A beam shot from her deck onto the field revealing a knight with a shield and blue armor similar to the Dark Magician’s. “I summon Defender the Magical Knight.”
Defender the Magical Knight
< Level 4 / DEF: 2000 >
“Alright Trixie, that’s it for my turn…” Trixie was looking at the ground, still in a state of shock. “Trixie? Are you feeling, ok?” Trixie wasn’t responding so Twilight stepped forward. “Trixie, is something wrong?”
*Crack*
“My Dark Magician Girl… You killed her…” Twilight wasn’t exactly sure what was going on but she knew something was wrong. “You killed her… Just like you took my Starshine away, you took my favorite monster’s student away…” Unknown to Twilight, a million voices were ringing through Trixie’s head.
‘You’re nothing but a psychopath!’
‘You’re a menace to our children!’
‘I never want to see you around our daughter again!’
‘You are forbidden from seeing Starshine and are officially banned from our family!’
*CRASH*
Trixie suddenly felt a shock of pain shoot through her mind. She stood up and grabbed her head screaming. A surge of black lightning started emitting from the ground where Trixie stood and tempest of black fog started to blow across the field.
“Trixie, what’s going on!?” Trixie was still not responding, she just continued to scream into the air.
“The voices! Please Celestia stop the voices!”
“Trixie, what-?” Twilight looked up and noticed Trixie’s Dark Magician appeared to be in pain as well. He was holding his head and struggling against the dark fog surrounding him. At that moment, Trixie dropped the last card in her hand. Either by fate or a stroke of luck, the card landed on her duel disk directly on top of her Dark Magician card. As soon as the card landed, her duel disk exploded in a wave of energy sending Twilight flying backwards slamming her against a tree. A powerful black light started to shine from inside the fog before firing into the air. The condensed light zigzagged back and forth and stopped midair. The eerie black light glared and for several moments, there was just silence…
“Oh Twilight~” Trixie said in a sing song voice. Twilight suddenly felt a terrible chill go down her spine. “Oh Twilight~”
Twilight pressed herself closer against the tree. “Trixie…? Are you feeling alright?”
Trixie let out a childish giggle. “Oh Twilight, I’m better than ok…” Then, the ground started to slowly shake. The fog slowly cleared revealing Trixie was now alone and looking at the ground. “In fact…” Trixie shot her head up and looked straight into Twilight’s fearful eyes. “THIS IS THE BEST I’VE FELT IN MY WHOLE LIFE!” Her face was completely covered in horrifying veins with the top half being covered in shadows, her eyes had become little dots with almost all color drained from them and she had extremely thick eye liner around her eyes. Her hair had also flared outward in a wild fashion. What came next, Twilight could only describe as feeling her entire weight being pressed upon herself.
Celestia struggled against the sudden weight being pushed down on her. “What… What is happening? It feels like gravity had suddenly gotten several times stronger! I can feel my whole body shaking!” Quickly after, a dark blue aura formed an outline around her body.
“The time has finally come; the seal has finally been broken and now Trixie’s true power is being revealed!” Midnight smirked at Celestia and pointed into the sky. “I suggest you look at what’s happening above you…” Celestia looked upwards and saw something she had never seen before. There appeared to be several orbs of blue mist flying through the air all moving towards a single sphere of black energy. “Trixie is absorbing all the hatred and negativity in Equestria into one single mass of energy which will then give birth to the most powerful creature to ever exist.”
The shaking began to intensify into a full-blown earthquake. The sky grew dark and the vortex opened up wider creating a massive hole in the sky. Several red sparks of lightning coursed through the clouds and a small red sphere could be seen pulsating from the center of the vortex. Trixie giggled a little more. “By destroying my Dark Magician Girl, you triggered the exact conditions I needed to summon my most powerful… Most supreme… And most DEADLY monster in my entire arsenal!” Despite how high up the sphere was, Twilight could see inside it clear as day. The creature inside the sphere started to spasm, several black crystals punctured its skin from the inside out. The black crystals formed all over shredding whatever skin the creature had. A new layer of skin and armor started to form over the top of the creature’s skin giving it an entirely new appearance. Its arms were unnaturally large and looked completely mutated with abnormally large shoulder spikes. Its fingers grew large and sharpness that rivaled that of dragon claws. Around its waist, the crystal protruded downwards giving it armor over half its legs. A large robe wrapped around its body with a pointed hood that arched forward. Finally, several crystals burst open a hole in the center of its chest, revealing a single cracked red crystal heart with a black mist in the center.
“Trixie… What is that… That thing!?”
“Just as I accepted the darkness when you stole Starshine away from me, my Dark Magician has finally accepted his own darkness in. The darkness now flows within him, making him invincible and now, he is about to reap his vengeance on you for killing his most beloved student…” The sphere suddenly shot downwards in a beam of light. Upon hitting the ground, the beam let out a massive shockwave, smashing every tree and rock in its path. The red light slowly started to vanish giving Twilight a perfect view of Trixie new monster. She had never been so disgusted in her whole life than seeing the monstrosity in front of her. “Face your divine judgment Twilight…” Twilight stepped back.
“VENGEANCE NIGHTMARE MAGICIAN!!!”
Starshine was still curled up against a tree when she heard a loud bang. As she looked up, she saw the giant red shockwave. Her eyes widened and she held onto the tree with dear life as all the trees around her were busted apart and thrown backwards. Once the aftershock from the blast was over, Starshine let go of the tree. She was about to start running away and then she stopped. She placed her hoof over her heart and turned around. “Trixie…?” Against her better judgment, she ran towards the red light.
Celestia’s eyes went wide at the shock of the blast. “She is even more powerful then I imagined…” Midnight remarked.
“This feeling… I’ve never felt such pure unfiltered hatred before…” ‘Even my own sister was nothing compared to this…’
Vengeance Nightmare Magician
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
Trixie’s new monster stared daggers into Twilight’s eyes, his piercing red eyes haunting her very soul. “So, how does it feel to be looking into the eyes of death itself?” Trixie smirked. Twilight couldn’t respond, she could only shudder at the terrifying energy she could feel coming from Trixie’s monster. “Since you’re not making any more moves, I guess I’ll go now…” As Trixie drew her card, Twilight’s magician suddenly powered down, the book in front of him dissolving.
Spellbook Magician of Prophecy
< ATK: 2500 → 500 >
“Well, well, well, what is this?”
Twilight gasped. “I forgot my Spellbook of Power only lasted for one turn. Now my Magician is back to his normal power!”
“That’s rather lucky for me then. That means my magician is strong enough to destroy yours!” Trixie’s monster held its arms in front of its chest. The crystal on its chest started glowing and shot out a small beam of red light taking the shape of a staff. The creature took the odd staff and readied itself for an attack. The staff was extremely rigid with bumps all over it. The thick ball at the end of the staff was covered in a wild mess of barbed wire. “Now my Vengeance Magician, attack Twilight’s Spellbook Magician and take a chunk out of her Life Points!” Trixie’s magician lunged his staff forward shooting a massive bolt of red lightning towards Twilight’s monster. The Spellbook Magician howled in pain as it was electrocuted by the powerful bolt. Its pain was cut short though, its skin started to bubble up before he spontaneously burst into flames. Twilight was completely modified at the brutal torture her monster had just experienced. Once Trixie’s monster let up the attack, there was nothing left of the monster but the smoldering remains of a blue hat that quickly exploded seconds later.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 2450 → 450 >
“How horrible…” Twilight looked back up at Trixie’s monster just in time to see him lunging straight at her. Within moments he grabbed her face and squeezed hard, make her release a muffled scream. He released a powerful charge of electricity through her body making her scream louder. When the monster pulled his claw off her face, she quickly fell to ground with her eyes closed, barely able to keep herself up. She dropped all the cards in her hoof so she could cover her mouth now coughing up blood. When she opened her eyes, she looked down to notice another horrible sight. All the cards that were in her suddenly had burst into flames and were now covered in black fire. “No… Nononono! What is going on!?”
“Vengeance Nightmare Magician’s special ability… When you take damage while he is on the field, all the spell cards in your hand are sent directly to the graveyard. Not only that but once this turn comes to an end, you must also send cards from your deck to the graveyard for every card you lost from your hand and Vengeance Magician gains 200 ATK for every card sent!” Twilight looked down at her duel disk and gasped when her deck suddenly burst into black flames as well. The top 6 cards shot out from her duel disk and landed on the ground in flames like her other cards. Trixie’s magician roared into the air and its mutated arms starting sparking and lightly bulked up making him even larger.
Vengeance Nightmare Magician
< ATK: 2500 → 3700 >
“It’s over Twilight, you have no hope of winning again this monster. I’ll set one card face down and end my turn with that…”
“I… Will never… Give up…”
“Quite the stubborn one Twilight… Oh well, it will be fun seeing you squirm under my power. I’ll be sure to kill you nice and slow. It’s the only proper punishment for what you did to me and Starshine…”
“Trixie?”
Trixie’s heart suddenly froze hearing that voice. She slowly turned to the right towards the forest to see the new figure that had interrupted her duel. The small blue filly looked at her curiously. “S-Starshine?”
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supersaiyanmikito
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1102
| 14 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
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My Little Duel Monsters
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An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
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incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
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teen
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2015-09-30T13:13:40+00:00
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2023-05-14T07:48:34+00:00
| 1,323 |
Trixie had completely frozen up. The young filly stared at her with curious eyes she hadn’t seen in a long time. “S-Starshine?”
“Trixie…?” She asked.
Twilight painfully opened her eyes, looking towards the filly. ‘Oh no, what is SHE doing here…?’
“Starshine… It’s you… It really is you!” Trixie slowly started to tear up before opening her front hooves.
“Trixie!” The filly ran towards Trixie and leaped into hooves giving each other a bone crushing hug. “I-I-I-I thought I w-w-w-would never see you aga-a-a-ain!” She choked out between sobs.
“Me too… I missed you Starshine, more than you know.”
“I never forgot about you Trixie, you’re the most important pony in the world to me…”
Trixie’s ears perked up and she became curious. “But last time I saw you, you had forgotten about me…”
Starshine felt hurt. “Trixie, I never forgot about you. My parents forced me to get rid of anything reminding me of you but they can never get rid of what’s in my heart. There was not a single day where I didn’t think about you…”
“Get away from her Starshine!” Twilight screamed. The two blue ponies suddenly broke apart and looked at the struggling mare.
“How DARE YOU!” Trixie screamed. “You have no right to interfere!”
“I knew you only wanted to separate us!” Starshine continued.
Twilight struggled to pull herself back up. “Starshine, you have to listen to me! She is not the same Trixie you know and love. She has been corrupted by dark magic and she only wants to use you!”
“Shut up! You don’t know Trixie like I do!”
“Starshine please listen to me!”
“NO!” Starshine stomped her hooves on the ground. “You don’t understand what you put me and Trixie though. When I lost her, it felt like I had no more reason to live…” She put her hoof to her chest. “But somewhere in my heart I could feel her calling to me, telling me to keep living and that we would be together again one day.”
“I had almost given up living as well…” Trixie continued. “But then Midnight saved me and gave me the power I needed to turn my life around and give me reason again…”
“Trixie… Starshine…” Twilight sighed. “Your hearts are in the right place but this is not the way to go about it. Revenge only leads to more suffering.”
“You’re suffering Twilight…” Trixie replied. “I refuse to let you get away with what you caused us!”
“Take her down Trixie!”
Twilight recoils back. ‘Starshine just refuses to listen to reason! Can’t she see Trixie is clearly not herself?’ The two blue ponies each gave her a very unsettling smirk. It was there she saw it. ‘What the?’ The unusually maniacal Starshine was chuckling to herself when her eyes faintly flashed a couple times, revealing a blood red color just like Trixie. ‘Trixie’s dark magic… Is affecting Starshine? But how is that possible?’
“Well Twilight?” Trixie asked. “Are you going to make your move, it is your turn after all.”
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 1750 >
“Fine!” Twilight swiftly drew her next card.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 450 >
‘This battle just got a lot more dangerous. Now I need to figure out a way to beat Trixie and break her influence over Starshine.’ Twilight looked down at the single card in her hand. ‘I can start by regaining the hand I lost last turn.’ “I activate the effect of my Spellbook Tower. At the start of my turn, I can return 1 Spellbook to the bottom of my deck and then I can draw another card in addition to the one I’ve already drawn.”
“That’s what you think.” Trixie replied. Suddenly, a giant cyclone formed around Twilight’s tower destroying it.
“What!?”
“I activated my face down card, Mystical Space Typhoon. It’s rather handy for getting rid of those pesky Spell and Trap cards.” Twilight grunted in frustration. “So much for your comeback…”
“Heh, don’t think destroying my tower ended my turn.”
“Huh?”
“You see when my tower is destroyed; its other effect is triggered!” Behind Twilight where the tower once stood, a large white portal appeared on the ground’s surface. “Now I’m allowed to summon any spellcaster from my deck with equal or less stars then the amount of Spellbooks in my graveyard. Since you sent so many of my books to the graveyard, I have access to practically any monster in my deck!” A white silhouette slowly emerged from the portal. The creature had several feathered wings on its back. It wore a large white jacket with golden trims along the edges. The monster rose up into the sky with its arms extended. “Behold, World of Prophecy!” As it floated up in the path of the moon light, it spread its wings to their full length releasing a blinding light.
World of Prophecy
< Level 9 / ATK: 2900 >
“That’s… quite a beast you have there… Too bad it’s still not strong enough.”
“Oh, no? Say that again after I activate World of Prophecy’s special ability.” World held his hands forward and formed a ball of light in his hand before shooting it in a beam towards the ground forming a purple portal. Immediately after, two cards shot out from the portal into her hoof. “You see, World of Prophecy has the power to return two Spellbooks in my graveyard back into my hand. I’m using its effect to get back my Spellbook of Power and Spellbook of the Master.” Twilight took the two cards back into her hooves. “I’ll use the Spellbook of Power right away and add its power to my World of Prophecy.” The familiar red book appeared in front of Twilight’s monster causing it to glow red.
World of Prophecy
< ATK: 2900 → 3900 >
“Now; World of Prophecy; attack Vengeance Nightmare Magician with Prophet Wing Blast!” World of Prophecy opened its wings and started gathering light being unleashing a frenzy of feathers towards Trixie’s monster. Nightmare Magician stood his ground holding his hands up attempting to block it. The feathers impacted in a series of slashes before exploding into a cloud of smoke. Twilight and Trixie braced for impact while Starshine held onto Trixie.
“I use Blood Contract to half the damage!” The tether between them started to glow in response.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 450 → 350 >
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 1750 → 1650 >
“And that’s it for your Vengeance Nightmare Magician…” Before the cloud of smoke even disappeared, Twilight could see Trixie laughing maniacally behind it. When the smoke eventually cleared, it revealed Trixie’s monster still standing. “What!? No!”
“YOU FOOL! Vengeance Nightmare Magician is an evolution of Iseris meaning he is just as invincible as him, he can’t be destroyed in battle or by card effects!”
“Yeah, Trixie is far too strong for you Twilight!” Starshine cheered.
Twilight’s frustration grew even higher. “I may not have been able to destroy it this turn but it won’t last forever.” Twilight inserted her last card into the back of her duel disk. “I play Swords of Revealing Light!” Several glowing yellow swords rained down from the sky creating a barrier around Trixie’s monster. “Now your monsters are imprisoned for three whole turns and until they go away your monsters can’t attack.” Trixie groaned in frustration. “Now make your move…” The light on World of Prophecy dimmed, ending the effect of Twilight’s Spellbook of Power.
World of Prophecy
< ATK: 3900 → 2900 >
“With pleasure…” Trixie drew her card and smiled. “You know what, forget the swords. I can still beat you even if I can’t attack.”
Twilight’s eyes widened. “Wha… What!? But how is that possible?”
Trixie smirked. “With this card…” She revealed it to Twilight. “It’s called Magical Combustion; do you know what it does?” Twilight stepped back giving Trixie a worried look. “This card allows the highest level spellcaster on my field to automatically destroy every other monster on the field with a level lower then it. My Magician has a level of 7 so all Level 6 and below monsters are sent straight the graveyard!” When the card materialized on the field, it released a stream of fire turning Twilight’s magical knight into ashes on the field. “But the fun doesn’t end there, now each of us must send 5 cards from our deck to the graveyard if a monster of ours was destroyed!”
The stream of flames kept going past Twilight’s monster and struck her deck. 5 cards ejected from her deck in a blaze as they had before. “Again, with my deck? Just what are you trying to accomplish?”
“You really haven’t figured it out yet…?”
Twilight looked down at her duel disk trying to figure out what Trixie was talking about. Reality suddenly hit Twilight like a ton of bricks. Looking down at her deck; if you could even call it that; was down to a measly 2 cards. “No… How could I have missed something so obvious!?”
“Those precious little books of yours may be powerful but they were also your undoing! You were adding spell cards to your hand so fast you completely lost track of the cards left in your deck! You’ve burned through so many cards your deck is almost completely gone!” Trixie mindlessly laughed into the air. “And you know what happens when you’re unable to draw any cards from your deck right?”
Twilight frowned. “I automatically lose the duel…”
“Hehehe… Celestia…” Midnight remarked. “Now that Twilight has awakened Trixie’s power, she has no chance of survival! It’s quite tragic really, Twilight would have made a great follower for the new world order, it’s just too bad she worships the very ground you stand on. Perhaps when I’m done with you two, I can find your ‘other’ student and convince to join my cause.”
Celestia’s eyes went wide. “Don’t you DARE bring Sunset into this!”
Midnight simply shrugged. “What do you care, you’re the one who had her removed because she wanted to know about her birthright and the outside world. Speaking of which, when did you intend on telling Twilight?”
“I… Uh…” Celestia stuttered. Her eyes darted back and forth looking for an answer.
“So… That’s it huh? You intend for Twilight to just complete her training like a dog on a leash. You’re afraid she will go down the same path as Sunset so you’ve kept it all hidden away from her. You turned away the one who wanted to be a Princess and you’re leading along somepony who probably doesn’t.”
“Only one without a need for power can fully utilize it.”
“Is that really what you think Celestia? Trixie was nothing but a lowly street magician; she never had a need for power. It wasn’t until her life went spiraling down to Tartarus where her power was awoken. Unlike Gilda and Blueblood, I’ve done nothing to enhance Trixie’s power. She was born with a great amount of untapped power; it just wasn’t awakened until she needed it just like how Twilight’s power was revealed when she needed it.”
“Yet you yourself get your power from absorbing the power of others.”
“I wasn’t born with natural power like everypony else. I mean a green hoof for growing beautiful plants no matter what conditions? The only beauty that matters to me is the beauty of your downfall!” Midnight raised her hoof and lunged out in Celestia’s direction. “Luna, destroy your sister’s knight with Moonlight Blast!” Luna launched into the air and flew into the moon’s view creating a silhouette. Her horn lit up and the moon behind her enlarged. From behind her back, the moonlight rained down a massive beam toward Michael. As the beam approached, Michael reached into his scabbards and drew his energy sabers. He twirled them a couple times and held them in front blocking himself with a X. When the beam impacted the sabers, he was pushed back several feet but stood he. He groaned trying his hardest to push back. Eventually, he pushed his sabers forwards slashing with an X shape causing the beam to bounce back towards Luna. “SAY WHAT!?” She barely had time to react when the beam complete engulfed Luna causing to scream and promptly disintegrate within the light. “What… The hell?”
Midnight Rose
< LP: 4000 → 600 >
Midnight grit her teach in frustration. “You! Tell me what you did!”
Celestia stood tall with her eyes closed and a grin on her face. “I did exactly what you wanted me to…” The single face-down on Celestia’s field slowly raised itself up revealing a trap. “Look familiar?”
Midnight’s face went into complete shock at the card she was seeing. “You…”
“That’s right Midnight; I activated your Monarchy Riposte trap card! The very same card you gave to me all those years ago!”
“Now for the finishing touch… I play the spell card Flawed Treaty!” She slammed the card onto the field. “Let me explain how this card works. This lets me take one card from my deck and add it to your hand. In exchange, you cannot attack next turn.”
Midnight growled. ‘She actually kept that card for all these years…’ “So… You finally played the card…”
“That’s what you wanted wasn’t it? That’s why out of every card in your deck you gave me a powerful card such as this. You intended for me to activate it during our first duel…”
Midnight’s expression softened. “Yes… I knew that a selfish tyrant like you would never activate that card. While it does have the power to double the attack points of every monster on your field, it’s not worth the risk…”
“I know… During the turn the card is activated your life points cannot hit zero. Every attack will leave you with at least 1 life point. There’s also its nasty side effect which causes me to lose life points equal to half the combined total attack of my monsters which means I lose 3500 life points.”
“But you only have 1000 life points and my attack would have only reduced you to 400. So why activate that card when you could have survived without it?”
Celestia closed her eyes and smiled. “Same reason you intended for me to use it…”
Midnight was confused. “What are you talking about?”
“This is the same kind of situation as our first duel. Yes, I would have survived your attack just like how I survived Iseris’ attack last time… This card serves a double purpose. It’s not just a way to test if your sick theories about me were true; you gave this card to me as a means of keeping me alive.”
Midnight chuckled to herself. “Hmm, you are a smart one, aren’t you…? Yeah, I admit it. While I did intend for it to test you, the test wouldn’t really have affected my personal goals. I gave it to you as a means of personal torture. What better way to torture you then to make you watch your kingdom fall before your eyes. I thought it would be more entertaining to keep you alive until my plan is finished.”
“That is the biggest flaw in your magic. You can only take the souls of people you defeat with Iseris. While I may have survived the attack, there was too large of a risk that Iseris could be summoned next turn. You already have a dark monster on the field which is half the requirement. As for the god card, you returned Ra to Yugi and Trixie is in possession of Obelisk. But from what Yugi told me you never returned Slifer, so tell me… Do you have Slifer the Sky Dragon in your deck?”
Midnight had her eyes closed during Celestia’s explanation, unmoving. Suddenly she started chuckling to herself before breaking into laughter. “You really think I need I even need the God cards anymore!?”
“What!? You mean you don’t?”
Midnight reached into her cloak and pulled two cards out. “You know what, take these… They are useless to me…” She tossed the two cards to Celestia. She caught the cards and her eyes turned to pinpricks.
“Slifer…? Obelisk…”
“I don’t need them anymore; Trixie doesn’t need them either. We figured out other ways of using Iseris’ power… Trixie can harness the power of Iseris through her Dark Magician in the form of Vengeance Nightmare Magician. As for me…” Midnight swiped her right hoof left to right. “I activate the effect of Magic Horn Blade in my graveyard! When the equipped monster is destroyed in battle, I can banish that monster and Magic Horn Blade in order to draw 2 cards from my deck!” Midnight placed her hoof on her duel disk causing it to glow. “At one point I needed the god cards but my power has grown substantially since then and with every strong soul I capture my power continues to grow!” She drew her two cards leaving a black flaming trail behind her cards. Her face suddenly changed from maniacal to calm. “Field Spell… Legend of the Purge…” The field slot ejected and Midnight lightly placed her card into the slot retracting it. A field of darkness swarmed the field causing the grass all around them to die out and whither to a sickly grey color. The ground behind Midnight started rumbling and a large stone slab rose up behind her. “Once a turn, this field spell allows me to summon any dark attribute monster from my hand ignoring it’s summoning conditions, as long as I give up a monster on my field as well as half of my life points!”
Midnight Rose
< LP: 600 → 300 >
Rarity’s body suddenly exploded into black particles and shot into the air. “Stolen past and taken peace… Darkness awaken and engulf the world in your cleansing shadow! I summon you, Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony!” The familiar bolt of lightning struck Midnight causing the mark of Iseris to burn into her head with a bright red color. As the mark formed around her eyes, her eyes turned a fully red with an ominous glow.
Iseris, Destroyer of Harmony
< Level 10 / ATK: 0 >
“Zero… Attack points?” Celestia muttered to herself.
Midnight closed her eyes once again. “Turn… End…” Like with Rarity, Iseris suddenly exploded leaving no trace on the field, even the mark vanished from Midnight’s head. “Any monster summoned by the effect of this field spell is destroyed at the end of the turn. Even Iseris isn’t immune to this effect.” She opened her eyes again. “And now that the turn is finished, Monarchy Riposte deals you 3500 points of damage.” The trap card on Celestia’s field started to glow and blasted Celestia with a beam of light causing her to scream in pain.
Princess Celestia
< LP: 1000 → 0 >
“So, as you can see Celestia, I don’t need Slifer, Obelisk or Ra for Iseris anymore. With all the powerful souls I have acquired lately I’ve grown far beyond that point.”
“But Iseris had no attack points and it can’t survive the end of the turn. What good is it when it’s useless?”
“But it’s not useless…” Celestia took a step back as Midnight held up her Iseris card. “Iseris is nothing but a smaller piece of something far greater, the full puzzle if you will…”
“So, using Iseris to take over Equestria was never your real plan from the start?”
“Not quite… Originally I had planned on using Iseris as a way of destroying you and rebuilding Equestria anew but new developments arose that made me change plans…”
“And what developments were those…?”
“First was your creation of that blasted spell card. You only defeated me last time because I was arrogant and let you fuse your monster with mine; not knowing it had the power to actually destroy Iseris. Now that I know its power, that isn’t happening again. That is why I gathered Trixie, Gilda and Blueblood. All 3 of them had a personal vendetta against one of your more important subjects so I trusted them to get them alone. After all, without a duel partner Harmony Fusion might as well be dead weight. You can’t fuse with an opponent’s monster unless they allow you to.”
“That didn’t go as planned though…” Celestia interrupted. “Blueblood foolishly allowed Spike into his duel with Rarity and you allowed your rage to cloud your judgement when Kaiba got the best of you.”
“The second development came up when you defeated me the first time and banished me to the Shadow Realm. Even though you defeated me my power still remained so the shadows failed to completely consume me. Once I was there in the Shadow Realm, I learned that our world was not the only connected to the shadows; there was another; a world separated from ours with their own Egyptian God Cards still intact. Once I managed to escape, I begun preparations knowing it wouldn’t be long before you found me out. Without any god cards to power Iseris, I decided to take a gamble and it worked perfectly. You were so terrified of me; you took a risk and brought the Pharaoh of Egypt here to Equestria just like I planned.”
“It was a risk I was willing to take. The Pharaoh respects his cards and the gods and can use their power to their fullest. You abuse the gods and use their power for your own twisted game; I’m willing to bet you don’t even know all their special abilities…”
“What abilities the gods have mean nothing to me… It doesn’t matter anyway since I don’t need the gods anymore, I have to thank Trixie for that…”
“How is Trixie involved?”
“Simple, I knew she had potential but after her encounter with the Element of Magic something about her changed. It was like a fire had been awakened just begging to be let out. Once Gilda and Blueblood had been defeated, I decided to pour all my energy into her without being forced to split it 3 ways, the result was quite surprising. Iseris reformed and manifested into a new incarnation based on what was in her heart. The resulting monster was Vengeance Nightmare Magician, a monster with the same pain and anguish she herself had felt.”
“So, you’re trying to replicate that then? You’re trying to summon Iseris through another card.”
“It’s not as easy as that. Trixie is unique, like Twilight she has a massive power swelling inside of her so it was easy for her to awaken that power. In order for me to awaken that power, I need to increase my own strength. Iseris is just the first of three pieces I need to reach that goal…”
“And the other two?”
“I’m already in possession of one and I am nearing the third…”
Celestia just stared at Midnight deep in thought while Midnight just looked back at her unmoving. Celestia suddenly realized what she meant and her face reflected that. “Discord… The third piece is Discord…”
“Discord, Nightmare Moon, Iseris… The three great tragedies of Equestria... That is the legend of the purge…”
“But it won’t work; my sister was cleansed of her darkness. Even if you have Iseris and Discord it won’t matter without Nightmare Moon.” Midnight didn’t reply, she simply smiled back at Celestia. “You… You can’t…”
“And I will…” Midnight turned her attention away from Celestia and to the statue of a chaotic Draconequus. “Now if you don’t mind, I have business to attend to…” The mare reached into her cloak and pulled out a card with a blank front. She held it up to the statue. “Spirit of Chaos! I release from your prison and merge your power with mine!”
“No, you can’t! You can’t handle that much chaos energy flowing through your body! It will destroy you!” Discord’s statue started glow brightly as well as the card. Nothing happened at first but the statue suddenly exploded into the flurry of dark blue and purple energy creating a stream of light leading into the card. Unable to control the raw energy flowing through her, her physical body dissolved into energy leaving nothing but a pink-colored silhouette. The mare launched into the air like a bullet spiraling in circles before erupting into a series of black explosions.
“GrrrrraaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Midnight roared. Her energy started to reform together creating an entirely new body unfamiliar to her. She could feel her legs stretching apart, extending her height. Several bones in her body including her neck, spine and skull were showing an extreme amount of pain. As her transformation completed, the silhouette vanished showing her completely new form.
Celestia took several steps back. “What kind of monster have you become…?” Up in the sky, Midnight hovered much larger than she was before. Her coat had darkened to the point of being almost pure black and she had grown to nearly the same size as Celestia and had a couple new appendages; a horn and a pair of wings. Her wings were similar to dragon wings but the webbing between the bones were glowing a bright pink-like color. Her horn was all crooked and bent in unusual ways and the mark of Iseris on her forehead was glowing the same pink color as her wings.
“This… This power… She wasn’t kidding when she said Discord’s power was intense...” She looked down for a moment noticing she was now hovering several feet in the air with Celestia staring directly up at her. She snickered to herself before dropping downwards towards and the ground and slammed down shaking the ground. Once she fully extended her legs, she stood perfectly eye to eye with Celestia. “So how does it feel to not be looking down on little old me for once?” Celestia didn’t respond but she was slightly twitching was the sight. “Now what was that about me not being able to handle Discord’s power? I feel greater than ever!”
“You… You’re a monster…”
“Monster is just an opinion…” Midnight stepped up closer to Celestia and leaned in very close. She kept leaning in until their muzzles were touching. “Tyrant…” Celestia just stared back into Midnight’s eyes, she had never seen them this close before and it made her uncomfortable. The anger and rage… The pain and suffering… Celestia could see everything just by looking into her eyes. They stared for several more moments before Midnight pulled away and flapped her wings. As she did, a black portal formed below her and her body started dissolving into the hole. “Sayonara… Princess Celestia…” With several black sparks, Midnight’s body vanished completely leaving the Princess there alone.
“Midnight Rose…”
Despite her situation, Twilight stood her ground and stood strong. “I may only have 2 cards left but I refuse to give up.” Twilight drew her card and her eyes went wide when she saw the trap she had drawn. ‘Foretold Prophecy? This card may actually give me a chance to win! With the right conditions Foretold Prophecy lets me recover a card from my graveyard.’ She looked down at her deck. ‘I made sure to memorize every single card in my deck and if the last card in my deck is what I think it is, all I need to do is use this trap to recover my Monster Reborn which I should have lost earlier thanks to Trixie’s deck destruction...’ “Alright Trixie, I’ll start by switching my World of Prophecy to defense mode.” She turned the card to its side and her monster kneeled down.
World of Prophecy
< DEF: 2400 >
“Next, I’ll lay a card face-down and end my turn… Your move Trixie…”
Trixie frowned. “What are you up Twilight?” Twilight said nothing, she just smirked at Trixie. “Alright then…” Trixie drew her card and smirked herself. “I’ll also play a card face-down…” Another card appeared on the field. “Make your move Sparkle…”
“Oh, I will!” Twilight rested her hoof on the single card left in her deck. “I… DRAW!” Twilight spun around making a full 360 spin and bright light shot out from her duel disk as she drew her final card. She turned it over and her eyes gleamed. “I play-”
“NOT SO FAST SPARKLE!” Twilight gasped at Trixie’s intrusion. “Before you make your move, I have a trap card of my own to activate.”
“What? No!”
“GOOOOOO! DARK PROPHECY!” The card flipped and sparked with black lightning. “This card can only be activated during your Draw Phase by giving up 1000 life points.”
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 1650 → 650 >
“Now if I can correctly predict the name of the card that you just drew, not only do you lose your entire hand but your life points are cut in half!” Trixie held her hoof up high and then pointed towards Twilight. “I predict the card you just drew was Harmony Fusion!” The color suddenly drained from Twilight’s face. She stared forward in total shock and just dropped all the cards she was holding letting them fall to the ground. The cards bounced off the dirt before landing flat on the ground.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 350 → 175 >
Trixie couldn’t help but crack up. “Ah-AHAHAHAHAAAAA! You’re so predictable! Flashy light shows are my forte Sparkle, not yours… And now thanks to your incompetence, you’ve lost the only card that gave you a chance of winning of this duel.”
“YEAH! Go Trixie!” Starshine cheered.
“You know what is really sad? Harmony Fusion wouldn’t have even worked; did Celestia even tell you how that card works?” Twilight didn’t respond, she just looked up at Trixie walking towards her. “Going into a solo duel expecting to use Harmony Fusion is suicidal. Not only do you need another player to supply a monster, but that player has to agree to the fusion. Simply using an opponent’s monster won’t work! Harmony Fusion… Is USELESS!” She lifted up her right hoof and stomped on the spell card. She repeated to stomp it multiple times causing the cardboard to crinkle up and fold in unintended ways. Finally, she rubbed it around the ground tearing up the paper. When she finally lifted her hoof, Harmony Fusion was a mess. While still in one piece, the card was almost completely destroyed.
Twilight picked up the card and just stared at it; the text was so ruined that it was completely ineligible and the image which at one point had a spiraling rainbow background covered by a six-pointed star like her cutie mark was just a mess of tears and wrinkles. “No… Not like this…”
Trixie chuckled. “Now, why don’t I show you how a real professional does it!” Trixie held her hoof over dueling deck causing a sinister black light to glow from it. “You think that you’re the only one with a destiny, well your wrong… I hold power beyond your wildest imaginations. The pathway to my vengeance is paved in your doom and I’ll be the one to create that path!” Trixie began to mimic Twilight’s motions move for move, spinning in the air with red glowing eyes and pulling her card with an intense black lightning. “BEHOLD MY VENGEANCE!” Once Trixie turned over her card, her smile grew as large she could possibly stretch it. “Your time is up Twilight Sparkle, time to send you Tartarus where you belong! I activate… Chaos Hatred! This card allows me to evolve my magician into its most powerful form in existence as long as I give up something in return…” She placed her hoof over her heart and clenched it. As she clenched it, several sickly black veins started growing out from her heart. “I SACRIFICE MY VENGEACE NIGHTMARE MAGICIAN AND GIVE UP EVERY LAST ONE MY LIFE POINTS IN ORDER TO CALL FORTH MY ETERNAL HATRED!!!”
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 650 → 0 >
Twilight gasped at Trixie’s seemingly suicidal move but before she could ask, she and Starshine were suddenly blown back by a powerful force. Trixie screamed into the air causing several dark purple cracks to appear in the sky, almost as if the time and space was tearing itself apart. The cracks ripped opened sending several beams of energy toward Trixie and her magician. The light formed a sphere around them sparking with black electricity. The sphere sparked again but this time it starting form together into a new creature. “My everlasting hatred will tear you apart leaving nothing left…” The creature was massive; at least ten times the size of her magician. It had long black plated arms with razor sharp claws. Its body was serpent-like with no legs and just one really long tail. It had a massive vertical facing mouth on its chest with a cracked red crystal inside just like the Nightmare Magician. It had two massive feathered wings with another pair of hands at the end of the wings. Finally, its head had 5 large horns along the back of its head creating what almost looked like a crown and had another wide mouth with two bright red eyes. “This is the end Twilight Sparkle! My eternal hatred, Nightmare… Eternity… DRAGON!”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< Level 10 / ATK: 3000 >
Twilight took a couple steps back in disgust looking at the monster. “What do you think Twilight Sparkle!? Are your legs shaking in fear yet!?” Trixie’s voice echoed from above with its double overlapping voice.
“Where did you go? I can’t see you anywhere.”
“I’m right here Twilight, just look up.” Twilight looked upward at the dragon. Up on top of the dragon’s head, Trixie could be seen with her body below her waist completely emerged into the dragon. “By merging my very being with my magician, I have evolved Vengeance Nightmare Magician to a whole new level. Now I’ll have the pleasure of destroying you personally! HAHAHAHAAAA!”
“But I don’t understand; you have no life points so you should lose!”
“Normally that would be the case but don’t forget I sacrificed all my life points to summon this monster in the first place. My life force has been bonded to this monster and as long as it remains on the field, my life points don’t matter anymore!” Twilight quivered and took a few steps back. “It’s hopeless Twilight; this form is even more powerful than the last!” Trixie just laughed from above the dragon. “Nightmare Eternity Dragon, attack World of Prophecy! Eternity Vortex!”
Twilight did a double take. “Wha- But how…? My Swords of Revealing Light is still in play!” Nightmare Dragon charged up black lightning into its mouth for a few moments before releasing a powerful tempest of black and white, snapping the swords in the half. Twilight’s monster looked just as stunned as her and didn’t even try to block as the whirlwind engulfed it in mere seconds. The tornado ripped at the monster and tore its body apart before the individual limbs exploded. The resulting explosion blew Twilight back several feet as well, causing her to tumble backward hitting the ground between backflips. The unicorn slowly pushed herself back up, working against the pain. “I… I don’t get it… How did you monster get around my swords of revealing light…? What are you up to Trixie…?”
Trixie lightly chuckled to herself before breaking into a full laughter. “It’s all thanks to the special ability of my Nightmare Eternity Dragon! As long as he is on the field, you can’t active any cards during battle and all face-up cards you control are negated!” Twilight gasped.
Twilight tried standing up but doubled over in pain, causing her to grab her shoulder. “But… But I thought you said you would beat me without attacking…?”
Trixie chuckled. “That’s what I planned originally but when I saw how pathetic you were, I decided to make a change of plans to prolong your suffering!” Trixie started with chuckle and broke into a full laughter, even the sky was now sparking with black lightning with her laughter. “After my Dragon attacks, his special ability allows me to send any spell card from my deck to the graveyard. Then, I’m allowed to activate the effect of the spell card I sent.” Trixie pulled out a single card from her deck and slowly slid it into her graveyard. “I send the spell card Blessing of Phoenix! It’s a card I threw it just for this occasion...” When the card appeared, the arena was shrouded in the bright red glow. The silhouette a golden phoenix appeared above the field before promptly vanishing. “Thanks to the effect of this spell card, when a monster is destroyed in battle, it automatically gets revived back to the field in attack mode.” Twilight’s graveyard began to glow red and a trail of ashes swirled into the air from the slot. They stood airborne for a few moments before bursting into flames, giving shape to Twilight’s monster releasing red sparkles.
World of Prophecy
< Level 9 / ATK: 2900 >
“Blessing of Phoenix also restores any life points you lost when your monster was destroyed. You didn’t lose any life points though so that doesn’t really help you here.”
Now she was really confused. “But what was the point of summoning back the monster you just destroyed? What was the point of that…?”
Trixie held her head and lightly chuckled. She suddenly looked back up at Twilight with the most crazed looked Twilight had ever seen, the look of somepony who had completely tipped over the edge. “HAHAHAHA-HA-HA-HAHAHA!” Even Starshine was getting a little creeped out at this point and took a couple steps back. “AHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!” Trixie just stared at Twilight. Her eyes so tiny they were almost completely gone and her laughter sounded as though it was coming from a deranged psychopath. Trixie’s mind was completely gone… “NIGHTMARE ETERNITY DRAGON, ATTACK AGAIN!” Her dragon did a complete repeat as before and shredded Twilight’s monster effortlessly, blowing the unicorn back again actually doing damage to her this time around.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 175 → 75 >
Twilight tried pulling herself up again but failed, she was completely fatigued. “No… What is… Going on…?”
Trixie continued to laugh non-stop. “I ACTIVATE NIGHTMARE ETERNITY DRAGON’S SPECIAL ABILITY! I SEND ANOTHER BLESSING OF PHOENIX TO THE GRAVEYARD MEANING YOUR WORLD OF PROPHECY COMES BACK!” Just like before, Twilight’s monster was revived from the ashes of death and Twilight’s life points were restored.
World of Prophecy
< Level 9 / ATK: 2900 >
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 75 → 175 >
“What is…”
“ATTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!” Once again, Twilight’s monster was ripped apart blowing Twilight back and causing several cuts to appear on her body.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 175 → 75 >
“AH-AHAHAHAHAAAAA! AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN!” Like a broken record, everything replayed again exactly as before. World of Prophecy returns, Twilight gains life points and Trixie attacks again. Twilight had painfully landed on her back completely unable to move or even speak. “I may be out of Blessing spell cards but that doesn’t mean the suffering is over! I use my dragon’s special ability!” Trixie slid another card into her graveyard. “This allows me to activate my Spelled to Perfection spell card. Since I have 3 copies of the same spell in my graveyard, this allows me to return one of them to my hand.” Trixie ejected the 3 spell cards from her graveyard. “But oh, it doesn’t end there. The other 2 copies are then shuffled into my deck allowing me to use the effect 3 more times!” Trixie took 2 of the cards and slid them into her deck causing the auto-shuffler to activate. “Hope you’re ready for a repeat performance Sparkle! Today’s show is…” Trixie held up both her hooves into the air. “THE ETERNAL PUNISHMENT OF A WORTHLESS PROTEGY UNICORN!” Trixie’s Blessing of Phoenix spell activated once again reviving Twilight’s monster and restoring her life points.
World of Prophecy
< Level 9 / ATK: 2900 >
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 75 → 175 >
Twilight’s monster was on the field for no more than 5 seconds before it was painfully ripped into pieces by the vortex. The whirlwind kept going passed the monster and slammed into Twilight, launching her into the air screaming. Twilight fell back down shortly after and hit the ground hard sending dust everywhere.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 175 → 75 >
“YES, YES, YES! MORE, MORE, MORE!” Trixie used her second Blessing of Phoenix causing World of Prophecy to return again and her life points restored for the fifth time. “DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEE!”
“No…” Twilight barely breathed out.
The whirling tornado tore through her monster once again and struck her on the ground. Twilight just laid there on her back and screamed in pain again.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 175 → 75 >
Starshine stood their speechless watching Trixie brutal rampage. A weird feeling starting plaguing her, something she didn’t quite understand. She put her hoof to her head and closed her right eye grunting in pain. Her normally pink eye suddenly began to flicker between a blood red and a bright yellow color. Trixie repeated the cycle for the sixth time and attacked yet again leaving Twilight on her back staring into the night sky with her near colorless right eye half shut. ‘If she attacks me one more time… I… Don’t think I’ll survive…’ single tear fell down the side of her face. ‘I’m sorry Trixie, I’m sorry I couldn’t save you…’
Trixie continued her non-stop laughter. “How does it feel Sparkle? That feeling of hopelessness and despair I am all too used to... It doesn’t feel good, does it? Don’t worry Sparkle; it will all be over soon… Thanks to Nightmare Eternity Dragon, I can send the spell card Final Vengeance from my deck to the graveyard and activate its effect…” Trixie took the card out of her deck and showed it off to Twilight. “My Dragon has the ability to attack repeatedly as long as you have a monster on the field but since you don’t have any more monsters on the field, I can’t attack... However, since the last monster you controlled was destroyed in battle by my dragon, I can use this spell card to allow my dragon to attack one last time with half its attack points.”
Starshine released her head and starting clenching her chest. “Trixie…” She cried out in pain. Trixie however didn’t seem to notice. She just held out her last card preparing to send it to the graveyard.
“Time to die, Twilight Sparkle!” Trixie swung her right hoof over to her graveyard slot, everything in complete slow motion. Just as she brought her hoof over her graveyard, her heart pulsed. Trixie stopped the moment she felt it, it wasn’t something she had felt in a while. “What…?” She asked with her voice back to normal. She suddenly heard a painful thud to her right. When she looked over, she was terrified to see Starshine had collapsed on the ground. She had her right hoof on her chest and appeared to be struggling with some kind of pain. “No… Starshine!” As fast as she could, Trixie detached herself from her dragon and jumped down to Starshine. “Starshine! Starshine! What’s wrong!?”
Starshine just rolled around, grunting in pain. “Trixie… It hurts…”
Trixie looked all over Starshine’s body to find an injury but couldn’t find any. “Where does it hurt?” Starshine didn’t respond, she just rolled onto her back and continued to clutch her chest. “Your… Heart…? But why…” A small light started forming in front Trixie, right where Starshine was lying. She looked down at Starshine and at that moment, she instantly knew the problem. Starshine’s cutie mark had come in, an image of two hearts overlapping each other with a blue shield around the two hearts. “No… No…” Starshine struggled to open her left eye, revealing her pink eye had completely changed to a bright yellow. “Starshine… You are…” A large amount of tears started forming in Trixie’s eyes; a sudden painful realization had come at her in the worst possible way. “It’s me… Trixie is killing you…”
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 15 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
|
My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
|
incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
|
teen
|
2015-10-19T15:29:27+00:00
|
2023-05-14T07:53:11+00:00
| 1,553 |
“What do you mean I can’t see Trixie anymore!?” The filly screamed.
“We told you Starshine; she is a bad pony and can’t be trusted!” The tall blue unicorn replied. “She nearly destroyed an entire village in the south trying to show off.”
“That’s enough reason to believe she can’t heal you… We are just trying to protect you…” Starshine’s mother looked down at her with sincerity.
“But she is the first real friend I made! She is the only one who ever said I could do something with my future!”
“But you’re a smart filly; there are many other things you can do that don’t require magic!” Her mother replied.
“But I’m a unicorn, without magic I’m nothing!”
“Don’t you dare say that!”
“But it’s what I want to do! What’s the point in having a talent if it’s something I don’t even like!”
“Stop this right now Starshine!” Her father roared. “Trixie is gone, end of story! I don’t want you sending anymore letters to her either. We can’t have ponies finding out we are communicating with a… Criminal…”
“The only criminal here Twilight Sparkle! She is the reason everypony hates Trixie!”
“Twilight Sparkle saved that town from being destroyed! She is a national hero in case you forgot!”
“If she was really a hero, she wouldn’t have allowed somepony to create such… Degrading news articles about a nice pony like Trixie!” Starshine trotted over to her father’s chair and picked up a newspaper. “How can you believe this!? ‘Many local ponies reported one Trixie Lulamoon as being the cause. Although not directly responsible for the Ursa Minor attack, it’s believed the unicorn tricked a pair of local colts to bring the Ursa into the town. When the unicorn failed to defeat it as she had previously bragged, she could, she fled the town and let the colts take the blame as they are known trouble makers. The locals expected a swift punishment from national hero Twilight Sparkle but the punishment never came. This lack of punishment is believed to be a sign that the colts were not the real culprits so this has led people to believe Trixie Lulamoon had staged the attack, possibly as a means of getting rid of Ms. Sparkle as she was known for being the powerful unicorn in the village.’” Starshine screamed and threw the papers all over the floor. “This article is nothing but slander and that village has nothing but bias idiots! They paint Trixie as being some crazy pony trying to kill a national hero when it’s obvious, she had no part in it. Were those colts really so stupid that they couldn’t even tell her stories were fake!? They brought in the Ursa and then when they should have been punished, ‘Twilight Sparkle’ placed the blame on an outsider so her perfect little town wouldn’t look bad. It makes me SICK!” Starshine suddenly stormed out the room and upstairs. Her parents winced at the load slam of her door. The two parents simply sat down trying to process what had just happened. Her father spoke up first.
“I swear… That filly is too smart for her good…”
“She is going to hurt herself if she keeps thinking like that… Or even worse…”
“Dawn…” The two sat there for several minutes thinking to themselves, not saying a word.
“You know she is not going to give up right? She will find ways to send letters behind our backs.”
The father sighed. “Yeah, I know… I may not like it but I’ll see if I can convince the local post office to ‘lose her mail.’ It might not be the most ethical way to do it but if Starshine stops getting letters maybe it will change her mind about Trixie…”
“What about Trixie herself? Once she stops getting letters she is going to come here and find out what is going on.”
“We… Just have to pray to Celestia that Starshine isn’t here to see what I’m going to do to Trixie…”
Starshine’s mother Dawn Shine was working in the kitchen when she heard the front door open. “Starshine honey, is that you?” She heard no response, just a loud stomping and a door slam upstairs. She just sighed to herself. “It’s been a month and she still won’t talk to us…” The mare put down the bowl she was stirring. “It all started with an offer to help her faulty horn and it’s come to this… She doesn’t care about her magic anymore; she just wants Trixie…”
Upstairs, Starshine didn’t even bother turning her light on. She just dropped her backs on the floor and plopped over her bed. That’s all she did now, wake up, go to school, come home and sleep. She mostly ate and did her work at school; staying at home was just a constant reminder of what she lost. Her parents had gotten rid of the letters and photos from Trixie, anything to remove her from their home but it didn’t help. Starshine was in complete shambles and they couldn’t do anything. It was bad enough after the initial fight but the very next day things turned worse. Some of the fillies and colts at school had heard from their parents how the mare who was going to help Starshine was a supposed criminal. Many of the other children tormented her about it, calling her things like an evil minion or the next Nightmare Moon. The Starshine they knew died that day, she never smiled, she never talked, and she had just plain given up. Trixie had come while she was school and she had never learned of it.
Starshine just lied there on the bad, doing nothing like she had for the past month. It wasn’t long before she passed out asleep like she had before. Lately Trixie had plagued her nightmares, whether it was people attacking Trixie or Trixie attacking her. She refused to believe those nightmares, always thinking Trixie was falsely accused. This night however was the worst nightmare of all. She wandered around a dark forest for what felt like hours, eventually she found light leading her out but the first thing she was had her in tears. There was Trixie, barely standing at the edge of a cliff. Starshine ran towards Trixie calling her name but it seemed like Trixie couldn’t hear her. Before she reached the cliff, Trixie nudged herself forward and plummeted of the edge. Starshine slid across the ground and then reached her front hoof off the edge.
“TRIXIEEEEEEEEEEEE!” She watched the unicorn fall to her demise, a trail of tears behind Trixie as she fell. The filly felt like her heart at been snapped in two. Most dreams until now always had a weird haunting feeling to them, like she knew it was just a nightmare but this was different. To her, this dream felt unusually real. She took multiple steps away from the cliff, trying to process what she had seen.
“Poor, poor Starshine…” The filly suddenly turned around looking for the voice. “You had such potential only to have it ripped from you because of… What was her name…?”
Starshine grit her teeth. “Twilight… Sparkle…” She spoke through her teeth.
“Yes… Twilight Sparkle… Quite the evil one indeed. People already look up to her like a Princess, in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if she actually became one.”
This filled Starshine with pure rage. “She had no right be Princess, not after what she did!”
“If that is what you truly believe, then you must start believing in Trixie…”
“Believe… In Trixie?”
“Your only wish is to meet Trixie again… As long as you never stop thinking of her, your hearts will always be connected... Your light will give her hope, your darkness will give her strength, and your love will give her reason…” At that moment, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned back to the cliff to see the black shadow of a pony hovering above the cliff. “Will you allow Trixie to use your power…?”
Starshine took no time to think, she didn’t need to. “Yes! I will do anything to help Trixie!”
The shadow smiled at her. “Good…” Soon after, the shadow disappeared and a massive beam of black light shot up from the bottom of the cliff. She was blown back by the force of the beam and landed on her flank. She slowly stood back up watching the beam of light fly into the air. “You have great power Starshine, don’t let it go to waste…” The shadow reappeared within the beam, this time taking on the form of Trixie. The shadow held out its right hoof reaching for Starshine. The filly hesitated for a moment but she eventually reached out her own hoof for the shadow. As she grabbed the shadow Trixie’s hoof, a black bolt of lightning shot from her horn, trailed down her hoof and up to Trixie’s horn.
“TRIXIE!” Starshine bolted awake, sweat beating down her face. She looked over at her door expecting her parents to charge in but nothing. She had been awakened by a nightmare nearly every night for the past month and her parents had given up checking on her. Normally she was a complete mess after a nightmare but tonight… She felt kind of good. The aching in her heart had vanished and she felt good, really good.
“I… I understand now…” Trixie muttered. “That’s why your magic doesn’t work…” She lightly pet Starshine’s head. It couldn’t take away the pain but deep down she hoped it could make Starshine feel better. “You have the power of Soul Link… A rare type of magic only useable by those born with a special power… I read about it a long time ago…” Starshine started to calm down a bit, trying to listen to what Trixie was saying. “Soul Link allows a unicorn to create a mental link with another unicorn allowing them to share their power with each other… However, those born with the Soul Link power can’t use magic themselves as there is too great of risk that unicorn will experience magic burnout.”
Twilight struggled against her fatigue, pulling herself up. She was extremely wounded and was holding her front right leg for support. “Trixie…?”
Trixie looked back over at Twilight, tears flowing from her eyes. Twilight also noticed that despite the red color of her eyes, the natural shine had returned. “Twilight…”
“I heard everything…”
Trixie turned back to Starshine. “She… Gave me everything she had… Such an impressionable young one; believed I was important enough to risk giving me every last drop of energy…”
“She must have subconsciously formed a Soul Link with you before she even knew her own power… She really did love you Trixie…”
“And now…” Trixie teared up more. “My magic is starting to affect her as well… My magic… My… Dark Magic… is now poisoning her body. Her young body can’t handle the kind of stress the Dark Magic is putting on her.”
“There is no telling how long that Dark Magic has been affecting her either…”
“I think I know…” Twilight was confused. “Remember what she said, ‘Somewhere in my heart I could feel her calling to me, telling me to keep living and that we would be together again one day…’ She has been infected since the very day I attempted to kill myself… It’s part of how Dark Magic works; it makes you feel good, it numbs the pain and sorrow and makes you feel like a Princess but in reality, it’s slowly eating away at your life…”
“If she has been infected this whole time, then that means you’ve been feeding of her energy this whole time as well…”
“Master Rose always did say I was special, that I had a hidden power that would be unlocked when the time was right. When you destroyed my Dark Magician Girl, it made me think of how I lost Starshine. It filled me with rage and Starshine must have felt it as well. I can’t believe I was so stupid to let things end up like this… And now… Starshine…” Trixie slammed her head against the ground and just let it out. “I’m a monster!”
“No Trixie you aren’t a monster…” Twilight pulled her injured leg over Trixie and wrapped it around her neck. “You’re a wonderful unicorn Trixie… You entertain ponies and give them a good time, despite all the neigh sayers. You were just a victim of circumstance and idiocy and as a result you were pulled into a war that was not yours to fight. Never think of yourself as any less of a pony because of that.”
“Twilight… Thank you…” Behind them, they suddenly started hearing a weird groaning sound. The two unicorns turned back and saw Trixie’s dragon starting to descend. Its red eyes were flickering and losing color.
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 3000 → 2999 → 2998 → 2997 >
“What… In Equestria…?” Twilight asked.
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 2995 → 2993 → 2989 → 2985 >
“It’s… Getting weaker…?” Trixie continued.
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 2954 → 2937 → 2909 → 2876 >
“Trixie… I think it’s reacting to your state of mind…”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 2753 → 2691 → 2604 → 2470 >
“I don’t understand…”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 2281 → 1966 → 1611 → 1283 >
“Midnight’s power comes from your inner hatred. If it’s weakening in power, that means there is no more hatred in you. You have finally come to terms with yourself.”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 0 >
The moment the points hit zero, the card on her duel disk lost all color and her eyes faded back to their normal purple color. The black veins on her horn had also disappeared and her hair fell back down to normal. They suddenly heard a few coughs come from behind them. They turned back to find Starshine pushing herself up, coughing up small blotches of black tinted blood. “Starshine!” Trixie ran down to her and padded her back causing her to cough up more blood. “It’s going to be ok Starshine, just let it all out…”
“Her body must be trying to expel all that bad energy now that the supply has been cut off.”
“Starshine, I’m so, so, so, so sorry I let this happen…”
Starshine held up her hoof motioning her to be quiet. “It’s ok Trixie… I understand…” She pulled herself up completely so she was standing but she wobbled a bit showing she was still fatigued. “All that matters… Is that your happy…”
“I’m happy if you’re happy… And there is no reason to put me ahead of yourself. Your young, you still have a long life ahead of you…”
Starshine didn’t respond, she simply leaped forward and embraced Trixie in a hug. “I love you Trixie…”
Trixie patted her back. “I love you too Starshine… And nothing will ever change that…”
Twilight just smiled at the display she was seeing; it was just like when she had defeated Nightmare Moon. She had eradicated the darkness in her heart and reunited a lost family member. Something was still bugging her though and she couldn’t figure out what. At that moment, there was a flurry of black sparks on the other side of the dueling field. What she saw nearly put her in shock, a black and neon pink alicorn. Although she had never seen this alicorn before, the strange markings on her head gave her an idea. “Midnight Rose, I presume…”
“Twilight… You’re still alive…?”
“She is not alone…” Trixie and Starshine stepped up as well. “Master…” She said with emphasis.
“You’re both still here? What is going on? I saw you release your power; you should have defeated her by now.”
“Look a little more and I think you’ll find out why…” Midnight Rose wasn’t sure what to ask. She looked over at Trixie’s dragon lying on the ground half dead and faded. She also noticed the change in Trixie.
“You… You’ve lost your power, haven’t you?”
“Your ‘gift’ did nothing but hurt the ones I love and I won’t have any more of it!”
Midnight growled. “You fool, don’t you understand what I’m trying to do for you!? Twilight ruined your life, she is evil! I’m doing this to help you!”
Starshine suddenly stepped back. “That voice… That was you…” Twilight and Trixie looked down at her with confusion. “You’re the one from that dream, the one that told me to give Trixie my power…”
Twilight gasped. “I knew I was missing something! She may have the ability to perform the Soul Link subconsciously but she has to choose to give her power. There is no way she should have been able to do that without knowing she had the power in the first place.”
“If that’s the case then that means…” Trixie quickly changed from shock to anger, gritting her teeth as she looked back at Midnight. “You KNEW! YOU KNEW THIS WHOLE TIME!” Midnight’s eyes widened and she stepped back. “Do you have ANY idea what you caused!? Your magic nearly got the one who means the world to me KILLED!” As that moment, Midnight noticed a flicker in Trixie’s eyes, a red flicker.
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 >
Midnight smirked. “Of course, I knew, do you honestly think I would have recruited some washed up magician!?”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 5 → 8 → 12 → 19 >
“Starshine was the sole reason I recruited you in the first place. Soul Linkers are extremely rare and the unicorns they pair up with are unmatched in terms of strength.”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 34 → 57 → 85 → 129 >
“So, I manipulated her… When I gave you my power, I used the Soul Link to track her down and trick her into giving you her power…”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 190 → 471 → 968 → 1573 >
“I had also anticipated the Dark Magic poisoning. Once her life force is completely drained and the magic kills her, you would have had full unrestricted access to her power and without any morals holding you back; you would have been an unstoppable warrior…”
*CRASH*
Trixie suddenly exploded with dark magic, screaming into the air as loud as she could. “I’LL KILLLLLLLLLL YOUUUUUUUUU!”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 3000 >
In her rage, Trixie didn’t notice Midnight transforming her body into pink energy. Midnight charged towards Trixie in her energy form, colliding with Trixie and creating a large black explosion.
“Trixie no!” Twilight called. From inside the explosion, Trixie’s body began to reform in a similar manor to Midnight’s. She didn’t grow a pair of wings but her coat darkened heavily and she acquired the pink glowing mark of Iseris on her forehead. Trixie simply laughed, now with Midnight’s voice speaking over her voice.
“What did you do to Trixie!?” Starshine screamed.
Midnight took notice of Starshine and turned to her. “I’m in control now foal! She was an insolent traitor and had to be dealt with. Of course, that wouldn’t have been possible if she hadn’t let her rage get out of control.”
“You monster…” Twilight grunted.
Midnight examined her new body. “I must say you did a fine job of giving her your energy young one. I wish this mortal body was more resilient though or else I would keep it for myself. It would be nice having a real body for once…”
“Hmm?” Twilight questioned.
“Anyway, that’s nothing you need to be hearing about…” Midnight leaped into the air landing on top of Trixie’s dragon which was back to full power. “After all, what’s the point in explaining something to a dead pony!” Twilight took her stance but winced in pain at her previous injuries. With the single card still in her hand, Midnight held up it up revealing it to Twilight. “I activate the ability of Trixie’s dragon… You know what happens next…”
“Midnight…”
“I send Final Vengeance from my deck to the graveyard…” She slid the card into the graveyard causing the dragon to glow a faint red. “Since her dragon destroyed a monster, this turn, Final Vengeance allows her dragon to attack a second time in a row with half its attack points.”
Nightmare Eternity Dragon
< ATK: 3000 → 1500 >
Tears fell from Starshine’s eyes but that didn’t stop her from running in front of Twilight again blocking her. The poisoning and vomiting had weakened her as well and she could barely stand up straight. “Starshine… Don’t…” Twilight groaned.
“This is punishment for serving a tyrant!” The Nightmare Dragon charged up its energy once again releasing another black tornado towards Twilight. “Eternity Vortex!”
“Starshine! Get out of the way!” Starshine tried turning back but she was quickly interrupted by Twilight shoving her out of the way just in time to avoid the blast.
“TWILIGHT!” The tornado hit Twilight from above with explosive force, forcefully lifting her into the air. “NOOOOO!” Twilight could barely even describe the shear pain she was feeling at that moment. It was like her body was being ripped to shreds and a thousand needles stabbing her heart. She screamed into the air, just hoping the vortex of suffering would just go away.
“Wallow in despair!” The vortex intensified causing Twilight to scream louder. Starshine covered her ears hoping to block out the screaming.
Twilight’s life started flashing before her eyes; images of all her friends came into view. ‘Applejack… So strong and always looking out for her friends… Pinkie Pie… Always bringing us cheer to every situation… Rarity… Generous as can be and always hoping to help… Fluttershy… Kind and gentle, like she should be… And Rainbow Dash… Loyal to the very end… I’m sorry everypony… I’m so sorry…’ At that point, another pony came into the view of her mind, a blue unicorn. ‘Trixie… Forgive me for not being strong enough…’ The vortex suddenly dissipated leaving Twilight alone floating in the air, a completely blank expression in her eyes. She slowly descended back to the ground and the moment her back hooves touched the ground; she fell forward and landed face first into the dirt.
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 75 → 0 >
“TWILIGHT!!!”
Celestia suddenly stumbled over in her room, knocking a vase over before leaning against a wall. She stared blankly at the wall gasping loudly for air. “What…?” She felt an intense pain coming from her chest she couldn’t explain. She clenched her chest as hard as she could. “This feeling… No… It’s can’t be…” She looked over at her table with several framed photos and saw one she and Twilight took when she became her student. The glass frame gleamed for a moment before suddenly cracking, leaving a large crack between the two. “Twilight…” Working through the pain, she began to flap her wings and flew out the window.
“TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT!” Starshine shook Twilight’s unmoving body, tears rapidly flowing from her eyes. “PLEASE TWILIGHT! WAKE UP! YOU CAN’T DIE!” The red glowing tether connected to Twilight’s chest started pulsating again but not for long before the tether started to fade turning completely gray. “No… Twilight… You can’t be…”
Midnight broke the silence when she suddenly started laughing. “You knew this would happen when you sided with Celestia and yet you still opposed me. Although I am upset, I wasn’t able to make use of your power like your friends. You would have made a fine soldier. I suppose since I have no use for you, I might as well give you a proper burial.” Starshine snapped out of her crying and blocked Twilight’s again. She was panting heavier than before and clearing becoming fatigued.
“Stay back.”
“What do you plan on doing little filly? You really think you stand a chance against me?”
“I don’t care; you’ve taking away the two most important ponies to me!”
“You barely know Twilight and you’re calling her important? Please…”
“All she wanted to do was help Trixie; she didn’t deserve to die over it!”
“Well too bad, she is. Now step out my way before I kill you too!” Starshine didn’t move, she just repositioned her back legs and stood her ground. “If that’s the way to do this, then you can die along with your pathetic friend!” The dragon shot forward with its arm out ready to grab the filly. Starshine closed her eyes and braced for impact… But it never came… After a few seconds Starshine opened her eyes and saw the dragons claw only a foot away from her. “What’s this?” Midnight asked. Starshine looked back up at Midnight and noticed she was struggling with something. “What is going on, why won’t my body move!?” Try as she might, Midnight couldn’t seem to move. She suddenly noticed tears were now dripping out of her eyes against her will. “That traitor, she’s fighting back!” The monster’s hand reseeded and the dragon floated back up to its normal position. Trixie’s body started to move on its own, reaching for her deck. “What does that crazy mare think she is doing!?” She spread the deck apart in front of her face and pulled out one of the spell cards. “No! She is trying to activate Nightmare Eternity Dragon’s special ability again!” Midnight pulled as hard as she could, trying to take control again. She struggled hard but it was all in vain, Trixie’s body managed to hold the card over the graveyard and slide it in. “YOU FOOL!” The card suddenly materialized on field and started to glow. Starshine stared at card, completely clueless as to what was happening. The only thing she noticed was the card’s name.
“Wish for a Second Chance…?” Then, a warm light started emitting behind her.
Twilight’s eyes fluttered open, last thing she remembered was being attacked by Midnight. She looked all around to find herself within a dark castle and that she was floating. “What is going on? Where am I? Am I dead?” She finally looked down and saw two mares standing across from each other. “Princess Celestia? Midnight Rose? Wait, I’m in the castle of the two sisters! What is going on here?” Celestia was clearly struggling to get up; she appeared to be badly hurt and was covered in scratches. Midnight wasn’t much better; she was also covered in scratches but was at least in better shape than Celestia. However, Twilight quickly noticed Midnight was different from when she had seen her. Aside from the mark and red eyes, she looked exactly like a normal mare, her coat was a bright pink and her red mane was combed around like a flower. Celestia was different as well; her mane had an orange shade to it and was more jagged like fire. On Midnight’s field was Iseris while Celestia had her Arch-Lightsworn.
“Celestia, give up already. You can’t win!” Midnight spoke up.
“I… ugh… I will never give up… So long as I have a chance…”
“You never had a chance. No matter what cards you play Iseris is completely invincible. You can’t win this duel!”
“No, it’s not invincible…” Celestia placed her hoof on her deck. “All I need is to draw the correct card and you will be finished!” She drew her card with all her might causing the card to gleam. When she saw the card, a spark flashed in her eye. “I play Monster Reborn! This allows me to revive Black Rose Dragon from your graveyard.” A purple hole opened on Celestia’s field and Midnight’s dragon flew out on to her field.
Black Rose Dragon
< Level 7 / ATK: 2400 >
“If you think using my own dragon is going to help you your sadly mistaken. Ahahaha!” Without saying a word, Celestia revealed the other card she had her in hoof to Midnight. Midnight stopped laughing for a moment but went back to laughing even harder. “Polymerization!? You’ve cracked haven’t you, Michael and Black Rose can’t fuse you idiot!”
“Not yet they can’t…” With a flick of her wrist, Celestia held the card up above her head. “Element of Magic, hear my call. Grant me the power to stop this menace!” Slowly but surely, the card eventually started gathering energy towards it. “Let’s do it, Forbidden Art: Duel Monster’s Soul INFUSION!” A purple flame suddenly shot over the card changing its appearance to five white stars flowing into a six-pointed pink star. “The Element of Magic heard my call and has given me the power I need to defeat you… I activate Harmony Fusion!” The Black Rose Dragon and Arch-Lightsworn on Celestia’s field started glowing “This card allows me to fuse one my monsters with one of yours!”
Midnight thought for a moment for smiling. “Do your worst, you can’t destroy Iseris…”
With that, Celestia’s eye gleamed. “You’ve just dug your own grave… I combine Michael and Black Rose Dragon!” The two monsters morphed to white stars and launched into the sky. With the ceiling overhead, the monster flew into a fake cloud that had formed within the room. The clouds exploded into a six-pointed and the monsters began to transform inside the light. “Paladin of light, dragon of dark, reveal your combined might and cast your judgment on those who hurt the innocent! Harmony Fusion Evolution!” Michael’s skin started glowing will all that was visible was his golden armor. The armor all broke off from his body and one by one, clasped themselves onto Black Rose Dragon giving it gold plated armor. Without any armor himself, several vines started wrapping around Michael and hardened into full body armor. “Behold the savior of Equestria’s future; Arch-Sworn Eclipse Dragon!” Now covered with black plant-like armor, the new Michael landed on top of the golden-plated Black Rose Dragon holding his black thorned sword into the air with a great light.
Arch-Sworn Eclipse Dragon
< Level 8 / ATK: 3000 >
Twilight looked down at the new monster now on Celestia’s field. “So, this is the power of Harmony Fusion… But… Midnight didn’t have any idea what the card could do so she let the Princess use it. That would never work now…”
Midnight continued to smirk. “You really think fusing our monsters is going to help you?”
“You have no idea what this card can do. You could have stopped my fusion the moment I activated it but you allowed your overconfidence in Iseris blind your common sense. Now it’s going to cost you, when Arch-Sworn Eclipse Dragon attacks, all other cards on the field are destroyed. Not only that, but you can’t activate any of those cards either!” Arch-Lightsworn held up his vine sword and an image of a sun and a moon formed above him. They slowly moved into place covering each other into a full solar eclipse. The eclipse launched a beam of black light right at Iseris before suddenly erupted into a massive explosion of black fire. Midnight screamed at the force of the blast and was thrown backward as all her face down cards and Iseris were quickly destroyed.
“NO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?” She screamed as Iseris’ mark disappeared from her head.
“I’ve destroyed Iseris Midnight. Any monster summoned by the effect of Harmony Fusion negates effects that prevent a monster from being destroyed in battle or by card effects. You brought this upon yourself Midnight. You allowed me to escape with the Element of Magic and now I’ve used its power to defeat Iseris. You should have stopped me when you had the chance…”
Midnight slowly started stepping away. “No… Everything I’ve worked for… Gone just like that…”
“It’s wasn’t all for naught though…” Midnight looked up at her with question. “You were right Midnight; I became a tyrant… I allowed my guilt to turn me into a monster. You helped show me what I had become so for that I thank you…”
Midnight just looked at her for a few moments before spitting at the ground. “Save your redemption speech for somepony who cares. None of that will bring back the lives of those you so heartlessly destroyed…” At that moment, a black vortex appeared below her. Midnight simply closed her eyes and said nothing.
“What? What’s happening?”
“You destroyed Iseris… Him and I are one so by destroying me you’re destroying me… Such is how his power works…”
“Your… Dying?”
“No… Iseris can’t be truly destroyed… I am nothing but a host for the real demon lurking from within shadows. He will return… And once I regain my power… The rule of the tyrant Princess Celestia will come to an end…” With that, a black shell formed around Midnight like a silhouette. The shell broke apart and the black particles fell into the vortex before closing up. Midnight simply stood there, unmoving and lifeless.
“Midnight…?” Midnight’s body slowly began to fall over before hitting the ground. The Princess walked up the lifeless body and picked it up with one hoof. “I’ll give you a proper burial but it will be in a place nopony can find… What happened here must never be remembered for future generations…”
Twilight’s specter was still floating above watching the whole scene. “Even after everything she did, Celestia still showed her honor and remorse… That’s the sign of a true friend… Friend… Elements…” It was there, a spark flashed in her eyes.
At that moment, a light started shining from Canterlot. From within the hidden vault, the Elements of Harmony began to shine, a variety of colored light sparking between the various elements. Suddenly, a burst of light shot up into the sky through the ceiling. The light trailed through the sky heading towards Ponyville with five other light-colored light trails elegantly flowing around it.
Celestia wasn’t far off when she heard the loud explosion. She barely turned around in time to see the massive of trail of light pass right by her. The light reflected off her eyes, just staring at the beam of energy soaring through the sky. She couldn’t help but let out her tears. “This light… She’s done it…”
Midnight gasped and looked up in the sky and saw the trails of light shooting overhead. The trail spiraled above for a moment before arching downward striking Twilight where she was laying. Twilight’s lifeless body slowly began floating into the air, flipping her up so she was floating upright. Her body began to glow brightly with a pink glow. “Twilight?” Starshine asked. She never got a chance to say anything else. Twilight blasted into the air leaving a long pink light trail behind her.
‘From all of us together, together we’re friends.
With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end!’
Twilight’s form zigzagged upward before disappearing into a small light, leaving nothing but a massive explosion in the shape of her cutie mark. Midnight and Starshine stared upwards at the explosion that had happened in the sky, Starshine was amazed but Midnight was growing nervous. “No, no, no, not now!” The light dropped back down striking the ground with another small explosion. The light from the explosion reformed back together. At her first her body reformed but then several other things started to clasp to her. A new duel disk formed on her leg attached to a long black glove going along her leg. In the center of her leg were now two over lapping six-pointed stars similar to that of her cutie mark with two of the edges on the pink star elongated traveling up and down her leg. Her deck was sticking out of the elongated side near her hoof and gone were the five stars acting the card tray. Now attached to the side was a holographic pink tray rather than a physical tray. Resting atop her head was the Element of Magic which had somehow come to her and on her back, a newly formed pair of wings. Twilight took no notice to any of the changes that had occurred; it didn’t matter to her. She simply floated there two feet above the ground with blank glowing eyes staring at Midnight and a bright glow around her body.
“This ends now…”
“TWILIGHT!” Starshine ran at Twilight and stopped right in front of her. “What happened? I thought you died!”
“I would have if it wasn’t for Trixie. With the last of her strength, she managed to play the card Wish for a Second Chance. Since my life points hit zero, that card saved me by ending her turn and making both our life points become 1000…”
Twilight Sparkle
< LP: 0 → 1000 >
“Curse… You…” Midnight muttered.
Midnight Rose
< LP: 0 → 1000 >
“Starshine, this is my duel and mine alone. I want you to stay back…”
“But Twilight-”
“Stay… Back…” Twilight replied sternly. “Don’t worry, I WILL save Trixie.”
Midnight continued to struggle against the fighting unicorn but she couldn’t help but laugh at Twilight’s display. “You may have survived that attack thanks to that little stunt Trixie pulled but it changes nothing! You have no more cards left in your deck so the moment you draw you lose!”
Twilight simply smirked. “Is that so…?” The alicorn pulled her right leg back and swung forward like a punch signaling the card. “I activate the Foretold Prophecy trap card!” The card flipped up and started glowing.
“What!? What does that card do!?”
“Foretold Prophecy allows me to shuffle any card from my graveyard back into my deck and then I draw 1 card. If the card I draw happens to be the card I shuffled into the deck, I can play it immediately. If not, I lose 2000 life points.” Twilight ejected a card from her graveyard and shoved it back into her deck slot.
“But you have no cards in your deck!”
“Exactly, since Trixie already destroyed my entire deck, there are no other cards in my deck to draw so there is no chance of failure!” Twilight grabbed the card and drew it with all her strength. “I made a promise to Trixie and I have no intention of breaking it!” As she held the card up, it exploded into a fiery pink energy. Everypony was in shock at the pure energy radiating from the card, it was nothing like Midnight expected. The flames from the card eventually swirled together in the air converging together to make a giant flaming heart.
“I PLAY THE SPELL CARD FIRES OF FRIENDSHIP!” One by one, three stone pillars rose up from the ground around Twilight. Each of the pillars had a different miniature statue at the top of the pillar, one an earth pony, one a pegasus and one a unicorn. “This card can only be played while there are no other cards on my field or in my hand.”
“What!?” Midnight roared. “What is going on?”
“Like the fires that once united the three tribes, this card allows me to unite the three types of cards, Monsters, Spells and Trap Cards into one card! I am now allowed to play three cards in my graveyard, one monster, one spell and one trap card.”
“NO!”
“In order to use this effect, I must first banish three cards from my graveyard with the same type as the card I activate.” Twilight looked down at her duel disk and three cards ejected from the graveyard, her Exemplar, Night’s End and World. “With durability and an unbreakable spirit, the power of the earth pony allows me to summon any monster from my graveyard! So, with the power of the earth pony I can summon back my Tempest Magician from beyond the grave!” The earth pony statue began to glow orange and fired a beam of light into the ground in front of Twilight. Her scythe-wielding synchro monster reappeared from the light as strong as it before.
Tempest Magician
< Level 6 / ATK: 2200 >
Three more cards ejected from Twilight graveyard, Draining Shield, Foretold Prophecy and Mirror Force. “With great cunning and unbeatable speed, the power of the Pegasi allows me to bring back a trap card. With the power of the Pegasi I activate the trap Unexpected Reformation from my graveyard!” The pegasus head glowed pink and shot another beam at the same spot causing the card a float up from the light. “This trap activates when a monster is summoned to my field and it allows me to summon a monster from your graveyard with the same type and level as the monster I summoned. Tempest Magician is a Level 6 spellcaster monster so this allows me to so summon a Level 6 spellcaster from your graveyard!” Trixie’s graveyard glowed this time and a beam shot out being absorbed into Twilight’s trap card. The trap card turned around to reveal the card taken from Trixie’s graveyard, the card she cherished, the card that made her think of Starshine.
Dark Magician Girl
< Level 6 / ATK: 2300 >
Dark Magician Girl could only frown at the monstrosity that flew before her; she could practically feel the pain and sorrow coming from her original master. “This is it…” Twilight spoke. This time she ejected her Citadel, Spellbook Tower and Spellbook of Judgement. “With unparalleled power and the wisdom to do great things, the power of unicorn allows me to play a spell card from my graveyard…” Time completely stopped for everyone watching, they knew what was coming. This time, the unicorn head glowed with a bright green and shot another beam into the ground. From the hole another beam of light shot out and landed in Twilight’s right hoof. “When two lost souls are reunited, their light will bring out the power of friendship!” Twilight held the card high as particles of light started flowing towards it.
Midnight’s eyes widened at Twilight’s actions. “This light… I’ve seen this before…”
With all her strength, she held out the damaged spell card to her side with its back facing upward. “Forbidden Art: Multiple Soul INFUSION!” As she roared the final word, she flipped the card over revealing the damaged Harmony Fusion. It wasn’t visible for long before the card was engulfed in a rainbow flame that quickly burned over the card, changing its entire appearance. The five white stars were replaced with five stars of different color and the once flat purple star was become three dimensional almost like a gem. The once silver text at the top had also taken on a new color, slowly shifting between colors like a rainbow. “I ACTIVATE REFORMED FRIENDSHIP FUSION!” Tempest Magician and Dark Magician Girl started to morph into the familiar white stars but everything changed from there. The stars sparked with energy and launched into the air like lightning bolts, spiraling around each other leaving a rainbow trail. The two trails got closer and closer before impacting the moment they struck the clouds above, exploding into a deafening purple six-pointed star.
“Reaper of judgement… Lost sorceress of darkness… An unbreakable vow to save the one who means most! Pave the way to the future and fulfill your DESTINY!” Twilight clapped her front hooves together. “HARMONY FUSION EVOLUTION!” The clouds above bubbled up with a pink glow before releasing a massive beam of light with a loud screech. From within the beam of light, a silhouette of a six-foot-tall woman started to descend. This new creature had long blond hair with streaks of silver leading down to her waistline. She wore a beautiful white dress that dropped down to her knees on her left leg and all the way down to her ankles on her right. She had a pair of translucent scarfs wrapped around her body, a light blue one around her neck and a purple one around her waist with end hanging down her right left. Although her dress was sleeveless, she wore while sleeves that hung from above her elbows and nearly covered up her hands. “This is my wish... Trixie’s wish… OUR WISH!” The woman held her arms out and a large pair of golden angel wings formed over her back. “DESTINY FAITH MAGICIAN!” The new magician shot up into the air, spinning around leaving a trail of golden wings. Once she had pushed through the clouds, she extended her wings one more spreading out the clouds giving a perfect view of the night sky being illuminated by her sacred glow. Ponyville, Canterlot, Manehattan, everywhere in Equestria ponies were waking up and stepping outside to admire the beautiful light. Nopony understood what the being the middle of light was but it didn’t matter to them, the beauty had drawn them in. Twilight’s magician held out her right arm and with a flash of light, Tempest magician’s scythe appear with her hand. It didn’t last long though as the scythe flashed against changing into a long and thin silver staff with a light blue star on the end.
Destiny Faith Magician
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
Midnight was sweating profusely. “That isn’t possible! That mare managed to perform the same spell Celestia did when she created that infernal card… No, she did it even BETTER!”
Starshine sat back, stars in her eyes and basking in the radiant aura of the monster. “Trixie…”
Destiny Faith Magician lowered herself down to the field so that she was at face level with Trixie’s dragon. “Now the effect of Reformed Friendship Fusion is activated.”
Midnight gasped. “What!?”
“When I use an opponent’s monster as a material for a fusion summon, Reformed Friendship Fusion allows me to banish one monster on your field, removing it from the game PERMIMENTLY!” A rainbow bolt of lightning rained down the sky striking the dragon and Midnight along with it causing her to scream in agony. The pain caused her to topple over and fall off the dragon although she managed to regain her balance and land on her hooves. The dragon quickly vanished from the field exploding into glowing black particles. “Now, Vengeance Nightmare Magician is summoned in its place.” The particles all gathered together and reformed Trixie’s corrupted Dark Magician, just the way he was when he was first summoned. The magician stared up at his ascended protégé with a look of total fear in his eyes.
Vengeance Nightmare Magician
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
“You summoned back her corrupted magician? But why?”
“In order to save Trixie, I much purge every last drop of darkness you infected her with. And with that I activate Destiny Faith Magician’s special ability! When she is successfully summoned, every spell card in my graveyard returns to my deck!” Faith raised her staff forming a large purple portal above her. Several green beams of light shot out and struck Twilight’s deck causing her deck to suddenly grow to about half its full size.
“No…”
Twilight grasped the top card of her deck and swift drew it leaving a rainbow trail behind the path of the card. “DRAW!”
“No.”
“I activate Faith’s other special ability!” Twilight took her new card and slid it into the graveyard. “By sending a spell card from my hand to the graveyard, she can destroy all of your spell and trap cards!”
“No!”
Faith extended her wings and released a blizzard of golden feathers. The feathers blasted Trixie’s cards, causing Blood Contract to lift into the air and explode destroying the tether along with it. Midnight could feel a tear unwillingly leaking through her host’s eye. Twilight pulled her left hoof back, preparing to order the attack. ‘Trixie… Starshine… This is for you…’ She finished her motion and pointed at the Nightmare Magician. “Destiny Faith Magician, attack Vengeance Nightmare Magician!” Faith held her staff up into the air.
“They have the same attack points!”
“Due to the effect of Reformed Friendship Fusion, when my fusion monster attacks your monster, my monster absorbs all of the attack points of the banished monster! That means my magician now has a grand total of 5500 attack points!”
“NOOOOO!” A second lightning bolt came down this time striking Faith’s staff.
Destiny Faith Magician
< ATK: 2500 → 5500 >
“Finish this duel and cleanse Trixie of her darkness once and for all! SACRED BURNING ATTACK!” Twilight’s monster held her sparking staff high lighting up the nighttime sky before shooting a massive flaming beam at the corrupted magician. Immediately before the blast hit, Twilight floated down to the ground and Starshine grabbed onto her for leverage and the two of them shut their eyes. The beam completely engulfed the Vengeance Nightmare Magician causing him to scream in pain. The dark crystals covering his body began to crack and shatter apart. Soon, the crystals all over his body had been completely destroyed leaving behind nothing but the Dark Magician himself. He looked up at his apprentice and gave her a slight smile before the flames took him completely destroying him. The field had erupted into a blazing dome of fire with a strong enough gale force behind it to launch Midnight back and forcefully split her apart from Trixie. When Twilight opened her eyes, she saw Midnight’s form completely disappear into the fire and Trixie was being blown back as the blast effortlessly blew off her armor and cape.
Despite the massive amount of pain, she was feeling, Trixie didn’t scream or struggle, she just let herself be blown back with her eyes closed and sobbed tears of joy. “Twilight… You’ve done so much for me… You put your own life at risk to save somepony you barely even knew… I literally cannot thank you enough for… Everything… I hope one day we can actually be friends… For real… I’d like that…” When she opened her eyes, she let all her tears fall unhindered. “Starshine, I never intended to hurt you but I did anyway… I love you more than anything in the world and I hope we can see each other again… Goodbye…” The flames receded and the flying unicorn skid along the ground bouncing several times before falling on her side and rolling.
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 1000 → 0 >
With that, Twilight closed her eyes and allowed herself to shed a tear. “We already are friends Trixie… We already are…”
|
supersaiyanmikito
|
1102
| 16 |
Main 6,Original Character,Princess Celestia,Trixie,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Yu-Gi-Oh,Suicide / Self Harm,Violence
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My Little Duel Monsters
|
An ancient evil from Princess Celestia's dark past has resurfaced, sending Equestria into a downward spiral. Now it's up to her student with the help of a prince from another world to banish the shadows she helped create.
|
incomplete
| 99 | 11 |
<p>Much of Princess Celestia's past is a mystery and nopony truly knows all the details of her life during the thousand years that Nightmare Moon was banished. Mistakes were made, enemies were fought and most were lost to the times... But there is one mistake she made that continues to haunt her to this very day...</p><p>Now years later, her faithful student and her friends must help two heroes summoned from another world to vanquish this great evil before the world is plunged into darkness. The Shadow Games have returned...</p>
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teen
|
2016-12-19T14:05:27+00:00
|
2023-05-14T07:57:43+00:00
| 1,500 |
Starshine continued to clutch onto Twilight for dear life as the explosion dissipated; Twilight had her eyes closed while rubbing the back of Starshine’s head. “It’s ok Starshine… It’s over now…”
“But… Trixie…”
“I know Starshine…” Starshine just wept into Twilight’s chest uncontrollably. When the explosion finally disappeared, the filly released the alicorn and ran towards the unicorn. Trixie was on her back and eyes closed, her body completely littered with scars and scratches and a black vortex had formed below her.
“Trixie!” Starshine ran over to unicorn and leaned down close. Trixie didn’t respond so the filly grabbed her and shook her body like she did Twilight before. “Trixie! Trixie! Please wake up!” A faint noise finally came from the unicorn. The magician groaned painfully and slightly opened her eyes to see the filly above her.
“Star… Shine…”
“Trixie!” She quickly wrapped her hooves around the blue unicorn but was replied with a painful cry.
“Starshine, that hurts!” The filly quickly jumped back and released Trixie.
“Sorry…”
Trixie’s eyes scanned up and down the filly’s body couple times before her mouth changed to a smile. “I am… Trixie is… Happy… You are ok…”
Starshine’s eyes teared up and she shook her head. “But what about you…?”
Trixie just shook her head. “Sorry, but Trixie can’t say the same about herself…”
“Wha- What do you mean?”
“Her monster was destroyed…” Twilight interrupted. Starshine turned back to see the mare approaching them. “When Iseris… Or a card using its power is destroyed; it takes the user’s soul…”
Starshine’s eyes teared up even more before suddenly turning back to Trixie. “You can’t die on me! You can’t!”
“Trixie isn’t going… To die…” Starshine suddenly stopped and looked at the unicorn.
“But… Twilight… She…”
“Twilight did die; at least for a while; but that wasn’t because of Trixie’s monster…” Trixie leaned over and grabbed ahold of one of the cards scattered on the ground. “Trixie’s trap card… Caused her death… But Twilight destroyed it before she beat her…”
“But what about losing your soul? Doesn’t that mean you’re gone anyway?”
“Trixie will be fine… She can be saved…”
Twilight’s ears perked up. “Wait… You mean it’s possible to save you? What about my friends?”
“Yes… When somepony loses a shadow game, only their souls are lost… Under normally circumstances the body should still remain in a comatose state…”
“But… That isn’t what’s happening… Their bodies disappear too…”
“That is because Midnight… Is using a spell to transport the victim’s body to her and then she is transforming them into Duel Monsters cards… And using the souls of her victims to power those cards and her magic…”
“That is… Awful…”
“You’re friends have already been assimilated into her army… And in a few moments, I will be too…”
“No… Trixie…” Starshine cried.
“But… Her power comes at a cost… She absolutely cannot lose even one duel… Her form has become unstable and losing a duel will destroy her and release all the souls she is harboring inside her…”
“So, if we beat Midnight… Everything will return to normal? Everypony will come back?”
“Yes… Luna… Gilda and Blueblood… and all your friends…” The vortex below her suddenly expanded and released a few black sparks. “It’s time… In a few moments Trixie will be nothing but Midnight’s mindless puppet…”
As the vortex expanded, a faint glow suddenly came from Twilight’s graveyard. The alicorn looked down at her duel disk and held her hoof in front of her graveyard right as a card ejected out. She took ahold a card, realizing what it was; it was the Reformed Friendship Fusion card she had created during her duel. “What in- AH!” The card suddenly flashed with a powerful completely blinding the three mares.
With a flash of black lightning, a black alicorn appeared in the dark hall. She was covered in scratches and her body was smoking from the attack she took on. “Curse that Element of Magic…” She muttered, slumping over and grabbing her front right leg for support “I can’t believe she ascended this early, she shouldn’t have been ready this soon…” The alicorn closed her eyes and rested for a moment. “I can’t believe it, I had so much planned for Trixie and little Starshine and all of it just went down the drain.” Then a thought came to her. “Although I guess in the end it doesn’t matter, Trixie still lost the duel. More importantly, she let Nightmare Eternity Dragon be destroyed by Harmony Fusion… Er… Reformed Friendship Fusion I guess it is now…” Midnight then held out her right hoof and a blank Duel Monster’s card appeared in her hoof. “Now that that her soul is lost, she will be more useful to me in my deck…” She looked at the blank card for a moment, opening her eyes wide letting them flash red. A black vortex formed in front of her and the card started to glow. “You will make a fine addition to my deck…” She waited for a few moments and the card continued to glow. She smirked at the card waiting for the image to burn in and continued to smirk. After a few moments, her smirk dropped and the glow around the card suddenly started to fade, still completely blank. “What the?” Her eyes opened and flashed again, causing the blank card to glow. It went on for a few moments then the light died out again, leaving the card blank. “What in Equestria is going on, why won’t my spell work!?” She tried once again putting a lot more energy into it this time, but the glow only lasted about a second before the light died out. This time the blank card template completely disintegrated itself and the black vortex disappeared. She growled to herself and closed her eyes. She concentrated for a moment, using her power she tried to sense for the location of Trixie’s soul. Her eyes suddenly opened, finally realizing the problem. “TRIXIE DIDN’T LOSE HER SOUL!?”
Starshine had clung onto Twilight again after being blinded by the light. When the light finally disappeared, Twilight opened her eyes again. “Starshine? Are you ok?” The filly opened her eyes again and nodded. “What in Equestria was that light about?”
“Twilight?” A voice asked. Both Twilight and Starshine were confused by the voice, until they looked down. There on the ground was Trixie, her injuries almost completely healed and the vortex gone. She pushed herself and looked over her body. “What?” She then pounded the ground below. “The vortex… It’s gone…” She then moved to her body, now looking at her hooves. “It… Didn’t take Trixie…?”
Twilight and Starshine took a step back. “Impossible…” Twilight muttered. She looked down at the glowing card in her hoof just as the glow faded. “How… Did I…?”
Trixie suddenly turned to the purple alicorn. “Twilight, what did you do?”
“I… I have no idea…” Twilight just stared at the card unmoving.
A thought suddenly came to Trixie. “How… Did you create that card?”
“Well… Celestia said Harmony Fusion was made using the Element of Magic so I figured that was causing its imperfections. It needs the power of all six Elements so I tried channeling the other five Elements through my own… Wait…” Twilight finally looked away from the card and turned to Trixie. “When the Elements were used on Nightmare Moon; it didn’t seal her away; it purified her and removed the evil she had… I think…” Twilight turned back to the card. “I think when I used this card on you; it severed the dark magic and saved you…”
Trixie looked back down at her hooves. “You mean… Trixie is free…?”
“It would appear so…”
Starshine said nothing the whole conversation, just allowing tears to fall from her eyes. She suddenly tackled the blue unicorn to the ground startling her. “Starshine?” Trixie asked.
“I’M SO HAPPY YOUR SAFE!” She screamed.
Trixie said nothing at first, just smiling at the filly before hugging her. “Yeah… She is too…” The two remained in the embrace for a few moments before Starshine let go and allowed Trixie to stand up fully.
Twilight approached the two unicorns, pulling the lone card off her duel disk deactivating the disk entirely. “Trixie… I think this belongs to you…” Trixie turned to Twilight see her handing her the card. Trixie took ahold of the card and looked down at it; it was her Dark Magician Girl. “Thanks, by the way…”
Trixie looked back up the mare. “What?”
“You saved me… If it wasn’t for you, I would be dead right now… I also would have never discovered the key to unlocking Harmony Fusion’s true power… So… Thanks…”
Trixie looked back down at the card intensely for several moments. Finally, she closed her eyes. “Starshine… Can you leave us for a moment please…?” Starshine was confused and looked at the two mares. “Trixie wishes to speak with Twilight alone please…” The filly nodded and walked away from the field, hiding behind a tree.
Before Twilight could ask anything, she saw Trixie handing the card back to her. “You… Don’t you want it?” Trixie didn’t reply, she just continued to hand out to card to her. “But…” The alicorn finally took the card back and looked at it. “But I thought you loved this card…”
“I do…” Trixie suddenly leaped forward and wrapped her hooves around Twilight’s neck in a hug. Twilight was shocked at Trixie’s sudden display of affection and froze up. After a few moments, she hugged the mare back. Trixie let her tears fall and leaned in close to Twilight’s ear. “Take care of her…” Twilight suddenly froze up again as Trixie released her. The blue unicorn gave the now alicorn a sincere smile and with a flash of magic, there was a burst of smoke and she vanished from view.
Starshine heard the explosion and came out from the tree. “Trixie? Huh?” She looked around for the unicorn but didn’t see her anywhere. “Where did she go?”
Twilight was completely frozen staring forward. “Take care of her…?”
“Huh? What happened to Trixie?”
“Take care of her…? What did she-” Her eyes suddenly widened, realizing what she meant. “No… She didn’t…”
Within the Castle of the Two Sisters, Midnight stood at the top of the steps of the main foyer looking out the back window. She stood there for several moments before a loud bang echoed behind her. “So… You decided to show your face…” Midnight scowled.
From the smoke of the explosion, the blue unicorn stepped out never taking her eyes of the alicorn. “You know why Trixie is here Midnight…”
Midnight slowly turned around and stared at the mare. “First you betray me and now you wish to rectify your mistake by destroying me, am I warm?”
“Boiling…”
“Hmf…” Midnight scoffed. “Trixie… You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into…”
“What Trixie didn’t know was what kind of a sick twisted mare you truly were. You told me you wished to bring peace to Equestria by destroying our tyrannical leader and her little ‘cult’ trying to force their ways on ponies, yet so far everything you told me and been nothing but lies and slander!”
“Lies and slander… Like the kind you suffered… You forget your place; you would be dead if it wasn’t for me…”
“You manipulated me and almost allowed me to kill the very pony I love most!”
“You really think I was going to let that happen? I never intended for Starshine to die, I intended to show up earlier in your duel to warn you of the problem and help her but that… Princess… Had to suddenly get a confidence boost at the most inconvenient of times and threw a wrench into the plan. By the time I reached you it was too little too late, I had to resort to plan B and take control of your body by forcing you into an angered state.”
This angered Trixie even more. “Yes, just keep telling yourself that. Keep telling yourself you’re some kind of messiah trying to change the world. Face it, you’re just corrupt and want Equestria for yourself. Either that or you truly are insane.”
“I may be insane but my actions are just. Celestia has corrupted this world and turned even the kindest of ponies into her slaves and they don’t even know it, but the fact of the matter is that not everypony is salvageable. Even if Celestia is destroyed some ponies will continue to follow her biased method and condemn those who she automatically deems evil. I plan on passing judgement on those foolish enough to believe in her ways.”
“That is why we have things like laws and a legal system, to ward out those who wish be unjust.”
“Hmf…” Midnight scoffed again. “Is it unjust to steal because you don’t have the bits to feed yourself or your loved ones? Is it unjust to harm those who wish nothing else then to harm you first?” Midnight stepped forward and raised her head high. “IS IT UNJUST… TO PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES EVEN IF IT MEANS CONDEMNING YOUR SOUL TO DAMNATION!?” Trixie took a sudden step back from the outburst. “You don’t know the first thing about sacrifice! It’s easy to protect somepony with your life… But… I’m willing to take it further then that…” Slowly, Midnight started walking forward and down the stairs. “Even death will not stop me from accomplishing my goal. I don’t care if I burn in the depths of Tartarus for all of eternity, if it means saving the ones, I love then I damn well welcome it!” Not taking her eyes off Trixie, her shadow duel disk materialized on her hoof.
Likewise, Trixie held up her leg and her shadow duel disk appeared. “If you plan on burning in the depths of Tartarus, then I will be happy to accommodate you, even if it means taking you with me…” Simultaneously, their two duel disks shot out their slots before expanding out the black wings like it always had. “I can never be forgiven for the crimes I have committed but neither can you, let’s burn for our sins together!”
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 4000 >
Midnight Rose
< LP: 4000 >
“LET US DUEL!!!!”
“That stupid, stupid unicorn!” Twilight yelled. “After everything that just happened the first thing she does is try to take on Midnight herself!?”
Starshine stepped up closer to Twilight with a confused look “Twilight, what happened to Trixie?”
Twilight turned to the filly. “I’m… I’m sorry…” This only made Starshine more confused. “Trixie… She…” Twilight was suddenly cut off by a loud flapping noise above her. She looked up and was shocked to see Princess Celestia hovering above her “Princess!”
“Twilight!” The princess quickly swooped down and embraced Twilight into a bone crushing hug. “I thought I had lost you…”
Twilight was surprised. “You… saw the whole thing…?”
Celestia pulled away and looked into mare’s eyes with tears streaming down her face. “I didn’t need to; I could feel it in my heart that something happened to you… But then I saw the elements. I didn’t want to believe it but it’s true… You actually did it, you actually did it!”
“Did what princess…?”
“Twilight, look at your back…”
Twilight did what she was told and looked at her back. Her eyes widened at the feathered appendages now seamlessly attached to her back. “I… have wings…? But how…?”
“You met the requirements and you didn’t even need my help, you did it on your own.”
“Requirements…?”
“One ascends by creating an entirely new form of magic, one unheard of before now.”
“A new form of magic…” A light went off in Twilight’s head. “Harmony Fusion…” Celestia said nothing and just looked at her student with a smile. “When I died… I saw you… and Midnight… I think it was the duel from 800 years ago when you first beat her. I saw the way you created that card and, in that moment, I realized the primary design flaw in the card. So, I took the card and added in the thing that it was missing and perfected it and it’s thanks to that I managed to win my duel…”
“I see, not only did you make a new kind of magic but it was one I myself failed at. By doing so you proved yourself worthy and the elements granted you your new power. You’re no longer a unicorn Twilight, you’re an alicorn and with that you are no longer my student either…”
“Wait, what?”
Celestia leaned in close and whispered to her. “You’re now my equal… And don’t even think of yourself any lower… Princess Twilight Sparkle…”
Twilight took a couple steps back to process everything. “A princess… An alicorn princess…”
While this was going on, the little filly known as Starshine was looking up at the two mares. ‘Twilight Sparkle… A princess…’ She thought to herself. She simply smiled at the thought. ‘I’m sorry I ever doubted you…’
Celestia finally turned and noticed the filly. “Hello, who do we have here?”
Twilight instantly broke out of her stupor and turned her attention to Starshine. “Oh Princess-”
“Please, I told you we are equals. There is no need to be so formal with me.”
“Right… Celestia, this is Starshine Hope, she is the one I wrote to you about.”
“Oh yes, Lulamoon’s student. It’s nice to see the genius with my own eyes.”
The child was a bit dumbfounded. “Me…? A genius…?”
“Yes, Twilight told me great things about you…” Celestia’s eyes squinted a bit and she leaned in close to the filly. She looked her straight in the eyes for several moments before backing off. “Ah, so that’s it huh?”
“Yes Celestia, she has the gift. Not only does it explain her inability to use magic but it also explains Trixie’s abnormal power.”
“Speaking of which, where is the unicorn?” The princess spoke looking around. “I don’t see the markings that are normally left behind when someone loses…”
“Oh no, I completely forgot!” Celestia and Starshine quickly turned back to Twilight. “I think she left to go fight Midnight on her own!”
At that moment, Starshine suddenly tensed up and her left eye flickered to a yellow color. “She’s fighting her right now; I can feel it…”
Twilight growled. “There has to be something we can do…” She thought for a moment before remembering something. “Princess, I have a question to ask you…”
“What is it, Twilight?”
“Where is Midnight buried?” Celestia recoiled a bit at this seemingly random question. “I know from the vision that you buried her someplace isolated. I want to see if a theory of mine is true…”
“Well… I see no reason to hide it from you… We’ll go to Canterlot where she is held.”
Twilight turned her attention back to Starshine. “What about Starshine?”
“We take her with us, we’ll explain everything to her parents later but for now she is the only link we have to Trixie and if she can somehow telekinetically communicate with Trixie then we need her with us to report on the situation.”
“Right…”
Celestia stepped up close to Twilight and leaned down. “Twilight, touch your horn to mine, Starshine you do the same. We’ll pull our energy together and teleport all at once.” The two mares nodded and did what she said. “To Canterlot...” With a flash and a bang, the three ponies were gone.
“I’ll be the one to start!” Midnight yelled, swiftly drawing her card. She eyed the card for a moment before turning back to the unicorn. “I’ll start off with the spell card Celestia’s Morning Sun! With this, I am able to add any Equestrian monster from my deck straight to my hand.” A single card slid out from her deck; she proceeded to pulled it out and reveal it to Trixie. “With it I’m adding Equestrian Rainbow Dash to my hand, but she won’t be there long.” The alicorn swiftly threw the card onto her duel disk. “Take flight Equestrian Rainbow Dash!” A rainbow tempest spun up on the field for a few seconds before the cyan pegasus materialized on the field with the same blank expression as the ponies used against Celestia.
Equestrian Rainbow Dash
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
Trixie grunted. “Trixie should have known you would use this deck against her…”
“You were one of my best followers so now you’re going to feel the true weight of what you helped create.”
“You little…”
Midnight simply smirked. “Next, I play an equip spell; Edged Wing Blade.” A pair of sharp blades suddenly appeared over Rainbow Dash’s wings, before expanding out into massive metal wings at large as her body. “This card and equip onto a Winged-Beast Equestrian monster for an extra 800 ATK points.”
Equestrian Rainbow Dash
< ATK: 1700 → 2500 >
“And with that I end my turn… Do your worst oh Great and Powerful Trixie…”
Trixie grit her teeth. “She will…” Trixie swiftly drew her card and looked at it. “I summon Skilled Dark Magician!” Trixie’s monster appeared on the field looking like a dark wizard with brown clothing and dark blue armor. He held a short metal staff with a black ball on the end.
Skilled Dark Magician
< Level 4 / ATK: 1900 >
“Skilled Dark Magician, attack Equestrian Rainbow Dash!”
Midnight was shocked. “What in Equestria are you doing? Rainbow Dash is far stronger than that magician!”
With lightning speed, she shoved a card into her duel disk. “Go quick-play spell! Forbidden Lance! This lance reduces the ATK power of any monster wielding it by 800. Not only that but the lance blocks any spell or traps from affecting that monster.” A long golden lance with black trimming suddenly appeared in Rainbow’s hoof. “Since Rainbow Dash is now holding the lance that means your Edged Wing Blade can no longer give her the ATK boost and on top of that she loses another 800 points!”
Equestrian Rainbow Dash
< ATK: 2500 → 900 >
Skilled Dark Magician followed up with his attack, blasting Rainbow Dash with a small black electric sphere. Midnight stood her ground against the blast.
Midnight Rose
< LP: 4000 → 3000 >
“And with that, I’ll end my turn…” The smoke slowly started to clear up, showing Midnight. However what Trixie wasn’t expecting was to see the cyan pegasus still standing. Midnight quietly laughed to herself.
Equestrian Rainbow Dash
< ATK: 900 → 2500 >
“Wait, I destroyed Rainbow Dash! How is she still standing?”
“Don’t tell me you haven’t figured it out? Rainbow Dash is the most loyal of ponies; did you really think a simple attack would take her down that easy? As long as Rainbow Dash remains in attack position, she can survive one attack per turn without being destroyed.” Trixie just growled in response. “My turn…” Midnight drew her card and her eyes widened when she saw her draw. “AHAHAHAAAA! I play Fated Souls!” The card lit up with a bright energy. “All I have to do is sacrifice a monster on my field and then I can summon 2 Equestrian monsters directly from my deck!” Rainbow Dash quickly disappeared from the field and two more cards shot out from Midnight’s deck. “Hope you’re ready to see some familiar faces Trixie!” Midnight roughly threw down the two cards onto her duel disk and two blank soulless figures appeared along with it. Trixie’s eyes shrunk with terror when the figures appeared.
Equestrian Prince Blueblood
< Level 3 / ATK: 1000 >
Equestrian Griffon Gilda
< Level 5 / ATK: 2300 >
Trixie stared speechless at her two former comrades now in Midnight’s control. She admits they were both really rude but they still fought for the same cause. “You… I can’t…”
“Can’t believe I would be using them, why not? They both lost their souls to Iseris and so I’m putting these two failures to good use…” The graveyard portal suddenly opened up in front of Midnight. “But before I do anything else… When my Edged Wing Blade is sent to the graveyard, it destroys one monster on your field.” Several sharp blades came out flying out the hole and slashing and stabbing Trixie’s magician.
“Not my monster!” The monster exploded soon after leaving her nothing on the field.
“Sadly, any monster summoned by Fated Souls cannot attack during the turn they are summoned. I also can’t normal summon during the turn it’s used… Which means…” Midnight’s smile suddenly started growing wide.
“What are you planning to do…?”
“You see, even though my monsters can’t attack, both my monsters take on the same level as the monster I sacrificed. Since Rainbow Dash was a Level 4 monster, Blueblood and Gilda both become Level 4…”
Equestrian Prince Blueblood
< Level 3 → 4 >
Equestrian Griffon Gilda
< Level 5 → 4 >
Midnight held her right hoof into the air. “Now… With Level 4 Equestrian Griffon Gilda and Equestrian Prince Blueblood, I build the overlay network!” Gilda and Blueblood changed into colored silhouettes of energy; Gilda green and Blueblood yellow. The two energies bounced into the air crisscrossing each other before launching into the air. The field was engulfed in floating stars and the large galaxy opened up in the floor between them. The two spheres spiraled into the galaxy and exploded into blinding light. “Ruler of the night, awaken from your slumber and eradicate these treasonous foals! I XYZ SUMMON!” With a bolt of lightning, a silhouette of the night princess came into view shrouded by the nighttime darkness. With a burst of wind, the darkness blew away revealing the full mare. “Appear before us, Rank 4, Equestrian Princess Luna!”
Equestrian Princess Luna
< Rank 4 / ATK: 2200 >
Trixie didn’t allow the appearance of the night alicorn deter her. In fact, she was smiling. “Right on schedule…” She muttered.
Deep within the walls of Canterlot, Twilight, Celestia and Starshine were going down a dimply lit spiral staircase. The bleak brick walls were lined with torches and blocked off all light and sound from the outside. “Woh, I never knew this place existed…” Twilight exclaimed.
“Then I did my job. I couldn’t risk anypony finding this secret.” Celestia replied.
Twilight thought for a moment. “That is the part I don’t fully understand, why go through so much trouble hiding her and the truth? I mean it’s not like the existence of Nightmare Moon and Discord were common knowledge but you didn’t go through the trouble of covering it up. Heck, you had Discord out in the open in the garden.”
“There are a few reasons actually… One is that unlike other threats to Equestria, other ponies were willingly rallying alongside her. Her words weren’t just those of one who wanted total domination, she spoke of things many ponies actually believed in but didn’t have the courage to do anything about it. Secondly, she was just a normal earth pony…”
Starshine was confused. “How does that make her more dangerous?”
“It doesn’t; however, the fact that a common earth pony was able to get that much power without anypony knowing is the problem. If it was known anypony could acquire this kind of power, ponies would go to war trying to get it. There is also the problem surrounding Midnight’s ‘death’… Every other major threat to Equestria were sealed or locked away, but Midnight had her soul completely ripped from her body leaving her an empty shell. Her body was still alive but in a permanent comatose state so I couldn’t risk someone finding a way to use her defenseless body to their advantage.” Finally, they hit the bottom and found a lone wooden door with a hinge. “We’re here…” With her magic, the hinge lifted and pulled the door open. Twilight and Starshine’s eyes suddenly widened at what was in front of them.
“Woh…”
“How…?” Rather than the dark and bleak chamber they were expecting, they were now staring at a lush green meadow surrounded by trees.
“I put a powerful illusion spell over the room. Felt like the right thing to do…” The two followed the alicorn to the center of the meadow where few small pedestals scattered around with a single pedestal in the center surrounded by flowers. Right on the pedestal was the motionless body of Midnight Rose, completely unaffected by age and free of all dark impurities like they had seen recently. Her body maintained her original pink coat and dark red mane.
“I don’t understand… How has she not decomposed yet?”
“I had assumed it was because she wasn’t actually dead, just in comatose. I honestly can’t give you a proper answer as I don’t know myself.”
Twilight just closed her eyes and thought for a moment. “Trixie and Midnight both said things that got me thinking and see this just confirmed it.” She opened her eyes again and looked directly at the Princess. “When Midnight was in Trixie’s body, she said something along the lines of ‘I wish this mortal body was better or I would keep it’ and ‘It would be nice having a real body.’ Later Trixie told me that Midnight’s body is unstable and that she will release everypony she’s captured if we defeat her. If Midnight’s body is here then we can only assume the Midnight we have been fighting is some kind of specter without a body.”
“But why hasn’t she returned to her body? You think she doesn’t know her body is still here?”
“Who knows, that mare is so far off the deep end it’s hard to tell what she thinks…”
While Twilight and Celestia were discussing Midnight, Starshine had wondered over to a smaller pedestal with a framed picture. It wasn’t a photo image like most ponies would frame, rather it looked like a child’s drawing. The drawing contained 4 earth ponies, a tall brown stallion with yellow hair, a dark purple mare with red and pink striped hair, a pale tan colt with light brown hair and a light pink filly with bright red hair. Across the top they were labeled ‘Dad, Mom, Me and Sis’.
“His name was Orion…” A voice spoke. Starshine turned back to see the Princess standing over her. “While Midnight loved her village and those close to her, Orion preferred the unknown and wanted to explore the undiscovered…” Celestia simply shook her head. “First thing Orion wanted to do was explore Equestria and find where his sister was…” Starshine had no idea how to respond. “Treasure those close to you, use your love keep the darkness out, and not let it in.”
Starshine frowned remembering the battle that happened only a short while ago. She didn’t know whether to blame Midnight or herself. Midnight may have manipulated her and Trixie with a lust for revenge but at the same time it was something she wanted. Even before her earliest memory of Midnight appearing in her dreams, she was just wishing for something bad to happen to Twilight. At that moment, her eye flashed golden again. “Trixie!”
Twilight suddenly turned back to the filly. “What’s wrong?”
“I feel like Trixie is getting ready to do something, she is preparing for something big.”
Celestia nodded and turned back to Twilight. “Twilight, anything else you need to see?”
She simply shook her head. “No, I got everything I came to look for.”
“Then let’s get out of here and find your friend. This area nullifies most magic so we’ll need to get to the surface again before we teleport back.” The others all nodded before proceeding to leave the chamber.
Midnight just smirked. “Princess Luna, attack Trixie’s life points directly with MOONLIGHT BLAST!” Luna flew up into the air directly into the moonlight. She charged up a dark blue energy blast and fired it directly at Trixie exploding on impact.
Trixie Lulamoon
< LP: 4000 → 1800 >
“That was just a taste of my power… I set one card face-down and end my turn…”
Trixie swiftly drew her card without a word. “I play the spell card Cost Down; this allows me to reduce the level of all monsters in my hand by 2. All I have to do is discard Magician’s Valkyria from my hand as cost.” She slid one of her cards into her graveyard and then immediately placed another card on the duel disk. “With that, I can now summon the Level 6 Chaos Command Magician without a sacrifice!” Trixie’s new magician was near identical to the Dark Magician but his armor was green with a gold trim and the armor was more jagged and spiked.
Chaos Command Magician
< Level 6 / ATK: 2400 >
“And now that there are two monsters in my graveyard; one DARK and one LIGHT; I can banish them to summon my Chaos Sorcerer!” Skilled Dark Magician and Magician’s Valkyria floated out into the field from a graveyard portal and vanished. In their place was wizard about the size of Chaos Command Magician covered in black clothing and belts with grey skin and yellow eyes.
Chaos Sorcerer
< Level 6 / ATK: 2300 >
“Chaos Sorcerer has the power to banish any monster on the field and remove it from play…” Midnight stepped back and grit her teeth. “However, I have a much better plan then that; one to ensure you won’t survive this turn!” Midnight’s eyes suddenly widened as Trixie’s spellcasters both transformed into glowing silhouettes, one yellow and one purple. “With Level 6 Chaos Command Magician and Chaos Sorcerer… TRIXIE BUILDS THE OVERLAY NETWORK!”
“Impossible!” Midnight screamed.
The two silhouettes crossed each other in an X-formation and spiraled into the air creating a double helix. The room was filled and stars and the overlay network formed between them. The two spellcasters flew into the vortex and exploded with a great light. “Great sorceress of darkness; entrance your enemies with your divine beauty!” From the light emerged a woman similar to Dark Magician Girl but with a much skimpier black outfit and looking a little older. I Xyz Summon, Magi Magi Magician Gal!” The new magician stood up straight giving Midnight a wink.
Magi Magi Magician Gal
< Rank 6 / ATK: 2400 >
Midnight stood there nearly speechless. “Where did you learn to do that…?”
“Since Princess Luna was Trixie’s target, she took it upon herself to… Borrow… A few things from her… My Magician Gal is but one of my new monsters I will use to destroy you.” At this moment, one of the purple orbs circling Magician Gal flew into her staff. “By using an Overlay Unit and banishing one card from my hand, Magi Magi Magician Gal has the ability switch control of a monster on your field to me!” Magician Gal held out her staff towards Luna and sent out a series of purple pulses. Due to the energy, Luna disappeared form Midnight’s field and reappeared on Trixie’s field. “Your Xyz Monster belongs to Trixie now! However, I’m not done yet…” A small compartment on the back of Trixie’s duel disk suddenly opened and a card shot out, which she promptly took. “Trixie overlays Magi Magi Magician Gal and builds the overlay network once again!” Magician Gal turned into a purple silhouette like monster before her and flew into the overlay network. “BEHOLD; the evolved ultimate wizard; Rank 7; Ebon Illusion Magician!” This time a new form of the normal Dark Magician emerged with darker colored skin and massively long white hair.
Ebon Illusion Magician
< Rank 7 / ATK: 2500 >
“Yet another trick Trixie learned from Princess Luna. Some Xyz monsters can be overlayed a second time and create an even stronger monster.” Midnight didn’t say anything, she just scowled. “Now, Ebon Illusion Magician will use its special ability.” One of Illusion Magician’s purple spheres flew up to his staff just like with Magician Gal. He held up his staff and a portal opened above him. “By using one Overlay Unit, Ebon Illusion Magician can summon a normal Spellcaster directly from my deck!” From the portal dropped another Dark Magician, this time however it looked completely normal. It was no longer black and malicious looking and now had its purple armor.
Dark Magician
< Level 7 / ATK: 2500 >
“Now I have more than enough firepower to take you down. Ebon Magician, attack her Life Points directly!” The Xyz Magician held his staff up and charged up grey energy into its staff before firing.
“I’m not finished yet!” Midnight’s face-down card suddenly flipped up revealing an artifact similar to monster reborn but with a touch of Twilight’s cutie mark mixed in. “Friendship Reborn allows me to summon a monster from my graveyard as long as I can reveal an Equestrian monster from my hand!” Midnight took a card from her hand and revealed it to Trixie. “I reveal Equestrian Applejack! This means I can bring back Equestrian Rainbow Dash from my graveyard.” The graveyard portal formed in front of Midnight and Rainbow Dash flew and took stance.
Equestrian Rainbow Dash
< Level 4 / ATK: 1700 >
“Also, any monster summoned by the effect of Friendship Reborn gains 100 ATK times the level of the monster I revealed. That means Rainbow Dash gets an extra 400 ATK points.” A faint rainbow glow formed around the pegasus.
Equestrian Rainbow Dash
< ATK: 1700 → 2100 >
Ebon Illusion Magician’s attack finally hit and struck Rainbow Dash head on. The blast pushed Midnight back but Rainbow Dash held and didn’t blow up.
Midnight Rose
< LP: 3000 → 2600 >
“Rainbow Dash can survive one attack per turn while she is in attack position so she isn’t destroyed.”
“Next, it’s Dark Magician’s turn to attack!” Dark Magician held up his staff and started charging up. “At this moment, Ebon Illusion Magician activates his special ability!” While still charging, Ebon Magician held him arms together forming a small black hole attack and fired it at Rainbow Dash. “When a normal Spellcaster monster attacks, Ebon Illusion Magician can banish one card on your field and then Dark Magician will have a straight shot at your life points!”
“Not today!” Just before the black hole hit, a rainbow barrier formed around Rainbow Dash. “Any monster summoned by the effect of Friendship Reborn cannot be targeted or destroyed by card effects the turn they are summoned!” The black hole hit the rainbow barrier making a grinding sound for a few moments before disappearing. “Good try though…”
Trixie made a growling noise. “Dark Magician, attack Rainbow Dash and destroy her for real this time! DARK MAGIC ATTACK!” Dark Magician charged up an attack and blasted Rainbow Dash. This time she was actually destroyed.
Midnight Rose
< LP: 2600 → 2200 >
“AND NOW!” Trixie took her stance and dug her hooves into the ground. “With only 2200 Life Points, Princess Luna has exactly what I need to end this. Your own monster will be your undoing! Princess Luna, finish off her off with MOONLIGHT BLAST!” Luna charged up another blast into her horn while floating in the moonlight. She fired the blast directly at Midnight who took stance. Once the blast hit, the field erupted into a massive dark blue explosion. “YES!”
At this moment, there was a flash of light behind Trixie and 3 newcomers popped into view. “Trixie!”
The blue unicorn suddenly spun around. “Starshine, Twilight, Princess!?”
“Did you do it; did you take that bad pony down!?” Starshine asked.
Trixie panted a couple times. “Yeah, Trixie thinks so…”
“Don’t be so sure…” A voice spoke. The 4 ponies suddenly turned towards to smoke cloud that was dissipating. When the smoke cleared, Midnight could still be seen standing, smiling at them.
Midnight Rose
< LP: 1100 >
Trixie was completely stunned. “What!? That attack should have finished you!”
Midnight just dusted her legs off. “It would have if it wasn’t for my trap. You see, when a monster summoned by the effect of Friendship Reborn is destroyed, all damage I take for the remainder of the turn is halved…”
“Aw man…” Starshine exclaimed.
Trixie growled. “You slippery little…”
Midnight suddenly began to clap using her wings to stay upright. “Very, very nice attempt though, I’m actually kind of enjoying this.”
“Well, you won’t be enjoying it for much longer!” Twilight interrupted activating her duel disk. “Now that we are here, we will take you down together.” However, as she stepped forward, Trixie held out of front leg to block her. “What?”
“No Twilight, this is Trixie’s battle.” Trixie turned to the now-alicorn with a stern look. “My reason for taking down Midnight is personal and I intend to follow through myself…”
“Trixie, don’t be stupid! Don’t try taking her on yourself over some kind of personal revenge!”
“It’s more than that, I have spent years going around telling made up stories of all my great accomplishments and so far, the only actual accomplishments I’ve done is drag Equestria closer to its destruction. It doesn’t matter to me whether I actually defeat Midnight or die in the process, if I’m going down, I’m going down knowing I am doing the right thing…”
Twilight just frowned. “Is this what the Great and Powerful Trixie really wants?”
The unicorn just nodded. “Yes, it is…” She slowly turned back to look at Midnight. “If I fail here, it’s up to you and the others Twilight. I am sure if you and the Pharaoh team up you will be able to take her out once and for all…”
“Already giving in to your fate traitor?” Midnight sneered.
Trixie snickered in response. “Of course not, especially when Trixie has you right where she wants you…”
“Huh?”
Suddenly a portal opened up in front of her and a trap came out. “I activate the trap card Magician Wormhole from my banished zone!”
“WHAT!?”
“Remember that card Trixie banished for Magician Gal’s effect? Well, it was a very special card, it may not do much on its own but if the card is banished then at the end of my turn, I can set any ‘Magic’ trap card from my deck directly to the field and the card I choose is Magic Cylinder!” With the card in hoof, she threw it into her duel disk making it appear face-down. “And with that, my turn comes to an end and Luna returns to your field.” Luna vanished from the field again and reappeared back on Midnight’s field.
“Not much of a trap when I know what it is.” Midnight smirked. “Once I declare an attack, Magic Cylinder will reflect the attack back at my Life Points. All I have to do is get rid of it and you’re finished!”
Trixie smirked back. “Don’t think it will be that easy. You seem to have forgotten Luna’s special ability.”
“What about Luna’s special ability…?” Midnight stood clueless for a few moments until… “OH NO!”
“That’s right; Luna has a little passive ability you seem to have forgotten about. As long as she remains on the field, all face-down cards cannot be destroyed by card effects. You said it yourself; all your Equestrian cards have the power of their living counterparts and Luna’s job is to protect the dreams of her subject so all inactive cards are untouchable while she is in play…”
“Incredible…” Celestia commented. “She is using Midnight’s own cards against her, now if she wants to get anywhere, he has to destroy her own card…”
“Yep, that’s my Trixie!” Starshine cheered.
Midnight was growing more and more frustrated with the unicorn and her growling was starting to get louder. “Alright, that… is… IT!” She suddenly roared with power and a black aura shrouded her. “MY TURN! I DRAAAAAAW!” As Midnight drew her card, it left a flaming black trail behind it. “Your pain and sorrow have only been that of a mortal… I will make sure you feel true suffering like I had experienced many years ago!” Midnight held the card she drew up high and the field was suddenly engulfed in a dark light making the room almost entirely black. “The time for games is over, no more holding back!” She suddenly lowered her front leg to show the card. “Rank-Up-Magic Nightmare Force!”
Trixie suddenly stepped back. “What the…? Rank-Up-Magic?”
“This card ranks up my Xyz Monster into another more powerful DARK Xyz Monster that is one rank higher! I rebuild the Overlay Network with Rank 4 Princess Luna!” Luna suddenly changed into purple-colored energy like the monsters before her, shooting into the air. “Go, Rank-Up Xyz Evolution!” As the Overlay Network formed on the ceiling, Luna swerved back and forth flying into it causing a black explosion. “Forgotten Queen of the night, break your shackles and engulf the world in your eternal darkness!” From the network came a pitch-black sphere that roared with red energy. The sphere was covered in thick chains and had 3 purple Overlay Units orbiting it. Inside, eyes suddenly opening up to reveal cat-like blue eyes and her teeth growing out sharp. Suddenly, the chains lit up bright red and shattered with clang, revealing the silhouette of an alicorn. Purple grid lines formed all over the sphere until it was glowing with a bright purple color. “BEHOLD! Equestrian Nightmare Moon!” Finally, the sphere exploded with energy releasing the black creature inside with a dark starry mane and blue armor.
The group of unicorns and alicorns all stood speechless at the familiar black alicorn. “N-No…” Celestia muttered quietly with tears dripping from her eyes. Meanwhile, Midnight could only laugh.
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Saint Ragnarok
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1103
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Apple Bloom,Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cheerilee,Derpy Hooves,Fluttershy,Mayor Mare,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Rainbow Dash,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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I Am Ditzy
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When Ditzy loses custody of Dinky, she sets out to get her back...no matter what the cost.
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complete
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<p>It is Dinky Doo's first day of School and she couldn't be more excited. Her loving mother and Ponyville's Mail-mare, Ditzy Doo, drops her off and heads off to work. However, when her classmates make fun of Her mother and deceased father, Dinky loses it and hits another filly. Enraged at her daughters actions, Ditzy scolds her. daughter. Fearing her mother doesn't love her anymore, Dinky runs away. However this is only the beginning of their troubles. When Ditzy and the Mane 6 rescue Dinky from an almost certain death at the paws of one of the dangerous beasts of the Everfree forest, the other ponies in Ponyville decide that Ditzy is not a fit mother and they have Dinky Doo taken away. With the help of Twilight Sparkle, DItzy fights an unfair legal battle as well as her own demons. Even though Ditzy and Dinky face the prospect of never seeing each other again, this story shows just how strong the bond between mother and daughter can be.</p>
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everyone
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2011-09-29T08:35:24+00:00
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2011-09-29T08:35:24+00:00
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I Am Ditzy
By
Saint Ragnarok
Preread and Edited By:
Vopogon- Author of “Soaring Hearts”
Scoopicus-Author of “Age of Terra”
Clueless313
A Dumb Door
Cheeto666
Character of “Bran Muffin” used with permission from
Roy G. Biv- Author of “Dinky Doo’s Father Revealed”
Chapter 1
It was a bright, sunny morning in Ponyville. Summer was coming to a close. The long days and warm nights would soon be traded for brisk mornings and the falling of leaves from their trees. For most ponies in town, this seasonal change had little or no meaning. However, for one filly who lived down the street from the post office, it meant much, much more.
Dinky Doo lay in bed, slowly awakening from her slumber. The rays of Princess Celestia’s morning sun beamed through the bedroom window, tickling her face. The foal cracked a smile and hopped out of bed. She stretched her limbs and let out an extended yawn.
As she began exiting her bedroom, Dinky felt that something was missing. Something very Important. Oh! She had forgotten about Daisy Doo!
The filly unicorn crawled under her bed and pulled out a yellow wooden toy box decorated with stickers and glitter. Dinky sifted through the various toys and games until she found exactly what she was looking for.
“There you are!” Dinky said.
From the box, she pulled out an old, raggedy plushie in the shape of a pegasus pony. It’s bluish-gray color and golden mane bore an almost exact resemblance to her mother. The toy itself was very old and worn out from years of play. The left wing had a significant tear, and one of the hind legs had been torn off from a run-in with a vicious dog. Her mother had offered to buy another one several times, but Daisy had too much sentimental value and Dinky refused to part with her.
Dinky gave the doll a squeeze and placed it gently on her back, happily trotting into the living room.
Entering the other room, her nose picked up the scent of freshly baked muffins emanating from the kitchen. Muffins for breakfast were not an unusual occurrence in her household. However, she knew that mommy only baked fresh ones for very special occasions...And today was one of those times.
“Come on, Daisy Doo!” She said to the rag doll, “mommy’s making muffins today!”
The foal darted into the kitchen, led on by the smell of the freshly baked goods. Daisy Doo in tow behind her, the purple filly walked up to the table and pulled out the chair. Using all of the strength in her upper body, she manged to pull herself onto the seat.
“Morning, mommy!” The filly greeted.
Across the kitchen, Ditzy Doo pulled a tray of freshly baked muffins out of the oven and placed it on the counter.
“Good morning, baby.” Ditzy said, returning the greeting with a smile.
Dinky sat, bouncing up and down in her seat, eagerly awaiting her breakfast.
Ditzy placed the muffins on a plate and brought it to the kitchen table. Dinky immediately hopped up, reaching for the plate. She spotted big blue chunks embedded in the muffins.
“Blueberries!” Her eyes widened at the sight of the muffins “My favorite!”
The unicorn reached out, grabbing a plump muffin with an abundance of blueberries. However, she did not eat it right away. Rather, she played with it for a brief moment before addressing her mother again.
“Do you know what today is?” Dinky asked expectantly.
Ditzy smiled, reaching out for a muffin. “You tell me, baby, what’s so special about today?”
“Silly mommy,” Dinky giggled, “today’s my first day of school!”
Ditzy took a bite of her muffin.“That’s right, I bet you’re very excited.”
“Yeah!” Dinky squeaked.
The doting mother smiled at her child’s eagerness.
Dinky’s enrollment in Miss Cheerilee’s class dominated the subject of many conversations over the summer. At first, Ditzy thought that it was so cute how anxious Dinky was to begin her schooling. After three straight months of all the talk about school, Dinky’s banter soon turned from adorable to annoying. However, Dinky was her only daughter and she was always cautious about not saying anything that could possibly upset her. She just smiled and let Dinky yammer on about it, hoping that it would pass.
Pretty soon the muffin Dinky had been playing had been reduced to a pile of crumbs.
“All gone!” Dinky said, crumbs falling from the side of her mouth.
Ditzy chuckled at the mess and grabbed a cloth.
“I hope they teach you good table manners at school.” She teased, wiping the crumbs from her daughter’s face.
Dinky just rolled her eyes.
“Alright, I want you to go get your things ready for class and we’ll go in about ten minutes.” The mother ordered, giving dinky a gentle nudge.
The unicorn just nodded and dashed into her bedroom.
Ditzy did not follow her daughter into the other room. Instead, she stood in the kitchen contemplating the days upcoming events. It seemed like it was yesterday Dinky was just taking her first steps and saying her first words.
A tear rolled down her cheek. If only her father were here...
When she finally regained her composure, she made her way to Dinky’s room. Inside, she found the pale-purple unicorn scurrying about, preparing for her big day at school. Dinky’s saddlebags were almost bursting at the seams with the overabundance of school supplies.
Ditzy shook her head and laughed. “You don’t need all of that, muffin.”
The pegasus removed Dinky’s pack and set it on the floor. Rifling through the bags, she left only the bare essentials
“Here, baby. I’m gonna leave you with a pencil and a notebook. I doubt you’ll need more than that on your first day.”
“Aww...” Dinky moaned.
“Now... are you ready to get going?” Ditzy asked.
Dinky hopped up and down in joy. “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!”
The duo made it halfway out the door when Ditzy noticed Dinky was still carrying Daisy.
“Honey, I’m sorry, but Daisy Doo has to stay home.”
The filly pulled away from her mother, grasping the doll as if her very life depended on it.
“No! Daisy wants to go, too!”
The young mother grew increasingly frustrated with her stubborn daughter. She pulled harder and harder at the doll until she was finally able to break it from Dinky’s grasp.
“No! Give it back!” The stubborn filly whined, trying to retrieve her doll.
“Sweetie, listen to me. You’re a big pony now! I need you to start acting like one! Do you want the other fillies at school to make fun of you?”
Dinky sat on the ground trying to catch her breath.
“No...”
Ditzy knelt down and placed comforting hoof under Dinky’s chin.
“Baby, I know how much you love Daisy, but eventually you’ll have to learn that if you love something you have to let it go. I swear that Daisy Doo will still be here when you get home from school, ok?”
Dinky sighed, pulling away from her mother’s embrace.
“Ok...” The foal said, her voice heavy with a tone of submission.
Ditzy placed Daisy on the shelf next to the door and the two set off towards the schoolhouse.
******************************************
By now it was mid-morning. All the traders and farmers were in the town square displaying their products for potential customers. The hustle and bustle of life in the town didn’t faze Dinky in the slightest. In fact, it excited her. Being around other ponies was something Dinky did not experience very often. At that moment, she could not be happier.
Prior to this day, Dinky led a very sheltered life. Most of her time was spent at home, alone, playing with her toys and games while Ditzy worked long hours at the post office. As much as it saddened to know that Dinky didn’t have any friends her own age to play with, it might have been for the best.
Through no fault of her own, Ditzy had spent most of her life as a social outcast. Her childhood was plagued with excruciating strife.
When Ditzy was 5 years old she suffered a terrible accident that had left her blind in one eye. Attempting to fly, she made her way to the roof of her house and jumped. Of course at the time, Ditzy’s wings were not yet fully developed. She jumped off the roof, flapping her wings as hard as she could, however they could not sustain her weight and she plummeted to ground like an apple falling from the tree.
The filly Ditzy Doo hit the ground head first, knocking her out cold. When she awoke, the filly pegasus found that she was not where she had landed. In the room at the doctor’s office, her parents stood over her. Their eyes rife with disappointment.
The result of this accident had left Ditzy’s eyes in the unfortunate manner they appear in today.
Most ponies took one look at Ditzy’s lazy eye and saw it as a sign of stupidity. Much meaner ponies had gone out of their way and bestowed Ditzy with a rather derogatory nickname: “Derpy”.
As her classmates grew up, they learned that old habits die hard. Many of them still harbored an irrational prejudice towards Ditzy. What pecked at the back of Ditzy’s mind was that was no doubt that the same prejudice her classmates held was already impressed upon their children, which is what she feared the most.
Dinky had never really experienced true anger or sadness before. If the fillies at school ever projected their parents feelings onto Dinky....Ooh, She didn’t even wanna think about it.
However, today was a happy day. A day that Ditzy and Dinky would no doubt come to cherish for the rest of their lives. Ditzy refused to let her fears get the better of her. She had to be strong for both herself and her precious daughter.
“So what am I gonna learn at school, mommy?” Dinky queried.
“All sorts of things, muffin. Math, history, science, grammar. Everything you need to know”. Ditzy explained, watching as the filly trotted along.
Dinky thought for a second.
“What about magic? Will I learn that, too?” The foal asked, looking up at her mother.
Ditzy laughed. “Sorry, honey. I think that’s something a unicorn needs to learn on their own.”
Then something happened that Ditzy did not expect to hear.
“Mommy? If you’re a pegasus pony, why am I a unicorn pony?”
The young mother’s heart sank into her stomach. She felt hot, like she had stepped into an oven. Dinky’s question was innocent enough, but it brought up feelings that Ditzy had not felt in a very long while.
Ditzy had never told Dinky about her father. Why would she? Dinky had never asked. The mail-mare thought for a second and realized that her little filly wasn’t asking about her father directly... If she thought quickly, she just might be avoid telling her daughter the painful truth.
“Well...uh...Your grandfather was a unicorn.” Ditzy fibbed as she broke out in a cold sweat. That obviously made no sense whatever, but Dinky wasn’t old enough to know. It would have to do until Ditzy was ready to tell the filly unicorn the truth.
“Oh.” Dinky said, still not understanding.
There was nothing more DItzy hated than lying to Dinky. Although some situations warranted a lie. Or at least a slight stretching of the truth.
Dinky was a smart filly, though. She had to have noticed all the other foals in town spending time with their respective fathers. It was only a matter of time before she would pop the question. As much as it pained Ditzy to think about it, she knew that this would be a topic that both ponies would have to overcome.
Ditzy looked up at the town hall. The clock read 7:45 and school started in 15 minutes. If they didn’t hurry, they’d be late.
*****************************************
“Big Macintosh, I’m bringing Applebloom to school now! Think y’all can handle things here on yer own for a little while? Applejack asked.
Big Macintosh chewed on his shoot of wheat. replying with a simple “eeyup”.
“Come on lil’ sis, we’re gonna be late fer school” Applejack yelled from the bottom of the stairwell.
A little yellow filly with a thick licorice colored mane appeared at the top of the stairs.
“C’mon Applejack... Can’t I stay here with y’all for just a little longer?”
“No, Applebloom. Every little filly like yerself has to go to school. Whether they like it or not.” Applejack said, running her hoof along the floor.
“Aww...” Applebloom groaned.
The foal dragged herself down the flight of stairs.
“I still don’t see why I gotta go to school. Granny Smith didn’t go.” Applebloom whined.
“That’s ‘cause Granny Smith grew up in a different time.” Applejack explained. “The Apple family had just moved in from the Mild West and we didn’t have a bit to our name. Granny and her family built this farm here from the ground up. They were out here buckin’ trees all day long and didn’t have time for any fancy-shmancy schoolin’. Y’all should be grateful you have this opportunity to learn.”
“Thanks for the history lesson...” Applebloom said, rolling her eyes.
“Ya may not like it now, but when you grow up you’ll be glad you got an education to fall back on.” Applejack smiled.
Applebloom sighed.
“If you say so.”
****************************************************
Ditzy and Dinky arrived at the schoolhouse some time later. The moment Dinky had been waiting for was finally here. On the side of the schoolhouse Dinky spotted her new classmates playing in the yard. Their laughter and happy banter excited her.
“I get to go here?” Dinky asked.
“That’s right, muffin. You get to go here every day.” Ditzy replied, running her hoof through Dinky’s mane.
Dinky squeaked with excitement.
Ditzy chuckled. She had never seen her daughter this excited over anything else before in her life.
“Alright. Why don’t you go put your things in the classroom and then you can go play with your classmates.” Ditzy ordered.
The pale-purple foal rushed off into the classroom. She scanned the wall, looking for an open cubby. When she found an open spot, she shoved her bags in and ran back outside,
As happy as Ditzy was to see her daughter venture out on her own, she could no longer ignore the growing shadow in the back of her mind.
“Dinky, wait!” The grey pegasus called out.
The foal skidded to a halt. What reason could Ditzy have to stop her now?
“What is it, mommy?” Dinky queried.
Ditzy gazed at her daughter for a moment. Her thoughts raced as she tried to find the right words to use.
“How can I say this?” Ditzy whispered to herself. “Muffin? You know mama loves you very much, right?”
Dinky suddenly felt worried. Mommy didn’t ask her that unless something bad was about to happen.
“Yeah...” Dinky said affirmatively.
“And you know I’d do anything in the world for you, right?”
Dinky began to frown. “Yeah...”
“Well I need you to do something for mama this time.” Ditzy said, bearing a worried look.
“What is it?” Dinky asked.
“Whatever happens today, I need you to be strong for me. Some ponies may say or do things you’ll want to stop, things that will make you very angry or very sad. What matters is how you deal with it. If somepony is upsetting you or hurting you, turn the other cheek. Don’t ever fight back because that always makes things worse...Most important of all is that you know I love you more than anything else in the world.” Ditzy explained.
“Even more than muffins?” Dinky asked, cracking a smile.
Ditzy chuckled.
“Especially muffins. Now go on... Go play.”
Dinky ran off disappearing into the crowd of little fillies and colts. A tear rolled down Ditzy’s cheek. This was the hardest thing she’s ever done in her life.
“C’mon, Applebloom. Pick up the pace!” Applejack said.
“Are y’all sure I can’t stay on the farm today?” Applebloom pleaded.
Applejack sighed,
“For the millionth time, no! Now put yer things away and go meet all yer little friends on the playground.”
Applebloom lazily dragged herself into the classroom and put her saddlebags away.
“Howdy there, Ditzy. What brings you here?” Applejack asked in her southern drawl.
“Hi Applejack.” Ditzy greeted, wiping the tears from her face. “I just came here to drop Dinky off.”
Applejack quickly noticed Ditzy tears. As much as she knew it wasn’t her business to pry into another pony’s business, the orange earth pony’s down-home hospitality got the better of her.
“Aw. What’s the matter, sugarcube?” Applejack said, putting a friendly hoof on ditzy’s back.
“It’s just so hard. I’ve dreamed about this moment for so long and now that this day is here...I wish it had never happened.” Ditzy openly admitted.
“Well, don’t you fret none...We got a saying down on the farm: ‘The chick’s gotta leave the nest eventually.’
Applejack’s southern charm and wisdom brought a smile to Ditzy’s face. As hokey as it sounded...She was right.
“When you’re right, you’re right.” Ditzy chuckled.
“Well,” Applejack laughed, “I do represent the element of honesty.”
“The what now?” Ditzy asked.
“Uh, never mind that...Point is, we can’t hold on to them forever. Besides, in my experience there’s nothin’ a filly hates more than an overbearin’ parent.” Applejack pointed out.
The bell rang atop the cherry-red schoolhouse. The students began making their way into the building, eager to began learning. Ditzy searched the crowd for her foal. She didn’t have to search long, however. Dinky pushed and shoved her way through the group, making her way over to her caring mother.
Dinky shot up, putting her hooves around her mother’s neck.
“I’ll miss you, mommy.” She said.
“I’ll miss you too, muffin.” Ditzy said, returning the hug,
The little unicorn ran off into the schoolhouse. That would be the last Ditzy would see of Dinky. At least for the next few hours.
“Well, I better get back to the farm. Big Macintosh will have a fit if I ain’t there to help him harvest the orchard. So I’ll see y’all later?” Applejack asked.
“Yeah.” Ditzy replied. “I’ll see you later.”
Applejack galloped off into the distance.
Ditzy stood motionless, taking a moment to gather herself. Dinky had been left on her own before, but this time was different. Much different.
However, Ditzy could not linger much longer. Not only did she have a responsibility to Dinky, but also to her job. Gathering her strength, The grey pegasus flapped her wings taking off to her job at the post office. As she whizzed by overhead, Ditzy could do nothing but count down the minutes until she would be able to see her precious filly again.
********************************************
In the classroom, the room was filled with the banter of the little colts and fillies conversing. Everypony seemed to be at least somewhat acquainted with each other. This worried Dinky, who didn’t know a single soul. She stood in the corner of the room, too nervous to move. Her excitement regarding her first day had all but disappeared.The pale-purple unicorn had never missed her mother more than she did at that moment. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to have Daisy Doo back right now...
“All right, class, settle down!” Another voice called out.
Through the door walked in a mulberry colored earth pony with a somewhat poofy pink mane. Dinky stared at the pony, noticing her cutie mark: Three smiling sunflowers.
“Good morning, my little ponies! I’m Cheerilee and I’ll be your new teacher.” She greeted her students with a warm smile.
“Good morning, Miss Cheerilee!” The class echoed.
“First off, I’d just like to take the time to welcome you all to your first day of school here in Ponyville.” Cheerilee said.
Cheerilee’s candor put Dinky at ease. Originally, Dinky had pictured a much different mare as her teacher: somepony who was old, grumpy and strict. The pale-purple unicorn was blown away by the pony that stood before her.
“What I’d like you all to do right now is get up out of your seats and introduce yourselves to one another. Tell you classmates your name and a little something about you!”
All the little fillies and colts hopped down from their desks and began mingling with one another. Dinky felt a bit apprehensive about meeting the other ponies, fearing they might not like her. For the moment, Dinky decided to stay at her desk, burying her face in her hooves.
In the corner. Applebloom noticed Dinky sitting by herself. Sharing the same hospitality and kindness as her sister, she decided to go introduce herself.
Dinky felt a light tug of her tail. She looked down and saw Applebloom grinning.
“Hi!” Applebloom greeted.
“Um...Hi.” Dinky said in a hushed whisper.
“I’m Applebloom!”
“I’m...Dinky Doo?”
“Hi Dinky, pleased to meet you!” Applebloom said, shaking Dinky’s hoof.
Dinky retracted her leg and went back to burying her face in her hooves.
“What’s the matter?” Applebloom asked. “Don’tcha wanna meet everypony else?”
“Not really....” Dinky replied.
Applebloom thought for a second. She couldn’t stand idly by while her new friend shut herself off from the rest of the world.
“Tell you what, Dinky. How about you and I go meet everypony else together. Would that make y’all feel better?” Applebloom confidently proposed.
“I guess.” Dinky said.
"Alright! Let's go!"
Dinky reluctantly crawled out of her desk. Applebloom seemed nice enough but the filly unicorn still had reservations about meeting her classmates. Her heart and her mind began racing. What if they didn't like her?
Applebloom led Dinky into a gaggle of their classmates.
"Hey guys! I'm Applebloom and this here is Dinky Doo!" Applebloom interjected.
The ponies turned their attention to their new acquaintances, greeting them with a smile.
"So Applebloom, what do your parents do?" One filly asked.
Applebloom grimaced at the question.
"Well... I don't have a mom or dad...but I live with my brother Big Macintosh and my sister Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres.” She said hesitantly.
“That’s cool, I guess.” The filly replied while simultaneously turning to Dinky. “What about you? What do your parents do DInky?”
Dinky froze for a second before addressing her peers.
“Well, I just live with my mom, Ditzy Doo. She works at the Ponyville Post Office.” She said sheepishly.
A dead silence fell amongst the group of little ponies. Two of the students looked at each other, seemingly embarrassed at what Dinky had told them. One student even raised an eyebrow at the reply.
“Wait...That’s your mom?” Her classmate asked with a surprised tone of voice.
Dinky suddenly feel a rush of heat through her chest.
“Yeah...Why?” She asked, hoping for an answer.
“Oh...Nothing.” The filly replied, slowly backing away.
Dinky didn’t feel that the class’s little meet and greet was going over very well. Her classmate’s response to her story unnerved her. Hopefully, the rest of the day would prove to be a little better.
*******************************
DIng a ling a ling!
The bell that sat on top of the front door of the post office chimed, alerting everyone to Ditzy’s late arrival. The grey pegasus had hoped that she might sneak in, undetected. The bell had other plans, however.
Ditzy made her way to the back room. Piles of letters and packages littered the tables in the back. The grey mail-mare picked up her bag which had already been packed with today’s deliveries.
Before Ditzy could step put to begin her rounds, she heard her boss, Boxxy Brown call out.
“Look who finally decided to show up.” He said in his usual gruff manner.
Out of the back office stepped out a large brown pegasus pony wearing a black ball cap.
“I’m sorry, Boxxy, I had to drop Dinky off at her first day of school and I--”
Boxxy interrupted.
“Look, you’re breaking my heart here, but I have a ton of mail that needs deliverin’ before day’s end. That being the case, you need to get your flank in gear, pronto!”
Ditzy began trotting off dejectedly.
“Ah nuts...”Boxxy said, wiping his brow. “Hey, uh Ditzy...Can I see youse in the back here a minute?”
The grey pegasus stepped into Boxxy’s office.
“Look. I know how hard it is for you an’ all, raising a filly all by yourself, but I need workers who are on time. If one of us is off our game, the rest of us are off our game.”
Ditzy shuffled her hoof along the ground.
“I understand.” She said.
“Good.” Boxxy said.”I know I seem tough on you at times here, but that’s only ‘cause I care so much. Your husband was a good friend a’ mine, and I’ll have you know that I always take care of my friends.”
This statement lifted Ditzy’s spirits. Boxxy wasn’t an uncaring pony, he just maintained a strong sense of professionalism. Something Ditzy had come to respect in the years she had worked for him.
“However...” He continued. “ If you don’t straighten up your act soon... I may have to let you go.”
Ditzy’s heart sank. Boxxy wasn’t serious was he? No.. He couldn’t be. He knew darn well what would happen to her without this job. Ditzy had half a mind to tell him off, but she maintained her composure and took the moral high ground.
“Yes sir.” She replied, biting her lip.
“Glad we’re seeing eye to eye...Now go on, get outta here.”
Ditzy walked out feeling worse than when she arrived. All her life she had been jerked around, but by now she was used to it. The only thing she could do now was do her job as best she could, motivated by the fact that soon she would reunited with her precious Dinky Doo.
The mail-mare reached into her pack pulling out her first delivery of the day. Ditzy pulled out on oblong shape about 2 inches thick. Checking the front she saw who it was addressed to.
Ms. Twilight Sparkle
Ponyville Library
57 Stirrup Street
Ponyville, Equestria
***************************************************
*Knock Knock knock*
“Spike! Can you get that? I’m a little preoccupied here!” Twilight requested.
“I got it!” Spike said, descending the steps of the library.
Spike answered the door. Ditzy stood, package in her hoof.
“Hey, Ditzy!” Spike greeted.
“Hi, Spike. Is Twilight around?” Ditzy asked,
“Yeah, hold on. Twilight! Ditzy’s here! I think she has your book.” Spike announced.
Twilight managed to tear herself away from her studies. She climbed down the staircase meeting Ditzy at the door.
“Hello, Ditzy. I understand you have a package for me?” Twilight asked.
Ditzy handed the book to Twilight. Her horn glowed as she used her magic to tear away the packaging. Twilight walked into the middle of the room where she lay the book down on a pedestal.
“So I heard it’s the first day of school today.” Twilight stated.
“Yeah, I just dropped Dinky off an couple of hours ago.I’ve never seen her more excited.” Ditzy added.
“I’ll bet she was. I still remember the day I got accepted into Princess Celestia’s school.” Twilight reminisced with a smile.
“Ugh... Not this story again.” Spike groaned.
“Oh, come on, Spike. You know you and I would never have met and been friends if it wasn’t for that day.” Twilight said, prodding spike with a hoof.
Spike cracked a smile.
“You know, Dinky has been asking me a lot about magic lately.” Ditzy said.
Twilight’s ears perked up at Ditzy’s announcement. If there was one thing Twilight knew, it was magic.
“Really?” Twilight asked, leaning towards Ditzy.
“Mm-hmm. Just this morning she was asking me if they would teach her magic at school. Of course, when I told her they didn’t, she was a little disappointed.” The mail-mare explained.
Princess Celestia’s prized pupil thought for a brief moment.
“You know, I’ve got some free time in the afternoons. Maybe you could bring Dinky by once or twice a week after school for magic lessons.” Twilight proposed.
Ditzy’s eyes widened at Twilight’s offer.
“Really?!? You’d do that?”Ditzy asked,
“Absolutely. I kind of like the idea of having my own little apprentice.” Twilight chuckled.
“Ahem!”
Twilight laughed. “Oh, you know what I mean, Spike.”
“Well, I gotta go Twilight. I guess I’ll see you around, then?” Ditzy said, packing her bags.
“Of course. I’ll see you later.” Twilight said, waving a hoof farewell.
Ditzy soldiered on, delivering mail from house to house. Her interaction with Celestia’s pupil had left her in a good mood. Ever since Twilight first moved to Ponyville all those months ago, Ditzy had grown quite fond of her. Twilight was well-read and intelligent but above all, she treated Ditzy like an equal while most looked down on her. If only more ponies were like her.
This job had been a godsend for Ditzy. Before he disappeared, Dinky’s father had been the sole breadwinner in his household. He had worked in Canterlot, at Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns as a handyman. The job wasn’t glamorous and it didn’t pay well, but it kept food on the table and a roof over his family’s head. Dinky’s father may have worked in Canterlot but the family didn’t live there. It was much too expensive.
Ditzy’s husband would regularly visit once or twice a week, to check up on her and baby Dinky Doo. These visits were often bittersweet. Ditzy pleaded with Dinky’s father to find a job closer, preferably in Ponyville. However this was easier said than done since he had little or no education to fall back upon.
After his disappearance, Boxxy came to the door a couple weeks later. Much like her husband, Ditzy lacked a unique skill that might have led her to a better job. Of course, beggars can’t be choosers, and Ditzy took the job as it was offered to her.
As sad as it made her to know that she would never see her husband again, the single mother knew she had to be strong for Dinky. Like most ponies, Ditzy had her good days and bad days. Sometimes she would wake up with a smile, rushing into Dinky’s room waking her up early, just so she could play with her daughter before rushing off to work. Then there were days where she felt like lying in bed all day, unwilling to move.
However, Ditzy knew that she had a great responsibility, taking care of a young, healthy, energetic unicorn filly like her daughter. She had to be strong. For both herself and Dinky.
The clock tower in the middle of town chimed across the landscape. It was now 3 o’clock. Dinky was likely finished at school and Ditzy was wrapping up the last of her deliveries. Ditzy had just taken off, after delivering new materials to Carousel Boutique, the fashion outlet owned by Rarity across town.
Ditzy’s thoughts now focused on Dinky. She couldn’t wait to land at school, where her daughter would would be waiting eagerly for her arrival. On top of that, Twilight had also offered Dinky magic lessons, something that would no doubt leave her ecstatic.
The mail-mare landed in front of the post-office, kicking up a cloud of dust as she impacted the ground. Ditzy rushed in, almost taking the door off its hinges. She hung up her pack, clocked out and darted out the front door.
*****************************************
The bell that stood atop the bright red schoolhouse rang three times, signaling the end of the school day. All the little fillies and colts cheered as they jumped out of their seats, eager to return home.
Dinky’s day had started out a little shaky, but overall, she had enjoyed her first day. Earlier, Cheerilee had laid out the lesson plan which excited her even more. Except math...She didn’t think math seemed all that fun.
“That was great wasn’t it, Dinky?” Applebloom asked, grinning at her new friend.
Dinky replied with a nod as she removed her saddlebags from the cubby.
“I can’t wait ‘til we learn all about cutie marks. I wonder what mine’ll be?” Applebloom wondered.
“My mommy says a pony only gets a cutie mark when they discover that thing that makes them different from every other pony.” Dinky explained.
“What is your mom’s cutie mark, anyhow.” Applebloom asked.
“A bunch of bubbles.” Dinky stated.
Applebloom looked confused. “What in Equestria does a bubble cutie mark mean?”
Dinky thought about it for a moment and came up with nothing.
“I don’t know.” She said sheepishly.
“C’mon, Applebloom. we gotta head off home now.” Applejack said, beckoning her sister.
“I gotta go Dinky, but it was nice meetin’ you. I’ll see you tomorrow, ok?” Applebloom said.
Dinky waved a hoof goodbye. She walked down the steps of the schoolhouse and sat in the yard, waiting for the arrival of her mother.
“So...” A voice said from behind. “I heard your mom is the mail-pony.”
The purple unicorn filly turned around. A group of her classmates led by a blue earth pony colt with a black spiky mane stood before her. Their tone of voice didn’t seem as pleasant as it was before. It actually sounded downright sinister.
“Um...yeah?” Dinky said, avoiding eye contact.
“Wow, that’s sad.”
Dinky didn’t understand. Why were they being so mean all of a sudden?
“No it’s not.” Dinky countered. “ My mommy is the best mail-pony in town.”
“Oh please... Have you seen her freaky eyes? It’s amazing she doesn’t crash into everything all the time.”
The colt pretended to fly around, crashing into imaginary buildings. The other students laughed at the mockery they were making of her mother.
Dinky shot up. A small fire grew in her belly.
“You don’t know anything! You’re stupid!” She yelled.
“Not as stupid as your mom!” The colt said, bringing himself towards Dinky
“BE QUIET!” Dinky screamed.
“You must be as stupid as she is. No wonder your dad left you guys.”
Dinky froze, losing all touch with reality. She fell into a daze, not remembering who she is, where she was, or what was happening. A few seconds later, she shook herself off. The world began spinning. When she came to, Dinky looked towards the ground where her classmate sat.
The colt’s eyes were shut tight as he clutched his nose. After a few seconds, the earth pony removed his hooves from his nose, noticing they were covered in blood. Dinky’s classmates gasped in horror. Tears welled up in the colt’s eyes and he began wailing.
Dinky looked down at the crying pony, shocked as to what she had just done.
A little white pegasus stepped forward.
“I’m telling Miss Cheerilee on you!”
The filly rushed into the classroom to retrieve the teacher. Dinky wanted to run but couldn’t move.
“Dinky!”
The foal knew that voice all too well. She turned around to catch her mother landing in the yard. Dinky dashed over to her mother, hugging her leg with tears in her eyes.
“Hey, muffin I’m so happy to see--” Ditzy stopped, noticing the tears in her daughter’s eyes.
“Oh my gosh! Baby, are you okay?!?”
Dinky said nothing. She buried her face into her mother’s leg.
“Here! Over here!” A filly said, leading the teacher out the door.
Cheerilee looked at the colt sitting on the ground as he continued to cry his eyes out.
“What in Celestia’s name is going on out here?”
The crying colt pointed an accusatory hoof at Dinky who took refuge underneath Ditzy’s wings.
Ditzy shook her head in disbelief. “Dinky...No...You didn’t.”
Dinky needed to say nothing. Ditzy saw it in her eyes.
The grey pegasus pulled the foal out from underneath her.
“Muffin, please tell me you didn’t do this. Please...”
Dinky stopped gasping long enough to choke out a few words.
“Th--they were s-s-saying mean things,” Dinky said.
The colt’s father furiously stomped his way over to Ditzy. The young mother’s heart sank into her stomach as the earth pony stood towering over her.
“Your daughter just brutalized my son! I demand an immediate apology!” He bellowed.
“Excuse me? EXCUSE ME?!? Your son was teasing her! As far as I’m concerned, he had it coming! Where do you get off raising such a nasty little punk?” Ditzy replied
“Where do you get off raising a brutish monster?!?”
Ditzy shook with anger.
“You listen to me, buddy! I bust my flank everyday to provide for my family! I’ve done more work in the past 7 years than you’ve done in your entire life! So you’d do well to take a step back before you pass judgement onto other ponies!!!” She shrieked.
The stallion stood his ground, staring daggers at Ditzy. He said nothing and walked off in a huff.
Ditzy turned her attention to Dinky who lay on the ground shaken with fear.
“Dinky Doo, we are going home right this instant!”
*********************************************
The two ponies finally arrived home after a long awkwardly silent walk back from the schoolhouse.
Ditzy opened the door and angrily stormed in. Dinky stood outside, immobilized by fear
“Dinky! You get your sorry butt in here right now!” Ditzy barked.
“Please...” Dinky whimpered. “Stop yelling at me.”
“Well, If I’m yelling at you, it’s your fault! You completely disobeyed me! I can’t believe I actually thought I got through to you earlier! ” Ditzy exclaimed.
“I’m sorry!” Dinky said as she broke down.
Ditzy stood over Dinky with a furrowed brow and outstretched wings. Mommy looked more like a monster from one of her bedtime stories than a caring parent
“ Oh ho...Not as sorry as you’re gonna be! So help me, If you get expelled from school for this... I don’t even want to think about what I’ll do. You are gonna march straight to your room without dinner and I don’t wanna hear a single peep from you for the rest of the night!” Ditzy yelled pointing down the hallway.
“YOU’RE STUPID AND I HATE YOU!” Dinky screamed at the top of her lungs.
Dinky took a moment to catch her breath. A river of tears flowed from her eyes, soaking the carpet. On the shelf above the door, she saw Daisy Doo sitting right where mommy had left her. The foal retrieved the doll, placing it on her back.
The pale-purple unicorn lurched into her bedroom. The door slammed shut, echoing audibly throughout the small house.
Ditzy exhaled, releasing the breath she had held for the past minute. Her body felt restless as a burst of adrenaline rushed through her veins. She felt as though she would explode.
The pegasus grabbed the pillow off the couch and screamed.
“MMMMMMFFFFFFGGGGGHHHHHH!”
Ditzy fell to the couch. She began to cry. What had she just done? Dinky must’ve thought she was a monster. The mail-mare wasn’t as angry at Dinky as she was about the situation her family was in.
Most ponies in town already weren’t very fond of Ditzy’s family and this incident would further cement those feelings. Ditzy didn’t know how she was gonna fix the situation. On top of her being a social outcast, Dinky no doubt despised her mother after she had scolded her so harshly.
If Dinky’s father was here he’d know what to do. Although he rarely saw her, it was easy to tell that the two shared a deep connection. Whenever Dinky had a tantrum in the middle of the night as a baby, his mere presence was enough to calm her. Now that he was gone, Ditzy didn’t know how she ever survived without him.
Dinky furiously stomped about her room. She tore the sheets off of her bed and overturned her furniture.
“Stupid ponies! I hate them!” Dinky said.
The distraught filly sat on her bed, clutching Daisy Doo to her chest.
“Mommy hates us, Daisy! We didn’t do anything and she hates us! I hate her too!”
Dinky stopped to catch her breath, Her mind began racing until she came with an plan on how to fix the situation.
“We’re gonna run away, Daisy. We’re gonna run away and never come back!” Dinky stated.
The foal hopped from her bed and poked her head out the doorway. Mommy was still in the living room. Dinky searched the room for a means of escape and spotted the bedroom window.
Dinky brought her desk chair up to the window. She reached up unlocking the lever that held it down. Raising the window, Dinky threw Daisy out the window, closely following suit. The filly lost her footing and fell. She impacted the ground landing flat on her butt with a light thud.
Seething through the pain, Dinky managed to pick her self up and gallop off into the distance.
The distraught pony didn’t care where she went. Anywhere was better than Ponyville. As well thought out as she thought the plan was, there was one huge flaw. Dinky did not know the world outside of Ponyville. Unaware of the dangers that lurked outside of her sheltered life Dinky continued her escape...Deep into the maw of the Everfree Forest.
|
darksymphony
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1104
| 1 |
Main 6,Princess Luna,Spike,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Magic of Harmonies
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Luna, the mane 6 and Spike play music in bands for a competition at the Grand Galloping Gala.
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complete
| 17 | 1 |
<p>A year has passed since the fall of Nightmare Moon, but Princess Luna is still hiding from the public. Celestia, tired of her sister's behaviour, sends her to Ponyville to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends with the plans for the Grand Galloping Gala. Little do they all know, the plan is for them to form bands and perform at the event!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T11:17:56+00:00
|
2011-09-29T11:17:56+00:00
| 2,164 |
Princess Celestia strolled calmly into the palace library, silently nodding in acknowledgement at the on duty librarian sitting attentively at her desk in the entrance. Walking deeper into the maze of towering bookshelves and desks, she paused for a second, listening carefully. At this late hour, the library was deserted. Or so it seemed.
There was the faint sound of a page being turned. Hearing the slight rustling noise, the princess smiled knowingly before heading towards a row that a sign proclaimed as “Equestrian History.”
As she entered the aisle, she chuckled quietly at the sight before her. There was a single desk at the end of the row, wedged between the bookshelves. The desk was completely covered with books of varied age and size, from modern, tongue-in-cheek paperbacks to gigantic books of records past, their worn leather covers revealing their age.
However, it was not the books that amused Celestia. The source of her amusement was the tip of a deep, midnight blue horn that stuck out over the top of the pile, occasionally glowing to the accompanying sound of a page being flicked over. Celestia strode over to the pile, peering over the top to see the face of an alicorn, deep in concentration as she read a heavy tome, eyes flicking back and forth as she drank in the information from the pages.
Celestia loudly cleared her throat, causing the dark blue alicorn to jump in surprise.
“Celly! You surprised me!” she said, with a slightly accusatory tone of voice that was ruined by the smile on her face.
“Well, I made no effort to do so, Luna. You were simply too immersed in your reading. Incidentally, what is it that you find so engrossing?” the tall, white alicorn enquired.
Luna closed the heavy book, showing her sister the front cover. Celestia raised an eyebrow, giving Luna a questioning look.
“A History of Agricultural Techniques?” she said. Her smaller sister nodded enthusiastically, her face lighting up as always when talking about something she’d been reading about.
“Yes, what with being out of the loop for a millennium I’ve been reading up on what I missed and the developments in the farming industry are simply fascinating!” she gushed happily.
Celestia smiled at seeing her sister’s enthusiasm, but her face took on a slightly more serious expression.
“That’s what brought me here, sister. Not the history of farming, fascinating though I’m sure it is,” she added quickly on seeing Luna’s confused expression.
“I simply think that you are spending far too much time in the library. I can understand that you don’t feel like facing the public, but it’s been a year since you returned now and I believe it’s about time for you to get back into society. And to do it, I’d like for you to spend some time living and working with normal ponies.”
At this, Luna’s mouth dropped open in surprise. She was quick to retort.
“But sister, there’s been simply too much change! I was gone for a thousand years, and nothing is the same. Not to mention that some ponies still don’t trust me,” she said the last sentence huffily, rather like a foal who hasn’t gotten what they wanted.
“I know how you feel, Luna, which is why I’ve arranged for you to go to Ponyville to help the ponies there with their preparations for the Grand Galloping Gala this year. I truly believe that it will be the best for you to socialise and meet some of our subjects, and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony would be the best choice. After all, they released you and I know that they bear no grudge against your former self.”
Luna’s resolve to not be talked out of her secluded lifestyle began to waver. Celestia detected this and dealt the killer blow, one that had worked in the past and was sure to work again.
“And I’ve already found a place for you to stay whilst you help. My faithful student, Twilight Sparkle has agreed to allow you to stay with her at the library. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of spare time for you to further expand your knowledge of the last thousand years,” Celestia smiled, “though after all the reading you’ve done since your return I suspect you know more about the past millennium than any pony alive.”
With this, Luna caved in to her sister’s request, agreeing to spend the coming months prior to the Gala in Ponyville on the condition that Celestia write to her as often as possible.
“Why of course, dear sister. After all, I write to Twilight Sparkle almost every day, so writing an extra letter and sending them together will be no problem. Now, go and pack your things; the chariot will be ready to leave at dawn.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Maybe this was a bad idea after all…
As the chariot gracefully flew across the sky of Equestria, practically glowing gold under the light of Celestia’s sun on the eastern horizon, Princess Luna was already having doubts about the trip. What-ifs filled her mind as Canterlot grew smaller in the distance. Luna shook her head violently, forcing such thoughts from her mind.
If Celly thought this was the best idea then I have to do my best. I owe her that much. No, I owe everypony that much for what I’ve done.
Once again, she thought of the six ponies that had saved her a year ago, and wondered how they would feel about her visit.
Well, not long left to wonder now.
The chariot gently alighted on the road, outside a huge tree into which a building had been made. Luna marvelled that the tree could be living after being hollowed out like that, and vowed to research plant anatomy as soon as she had the chance.
No, that’s not why you’re here. You’re here to help, and help you shall.
After thanking the two Royal Guards who had pulled the chariot, Luna watched as they took off and arced through the sky back towards Canterlot. Sighing, she turned back to the building before her. There were no signs of life visible. In fact, the scene almost resembled a ghost town.
Not really surprising, given how early it is. Still, I’d have expected someone to have been here to meet me. Or could it be that they still remember and fear me as Nightmare Moon?
Again shaking doubt from her head, Luna approached the door of the library. Giving it an experimental push, she was surprised to find it open. Though it was a public library, she hadn’t expected it to be open so soon. It was, however, dark inside.
“Hello?” she called into the darkness. There was no reply. She cautiously walked further into the murky gloom, eyes straining to see lest she trip over something or fall down an ill placed set of stairs.
Suddenly, the door slammed shut behind her and the lights flicked on, the sudden blinding light startling the princess.
“SURPRISE!” shouted a group of ponies in front of her.
“Wha…” was all Luna could manage, gaping at the table stacked with food behind the ponies. A large banner with “Welcome Princess Luna” written on it was displayed at the back of the room. Looking around, Luna became aware of the fact there were balloons everywhere, and a multitude of streamers were hanging from the rafters like multi-coloured rain. She then noticed that a bright Pink pony had bounded up to her.
“Hi! Do you like your surprise party? When Twilight told me you were coming, I was like ohmygosh we have to have a party with the whole town! But she said that was a bad idea, and when I found out you were coming so early I thought, why not have a breakfast party! But then I thought, how can I make it a royal breakfast party, so I had to get more food but there wasn’t enough blueberry muffins and then Mr Cake suggested using oatmeal muffins instead but…” at this point a light orange earth pony with blonde hair and a hat pushed the pink pony out of the way with a nervous laugh.
“Ah’m terribly sorry, yer majesty, but Pinkie Pie can be a mite excitable when parties are involved. An’ Ah know she’s got no manners to speak of. So let me introduce mahself; Ah’m Applejack, pleased to meet y’all.”
“Princess Luna, though could you please just call me Luna rather than using any titles. They make everything seem so formal.” Luna laughed nervously.
“Well then…Luna…Ah hope we can become good friends.” smiled Applejack.
Luna turned to see a lavender unicorn standing next to her. The unicorn gave her a warm and genuine smile.
“Welcome to Ponyville, Luna. I’m Twilight Sparkle, and we’ll be living together for a while here. If there’s anything at all that you want, don’t be afraid to ask. Here, I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
Luna was then faced with three further ponies. First was a white unicorn.
“I am Rarity, and I must say I have the most perfect idea for a gown for you, my dear. You simply must pop down to Carousel Boutique and I promise I will make you the most fantastic dress you ever laid your eyes on.”
“Thank you, Rarity, I’ll be sure to take you up on that.” Luna smiled.
Next was a light blue pegasus with a garish multi-coloured mane.
“I’m Rainbow Dash, best flier in Equestria!” the pony boasted. “I’m in charge of the weather round here, but I spend most of my time perfecting my moves so I can get into the Wonderbolts.”
Twilight raised an eyebrow.
“Personally, I think she spends most of her time napping, but she really is one of the most talented fliers out there. Oh, and this is Fluttershy.”
Luna was confused for a second before catching sight of a yellow pegasus with pink hair peeking out from behind Rainbow Dash.
“Um…Hi. I’m Fluttershy,” the pegasus quietly said, peering shyly at Luna through a gap in her mane (which Luna noticed covered most of her face.)
“Hello Fluttershy. I hear from my sister that you take care of animals. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to help you at some point.” Fluttershy looked surprised, but Luna pressed on.
“I try my best to look after the animals in the gardens in Canterlot, but they’re so timid that it can be difficult. I’m sure you can teach me how to approach them better,” Luna concluded. Fluttershy was blushing heavily now, and mumbled something that sounded to Luna like “probably not.”
The pair were spared from further awkwardness as a distraction in the form of a small purple and green dragon appeared.
“Hey, Princess, I’m Spike,” the dragon proudly proclaimed. “I’m Twilight’s assistant, and despite the fact she’s the librarian I’m the one who actually knows where everything is in here. Princess Celestia said you liked reading, well if that’s the case you and Twilight should get along just fine. Just ask if you want a certain book, Twilight doesn’t have a clue where half them are.” By now Spike was starting to mutter to himself, seemingly forgetting his conversational partner. “Always getting out loads of books…leaving them scattered all over the floor…leaving me and Owlowiscious to put everything back…” Yep, she’d lost him.
Luna left the still mumbling dragon and headed over to the food table. Having left Canterlot at dawn without having breakfast, she was understandably hungry. Twilight joined her after a few moments.
“I know they’re a strange group, but really they’re the best once you get to know them,” Twilight said to the Princess. “I’m just happy that Princess Celestia sent you here to get to know us all better.”
“And to help with the Grand Galloping Gala Plans.” Luna nodded in agreement. She’d get used to the group soon enough. Hopefully. Then a thought came into her head.
“Twilight, exactly is the plan for Grand Galloping Gala? Celly - I mean Celestia didn’t tell me before I left. She just said everything would be explained when I got here.” At this, Twilight looked confused.
“That’s exactly what the Princess said in her letter to me! I assumed you would be telling us what we were doing.”
“Well…“
At this point there was a sudden flash of green and everypony turned and looked at Spike, or more specifically the scroll that had just materialised in his burp of magical flame.
Noticing that he was suddenly the centre of attention, Spike self-importantly stood up and started to read out loud in a very professional tone.
“My little ponies, I am pleased to announce that you are all formally invited to this year’s Grand Galloping Gala. However, in light of the events of last year which made it the most memorable Gala in centuries, this year there will be a special event. This year shall see the first annual Equestria Music Group Contest. It would please me greatly if you would compete in the event, as I’m sure it will make it the best Grand Galloping Gala ever! Yours faithfully, Princess Celestia.”
As she looked around at the group of ponies she’d just met, all of whom had the same look of surprise on their faces, Luna inwardly groaned.
Celestia, I swear I’ll get you for this.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
By now it was approaching lunch time, but the group was still in the library discussing what to do regarding Princess Celestia’s letter. Well, the conversation had escalated into arguing rather than discussion at this point. Luna sighed – like it or not, she was involved now. Celestia had a lot to answer for.
“Well, I still think we should be doing a moving emotional ballad, or some light jazz,” Rarity said, with a slight flick of her mane.
“No way! It’s gotta be an awesome fast rock song!” Rainbow Dash interjected, furiously hacking away at an air guitar as she hovered in the centre of the room.
“Everypony! We won’t get anywhere arguing like this! We need a plan. First thing first – we need to work out how we’re going to split.” At this, everyone in the room looked at the floor, walls, ceiling – anywhere as long as they didn’t make eye contact with anypony else.
After finishing reading the scroll, Spike had materialised another document; this one had been a set of rules for the competition. Thankfully the competition was fairly flexible in terms of what could be done, so long as it didn’t exceed the permitted time of ten minutes per act. However, the rule that was going to be the biggest headache was that the maximum group size was restricted to five. And there were seven ponies present. Twilight spoke up once again.
“Well, being as nopony will want to choose groups, I think it’s only fair to divide into two by random allocation. My suggestion would be that we draw straws to decide who’s in which group.”
“Aw, but that means that one group will only have three! And that would be sad, because that group would only have 75% of the fun potential,” Pinkie Pie said, looking slightly forlorn at the prospect of a group missing out on the extra fun a pony could generate.
“You have a point, sugarcube. Plus the fact that an extra member gives an unfair advantage in terms of how much noise they can make. This is a competition, after all.” Applejack contributed. At this all of the ponies looked unhappily at each other. If it was indeed to be a competition, nopony wanted it to be unfair, even if it meant they would be holding the advantage.
“If I may, ladies, perhaps I could be of service?” Spike said. “I have a little musical ability, and would be more than happy to step in to balance this out.” He puffed out his chest a bit at this, glancing sideways at Rarity as if to suggest how mature he was.
“Yes! That would be brilliant Spike! Thanks a lot!” smiled Twilight. “Now, what can we use for straws…”
Five minutes later, the seven ponies were eagerly gathered around Spike, who was holding a bunch of eight quills tightly in his left hand. Four had stickers wrapped around the nibs (Twilight having quickly improvised with some of the reference stickers that were in abundant supply around the library) and four did not.
Applejack took a deep breath, carefully scrutinising the quills. Selecting one, she pulled it from Spike’s hand.
“Blue,” She said, releasing the held breath and smiling. “Who’s next?”
“Me!” yelled Rainbow Dash, darting in and snatching one of the feathers from Spike.
“Ha! Not blue! Looks like we’re competing against each other again, Apple Smack!” She taunted her earth pony friend.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way. Plus, you can’t use yeh wings to cheat when it comes to music.” Apple Jack replied.
“Girls, please! Well, here we go…not blue.” Rarity said, examining her quill. “Looks like we’re working together, Rainbow Dash.” Neither looked too happy with the arrangement; indeed most of the earlier arguing had been between the two of them, the result of their hugely different musical taste. However, they remained silent, accepting their fate.
Fluttershy was the next to pick, plucking a blue-tipped quill from the remaining five.
“Um, I hope we can work well together,” she said to Applejack with a hopeful smile.
Luna stepped up to the small dragon, quickly picking out a quill from his hand.
“Hmm, I got blue as well. Only one more blue left, and we’ve got ourselves a quartet.”
“Ooh! Ooh! I don’t know which to pick, I’d hate to make the other three feel left out!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. Rainbow Dash facehoofed.
“Look, Pinkie Pie, they’re feathers, they don’t have feelings…”she began, but abruptly stopped as Pinkie Pie suddenly closed her eyes and leaned forward, grabbing a random feather in her teeth and pulling it out.
“Yay! Not blue!” Pinkie Pie happily bounded over to join Rainbow Dash and Rarity.
“Well, that leaves two.” Twilight said. “Spike, as my number one assistant, I’m going to let you choose the last quill for me.”
“Really? What an honour!” the dragon said happily. Sizing up the two feathers he held, he carefully moved one to his right hand and held in out to Twilight. She pulled it from his hand, looking at the nib. It had a small blue sticker on it.
“Well, I guess that settles it.” Twilight announced. Now that we have groups sorted, we can decide what we’re going to do for the contest.”
“Well the first thing my group’s gonna do is eat lunch.” Rainbow dash declared. “I don’t know about you girls but I’m starving.”
“Excellent idea! Let’s all go get some food,” Twilight started, but Rainbow Dash shook her head.
“No way! I said my group was going for food, but I don’t want you overhearing any of my awesome ideas!” She said. Twilight opened her mouth to argue, but decided against it. Rainbow Dash in competition preparation mode redefined stubborn.
“So be it. Well, see you later!” she said cheerily as Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Spike and Pinkie Pie exited the library.
She turned to the remaining three ponies, then looked at the still packed food table set up for the long forgotten welcome party.
“Oatmeal muffins, anyone?”
|
darksymphony
|
1104
| 2 |
Main 6,Princess Luna,Spike,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Magic of Harmonies
|
Luna, the mane 6 and Spike play music in bands for a competition at the Grand Galloping Gala.
|
complete
| 17 | 1 |
<p>A year has passed since the fall of Nightmare Moon, but Princess Luna is still hiding from the public. Celestia, tired of her sister's behaviour, sends her to Ponyville to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends with the plans for the Grand Galloping Gala. Little do they all know, the plan is for them to form bands and perform at the event!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T11:18:24+00:00
|
2011-09-29T11:18:24+00:00
| 1,521 |
A/N; I know that the Clavichord wasn’t invented until the 14th Century, but since this is Equestria and not Earth assume Luna was sent to the moon in the Baroque period, and that the present day of both Equestria and Earth are similar in terms of (musical) technology.
In the library, the four ponies were deep in thought, debating back on forth on a single topic; who would be playing what.
In the huge debate prior to deciding the groups, everypony had unanimously agreed that forming pop/rock bands would be the best approach; not enough of them were confident enough with their singing to justify forming choral groups, and as only Rarity and Fluttershy were remotely into classical music, chamber music groups were out of the question as well. However, everypony was familiar with modern music, regularly listening to Vinyl Scratch’s incredibly popular chart show on the radio.
However, deciding on an instrument was proving, for the most part, to be tricky.
For Applejack, the choice had been relatively simple. As a farmer pony, she’d been brought up on country music and Big Macintosh had taught her how to play the banjo and guitar when she was a foal. She’d never played an electric guitar, but she felt confident that she could handle it and was eagerly anticipating the challenge. She also knew that Rainbow Dash would choose to play guitar for the other group, and Applejack couldn’t wait to show her up at the Gala. Though it had been long ago, she was still a tiny bit sore over the whole Iron Pony competition, and she saw this as a chance to get her revenge.
Twilight, Fluttershy and Luna were, however, utterly stuck. Luna spoke up.
“Well, as I spent the thousand years prior to last year on the moon, I missed a huge amount of the development of modern music. I’ve been trying to catch up, but a millennium is a lot of time to make up with regards to the history of everything.”
"Well, if you like, I can play you something modern." Twilight offered. Luna nodded eagerly, keen to hear what a thousand years had done for the world of music.
Twilight walked over to her record player, switching it on then using her magic to set the needle gently onto the rotating disk. After a couple of seconds, music began to fill the room.
Luna's eyes widened in astonishment. The sounds she was hearing were unlike anything she'd ever heard before. Twilight talked as the song played, explaining about the genre, the band and the instruments they were using. This was, Twilight explained, a type of music called "rock". The main instruments involved in the song were called "electric guitars", and the beat was provided by drums. Luna was familiar with drums; however from the sounds that were being made she guessed that there was little in common between what Twilight called a "drum kit" and the drums used by the Royal Guard at the palace on parade. Suddenly the tone of the song changed, and Luna's jaw dropped in shock. It sounded like a whole string section of an orchestra, along with a hundred part choir had suddenly joined in. Twilight noted the look on the Princess's face and chuckled,
"That’s a synthesizer, an instrument that was invented very recently, sort of like an electronic version of a piano that can make a load of different sounds."
Luna looked at the unicorn in utter disbelief.
"All of that sound...comes from one instrument?" she asked. Twilight slowly nodded, eyes closed as she enjoyed the dramatic soundscape crafted as the music continued to build.
Luna found her eyes getting damp, and as she blinked a single tear rolled down each of her cheeks.
"It's beautiful," she said wonderingly.
As the song came to a close, Luna turned to Twilight and said with conviction,
"I'd like to learn how to play the synthesizer." Twilight was momentarily surprised at the alicorn's statement. After all, she'd missed a millennium of technological development and suddenly she wanted to play one of the most modern and technologically complex instruments available.
"Are you sure..." Twilight began, but she stopped when she saw Luna's face. Her expression was not that of a pony making a throwaway statement; instead her face spoke of utter resolve and dedication. Twilight made a snap decision.
"OK, so we have AJ on guitar and Luna on synth. Fluttershy, have you made up your mind yet? You could always be the singer; I know you have a gorgeous voice,"
The yellow pegasus shook her head.
"Oh, no Twilight, I simply couldn't bring myself to sing in front of strangers, I have a hard enough time talking to them without trying to sing to them."
Twilight gave a frustrated sigh.
"Well that leaves the two of us without instruments, which obviously won't do at all. Do you have any ideas?" She said to Luna and Applejack. The earth pony scratched her chin thoughtfully.
"If y'all can't decide your instruments, why don't we head to a music shop so you can get a better feel for what you might be good at?"
At this, Twilight's expression brightened.
"Excellent idea, AJ! I can scientifically investigate the advantages and disadvantages of the different instruments at the shop and come to an informed decision for the good of the band!"
At the words "scientifically investigate" Applejack raised an eyebrow to Fluttershy and Luna. Fluttershy smiled knowingly, but Luna looked nonplussed, not sure if the unicorn was serious.
"OK girls, to the music shop! Now, where did I put my clipboard..."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
As the four ponies walked into the shop, they let out a collective gasp of astonishment. Even Applejack, who had the most musical experience in their band had seen nothing like this before.
There were instruments everywhere. There were walls of guitars, all glinting in the bright light. A large area of the shop was taken up by rows of keyboards, transitioning to pianos towards the back. The sounds of drumming came from a set of stairs that presumably led to the basement and even more wonders.
Ponyville’s music shop was very limited in terms of stock, so once they’d decided to look for instruments, Luna suggested heading to Canterlot, where the biggest music shop in Equestria was located. A short chariot flight later (again provided by Luna after a hastily written request to Celestia) here they were.
Luna cast a wary eye over the shop. She hadn’t anticipated on there being anything like this variety of instruments.
OK…now which would be best?
She made her way to the keyboards, wondering what the differences were and what made the colossal price differences and she walked through the rows of instruments. Most of all, she marvelled at the size of them. For all they had full length keyboards, they were still diminutive compared to the instruments she’d seen in her youth.
She stopped next to one of the larger keyboards, a dark grey instrument brightened up by a large touch screen and a row of buttons in all the colours of the rainbow. Luna scrutinised the information sheet for this particular instrument.
76 keys…and it is a synthesizer. She looked at the price.Whoa, that’s a big number.
“So, what do you think?” a voice from right behind her said. Twilight had wandered over to Luna’s side. “A bit more intimidating when you’ve got one up close, huh?”
Luna looked back to the instrument before her. Yes, there were certainly more buttons and switches than she’d ever seen in one place before, but still…
Suddenly, Luna caught sight of a familiar word above one of the buttons.
Clav…I’d assume that’s short for Clavichord? Luna pushed the button, and then experimentally pressed one of the keys. The gentle tone that came from the amp behind the keyboard was exactly as Luna had anticipated: a perfect replication of the sounds of her youth.
“Well, as much as making the sound is easy, I’m not sure if mastering the instrument in time for the Gala will be possible…” Twilight said, looking apprehensive as if scared of being banished for such a statement. Luna didn’t reply, still looking over the synth before her. Then she brought both hooves up to the instrument and began to play.
Several other customers nearby turned at the sound, as a light and playful melody came from the speaker in front of the alicorn. Eyes closed, with a slight smile on her face, her hooves danced across the keys as she played a Baroque piece she’d learned centuries ago when it was the peak of modern music. Twilight was utterly spellbound, unable to comprehend what she was seeing and hearing.
Luna was in her element, lost in the joy of creating the sounds emanating from the amp. With a final trill, she concluded the short piece. Opening her eyes, she became aware of the fact that not only Twilight, but Applejack and Fluttershy were staring at her as if she’d grown an extra head.
“Wh…What…Who…When…” Twilight spluttered incomprehensibly. Luna grinned.
“Well, I might have missed a thousand years of musical development, but back before my moon trip I learned to play the clavichord, harpsichord and organ.” The other three were still speechless. Luna shrugged. “I mean, I was a princess, so I had plenty of spare time on my hooves.” At this, Applejack chuckled.
“Well, Ah’m plum grateful yeh did, sugarcube. With yeh talent on our side this’ll be an easy win.” Twilight frowned at this comment.
“AJ, you’re forgetting that Pinkie Pie is capable of playing the tuba, harmonica, cymbals, trombone and flute…at the same time. And we all know she’s a pretty good singer too. And they’ve got Spike.”
“So?”
“Remember what happened at Appleloosa?” Applejack thought back.
“Well, Ah try not to, Pinkie Pie’s song back then was awful. Y’know it’s bad when it starts a war. Ah mean, the only decent part of the whole thing was the…piano…accompaniment…” Applejack finished, comprehension dawning on her face.
“Yes, that’s right. Despite the fact that he’s a baby, Spike is a piano prodigy, and believe you me, with Rarity in their band he’ll definitely use the opportunity to try to show off his skills. Speaking of which, Rarity’s a fair singer too, so we’ve really got our work cut out if we want to win this.” Applejack’s look of confidence had long since faded, but Twilight wasn’t quite finished yet.
“Plus neither Fluttershy nor I have any idea what we’re going to play!” She said with frustration etched into her face.
“Quiet down Twi, everypony’s lookin’ at us funny.” Applejack said, glancing around nervously. Twilight took a deep breath, calming herself down and noticing that her outburst had indeed attracted the attention of a fair few other customers.
“Sorry.” She said quietly to Applejack.
“Don’t worry about it. Now, how about we go have a look around, mayhaps somethin’ will jump out at you.” With that, Fluttershy and Luna were left alone.
“Well then, shall we go and look for an instrument for you?” Luna said kindly to the shy pegasus.
“Oh, but you still haven’t decided exactly what you’re getting yet. I’m fine, we’ll go after you’re done,” Fluttershy replied. Luna opened her mouth to argue, but decided it wasn’t worth it.
“OK, fine. Well, let’s see…I would like a synth which is easy to use, and hopefully without any unnecessary features that I’ll never touch…” Luna said, as much to herself as to Fluttershy as she meandered along the row. There were so many options that picking one wasn’t easy.
Luna then caught sight of a flash of glossy black at the back wall. Intrigued, she walked over to it. It was another instrument, but one that did not resemble anything else she’d seen so far.
It had keys, though fewer than the large instrument she’d played earlier. That was about all that the two instruments had in common. This…thing had an outlandish shape, with a long protrusion at the right hand side. Most peculiarly, it had a shoulder strap.
Luna’s eyes slid off the instrument (on close inspection it wasn’t pure black but had subtle sparkles in the finish) and onto a poster next to it. It showed a colt on a stage, instrument slung around his neck as he played. Luna looked back at it, a wide smile on her face. Everything about it was perfect, right down to the sparkle finish which mirrored her masterpiece, the starry night sky. She turned to Fluttershy.
“This is the one.” Fluttershy nodded, smiling at the alicorn’s childish glee. “Right, now it’s your turn.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Twenty minutes later they had made a grand total of zero progress. Luna sighed. Fluttershy was proving to be difficult to choose an instrument for; Luna tried introducing her to keyboard style instruments but after a few minutes it was obvious that the pegasus wasn’t cut out for them.
Now they were at the guitars, but again they’d hit a snag.
“I don’t know, I’d just be far too nervous playing something so…attention grabbing.” Fluttershy whispered, eyeing a nearby guitar as if it might attack her.
As much as she hated to admit it, Luna agreed. From the short time since they’d met, Luna had quickly come to realise that Fluttershy was almost as far from a rock band musician as was possible.
I don’t know, maybe she could be our conductor? Or producer? Or one of those ponies who moves all the equipment around? Luna frowned, thinking back to the conversation on the journey in. What did Twilight call them…ah, yes a roadie! Wait, Fluttershy is one of the daintiest ponies I’ve ever met. At this the alicorn smiled, imagining Fluttershy straining under the weight of a huge box of equipment.
“Well, if you’re sure you don’t want to play guitar, why don’t we go and see what Twilight and Applejack are up to?” Luna said. Fluttershy nodded in agreement, and the two ponies made their way towards the stairs to the basement. They were almost at the end of the row when Fluttershy brushed past a guitar on a stand on the floor. A loud, deep note emanated from an amp next to it.
“Eeep!” squeaked Fluttershy, jumping sideways into a display rack covered in guitar straps which mercifully remained upright.
“Are you ok?” asked Luna, but she noticed Fluttershy was looking at the offending instrument, not with fear but as if seeing it in a new light.
“Oh my. It sounded so different from the other guitars over there.” Fluttershy said. She walked up to the instrument, slowly reaching out and plucking a string. She was so close to the amp she swore she could literally feel the sound through the air. It was a deep, loud noise, but there was warmth to the tone rather than the hard edged sounds she associated with the electric guitar. The shape of the instrument was also unusual compared to the other guitars she’d looked at earlier.
“It says here that it’s a bass guitar. And apparently it’s called a ‘Thunderbird.’” Observed Luna, reading off the spec sheet on the stand. Fluttershy gently lifted the bass up and slung the strap over her shoulder. She played a few notes experimentally.
“I think I can do this.” She said to Luna. “At least…if I practice hard.”
“I’m sure Applejack can teach you.” Luna said.
“Sure Ah can do what now?” Came a voice from off to the side. Luna was almost bowled over by a flash of yellow as Fluttershy ran over to the earth pony.
“Oh, Applejack, please could you teach me how to play this? Please? If it’s not too much trouble of course.” Fluttershy said with beseeching eyes.
“Well, sure. It would be my pleasure.”
“Thankyouthankyouthankyou…” Fluttershy said. Twilight just stared, not having seen her friend so enthusiastically vocal since witnessing the Sonic Rainboom in Cloudsdale.
“Well, I do believe that we are now sorted, girls.” Twilight said proudly. Luna and Fluttershy turned to her, curious as to what she’d chosen.
“I shall be the drummer for our band. I’ve read plenty of books on musical theory and understand the concepts of cross-rhythms and the like. And from trying out a drum set downstairs I can tell you I am quite looking forward to this now.”
“And she has a fine sense of rhythm too. So all we have to do is buy our instruments and get practising.” Applejack said. “Ah saw a mighty fine lookin’ guitar over there before, Ah think I’ll have a closer look whilst you girls get your orders sorted.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The salespony at the counter had a broad smile on his face as he added up the cost of the instruments the four customers before him had. A full drum kit, a synthesizer, a bass and a guitar equalled the biggest sale of the month, with the addition of amps and other accessories.
“Let’s see…well, being as your order is so large I can offer you a discount, bringing your total cost to four thousand, eight hundred and ninety five bits.”
Twilight, Applejack and Fluttershy stared at each other in dumb shock. In all of the excitement of this new experience they’d forgotten to check any of the prices.
“Well…let’s see…where did I put my purse…” Twilight said, a tone of hysteria creeping into her voice.
“Here you go.” Luna said, handing the salespony a cheque for the required amount.
After making arrangements for everything to be delivered by pegasus courier the following morning, the four ponies left the shop. Immediately on walking through the door, they all turned to the Princess. Before they could even get a question out, she started talking.
“I know what you’re going to say, but don’t worry about the cost. I’m paying for the instruments and that’s final. After all, with what you said about the musical talent of the others we need all the help we can get.”
“But…how in the name of Equestria…wait, please don’t tell me that you’ve written it off as an expense and the taxpayer just paid near five thousand bits…” Applejack said.
“No, I paid for it with my own money.” Luna said. “And don’t worry about it, I can afford it.”
“Um, I’m sorry, but it’s…such a large amount of money…”
“Trust me, I can afford it.” Luna smiled. “Back before the whole Nightmare Moon thing, I was reasonably wealthy. I mean, I was royalty after all. After I was banished, Celestia took some of my assets to give as compensation to everypony who’d been affected by my actions.” Luna looked a little pained at this, remembering what she’d done in the distant past, but she pressed on, a smile finding its way back onto her face.
“But there was still some money left after dishing out the compensation. And it was left in a bank.”
At this, Twilight’s mouth dropped open.
“You don’t mean…” Twilight uttered. Luna grinned mischievously.
“Yes. When I returned, I had a thousand years of interest in my account.”
With this, Fluttershy fainted.
|
darksymphony
|
1104
| 3 |
Main 6,Princess Luna,Spike,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Magic of Harmonies
|
Luna, the mane 6 and Spike play music in bands for a competition at the Grand Galloping Gala.
|
complete
| 17 | 1 |
<p>A year has passed since the fall of Nightmare Moon, but Princess Luna is still hiding from the public. Celestia, tired of her sister's behaviour, sends her to Ponyville to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends with the plans for the Grand Galloping Gala. Little do they all know, the plan is for them to form bands and perform at the event!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T11:18:49+00:00
|
2011-09-29T11:18:49+00:00
| 1,472 |
Twilight groggily made her way downstairs, having gone to sleep even later than usual. She’d stayed up, long after Luna raised the moon, talking with her about a variety of topics from Princess Celestia (Luna certainly had some amusing stories about her sister) to the intricacies of the night sky. But talk had, for the most part, been dominated with discussion of their band.
It was very late by the time Twilight gave in to the need to sleep, but Luna still seemed wide awake. She explained that alicorns need very little sleep compared to other ponies, and elected to read up further on music to help get her up to speed. There were still about nine hundred and ninety years left to cover, after all.
Twilight entered the main library room, mid-morning sunlight streaming through the windows. She saw Spike with his back to her, a stack of books in his hands as he replaced them on the shelves.
“Good morning…” Twilight began, but Spike quickly turned, eyes wide.
“Shhhhhhh!” he said, eyes flicking to the other side of the room. Twilight followed his gaze, and gave a slight giggle at what she saw.
Slumped over a table, surrounded by stacks of books was Princess Luna, sound asleep. Furthermore, the record player was on the table beside her head, a teetering stack of records nearby. All in all, it was a picture seen before in the library, but one that normally starred a lavender unicorn rather than an alicorn Princess. By the looks of it, she’d passed out whilst reading about the history of the evolution of Classical and Romantic music, her gentle breathing causing the pages to gently rustle.
Twilight left her and headed into the kitchen for breakfast. She smiled as she saw two ready prepared dishes of fruit salad, obviously the handiwork of her dragon assistant. As she poured a glass of apple juice, she became aware of a presence behind her.
“Good morning,” Luna said, mangling the simple greeting as she yawned deeply. “Whoo, been a while since I stayed up that late. Before I knew it, Celestia was raising the sun. But on the upside, I learned a lot about Beethoofen, I’d love to get a copy of his fifth symphony, it sounds like it would be wonderful.”
Twilight passed her a dish, and the two sat down at the kitchen table for breakfast. Luna began telling Twilight further details of the previous night’s studies, when there was a sudden knock at the door. Twilight went to answer it.
“Morning, Twilight!” Rainbow Dash said cheerfully. Twilight was surprised.
“Rainbow! This isn’t like you, visiting the library without crashing through a window, or a wall.” Twilight’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Not to mention the fact you’re normally dead to the world at this time of day. What brings you here?”
“Well, to be honest, I’m here for a book.” At this Twilight raised an eyebrow. In all the time she’d been responsible for Ponyville’s library, not once had her pegasus friend come in search of literature.
“Ok, what are you looking for?”
Rainbow Dash flew up to one of the shelves, scanning the covers of the books quickly before plucking one out.
“This’ll do.” Twilight looked at the book.
“Learn to play guitar in 10 easy steps?”
“Yeah! I’m gonna be the guitarist in our band! It’s gonna be sooooo awesome!” Rainbow Dash said happily. Twilight smiled.
“Applejack was right, she knew you’d end up playing guitar.” At this, Rainbow Dash’s eyes narrowed.
“She might have more experience than me, but I’m gonna be way better than her in no time. I can learn to play in ten seconds flat,” she proclaimed confidently. Twilight left it at that. Arguing with Rainbow Dash was a lot like arguing with a brick wall.
After Rainbow Dash left with her book, Twilight had barely returned to the kitchen when there was another knock at the door. Opening the door once again, she was surprised to see the entire doorway blocked by boxes.
“Delivery for Miss Sparkle,” said a disembodied voice from behind the wall of cardboard. Twilight grabbed one of the boxes and set it down inside the library, revealing a walleyed grey pegasus who grinned at her. “Sorry about that. Here, I’ll lend you a hoof.”
Twilight and the delivery pony quickly moved all of the boxes into the library, Spike being mysteriously absent from the room. When the last box was stacked, and Twilight had singed for the parcels she handed the clipboard back to the pegasus with a grateful smile.
“Thank you very much…Ditzy, isn’t it? Would you like a drink of anything? A biscuit, maybe? I think we might have some muffins left over from yesterday…” At the mention of muffins, Ditzy’s eyes lit up, and Twilight gave her a box of the treats. After all, Pinkie Pie had provided enough for about ten parties.
As Ditzy flew off, box of muffins stashed in her bag, Luna emerged from the kitchen and saw the sea of boxes, giving off an excited squeak. She looked like an excitable filly as she bounded over to them, looking for her synthesizer. Spike reappeared at the top of the stairs, stopping as he saw the sheer quantity of cardboard that filled the room.
“Holy guacamole! How much did you guys buy? You do realise you can only play one instrument at once, right? Well, unless you’re Pinkie Pie, I guess, but she’s a bit freaky. Anyway, I’m done with my chores so I’m gonna pop over to Rarity’s. I’ll see you all later.”
Twilight absentmindedly said farewell to her assistant as she looked at a pile of large boxes that housed her drum kit. Promptly forgetting her breakfast, she strolled over to them and began pulling the first box open.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Across town, in the Carousel Boutique, a similar pile of boxes had just been delivered. Pinkie Pie bounced around them, chattering nonstop.
“I’m so excited! Even more excited than that time I first met Twilight! Even more than…”
Yeah, yeah, we get the picture thanks,” Rainbow Dash interrupted. However, she looked almost as eager as Pinkie Pie, despite being a little less vocal about it.
“Well then, let’s see what our hard earned bits have gotten us,” Rarity declared. Unlike the other group, they’d elected to order their instruments from a catalogue rather than go to a shop. Rarity had been brilliant; flaunting her status as a leading fashion designer, she negotiated a huge discount for their order, telling the music shop that she’d be able to increase their exposure through association with her boutique.
Rarity began opening a long, thin box that had her name written on it. She was halfway through neatly cutting the parcel tape when a blast of noise came from behind her, causing her to jump and rip a huge tear across the box. She turned and glared at Pinkie Pie, who was seated at a huge drum kit.
“Pinkie Pie! You gave me an awful fright there! Please keep it down whilst I’m concentrating!” Then it suddenly occurred to Rarity how impossibly fast the drum kit had appeared where before there was a mountain of stacked boxes.
“Wait, how did you…oh, never mind.” Rarity decided against further questions, knowing that with Pinkie Pie it was sometimes, if not most of the time, better not to ask.
“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh…” Rainbow Dash said, holding her new purchase aloft.
“Goodness, what is that…thing?” Rarity said with a look of distaste on her face as she wrinkled her nose up at the instrument.
“It’s called an Ironbird,” Rainbow Dash said. “Isn’t it awesome? It’s like, 20% cooler than anything else in that catalogue was.” The guitar was, indeed, unique, with a shape comprised seemingly of straight lines. At Rainbow Dash’s request, the body had been custom painted in a pale blue, bisected by a diagonal rainbow across the centre of the body. To Rarity, it resembled a fragment of shattered glass; chaotic and messy. Even worse, she recalled that this season had seen the rise of flowing organic curves, with hard edges and angular designs performing poorly in sales. Well, it was just like Rainbow Dash to choose something that was so unfashionable. Next to Applejack, the blue pegasus was the last pony that Rarity would turn to for fashion advice.
Rarity turned her attention back to the package before her, wrinkling her nose at the large rip that she’d made in the perfectly sliced box. Deciding she couldn’t make any better of it, she tore open the now destroyed box, before carefully unwrapping the bubble wrap from her purchase.
“What it the hay is that?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, eyes widened.
“This, my dear, is a cello. Well, technically it’s an electric cello, not that you would appreciate the difference.” Rarity said. The instrument was a polished white, with a deep but narrow body that was little wider than the neck. Rarity reached to the back of the instrument and folded down two arms, which gave the suggestion of the width of a traditional wooden instrument.
“As a well brought up filly, I learned to play when I was younger. It’s been a few years since then, but I’m sure I’ll be able to get back into it in no time,” Rarity declared. “I played in a few concerts, I’ll have you know.”
“This is so cool! We’re like a real band now!” Pinkie Pie said, smiling as always. “Well, at least we would be if Spike were here. What happened to him anyway?”
“I’m here! Sorry I’m late, Twilight left loads of books out again, and to make things worse it turns out Luna does exactly the same thing!” the exasperated dragon said. “Whoa, there’s as many boxes in here as there were in the library!”
“Uh huh! We should make a box fort! It’ll be super fun!”
Rarity fixed Pinkie Pie with a slight glare. “I do have to work here, you know.”
“SWEET!” came a sudden shout. Pinkie Pie and Rarity turned to see Spike kneeling over a large opened box, revealing a large electric blue keyboard curiously finished with varnished wood plates at the end, a stark contrast to the modern button and knob encrusted appearance and colour scheme. He eagerly turned to the three ponies that had gathered in curiosity to look at the instrument.
“Let’s play!” Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash’s faces lit up, but Rarity shook her head forcefully.
“I’m sorry, but I simply have too much work on the go to lose a morning! And I’m sure you both have work to do as well, being as we all did nothing yesterday.” Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash looked a little guilty at this; they had indeed neglected their jobs in the excitement of the previous day.
“Yeah, you’re probably right. It wouldn’t be fair to you for us to take over your shop. Anyway, I guess I’d better go deal with the clouds.” Rainbow Dash conceded, walking to the door.
“Ooh! I know what I’m going to make! Cupcakes! Loads of cupcakes! And I could make drum shaped cakes, and drum shaped biscuits and…” Spike and Rarity never did hear what other sweets their friend was planning on making as she cartwheeled out of the door and left them in silence.
“Guess I’d better be getting out of your hair too then,” Spike said, heading for the exit as well. “See you tonight!” Rarity bade her friend goodbye, mentally preparing herself for the work ahead. Closing the door, she looked back at her shop, and her jaw dropped.
It was an utter mess. All around the drum kit, shredded cardboard and fragments of polystyrene littered the floor, and chunks of the white foam were strewn everywhere, no doubt the result of Rainbow Dash’s eagerness to see her guitar.
With a sigh, Rarity horn glowed as she summoned a broom from a cupboard and began to sweep up using her magic. Maybe this whole affair was more trouble than it was worth.
|
darksymphony
|
1104
| 4 |
Main 6,Princess Luna,Spike,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Magic of Harmonies
|
Luna, the mane 6 and Spike play music in bands for a competition at the Grand Galloping Gala.
|
complete
| 17 | 1 |
<p>A year has passed since the fall of Nightmare Moon, but Princess Luna is still hiding from the public. Celestia, tired of her sister's behaviour, sends her to Ponyville to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends with the plans for the Grand Galloping Gala. Little do they all know, the plan is for them to form bands and perform at the event!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T11:17:21+00:00
|
2011-09-29T11:17:21+00:00
| 1,407 |
“All righty, girls, let’s get this show on the road!” Applejack said, turning to her three bandmates. They’d each done a little practice on their own over the course of the past week between their respective jobs, and Applejack had made several visits to Fluttershy’s cottage to teach her the basics, but this was the first time all four of them had met up for a group practice.
“Er, what are we doing exactly?” Twilight said from behind the drums, with a look of confusion.
“Yeah, we kinda…don’t have a plan. At all.” Luna said, her expression a mirror of Twilight’s.
“I don’t even know where to begin.” Fluttershy simply stated, looking down at the bass slung around her neck.
“Well, the best way to learn is to learn by doin’,” Applejack said with a confident smile.
“We’ll have ourselves a bit of a jam session.”
“A what now?” Twilight, Luna and Fluttershy chorused.
“A jam session! We’ll just play, nothin’ planned, see what works and get a feel for these here instruments.” Twilight looked a little worried at that. After all, planning was her speciality, and doing something without any plan whatsoever felt plain wrong to her.
“Come on, it’ll be fun. Look, Ah’ll start.” Applejack picked up her new guitar, a vintage looking semi- acoustic with an orangey red finish and ‘Electromatic’ written on the headstock (Twilight was sure that wasn’t a real word.) She gave an experimental strum, then began to play a repeating sequence of chords.
“Come on, just don’t think too much an’ join in!”
Twilight listened intently, remembering the music she listened to as well as thinking back to the music theory she’d researched. She slowly and cautiously began to play as well, adding a simple drum beat onto the guitar line. Fluttershy looked like she was steeling herself, then she played as well. Unfortunately, the note she played was at odds with Applejack’s chord, the dissonance cutting through the sound.
“Oh!” Fluttershy squeaked, “I’m so sorry!” Applejack continued to play, smiling encouragingly at Fluttershy.
“Never you mind, sugarcube, it’s yeh first time after all. Jus’ try a fret higher. Yup, that’s it. Now play.”
The second time, Fluttershy got the right note, and the pegasus smiled. She continued playing, occasionally catching a wrong note when the chords changed but not stopping.
Luna looked down at her instrument, changing the tone until she was happy. There were so many weird and wonderful sounds that it could make, but she settled on a simple piano, then joined in with the other three.
Luna was amazed. Sure, playing on her own had been fun, but this was like a whole other experience. She was creating something wonderful with her three friends, and it was almost as if their souls were singing in chorus together.
Suddenly she became aware of a change. Applejack had subtly changed the chords, as well as the rhythm. Twilight and Fluttershy faltered for a second at the change, but quickly recovered. Luna had read it perfectly, and with a playful smile she changed the synth’s tone to that of an organ and improvised a quick solo over the top of the other three.
Looking back, she saw that Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight all had beaming smiles to mirror her own, each evidently feeling the same elation as she at the music they were making. Twilight suddenly added a cross rhythm, and then powered into a drum solo. Luna was astonished at how fast the unicorn had picked up learning the drums; even with her ability to learn quickly and her thirst for knowledge, she seemed to be a natural. Sure, it wasn’t quite as precise as it could have been, but it was an amazing effort for their first day of playing together.
As Twilight’s solo ended and she settled back into the same regular beat, she looked to Fluttershy and gave an encouraging nod. Eyes closed, Fluttershy then began her own solo section, keeping it simple but not making a single mistake. Luna could tell that the pegasus had taken everything on board that Applejack had taught her, and she felt reassured that her shy friend’s gut instinct about the instrument had been spot on.
Fluttershy finished with a happy and proud smile, one that was reflected on Applejack’s face as she noted her student’s progress. Then she took on a look of concentration as she launched into her own solo, a blinding display of technical skill and speed. This was the first time any of the band had seen Applejack play like that, and it filled them with confidence to know how talented she really was.
Drawing the solo to a close, Applejack settled back into the rhythm, quickly making eye contact with each of her bandmates and giving each a quick nod. They understood the wordless message, and at the end of the sequence they played one last chord before falling silent.
The silence stretched out for a few seconds, before everypony started talking at once.
“That was amazin’! Well done, everypony!”
“Oh, that went so much better than I thought it would…”
“I’m so glad I read up on drum solos, it made it so much easier…”
“That felt…I don’t know…like walking on air, or gazing at the night sky…”
After the chatter stopped Applejack looked at the others and smiled broadly.
“Well, girls, Ah’m guessin’ that makes us officially a band.” They nodded in agreement, grinning. “But y’know, practice makes perfect…”
As the sun began to set in the west, the sounds of music and laughter echoed around the library.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
At the same time, in the Carousel Boutique, the atmosphere couldn’t have been further from that of the library. Once again, Rainbow Dash and Rarity were arguing over the music choice.
“I’m telling you, it’s gotta be something fast, and loud. I mean, I’m fast and loud, and I win competitions all the time.”
“Darling, I believe that you’ll find that music is far removed from flying.”
“But what you’re suggesting is boring! We’ll get laughed off the stage!”
“How dare you! My musical taste is exquisite, thank you very much, and I’m sure that the audience will appreciate it as well. Remember, this is still the Grand Galloping Gala.”
The two ponies glared at each other. Spike and Pinkie Pie resolutely remaining out of the conversation, talking to each other in hushed whispers.
“You should stop being so old fashioned and get with the times!”
“Well, maybe you should think before acting and act a little more appropriately for the event!”
“Well…”
Pinkie Pie suddenly interrupted.
“I have a suggestion! Well, actually it’s partially Spike’s idea, so I guess we have a suggestion.” Rarity and Rainbow Dash momentarily ceased their bickering to look at the pink earth pony.
“Being as you can’t decide on a song, how about we each choose one and vote for the one we like the best? And to make it fair, you can’t vote for your own.” Rainbow Dash looked at Rarity.
“You game?” Rarity narrowed her eyes in response.
“Absolutely.”
“Yay! Then how about we meet up tomorrow afternoon, say…half past three with our songs of choice and we can choose what we’re performing? Everyone ok with that? Good! See you then!” With that, Pinkie Pie happily bounced out of the door, leaving the other three in dumbfounded silence.
“Well, I guess that means our session is over,” Spike said.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The atmosphere in the Carousel Boutique was more relaxed than it had been the day before, but there was still a little tension in the air. Spike cleared his throat, attempting to lighten the mood. He held a record up for the three ponies to see. The sleeve read simply “Equestria Girls.”
“No.”
Rainbow Dash and Rarity looked at each other in surprise; it was a rare occasion when they agreed when it came to music. Spike looked a little crestfallen.
“I’m very sorry, Spike, but I just don’t think it’s the right kind of song for the event.”
“I just think it’s not cool enough.”
“I want to forget all about it.” Everyone turned to look at Pinkie Pie. “What? I just don’t think it’s one of my better works. This, on the other hoof, is much better.” She walked to the record player, placing her record on it and pressing the play button. Instantly, a familiar tune blasted into the room.
“Isn’t this the song you used to get rid of the Parasprites?” Rainbow Dash enquired.
“Uh huh, isn’t it perfect!” Rainbow Dash facehoofed.
“Pinkie Pie, this isn’t exactly the sort of music that would sound good as a rock song…”
“Well, duh! Of course it would sound bad!”
“Ok…then why did you suggest it?”
“Well, I couldn’t think of anything we could play, so I brought it to show it off! It’s such a happy song!” the earth pony said happily, bouncing around the record player in time to the lively tune.
“Pinkie Pie. You. Are. So. Random.”
The earth pony giggled and turned off the record player.
“So I presume it’s down to us then,” Rarity stated dryly to Rainbow Dash. “What have you brought?”
Rainbow Dash proudly held up her record of choice. The sleeve read had a picture of a muscular foreleg bound with a chain, hoof hitting a large anvil. Written at the top was ‘Maneowar’ and at the bottom in smaller print was ‘Louder than Hay’.
Rarity sighed, already assuming the worst. Rainbow Dash flew to the record player, carefully setting the needle.
“This is one of my favourites, ‘The Goddesses Made Heavy Metal.’” Rarity wrinkled up her nose at that. Even the name suggested the worst. Her fears were confirmed a split second later as a wall of sound came from the record player.
There was no other way of describing it; it was brutal. Rarity cringed and held her hooves to her ears, wishing for nothing else but for the offensive, violent sound to cease. Contrary to the name of the song, she couldn’t imagine either of the alicorn sisters being responsible for creating such a monstrosity.
Unfortunately for Rarity, it was not a short song. Six torturous minutes later, it finally came to a close with a final scream from the band’s singer.
Not that you could call that singing. Rarity thought. She looked over at Pinkie Pie and Spike. To her horror, both were smiling. It can’t be true…How could anypony enjoy that?
“And that, my friends, is the sound of pure awesomeness.” Rainbow Dash declared. “And now it’s your turn,” she said to Rarity, though from the look on her face she was sure she’d already won. Rarity recomposed herself.
“Well, this is my choice for us to play. It’s a classic, and I’m sure we’d win the contest with such a beautiful piece.” Rainbow Dash looked carefully at the record sleeve.
“Nat King Foal? Never heard of him.” Rarity was quick to retort.
“With your taste in music…or lack of…I can’t say I’m surprised.” Rainbow Dash looked momentarily stunned, turning to Pinkie Pie and Spike. Pinkie Pie looked curiously at Rainbow Dash.
“You’ve never heard of Nat King Foal? He’s, like, one of the bestest most important musicians ever!”
Spike simply shook his head. “I’m gonna be honest…I hadn’t heard of him either. But knowing Rarity, I’m sure he’s brilliant.”
“Right, everypony, quieten down,” called Rarity from the record player as the music began to play.
A brief piano introduction played, and then the singer began. The song was a huge contrast with the heavy metal from before, being quiet and with a focus on the lyrics. There were even sections of complete silence, though they only emphasized the singing more. Rarity had her eyes closed, a dreamy expression on her face as she let the music flow through her.
All too soon, the song came to a close, and Rarity opened her eyes once more. Pinkie Pie and Spike looked spellbound, and Rarity smiled at Rainbow Dash. This was by no means an easy victory for the pegasus anymore.
“So, that was ‘Nature Colt.’ I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a piece much more suited to a prestigious event such as the Gala.”
Rainbow Dash flew over to join the unicorn.
“So, which did you prefer?” She eagerly asked Spike and Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie looked thoughtful, absentmindedly scratching her chin.
“Well, I really liked both! I can’t choose which I liked best. So it’s a tie!” Rainbow Dash resisted the temptation to facehoof again. Instead, she turned to Spike.
“What about you? Awesomeness or ye olde boredom?” Rarity glared at her.
“Well…they both had their merits…it’s really hard to choose…” behind Rainbow Dash, Rarity looked imploringly at Spike, fluttering her eyelashes.
“But I suppose the one that would best fit the Gala would be Nat King Foal.”
“YES!” Rarity cried, before calming down and turning back to her pegasus friend. “Well, that settles it. We’ll be doing something along the lines of this for our Gala performance.”
“I. Can’t. Wait.” Rainbow Dash said, grinding her teeth. She hated losing.
|
darksymphony
|
1104
| 5 |
Main 6,Princess Luna,Spike,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Magic of Harmonies
|
Luna, the mane 6 and Spike play music in bands for a competition at the Grand Galloping Gala.
|
complete
| 17 | 1 |
<p>A year has passed since the fall of Nightmare Moon, but Princess Luna is still hiding from the public. Celestia, tired of her sister's behaviour, sends her to Ponyville to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends with the plans for the Grand Galloping Gala. Little do they all know, the plan is for them to form bands and perform at the event!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T11:19:41+00:00
|
2011-09-29T11:19:41+00:00
| 1,338 |
“No, no, no, no!” Rarity said. This was the third time in a row that she’d stopped their practice. “Rainbow Dash, you’re still being too aggressive!”
“GAH! Well maybe if this wasn’t soooo dull I wouldn’t stand out as much!” she snapped in frustration. Rarity took a deep breath, composing herself as she spoke again, significantly calmer.
“I’m sorry, but you’ve got to keep with the tone of the song. It just doesn’t sound right with you cutting across like that. Now, how about we try again? And please, just play it the way we discussed, hmm?”
Rainbow Dash looked defeated. It was obvious that Rarity wouldn’t be moved on the issue. She silently nodded.
“Very well. OK, one more time. One, two, three, four…”
This time the four managed to make it all the way through the song, Rainbow Dash playing exactly what Rarity had written, nothing more, nothing less. As they finished, Rarity beamed.
“Yes! That’s exactly what I wanted. You must agree, Rainbow, it was much better that way.”
Rainbow Dash looked unsure. “Well…I guess…” On seeing Rarity’s hopeful expression, all of the pegasus’ fight left her. “You know what, if you’re happy then I’m happy. I’ll just try to get used to it, I guess.”
“Excellent! Pinkie Pie, Spike, you were both brilliant as well.” She smiled at the pair. “We’re sure to win this!”
There was a sudden knock at the door. Rarity looked outside; the sun had long since set, so it couldn’t be a customer. Before she could reach it, the door opened slowly and Twilight walked in.
“Hello, everypony. I have to say, that sounded wonderful,” Rarity smiled broadly again. “But that’s not why I’m here. The Gala is just over a month away now, and I thought it would be a good idea to get some experience playing in front of other ponies before then. So, after reading up a little I’ve decided that we’re going to have a concert right here in Ponyville! Rarity, I’m so sorry to spring this on you, but could we set up a stage outside the boutique? And Pinkie Pie, could you help me to advertise? We want as many ponies to come see as possible for it to be good practice for the Gala.”
Rarity and Pinkie pie nodded in agreement. It would certainly make the Gala performance a bit less daunting if they had some experience of playing live.
“Excellent! Well, I thought we could maybe do it this weekend?” she asked. Three heads nodded in agreement.
“Wait…this weekend? As in, three days away?” Rainbow Dash asked, a slight note of panic creeping into her voice.
“Don’t worry about it, my dear, I’m sure it’ll be fine. Just play like you did earlier.” Rarity offered. Rainbow Dash looked unconvinced.
“Well, I’ll see you later, everypony. Pinkie Pie, I’ll be round tomorrow to pick up more cake. And please make sure Spike gets back at a reasonable time,” she added to Rarity.
“Of course, my dear, it’ll be no problem at all. We wouldn’t be able to do it without him, so we need him to be nice and fresh for our rehearsal tomorrow morning.” Spike blushed at the compliment, averting his eyes from the white unicorn.
“Thanks very much. See you later then!” Twilight cheerfully said, making her exit.
“You know what, I think I’ll head back as well.” Rainbow Dash said. “Gonna have to be up soon to take care of the weather jobs before our practice sesh.” She unplugged her guitar, carefully packing it away before turning to Rarity.
“Mind if I take this?” she enquired, holding up the Nat King Foal record. “I’d like to listen to the other stuff to get a feel for how I should play.” Rarity was surprised at this; it was rare for Rainbow Dash to show a proactive attitude like this. Maybe she was changing her mind about the music…
“This weekend is the first chance to show the others what we’re made of. We’re gonna wipe the floor with them! And I’ve got a point to prove to AJ…”
Rarity sighed, but then again, even if driven by competition at least her brash friend was showing a spark of interest in the music at last.
“Of course you can.”
“Thanks a lot! Well, see ya later!” With a whoosh, the pegasus was gone, winging into the cool night air with her guitar slung across her back.
“Would you like a hand to clean up?” Spike offered. Rarity looked around.
“As grateful as I am for your kind offer, I think I can manage. Now, get on home. I was serious about what I said to Twilight.” Remembering her earlier compliment, Spike blushed deeply again, quickly mumbling a goodbye and leaving, Pinkie Pie closely following. One cheery farewell later and Rarity was left alone. Sweetie Belle was at a sleepover at Sweet Apple Acres, so the shop was left in complete, almost eerie silence. Rarity crossed over to the record player, before remembering that Rainbow Dash had taken her record with her. Suddenly she caught sight of the corner of a record sleeve poking out from beneath a swathe of silver fabric.
Pulling it out, she was met with an image of a muscular stallion, dressed in leather and chains. Rarity snorted at the sight; it was so over the top that it looked plain silly. Turning it over, she realised that it was the record Rainbow Dash had brought with her back when they’d decided on the music. Rarity thought back to the awful racket, shuddered and put the record back on the table, quickly walking away. Five paces later, she froze.
I wonder if it’s all that bad. The unicorn thought. I mean, if Rainbow Dash is willing to listen to my music, maybe I should make an effort to be a little more open minded as well.
She turned back and picked up the record with a touch of apprehension.
If nothing else, at least it’ll confirm my suspicions that Rainbow doesn’t have any taste whatsoever.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Rarity peeked out through the curtains, gulping nervously as she saw the crowd that had gathered in front of the stage that had been constructed outside her boutique. It was nearly as large as the last event held outside her boutique, the infamous fashion show that had almost irreparably crippled her career. Like then, she was more than a little nervous, though thankfully Twilight’s group would be the first to perform. She was spared further worry as the lights were dimmed and the event began, the Mayor taking the stage to introduce the performances.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, welcome one and all to the concert! Tonight we have two very special performances for you, from two local bands who are both performing at this year’s Grand Galloping Gala! So, without further ado, put you hooves together for…The Moonbeams!” There was a huge cheer from the crowd as four spotlights beamed on, each onto a member of the band. With a quick glance and a smile to each of her bandmates, Twilight hit her drumsticks together four times, then the song began.
Rarity, however, was near frantic. She quickly turned to her fellow band members at the side of the stage, panic in her voice.
“We forgot! We forgot to come up with a band name!” Rainbow Dash recovered quickly.
“Well, we’ll just have to come up with one in a hurry.”
“How about…Rarity and the Minions? Rarity and the Worshippers? Rarity and the Unworthy? Ooh, I got it, Rarity and the Disciples!” The unicorn gave Spike a slight glare. He swallowed nervously. “Or not…”
“I have an idea!” Pinkie Pie trilled. “How about we put all our initials together and make a name that way?”
“Yes! Excellent idea, Pinkie Pie, simple and effective. So, that makes us… RDPPSR?” Rarity paused for a split second. “Pinkie Pie! What on earth do you expect to come up with without vowels? Please, try to be serious.” Rarity looked at the stage, spotting Luna at the front, keytar round her neck as she sang passionately into a microphone. “We’re running out of time!”
“Um…the Rainbow Brigade?”
“Cupcake Appreciation Society?”
“Dragons Against Early Mornings?”
“Cutie Mark Crusaders? Oh, wait, silly me!”
“How about the Fashionista Militia? It kinda works, being as you’re a fashionista and militia makes it sound way cooler.” Rarity looked thoughtful at that.
“Well, I suppose it’ll have to do. We are now the Fashionista Milita.”
“Yeah!” Chorused Spike, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.
“Though with a name like that I wish we had costumes. Oh well, I’ll make us all something stunning for the real thing.”
Directing their attention back to the stage, it was obvious that The Moonbeam’s performance was coming to a close, all four members grinning widely as they played the outro. Rarity was a little disappointed to have missed most of the song; going off the end, it would have been quite the impressive performance.
With a final, perfectly timed chord the song ended, and at once the audience burst into cheers of appreciation, stamping their hooves until they were making almost as much noise as the band had. The four ponies on stage all made their way to the front, bowing before heading off to join the others.
“Well done, girls!” Rarity offered.
“Thank you!” Twilight said. “That was amazing, no other way to describe it. You’re going to have the time of your life out there!”
Rarity spied the Mayor beginning to head onto the stage, and quickly excusing herself from the conversation she trotted quickly over to inform the pony about their new band name.
On her return, she found Luna, Applejack, Twilight and Fluttershy still animatedly talking about the experience they’d just had. Rarity was by now feeling a little nervous, wondering if they’d be able to match their friend’s efforts. There was little time to ponder, however, as the stage preparations had been completed, Pinkie Pie’s bright pink drum kit replacing Twilight’s lilac one. Twilight had been more than a little surprised on seeing the difference between the two; Pinkie Pie’s had two of the large, pedal operated bass drums whilst hers only had one. Then again, she guessed that if Pinkie Pie could play as many instruments at once as she had during the Parasprite incident, she obviously knew what she was doing.
“And now we have our second band, so please give a big cheer for…The Fashionista Militia!” As Rarity made her way to the front of the stage clutching tightly at her cello, she felt like her heart would burst through her chest she was so nervous. It was one thing to do a fashion show, but as she mentally went through the song she realised how very many ways there were for it to go wrong. She looked over at Rainbow Dash, seeking reassurance, but her friend looked even more nervous, shaking slightly and wild eyed. Fighting back the nerves, Rarity turned to the crowd before her, firmly gripping her bow and placing it softly on the strings. With a swift nod to Spike, their song began.
Spike played the introduction alone, hands flying over the keys of the electric blue panelled synthesizer. Rarity had been more than a little worried at the size of the 61 key instrument; it weighed almost as much as the baby dragon that was playing it, but she’d rapidly come to realise that Spike knew what he was doing, and his experience had proved to be invaluable when helping to arrange the song.
Rarity took a deep breath, preparing to play. Driving thoughts of nerves from her mind, she tentatively began as Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie joined her. It took a fraction of a second to realise things were not going as planned.
Instead of the beautiful, gentle chord that they should have been playing, the sound was dissonant and messy. Looking up in panic, Rarity saw a few members of the audience near the front frowning.
Never mind them. Just focus. Long, smooth bowing. Plenty of vibrato. Nearly time to sing, get ready, take a deep breath…
Rarity mentally winced at another discord. Rainbow Dash, standing to the unicorn’s side, looked heavily flustered. Rarity tried to ignore her, and began to sing.
By now, muttering had begun to break out in the crowd, the audience showing their displeasure at the distinctly unpolished performance of Rarity and Rainbow Dash. On one hand, Rarity’s singing and cello playing were fine together, but she kept slipping off key. Rainbow Dash’s nerves had utterly failed her and she misplayed one chord for every four she got right.
Rarity could read the mood, and faltered. She could see that the performance had utterly gone to pieces, and there was little point in continuing. Mid chorus, she fell silent, quickly followed by Rainbow Dash. Spike and Pinkie Pie stopped moments later. The audience’s muttering grew louder. Rarity quickly called a group huddle in the middle of the stage, talking to her three friends in a fast whisper.
“I’m so sorry, girls. And Spike,” she added at a glance from the dragon. “I was just so nervous, I couldn’t play properly. Rainbow Dash, I know you felt exactly the same way. But I think it’s time we stopped treating this like a competition and had some fun.”
“Yay! Fun is my favourite! Even more than Something, regardless of what I may have said in the past!”
“Yes, Pinkie Pie. And here’s how we’re going to do it.” Rarity looked at the guitar wielding pegasus. “Rainbow, you know that record you made us listen to? Yes, the Maneowar one. Can you play the guitar part? Brilliant. Spike, Pinkie Pie, you’re both talented musicians, so I’m assuming you can pick this up.” The earth pony nodded.
“Well…I’m sorry to admit this, but I actually went and bought a copy after hearing it.” Spike said, eyes averted.
“Wait, Rarity, I thought you hated that song.” Rainbow Dash interjected.
“Times change, and so do opinions.” Rarity said. “Now, let’s go and have ourselves some fun! Oh, Rainbow Dash, I need to borrow something…”
Rarity and Rainbow Dash returned to the front of the stage, taking up their instruments once more whilst the other two took their seats behind the synthesizer and drum kit. Rarity fiddled quickly with the cables before picking up her cello once again. This time she felt no nerves, only a desire to prove herself and make up for the dismal performance earlier.
The crowd fell silent once more, then from somewhere a colt shouted at the performers.
“You suck! Get off the stage!”
“Yeah! That was awful, I’ve seen better at a school talent show!” another called.
A large colt in the front row that Rarity didn’t recognise suddenly spoke up.
“This is even worse than that fashion show I saw here once, by that talentless unicorn, what was her name again…” He suddenly fell silent under Rarity’s terrible glare, a look that even gave Fluttershy’s trademark look a run for its money.
“It. Is. ON!” Rarity screamed, kicking the distortion pedal she’d borrowed from Rainbow Dash and beginning to bow her cello with violent intensity. Pinkie Pie was quick to join in, as were Rainbow Dash and Spike, the heavy sounds echoing well beyond the stage and deep into the streets of Ponyville.
Rarity was, to use Twilight’s expression, having the time of her life. She revelled in the anger, and the aggression of the song, and as the verse started she began to half scream the vocals into the microphone with visceral joy. The audience were all struck dumb by the display; every single pony had the same look of slack jawed amazement at the transformation they’d witnessed. Before, they’d been watching a terrible, incoherent shambles of a band. By contrast, the band that was owning the stage before them looked like they were born to perform. It wasn’t long before the crowd started nodding their heads, and not long after that they were screaming their appreciation at the performance they were witnessing.
Rainbow Dash was lost in the glory of the sound, truly and deeply loving life and what she was doing as she furiously belted out the notes. Playing this, unlike the first song, wasn’t a chore. This was a privilege, and she was near euphoric in the sheer joy of it. She realised that the guitar solo was coming up, and slowly strutted to the centre of the stage, confidently looking at the crowd as she walked right up to Rarity. The unicorn was surprised to see her so close, but kept playing the rhythmic accompaniment on her cello as Rainbow Dash’s solo started.
Off the stage, Applejack watched Rainbow Dash in awe. The pegasus, living up to her personality, was playing faster than her friend believed was possible.
When the song came to a close with a final scream from Rarity, the unicorn turned to her bandmates with a near delirious smile, one mirrored on their faces as well. It was then that she became aware of a sound behind her.
The gathered crowd were all screaming at the tops of their voices, stamping on the ground as loudly as they had for Twilight’s band. Rarity smiled at the sight, took a deep breath and grabbed the microphone one last time.
“WE’RE THE FASHIONISTA MILITIA, LOVE US OR PREPARE FOR THE FLANK KICKING OF A LIFETIME!”
Rainbow Dash leant over to Pinkie Pie. “You know, I think heavy metal might have been a bad influence on her.” The pink earth pony nodded in silent agreement.
|
darksymphony
|
1104
| 6 |
Main 6,Princess Luna,Spike,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Magic of Harmonies
|
Luna, the mane 6 and Spike play music in bands for a competition at the Grand Galloping Gala.
|
complete
| 17 | 1 |
<p>A year has passed since the fall of Nightmare Moon, but Princess Luna is still hiding from the public. Celestia, tired of her sister's behaviour, sends her to Ponyville to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends with the plans for the Grand Galloping Gala. Little do they all know, the plan is for them to form bands and perform at the event!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T11:20:24+00:00
|
2011-09-29T11:20:24+00:00
| 1,401 |
“Could you pass me a glass of punch please, my dear?” Rarity said to Luna. The alicorn happily obliged. After their concert had finished, the stage was dismantled and everything had been cleared away, naturally the first thing that had happened was Pinkie Pie’s announcement of a celebratory party. Whilst known for throwing parties for events as insignificant as it being a Tuesday, everypony agreed that their performances warranted a good celebration.
“I have to say, Rarity, you had us all worried for a moment there.” Twilight said, helping herself to some punch. “But it was worth it when you brought it back, though I was quite surprised by your choice of music.” Rarity caught Rainbow Dash’s eye and exchanged a smile.
“Well, Twilight, I realised that trying to play music for the sake of the audience only leaves you disappointing yourself, and if you disappoint yourself you won’t sound good to anypony else either. On the other hoof, if you play for fun, and for the sake of nothing more than the music itself, you’re sure to put on the show of a lifetime.” Twilight nodded in sagely agreement.
“Do you mind if I put that in my next letter to the princess? I’m sure she’d want to hear about it.”
“Of course not, it was a very valuable lesson after all.”
“I thought you were amazing,” Luna said to Rarity. “I particularly liked the passion and emotion you managed to get out of your instrument. The sound reminded me of an electric guitar, but different…more expressive, maybe.”
“Why thank you. I’m just sorry I missed much of your performance, the fragments I did see were fabulous.”
Luna blushed happily at the compliment, looking shyly at the floor, a complete contrast to the confident figure that had been performing a couple of hours earlier.
“It was a lot of fun. I’m very glad my sister sent me here.” Behind the alicorn, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were deep in conversation.
“Ah’ve gotta say, Ah’m most impressed with yeh playing, Rainbow. Even if you were a mite…off…at the start.” Rainbow Dash shrugged.
“Ah, well, you know how it is. Soon as we were playing something fast and loud I was all over it like Pinkie Pie on a cupcake,” the pegasus stated. Applejack snorted slightly, looking over her friend’s shoulder to see the aforementioned pony demolish a tray of the sweets in record time.
Having drunk her fill of punch, Twilight again joined Rarity. “Rarity, I hope this isn’t too much trouble, but I was wondering if you’d be able to make our costumes for the Gala. You did such a good job last year, even if they did end up getting a little…dishevelled…over the course of the night. I completely understand if you don’t want to, I mean it is a contest after all.” Rarity shook her head violently.
“My dear Twilight Sparkle, you really didn’t think I would deny you fabulosity for the sake of competition, did you? It would be my pleasure to make you all outfits; I’ve been itching to make something for Luna since she first got here after all. Just drop by the boutique with your ideas at any time and I’ll get started as soon as I can.” Twilight smiled gratefully at her unicorn friend.
“Thank you. Knowing you, I’m sure they’ll be absolutely beautiful.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It was long into the night when the party finally ended, the ponies finally succumbing to their exhaustion. At last, Twilight, Luna and Spike were left alone in the library. Twilight was used to staying up late, but even she had to stifle a yawn as she turned to Spike.
“Come on, number one assistant, time for bed, I…oh.” The baby dragon had seemingly fallen asleep where he stood, crumpling to the floor in a gently snoring heap. Twilight and Luna looked at each other and giggled softly.
“I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to his ability to do that,” the alicorn princess said with a tinkling laugh.
“Well I’ve known him for his whole life and I’m still not used to it,” Twilight replied as she gently lifted the sleeping dragon with her magic. The princess and the unicorn continued their conversation as they walked up the stairs to the bedroom, Spike floating between them, encased by a purple glow. On reaching the bedroom, the two ponies worked together to quickly and efficiently put Spike to bed, Twilight gently pulling up the blanket as Luna dimmed the lights.
“Sweet dreams, Spike. You did brilliantly today.” Twilight whispered softly. Spike rolled over and snored gently, before muttering something that sounded like, “Thank you mummy.” Luna giggled again, louder than before. Twilight gave her a mock disapproving stare as the two ponies made their way out onto the balcony.
“What? I can’t help it, he’s funny when he’s cute. And asleep. Actually, he’s funny most of the time.” Twilight smiled and nodded in agreement.
“That he is. He’ll be a real heartbreaker when he grows up, provided he grows out of his affections for…a certain pony.” Twilight stumbled at the end of the sentence a little, her head echoing with a voice yelling “FOREVEEEEEER!”
“A certain pony…you mean Rarity?” Luna asked.
“Um, yeah. I promised never to reveal his feelings to anypony.”
“Well, it’s kind of obvious, what with the way he acts. And stares at her. All the time.”
Twilight suppressed another giggle. “Yes, he’s certainly not subtle, but a promise is a promise.”
“How very noble, Miss Sparkle.” Luna said.
“Well, it’s what friends do.” With this statement, a thoughtful look came over Luna’s face. When she spoke again, it was with a quieter tone.
“Do you know what the best part of this whole experience has been? Not the music, though that has been incredible. It’s just…things like this. Random conversations, about random things. Because that’s what friends do. Back in Canterlot, besides Celestia, everypony either treats me as a goddess or looks at me with fear, as if I’m going to turn into Nightmare Moon again.” Luna shuddered slightly. “But here…everypony just regards me like I’m a normal pony, and for that I’m eternally grateful. Finally, I have friends.”
Twilight was surprised at Luna opening up to her, not having realised how similar the princess’s story was to her own. Though Twilight had never been aware of how alone she was, with Spike constantly present for company and Princess Celestia in frequent contact. It was then that she truly realised how lonely the alicorn must have been for the thousand years she spent in solitary lunar confinement. A tear threatened to fall from the unicorn’s eye, but she instead leaned over and gently nuzzled the alicorn.
Luna was shocked at the sudden contact, but didn’t pull away. Instead she closed her eyes and leant into Twilight, returning the gesture.
“Thank you for understanding. And thank you for being my friend.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Now, no peeking!” Rarity said with mock sternness. “I’m talking to you, Rainbow Dash.”
“Come on, Rarity, the suspense is killing me!”
“Ok…you can look now!” The unicorn cried. There was a moment of silence, then seven simultaneous gasps.
“Wow, Rarity, you’ve really outdone yourself this time.”
“Yeah, mine’s even cooler than my gown from last year! Even cooler than my rainbow armour.”
Rarity smiled, choosing to ignore the comment about the infamous dress that, whilst supposedly twenty percent cooler than Rarity’s design, was one hundred percent less fashionable.
“I’m overjoyed that you all like them.” Luna strode over to investigate hers a little more closely. The defining feature of the ensemble was a long, elegant cape that tied around the neck, flowing almost to the floor. It appeared to be black, but as Luna tilted her head the change in the light revealed a shimmering dark purple flecked with sparkling silver highlights.
“Isn’t it simply divine? It took so long to get the fabric right, but it sets just the right tone of giving plenty of presence without appearing gaudy,” Rarity said. “And I designed the shape to give you plenty of freedom to move about. You’ll be able to play as if you were wearing nothing at all.”
Luna gave the unicorn a grateful smile. It really was perfect, even better than she’d imagined when they’d discussed the outfit a few days ago.
Twilight, Fluttershy and Applejack each inspected their own capes happily. The basic outline and shape of their outfits were similar, but each was tailored to the personality and appearance of the owner. Twilight’s was a shiny black, with a thin pattern of concentric stars outlined in magenta and violet. Fluttershy’s was a light cyan with white accents, a colour Rarity had chosen to match the pegasus’ eyes. Lastly, Applejack’s was a leaf green affair, bordered with red and with a large apple embroidered subtly onto the back.
“They’re perfect! Thank you kindly, Rarity.” The fashionista again smiled in pleasure, turning to her bandmates to see what they thought of their own costumes.
“Rarity, these are so awesome. I’m kinda surprised you went for something so…unsubtle, but I’m glad you did, we are gonna look so cool on stage.”
“I’m glad you feel that way, Rainbow Dash. And you know, it’s really all thanks to you. You’ve opened my eyes to a whole other world of opportunities; sure, there’s plenty of clothing aimed at the metal community, but so much of it is so inelegant. I’m confident that my newest line will prove immensely popular, maybe not in Canterlot, but Trothenburg’ll be a big market…”
“Wow, you’ll certainly make a stir with these at the Gala, Rarity.” Twilight said. “Certainly, no-one will be able to miss you dressed like this.”
“Why of course, a little bit of controversy will certainly liven things up, not to mention it’ll attract more attention to my business,” Rarity laughed. “Though I’ve had so many orders for gala dresses this last month, I’m starting to wonder if anypony there will be wearing an outfit that I wasn’t responsible for creating.” She turned back to the dresses, casting a loving eye over her own. Rarity had taken heavy inspiration from old photos she’d seen from about a century ago when designing the item of clothing. It was a full length ball gown, similar to her dress from the last gala in form. However, this dress was black, the cascading layers of fabric overlaid with accents of midnight blue lace. The overall effect was mysterious, and maybe a touch sinister, but beyond a shadow of a doubt it was filled with the essence of Rarity’s characteristic elegance.
“This is gonna be so fun!” Pinkie Pie said happily. She’d already put her dress on, an outfit that bore a lot in common with the one she’d worn in Appleloosa for her war-inducing song. Unlike that purple dress, this was the same black as Rarity’s, though there were a few dark pink highlights here and there.
“Looking good, Pinkie Pie,” grinned Rainbow Dash. Her outfit was, at first glance, a very subtle flat black affair with a simple but graceful shape. However, a slight shift in the light revealed a riot of colourful stitching around the base, the embroidered iridescent pattern showing a row of winged skulls. Rarity had taken the idea from the emblem of the Shadowbolts, the fake fliers created by Nightmare Moon. The pattern changed colour depending on the angle it was viewed at, a slightly mesmerising effect that was sure to generate plenty of attention for the cocky pegasus.
“Oh my, Spike, you look smashing!” Rarity declared. She’d crafted him a black suit, complete with a cloak and a top hat to set off the ensemble. Twilight raised an eyebrow at this, thinking back to the incident with Owlowiscious and the fake mouse.
“Stylish, suave and a teensy bit evil. You look like quite the little villain.” Rarity said, evidently very pleased with the outcome of her hard work. Hmm, but there’s something missing…Aha!” She turned to Twilight.
“My dear, if it’s not too much bother, might I trouble you for a moustache?”
“Sure, Rarity. Hold on a second.” Twilight closed her eyes in concentration, horn starting to glow. With a quiet pop, a black moustache appeared on the dragon’s face.
“Yes! That’s absolutely perfect! Thank you so much, Twilight, if you could do it again right before the Gala I’d be so grateful.”
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem,” Twilight said with a smirk. Rarity suddenly became aware of a stifled giggle behind her. She turned to see Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, who both suddenly burst into fits of laughter.
“Girls! What in the name of Celestia is wrong with you?”
Gasping for breath, and with tears of laughter running down her face, Rainbow Dash gasped, “Nothing…Sir Rarity.”
Rarity looked confused for a split second, then her eyes widened and she ran to the mirror. Staring back at her, with a look of shock on her face, was a white unicorn with a magnificent curly purple moustache.
By now everyone in the room had broken down laughing, and as she looked at the comical sight in the mirror Rarity gave in and joined them.
“Hohohoho! My moustache! How wonderful!” At her imitation of Steven Magnet, they all laughed even harder.
As the laughter died down, Twilight wiped the tears from her eyes and her horn glowed once more. With another faint pop, the offending facial hair vanished. Rarity’s eyes grew wide again and she took on a look of mock despair.
“What a world, what a world!” Once again, everyone in the room dissolved into laughter.
|
darksymphony
|
1104
| 7 |
Main 6,Princess Luna,Spike,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Magic of Harmonies
|
Luna, the mane 6 and Spike play music in bands for a competition at the Grand Galloping Gala.
|
complete
| 17 | 1 |
<p>A year has passed since the fall of Nightmare Moon, but Princess Luna is still hiding from the public. Celestia, tired of her sister's behaviour, sends her to Ponyville to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends with the plans for the Grand Galloping Gala. Little do they all know, the plan is for them to form bands and perform at the event!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-30T01:31:26+00:00
|
2011-09-30T01:31:26+00:00
| 1,387 |
“I’m so excited! Are you excited? I’m so excited! Even more excited than that one time…”
“Uh, yeah Pinkie Pie, Ah think we got the message.” Applejack said, though the look on her face suggested she was looking forward to the night just as much as her more vocal friend.
“I mean, the Gala’s tomorrow! It’s going to be so much fun, and fun is the best! There’s going to be cake, and music, and dancing, and best of all we all get to perform! Well, I suppose I did perform last year, but nopony was in a party mood. And this year we all get to perform! Fun!”
Twilight rolled her eyes, smiling at Pinkie Pie behaving…well, like Pinkie Pie. It was the evening before the Gala, and the group was having one last mini party in the library. Both bands would be using the morning to practice and make sure everything was perfect for the evening, meaning that this would be the last chance for them all to hang out before taking the carriage to Canterlot.
“So, I’m guessing you’re all prepared and ready to rock and roll, so to speak?” Twilight asked. Rarity stifled a giggle at Twilight’s use of the phrase. Her bookish friend really had been reading far too many music magazines lately.
“Yes, my dear, we’re as ready as we’ll ever be. I’m not sure if we’ll win, but I feel like we’ll put on a memorable show.” Twilight remembered their practice concert, recalling Rarity screaming into the microphone and threatening the audience with a ‘flank kicking.’
“Yes, I don’t doubt that for one second,” she replied. Truth be told, Twilight was more than a little impressed with her unicorn friend; not only had she been making a near constant stream of gowns and dresses for customers for the Gala, she had also written the song for her band, not to mention making the outfits for both bands as well.
Looking over Rarity’s shoulder, Twilight spied spike yawning and blinking dazedly a few times. She took this as a hint and began to subtly wrap up the party.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Twilight lay in bed, the sounds of Spike’s quiet breathing the only sound cutting the silence. For all she’d decided to settle in for the night, now that she was in bed she didn’t really feel tired in the slightest. She sighed, guessing her nervous anticipation was the cause of her insomnia. Suddenly, the door to the bedroom opened, and Twilight could see the dim form of a pony walking across to the spare bed opposite her own.
“Luna?” she whispered softly, as the alicorn in question pulled the sheets over herself.
“Oh, sorry, Twilight. Did I disturb you?”
Twilight shook her head, not that the gesture would be visible in the darkness.
“No, I can’t sleep.”
There was a soft giggle. “I don’t even know why I’ve come to bed, I don’t even really need to sleep and I certainly don’t feel tired.”
Twilight smiled into the darkness.
“Want to talk for a while?” the princess asked.
“Sure.”
“Excited about tomorrow?”
“I can’t wait! Especially seeing the princess again, it’s been so long since we last talked and we have so much to talk about.”
Luna nodded in agreement. “Yeah.”
“And I can’t wait to get back to Canterlot! Seeing the palace again, and the gardens, Pony Joe’s donut shop…” Twilight sighed in happy anticipation. “And what about you, Luna? I’m sure you must be looking forward to getting back to your big room in the palace rather than having to share this tiny space with Spike and I.” Only silence greeted her statement.
“Luna? What’s wrong?” A quiet mumble answered her.
“Pardon?”
“I don’t want to go back.” This simple statement hit Twilight like a hoof to the face.
“But…you’re a princess! You belong in the palace, not stuck in some village library in the middle of nowhere!”
“I might have been born a princess, but the last few months living as a normal pony have been the best of my life. If I went back, I’d go back to being the untouchable goddess, or the feared queen of the night or whatever. I’d rather stay here, with my friends, and keep living like this than return to that place. I’d rather be a happy normal pony than a lonely princess.”
Suddenly Twilight understood everything. She’d been such a foal not to anticipate this; after all she’d felt exactly the same way in the distant past, wanting to stay with her friends in Ponyville rather than return to Canterlot. And in her case, she’d only known her pony friends for a single day; Luna had spent months with them, becoming a fundamental and vital part of the group. It was then Twilight realised; she didn’t want Luna to go back either.
Quietly getting out of bed, she walked over to Luna and gently reached out into the darkness, her forehooves meeting the alicorn’s.
“I swear I’ll do everything I can to ensure you can stay here. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
The alicorn sniffled, then beamed with a smile Twilight could barely make out in the darkness. All of a sudden, the unicorn found herself enveloped in a tight hug.
“Thankyouthankyouthankyou…” the alicorn cried.
“FOR PETE’S SAKE!” yelled an angry, tired voice from Spike’s basket.
“Sorry,” Twilight and Luna whispered. As Twilight got back into bed, she smiled and closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep. Everything would turn out all right in the end.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“Wow! You all look amazing!” Spike said, mouth agape as Twilight, Luna, Fluttershy and Applejack entered the boutique. Twilight giggled.
“Thank you very much, Spike. You’re looking pretty sharp yourself.” The dragon frowned slightly.
“I’d be looking even sharper with a moustache,” he said, eliciting another giggle from the unicorn.
“Of course, how could I forget? Now, what would you like, sir?”
“Hmm, how about something thin, but long and a bit curly?” Twilight’s horn glowed, and the requested facial hair materialised on the dragon’s face. He eyed himself in a mirror carefully, then turned and beamed at Twilight.
“Perfect!”
With that, the pair went to assist with the moving of the equipment. Luna had pulled some strings to get the group a stretch carriage that could take all eight of them, plus all their instruments, all in complete luxury. There were times it was useful to be royalty.
With the last of the boxes containing Pinkie Pie’s drums carefully packed away, the seven ponies and dragon piled into the carriage, wondering at the opulent interior. Slumping onto a luxuriously deep sofa, Rainbow Dash gave a contented sigh.
“Rainbow Dash! Sit properly, you ‘ll crease your dress! And after all the time I put into it you simply must look your absolute best!” Rainbow Dash sighed, but complied with the request.
“Whoa, this is amazin’! I don’t know why you don’t always travel like this, if Ah had access to it Ah’d never use anythin’ else! You could pretty much live in here!”
Luna smiled modestly. “Well, it’s certainly comfortable, but it’s slow. And finding parking spaces big enough is a nightmare.”
When the laughter died down, Spike shut the door and, heading to the front of the carriage, leant out of the open window to tell the quartet of Royal Guards that they were ready to depart. The huge carriage smoothly moved off under the combined strength of the four, and began the long trip to Canterlot.
“I’m so glad you get to join us for the journey this time, Spike,” Twilight said. She knew that the dragon had been a little sore over missing the pre-Gala banter the last time.
“Yeah! And this time we really are all going to hang out, and we’re gonna perform for the Princess, and have an after party at Pony Joe’s…it’s going to be, like, the best night ever!” Twilight giggled, thinking back to their ‘best night ever’ the previous year.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The journey passed quickly, with the eight excitedly talking about the Gala. It seemed like no time whatsoever had elapsed as the carriage came to a standstill at the red carpet that marked the entrance to the palace. They filed out of the carriage and made their way to the main gate. Rarity was pleased to note that there were plenty of photographers snapping pictures of the attendees as they made their way in, making a mental note to order more fabric to deal with the inevitable surge of requests for dresses like the ones she and her friends were wearing.
After handing their gold tickets in and being admitted to the Gala proper, the eight formed a quick huddle in the entrance hall.
“Right girls. And Spike. Let’s make this a night to remember. Even if this is a competition, remember friendship comes first.”
“It’ll be like one big party!”
“Yes, I most definitely agree. Let’s have fun, everypony.”
“This is gonna be so awesome!”
“It’ll be like what I said we should do last year.”
“Ah’m sure it’s gonna be just fine, Spike. We’ve learned our lesson.”
“Um, I’ll be sure to do my best cheering for you all.”
“With all my best friends here with me, how could this night not go well?”
Twilight looked at each of her friends, smiling in agreement at all their statements.
“Right, then let’s go and have the time of our lives!”
“Epic party time!”
“LET’S GO KICK SOME FLANK!” Glanced round, it was evident that even with the new, more relaxed attitude at the Gala it was still frowned upon to scream obscenities in the entrance hall for no reason.
Rarity looked abashed. “Too much?” Seven heads nodded in unison.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A short while later, the group made its way into grand ballroom. Last year there had been a small stage set up, where a small band had played gentle classical strains. In utter contrast, this year there was a large stage set up, a wall of amps present behind where the performers would be. A large frame, bristling with lights and special effects units framed the stage, and at the opposite side of the room a raised platform with seating for four had been erected, obviously for the judging panel. Already there were a fair few ponies milling around, either curious to see what was going on or reserving spaces in advance to ensure a good view of the action. Twilight noticed with a cringe that the large alicorn statue and columns that had been destroyed last year by the group had not yet been replaced.
The two bands made their way backstage. A green room had been set up for the performers, and Twilight guessed from the number of ponies present that there were at least six other bands besides the two from Ponyville. A sheet showing the order of play was pinned to the wall; on inspecting it Twilight discovered that there were nine bands in the competition, with the Fashionista Militia on third and the Moonbeams performing next to last.
Re-joining her friends by their instruments (which had been brought in and carefully watched over by a small group of Royal Guardsmen,) Twilight informed them of the schedule. Unlike before the practice concert in Ponyville, Rarity didn’t show a trace of nerves as she carefully removed her cello from its case, plucking the strings and tweaking the pegs to perfect the instrument’s tuning, answering Twilight with resolute confidence.
“Excellent. To quote another pony on the subject of our performance, ‘watch in awe.’” Twilight was once again reminded that this was a competition, though if she had her way it wasn’t going to be a walkover for anypony.
Trusting the Guardsmen to look after their instruments, Twilight and the others made their way back to the main room, electing to watch as much of the other performers as possible and offer their support. Just because it was a competition didn’t mean they had to act unsporting, after all.
The crowd had vastly increased in size, ponies chattering in eager anticipation of the show that was due to start in a couple of minutes. The lights in the large hall suddenly began to dim, and a voice boomed out, overpowering the din.
“Fillies and gentlecolts, we at the Grand Galloping Gala are delighted to announce the start of the first annual Equestria Music Group Contest. Please give a big Canterlot welcome for tonight’s judges, three ponies who certainly know their music; Octavia, Vinyl Scratch and Lyra!”
The audience burst into polite applause as the three ponies made their way to the platform, sitting at their seats. Octavia smiled warmly at the reception, whilst Vinyl Scratch grinned wildly and Lyra waved at the crowd, a huge grin plastered across her face.
“And it gives me great pleasure to welcome our special guest and event organiser, our very own…Princess Celestia!”
The tall alicorn gracefully sat down at her seat on the raised platform, flashing a gentle smile and giving an acknowledging wave to the riotous crowd before her.
“Celly! Look over here!” Luna squealed excitedly, waving furiously.
“Hold it, sugarcube, yer gonna put somepony’s eye out if yeh keep wavin’ like that.” Applejack said, supressing a laugh at the sight of the normally demure alicorn acting like a little filly. “Twi, tell her…oh, not you too…”
Indeed, Twilight was bouncing up and down, screaming Princess Celestia’s name over and over. Applejack shook her head in despair at the two.
As the crowd settled, the announcer introduced the first band, a jazz quartet from Manehatten. Four spotlights flicked on, highlighting the ponies on the stage.
“Oh, what delightful outfits!” Rarity gushed. Rainbow Dash looked at her in distaste.
“You think?”
Rarity frowned in return. “Why of course! How could you not like them?”
Rainbow Dash looked at the performers once more. “I hate socks.”
Rarity gave a slightly annoyed look to her pegasus friend. “Well, just because you could never pull off the look doesn’t mean it looks bad on everypony else. Anyway, it looks like they’re starting.”
The four musicians on the stage did indeed look ready to start. A brief glance and a nod between them later, they began their performance.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
As the second song of the night drew to a close, the crowd burst into applause once more, showing their appreciation for the band.
“Wow, the standard really is high for this contest,” Twilight observed. “I don’t even like country music that much, but that was wonderful.” Applejack looked a little scandalised, but before she could open her mouth to retort the announcer’s voice boomed out once more.
“An excellent performance there by Jemimah and the Haystalks! Now, over to the judges for the scores.”
A set of spotlights beamed on, focussing on Octavia, Vinyl Scratch and Lyra as each held up a board.
“Eight, eight and seven, giving Jemimah and the Haystalks a score of twenty three out of a possible thirty!” The audience cheered, as much for the celebrity judges as for the band on the stage.
“Hmm, one less than the first band. Well, let’s see how the others get on! Knowing Rarity, it will be quite the show.” Twilight said, to her bandmates, eagerly watching the darkened stage for any sign of their friends as the event crew prepared for the coming performance.
“Look! There’s Pinkie Pie!” Looking carefully into the dim light the pink pony could be seen carefully setting up her drums, making sure everything was just right for the performance. Apparently satisfied, she got off the stool and happily hopped off the stage. A second later, the lights on the judges faded, plunging the room into pitch black darkness.
The silence that followed seemed to last for an eternity for Twilight and her three friends in the crowd. Then, a gentle note cut through the darkness.
A spotlight slowly faded in, illuminating Rarity as she played a sad and mournful melody. Resplendent in her dark ensemble, her eyes were closed as she made the instrument sing. She was joined a few bars in, another light bringing Spike into frame as he added the synth line. Though unusual, there was no doubt that the combination of the classical cello and modern synthesizer resulted in a beautiful interweaving harmony. With a final descending scale, both musicians fell silent, remaining utterly motionless with their eyes closed. Then Rarity opened her eyes and flashed a devilish grin at the crowd as she touched her bow to the strings once more.
All at once, sound exploded into the room as the stage was bathed in light to reveal Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, both with looks of committed concentration as they played the true introduction to the song Rarity had penned. The crowd, who had been momentarily stunned by the sudden and aggressive change in tone, began to cheer loudly and nod their heads in time to the pounding beat.
The song entered the verse, Rarity leaning to the microphone as she continued to play. For all the fact that they’d never heard it before, many of the ponies in the crowd were singing with her, caught up in the passionate energy of the song.
Luna watched the four performers closely, marvelling at how well they worked together. Rarity, perfect master of multitasking as she played a complex off beat rhythm and sang simultaneously. Rainbow Dash, smiling with a tiny touch of cockiness as she launched into a display of furious sweep picking. Pinkie Pie, making the most of her double bass drums as she played a difficult cross rhythm. Spike, looking completely unfazed as he swiped his hand across the keys in a massive glissando, all the way from the wood end panel on the right hand edge right down to the bottom keys.
All four were quite obviously very talented musicians in their own right, but that wasn’t what was causing the crowd to become so wild. They’d taken a genre of music that was considered quite inaccessible and made it appealing for everypony, but more importantly it was obvious to everyone in the room that they were having the time of their lives doing it. And their joy was proving incredibly infectious.
In a mirror of the performance in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash strutted across the stage to the centre as the bridge came to a close, readying herself for the solo. However, Rarity was also walking to join her, playing as she carried the cello across the floor. As she reached her pegasus friend, the two faced each other and flew into the solo, both playing the same series of technical notes in perfect synchronisation. It almost appeared like the two ponies were trying to outdo each other as the pace of the playing increased to a near frantic degree, but neither made a single mistake as they shifted into a harmonized section.
Rarity made her way back to the microphone as the solo drew to a close, reaching it just in time to begin singing the last chorus. Looking out at the sea of ponies in the dim glow reflected by the flashing stage lights, she was struck by the sight of hundreds of ponies, many with hooves in the air as they jumped up and down in time to the music. Singing the last line, she turned away from the stage to face her bandmates as they played the outro, ending with the same furious energy that had driven their whole song.
As their final chord decayed away to nothingness, Rarity looked silently at her three companions. All were panting slightly with the exertion of their performance, but all wore the same huge grin that was present on her own face. There was no need for comments, an unspoken understanding passing between the four as they relived the glory of the song again in their heads. A brightening glow from behind her caught Rarity’s attention, and she turned back to face the front of the stage.
The lights had been raised, and it revealed a spectacular scene; the entire room was packed with ponies, in Rarity’s eyes an endless ocean of faces. All had one thing in common; they were screaming at the tops of their voices and stamping their hooves, the sounds melding together into a colossal mass of sonic energy. Rarity was dumbfounded, vaguely aware of the announcer saying something as she dazedly scanned over the audience. Her eyes found a familiar yellow pegasus, jumping up and down animatedly and screaming as loud as she could, though even that wasn’t enough to cut through the overpowering roar.
“Look! Our scores!” Rainbow Dash shouted excitedly. At the back of the room, three numbers were held up. Nine from Lyra. Eight from Octavia. And ten from Vinyl Scratch, giving the elated performers a smile and a nod of her electric blue maned head.
“YES!” The four screamed in unison, meeting for a group hug as the lights dimmed around them once more, crew members coming on stage to prepare for the next performance.
Back in the crowd, Fluttershy smiled at the other three happily.
“Weren’t they good? I didn’t want their song to end, they looked like they were having so much fun.” Applejack nodded in agreement.
“They sure put on a show an’ a half,” the earth pony said, “But this sure as hay ain’t over yet.”
“Yes, Applejack, even if they do have the highest score I see no reason why we can’t beat them. Not to mention there’s still another fivebands that we know nothing about; any one of them could win.”
“No.” The three ponies turned to look at Luna, who blushed slightly.
“Sorry. But yes, I’ve got a feeling that this is going to end up between us and them. I’m not sure how, or why, but I just somehow know. Call it my Luna sense, if you like.”
Twilight quickly looked back to the stage, realising that she’d had a similar instinct about the competition for a long time. The next band was ready, and the lights began to dim as Twilight spoke once more to her friends.
“Well, let’s enjoy the music for the time being, but when the time comes, let’s go out and win this thing!” Three ponies looked back at her, steely determination written all over their faces.
|
darksymphony
|
1104
| 8 |
Main 6,Princess Luna,Spike,Comedy,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The Magic of Harmonies
|
Luna, the mane 6 and Spike play music in bands for a competition at the Grand Galloping Gala.
|
complete
| 17 | 1 |
<p>A year has passed since the fall of Nightmare Moon, but Princess Luna is still hiding from the public. Celestia, tired of her sister's behaviour, sends her to Ponyville to help Twilight Sparkle and her friends with the plans for the Grand Galloping Gala. Little do they all know, the plan is for them to form bands and perform at the event!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T11:23:00+00:00
|
2011-09-29T11:23:00+00:00
| 1,723 |
Luna’s gut instinct turned out to be right, with none of the four bands that separated the two groups from Ponyville being able to match up to the Fashionista Militia’s show stopping display.
As the seventh band of the night left the stage, Twilight offered a quick congratulations on their performance before dashing into the darkness to oversee the setup of her drums. The event coordinator, an orange maned pegasus wearing glasses and a headset approached the remaining trio as they waited off stage.
“Right, ladies, you’re the last act of the night so be sure to put on a good show.” Luna frowned.
“Wait, wasn’t there another group after us?” she enquired.
“Yeah, but they pulled out at the last minute. Very strange it was too. One of their members, some spikey maned colt with an hourglass cutie mark, said something about a crisis at the Pony Nebula or something, and then he just ran off,” the mare said with a disapproving look, as if withdrawing from the competition had been a personal insult.
“Anyway, you’re on in…” she examined a glowing clock on the wall, “two minutes and twenty seconds. Break a leg.”
The three ponies thanked the coordinator as she left them, and they made their way onto the darkened stage, careful not to trip on anything in the darkness. Thankfully the stage crew had highlighted the hazards with faintly glowing lines of magic, making the risk minimal. Applejack quietly strummed a few chords on her guitar, and on finding the tuning was fine she plugged it in. Luna was triple checking that all of her patches were correctly allocated, and Fluttershy had her eyes closed as she ran through their performance in her head. Twilight had long since finished her own setting up, and she whispered loudly to her bandmates.
“Girls!” The three turned to face her at the back of the stage. “Let’s knock ‘em dead!”
“Twilight! As much as I want to win this, I can hardly advocate murder as a way of doing so!”
“Erm, sorry Luna, it’s just an expression.” An embarrassed giggle cut through the darkness.
“Whoops, sorry.”
Further conversation was halted as the lights began to rise, bathing the four ponies in a warm glow. Excited whispering broke out as the crowd witnessed Luna at the forefront, majestic in her caped glory with her keytar held purposefully.
Behind her, she heard Twilight quietly call them in.
“One, two three, four!”
Four ponies struck the opening beat of the song in perfect time, and their song began in earnest.
As her hooves swept up and down the keys, Luna let the music claim her, mind, body and soul as she closed her eyes tightly. She was no longer just listening to her bandmates; it was as if she could sense their individual melodies on another level. Twilight’s drumming, an interweaving chain of logic and mathematical complexity and accuracy. Applejack’s guitar, a spirited tune that spoke of the earth, of hard work and the rewards earned through it. And beneath it, not standing out but supporting the others was the airy grace of Fluttershy’s bass playing.
Luna had experienced the feeling once before; the sensation of connection between her soul and those of the others. Last time, it had been on the receiving end of a rainbow coloured beam of cleansing fire, releasing her from the prison that had been Nightmare Moon. This time, however, she joined rather than resisted them, four spirits singing in perfect harmony.
Twilight smiled to herself as the song entered the bridge; so far it had all been going perfectly, despite the technical difficulty of the rhythms and harmonies she’d spent long hours penning with Luna. In fact, it had been going so well that she decided to take a big risk, one that could make or break their performance. As the bridge came to a close, there was a single bar where Twilight was the only one playing, and it was here where she made her move.
Luna’s near trance state came apart as she registered a change from the rehearsed performance, and she looked around in shock. Rather than playing the bar into the chorus that they’d written, Twilight had seemingly spontaneously launched into a complicated and improvised drum solo. Applejack and Fluttershy were similarly looking at Twilight, eyes wide, until a flash of understanding came across the earth pony’s face. With a wide grin, she began to play as well; a sequence of chords that Luna recognised instantly. It was the chord progression from their inaugural jam session, all those days and weeks ago in the library. As the sequence repeated, the guitar was joined by the sounds of the synthesizer and bass, Twilight’s drumming returning to a steady, simper rhythm. It was difficult to tell over the sound of their playing, but Luna sensed that the audience were cheering louder than before.
Applejack beamed even wider, giving a quick nod to the other three before turning to the audience and playing her own solo. It was evident that the crowd were loving the performance, and on glimpsing a rainbow coloured flash within the sea of faces for a split second she couldn’t resist the temptation to show off, playing as fast as she physically could. Even if they lost overall, she wasn’t going to let Rainbow Dash outshine her when it came to guitar playing.
With a final dive bomb from the guitar, Applejack backed away from the edge of the stage as Fluttershy took her place. Though smiling out at the crowd, her eyes featured a level of intensity only a couple of steps lower than her famous Stare as she brought an intricate and beautiful bass line into existence. Applejack smiled proudly, delighted at how her friend had progressed from a complete novice to belting out the notes like she’d been doing it her whole life.
Finally, it was Luna’s turn, the alicorn quickly punching a button to switch patches. She eschewed the softer sound she’d used to blend in for the duration of her friends solos, instead favouring a biting lead that would cut across the accompaniment. As the razor edged wall of sound screamed from the amps behind her, Luna yelled out of the sheer joy of it all, her cry lost in the maelstrom of sound. Her hooves felt weightless as they expertly traversed the keys, twin lines of melody interlacing as she weaved her song. Opening her eyes, she saw the riotous crowd, hooves in the air, and almost as if feeding off their energy the speed of her playing increased further still, ending with a final flourish as she switched back to a less ostentatious sound for the final chorus. The alicorn leant in to the microphone, her delicate voice resonating through the large room as the song came to its dynamic conclusion.
As the four ponies bowed to the still cheering audience, the three judges prepared to reveal their scores. The entire room fell deathly silent, everypony knowing that it was going to be a close call. Twilight held her breath nervously as they held the boards aloft, eyes straining to make out the distant numbers. She double checked, slightly disbelieving her own eyes.
Nine, nine and nine. They were tied for first with their friends.
All at once, the room exploded into excited chatter as everypony wondered what this meant for the competition.
“We tied! We tied!” Luna said happily.
“Yes, I’m so happy we did as well as our friends, they put on such a good show.”
“Well, Ah’m a mite disappointed we couldn’t win, but Ah guess this is the best outcome.”
All of a sudden, the sound of microphone feedback screeched through the room, everypony wincing at the unpleasant noise as the announcer piped up once more. He sounded a little flustered.
“In light of the current state of the scores, our beloved Princess Celestia has declared that the winner…” everypony leaned forwards in eager anticipation, “…shall be decided by a tiebreak performance!”
At this Twilight could only gape at her friends. In the audience, three ponies and a dragon stood with similar slack jawed expressions.
“As such, please could the Fashionista Militia and the Moonbeams make their way to the judge’s platform, where they will be told the arrangements for their performances. The competition will resume in thirty minutes.”
The four ponies wandered off the stage in a daze. Not only was a tie wholly unexpected, Twilight couldn’t recall any notes on a tiebreak situation in the rules. And she’d been sure to learn them off by heart. As they approached the judge’s stand where their friends were already waiting, Twilight shared an apprehensive look with Luna, both ponies thinking the same thought.
What devious scheme has Celestia come up with this time?
They reached the judge’s platform, falling into a loose semicircle around it as Princess Celestia spoke.
“Congratulations, my little ponies, on your excellent performances. You are all worthy winners, but I think a direct competition between you would be a much more…dramatic end to the night.” Seven ponies and a dragon exchanged sceptical looks, all plainly thinking that they’d have been happy to end on a tie. If she noticed the glances, Princess Celestia ignored them as she continued.
“As such, I have decided that both bands will perform one last time.”
“What, are we meant to play the same song again? I mean, I’m cool with that, but it might be a bit of a buzzkill for the crowd being as they just heard it like an hour ago,” Rainbow Dash blurted out, before blanching as she remembered who she was interrupting.
Celestia smiled and gave a little chuckle at the pegasus.
“I’m sorry…Rainbow Dash, isn’t it? I’m afraid you misunderstood. What I meant is that both bands will be playing one song, on stage at the same time.” She smiled at the shocked expressions facing her. Twilight was the first to recover.
“But Princess Celestia…what song are we meant to play? We only rehearsed one…”
“I know you did, Twilight Sparkle, you informed me of as much in your letters. But that will be the test; which of the two bands can adapt best, and put on the best performance under real pressure. That will be what decides the winner here. And as for the song…Hmm, I suppose a song that everypony knows will be the best option. How about…Equestria Girls? I’m sure that will fit the bill nicely.”
“YES!” Spike shouted, before blushing as every pony in a twenty metre radius stared at him.
“Wait…won’t that be a bit unfair? I mean, Pinkie Pie kinda did sing the vocals on that…” Rainbow Dash began, but Twilight shook her head.
“No, it’s fine. Yes, she sang the vocals, but everypony can sing the vocals, it’s been played so many times. Plus, Rarity is your band’s singer, so that nullifies any imbalance.”
Celestia smiled warmly, but a faint light of mischief twinkled in her eyes.
“Excellent! Well, now that the arrangements are agreed on we can begin. The stage is all yours; I look forward to seeing your interpretations of the song.”
As the eight friends made their way back to the green room to collect their instruments, they anxiously discussed how they would perform the song; without any practice it was a tall order, and despite it being a competition the band members discussed their respective plans of action with their counterparts in the other band. Rainbow Dash and Applejack frantically went through chords together, both ponies wishing they could have a week to practice and perfect the progressions rather than having mere minutes.
One rapid and panicked group tuning session later, the group found themselves on stage once more. Being as this last song was completely unplanned, the stage crew had elected to forgo the light show, leaving the stage bathed in pure white light. The two sets of drums had been set up at the back corners of the stage, both at an angle so Twilight and Pinkie Pie could easily see each other. Fluttershy found herself next to Spike at the mid left of the stage, with Rainbow Dash and Applejack at the right. This left Luna and Rarity at the front, both near to the middle though leaving enough room for them to move about whilst they played. Luna was grateful for the distance between them; she wasn’t particularly in the mood to be stabbed with the business end of Rarity’s bow if she got a little carried away.
On seeing the arrangement on stage, the two bands mingling rather than keeping separate, Celestia gave another little smile. Everything was going exactly as planned.
With preparations finished, the crowd ceased talking amongst themselves as Luna tapped the microphone in front of her lightly with her hoof. The alicorn turned to Rarity.
“Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be. Everyone?” Six heads nodded. “Looks like we’re good to go.”
Luna swallowed nervously, and then touched her hooves to the keys, playing the intro synth riff. She felt immensely grateful that the song had featured in Twilight’s record collection at the library, but maybe it wasn’t that surprising given Pinkie Pie’s presence on the record.
Four bars later, Twilight and Pinkie Pie joined in, both playing the simple drum beat with remarkable accuracy. Luna had elected to continue the intro riff for an extra few bars without singing, giving the others a chance to get a feel for playing with unfamiliar musicians. Spike and Applejack were the next to add their instruments to the building sound, with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash adding their layers shortly after. Rarity was the last to join, cello sounding out distinctly against the trio of guitars and paired synths.
Luna listened carefully, and once sure that they were all playing in time and on key she gave Rarity a swift nod, the pair starting to sing the familiar words. The two singers were very well matched, and it sounded fine, but to Luna something felt wrong. A couple of lines later she realised what it was; though their song was technically ok, it was sterile and lifeless. They were playing the song, but it lacked everything that had made their previous performances stand out.
Time to do something about that.
The song was just entering the chorus, as Luna put her hastily formed plan into action. Rather than sing in unison with Rarity, she made a sudden switch to singing in harmony, but more importantly she changed the tone on her keytar to that of a cello, and with a challenging smile to the unicorn she played a variation on the required line. Rarity was quick to answer, still singing the normal vocal part but adding her own flourishing cello line that was distinctly absent on the original.
By now the others had realized what Rarity and Luna were up to, and began to play their own variations. Besides Rarity’s singing and the drums, the song rapidly evolved to bear little resemblance to the hit single that they’d been imitating when they first started to play. Then the drums abruptly dropped in volume. Luna looked backwards and saw that Pinkie Pie had stopped playing outright, and was idly tapping a stick against her head, her expression suggesting she was deep in thought. With a sudden jerk, she snapped out of her reverie and suddenly tore into the drums with brutal violence.
Twilight and the others were stunned at the sudden display of blast drumming, especially due to the contrast between the slow and relaxed rhythm of the original. Rainbow Dash, however, saw an opportunity present itself, and planting her hoof onto her distortion pedal, she began strumming a heavy riff. Strangely, despite the huge difference in style, the blend of metal and pop seemed to be working. Luna could have laughed out loud, mind opened to the possibilities that had been presented to them. Yes, Celestia had given them a song to play, but in reality there were infinite ways to play it. And so long as they enjoyed it, it didn’t really matter what it sounded like, or even what anyone else thought of it.
Luna left the front of the stage and walked over to Spike, grinning broadly at the dragon as she issued a wordless challenge. Before long, both were churning out blurringly fast strings of notes, as all the while Rarity continued to sing the vocals perfectly.
As the second chorus ended and they entered the bridge, Rainbow Dash and Applejack met in the centre of the stage, having agreed beforehand that a guitar solo would be much more favourable than subjecting everypony to Rarity or Luna rapping. However, rather than a single solo, the two seemed to be locked in a musical fight to the death as the notes screamed thick and fast into the room. Luna rolled her eyes, not surprised in the least that the two had ended up duelling.
As their joint solo came to an end, Luna rejoined Rarity to sing the final chorus. However, she wasn’t alone, a pink mane filling her peripheral vision as Fluttershy joined her at the microphone with a warm smile. Evidently the pegasus had got over her fear of singing before strangers, adding her sweet voice to the mix as they ended their song.
Their final chord died away, but the noise level did not. The crowd were, right down to the last pony, yelling at the tops of their voices. Luna, Rarity and Fluttershy exchanged a happy smile, knowing that they’d managed to live up to not only the crowd’s expectations, but also their own hopes for the performance. As the cheering died down, Luna sensed a presence behind her and turned to see the three judges strolling onto the stage, Princess Celestia gracefully strolling behind. Rarity and Fluttershy sank into respectful bows, but Luna gave a squeal of excitement and bounced across the stage in a manner reminiscent of a certain pink earth pony.
“Celly! What did you think of our performance? Weren’t we great?” The white alicorn gave her younger sister a regal smile.
“Yes, Luna, it was indeed an amazing performance. You should all be very proud of what you’ve achieved.”
The other ponies had now gathered around the princess sisters, all eagerly chattering about their highlights of the song. Naturally, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were debating who was the better guitarist. Princess Celestia cleared her throat and they all fell silent once more.
“The judges and I have come to a decision,” the princess said. The ponies before her looked momentarily confused, having forgotten they were competing in the excitement of pulling off a great performance from nothing.
“Our decision is…that you shall share the title of Equestria’s best musical group!”
The ponies, not for the first time that night, stared in each other in dumb shock, then burst into loud cheers that were echoed by the crowd as Celestia repeated her announcement with the benefit of magical amplification.
“Really, it was just too close to choose a winner. And when I saw how much fun you were all having together I decided that I didn’t really want any of you to lose. And the three judges felt exactly the same way.” Luna suddenly frowned, eyes narrowing in suspicion.
“Wait one second…Celly, did you plan this?” Her sister’s expression was of complete innocence, but centuries of experience told Luna better.
“Whatever do you mean, sister? Planning the whole event to end like this would be tantamount to rigging the whole competition, and as ruler of Equestria I would never do such a thing.” Suddenly her voice became more sincere. “You really did do it all on your own. I simply gave you all a nudge in the right direction, making you compete against each other was the best motivation possible, and it’s amazing what can be achieved with the benefit of the support of your friends.”
The princess looked out to the large ballroom, seeing that it had rapidly emptied in the aftermath of her announcement, leaving just a few stragglers who were making their way to the ornate doors. The Gala was beginning to come to a close.
“So, Princess Luna, I imagine you’ll be looking forward to having your room back? I had it spring cleaned in preparation this morning…” Luna looked slightly unhappy as the subject of her return to the palace was raised, but before she could even begin to argue a sudden shout came from her side.
“Princess Celestia! I know she’s a princess, and I know she belongs in Canterlot here in this palace, and I know she doesn’t belong in a library in some backwater town, but please let Luna continue to live in Ponyville!” Twilight had thrown herself prostate before her teacher, and the look on the unicorn’s face suggested she half expected to be banished to the moon for such a request. Princess Celestia simply smiled and looked to her sister.
“Is that what you really want, Princess Luna?” The midnight blue alicorn looked up from the floor and nodded silently.
“Well, if that is the case, you may remain in Ponyville for as long as you desire. I’ll arrange your living arrangements as soon as I can.” Twilight interrupted once more.
“Actually, Princess Celestia, I was wondering if she’d be able to keep living with me at the library. She’s an excellent study partner, and the only pony I know who stays up as late as me, not to mention her knowledge is invaluable during my stargazing. That is…if you want to?” she finished meekly, looking to Luna who nodded eagerly. Both turned to Celestia with eager eyes.
“Well then, you may keep your current living arrangements,” the princess said, eyes twinkling.
“Celly! You planned this as well!” Luna accused her sister. The taller alicorn gave a delicate warm laugh.
“Like before, I did nothing of the sort. Nopony can force two ponies to become friends. I simply put you in a situation where you would do it all on your own. And obviously it worked.”
Luna wasn’t going to argue with that. Her sister turned back to the rest of the group.
“Well, I believe that a celebration is called for, even though the Gala is coming to an end. Spike, would you be so kind as to lead us to that delightful donut shop we ended up at last year?”
“Yeah, sure! I’m always up for some of Pony Joe’s donuts!” the baby dragon said happily as he started to walk for the exit, the others following close behind.
As they meandered along at the back of the party, Luna quickly leaned in close and whispered to Twilight.
“Thank you. For everything.”
Twilight smiled warmly back at the alicorn. The last few months really had been some of the best of her life, she mused as they walked through the ballroom doors. And by the looks of it, there were plenty more yet to come.
|
canonkiller
|
1109
| 1 |
Original Character,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Chaos
|
I don't really know. It'll be... a something. This story is a something.
|
cancelled
| -1 | -1 |
<p>I can't really make a storyline after Shaken... can't really follow that one yet. I'll wait a bit. For now, I'll upload spasmodic chapters that go everywhere. Mostly OCs. Maybe. *shakes head* It'll be a surprise. For me too, I guess. Here goes nothing - click 1 to begin!</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-29T21:27:11+00:00
|
2011-09-29T21:27:11+00:00
| 1,111 |
A filly sat up in her bed, staring out the window in paralyzing fear. Her mother looked up from where she was sitting beside her. With a soft touch, she nudged her child back into bed.
"Momma, there's something outside... I heard it."
"Do you want me to scare it away?"
The filly shook her head quickly. "No. Stay here."
After a few more minutes of calm silence, the mare stood up to leave.
"Momma, can I have a story?"
The mare sighed, but turned around and returned to her chair.
"Do you promise to go to sleep?"
The filly nodded, burrowing further under the covers.
"Well, in the beginning, there was chaos."
"What was chaos, momma?"
"What do you want chaos to be?"
She thought for a second. "A birthday cake."
"Good. Now hush, and listen to me."
"So, in the beginning, there was chaos, and chaos was a birthday cake. There was nothing special about this birthday cake, other than the fact that it was the only thing to exist, other than nothing. So chaos floated through nothing, whatever nothing may be." The mare looked down at her foal, who was already beginning to fall asleep. "And suddenly, from the cake, came something. Something was like nothing, and beat back chaos and nothing to make planets and stars and clouds and water and grass and sky. And in this way, something controlled nothing and chaos and kept them as far away from its creations as possible. But chaos did find it's way in occasionally, in the form of war and earthquakes and tornadoes and the birthday parties of small children. But, as chaos snuck in occasionally, something was making more somethings, and they were animals; birds and fish and turtles and dragons and griffons and ponies. And something was very pleased with these things.
"But, at first, all ate plants. As time passed, the animals had more children than there were plants, and because of this, the grass and trees began to fade away. In shock, something asked nothing for help. So nothing came down to earth in the form of a great raven, and made all the creatures line up. It gave out special powers to each; fire for the dragons, sharp claws to the griffons, gills to the fish, wings to the birds - because, in the time of creation, birds could not fly, just as the fish walked on land - hard shells to the turtles, and other things to everything else. And some started eating meat, but the balance was the same, and the earth returned to its' former glory.
"But at the end of it all, there were three ponies waiting for gifts. They stood in front of nothing, expanctant smiles on their faces. Nothing reached back, expecting another special power, but there were none left. Looking at the ponies, it tore it's own wings off and set them on the back of one, and it became a Pegasus, flying instead of running. Nothing then tore out its' own magic heart and gave it to the second pony, who accepted it, and grew a horn to show her abilities, and she became a Unicorn. Now, as the other two left, nothing faced the last pony. She looked up from the ground, where she had been digging up a grassy clump.
"<I am very sorry,> said nothing, <but I have nothing left to give you but my own body.>
"<It does not worry me,> the pony replied. <I will become strong with my own help. I will harvest the crops and plant the seeds, will tend to the gardens and take care of the wounded. When the time comes, I will be the infantry, guiding the creations you have made to freedom.>
"<You do not need to do all of that for me.> Nothing muttered. <I am not worth it. All I am is an empty shell.>
"The pony looked up further, straining to see nothing's eyes, and smiled. <You are more than nothing. You are something as well.> She smiled, but it was more determined, and she planted her feet in the dirt. <And I will do what I've told you. I promise.>
"Nothing was surprised, but as the pony cantered away to join her friends, he could hear them laughing together. <Despite their differences,> nothing declared, <they will act as one.>
"And nothing vanished."
The filly was snoring softly, deep in her dreams. The mare looked out the window, seeing the sunrise pinking the horizon. She shook her head gently, sighing quietly, before heading out of the room and down the stair to prepare breakfast.
|
canonkiller
|
1109
| 2 |
Original Character,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Chaos
|
I don't really know. It'll be... a something. This story is a something.
|
cancelled
| -1 | -1 |
<p>I can't really make a storyline after Shaken... can't really follow that one yet. I'll wait a bit. For now, I'll upload spasmodic chapters that go everywhere. Mostly OCs. Maybe. *shakes head* It'll be a surprise. For me too, I guess. Here goes nothing - click 1 to begin!</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
everyone
|
2011-09-30T19:42:07+00:00
|
2011-09-30T19:42:07+00:00
| 2,852 |
~DA-DADA-DA! Another spontaneous chapter (fanfic turn). You have been warned, these will be increasingly random, and chapters probably won't connect. Possibly, the same topic will never be repeated twice. If you like one chapter, it may return again, but not for a while. Ready? BEGIN!~
Picture by Spyroflamesredsbum on DeviantART
The blade sliced through the air with uncountered precision, digging deep into the straw dummy and refusing to budge out. The black Alicorn snorted, narrowing her purple eyes at the challenge. She grabbed the handle and jerked her head back, hard, and the sword slid back out, the kinetics sending her reeling against the far wall.
A second pony entered, a Alicorn like her, but with purple-blue fur. His wings changed to a orange-y colour, and they dropped slightly when he saw his comerade pushed upside-down against the wall. He snorted, but trotted over, helping her get up.
She shook dust out of her red-pink wings and looked at the wall she had just careened into. As always, the sword had gotten stuck through. She went to grab it again, but the colt got there first, removing it easily with no recoil. As the mare returned to her attacks, a loud creaking sound enveloped the small room.
Both turned, seeing a network of cracks emenating from the initial puncture. The stallion started pushing the mare to the other side of the room, reaching safety as their teachers entered.
They were all Alicorns, which were not rare in these parts. The first, a pale blue stallion with purple wings, set up a blockade of magicked ice, bracing himself. The next, a yellow stallion, send stood in front, electricity sparking from his horn as he opened his blue-black wings in defence. Another stallion, this one with a shaggy green coat and brown wings, began firing pulses at the wall, small rocks pinging the falling chunks away.
The last cantered in behind the two students. He was much larger than the rest, at least four hands, and it was no problem for him to grab the pair in his teeth and boh out the door, slowing only to set torches alight on the way past.
"Ignitus!" A voice called, and one of the others jogged up.
"Cyril, what is it? Have the tremors stopped?" The largest Alicorn questioned, setting the two down on the cold stone.
"Yes, yes, quick, come! It's... I don't even know!"
The four Alicorns trotted back, emerging amid mild ruin and devastation to see a large chunk of the wall missing. The other two teachers were staring in, a flickering light emenating from inside casting their expressions in pastel colours.
"Terrador, Volteer, step back." Ignitus boomed. "Let me see."
The shaggy green glared. "I don't think it's meant for you. It's meant for Spyro."
The young purple Alicorn lit up at mention of his name. "Is there something for Cynder too?"
"Yes, come here, and see for yourselves! It wonderfully marvelous!" The yellow chattered. "Look!"
Both of the young Alicorns cantered up, looking inside the hidden room with undisguised excitement. The mare glanced around the stallions' rounded rump, trying to see in the small room.
Something shot out, quickly latching around their necks and sending them flying across the room with unparralled momentum. Once they regained their breath, they sat up, looking at the curious things that had snapped tight around their necks.
Bands, one golden and one silver, studden with gems.
On Spyro, the golden band, were gems of red, green, yellow, and blue.
On Cynder, the silver band, were gems of scarlet, white, sickly green and black.
Both Alicorns looked up at their teachers.
Ignitus glanced between the others. They nodded.
Dropping to his knees, the great red Alicorn sighed. "Spyro, Cynder, I was afriad I would have to tell you this. There is, in a nearby realm, a powerful Alicorn stallion."
"What does that have to do with us?" Spyro asked, his purple eyes wide in confusion. Cynder's silent expression was the same.
Ignitus sighed again. "There is a propehcy that the only a purple Alicorn can destroy another purple Alicorn. Special magic they both have. You, Cynder, have this same magic; although you may not remember it, you were once under this stallions' control. Those bands will allow you to use your magic to its' full extent.
"Spyro, those colours represent the four main elements: fire, earth, electricity and ice. Cynder, due to your time under his corruption, you have the powers of fear, wind, poison and darkness."
The teacher stood up, walking over to the wide balcony door, pushing it aside with his magic and stepping outside. The two Alicorns followed. Pointing a hoof at the horizon, he looked down at Spyro and Cynder. "He lives there. You are young, and it will be exhausting, but I believe you can do it. We've been training you for this your entire lives."
The other teachers walked out on the wide platform, watching the younger warriors.
"Go." Cyril whispered. "We will always be there when you need us."
As the two Alicorns spread their wings and glided away, Ignitus stood with his front hooves on the railing. "May the guardians look after you!" He yelled into the rising wind. "And may they guide you home!"
|
Flutterwhy4
|
1111
| 1 |
Applejack,Princess Celestia,Rarity,Spike,Sweetie Belle,Twilight Sparkle,Winona,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
Hormones
|
Disturbing as hell. Read at your own risk. Spike x Winona
|
complete
| 181 | 68 |
<p>READ AT YOUR OWN RISK: <br/>This story is one part sexy, two parts disturbing, and three parts "WHY THE FUCK DID I HAVE TO READ THIS?!?" <br/>It involves the tale of Spike battling the hormones inside him as he reaches a pubescent state. His mind wanders through all kinds of perverse thoughts and the story just goes spiraling downhill after the very first chapter. </p><p>Chapter 4 in particular is both disturbing and depressing.</p>
|
mature
|
2012-04-30T08:45:33+00:00
|
2012-04-30T08:45:33+00:00
| 10,931 |
Hormones
Chapter 1: Spike's Return
By Flutterwhy4
It was a quiet evening across Equestria. Only hours earlier the cacophony of busy ponies trotting from shop to shop had echoed through the town of Ponyville; now the streets were empty as Princess Celestia performed her Alicorn duties, bringing the sun magically to the horizon. In the distance, a silhouette crossed the darkening sky, a flying chariot chauffeured by two white pegasi, clad in golden armor and blue-tufted helmets. The golden chariot descended from Canterlot towards Ponyville carrying its only passenger, a small purple dragon named Spike. Spike had been away to Canterlot for royal business as he sometimes had to. He never enjoyed leaving Twilight and his friends in Ponyville, however he knew his place in Princess Celestia’s kingdom and accepted that she would need to meet with him personally from time to time. This had been different however.
When Spike went to Canterlot, he would usually end up staying for the night. Business tended to take all day and by the time Spike was finished it was typically far too late for him to make the flight home. Today things had proceeded so smoothly that it wasn’t even sundown when Celestia informed Spike that she no longer required his presence. Spike considered staying the night as Twilight wasn’t expecting him back until morning and because the guest bedroom in the palace was so luxurious; it was a rare treat for Spike to burrow under the warm bedspread and fall into a deep, rejuvenating slumber. Spike could almost feel the high thread-count fabric pressed against his cheek, but despite the temptation, the young dragon couldn’t resist seeing his best friend again.
Spike felt unusually wide awake as his royal taxi neared its destination. He laid on his back and looked up at the pinpricks of light that were becoming visible as the moon replaced the sun in the night sky. Cool air blustered past the carriage, chilling Spike’s scaly body until slowly it stopped and the chariot came to a halt outside the library. Spike sat up and took notice of his surroundings. Not more than a few seconds had passed before Spike had hopped off the back of the chariot and thanked the royal guards for their late-night service. They were too well trained to respond and without so much as acknowledging the dragon their wings began to flap once more and they lifted off into the sky dragging the empty chariot behind them.
The sun was now completely obscured by the horizon and it had become very dark outside. Spike felt a fuzziness inside him knowing he was home and would soon see his dear Twilight again. Light fell on the ground from the picture window to the right of the library’s red door. It wasn’t unusual, Twilight was a night person; she was usually up reading while Spike fell asleep in his basket bed, however what was unusual was the faint sound of laughter and talking that Spike could hear from inside. He began to reach for the door handle and grasped its cold exterior, but stopped himself and took his hand off of the metal. The dragon could hear at least three feminine voices, heavily muffled by the building of course. Curious, the boy strolled over to the window and peered inside. Three giggling figures shifted playfully in the center of the library, Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity. Twi had told Spike about the time he was away and Rarity and AJ had come over during the thunderstorm and had a slumber party. He remembered her being excited at the time at the idea that the group might have more frequent sleepovers in the future. She must have taken the opportunity of Spike’s absence to invite the girls over. Now regretting his decision to pass up a warm slumber in the Princesses tower, Spike sighed as he watched the ponies. He couldn’t go in now; he was too polite to interrupt their fun. Twilight would probably be happy to see him, but it was supposed to be a girl’s night and he couldn’t take that away from Twilight, she did, after all, need everything to go “by the book” and Spike wouldn’t have a place on her slumber party checklist.
Spike told himself he was being polite, but there was a far less noble reason behind Spike’s decision. Spike’s crush Rarity was lying on her back in a very unladylike position and Spike was getting a wonderful view of her tail and hindquarters. To most potential viewers, it would’ve been an innocent scene, three young ponies having a slumber party, sharing stories, laughing, make-overs… but as Spike stood in the glow of that window his horny, boyish mind drifted to places he didn’t dare share with anyone.
Oh my! thought Spike as he gazed upon the supple white flank of his dear Rarity. She in particular was the subject of many a fantasy in Spike’s imaginative young head. Of course, Spike was a young boy and his hormones often drove him crazy. Especially since he’d come with Twilight to Ponyville, Spike had been having increasingly dirty thoughts and desires. The opposite sex was becoming very attractive, sometimes he even saw something more than a friend when he gazed into Twilight’s purple eyes.
Spike’s face went red and his eyes darted around him as he realized he was still outside, staring into his own window like a peeping tom. He surveyed the dark streets of Ponyville and when he had finally convinced himself that no one was watching him he returned to the window and placed his hand to his crotch. It was times like this that he felt blessed to be the only resident in Ponyville with thumbs. Rarity rolled over in a new fit of giggling, Spike watched on with giant eyes as her girly bits came into glorious view. While ponies typically walked around in the nude, they tended to keep themselves covered with their tail. Spike was loving this.
Ooooooooooo Rarity… Boy I’d like to have some of her. The words ran through his head while his cock poked out from its scaly hiding place and grew hard in Spike’s hand. It was long for his size, fire-engine red and slippery. Spike’s hand moved up and down his length, gripping tightly, pushing precum out of his urethra. The clear liquid dribbled into the bushes outside the library as Spike pleasured himself in public. Rarity had a puffy mound, complete with two plump pussy lips. Spike imagined them as pillows, softer than even the finest fabric in the guest bedroom he’d turned down no more than an hour ago. Her tailhole was clean and ladylike, just as white as the rest of her.
Spike wanted Rarity for more than just sex; he wanted a relationship with her, he wanted love, but right now the dragon was horny as hell and all he could think about was ramming his red-hot rod into Rarity from behind. He wanted to take her, make her feel the pleasure he knew she deserved, the pleasure he was feeling right now. His breath condensed on the window in the cool night as Spike’s hand gripped tightly and moved faster on his penis. He closed his eyes and imagined lewd, passionate sex with the white unicorn. He heard her voice, breaking under his powerful thrusts: Uhhhh Uhhhh Uhhhh Uhhhh Uhhhh Ahhhh Ahhhh Oooo gently please! Ahhhh Oh my Spike, his imagination stood in for Rarity, making obscene use of the things he’d overheard her say since he began his stay in Ponyville.
Spike edged closer to his sexual plateau and explored more fantasies. He had no shortage of imagination, just the opposite… as he’d get bored with one mental image his mind would snap to another like a slide projector of filth. He imagined the girly slumber party turning kinky.
“I have an idea, let’s play Truth-or-Dare!” said the Twilight in Spike’s imagination… he moaned as he thought of the girls daring each other into all sorts of adult activity. First Applejack and Rarity would share a long, deep kiss, holding each other tenderly, then Rarity would dare Twilight into participating in some heavy petting, then Spike’s mind really turned up the heat and imagined the three girls taking turns eating each other out. He could truly hear Rarity moaning as Twilight put her book knowledge to some use and used her tongue in all the right places.
“Oh! TWILIGHT!! You must tell me how you got so GOOD at this!” Rarity would offer the compliment making Twilight Sparkle blush as she slurped at her friends sopping pussy. Spike progressed through hotter and hotter scenarios… he pictured himself kicking in the door during the girl’s impromptu pussy-licking, their wet faces gazing up at him and his throbbing erection. He could picture their bedtime eyes beckoning him; they’d line up their flanks for him and bend over, lifting their tails in unison, presenting him with three juicy options; three curvy feminine asses wiggling invitingly, a living buffet of carnal pleasure… with that thought Spike came. He stifled a grunt as his seed shot into the bushes and then dribbled over his finger.
Spike leaned against the tree and tried to catch his breath. He released his spent cock and panted as his pleasure subsided. He felt satisfied. He’d just done something naughty. He’d masturbated in public and gotten away with it. Rarity would never find out that he had cum while looking at her… it was so perverted, and Spike liked the feeling. Wetness on his small hand drew his attention. A ropey strand of dragon cum hung from his finger, wobbling awkwardly in a lewd ballet as Spike moved his hand. He went to wipe it on the leaves of the bush when a naughty thought crossed his mind. With a dirty grin on his face Spike raised his hand above his head and opened his mouth. Spike positioned the rope of semen over his lips and with a prod from his tongue the white goo fell into his mouth. Spike tasted his own sperm, swishing it across his tongue, enjoying the mild saltiness. Spike was curious and he imagined himself as Rarity, gobbling up his seed after a heated sexual encounter. It only seemed fair that if he was to ever cum in his dream girl’s mouth that he knew what he tasted like. Spike swallowed his oyster-like payload and licked his finger clean of the remaining residue.
This doesn’t make me gay does it? Spike’s inner monologue asked. Just as soon as he had questioned his sexuality he had his answer: Nah… I just came while thinking about Rarity. I was just curious, that’s all. He assured himself. The purple dragon came back to reality and, leaving the window, pranced around behind the library and found a soft patch of grass to lie down on and try to sleep. He’d wait until morning to head inside. He was enjoying the peaceful quiet of the night anyway after having been outside for so long. Spike gazed up at the starry sky and slowly drifted off to sleep.
|
Flutterwhy4
|
1111
| 2 |
Applejack,Princess Celestia,Rarity,Spike,Sweetie Belle,Twilight Sparkle,Winona,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
Hormones
|
Disturbing as hell. Read at your own risk. Spike x Winona
|
complete
| 181 | 68 |
<p>READ AT YOUR OWN RISK: <br/>This story is one part sexy, two parts disturbing, and three parts "WHY THE FUCK DID I HAVE TO READ THIS?!?" <br/>It involves the tale of Spike battling the hormones inside him as he reaches a pubescent state. His mind wanders through all kinds of perverse thoughts and the story just goes spiraling downhill after the very first chapter. </p><p>Chapter 4 in particular is both disturbing and depressing.</p>
|
mature
|
2012-04-30T08:45:49+00:00
|
2012-04-30T08:45:49+00:00
| 8,524 |
Hormones
Chapter 2: Descent
By Flutterwhy4
The following weeks saw Spike become more and more sexual in his thoughts. His masturbation picked up as well, becoming a daily routine, sometimes more than daily. Whenever Spike got a moment away from Twilight he immediately thought of pleasuring himself, taking advantage of the alone time. Often at night, Spike would feign being tired before he actually was so that he could retire to his basket and play with himself. It was never odd to Twilight, he was a baby dragon after all and needed his rest… or so she thought. The truth was he was far less of a baby than she believed. Dragons go through puberty while they are still small and Spike had reached the age where hormones sashayed wildly through his veins and platonic thoughts became increasingly rare.
Spike sat in his warm basket and stroked his cock once again. He never tired of doing this. He never chaffed and never didn’t feel like doing it; it was always pleasurable. Sometimes if he’d already cum a couple times that day it would be hard to reach a third orgasm, but it was times like that that spurred him to creativity. He’d try different positions, different techniques, he’d think about different ponies, whatever it took to get him off. One time the dragon had even fetched a length of ribbon from one of Twilight’s drawers and tied it tautly around his right wrist, cutting off the circulation to his hand. He thought he might make it feel like someone else was jerking him off and it could have worked if it wasn’t for the fact that everyone he could think of had hooves. The only person he could imagine as he stroked his slimy erection with his oxygen-deprived hand was Gilda, the griffon Dash had brought to town one day, and it wasn’t a very pleasant image. Spike only tried that once, his hand actually began to ache pretty severely after a while and he was forced to remove the tourniquet he’d fashioned and abandon his plans of having an orgasm that night.
Tonight Spike had an idea. This time when Spike went to bed he didn’t sleep; he stayed awake for what seemed like hours, just listening to the silence. Finally, he heard the noise he’d been waiting for, a pony stirring downstairs. Twilight had been up late with her head in her books, as usual. Now it was time for her to hit the hay. She blew out the candles she’d lit and with a glow of her horn replaced the books on the shelves where they belonged. Spike watched the light from the hallway disappear and anxiously waited for Twilight. They slept in the same room, a large room with two levels. Twilight slept on the upper level next to the big window and her telescope. Spike heard hoofsteps and closed his eyes, pretending to be sound asleep. The purple mare trotted past his basket ever so quietly, trying politely to not disturb him. Spike opened one eye just a hair to watch as Twilight ascended the stairs to her bed. She climbed into her bed and laid down on her side under the blue covers, head propped up gently by a soft, white pillow. Spike knew Twilight was a heavy sleeper, and he waited for the sounds of rustling sheets and deep breathing to cease before he made his move. Satisfied that Twilight had fallen asleep, Spike eased his foot out of his tiny bed followed by the rest of him. Dragging his blanket in tow, Spike tip-toed up the stairs to where his friend was. As he got closer to his destination he moved slower and slower.
Finally, Spike was standing beside Twilight’s bed. She looked so peaceful, she was facing away from Spike; her breathing was light and she was snuggled into her covers, bathed in the gentle moonlight that beamed through her window. Spike watched the lump under the bedspread move up then down with each long, shallow breath Twilight took. His heart was racing, he’d never done this before; he had never watched Twilight sleep before. No, she wasn’t really Twilight anymore… all that mattered was that she was a girl. He was watching a girl sleep. Spike felt an erection coming on. This was the thrill he needed to get off tonight. Dropping his blanket on the floor he traced his finger along the blue bedspread, running it over Twilight’s sleeping body, feeling her warmth through the covers. Spike grabbed his now throbbing, red cock and began to stroke as he touched the sleeping mare. He paused as his hand grazed her flank. He laid his palm flat on her backside and after pausing to make sure she wasn’t stirring he began to rub her flank in concentric circles. He stopped and moved back to the head of Twi’s bed, cock still in hand.
Oh how far should I go? Spike pondered. He grasped the mattress and placing his foot against the bed, pulled himself up onto the bed next to Twilight with a heave. The dragon knelt beside his best friend, masturbating over her quiet, oblivious body. He didn’t need much more stimulation, the daring boy had already gone farther than he expected he would and the risk of getting caught was driving him wild with pleasure. Twilight’s head was still turned towards the moonlit window and facing away from Spike. He bent his head to hers and took a deep breath, inhaling the feminine smells of her purple mane. Spike shuddered at the sensory overload. He was so happy.
Spike hopped down off of the mattress and returned his attention to Twilight’s flank. As he rubbed her once again, the bedcovers became quite a nuisance to him. Daring to go further, Spike moved his left hand down under the covers that hung gracefully off the bed and pushed them up over Twilight’s purple flank, exposing her cutie mark. She didn’t seem to notice so Spike grabbed her butt and kneaded it gently. He hadn’t touched her here since the last winter wrap-up when he’d pushed her on ice skates. This was a far less innocent touch than that had been. Spike’s head was swimming. He inched his hand closer and closer to her pussy. The heat was getting more and more intense. It was like putting his hand into a campfire. Just before the heat got too intense for him he felt her slit, it wasn’t very wet, but the touch was just enough to send him into the throes of orgasm. Retrieving his hand, Spike snapped up his blanket from the floor and came hard into the fabric. He stoked himself through his ejaculation, making sure to get all of it out. The pleasure was the best he’d had yet. The purple dragon couldn’t stop himself from moaning out loud, but he did his best to stay quiet. After wiping his shaft clean of the sticky jizz, Spike carefully replaced the covers he’d adjusted and moseyed down the steps. He was careful to not leave a trace of evidence for Twilight to find. He returned to bed and hid the soiled blanket underneath him; he’d wash it in the morning. It was times like this that he was thankful that he did all the chores between him and Twilight. She’d never have the opportunity to get her hooves on his blanket, which he’d been washing on a fairly regular basis lately.
Spike lay awake for a good while longer that night, just thinking about things. His mind was much clearer now that he’d satisfied his primal needs. He thought about Rarity and how much he wanted her.
Who am I kidding? Rarity could never go for a guy like me. I mean she’s so beautiful... Spike thought to himself …and I’m a dragon. I’m the only dragon in Ponyville, how am I ever going to find love? Nopony would ever see me as anything more than a friend, could they? Spike let his mind wander to dark places, saddening him. I mean dragons are rare. The only dragon I’ve ever seen was 100 times bigger than me and I don’t want to wait until I get that big. I’m lonely now. Sure I’ve got great friends here in Ponyville, and they mean the world to me, but there’s nobody I can snuggle up next to at night, nobody I can kiss and love in deeper ways. Spike tossed and turned in his basket, disturbed by his darkest thoughts. The other boys in town have it lucky. Big Macintosh is a strong stallion; any mare would give her right hoof to be with him and well, Mr. Cake has his wife… there’s Pokey too, he’d be popular among the mares... Spike thought about each male pony he’d ever seen and knew that each one had a good shot of finding that special pony of his dreams. And then there’s me. Spike. The dragon. The only dragon in Ponyville. Spike buried his face in his pillow and wept discreetly. He’d wake up the next morning this way, with puffy eyes and a wet spot on his pillow. He’d bury these thoughts back inside him and go back to being a horny, young dragon.
|
Flutterwhy4
|
1111
| 3 |
Applejack,Princess Celestia,Rarity,Spike,Sweetie Belle,Twilight Sparkle,Winona,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
Hormones
|
Disturbing as hell. Read at your own risk. Spike x Winona
|
complete
| 181 | 68 |
<p>READ AT YOUR OWN RISK: <br/>This story is one part sexy, two parts disturbing, and three parts "WHY THE FUCK DID I HAVE TO READ THIS?!?" <br/>It involves the tale of Spike battling the hormones inside him as he reaches a pubescent state. His mind wanders through all kinds of perverse thoughts and the story just goes spiraling downhill after the very first chapter. </p><p>Chapter 4 in particular is both disturbing and depressing.</p>
|
mature
|
2012-04-30T08:46:06+00:00
|
2012-04-30T08:46:06+00:00
| 8,651 |
Hormones
Chapter 3: Epiphany
By Flutterwhy4
The next day was just like any other. Spike rode on Twilight’s back as she trotted along on her errands. Spike thought about what he’d done the night before and felt slightly ashamed. At least Twilight’ll never know, I just can’t let what I did change our friendship. Spike thought this to himself, but the fact was that their friendship had already changed. Maybe it hadn’t changed in Twilight’s mind; Spike still spoke to her the same way he ever did, but it was all a façade. Inside, Spike was having dirty thoughts about her almost nonstop. Even sitting on her back, something he’d done hundreds of times before was becoming strangely sexual in his mind. The feeling of his crotch against her bare back, the soft bouncing to the rhythm of her hoofsteps, it was almost like sex. Spike couldn’t dare let himself get aroused. If Twilight felt his hardness pressing into her coat he’d absolutely die, but it was hard to keep his mind clean.
Spike thought to himself about fucking the purple unicorn right there, in public. All he’d need to do was slide himself back to her flank, swing his foot around her backside, catching her tail between his leg and her haunch, and line his cock up with its final resting place and push. Spike thought about this over and over again, running the motion through his mind like a choreographer. One athletic maneuver and before she knew it he’d be inside her, he wouldn’t even need to let his feet touch the ground. I wonder what she’d do, would she keep trotting along? Was that even possible? To fuck a mare while she walked? Or maybe she’d collapse on the street in pleasure. The idea tantalized Spike, but he’d never follow through. Twilight’s friendship was the closest thing Spike had to real love, if he acted like a fool and somehow screwed that friendship up the heartache would be unbearable. As sad as he’d made himself last night, if he didn’t even have Twilight in his life he’d probably think of killing himself. These were just the dirty fantasies of a pubescent boy dragon, nothing more.
“Spike? SPIKE?!” Twilight’s voice snapped the dragon out of his erotic daydream. His heart stopped. Ohmygod! Did she notice something? Spike panicked, thinking his long-time friend had picked up on his shameful vibes. “Spike, I asked you whether you’d be willing to help me reorganize the library this weekend, I’ve got a plan that’ll make archiving new books a cinch.” Twilight spoke nonchalantly. Spike heaved a sigh and replied “No problem Twilight! You can count on me!” raising his thumb to his chest in a garish gesture. Twilight giggled. Spike and Twilight talked some more until they reached their destination, the Ponyville schoolhouse.
Rarity was out-of-town for the day. She’d been asked to join Sapphire Shores at the premiere of her latest concert, Zigfilly Follies, a concert for which Rarity had designed several gorgeous outfits. The premiere was in Canterlot, the hub of culture in Equestria. Due to her departure, Rarity had asked Twilight if she could watch Sweetie Belle for her while she was away and of course, like the friend Twilight was, she had said yes. Twilight Sparkle stood outside the bright-red building as the school bell rang and dozens of fillies and colts poured out excited to be done for the day.
“See yah later Sweetie Belle!!” Applebloom shouted followed by Scootaloo “Yeah, see you tomorrow!!” Sweetie Belle shouted back at her friends in her dulcet, young voice “Bye guys!!!” She ran over to Twilight and greeted her and Spike. The two ponies started off towards the library, Spike still perched atop Twilight’s back.
Not even fillies were safe from Spike's sick thoughts. It hadn’t escaped him that Sweetie Belle was Rarity’s sister and while the resemblance wasn’t perfect it was definitely there. Sweetie Belle lacked the finer details of her big sister. She had no blue eye shadow, her lashes weren’t so preened and prepared, and she did her hair up differently, like a filly who wasn’t so concerned with maintaining her appearance as she was with having fun playing with her friends. Even if she was different, Spike still managed to see her with lusty eyes. Somehow the fact that she was so young and innocent made it all the more arousing. He watched her as they walked home to the library and once there he stole glances at her whenever he could. Spike stood atop a small stepladder, shelving books as he thought twisted things to himself.
It’d be just like Rarity. I bet she’d be even tighter than Rarity, being a filly and all. She’d have to be, and she is more my size, I wouldn’t even have to stand on my tippy-toes. Could I really have sex with Sweetie Belle? NO! It’s wrong, she’s so innocent. …but I do have needs. If I WAS to, how would I do it? I’d want to get her alone, that’d be first. Spike looked over his shoulder at the white filly who was sitting with Twilight, reading a storybook. She looks pretty bored, maybe I could tell her I wanted to play a game! Spike strategized a way to get with the young filly. He imagined luring her upstairs with promises of fun. I wouldn’t be lying, it’s always fun when I do it myself, I’m sure it’d be just as good for her. But how would I take the first step once I had her alone? I could show her my cock and see how she reacted, no, that’s too risky. I’d have to peak her curiosity. It’d be ideal if SHE was the one to start things… Spike thought about this a LOT more in depth than he should have; it was becoming realistic to him. He was genuinely evaluating the feasibility of his plans and trying to come up with the scenario that had the best chance of success.
What if I told her I thought I might be able to help her get her cutie mark? That’d sure get her attention. I’ll bet she’d be willing to do whatever I said after that. Ooooooooo, I’d tell her to show me her privates and I’d talk her through her first penetration. She’d probably whine at first, but I’m sure I could convince her everything would be alright. Spike imagined himself placing his slimy cock against the underdeveloped pussy of Rarity’s sister and pressing into her soft, yielding flesh. I’d be taking her virginity and losing mine at the same time. I might have to wrap my hand around her muzzle to keep her from screaming. I’d be gentle, but there might be no way around hurting her when I take her. But what if she didn’t want to? What if I couldn’t convince her it’d be worth it? I suppose I could always force her. I may be a young dragon, but I’m still strong enough to hold down a filly. I’d be doing her a favor, wouldn’t I? I’d be giving her the pleasures of sex. It would be like I was sharing a special experience with her, something meant for adults. Kids like being treated like they’re all grown up...don’t they? It’s like when you get to stay up past your bedtime, a special treat. No. If she didn’t want to and I forced her she’d surely tell Rarity and Rarity would tell Twilight and my life w-would be over!! Unless… maybe she’d feel too embarrassed and ashamed to come forward about it. That’s always a possibility. Still, it’s too risky.
Spike’s sick, pedophile thoughts made him excited. His penis poked out of his scaly belly as Spike stood on the ladder. Spike finished shelving the books and hopped down making sure to hide his erection from Twilight and Sweetie Belle who were too engrossed in their books to notice him anyway. He needed some release. It was still early for bed, even considering Spike’s latest habit of retiring early. He’d rather not alert Twilight considering his ‘predicament’, so Spike quietly backed up the staircase and ran to his room. He threw himself into his basket and grabbed his stiffy with both hands. The pressure made him moan. Spike began to fantasize. The idea of raping Sweetie Belle seemed more appealing as long as Spike would be fantasizing and no one could get hurt. Spike thought about Sweetie Belle’s marshmallow-like ass. He bared his teeth and bent over the poor filly, pushing her to the ground with a THUMP! Spike lined himself up; there would be no kissing or foreplay. He pictured her soft petals wrapping around his shaft, enveloping it in warmth. Spike almost came instantly, but he stopped his stroking and let his near-orgasm pass, he wanted to savor this. When he was sure he wasn’t going to cum yet, Spike picked up the pace with his hands again. His eyelids fluttered uncontrollably as Spike lay in his bed, lost in a sick world where anything he desired was the norm.
In Spike’s mind he was invincible. Drooling on the filly’s back, Spike took her innocence with thrust upon thrust. He didn’t imagine how much he’d be hurting her, that wasn’t part of his fantasy. Spike’s mind was using all its synapses to imagine the stimuli that he himself would be feeling. He slumped over the filly, wrapping his arms around her belly. He breathed hot, moist air across her cheek as he hugged his victim in a sweaty embrace. Spike’s brain was really outdoing itself with the detail of this fantasy. He could almost feel every curve of Sweetie Belle’s body, inside and out. Her pink and purple hair was becoming disheveled and damp with perspiration and dragon drool, and her childlike cries and sounds of panic reverberated in Spike’s mind like perpetual church bells. The pleasure Spike imagined as he closed his eyes was so amazing, it was like one of Pinkie Pie’s famous parties condensed to a single moment. Spike was lost in imagination. The truth is Twilight or Sweetie Belle could have walked in on him at any moment, but Spike couldn’t do anything about that; he needed this and he wouldn’t spoil the moment by being paranoid.
Back in Spike’s thoughts, his fantasy was growing out of control. The dragon wrapped his hands around Sweetie Belle's smooth neck and choked her as he sped up his thrusts. She gagged and struggled for air, her hooves scrabbled on the hard floor. Spike choked her ever harder as he neared his climax. The thought of cumming on her flank and telling her it was her cutie mark put a wicked smile on his face while he masturbated, but that wouldn’t be his plan, no, no, no. She was a filly; she wasn’t sexually mature and hadn’t started her estrus cycle. Spike would take advantage of this. The boy wasn’t sure if dragons and ponies were biologically compatible, he wasn’t sure of much of anything when it came to these matters, but he did know that fillies couldn’t get pregnant. Still choking the unicorn who was turning blue in his fantasy, Spike slammed his cock into her to the hilt for three final slapping thrusts as he filled her full of his seed.
Spike opened his eyes as the final tides of pleasure receded from him; he was lying in his basket in his dark room, covered from head to toe in semen. It was concentrated around his wilting cock where thick puddles of the substance collected, but strands of his seed had leapt from the boy and fixed themselves to his body in sultry splashes. Blood still pumping, Spike closed his eyes again and tried his best to imagine the aftermath of his perverse mental act… first he imagined a sobbing Sweetie Belle, grasping at her bruised neck. This was the first time he’d tried to put himself in his victim’s shoes and take a guess at the emotions she’d be feeling. He imagined she’d feel used, sore physically and mentally, but content that it was finally over. He didn’t linger on trying to decipher her emotional state before a sicker thought crossed his mind. He pictured her slumped posture, his warm cum, draining out of Sweetie Belle’s distended vagina. It dripped from her inner thigh like a leaky faucet and pooled underneath her lifeless body. Spike had choked her too long. The brightness left the child’s skin, replaced by a dull, grayish white indicative of a corpse. She stayed motionless… dripping with sexual fluids, completely used up and frozen in a disgraceful position, her ass pointed to the heavens, haunches splayed open, head pressed tilted against the floor, her eyes cold and glassy. The thought gave Spike a painful, stinging erection. Spike let the image loiter in his mind, he held it there, keeping all other thoughts out as if by sheer willpower he could extend his pleasure and never let it end.
Spike snapped to his senses at the sound of hoofsteps coming from the library downstairs. Two sets of hoofsteps. “Twilight and Sweetie Belle!!!” Spike said panicked in a breathy voice. “I can’t let them see me like this!!!” He bolted from his bed and sprang into the hallway, still covered in crusty jizz. Spike sprinted to the bathroom so fast he thought he almost could’ve caused a Sonic Rainboom. Slamming the door shut, Spike turned the faucet to draw himself a bath and walked to the vanity. He pondered how he’d explain such a late night bath to Twilight. Maybe, she won’t ask? …and if she does I can just say I felt like a bath! After all, it’s my home too! Since when do I need an excuse to take a bath in my own home?! Spike grew indignant at Twilight, before she’d even had a chance to say a word to him. The purple dragon looked himself over in the mirror while the sounds of rushing water drown out everything else. Spike stared into his eyes then examined his body, then looked back into his eyes. He felt ashamed, deeply ashamed. He was splattered with cum like some cheap whore, and he’d just pleasured himself to horrible, immoral thoughts. He knew they were immoral thoughts. Spike watched as his likeness grew blurry; tears were welling up in his eyes.
No.. don’t cry Spike. The boy tried to comfort himself, shaking his head and closing his eyes tight, squeezing the tears into twin streams that rolled purposefully down his cheeks. It’s just a fantasy, nobody’s hurt, there’s nothing wrong with fantasy, it’s what you actually DO that makes you a good or bad person. Spike tried to find solace in his inner-voice, but he wasn’t sure anymore. The image of the dead, pasty unicorn filly snapped back into his thoughts, a grim reminder of the twisted sickness Spike had just immersed himself in. It instantly caused his eyes to fill with tears again. Spike turned away from the mirror with his head held low, weeping, sniffling. He sauntered over to the tub and, closing the faucet, plopped himself into the warm water and began cleaning his shame. His hormones were killing him. His horniness had taken over his mind, jeopardized his friendships and his sanity. He wanted to stop these thoughts, end the fantasies, but he couldn’t just quit. His young body outright demanded the pleasure and it was taking more and more depravity to satisfy him. Spike scrubbed his scaly body with a sponge, making sure to wash the cum-trails off his face and shoulder. As he cleaned his body Spike had an epiphany. If only I could have sex with someone, it might lose its mystery and I’d be myself again…
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Flutterwhy4
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1111
| 4 |
Applejack,Princess Celestia,Rarity,Spike,Sweetie Belle,Twilight Sparkle,Winona,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Hormones
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Disturbing as hell. Read at your own risk. Spike x Winona
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complete
| 181 | 68 |
<p>READ AT YOUR OWN RISK: <br/>This story is one part sexy, two parts disturbing, and three parts "WHY THE FUCK DID I HAVE TO READ THIS?!?" <br/>It involves the tale of Spike battling the hormones inside him as he reaches a pubescent state. His mind wanders through all kinds of perverse thoughts and the story just goes spiraling downhill after the very first chapter. </p><p>Chapter 4 in particular is both disturbing and depressing.</p>
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mature
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2012-04-30T08:46:34+00:00
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2012-04-30T08:46:34+00:00
| 12,668 |
Hormones
Chapter 4: Last Resort
By Flutterwhy4
Spike awoke in his bed like any other morning. He’d dried himself off after his impromptu bath and headed straight to bed the night before. Twilight had taken Sweetie Belle to bed early and hadn’t grilled Spike about his bathing habits. As Spike opened his eyes he surveyed the room. Twilight was still in her bed; Sweetie Belle was sleeping across from Spike in a makeshift bed of blankets and pillows arranged on the floor. Spike rubbed his gunky morning eyes and looked at the filly. She was peaceful, safe… safe from Spike. The dragon continued to stare at her as the sun peeked in through the window. He felt in his heart that he’d never, ever hurt Rarity’s sister and that brought a smile to his face. Sweetie Belle opened her eyes with a yawn as she stirred from her slumber. Her eyes met Spike’s and she gazed back at him with a trusting smile. Spike’s heart sank and he crumbled as he peered into her big, green eyes. They were like enchanted emeralds that sucked the soul right out of his body. Spike smiled back at her for as long as he could before tossing in his basket, turning his back to the filly. It was a sight Spike couldn’t handle, not so soon after last night at least.
Twilight groaned in her bed as the sun poured over her face through the picture window. Minutes later she was up and moving, ready to start the day. Spike rolled over once more and looked at the purple mare as she trotted down the steps from her bed. “Good Morning Spike!" she said with a cheerful, but tired tone. Bounding from her covers, Sweetie Belle responded for the dragon “Morning Twilight!!” “And good morning to you too!” Twilight said with a giggle. “Spike? Would you mind making us some breakfast?” “No problem Twi.” Spike said drawing a “Thanks!” from the purple pony.
Spike went to the kitchen while Twilight and Sweetie Belle headed out the front door for a quick morning walk. He fetched some oats and a pan and began preparing a meal for three while he thought about his epiphany from the previous night. I HAVE to satisfy these urges once and for all, but who could I have sex with? It’d have to be someone I could trust to keep it a secret, someone who’d never tell. Preferably someone attractive, but I suppose that doesn’t matter. Spike brainstormed the names of several possible mares. …Roseluck? Nah, she’d never say yes. Trixie? I don’t even know where she is… He dismissed each pony in a similar fashion as her name came up. There was simply nopony. Spike grew more miserable with each passing name. If only there were more dragons around. A dragon girl about my size would be perfect, a sibling even, I wouldn’t mind if she didn’t. But I’m the only one. The dragon sighed and went back to his cooking. At least making breakfast would help him take his mind off of how lonely he felt.
After breakfast Spike elected to go for a walk around Ponyville. Perhaps some fresh air will help me clear my mind. “Hey Twilight. I’m going for a walk, I hope you don’t mind.” “Oh? Not at all Spike, in fact, I’ll be taking Sweetie Belle to school soon and then I have some errands to run so don’t be surprised if I’m not home when you get back.” Spike unlatched the front door, swung it open and stepped outside closing it behind him. Spike soaked in the warmth of the sunny weather as he walked around town. It was a beautiful day for a stroll. All the shops were open, the café was busy, cheerful ponies ambled from street to street, some for business, some for fun. He recognized some of the ponies as his friends. Pinkie Pie hopped jubilantly up the street with a basket of ribbons and flowers in her mouth. Applejack stood in the town center with her applecart, serving the hungry ponies that lined up for some of her juicy fruit. Spike was particularly interested by Applejack’s location. He mused to himself. Hmmmm… Applejack is selling apples in town, Apple Bloom would be at school, Big Macintosh was probably out bucking apples… I know who I can have sex with.
Spike ran down the dirt road to Sweet Apple Acres. There was no time to slow down, he’d finally realized how he could end this nightmare and satisfy his hormonal urges before he ended up hurting someone he cared about. As Spike neared his destination, he stopped for a minute to take note of the apple orchard. He listened carefully. It was quiet, but then the silence was momentarily broken by a distant THUD! The sound confirmed for Spike that Big Macintosh was indeed out apple-bucking. Perfect. Confidant, Spike hopped the fence to the property and jogged up to the barn. He nudged the heavy, red barn door open with a creak and stepped inside.
“Win-oooo-naaa! Winona! Here girl!” The dragon called out, echoing in the hay strewn barn. Sure enough, the brown and white Border collie stirred behind a bale of hay. With a quick stretch of her sleepy legs she was up on all-fours and walking towards Spike. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth as she investigated him. Spike knew this was wrong, but it was either this or carry on as he’d been doing, groping his unconscious friends, dreaming of raping fillies. No. It had to stop. Spike would lose his virginity to this animal, right now.
Spike bent down to pet the furry creature, but Winona recoiled. “It’s okay. I’m Spike! Remember me?” He let the confused dog sniff his hand. She became more receptive and allowed the purple dragon to pet her head. Spike’s other hand was busily working between his legs, getting himself hard for the activities to come. This was it; he’d finally get the satisfaction he needed so desperately. Spike sat on his tail and invited Winona closer to him. His red, warm erection stared the bitch in the face. Winona moved over and sniffed the boys cock, investigating it.
A g-girl is inches away from my cock. Spike thought to himself, using the term ‘girl’ loosely. The Border collie gave him a lick. Spike moaned and his cock twitched at the moist sensation. She licked his cock again. Spike was in heaven. Of course, there was no sexuality behind Winona’s licks, she was merely tasting an object she’d never seen before, trying to understand it. After one more taste, Winona sat back and scratched her ear with her back leg. Spike took notice that the licking had stopped, it was just as well; he wanted to move forward anyway. Spike got to his feet and went to grab the puppy, but she was too fast for him and she bolted the other direction. Spike tried to give chase, but she was too energetic and agile. The Border collie’s herding instincts kicked in and she began to run circles around the dragon. Spike watched, dizzily. Around and around she went. She was playing with him now. Spike tried to anticipate her movements, but it was making him queasy.
“Winona! Stop! Stay! Heel! Sit!” He tried every command he could think of but she didn’t respond, she’d only respond to a familiar voice; Applejack had trained her well. Aggravated, Spike pounced on the dog, leading her a bit so she’d be under him when he landed. He tumbled upon the dog with a thump and she yelped in pain. “BARK! BARK!” “Shhhh, Winona you have to be quiet!” “BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK!” It was no use. Spike reached up and wrapped his hand around her muzzle, silencing her. She was on her back struggling as Spike and his wet erection pressed into her white belly fur. Spike was almost ready to get the deed done, but first he had to know what she tasted like, what girls tasted like. After a few long minutes, when he was sure she wouldn’t start barking again, Spike climbed down the puppy’s belly. He stopped to give each of her nipples a lusty suckle. First one, then two, then three, then four… He worked his way down and found her furry snatch. It wasn’t exactly a pretty sight. Unlike Rarity, who groomed her pet regularly, Applejack thought of Winona as a work dog who didn’t need more than a trim every few months and maybe a bath once or twice a week or whenever she got noticeably dirty.
The scent of the canine pussy was overwhelming. It smelled like wet dog. Her lips were coated in a patch of wispy soiled fur, but they were still puffy and feminine. Winona’s tail wagged back and forth under Spike, fanning the scent into his nostrils. Having second-thoughts, Spike said to himself “well, here goes nothing.” With that he bent his mouth down to her snatch and parted her lips with his tongue. He licked her reluctantly at first, but beneath the acrid taste of stale urine and dog slobber there was a sweetness the made Spike tongue her more enthusiastically. Her hindlegs bucked softly and she panted. Spike had his nose buried in her clit and his dragon tongue was deep inside the dog, lapping at the nectar that was flowing from her tiny pussy. She was warmer than Spike had expected, like hot apple pie. He pulled his tongue out and nipped at her clit with his lips before sucking the whole nub into his mouth. Winona whined, her tail moving a mile a minute. This was practice to Spike; practice for what he’d do to Rarity if he ever got the chance with her. Spike penetrated Winona with his tongue once again. She was getting wetter and wetter with each of Spike’s advances. He pushed against her inner-flesh with his tongue taking notes of the spots that made her whine the most. Spike moaned into her pussy, the vibration making her yelp breathlessly. Spike had had just about had enough; he longed to replace his tongue with his cock and in a moment he would get his wish.
Spike got off the contented Winona and clapped his hands together making her instantly spring to her feet. He held her furry back as he positioned himself behind her. Spike had one last chance to stop this perversion, but that thought didn’t even cross his mind. He had completely justified his actions to himself. Sure, Winona was a dog, but he was already attracted to ponies and they were a different species too, was it really that different? Of course it was, he was about to rape Applejack’s pet, a critter that didn’t have the brains to know what he was doing and couldn’t tell him to stop, but to Spike that didn’t register. He needed this, he needed to do it for himself and for the ponies he loved. He couldn’t be the friend they wanted him to be when his mind was clouded with perverted thoughts.
Spike had done a good job getting Winona ready for him. All he had to do was lift her wagging tail out of the way. He pressed his throbbing, veiny erection into her pussy and it popped inside. This was it. This was the moment he’d been longing for. He rocked his hips forward and he slid in, inch by inch. Winona tried to move away from him, but Spike kept her pinned. She tried to bark, but Spike once again snapped her muzzle shut with his hand. Spike looked between his arms and gasped at the sight of his manhood disappearing into Winona’s furry bottom. Her pussyhole was everything he wanted, she was tight and soft and wet and warm, and it was divine. Her flesh fit his cock like a pink glove. Spike didn’t thrust; he stayed there, his cock buried in Applejack’s pet to the hilt. He wanted to feel her on him. He felt her heartbeat through the walls of her pussy. He felt her muscles contract around him, trying to expel the invader that was penetrating her. The sensation was as if she was milking his cock like a cow’s utter. Spike savored every detail. He felt the wispy hairs on her unkempt backside brush against his scaly belly and her frantic tail slapping against his chest. He gave her oily coat a pet and started fucking the creature. He withdrew his cock so far he almost had a hard time getting it in again, but he pushed forward and was in her once more. Only now did the idea of fucking Winona seem perverse, but it wasn’t giving him second thoughts, it was arousing him. Winona kept fidgeting and fighting the dragon, but she gained nothing from it. Spike had her completely restrained. All she could do was wait for him to finish. Lucky for Winona that moment was fast approaching. Even after Spike’s countless masturbatory sessions, the feel of real pussy on his dragon cock was an overload to his senses. His hair-trigger fired and the horny boy thrust harder and faster through his ejaculation. He was cumming in Winona! It was an incredible sensation! Leaving his biological material inside another living thing, it was such a rush!!
“SPIKE!! WHAT IN TARNATION ARE Y’ALL DOIN’ TUH MY DOG?!?!?!” A loud familiar voice rang out.
Spike slipped on the hay-strewn floor as he scrambled to both get off Winona and turn around to face his observer. His hip hit the ground and his last ejaculatory spurt landed across some nearby hay. Applejack towered over him. She was hard to see silhouetted against the bright outdoors, but Spike could make out a furious expression on her face.
“YOU SICK BASTARD! I OUGHTA RING Y’UR NECK FOR DOIN’ THAT TUH WINONA!!” she shrieked. Spike’s saucer-like eyes darted scared around the room as he lay on his back, his disgusting cock sliding back inside him. “I’M SORRY!! I’M SORRY!!” was all the dragon could think to say; this wasn’t how things were supposed to happen. Applejack had been at the market, why was she back here now? The question didn’t matter, all that mattered was that Spike had been caught red-handed. This is bad! NO NO NO NO NO! This is REEEEEAAL BAD!!! Spike was hyper-ventilating. Everything was happening too fast.
“OH, Y’ALL WILL BE SORRY YUH LITTLE PERVERT!!” Applejack moved to grab Spike, but he scrambled to his feet and darted out of the barn. “COME BACK ‘ERE!!” she shouted before turning to check if her precious dog was okay.
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid Spike! STUPID! This is it! Applejack will come looking for me, or tell Twilight and then my whole life will be ruined!! Spike cried hot tears as he ran down the road to his home in Ponyville. Why did it have to happen like this?! Why?! Oh why?! I can’t face anypony after this! I’ll never be Twilight’s number one assistant again; I’ll always be Spike, the Dog Rapist. All my friendships, destroyed. STUPID!! If only I could’ve had a few more minutes, none of this would be happening!!
Spike ran home, tormented by his emotions the whole way. He was angry at himself, angry at his body, angry at Applejack, disgusted with what he’d just done, concerned for what Twilight would think, and sad that he’d ruined his friendships with one lewd act of hormone-driven passion.
Nearly an hour later…
The door to the library swung open and hit the wall with a BANG!
“SPIKE!!!” It was Twilight, she’d just gotten the news of Spike’s actions from Applejack who was running all around Ponyville looking for the scoundrel. “SPIKE GET OUT HERE!!! NOW!!!” Nothing like this had ever happened in Ponyville, and she couldn’t believe that her best friend could do something so monstrous. She shouted for him again in her anger and embarrassment.
“SPIIIIIIIIKE!!!! I KNOW YOU’RE HERE!!!” The purple unicorn started hunting for her assistant. She checked the kitchen, it was empty. She galloped up the stairs, figuring he’d be hiding in his bed. When she got there, Spike was nowhere to be found. She would have asked Owlowiscious where Spike was, but it was far too early for him to be awake. She checked the bathroom. Twilight flung the curtain around the tub expecting to find Spike cowering behind it, but when nothing was there she started to worry. Was he really not here? She surely wouldn’t want Applejack to find him first; there was no telling what she’d do to him.
Twilight checked the library over again; there was no sign of Spike anywhere she would’ve expected to find him. She noticed the stepladder was missing from the library. Twilight thought it odd that Spike would come home, grab a stepladder and leave. She called out for him again, this time in a less judgmental voice “Spike? Spike, please if you’re here come out. I just want to talk to you. Whatever you’re going through, we’ll work it out, together.” There was no response, only silence. Twilight walked over to the basement door. The basement was seldom used, not since Twilight had needed a place to test Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie sense. Maybe Spike would’ve hidden in the basement. It was certainly the last place Twilight could think to look. She pushed the door open with her hoof and walked in. What she saw horrified her. There was Spike, hanging lifelessly from a length of thick rope attached to a hook in the ceiling, his stepladder knocked over underneath him. The rope, tied in a noose, was the kind of thick-gauge rope one would expect to find on Applejack’s farm. Spike had grabbed it when he had fled the barn just over an hour ago. It clung tautly to his neck, deforming him and framing his limp face which had no expression.
“SPIIIIKE!!!!! NOOOO!!!” Twilight screamed. Tears erupted from her purple eyes. Without thinking, her horn began to glow, lifting the boy and his noose and placing them on the floor. She cut the rope from his neck with her magic and tossed it angrily across the room like a serpent. She tried a spell on her motionless friend but it didn’t have any effect. She was bawling. Twilight put her lips to Spike’s mouth and breathed into him. Her breath was weak from her uncontrollable crying, but she tried harder, she HAD to save him. Placing her hooves on Spike’s chest she pushed hard. She couldn’t bare to look at him. She compressed his chest again.
“SPIKE!!! BREATHE!!! PLEEASE!!!” SPI-“ her voice cracked as she choked on her sadness. Tears hit the dragon’s cold face as Twilight looked down at him in shock and horror. “OH MY GOD!! SPIKE YOU STUPID BASTARD HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME????” It was a question she’d never have answered. Twilight kept performing CPR for a good ten minutes with no response from Spike. He was long dead. Twilight, still crying harder than she’d ever cried before, wrapped her hoof under her friend and cradled him in her arms. “No! Spike, it didn’t have to be this way!!” Twilight was devastated, absolutely devastated at the horrific events unfolding before her. Nobody could ever replace Spike, not as an assistant or a friend. She’d been a part of his life ever since he was a tiny baby. They’d grown up together, and their relationship, which she’d cherished the most of any of her friendships was gone, forever. Twilight wheezed and sniffled as she pressed Spike’s heavy, limp head against her face. So many thoughts consumed her. No matter how much pain Spike had felt in his heart, it couldn’t compare to what Twilight was dealing with, not even close. Twilight embraced Spike for a very long time until she heard a knock on the front door. “Who in Equestria could that be?” She didn’t want to see anyone right now, certainly not Applejack. Twilight sat in the basement and kept weeping over her departed friend, not wanting to answer the door. The knock came again. Twilight didn’t budge. She heard the door open without her presence. Who would dare enter her home??
“Spike??” There came a recognizable voice. It was Princess Celestia!! Twilight set Spike down and trotted up to the library.
“P-Princess Celestia, w-w-what are you d-doing here?” Twilight forced the words past the lump in her throat.
“Twilight, dear, are you okay? What’s wrong? I came because I received a rather odd letter from Spike.” Princess Celestia answered her pupil, levitating a scroll in front of herself. She figured something was wrong from Spike’s letter and Twilight’s drenched face confirmed it.
Twilight rudely snapped the scroll away from the Princess and opened it:
Dear Princess Celestia,
Today I learned that part of being a true friend is protecting the people you care about, even if it means protecting them from yourself.
I also learned that while friendships are incredible things that can weather almost any struggle, there are certain things that a friend simply can’t undo no matter how much they want to.
Tell Twilight I love her, and I’m sorry.
Your faithful servant, Spike.
Twilight turned away from the parchment and trotted silently back to the basement door with her head slumped. The Princess followed her in and pieced together what had happened as soon as she saw Spike, the ladder, and the rope. Celestia said nothing, she was too shocked to. She wasn’t sure what had caused this, but she was sure of one thing. Twilight needed her mentor right now more than ever. Celestia had other engagements in Canterlot, but for once, Twilight was more important. The two sat together, hugging, comforting each other and mourning over the loss of a dear sweet dragon.
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Flutterwhy4
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1111
| 5 |
Applejack,Princess Celestia,Rarity,Spike,Sweetie Belle,Twilight Sparkle,Winona,Dark,Sad,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Hormones
|
Disturbing as hell. Read at your own risk. Spike x Winona
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complete
| 181 | 68 |
<p>READ AT YOUR OWN RISK: <br/>This story is one part sexy, two parts disturbing, and three parts "WHY THE FUCK DID I HAVE TO READ THIS?!?" <br/>It involves the tale of Spike battling the hormones inside him as he reaches a pubescent state. His mind wanders through all kinds of perverse thoughts and the story just goes spiraling downhill after the very first chapter. </p><p>Chapter 4 in particular is both disturbing and depressing.</p>
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mature
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2012-04-30T08:46:58+00:00
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2012-04-30T08:46:58+00:00
| 6,821 |
Hormones
Epilogue
By Flutterwhy4
The author would like to stress that the true ending to this story is the end of Chapter 4. This is an epilogue, written weeks after the completion of the story. For those who have enjoyed the story and are interested to know what happens following the events of Ch. 4, this is for you. I appreciate everypony’s patience! Thank you for reading and thank you for your encouragement!
A dark cloud hangs over the home of Twilight Sparkle. Outside, the town of Ponyville goes about its usual business, ignorant that its population has decreased by one. Inside, mentor and pupil embrace each other amidst a ghastly scene. The basement echoes with the sounds of sadness. Princess Celestia sits facing her former servant and tie to Ponyville, now stiff and cold on the basement floor. Tears trickle gently down her cheeks yet she maintains her stately, reserved composure. Beneath her and wrapped in her ethereal mane, Twilight Sparkle clutches at the princess and presses her sobbing face against her, soiling her royal fur. Twilight lacks the discipline of her mentor and her eyes are broken dams unable to hold back a deluge of pain.
~~~~~
The next hour passed somberly. Nary a word was spoken outside of a few whispered condolences. Twilights wailing ebbed and flowed like the tides as she cried heavily, then sobbed trying to regain her composure only to be brought back to bawling. Princess Celestia, while deeply saddened herself, was more concerned for Twilight. The princess harbored a maternal anger at Spike for having put her dear Twilight through such an unspeakable ordeal. She ran her hoof lovingly across her pupil’s back as she wept. Twilight’s pain was absolute. The pony ached inside. She felt like her guts had been tenderized with a hammer. Her mind struggled to keep up with the salvo of thoughts and questions that torn though her. Was there anything she could’ve done to prevent this? Should she have noticed something? What did this have to do with what Spike had been doing in Applejack’s barn? That last question was strong in her mind. Twilight wanted to know everything; each detail was another piece in a puzzle that Twilight yearned to finish. While the logical half of her mind was hard at work, the emotional side was spinning like a tornado as well. Memories of her beloved friend lashed her like a whip, each painful blow reminding her of just how much Spike meant to her and how nothing would ever be the same. She could hear his charming, childlike voice in her head, clear as it ever was.
“Hey Twilight. I’m going for a walk, I hope you don’t mind” Twilight repeated Spike’s final words to her in her head. She recalled her response “…don’t be surprised if I’m not home when you get back.” It didn’t seem fitting that their life-long friendship would part on such a casual exchange. Instead Twilight thought ahead to the letter Spike had written the Princess.
“Tell Twilight I love her…” Twilight read the words in Spike’s voice, stopping before reading the rest. Those five words repeated endlessly in Twilight’s mind. She wished she had just one more minute with Spike so she could tell him how much she loved him too, but such was not the case. All the purple pony could do was mutter “I love you too Spike” and hope that somehow, somewhere Spike was listening in some incorporeal form.
“You shouldn’t have to deal with this, my sweet Twilight.” The princess’s voice brought Twilight back to reality. “This isn’t an experience a young pony should ever have.” Twilight stowed her tears and strained to control her quivering body. The room quieted as Twilight tried to find the strength to speak. When she finally spoke, her words came out like a whine.
“Spike was always s-so care-free and full of life… h-how could he do this???” her question was punctuated by another brief fit of blubbering. Celestia took pause at Twilight’s words and she massaged her back even firmer than before.
Finally the princess’s gentle voice replied back “You have no idea what would cause Spike to take his own life?” Twilight forcefully shook her head from side-to-side against the white alicorn’s coat. “Why don’t you tell me everything you know then?” A grief-stricken Twilight complied and brought her mentor up to speed. She told her about Spike’s morning walk, she reluctantly told her the things Applejack had said happened, and she vaguely described finding Spike’s body, not wanting to relive the experience through her words. “Oh my. It’s clear that something was troubling Spike… and unfortunate that he worked so hard to conceal it from us.” The princess bent her head down and nuzzled Twilight affectionately. “I’m so sorry for this Twilight.”
Twilight shied away from the princess’s touch and mumbled “He was like a brother to me-e-ee…” stumbling on her last words as she sobbed.
“I know dear, it’s going to be difficult. You’ll need to rely on the strength of your friends to help you through this, as will they be relying on you.” Celestia continued, her voice hushed to almost a whisper. “Do you remember what you told me at the Grand Galloping Gala?” she didn’t pause to allow Twilight to answer “You said you’d learned that friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something… well, a lot better” Celestia stammered, rewording Twilight’s friendship lesson into something more appropriate given the somberness of the occasion.
“Yeah… Spike knew that all along…” Twilight sniffled as the memory came flooding back to her. Her memory of that day was so vivid it was as if it had happened yesterday. She remembered the big wooden table in Pony Joe’s donut shop; there she stood with her friends in their disheveled dresses. Spike stood beside her with a big smile on his face. He couldn’t really be gone could he?? Twilight’s head hurt from the thought of it. This was like a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. She turned away from the princess and looked across the room to where Spike lay. He was frozen, unmoved from the position she had left him in.
“I’ll have Spike taken care of. I don’t want you to stress over this. I’ll take care of planning a service and…”
“NO!” Twilight snapped, backing away from the princess and towards Spike’s body. “HE’S NOT GONE HE CAN’T BE! THERE HAS TO BE A SPELL I CAN LEARN IN ONE OF MY BOOKS…”
“Twilight.”
“…I’LL FIND IT, I’LL FIND IT AND WE CAN BRING HIM BACK, I MEAN EVEN IF I CAN’T YOU CAN RIGHT? YOU CAN…”
“Twilight.”
“…MOVE THE SUN WITH YOUR MAGIC SO SURELY YOU CAN BRING HIM BACK TO LIFE CAN’T YOU? YOU MUST KNOW A WAY! YOU MUST!!”
“Twilight.” The princess looked down at the wide-eyed purple pony and felt a searing pain in her heart. Twilight stared into her mentor’s eyes and collapsed onto her rump as she saw in their empathetic gaze that there was nothing Celestia could do.
“Twilight, unicorn magic doesn’t work that way. It can’t be used to kill, it can’t be used to make somepony fall in love against their will, and it can’t restore life to the dead. What kind of a world would we live in if such things were possible?”
Twilight grumbled then spoke again, less enthusiastically this time “Th-then what about the Elements of Harmony???”
The princess reprimanded her “The Elements bring harmony to disharmony. Spike chose this path of his own free will; not even the most powerful magic in all of Equestria can undo that.” Twilight wept as her flash of denial was squashed by the princess’s wisdom. “I’m sorry Twilight there’s nothing I can do except be here for you.”
Time passed and Twilight calmed down. Princess Celestia stood and led Twilight out of the basement and into the brighter main room of the library. The princess repeated her promise to take care of Spike and his funeral. Twilight simply nodded and sat down near the bookcase. Celestia remained standing and with a sigh she spoke softly “…Your friends deserve to know…” Twilight didn’t react. “I think you should be the one to tell them.” This time Twilight looked up.
“Me?? But I…”
The princess cut her off “They’re all going to be hurt. It is better they hear it from a friend.” Twilight couldn’t bare the idea, but she knew it to be true that she was the best choice to deliver the terrible news. The purple pony nodded affirmatively and got to her hooves. The two parted ways and Twilight left on her heartbreaking errand, leaving the Princess and her guards to take care of things in the tree.
Twilight took deep breaths as she strode through Ponyville, trying her best to hide her sorrow. She cleaned and dried her face with a quick purple flash of her horn. She knew what she had to do, but she feared when the time came that she wouldn’t be able to find words. Twilight thought heavily about how to tell her friends. Was it best to just say it? Would it be better to use a more gentle approach? Or maybe it depended on who she was telling? She practiced the words in her head, determined to tell her friends no matter how hard it was. Just then she tripped over her own hooves and landed clumsily on the Ponyville street. Several ponies stared at her as she got to her feet and brushed the whole incident off as if it hadn’t happened. She was so consumed by her thoughts that she had forgotten to watch where she was going.
The fall had made Twilight more aware of her surroundings and she continued on for another block or so before she saw something she didn’t want to see. It was Applejack. She was still looking for Spike with a determined and heated expression, and she was coming closer. Twilight panicked. She was in no mood to speak to AJ, not after everything that had happened. She’d have plenty to discuss with her orange, freckled friend and there were many questions on her mind, but it was a conversation the unicorn would need time to prepare for. Thinking quickly, Twilight lit her horn and in a matter of seconds she was gone in a flash of white light. She reappeared in front of Rarity’s boutique. This would be her first stop. She pressed a hoof against the purple door and felt butterflies in her stomach as she stepped inside. There was Rarity, wearing her red-framed glasses and slaving away over a sewing machine.
“Come In!! OH! Twilight! What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?” Rarity said, going back to her sewing.
“Umm, Rarity?” Twilight muttered, inaudibly under the noise of the machine. She stepped closer and tried again to get her friends attention.
“What’s that?? Can’t hear you dear, please speak up!” Rarity chimed, all the while concentrating on the garment she was busily manufacturing. Twilight stepped even closer, she was literally inches away from Rarity now. Twilight wanted Rarity’s full attention for what she had to say, but the painful message was burning a hole in her throat and she couldn’t hold it in any longer.
“Spike’s dead!” She launched the news at her fellow unicorn. Rarity’s hoof slipped, plunging her garment into the sewing machine. Rarity looked at Twilight with shock in her eyes as the sewing machine seized up and stopped on the bunched up fabric, her dress was ruined, but there were far more pressing matters that concerned her at the moment.
“Dead????” Rarity removed the gaudy glasses from her concerned face with her magic. Twilight tried not to cry, but it was to no avail. Rarity led Twilight into her parlor where the two ponies sat down and Twilight brushed the fresh tears from her cheek and continued.
“He… he…” The words were trapped in her stomach, so she did the only thing she could and told her story “…I came h-home and he… …he was in the basement… hanging…” Her voice squeaked the last word as more tears came to her eyes. Rarity stared at the purple pony who didn’t return her gaze. Rarity understood and tears began to appear around her eyes as well.
“I… ah… wha… b… but why????” asked Rarity, who was baffled that someone like Spike could commit suicide.
“…I don’t know either…” Twilight paused “…but I’m going to find out.” She said, thinking of Applejack. Rarity was speechless so Twilight continued. She told Rarity everything that had happened that morning; she even mentioned Applejack and the whole Winona fiasco. Once Rarity was up to speed she began to speak again.
“Who knows?” Rarity asked.
“Just you, Princess Celestia and myself at the moment.” Twilight said somberly. The room was quiet, Twilight spoke again. “I came here first. I know you probably spent more time with Spike than anypony other than me.” It was true. Rarity had a much closer friendship with Spike than the others. They hunted for jewels together; they worked on garments together sometimes. Spike was always eager to lend Rarity a hand and she enjoyed his company. “Spike… …you meant a lot to him Rarity.” Twilight added.
“Yes, that little dragon was quite infatuated with me.” Rarity quipped.
“He loved you.” Twilight responded. The room went silent. Rarity looked at Twilight and saw the sincerity in her eyes. She looked down to the floor and pondered Twilight’s statement. She thought back on all the times she’d been around Spike, and all the sacrifices Spike had made for her and suddenly she felt clueless, and selfish.
“I see…” she whispered. Twilight watched her friend react to the statement. Rarity clenched her eyes tight, taking in a deep breath. The room became silent enough to hear the plip-plop of a few tears that rolled off Rarity’s muzzle and hit the floor of the boutique. Rarity tried to speak, but it was clear that the emotional weight of what had happened was getting the best of her. “I… wish he… would’ve told me..”
There was a pause before Twilight asked “would you...”
“I-I-I-I don’t know, but at least, I could have thought about it!” Rarity snapped, anticipating Twilight’s question. “He was quite the charmer!” Rarity added, trying to brighten the mood. Twilight started to giggle, but found herself unable to complete the simple vocalization.
The rest of Twilight’s visit was more of the same. The girls shared stories about Spike, trading tears and stifled laughter as they reminisced over what a wonderful friend and charming dragon Spike had been and how much they’d both miss him in their lives. They hugged and cried into each other’s withers at times. Rarity’s blue eye shadow ran down her muzzle. All the while, unbeknownst to either of the unicorns, a pair of concerned green eyes watched them from the banister to the far side of the room. On the top row of stairs coming down from her room, Sweetie Belle watched her big sister and Twilight as they mourned. She didn’t understand what was so upsetting, but she knew that something important had happened and wanted to know more. From what she could hear it had something to do with Spike and him being “gone”. I wonder where Spike went that has everybody so sad? wondered Sweetie Belle. She’d soon get the chance to talk to her sister in private and have all her questions answered as Twilight stood up to leave.
“Rarity, I’m sorry to be the bringer of bad news, and I’m sorry about your dress.”
“Oh it’s quite alright dear, and thank you, for telling me first, it means a lot.” Rarity retorted.
“Well, I better go tell the others.” Twilight returned.
“Yes, I would imagine you have a long day ahead of you. Please keep me in the loop. Oh, and Twilight, if you need somepony to talk to you know you can always count on me.” Rarity said with a weak smile which was returned by Twilight as she strode out the door and back into the streets of Ponyville.
“Hey sis? What’s going on? Where’s Spike?” an innocent voice floated down the steps to where Rarity was standing.
~~~~~
Twilight set off to her next destination. Her thoughts were slightly more optimistic, it had helped to talk with Rarity. I suppose, if this brings me and Rarity or any of my other friends closer together, then at least SOMETHING good can come from… this. Twilight thought to herself. As Twilight walked, however, the gains she’d made at Rarity’s slowly evaporated and by the time she stood in front of Sugarcube corner she was once again the gloomy, achy, maudlin unicorn she had been as she stepped into Carousel Boutique. It was a painful task telling her best friends the horrifying news. Each stop on her journey brought both the comfort of understanding eyes and friendly hooves on her back as well as the pain of reliving her horror through her friends as they reacted to what was the worst thing to have ever happened to them.
Each of her friends responded in similar fashion, each of their individual quirks and personalities affecting their reaction. The pink party pony’s hair deflated to the grim news, the fragile Fluttershy fainted, and Rainbow Dash seemed slightly more angry than sad, but Twilight became more and more curt with each visit, eventually telling Rainbow Dash to see Rarity for the full story. Twilight’s own emotions were reaching a boiling point and it was now or never, there was only one more pony she needed to talk to.
Twi had been working up the courage for this confrontation in the back of her head all day. If there was any missing piece to this puzzle, only Applejack would have it. Twilight contemplated where she might find the orange workpony, somewhere in town no doubt. Then a thought occurred to her, a negative consequence of her waiting so long to talk to AJ. Word of Spike’s untimely death would be spreading across Ponyville like a virus, Twilight wouldn’t want AJ to hear about it second-hand. Her concern was less for her friend and how she might feel if she was told by somepony not as close as Twilight was, but more for the edge she would lose in interrogation if Applejack was allowed to learn of this before Twilight reached her.
Now more focused than ever, Twilight selfishly lit up her horn. The world went darker and gained a bluish hue and the sounds around her distorted as she retreated into her mind, the purple unicorn sending invisible tendrils of her magic stretching down the streets around her, searching, probing the town for her friend’s whereabouts. A few seconds of concentration, or perhaps it was a few minutes, it was hard for her to tell, and she had Applejack's location. Mentally exhausted from her spell, the magical aura around Twilight’s horn dissipated and she began a gallop down Mane street.
It was a short trip and Twilight was upon her friend in no time. Applejack was searching the area around Quills and Sofas, no doubt still looking for the dragon she’d never find. Oh good, then she hasn’t found out yet Twilight thought. She crept into Applejack’s view and immediately AJ began making a scene.
“Twa’light Sparkle, well if’n you haven’t been avoiding me ALL DAY! I reckon your hidin’ that dragon from me! I swung by your house earlier an’ there were royal guards there, now what in tarnation is goin’ on!!”
“AJ we need to talk.” Twilight said firmly.
“I agree! Now where’re y’all hidin’ Spike?! I promise I won’t muss him up too bad, but nobody hurts a member of the Apple family an’ gets away with it!” The pain in Twilight’s heart was an ember that flared with each mention of Spike’s name.
“Spike’s dead Applejack and you’re the last pony who saw him alive NOW I WANNA KNOW EVERYTHING YOU KNOW!” Twilight’s calmness faded away as she screamed at her friend.
“H-wha did you jus’ say?”
“Dead! HE’S DEAD! He H-“ Twilight choked on her words, she couldn’t keep up her intensity while talking about this. Twilight swallowed and started again in a calmer, sadder tone. “He hung himself after he came home from Sweet Apple Acres.”
“Mah stars, I-I don’t know what ta say… I’m sorry sugarcube…”
“Don’t sugarcube me! I wanna know everything that happened this morning.”
“Of course, but I… I mean, why did y’all wait so long ta tell me??” Applejack’s eyes were those of compassion.
“I had to tell the others too.”
“I see, but I’ve been runnin’ all over Ponyville lookin’ for that… Spike. Couldn’t ya have told me first?”
“I … I … I …” Twilight’s head shrunk back into her body and the distress on her face told AJ everything.
“Ah understand. I truly am sorry for your loss Twa’light.” Applejack said apologetically “Do ya think we could go somewhere a lil more private?” Twilight looked at her friend with suspicious eyes, but then nodded. Twilight started walking in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres and Applejack followed. Once the two ponies had cleared the last few buildings and were alone on the dirt path, their conversation began again.
“So, would you please tell me everything that happened? Anything relevant, it doesn’t have to be something from this morning, maybe something you saw Spike do, or something he said?” Twilight asked.
“I told you earlier. I came home early after sellin’ a cart full-o-apples and when I looked in the barn there was Spike just-a-doin’ it with Winona!”
“And what happened then! What did you say? What did he say?”
“I yelled at him of course! Y’all woulda done the same thing! I said WHAT IN TARNATION ARE YA DOIN TUH MY DOG and he looked mighty scared, as well he shoulda been. He tried ta say he was sorry, an’ I told him he was GUNNA be sorry and then I tried ta grab him, but he ran off…”
“And that was it? You didn’t chase him? You’re one of the fastest ponies in Ponyville, don’t tell me you couldn’t catch him.”
“I had ta make sure Winona wasn’t hurt!” Applejack said defensively.
“And you didn’t say anything else to him! There has to be more then THAT!”
“Twa’light, I’m tellin’ the truth, I’m the element of honesty, remember?” Applejack said disarmingly. The two ponies reached the front gate of the Apple Family property. Applejack opened the gate and Twilight ran ahead, up to the barn and strode inside. It was an ordinary barn, hay strewn about, wooden floors and walls, everything checked out at first glance. On the floor Twilight noticed a small stain, the dried evidence of Spike’s misdeeds.
“Winona’s in the house now sugarcube.” Applejack said trotting up behind Twilight.
“I – I believe you Applejack.” Twilight said “I just – it doesn’t make any sense, Spike wouldn’t have done this and he certainly wouldn’t have taken his own life.. ever!”
“Maybe ya didn’t know him as well as ya thought ya did?”
“I KNEW Spike since he first hatched! We’ve been best friends forever! We shared everything… at least … at least I thought we did.” Twilight said
“Look sugarcube, I can’t forgive Spike for what he did, but I do know he musta been wrestlin’ with some mighty strong demons to put us through all this. We all may never know why he done did what he did, but I think it might be best for y’all if ya just try and put this all behind ya.” Twilight was opening sobbing now.
“But I have to know why! He was my best friend AJ, I just… I wanna remember him as the fun-loving, cocky, caring dragon I knew all these years, but…” Applejack allowed the purple pony to cry into her withers
“…but ya can’t get today outta y’ur head.” Applejack was visibly saddened, but was taking the news of Spike’s death better than the others had. Perhaps it was her tough, working-class upbringing, or just the fact that her recent experience with Spike made her understand that he was troubled. Whatever the reason, Applejack’s sadness was more for her friend whom she could tell was suffering. “I know it’s hard Twi; today’ll probably be the worst day y’all will ever know, but the pain’ll go away. These things take time sugarcube.”
“It… -sniff- it doesn’t feel like I could ever get over him. Everything reminds me of him AJ.”
“That’s natural Twi, but ah promise, with time, and good friends, you’ll get through this.”
“…and what about you? You’re not sad??”
“Course I am Twa’light, I mean, maybe it hasn’t fully hit me yet. I was madder than a bull at a rodeo at him this morning. I suppose I’m just takin’ it differently, but I’ll miss the little guy; we all will. I know how much Spike meant to you. If y’all ever need to talk to somepony, or just need a friend, I’m here for ya.” Applejack said with a caring smile.
“Thank you… I’m sorry… for everything”
“Don’chy’all be sorry for nuthin’, just do me a favor and try ta get some sleep and remember mah offer is always open!”
“Thank you.” Twilight whimpered.
~~~~~
As the sun finally went down on what had been the most stressful, emotional day of Twilight’s life, she wandered home, missing the feel of Spike’s weight on her back. The purple pony found her way upstairs and curled up in her bed. The silence was unnerving. It was the first time she’d slept alone in a great many years. Twilight missed the soft lilt of Spike’s slumbering breaths. The world melted away until all that was left was Twilight and her thoughts. All the comfort she felt when she was around friends didn’t seem to follow her into her thoughts when she was alone. Painful feelings swam in her mind. She felt her life was tapestry that had begun to unravel. She had had a good thing with Spike, but now she’d have to adjust to a completely new, more solitary life; she wasn’t sure if she could do it.
Twilight found herself wondering where Spike was, pondering the questions that had plagued great philosopher ponies for centuries. Despite all her intelligence, she had never really thought much about the afterlife, she was too young to think much about such things in great depth. She’d read a few different things about life after death in her travels through literature. There seemed to be a number of conflicting theories, something that annoyed her, and they all seemed to be tied to other beliefs and ideas, something which also annoyed her. Was Spike living out his greatest fantasies right now? Or was his soul simply, gone? Knowing Spike, Twilight figured if he had the option, he’d be silently watching her in some incorporeal form. The thought gave her comfort, but at the same time grief; She wouldn’t want Spike to see her in her current depressed state, let alone have him know that it was him who caused it. The purple unicorn rolled over and pressed her face into her pillow to hide her sobbing eyes from Spike’s apparition, wherever it may be.
“Oh Spike… Why? Why did you do this to me?” Twilight whispered to herself as darkness consumed her room, and her heart.
Word would spread to every pony in Ponyville in a day or two. In three days time, there would be a wake, “the saddest party ever” as pinkie would come to call it. Ponies from all over town came to offer their condolences to Twilight and her friends. The friendly faces would give Twilight a brief glimmer of happiness, but afterwards she’d go home and mope as usual. The funeral, the next day was supposed to bring closure to the tragedy, and while it did for some, it never would for Twilight. Only time would heal those wounded the deepest, and for Twilight this meant years. Twilight tried to put on a face around her friends, and with time it became more genuine, but she wasn’t as happy as she used to be. Twilight never took AJ or Rarity up on their offer to talk; she chose to deal with her emotions on her own. Life began again, sluggishly, like a dragon stirring from 100 years of slumber. Twilight would never forget Spike, although with time, his absence became less and less unnatural. Most importantly though, Twilight never got the answer to the question that chewed at her the most… why?
|
Cosmonaut
|
1118
| 1 |
Pinkie Pie,Rainbow Dash,Twilight Sparkle,Comedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Purple Daze
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Pinkie Pie, Twilight and Rainbow Dash smoking up some fun outside Ponyville
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complete
| 63 | 8 |
<p>At Pinkie Pies suggestion to 'get out more' Twilight accepts an invitation from her and Rainbow Dash to hang out for an evening. What she doesn't expect is what her friends have in store to make the night that much more fun, and how quickly things get out of hand later on...</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-02T03:36:13+00:00
|
2011-10-02T03:36:13+00:00
| 2,979 |
“It sure is beautiful don’t you think?” admired Twilight Sparkle, tilting her head back. The sky was a swirl of deep purples, bright orange and magenta as the sun set over the horizon of the Everfree forest. She was walking along the sunlit path with her two friends Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, who had invited her to hang out with them this evening.
“Sure is Twilight! I think it’s the warm weather that helps make the best sunsets, sometimes there are even PINK sunsets on the hottest days!” gushed Pinkie Pie as she bounced along the path
“I don’t care how awesome the best sunsets are, they can’t top any of the rainbows I’ve ever seen.” said Rainbow Dash proudly.
“Well I think they’re both stunning, and sunsets can be just as colorful as rainbows too,” replied Twilight kicking a rock out of her way “where are we heading anyway?”
“It’s this old stone hut Pinkie found at the very edge of the woods over here, it’s just one room but it’s the best place ever to relax on a day like this.”
Pinkie turned and smiled “Yup, it’s soooo super cool! It gets chilly on hot days and warm on cool days. Today it should be juuuust right.”
“Oooh, sounds intriguing, and thanks again for inviting me to come with you two today!” responded Twilight with an eager smile “I really appreciate it.”
Dash chuckled, “Don’t sweat it, I swear Twilight you hole yourself up in that library so much I bet you’ve read every book twice over.”
“Haha, noooo, that’s way too many books even for me,” remarked Twilight with an embarrassed blush. Her ears fell a little, she knew that everypony prodded her for being such a shut-in bookworm, and kicking that habit was still difficult for her. Her eyes glanced up ahead “Hey is that the place?”
Just as described, a small unremarkable hut stood a few hundred feet ahead of them. It squatted innocently in the fading light, overgrown with tangled vines and blending in with the growth in the background.
“Yeppo, that’s the spot! Good eye too! Rainbow Dash walked RIGHT past it the first time we got here.”
“Well YEAH, you didn’t tell me what I was looking for in the first place!” retorted Dash giving Pinkie a playful push.
Twilight trotted up to the door and turned around, “So I need to ask because it’s been bugging me the whole way here, how come you didn’t invite anypony else? I’m sure our friends were all free today.”
Dash and Pinkie glanced at each other, Pinkie turned to Twilight “Well, we invited YOU bacaaause you DO need to get out more, and I don’t think our friends would want to join in with what we usually do out here in the hut…”
“Which is…”
Using her hoof, Rainbow Dash pulled a rock out of the stone wall, revealing a small satchel stuck against it. “It’s this plant that we found one day in the Everfree forest.”
Twilight nosed the pouch open curiously, revealing a bunch of leaves smushed in the small bag, they had an odd smell to them.
“What exactly is this then?”
Dash grabbed the bag in her mouth and trotted into the hut, pushing the small door aside with her hoof, Twilight and Pinkie followed in suit.
“I don’t know, NOPONY knows, or if they do then it’s some sorta HUUUGE secret that isn’t talked about for some reason which is weird because it’s the best thing ever and it makes everything like a million billion times more fun than it already is even the stuff that isn’t fun,” Pinkie rapidly explained “Right Dash?”
Rainbow Dash was fiddling with some sort of lamp in the middle of the moss covered floor, placing small amounts of the green leaves in a little pile. “Uh-huh,” she muttered, her eyes intensely focusing on her task.
“Pinkie, what is Dash doing?”
“OH, shes setting up the bubble bottle I made, see, we burn it using some hot coals, which turns to smoke, which goes through that little tubey on the side there,” Pinkie pointed her hoof at each part of the bubbler, “I got the idea from when I was in the library and I saw your neat-o chemistry sets and it worked out without a hitch!”
“Except when the first ones were exploding,” Dash said curtly looking up at Pinkie Pie, “I’d say those were some nasty hitches.”
“Well you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs!”
“Pinkie you don’t even make omelets.”
Twilight looked puzzled; her friends were burning these leaves and inhaling the smoke, which sounded awfully dangerous. She’d always learned smoke inhalation was a big health hazard from her classes at Canterlot.
“All ready to go, Twilight, can you light this for me?” said Dash stepping back with a pleased grin.
“Sure, uh, here you go,” Twilight carefully lowered her head and small purple sparks flew from her horn, igniting the coal.
“Totally sweet! Oh, do you want to go first?” said Dash eyeing the tube
“No thank you, I’ll watch you two first. Anyway, tell me more about this plant.”
Rainbow Dash made towards the tube, folding her legs and sitting “Okay sure… you start Pinks,” she said hastily, starting to breathe in to coax the coal to burn.
Pinkie giggled, “Welllll, it all started one day when Applejack wanted to go into the forest because her and Applebloom got into an argument and she thought she ran away. Sooo she asked us to come with her and help us find her. She was worried so me and Dash went into the woods and we went and looked EVERYWHERE all over the place for her the whole day nonstop. At the end of the day we were going home because it was getting late out and we were all super hungry and all I had with me was some bread and cheese because Mr. Cake asked me go pick up a few things earlier and I forgot to come back.”
Pinkie paused and gasped for air “So Applejack was like, ‘let’s stop and eat something’ and there were these plants all around us, so Applejack made a sandwich out of them and ate them and she started acting all sick and loopy and we had to take her home to lie down and found Applebloom was hiding in the barn and everyone was much happ-oh it’s my turn!”
Dash handed the tube over to Pinkie Pie “Dash, keep going,” Pinkie said as she started inhaling.
Dashs eyelids were a bit droopy now, “Hehe, so anywaaaays, the next day AJ was so upset at getting sick from the plant she wanted payback on it or something, so we went back there around lunchtime, and was like ‘I’m awful sorry I have work at the barn, can you two get rid of this horrible stuff for my sake’ and then left to go back to the farm. So I was like, no WAY she just dumped this on us, but Pinks here said we should do it, but I didn’t want to spend the day pulling weeds SO, being the most amazing clever pony ever, decided to enact tactical weather control time-saving maneuvers.”
The puzzled expression plastered on Twilights face went unnoticed by Rainbow Dash; Pinkie momentarily stopped puffing to explain.
“She kicked a lightning cloud and set the clearing on fire.”
Twilight gasped “Pretty reckless don’t you think Rainbow?”
Her friend rolled her eyes “Oh I put it out eventually, but while it was burning in the field, Pinks and I started getting lightheaded from all the smoke, and then happy for no reason. I don’t remember how it happened but we were laying on the floor laughing our heads off at something really silly that AJ said earlier that day,” Dash snickered “what was it again Pinkie?”
“HORSERADISH!” yelled Pinkie as Dash fell over laughing; Pinkie shuffled over and pushed the pipe to Twilight “Your turn! Your turn!”
She balked, this was it, she wasn’t backing down now, besides her friends had done this before and they were fine, so why should she be worrying in the first place? She magically levitated the pipe and inhaled.
Twilight didn’t have it in her mouth for more than three seconds before she pulled away coughing “It’s really strong….and it burns my throat.”
Pinkie pulled a small canteen out of her satchel “Drink this apple juice if your throat gets hot! Also, hold your breath a bit after you inhale,” she said brightly.
“Thanks Pinkie,” wheezed Twilight. She took another pull and, following Pinkies instructions, held the smoke in. After a few tentative seconds, she exhaled and made for the apple juice.
“Soooo, feel anything Twi?” giggled Dash grabbing the falling hose
“I feel like I swallowed a bottle of hot sauce,” she said in between gulps of the juice. She also felt a little bit of a tickle at the back of her throat, but didn’t mention it.
“That’s okay Twilight, we didn’t get used to the giggleroot until like, our fourth time trying this,” said Pinkie taking a swig of apple juice herself
Twilight perked up at this new word “Giggle what?”
“Giggleroot. It’s the name for the plant I made up. It took me forever to think up the best name for it. I have a WHOLE list of different ones!”
“Like what Pinkie?” replied Twilight, leaning forward with interest
“There was snickerbush, sillyweed, tickleplant, laughadaisy, chuckleleaf-“
Twilight was aware that a grin was creeping on her face and wasn’t sure why. Pinkies ramblings were usually silly but not hilarious; she felt the tickling in her throat growing stronger.
“-chortlebush, snortlestem, cacklebrush-”
She was really struggling to keep a straight face now. The tickling feeling had spread to her lungs now as she attempted to control herself. ‘It’s funny how I’m laughing at this’ Twilight thought to herself, grinning even wider ‘I’m laughing at myself laughing, what in Equestria is in this stuff?’
Dash started giggling again as she handed the tube over to Pinkie “Look at Twilight, she’s cracking up.”
“Oh yeah, looks like it’s finally getting to her,” Pinkie said starting her second turn.
Twilight said nothing, her innards were made of feathers now, and every breath tickled her crazy. Face contorted into a huge smile she struggled to keep herself under control, clenching her lower lip in desperation.
“Hey Twilight, wanna hear a joke?” Pinkie said with a mischievous smirk.
Dash leaned forward smiling; this was going to be good.
“What’s a hungry clock do after it’s already had lunch?”
Twilight shook her head, not daring to open it in response.
“IT GOES BACK 4 SECONDS!”
“PFFFFTHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” erupted Twilight releasing the laugh she’d been bottling in, falling over on her backside. That was the last straw, she was laughing harder than she could have thought possible. A little voice in the back of her head was busily scolding her about how irresponsible it was to inhale the smoke of this mysterious plant, how obviously impaired she’d become and how nonsensical that joke she just heard was.
“Do you think we should let her go again?”
The cool moss on the floor was so unbelievably comfortable, more so than her own bed. ‘I should replace my bedsheets with this stuff when I get the chance’ Twilight thought to herself wriggling around. She pushed her back and shoulders into it, feeling it tickle her mane and letting it brush her cheek as she kicked her hooves in the air aimlessly.
“Of course Pinks, we all gotta go at least twice, it wouldn’t be fair.”
‘This is amazing, I feel so happy, must be what it’s like to be Pinkie Pie’ thought Twilight as she let out another laugh. She could definitely hear her friends talking about something, but couldn’t concentrate right now; the felt moss distracted her wholly. She tilted her head towards the other two ponies, silly grin stuck on her face.
“What’s going on?”
Rainbow Dashs laughter filled the room again. “You’re whats going on right now! You look so funny rolling around on the floor.”
“Can I have more applejuice Pinkie please please pleeeease I need some,” Twilight requested rapidly, eyes wide looking for the drink.
“Sorry Twilight, we drank it all, there’s none le-”
A small bottle of apple juice suddenly popped into thin air in front of Pinkie Pie, startling her backwards.
“AAAH! What happened, oh more juice?” she said rubbing her head
Twilight instantly guzzled the apple juice, some of it missing her mouth and staining her coat, “Thanks Pinkie so much I was so thirsty.”
“You’re…welcome?”
Dash had been in stitches for the past few minutes. Only one turn and the little purple unicorn already had her head in the clouds! Her whole idea turned into a great success and seeing Twilight acting almost like Pinkie was such a riot. Dash pulled the hose over to her friend, “Here Twilight, laaaast round.”
Giggling, she fumbled the hose in her mouth, trying to orientate the nozzle with her lips. Using magic was completely beyond her right now and she couldn’t focus enough to do if she tried. The little voice in her head spoke up again.
Where did that apple juice come from?
Twilight blinked, she remembered that Pinkie said the juice was all gone, but when she wanted some it showed up for her. It was delicious, and she was sad that she had to drink it all so quick. Wherever it came from was beside the point for Twilight now, she craved that blissful happy feeling, and inhaled deeply. She held her breath and counted, releasing the smoke from her lungs and her last shred of lucidity with it.
***
“Dash, I dunno if this was a good idea ya know?” Pinkie prodded her friend’s side with a hoof “Maybe we should’ve asked her all scientific-like first before making her-”
“UGH I keep forgetting how you are when we do this. How come you don’t get super hyper-active crazy off the wall nutso like I do sometimes?”
“Well Dash, maybe it’s because I’m already so super duper dynamic that this stuff counter-acts it and just…cancels me out.”
“That’s silly, it made AJ all loopy, and me and you the first few times.”
“Which is why I thought it would be a little itsy bitsy better if we tried just telling Twilight instead of making her our own test subject?”
“Well she’s been pretty good so far, acting like the complete opposite of her normal self and it’s been HILARIOUS.”
“Not as hilarious when you tried flying to the moon because you wanted moon cheese.”
“ITS TOTALLY TRUE THOUGH PINKIE!” shouted Dash, grabbing Pinkie and pointing her hoof towards the sky “Lunas keeping the moon cheese for herself, it’s hanging right there in the sky every day!”
“Yeah suuuuure, then why doesn’t anypony else fly up there and go get some?” she chortled.
“BECAUSE IT’S A CONSPIRACY OR SOMETHING!” Dash spun her head around the room looking for invisible eavesdroppers “I mean, just look at all that cheddar. It’s there for the taking and Lunas got it all for herself I swear.”
Pinkie snorted with laughter, she loved messing with Dash “I think that idea is just cheesy”.
“Oh whatever Pinks, I’ll figure out how to get that cheese ‘till my head hur-OW, why’d you hit me with this…this….where’d this come from?”
Rainbow Dash firmly held up a bright yellow cheese wheel between her hooves.
Twilight who had been giggling to herself by the bubbler, suddenly found her voice again “What are you ponies talking about? Cheese?! Why are you talking about cheese!?” She fell over laughing again. “That’s the most random thing I’ve hear all night WHY are you chatting about cheese!?”
Twilight was completely gone at this point. The last hit resulted in her thought process and rationality going completely out the window. She had sat momentarily detached from the world, frozen in a heavenly stupor and basking in the happiness she hadn’t felt for years; her first “A” in school, graduating at the top of her class, everypony cheering and applauding her….
“Delicious scrumptious mouth-watering cheese! This is so awesome!” Dash took a huge bite out of the golden wheel. “Besht night EVER!”
Pinkie sighed “I don’t get your crazy cheese crave you have every time we smoke this stuff.”
“FWELL, I don’t undershtand yrr, leffel-headed ‘havior effery time we do!”
Twilight was watching them argue again in her murky stupor, mouth hanging open in a silly smile. Dash was eating cheese somehow. Where did the cheese come from? Dash was talking about going to the moon before to get cheese.
“Dash there’s cheese in the moon?”
A sudden purple flash filled the room. Wind rushed past them as Pinkie, Dash and Twilight looked down to see they were now falling from a great height.
“AHHH WHATS HAPPENING! HOW’D WE GOT UP HERE?!” Pinkie screamed
“I CANT FLY RIGHT IN THIS STAAAAATE” hollered Dash falling in a spiral
“WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE” shouted an ecstatic Twilight
Pinkie hectically grabbed at Twilights face “TWILIGHT, TAKE US BACK!”
Twilight laughed, “WHY’S IT SO WINDY HERE, WHERE ARE WE GOING?”
“WE ARE GOING SPLAT IN A MINUTE IF YOU DON’T DO SOMETHING!” yelled Dash frantically.
Pinkie looked at the ground, it was coming closer and closer, soon she would be flat as a pancake.
“WOULDN’T YOU RATHER BE LYING ON THE MOSSY FLOOR?!” she desperately asked Twilight. The ground was just about to close in on them. Pinkie shut her eyes and-
“OOF”
Pinkie opened her eyes and got a faceful of green, she wasn’t dead, but back in the hut safe and sound. “Dash? Where are you?”
“I’m over here Pinkie,” groaned Rainbow Dash, she had landed in a pile of cheese. Pinkie couldn’t tell if she was annoyed or happy.
“Ooh that was fuuuuun,” snickered Twilight, rolling in the moss again. “We should do something like that again, but without the yelling because I could hardly hear you two with the wind so loud it was way too loud did you think it was loud?"
Pinkie Pie was concerned, she had an idea about what was going on, and didn’t want to get teleported into space again.
“TWILIGHT! What do you think about, um, early bedtime?”
Another fit of giggling from Twilight “Pfft, bedtime already? No waaay, early bedtimes are for little fillies and Spike.”
Purple light filled the room again, and Spike dropped out of the air in front of them.
“Spike?! How did YOU get here?” asked Twilight frantically sitting up straight.
“I dunno, you’re the one who teleported me here,” replied Spike looking around, “What’s going on anyway, what’s that smell?”
“NOTHING SPIKE GO BACK TO BED!” Suddenly another flash and Spike had vanished.
“Wait, what just happened? Was that Spike?” said Dash pulling her face away from the cheese.
“I think so,” said Pinkie Pie, she quietly shut the window to the small hut, dimming the room significantly. This was getting worrisome, maybe if she just pretended to go to sleep her friends would follow suit…..
“Pinkie you turned out the lights, I can’t see anything now,” whined Twilight. Her horn glowed to life, and multi-colored streams of radiant light began to illuminate the hut. Dash and Twilight stared at them in amazement.
“So pretty….” awed Rainbow Dash, her eyes growing wide “it’s like, what if I was made of light and then exploded…”
“It reminds me of the light show at H.F.P Shetland, they stopped by Canterlot once, it was so amazing! I remember getting popcorn and cotton candy for the first time,” she reminisced as various circus confectionaries fell from nowhere onto the floor.
“Snacks!” Dash cried out happily, taking a big bite out of some cotton candy.
Twilight didn’t even notice the sweets; the lightshow had her completely mesmerized. Strings of light continued bouncing off the walls before her, splitting off and looping into different colored bursts and swirls. Her belly started rumbling and she became acutely aware that she was getting hungry. Pinkie made food; maybe she had some food with her.
“Hey Pinkie! Got any sweets with you? I’m staaaarving!” she asked absentmindedly.
“Nope! I only brought some drinks and light snacks, I was baking a banana Bundt cake before we got here but it’s probably still gooey and-
Twilights jaw dropped “I LOVE banana cakes! Sooooo much, let’s go get it right now!”
“It’s too late out right now, we can’t just leave the hut here and go back into town-“
“We’ll bring that too! C’mon Dash! Let’s go get some banana caaaaaaake,” sang out Twilight exiting the hut in a giddy trot.
“But you just-” Pinkie stopped short, the stone hut began to rumble before shakily rising into the air, noiselessly floating after Twilight Sparkle “-can’t do that….”
Pinkie was now sure about the theory that had been cooking in her head since the apple juice carton startled her earlier. That when a unicorn like her friend loses touch with reality she loses direct control of her magic too. Twilight was a pretty powerful little pony with all of her study and practice and having that power running around unhinged and loose like that was going to cause much bigger problems unless Pinkie figured out how to calm her down quickly before she accidentally hurt somepony.
“Okay, let’s go after her Rainbow Dash…Dash?” she glanced over to her friend and burst into laughter. Dash was fast asleep with the happiest smile ever plastered on her face, curled on a big pile of popcorn, cotton candy and cheese.
“Sweet dreams Rainbow Dash,” giggled Pinkie, trotting after her friend.
***
The cool night air was tickling her lungs and her walk was turning out to be so refreshing. Twilight was having the time of her life right now, and it was about to get even better. The pretty lights that had shown up in the hut lit the path ahead and guided the way. A few scary looking things kept popping out of the bushes but they would always disappear before she could get a good look at them. Delicious cake awaited her at Sugarcube corner, and nothing was going to stand in her way.
Pinkie galloped cautiously behind Twilight keeping a fair distance from the aloof unicorn. She didn’t want to get in her way at this point and she was heading in the right direction anyhow. Apparently her lightshow was attracting a lot of attention from the local wildlife, but Twilights rampant subconscious seemed to have no trouble dealing with it.
“Two accordions, a pile of rope, a trampoline, a bunch of owls in silly dresses jeesh,” muttered Pinkie as she bounced along the path behind the detached unicorn ahead of her. Pinkie didn’t want to get too close to her friend, not with the stone hut ominously floating above her. A very upset four headed squirrel with heavy eyebrows skittered past her hoof. “I wonder if Twilights getting tired from all this yet….”
***
Sugarcube corner was nearly in sight now; Twilight excitedly did a little jump. She was finally getting something good to eat! She didn’t feel tired yet, but it seems that her body did. Her purple coat was slick with sweat, as was her brow. Her head had also begun to ache during her trek into town. As she walked up to building the locked door began to rattle and loudly ripped itself off its hinges and set itself to the side. The bakery came to life as she walked in, filling with bouncing streams of light and floating pastries. The banana Bundt cake that Pinkie promised sat before her on the counter, tantalizing her watery mouth with that chocolate icing and crème flowers.
She sat down at one of the tables, the cake gracefully floating towards her as a napkin flew around her neck. Pinkie poked her head through the door as Twilight took a few big bites from the cake.
“Pinkie this is the best thing I ever had!” she said between mouthfuls of delectable cake “You are the best baker in all of Equestria! I am so glad we got to hang out tonight!”
Pinkie couldn’t help but close her eyes and smile, getting compliments always brightened her mood “Thank you Twilight, that’s super nice of you to say, but I need to talk to you abou-“
A loud crash jolted Pinkies eyes open, the stone hut which had been silently floating next to her had abruptly dropped, almost crushing her. She looked into the bakery again seeing nothing but inky darkness. Pinkie bounced into the room and turned on a light.
“Oh Twilight you silly pony,” she said with a smile. Twilight was out cold, head planted face first in the banana cake. All that unchecked magic use had finally taken its toll on her. Pinkie looked around the messy shop and the stone hut that was now blocking the doorway “I’ve got a lot of work cut out for me tomorrow…”
***
The sunlight beat down on Twilights face, pushing her eyelids opens as she stirred under the blankets. ‘Ohhhhh my head, I promised myself I wouldn’t pull anymore all nighters studying’ she thought hazily. She blearily rubbed her eyes with her hoofs and yawned. She leaned over to grab her glass of water and fell out of the bed.
“Ouch! Oh that hurt…..wait a minute….this isn’t my bedroom,” she sat up rubbing her noggin, looking around the room she saw candy wrappers and streamers littering the floor, and some colorful balloons were aimlessly floating around her head. ‘I must be in Pinkie Pie’s place’ she notioned ‘Where is Pinkie? How’d I get up here? What happened last night?’
She collected her thoughts as she carefully walked downstairs. Sugarcube Corner was quite a mess, but the Cakes weren’t down there today. She regarded the odd stone building sitting near the broken doorway with familiarity, but couldn’t place her hoof on where she’d seen it. Twilight was nearing her home when she spotted Pinkie exiting her front door.
“Oh hi Twilight! How you doing this morning?”
“Confused, do you remember what happened last night? We were hanging out and…wait, wasn’t Dash with us?”
“Yessiree she was! Her mane was such a sticky tangled messy mess that as soon as Rarity spotted her she dragged her inside her shop to help clean up. You should’ve seen the look on Rainbows face! Priceless!”
“Right, but can you tell me what we were doing?” she clutched her head with her hooves again “and how I could have gotten such a pounding headache?”
Pinkies ears perked up, she forgot what happened “Well, we were having a super exciting sleepover last night and I brought lots of snacks and stuff and you were showing us all those tricks of yours over and over and you got carried away a bit and passed out.”
“I guess that makes sense, if my head didn’t hurt so much I’d try harder to remember,” said Twilight massaging her temples “It was fun right?”
“BOATLOADS OF FUN!” shouted Pinkie nervously “Too much for you though! It looks like you should lie down a bit and take care of your achey head.”
“Lying down sounds nice right about now…” disjointed memories and thoughts were still floating around her head, one of them pushing forwards “and some apple juice too.”
“Welp! I’ve got some things to take care of; glad you had a good time Twilight!” Pinkie bounced away hastily to Sugarcube corner where some ponies were curiously inspecting the stone hut.
Twilight pulled the front door open with her mouth, using magic right now would probably make her head explode. Spike was sitting at the table giggling at her for some reason, maybe something Pinkie said to him. Not bothering to ask she dragged herself upstairs and over to her bed. She looked through the dirty saddlebag that was lying next to her bed and nosed through it for her water bottle. Before she went to rest her head she found a little bundle of leaves wrapped in a satchel had made its way into her bag. A quick whiff of it and she pulled her head back in disgust.
‘How’d that get in there?’ she thought blearily to herself as she shut her eyes, sniffing it had suddenly relaxed her ‘Oh well, I’ll inspect it later’
‘For science’
THE END
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Cosmonaut
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1122
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Doctor Whooves,Fluttershy,Rainbow Dash,Rarity,Twilight Sparkle,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Of Sound Mind
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A magical mishap! Rarity and Fluttershy swap bodies for a day!
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complete
| 198 | 23 |
<p>At Rarity and Fluttershys behest Twilight agrees to swap their talents for a day, the plan goes awry when Twilight accidentally ends up switching their minds between their bodies. The effect, fortunately not permanent, allows both ponies to proceed with their original plans unfazed. Rarity however, gets quickly carried away with her newfound self...</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-02T03:51:38+00:00
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2011-10-02T03:51:38+00:00
| 9,541 |
Twilight Sparkle stood between Fluttershy and Rarity holding a dusty blue tome, skimming through the pages rapidly. They had interrupted her during lunchtime to ask for assistance concerning a very unorthodox spell request. It had taken her some digging to find the proper spellbook in her big library and Twilight was not happy about having her meal getting cold.
“Run this by me again why I need to do this spell right now?” she asked impatiently flipping through the book.
“Well the thing is darling is that I’ve been working nonstop nearly all week and I need a little bit of a break,” said Rarity flipping her lovely purple hair aside “and when Fluttershy here requested my help I just couldn’t say no. She could at least make use of my skills while I relax.”
Fluttershy nodded meekly, “It’s this birthday party I’m throwing for sweet little Angel bunny tomorrow. I want to stitch together some little gowns and hats for all my animal friends to wear but it’s something I could really use extra help with, especially since I’m working with such small amounts of fabric.”
Twilight stared back at the book, the enchantment she found was complicated enough and although she didn’t believe such a thing as a “talent swap” spell even existed it was sitting right there on the page in front of her, with all the instructions she’d need to pull it off.
“This should work for 24 hours. As long as you’re both ready I’m going to start.” Twilight said a bit more nervously than she’d like. “Stand facing each other and close your eyes please.”
She lowered her horn as it began to glow with energy. Magical light began surrounding Fluttershy and Rarity, enclosing them both in yellow and white radiance. Twilight concentrated harder, maintaining the magical bond, and with a final surge of power the enveloped magic disappeared in a flash of light around her two friends.
Twilight opened her eyes warily and looked at them ‘They both look…ok, and no singed manes or coat.’
“Did it work, how do you feel?”
Rarity gasped “Um...Twilight how am I over there? Where is Rarity?”
“Huh?” blinked Twilight.
“What ever happened to my wonderful mane, darling!?” said Fluttershy touching her hair.
Twilights face paled “Uh...what do you mean?” Twilight said flipping open the book back to the page. “I did everything here by the numbers, what’s going on?”
“What happened when you did that spell?” said Fluttershy rigidly rocking back and forth on her hooves.
“Ohh I feel…not so good” murmered Rarity putting a hoof to her brow. A second later and she had fainted.
“RARITY!” shouted Twilight running over to the unconscious unicorn.
A yelp came from the yellow Pegasus as she also fell over on her side “Twilight! Help me! I can’t move my legs!”
“I’m coming! I’m coming!” she backpedaled to her fallen friend “You didn’t get hurt did you Fluttershy?”
“Why are you calling me Fluttershy?” she asked as Twilight helped her up.
“You...are Fluttershy? Aren’t you? Oh no you didn’t lose your memory did you!?” said Twilight looking concerned.
“I didn’t lose my memory. You just cast that spell on us...”
“So how come you forgot who you were?
“I didn’t forget darling, I’m Rarity.”
Twilight frowned as the situation dawned on her “I’m talking to you...Rarity, but you’re Fluttershy”
Twilight watched as Fluttershy put a hoof to her hair, moving it down her neck until she reached her wing.
“You’ve turned me into Fluttershy!” she gasped lifting up a wing
“I couldn’t possibly have, there would be two of you, and Rarity is over there still passed out.”
“...if I’m over here, as Fluttershy, then that means...”
Twilight walked across the room and stood anxiously over Raritys body “So, you’re there Rarity,” she pointed a hoof at her friend, “and this is Fluttershy here on the floor.”
“So it would seem dear,” she said briskly. “I’m just wondering why she fainted and I didn’t.”
Twilight felt she knew this answer “Apparently, considering what happened, I actually did a mind swap, why it was called “talent” I have no clue. Simply put it must be Fluttershys mind in your body and vice-versa. When you get really shocked or scared what happens to you?”
“I start to feel faint….and usually do.”
“That’s exactly what happened, Fluttershy got shocked and Rarity fainted. You reacted the same way, but in Fluttershys usual response which is having her legs lock up like that.”
She moved a hoof to her cheek “This is an awfully odd turn of events Twilight, I-I don’t feel comfortable in here.”
“You don’t have to worry Flut- Rarity because the spell was cast incorrectly, it’s only half as effective and you’ll magically swap back to your old self a little bit after midnight. No harm done!”
“Well that’s tremendous news then, when I wanted to take a break I could have never guessed this is where it would take me,” Rarity glanced at her still body on the floor “I suppose no harm would come if I just go on my way then? My shop is her shop as of this moment. Let Fluttershy here know that I’ll be at her place napping for a bit and I’ll take care of her animal friends too, it’s the least I could do.”
Twilight turned to Spike who had been watching the event from above “Fetch me a bucket please,” she said quickly, turning back to Rarity with a smile “Well I suppose she wouldn’t care. Just keep in mind that you’re in Fluttershys body right now, and it’s going to react differently compared to yours when you perform certain actions or thoughts.”
Rarity turned and made for the exit, momentarily forgetting to open the door with her hooves and not her missing horn, and strolled into the mid-day sun.
***
Spike toddled over with the bucket to the sink and filled it with cool water. “Twilight this is your funniest mess-up yet, I don’t think you’ll ever top it!” he goaded as the water rapidly filled the bucket.
Twilight frowned skimming her book “Very funny Spike, I’m just lucky that I did cast this spell wrong or it would have been permanent. I don’t want to think about how close I was to making that happen. Don’t fill that bucket to the top either; we just need a little bit of water.”
“Twilight, if they’re swapped in each others’ bodies then how come they still sound the same? Shouldn’t their voices have changed too?” he asked curiously while walking over with the bucket.
While Twilight didn’t particularly love stating the obvious she had to come to terms that Spike was still just a baby and that some things needed extra explanation.
“The way the switch worked was that it swapped their minds, their beings, their selves. Not their vocal cords, not their brains. Whatever comes out of their mouths are still being translated as that bodies own voice. Fluttershy here is going to act through Rarity, but it’s still going to be Fluttershy on the inside. Do you follow Spike?”
“I….think so?” he said scratching his head.
Twilight rolled her eyes and levitated the bucket, carefully dumping some water on her friends face.
“AAAAAH! I’M DROWNIIIIING! OH! Oh wait…Twilight….am I dreaming?”
Twilight looked at Spike who had his hands over his mouth laughing “No, well, maybe you were, but you’re awake now.”
She watched as Fluttershy looked at her hooves, then her hair “I wasn’t dreaming, you really DID switch our bodies over,” she looked around the room quickly “Where did I go? Rarity left already! Oh my gosh I need to find her an-“
“STOP!” Twilight put a hoof over her mouth “If you get all worked up you’re just going to faint again!”
“Um, I don’t faint, I get really shocked sometimes but that never happens to me…”
“It does happen to Rarity, and until midnight tonight it’s going to keep happening unless you calm down.”
Fluttershy stopped fidgeting, letting her body relax “Well...okay, but where did Rarity run off to in my body?”
“She went to your place to loosen up; she promised to feed your animals for you and then take a nap. Also she wanted me to let you know that you have full access to her shop for the rest of the day. I really don’t think there’s anything for you to worry about.”
Twilight could tell she remained unconvinced “I’m sure that being able to use magic now will be a lot of help.”
“But I can’t use magic Twilight, I don’t know the first thing about it…”
“The beauty of this strange turn of events is that now you can through Rarity, and Rarity’s a very competent user of magic. All you really need is proper instruction on magic manipulation and you’ll be all set!”
Twilight trotted over and excitedly tugged her old copy of Beginners Magic: Tips and Tricks off her shelf, “I used this volume when I was just a filly and it covers all the fundamentals on how to use magic, but because you technically know how all you need is proper form and you’ll be good to go in no time!”
Fluttershy tapped the horn on her head hesitantly, “Alright, I suppose I can try, magic would speed my stitching along.”
“Hooray! Let’s get started!” cried Twilight happily. She always wanted to try her hoof at teaching magic. “Now shut your eyes and find the magic within you, it should be a peculiar feeling of energy deep inside.”
Fluttershy closed her eyes, ‘Gosh Rarity feels so tired’ she thought idly as she searched for this power. All of a sudden she found the magic welling up inside her. “Twilight, I can feel it” she whispered timidly.
“Good, we all have that magic in us, but in varying strength and quantity. Unicorns are the only ponies that can properly channel that magic into something tangible because of their horn.”
Fluttershy opened one eye “So it’s the same magic that lets us Pegasus move clouds, but just used different?”
“Precisely! Now just will the magic to do what you wish, simple levitation for example, and it will happen.”
Fluttershy closed her eye and focused on the book, the magic warmly flowed through her neck up to her head, and she felt the horn in her skull buzzing a little.
“You did it!”
“Really!” she said opening her eyes wide to see the book falling to the floor “I messed it up…”
Twilight shook her head “No. You did good, it worked, but you broke your concentration. In an hour or so this’ll be second nature. So let’s get practicing!”
***
Rarity was happily prancing along the path to Fluttershys cottage. Despite being stuck in this odd situation she was determined to make the best of it, and found that she was enjoying herself quite a bit. Of course out of forced habit she had to go and collect her travel bag at her shop first. When she had walked into Twilights library she was dragging her hooves in exhaustion, Fluttershy however was brimming with energy. ‘There’s no way I’ll be able to take a nap now’ thought Rarity ‘I’ve just got to find a way to fill my time, I better go and take care of those critters…’
“AAAAH!” screamed Rarity, something just grabbed her sides causing her legs to lock up, and she fell over on her backside.
A familiar blue face blocked her view “Hiya Fluttershy!” said a complacent Rainbow Dash “Didn’t scare ya did I?”
Rarity blinked, she couldn’t forget who she was right now, and telling of her predicament would be too confusing “No, you just startled me is all,” whispered Rarity shakily getting upright “Playing those silly pranks is dreadfully childish of you.”
“Geez Fluttershy don’t be such a scaredy pony, it’s all in good fun!” scoffed Dash.
“Fun for you, it’s a real nuisance for me.” said Rarity a bit louder.
“Well do you want to do something we can both have fun with? How about a race…” said Dash nonchalantly. Everypony knew that Dash was one of the speediest racers around.
Rarity was about to decline when an idea formed in her head. ‘I have enough vigor in me to have a go at this, and maybe if I play my cards right I’ll be able to win too’ she smiled at Rainbow Dash, “Sure, you’re on!”
“Yeah I thought s-HUH?” said Dash in a surprised voice, the positive response throwing her off-guard.
“But on two conditions, only because you are just such a good racer”
Dash cocked her head back “I’m listening…”
“Firstly, I get to pick the course”
“Mhm, that’s fine.”
“Secondly, when I win you have to put on the prettiest dress you own, and walk around town in it.”
“WHAT?” exclaimed Dash. “Fluttershy you can’t be serious?!”
“Of course I’m serious, I assume you own at least one-“
“Nononono, about you winning, there’s no WAAAAAY you can beat me. That’s the funniest thing I heard all day,” snickered Dash.
Rarity felt a pit of doubt in Fluttershys stomach and ignored it, she’s seen Dash race before and although she was one high-speed pony there were some faults in her form. ‘Sometimes you’re too fast for your own good’ she thought with a grin ‘and this time I can capitalize on it’.
“We’ll see about that,” she said quietly.
She watched the smirk disappear from Dashs face. “You are SO on Fluttershy, and when I win you have to take on my weather duties for a week, got it?”
“Oh I got it, but it’s nothing I’m worried about,” she said with a small smile, her confidence was getting to her “I’ll go set up the course.”
She dug through her travel bag and pulled out some red dye and a brush, and flapped into the woods.
***
‘This magic stuff sure is neat’ thought Fluttershy as she trotted over to Raritys shop. She had spent the last hour practicing magic with Twilight and was astonished at just how easily she had gotten the hang of it. A piece of string floated in front of her and manipulated itself into various shapes. ‘It’s a good thing I took measurements before coming over but…wow am I tired’. Fluttershy knew that she wasn’t tired, it was just Raritys body that felt sluggish, but she would push through and maybe make some tea in the meantime to wake her up.
She finally got to Raritys shop, magically turning on the lights and starting the sewing machine.
“Hmm, I wonder where Opal is…” she said aloud looking for the fluffy white cat. Fluttershy spotted her on the windowsill. “Come over here you lovable thing, would you like to help me try on clothes?” she requested in the sweetest voice possible.
Her response was an angry hiss and Opal jumped off the windowsill skittering under the table. “Oh my, I forgot how cranky you are, and that Rarity isn’t the best with small animals like I am,” she said recoiling from the cat “Well, that’s ok, my measurements should be more than enough to go on.”
Fluttershy looked around and magically collected some tools. Fabric, lace and various other sewing supplies flew off the shelves and hung in front of her. She glanced out the window and sighed ‘It’s not like I have anything better to do today anyway. At least tomorrow will be fun’.
***
“I’m baaaack and the course is all set and marked, you should have no trouble spotting the red arrows,” said Rarity as she glided over to Rainbow Dash “Oh you brought spectators!”
Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle had shown up, and were running around just behind Dash.
“Yeah, they were walking by and I thought how COOL it would be to have these three watching me winning by a landslide…and maybe give Scoots here some inspiration in the process.”
Fluttershys stomach was doing backflips, but Rarity forced a smile “That’s wonderful, I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces.”
Dash ruffled her feathers, “Yeah well, let’s get started then.” She flapped over to the starting line and dug her hooves into the ground.
Rarity stood next to Dash trying to make the impression of not being worried. Reverse-psychology didn’t always tend to work, but it was undeniably having the desired effect on her rival. She faked a little yawn. “Crusaders! Let’s get this show on the road!”
The Crusaders were huddled at the starting line arguing, but at her command they all snapped to attention.
“On yer marks!”
Dash tensed, leaning forward.
“GET SET!”
Rarity let her wings open.
“GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Rainbow Dash rocketed away, a multi-colored missile, while Rarity was not far behind she was steadily losing distance from her on the opening stretch with the first turn up ahead. Clenching her teeth, she felt just as nervous as Fluttershy did and in a few seconds she’d know for sure whether her plan would work or not.
Dash was gaining speed faster and faster furiously pumping her wings. ‘There’s no way I’m losing this race’ she thought glancing behind her. Dash didn’t know what had gotten into that pony, but she didn’t like it, especially now that there were spectators. ‘No race markers yet, just this one long stretch here...’ Suddenly she spotted a flash of red pass her by and instinctively turned.
‘Gotcha!’ thought Rarity cheerfully. Rainbow Dash had just swerved into a bush up ahead, completely missing the next path. Rarity opened her wings like a parachute; slowing her down slightly and kicking off a tree to maintain momentum. While flying was nothing new to her the difference in strength compared to the delicate butterfly wings she once wore was wild. She turned around in time to see Dash stumbling out of the bushes and gave her a casual little wave.
Dash’s head was spinning from the crash. She was just in the lead and was now losing to Fluttershy. It had happened so fast, she had completely missed the turnoff. She righted herself and with a running start took back to the air.
Bouncing off of tree after tree on the winding course Rarity was making good time, furiously kicking her back legs into each trunk. There were only a few straight-aways on the path and every time Dash had sped up and overtaken her she’d subsequently missed the next sharp turn either too late or too soon. Rarity felt the heart in her chest going a mile a minute and her wings were beginning to tire. She looked ahead knowing the next turn would lead to the ending sprint. Gulping, she rounded the next corner and sprang down the path.
Rainbow Dash was still trailing Fluttershy, hair a mess with twigs and leaves with some small scrapes around her legs.
‘This is insane, what is wrong with me today? I shouldn’t even be breaking a sweat’ she thought frantically. Dash made the last turn and saw the finish line where the crusaders were waiting. Fluttershy was already halfway there. “I’m winning this one!” she said aloud, and pushed herself forwards.
The ending loomed up ahead, Rarity was almost there. “Victory’s in sight! I knew you could do it!” she exclaimed to herself. She looked back to see Rainbow Dash closing in on her. Rarity propelled herself onward working her wings as hard as she could. The finish line was drawing closer and closer. They were nearly neck and neck now. Rarity gave her wings a final powerful thrust and-
“RAAAAAAAAAAACE OVEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRR!” screamed the Crusaders in unison.
“YOU DID IT YOU DID IT!” yelled Sweetiebelle hopping in the air.
“YA WERE GOING SO FAST YA WAS LIKE A BLUR!” Applebloom shrieked as she clapped her hooves together.
“THAT WAS THE MOST AMAZING RACE EVER!” gushed Scootaloo, as all three ran over to the two racers.
“Thank you thank you, I’m glad you-“all three crusaders galloped right past Dash “-enjoyed the show?”
“I can’t believe it, how did you learn to go so fast Fluttershy?” said Scootaloo in awe “I never would have taken you for a racer.”
Rarity was taken aback, she could have sworn she had lost by a hair “It’s all in the technique girls, in a race you can’t just go all out and expect a clear cut victory.”
Dash was floored, she had lost to Fluttershy, and in front of the three loudmouth Crusaders no less. How was she going to live this down? She was at a complete loss for words, jaw comically hanging open.
“Oh Daaaaaash, I believe we had an accord?” Rarity said breathlessly.
“Mmmm, naaah, I’ve got some stuff to do. Besides we didn’t even shake on it. Later!” Dash sped straight upwards into the sky, leaving a rainbow wake behind her.
“Why you lazy…” Rarity seethed “You are NOT weaseling out of this bet, not on MY watch!” She took to the sky again, slowly following the path Dash took.
***
Up in the sky on a small fluffy piece of nimbus Rainbow Dash was fuming to herself and angrily kicking the defenseless cloud to pieces.
“HOW could I lose to Fluttershy of ALL ponies? This is unbelievable. Completely insane. Impossible. I don’t believe it. Did she cheat? She must have cheated or something. I didn’t cheat. I should’ve won that fair and square. She’s got a lotta nerve…”
“You should be one to talk!”
Rainbow turned her head so fast she almost hurt her neck. “What are you doing up here?!”
“I want you to make good on your bet. I didn’t win that race for nothing.” Glared Rarity hovering above Dash.
“I already told ya we didn’t shake on it. Doesn’t count and you-”
“-you gave me your WORD and that’s just as cementing as a shake of the hoof.” She said narrowing her eyes at her blue friend.
“Y-yeah well, I didn’t-“
“-didn’t care for ONE second how I felt when you just flew away from your promise, knowing full well I would’ve kept mine” she said though gritted teeth “what do you have to say for yourself?”
“B-b-but Fluttershy I-I”
Dash was shrinking, she remembered telling Fluttershy to be more assertive but this was extreme. Nopony had ever talked to her like this and got away without a black eye, but under Fluttershys intense stare and her own growing guilt she finally broke.
“I-I’m sorry Fluttershy” she whimpered “I’ll g-go and get dressed...”
“Goody! See you in an hour Dash!” said Rarity as the intense look on her face vanished. She jumped from the cloud, leaving Rainbow Dash a quivering, nervous mess.
***
Rarity glided breathlessly towards Fluttershys cottage; she had beaten Dash in the race and gotten her to own up to her bet when she had tried to slip out of it.
“I must have used the stare on her…and it worked too,” she mused skimming the treetops. “What an invigorating feeling...”
She landed at the front of Fluttershys little cottage and opened the door. Rarity looked around the house; it had tons of nooks and crannies for her little animal friends to run about and carried a decidedly earthy scent. Books littered the shelves and upon closer inspection Rarity realized they were all romance novels. “Fluttershy I didn’t know you also had a pension for the romantic.” she said looking at some of the titles, a few she had remembered reading herself on lazy summer evenings.
Exploring more of the house she found her way upstairs to the bedroom. It was very neat and orderly with plain sheets decorating a mid-sized bed. An industrial full length mirror stood unobtrusively against the wall next to a rather bare closet holding a few modest dresses. The small chest at the foot of the bed contained some spare bedsheets and pillowcases.
“Oh my aren’t we the humble decorator,” sulked Rarity. Fluttershys home was really quite droll, after her exhausting race with Rainbow Dash she only wanted to rest up a bit. She was just about to collapse on the bed when she noticed something sticking out from underneath it. Without a moments thought she gingerly tugged a cardboard box out from under the bed. “Well well weeeell what do we have here?”
In the box was a bunch of balled up sheets of paper and a few novels, penned under Miss Rose Papillone. Scanning a few of the pages in each, she discovered that these were all works in progress. More shockingly they seemed to be written in a very familiar writing style.
“Dear me Fluttershy I didn’t know you were an author of romance too,” she pondered dreamily “I wonder how many exciting escapades you must have had to take this hobby up.”
She looked through the books a bit more, the intros were all very lovely but the stories ended halfway each time. Rarity felt quite giddy at this discovery, this was fascinating stuff nonetheless! Fluttershys body however was feeling distressed at these thoughts and she felt her heart sinking into her chest.
She dropped to her haunches and sat in front of the mirror, where an upset Fluttershy stared back. Rarity was having trouble understanding this change in emotion, ‘Why would Fluttershy feel so awful about having a talent like this…’
Rarity glanced at the floor next to the mirror, empty tissue boxes sat tucked behind a small wastebasket. She raised a hoof to her face, fresh tears welling in her eyes and suddenly the shocking realization hit her all at once. The constant obsessive attention to animals, the romance books, the unfinished novels, the tissue boxes.
“Oh Fluttershy, you poor girl, you’ve never had anyone in your life have you?” she said tenderly placing a tear soaked hoof to the mirror.
Rarity sat in that pose for a long while as sorrow gripped her, wondering how she of all ponies could miss something that should have been clear as day. Fluttershy was such a quiet little thing too, she would never divulge to anypony her empty love life and how much it wracked her thoughts.
Glowering at the gloomy face in the mirror, she forced it into a determined smile. “Not if Rarity can help it, as long as I’m in here darling I’ll conquer these worries and free you of your fears and uncertainties. This will be the makeover of a lifetime!”
She stood up with her heart beating fast in her chest. Rarity blew away some of Fluttershys hair that had fallen in her eyes and opened her satchel. She pulled out a pair of scissors, hair clips, brushes, and hair dye. Without her magic this would be a little more time consuming, but she had an hour and would definitely make the most of it. She looked at the mirror and beamed.
“LETS! GET! FABULOUS!”
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Cosmonaut
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1122
| 2 |
Doctor Whooves,Fluttershy,Rainbow Dash,Rarity,Twilight Sparkle,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Of Sound Mind
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A magical mishap! Rarity and Fluttershy swap bodies for a day!
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complete
| 198 | 23 |
<p>At Rarity and Fluttershys behest Twilight agrees to swap their talents for a day, the plan goes awry when Twilight accidentally ends up switching their minds between their bodies. The effect, fortunately not permanent, allows both ponies to proceed with their original plans unfazed. Rarity however, gets quickly carried away with her newfound self...</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-02T03:34:35+00:00
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2011-10-02T03:34:35+00:00
| 6,340 |
It had been nearly an hour since Rarity started her extreme make-over. She had to constantly remind herself what she was doing was breaking all her rules.
“The whole point of a makeover is to look unlike yourself and right now Fluttershy you need to be somepony else,” she said aloud, trying to justify her actions. Rarity grabbed the blue eye shadow she usually wore and applied the tiniest amount over each eye.
“Slightly off color but I’m sure it’s something nopony will notice. I’ve got to accentuate your beautiful eyes somehow,” she said suggestively giving them a flurry. Rarity had absolutely no idea why Fluttershy hid them behind her pink hair, but that question (amongst others) had been answered sometime earlier when Rarity had discovered the secret box under Fluttershys bed.
She stood back and admired her work, decidedly finished. Fluttershy had so much excessive hair she had no choice but to cut some away and it now draped over just one side of her head. Her tail too was such a tragedy being so long dragging on the ground all the time and Rarity ended up trimming that as well…making it a lot more manageable. Using the brush she had dyed a strip of Fluttershys pink tail turquoise, which she had matched on her hair leading attention back to those gorgeous eyes of hers.
“Oh Fluttershy you will be turning heads today,” she gushed putting a small light blue pendant around her neck “You’re simply dazzling! Absolutely marvelous!”
Rarity glanced at the cuckoo clock on the wall, “Quarter to four? I best be on my way to pick up Rainbow.”
***
Back in her cloud castle Rainbow Dash was fidgeting in one of her dresses. She only had three and one was for the Gala that was coming up in a few months. Dash had eventually settled for an older dress of hers that still looked brand new due to lack of use. She was struggling with one of the straps when she heard Fluttershys voice calling her name.
“Rainbow DaaaAAAaaash,” called Fluttershy “Are you ready for our trek into town?”
Dash let out a groan, knowing she couldn’t back out because it didn’t work the first time. “Yeah yeah hold your horses I’m coming,” she said briefly, jumping to the ground.
“Whoa…is that you?” asked Dash, her eyes going wide.
“Why yes Rainbow Dash, I felt so bad making you get all dolled up for losing your bet I felt I should as well…to share the shame as it were.”
“You gave yourself a haircut? Eyeshadow? A blue stripe in your mane wow you really went all out.”
“Thank you dearie,” Fluttershy casually flipped her mane “Verdict?”
“You look…amazing!”
“It took a little bit of effort but I agree it turned out magnificent. Let’s get going shall we?”
Dash slowly trotted behind Fluttershy who was leading the way. A million different questions were swimming through her head right now. ‘Why is she all dressed up like this when she didn’t have to? What was with that bet earlier? Did she plan all this from the start? How did she know she was going to win that race? What are the other ponies in town going to say when they see us? What are they going to think? Is this a joke?’
‘Is this a…date?’
Rainbow Dash squirmed as awkward feelings flew through her body. ‘No way. Fluttershys not like that she’s…’ Dash held that thought for second, more confusing things creeping through her head ‘she’s Fluttershy, and I’m not like that I think. I know. I KNOW I’m not like that.’
Fluttershy winked at a passing colt who dropped the basket he held in his mouth. ‘Definitely not acting like herself today. I wonder what’s gotten into her…’ Dash thought mystified to herself.
Fluttershy turned and smiled at her, those big teal eyes lighting up at Rainbow Dashs unexpected blushing “We’re here.”
***
Rarity quite enjoyed her walk to town, it was very breezy out and the sun though bright was not particularly hot today. She headed the way and out of habit of being prettied up had been making eyes to a few of the colts along the path into town, with amusing results. Rarity knew that Fluttershy hated attention, but she was getting so many compliments that she felt her spirits rising.
She turned to check on Dash who was blushing in embarrassment ‘Poor dear must be dying in that dress, she probably hasn’t worn it in ages,’ she mused to herself. “Ponyville is bustling today wouldn’t you agree Dash? Dash? DASH!”
“What! Huh? Yeah of course, where we goin’ again?”
“We’re going for a stroll around town remember?”
Dash nodded, they were starting to get looks from some of the other ponies, and giggling from a few weather team Pegasus.
“Can I at least let them know why I’m in a dress?” scowled Dash.
“Yes you can. I won’t stop you. A word of the wise, if you tell them you lost a bet you’d better make up a better reason than losing a race to me.” said Rarity softly.
Rarity watched as Dash trotted over to the giggling Pegasus and she quietly slipped away. She was already regretting her bargain with Dash since it was going to interfere with the plans she had made during her makeover. Along the trail she figured Dash would quickly retreat home once she managed to separate from her.
Unfortunately for her ingenious plan there weren’t exactly a ton of colts living in Ponyville, save for some married couples. She spotted a few she knew around town, there was Big Macintosh stoically minding the apple stand and that silly blue unicorn exiting Sugarcube Corner. Neither elicited any sort of gut reaction which irked her. While Rarity was absently looking into the window of Seasonal Delights she bumped right into somepony in front of her.
“Oh I am oh-so sorry I was not paying any atte-” Rarity stopped, a lump caught in her throat.
“I apologize it was my fault miss…Fluttershy? Is that you Fluttershy?” said the chestnut colored colt she had bumped into. He had a short cropped black mane and light blue eyes. An hourglass adorned his flank. “I haven’t seen you in ages.”
Rarity felt Fluttershys heart beating faster than it was during her race. Her breathing was suddenly quicker and she felt her legs lock up. ‘So this is your crush then Fluttershy? He certainly is good-looking,’ she thought swiftly, it was hard to think with her body freaking out so much.
“Well, you know how it is, just, the animals sure do keep me busy sometimes,” she replied in a choked whisper. Don’t lose your nerve here, not now
“Oh yes I’m sure, I’ve been busy myself lately, tons of work piling up here and there. You uh…out and about like this for any reason?” he said shifting on his legs.
Rarity perked up detecting some faint hope in there, maybe this colt held similar feelings? “None in particular. I was just looking at the dinner special for Seasonal Delights here. I absolutely adore the sautéed French onion shrimp salad platter.”
The colts eyes lit up “I like that dish too, I come here once in a while to eat precisely that, I uh, eheh...” his eyes cast downward as he fretfully pawed at the dirt.
Oh goodness gracious he’s a nervous thing too; no wonder Fluttershy has a crush on him. I’ll have to coax him a bit
“I haven’t eaten a thing all day! I just might have to stop here later for dinner…” she said brightly, giving him a warm smile.
“I was planning the same thing too, um, Fluttershy?”
“Yes?”
“Since you and I seem to, er, seem to be having similar plans…”
“Yeeeees?”
“Would you…care to join me for dinner tonight?”
Fluttershy’s heart nearly exploded in her chest, but Rarity stilled herself “I would absolutely love to! Is seven o’clock an okay time?”
“Yes? Yes! Yes absolutely! I’ll meet you here in a few hours okay?”
“That would be swell!”
“Hold on a minute!” He suddenly bolted into the restaurant and after a few silent seconds ran back out. “Sorry! Reservations, uh, I’ll see you soon Fluttershy!”
“See you soon….um….oh drat I have no idea who you are…”
Rarity trotted into the restaurant and asking politely got the maître’d to show her the list of reservations. She scanned the list and found the bottom.
14. Dr. Whoof x Fluttershy
“A handsome young doctor! Fluttershy dear you sure know how to pick ‘em,” she rejoiced turning the corner and smacking right into Rainbow Dash.
“Dash! Um…hello, I thought you went home…” chuckled Rarity tensely.
“No. I didn’t go home. I was busy going along with my accord. What was that all about anyway with you and the vet?”
Vet thought Rarity briefly perhaps that’s how he knew Fluttershy
“Well Rainbow Dash it’s really none of your business, but if you must know he just asked me to join him for dinner tonight at Seasonal Delights and I must return home to spruce up.”
“What?! Really? But why did-? What was the point of-? Why are-? Then what were we-?”
“Rainbow spit it out I haven’t all day…”
Rarity felt a gust of wind blow past her cheek as Dash disappeared into the clouds above her.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten her to wear that dress into town after all…” said Rarity bringing a hoof to her mouth “Well time to freshen up I suppose, after all Fluttershy you’ve got a date with destiny!”
***
Twilight Sparkle was sitting on her balcony enjoying the cool evening air and flipping through the nameless spell book she had found the mind swap spell in. Most of these spells were difficult to read and some actually seemed dangerous.
“Who would ever want to create a spell that would make somepony explode over and over again?” she said sipping some iced tea in puzzled amusement “Probably a joke, but testing spells on Spike is always kind of funny….” It was dinnertime and she was just heading in when Rainbow Dash landed on her balcony.
“Rainbow Dash! How nice of you to drop in! Can I help you with something?” Twilight was eyeing her friends formal wear “Nice dress.”
“Thanks Twi, I want to talk to ya about something,” said Dash raspily “Something private I guess…”
Twilight was gradually noticing the miserable look on Dash’s face “What’s on your mind Dash? Something happen?” she asked taking another sip of her drink.
“Well, it’s about a lot of things that happened. I woke up late and missed out on my early morning warm-up and then I went and lost a race AND a bet in front of Scootaloo and her two friends to Fluttershy of all ponies who made me-“
Twilight spit her drink out “Wait, you just said you were racing Fluttershy?”
“Yeah, and I lost in front of the Crusaders, but that’s not all that happened eith-.”
“PLEASE! Come inside and tell me all about it,” interrupted Twilight glancing over to Raritys shop “I want to hear everything about what’s happened from the start, every last detail.”
***
Rarity was busily brushing her teeth, well Fluttershys teeth at her cottage. She had spent nearly ten minutes deciding whether to use the toothbrush in her travel bag or the one already sitting by the sink. After much deliberation she had figured that since it was Fluttershys teeth she would be brushing it would make sense to use her toothbrush.
“It shtill doesn’t feel right though,” said Rarity aloud between brushes. She gargled and spit into the sink.
Rarity hadn’t forgotten about Fluttershys animal friends either, which all regarded her with an air of caution as she fed them. ‘They could probably tell I’m not really Fluttershy,’ she thought suspiciously as Angel bunny snatched a carrot from her hoof and hopped away.
Looking into the mirror Rarity began putting some light blue earrings on, it wasn’t really necessary to add anything else to the way she looked considering this could be a first date for both parties. Being too formal on one could make her partner needlessly uncomfortable.
“Clip-ons are so juvenile but I suppose it’s expected that you wouldn’t care to get your ears pierced,” said Rarity clipping the second one in. She gave them a flick and both earrings held firm “It’ll have to do.”
***
The sewing machines gave off a monotonous thumping drone in the otherwise hushed fashion shop. Despite drinking multiple cups of tea Fluttershy had found herself occasionally nodding off during her work, ruining a garment or two in the process.
“I’M HOME SIS!”
Fluttershy jerked her head up as Sweetiebelle ran upstairs past her.
“Hello Sweetie! Um, how have you been? I haven’t seen you all day you know,” Fluttershy asked tenderly as she ran back down the steps with her crusader cape.
“I’ve been crusading with my friends! We’ve had a really neat day so far and we want to wrap it up with a super cool crusader race! You should come watch!”
“Oh I couldn’t possibly leave right now Sweetiebelle. I have a very big order to fill for my friend for tomorrow and I wouldn’t want to disappoint her because the last thing I would want is to let her down and this one little stitch right here is driving me absolutely crazy!” she growled, furiously tugging at a small sleeve with her teeth. Little things like that stitch wouldn’t normally bother Fluttershy but being trapped in Raritys attentive body all day was pushing her own desire to make everything pointlessly faultless.
“It’s supposed to be your day off, why are you doing another big order today when you just did one yesterday?” asked Sweetiebelle innocently.
“I already told you sis-“
“But WHY?”
The front door of the shop slammed open as the other two crusaders burst in “LET’S GO ALREADY SWEETIEBELLE! It’s gonna be dark out soon and we wanna make the most of our day!”
Sweetiebelle waved her sister goodbye and rushed out the door with her friends.
“……Why?” Fluttershy slumped forward on the table and let her heavy eyelids fall shut “Why would be a pretty good question to answer Sweetiebelle…if I ever had the courage to do so…”
Fluttershy didn’t have an answer for the question that crossed her mind every night before going to sleep in her bare little room. Answering her question would just make her feel worse than she already did, so she chose not to. She knew the first big step to facing that question was always supposed to be the hardest and Fluttershy was fearfully dodging it. She still had her books, her friends, and her animals. Taking a big breath she pulled her head off the bench with enormous effort and steadfastly resumed her work.
“At least I have something to do.”
***
Rarity was slowly flexing her wings again returning to town. They were still sore from her race earlier with Rainbow Dash and she hoped they weren’t sprained or anything. That would only make her feel worse when Fluttershy returned to her body later that night and discovered what Rarity had been doing with it.
“You’re in too deep Rarity, it’s all or nothing now.” she mumbled pushing open the door to Seasonal Delights. She stood waiting in the lobby for about five minutes when Dr. Whoof entered the restaurant.
“Oh! Fluttershy! You’re here early.” His hair was spiked back and he now wore a small green tie around his neck.
“Fashionably,” she replied tilting her head “I like what you’ve done with your hair.”
“Oh you like it? I thought I might have been messing with it too much…let’s take our seats shall we?” he replied nervously, trotting over to the candlelit booth in the corner.
The waiter sat them down and handed them some menus “Would you care for drinks?”
“Just water please,” squeaked Rarity.
Dr. Whoof returned the menus “Same here thank you. For dinner we would like two shrimp salad platters.”
The waiter took off with the menus as another filled their glasses “Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes.”
Rarity sat across from Dr. Whoof with a strained smile frozen on her face, underneath she felt Fluttershys body undergoing emotional turmoil. Her heart was pounding in her chest again and sweat was forming behind her wing-feathers. To top it all off her jaw was clenching itself shut. You just can’t relax can you she thought shakily nosing her napkin open Not with your crush sitting right in front of you on your first date Her heart skipped a beat on that last thought.
“So…um…did you just become a doctor as you said?” she whispered.
“Er correct, I’ve told you before about my shop, well my fathers shop, I’m running at the moment. Watch making and photography was his profession, so it was a bit startling when I discovered how much I actually cared for animals rather than miniature machinery after you let me take in that little bunny.”
“Oh…I remember that… t’was a lovely day.”
A pet Fluttershy let him keep? So she has met him once before.
“Yes, it was a real shame when Roger died…we didn’t have a town vet you know? So I took it upon myself to go and learn the trade. It’s not entirely dissimilar to my current job; fixing small pieces and putting things back together,” he frowned “maybe that’s a bit callous of an analogy?”
“No…makes sense,” peeped Rarity, voice cracking “Pardon me, I’m going to wash up before the meal arrives.”
She slid away from the booth and hurriedly walked over to the ladies room. Rarity soaped her shaking hooves, running them under cool water while gazing into the mirror “This is a lot more difficult than I could have imagined. Everything is fine. I’m not messing anything up. Just calm yourself Fluttershy. Even I wasn’t this panicky for my first date.”
She wiped away some sweat on her brow and returned to her seat. The shrimp platters were already steaming on the table.
“Hey there you are! Looks delicious doesn’t it?” Dr. Whoof said shifting in his seat.
“Quite delicious, can’t wait to dig in, you were just saying about medical school…isn’t that quite difficult for an Earth pony?”
“Staggeringly, but I’ve been diligent in my studies and practice,” he said taking a small bite of his dish “It’s not terribly difficult for me and although I’m now completely qualified I haven’t opened a clinic here yet, given that I still need to run the shop.”
Rarity eyed the shrimp platter warily; she wasn’t really fond of seafood but hadn’t eaten all day, with her stomach rumbling she took a hesitant nibble.
“This is absolutely scrumptious!” she exclaimed taking a bigger bite ‘I didn’t know you liked seafood Fluttershy,’ Rarity thought wiping her mouth.
“So you come here often then Dr. Whoof?”
“Only on special occasions really, my certificate arriving in the mail was cause for a stopover.”
“I’m glad I was there to bump into you today or I would have never known where to go for help with my sick animals.”
“Well I suppose I caught a lucky break then, I certainly wouldn’t have spotted you from afar with your striking new look.”
Rarity felt a heated blush run across her cheeks “Stop! You’re embarrassing me…”
“No I mean it! You look like a completely new pony! I-I mean you still look like yourself, but you’re just stunning now.”
“Oh aren’t you the sweetest thing,” she gushed taking another bite of the platter. The succulent food had calmed her down vastly, and her date’s pleasant compliments were having an upbeat effect on Fluttershys mood. ‘This shouldn’t be such a bad evening at this rate now that I’ve got a conversation going’ she thought with renewed morale.
***
It was nearing ten o’ clock when Rainbow Dash finally finished her protracted story. Twilight had been listening intently without any interruption, which Dash had taken for typical Twilight behavior.
“So…what do you think?” Dash asked tentatively.
‘I think next time I see Rarity I’m going to strangle that pony’ thought Twilight hiding her anger from Rainbow Dash ‘Why would she do all these things to poor Fluttershy? It’s her life she’s meddling in’.
“That’s very interesting…” she said absentmindedly, thoughts still on Rarity.
“WHAT?!” yelled Dash
Twilight recoiled “What did I say, I’m s-“
“I practically spill my GUTS to you and all you have to comment about is how it’s interesting?”
“That’s not what I meant! I mean it is, but you didn’t let me finish!”
“Well can you PLEASE talk to me then? You’ve been listening to me ramble about my day for an hour now and…it took a lot of nerve just to come here ya know…” moped Dash slinking back to the floor.
Twilight sat herself down a bit closer to her; she hadn’t meant to brush Dash off like that, “Okay, so just, when did you first start feeling all…weird?”
“After I flew up to the cloud and Fluttershy was putting me on the spot for trying to wimp out on the bet. Ugh why did I do that? She was right too, if I had won I would have totally made her take over my weather duties,” she said flicking her tail, “the way she scolded me like that was just, I didn’t know what to say to that, noponys ever been like that to me.”
“Okay and when else?”
Dash turned her head, obviously embarrassed “After I put my dress on and saw Fluttershy outside, she was all prettied up like I told you. Pretty necklace, eyeshadow, haircut and she put this wicked blue stripe in her hair too. I thought she was doing it to make me feel better about waltzing around town in my dress.”
“Then what happened in town that you sped away from her?”
“Well that’s the thing, since we were hanging out together it was less embarrassing for me, and when I went to go and explain that I lost a bet to my friends in the weather team I turned around to find out Fluttershy ditched me!”
Twilight felt really bad for her now; apparently Rarity had been humiliating her all day…and toying with Dashs feelings in the process.
“So then what?”
“I poked around for her and when I found her in front of Seasonal Delights she was all like ‘Oh I have a date Rainbow Dash hurry up’ and I just…left.”
Twilight sat there in awkward silence for a bit, ‘This is definitely a question I can’t answer for her. I’ve got to get her to say something herself,’ she thought biting her lip “Dash, I’m going to ask you some questions. You don’t have tell me anything but you need to think about your answers, or whatever springs to mind first.”
Dash gulped before nodding her head “Alright….shoot”.
Twilight took a deep breath “Are you jealous of Fluttershy? Do you want to go on a date with somepony too? Are you mad at yourself for being rude to Fluttershy earlier? Did you want to apologize to her? Do you want to get all pretty yourself?”
Dash said nothing, her rosey eyes darting rapidly back and forth.
Twilight lowered her voice, “Dash, do you…want Fluttershy?”
Still silence filled the room, only broken with the sounds of their breathing. A minute passed. Then two. At three Twilight delicately placed a hoof over her friends.
“Dash?”
She suddenly leapt at Twilight, wrapping her hooves around her neck.
“OH TWILIGHT! I think I, I guess I, I just-“ she hiccupped “-just want somepony to like me!” she buried her face in Twilights mane, softly sobbing into it.
Oh Celestia just what have I gotten myself into? thought Twilight fretfully as she stroked Rainbow Dashs mane What do I say to her now? I don’t know enough about these things to even begin to give her a proper answer.
“Noponys e-ever even, even GIVEN me a s-second glance before a-and to just s-see her going and d-doing what I’ve never g-gotten to do just-” she hiccupped, “-it hurts Twi…”
She held that embrace with Dash as her sobs slowly disappeared and the hiccupping eventually faded. Twilight always regarded her friend as a rough tough no-nonsense kind of pony, never really giving a thought about her soft side. Deep down, Rainbow was a lovesick pony who just unexpectedly discovered that she had one.
“Rainbow Dash, listen, just because you’ve never had romance in your life before doesn’t mean that it won’t happen,” spoke Twilight softly, picking her words with care “but maybe your um, awesome attitude just doesn’t click with other ponies.”
“So,” Dash sniffled “So what should I do then?”
‘What should you do indeed?’ thought Twilight as she paced back and forth. Pacing always seemed to get her brain working. “Well…completely changing your mindset would be kind of drastic…but changing it a little, or pretending to, shouldn’t be too hard for you. It’s not like you’d need to go through a huge makeov-“
Twilight shoved a hoof in her mouth. Makeover was the last thing she wanted to be talking about. Makeover was precisely what kicked off this whole situation. She just hoped that Dash wouldn’t jump to that dec-
“I should get a makeover too! If I change my style even a little bit I’ll surely get noticed by somepony!”
“Uhh, hehe, yeah, a makeover. Maybe instea-”
“I know! I’ll go ask Rarity about it! She knows all about fashion and girly stuff like that! Thanks so much for hearing me out Twi!” Dash leaned over to her, hesitated, then pecked her on the cheek and running over to the balcony. Twilight paused, putting a hoof to her face Did you just give me a kiss? Dash loudly shoved the balcony doors open, snapping Twilight out of her momentary daze.
“Wait! You can’t! Dash! DAAAASH!” called Twilight frantically as Rainbow Dash sped into the inky night sky. Twilight fruitlessly slammed her hooves against the railing and hung her head over the side.
“This is not going to end well…”
|
Cosmonaut
|
1122
| 3 |
Doctor Whooves,Fluttershy,Rainbow Dash,Rarity,Twilight Sparkle,Comedy,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Of Sound Mind
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A magical mishap! Rarity and Fluttershy swap bodies for a day!
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complete
| 198 | 23 |
<p>At Rarity and Fluttershys behest Twilight agrees to swap their talents for a day, the plan goes awry when Twilight accidentally ends up switching their minds between their bodies. The effect, fortunately not permanent, allows both ponies to proceed with their original plans unfazed. Rarity however, gets quickly carried away with her newfound self...</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-05T02:21:22+00:00
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2011-10-05T02:21:22+00:00
| 8,365 |
Dash did a few backflips in the air; it felt great getting all that off her chest, even though it took every ounce of willpower to swallow her pride and land on that balcony. After she’d been left hanging in front of the restaurant she wasn’t entirely sure if she was jealous of Fluttershy or of her getting a date. Whatever the case it was leagues better than moping on a cloud while those new feelings of hers tore her insides apart. With Twilights upfront questions she was able to sort out those feelings and finally decide what she really wanted.
“I wonder what her problem was though…” she said aloud, miffed at Twilight for banging her hooves and yelling at her, “It’s not like I smooched her on the lips.”
Dash didn’t mean anything by the little thank you kiss she’d left on her cheek and didn’t take Twilight to be phobic like Applejack usually was. She couldn’t even pat that pony on the back sometimes without getting nasty looks and a mean comment.
“What it would be like to hang out with Soarin’,” pondered Dash spiraling in the air, wind catching her dress and flapping noisily. The blue stallion had been on Dashs mind since meeting him at the Best Young Fliers competition. Head Captain of the Wonderbolts, all around awesome athlete, and the coolest colt cruising the skies.
Still single too thought Dash languidly, her pulse quickening a little. All she had wanted before today was to become a Wonderbolt, now she was determined to date one. Heck, that could even be her in for the team. With this lofty new goal in mind her self-confidence soared to new heights, but first things first.
Rainbow brazenly forced open the front door of Carousel Boutique to see the machines in the store still running, and a haggard looking Rarity dutifully at work behind the bench. She was so absorbed in her work she didn’t notice that someone had entered the room.
“Hey Rarity! How’s it goin’?” she asked cheerfully.
Rarity looked up and gave her a limp half smile “Hello Rainbow Dash. That’s a very, um, nice dress you’re wearing.”
Dash groaned “I KNOW it’s a nice dress. Everyponys told me that at least once today!”
“I’m sorry…”
“Don’t be, I’m just sick of hearing it. Anyways, if you’re not too busy in the morning I wanted to ask ya little bit of a favor,” she said hurriedly
Rarity squirmed behind the table, apparently unsure of what to say “Well, maybe, what did you, um, have in mind?”
“I can’t hear ya if your whispering Rarity. Speak up a little please?”
“Sorry," apologized Rarity, raising her voice, "what kind of favor Rainbow Dash?”
“I kinda wanted a makeover job. Nothing too outrageous because I’m already SO good-looking, but it needs to be different, sorta like what Fluttershy did. I wanna look cute, but still awesome so starting with my hai-“
The teacup floating next to Rarity fell to the floor with a crash “Dash,” peeped Rarity shakily “Um, could you repeat what you just said? I don’t think I heard you right.”
“Cute but awesome?”
“No, not that, about Fluttershy,” pressed Rarity.
“Oh yeah, Fluttershy had some sorta intervention earlier today. New haircut and highlights and stuff so I thought I could get something done like it too.”
Rarity delicately got up from her seat behind the bench and walked over to Dash “Could you, um, tell me where you last saw her? I think I need to go see her now.”
“I don’t think ya should bother her, she’s just too busy at the moment,” said Dash in a mocking tone of voice.
“Busy? Busy with what?” requested Rarity fearfully.
“On her date.”
Rarity hit the floor in a loud thump, fainting right in front of Dash.
“Sheesh Rarity sure it’s surprising but you’re over-reacting now,” said Dash bending over her friend. She roughly slapped Raritys face with her hoof a few times attempting to rouse her.
“Wake up!”
“What……Rarity?”
“Yeah ya fainted remember?”
Rarity gradually got to her feet, wobbling a little as she stood back up. “Listen, um, I need to go right now. I’ll help you with your makeover tomorrow but I really really really need to speak with Fluttershy about...something. Goodnight!”
“Why do ya need to talk to her tonight? What about…whatever it was you were doing right now?!”
Rarity had already staggered out the door, leaving her behind. Dash trotted over to the small pile of clothes and curiously picked through her work.
“Designer clothes for foals? Just what is going on with everypony today?”
***
The moonlit walk back to Fluttershys cottage was a truly magical one. Dr. Whoof had quite an interesting backstory for such an unassuming figure, which was unfortunate for Rarity since she wasn’t exactly in-depth on Fluttershys past before she moved to Ponyville. She had carefully steered the discussion away from that topic though.
“So why not just work with Ponyville urgent care? I’m sure they could help you with their medical talents.”
“Something I considered, but decided against in the end. They’re not really cut out for actual medical practice. Their healing skills peak at bruises and bandages,” snorted Dr. Whoof.
“So they aren’t good at their job?”
“Perfectly competent is a nice way of putting it. Animals tend to get into stickier situations than us ponies. Makes me wonder if those nurses have ever even seen blood.”
“Those sorts of things can be healed with magic quite easily enough. Magical practices in healing are becoming popular aren’t they?”
“They’re practically interesting. It’s all well and good for small stuff but the more involving the injuries the longer a pony has to focus that magic. Unless the unicorn has very high stamina and concentration the Earth pony will always do better in the long run.”
“Can’t argue with that, feel that wind though, great night for a stroll isn’t it?” said Rarity as a cool breeze blew through her hair.
“A fantastic night,” agreed Dr. Whoof, “the Pegasus ponies even kept it clear for the walk back. If it were any darker I wouldn’t have spotted that pretty flower on the trail.”
“You didn’t have to pick that silly little thing for me,” she said adjusting the blue flower he’d tucked behind her ear.
“It had your name on it! The flower was practically calling you from the grass. It even goes well with your hair!”
Rarity smiled sincerely “What of the one I picked hmmm? Not as fine a choice as I would have liked.”
“It matches my tie, so that’s a good look and enough reason to keep it,” he said eyeing the gangly stem draped over his ear. Rarity hadn’t been looking when she pulled it out the ground in exchange for the blue one in her ear, but he proudly wore it anyway.
“The waiter dumping that split-pea soup on your coat looked good too,” goaded Rarity “You were greener than your tie for a good ten minutes!”
“I swear I don’t even remember dropping that napkin on the floor. I bet he put it there afterwards so he wouldn’t look bad in front of the maître’d.” he replied flushing red with embarrassment.
Rarity giggled at his blush “Don’t be bothered I’m only teasing. Green just isn’t your color anyway, it looks much better on me.”
“So you’re saying you would rather have the pea soup on your face?”
Dr. Whoof began laughing as Rarity gave him a playful shove. He sidled over and budged her sideways off the path in response.
“Hey no fair! You’re bigger than I am!” she pouted lightheartedly returning to his side.
The journey back to was full of playful banter and cheerful tomfoolery. Despite a rough start the entire evening was going along without a hitch as she felt herself getting more comfortable around her date.
Okay, it’s up to you now Dr. Whoof she thought apprehensively as they trotted up to the door I hope you’ve got it in you to make the move, all you need is to finish with the kiss.
“I’m really glad you did end bumping into me earlier, it was a bit short notice but dinner was quite fun, you had fun too right?”
Rarity had opened her mouth to respond, but at that last thought her tongue had retreated to the back of her throat. Not now, anytime but now thought Rarity in panic.
“We had an excellent night Fluttershy, wouldn’t you agree?” he offered searching for a response.
Her legs had frozen to the ground and her wings had locked into place against her sides. Rarity couldn’t move. She shut her mouth again trying to think of a way to halt the growing tension in the air.
“We should, uh, do this again sometime?”
Nothing she thought of could break the paralyzing grip that froze her in place. The final moment of this magnificent night was going to shatter as Fluttershys body betrayed her. Rarity could do nothing but helplessly watch as Dr. Whoofs confidence began to fade away.
“Well, I uh, hope to see you around then Fluttershy,” Dr. Whoof began to leave, a defeated look resting in his eyes.
No! I cannot let it end like this!
In a last desperate move Rarity arched her neck forward, snatching the green stem from behind his ear.
“Fluttershy! I was going to keep that! Can I have it back please?”
Rarity shook her head. It was all she could do.
“Why’s that? Can I, uh, have yours then?”
She shook her head no again.
“Are you going to make me beg for it?”
Another stiff shake.
“Am I going to…have to take it from you?”
With great pain Rarity forced a playful smile onto her face, tilting her head and rolling the stem to the back of her mouth.
He trotted close to her and attempted to grab the stalk with his mouth. Rarity craned her neck and moved out of his way. Another attempt to grab it and she ducked once more. He moved forward to retrieve it once again and this time Rarity didn’t dodge him. Her soft lips met his as they shared their unexpected first kiss at the door.
As her eyelids fluttered close Rarity felt a wave of warm relief sweep throughout her nerve wracked body. Her wings hung listlessly from her sides as the fear that had frozen her seconds ago melted away in that blissful embrace, fireworks going off in her mind as they eagerly shared that heated kiss. The final barrier of pointless doubt washing away as it replaced itself with the passionate fulfillment her body had so long craved.
They finally pulled away panting softly, lips making a quiet smack as they parted. Neither spoke as they stood facing each other breathlessly in the moonlight, waiting for the other to break the spell that first kiss had woven unto them.
“Wow,” breathed Rarity finally finding her voice “That was wonderful…”
“Something I’ve only ever dreamt of happening,” Dr. Whoof leaned forward and delicately kissed her again “You are a dream come true Fluttershy. Why didn’t I wake up sooner and do this years ago?”
She returned his kiss, looking deep into his blue eyes as she did, “Questions that maybe we’ll never know the answer to. The ones you asked before, when I was lost in my head, were all yes. I did have a great time and I do want this to happen again. Sometime sooner rather than later.”
She brought herself closer, resting her head on his strong neck as they quietly reflected on their newfound admittance of love for each other. Time slowed to a halt as they stood gazing at the stars together, her heart beating in tune with his own.
“I would stand here all night with you if I could get away with it, but I have to run the shop in the morning,” he grumbled quietly.
“That’s fine, I’ll be a little busy myself tomorrow. Maybe if you get the chance, we can meet sometime during the day again?”
“I’m done with maybes,” Dr. Whoof nuzzled her affectionately “I will see you tomorrow. If there’s anything else you can count on right now Fluttershy, it’s that.”
Dr. Whoof kissed her goodnight and with a short wave began traveling down the path back to town.
Rarity threw open the door to the house and shut it behind her, sliding every single lock into place before turning around.
“I did it.”
She jumped into the air and flew around the room, wildly cartwheeling in the air and laughing.
“I did it! I did it! I did it! I did it! I DIIIIIID IIIIIIIT!” she yelled happily.
Rarity bolted upstairs and skimmed through the novels and written manuscripts on the floor. She filled her mind with as many romantic fanciful ideas as possible. The pain that filled her up hours ago was no more to be found. She squealed at herself and did a few more triumphant backflips.
“Rarity you’ve outdone yourself this time! You handled that date like noponys business! What a rush of emotion! He loves you too Fluttershy I just knew it! Oh just you wait when you get back in here and-”
Her eyes went wide as an unsettling idea entered Raritys mind. This whole evening had gone through her head, not Fluttershys. While the inner emotional changes in her body would surely remain would they count for nothing if Fluttershy didn’t know that happened? Were these past hours going to be committed solely to Raritys memory or Fluttershys? How would Fluttershy react if she didn’t know what took place this evening, furthermore how was Rarity going to explain herself when she did?
“Ooooooooooh what am I to do now?” griped Rarity helplessly looking to the cuckoo clock. There was little over fifty minutes remaining before the spell ended and they would forcefully return to their rightful bodies.
“Why’s everything got to complicate itself right at the end?” Rarity moaned dejectedly, stamping her hooves in frustration. The box with her friends’ unfinished writings had tipped onto its side spilling its contents onto the floor. While staring half-heartedly at the scattered blank pages an idea formed in her head, and Rarity jumped up elatedly.
“That’s it! That’s the solution!”
Grabbing a few clean sheets of looseleaf and a pencil she sat herself down by the dresser and hastily began writing.
***
Fluttershy sneezed. Slowly opening her eyes she found herself staring into a clump of soft green clover. What am I doing on the ground? Where am I? she thought listlessly to herself. She remembered that she was running. Was it from something? Fluttershy looked around cautiously. Nothing was behind her. She was going somewhere important in a hurry because of something Dash said to her.
“Rarity!” she pulling herself up. She wobbled shakily on her legs; one of them had fallen asleep. “Please let it not be true. Please let Dash be joking me. This just has to be one of those practical jokes she likes to play.”
Fluttershy wasn’t too far from her house, at a full gallop it was only 15 minutes from town. Along the way home she had ran past the stallion of her dreams, Mr. Whoof who had left town a while ago for his studies in Trottingham. Since she had first met he was the one colt in town that she couldn’t keep out of her head, the subject of many of her wistful daydreams that gave her peace of mind when she felt down. Fluttershy hadn’t said more than ten words to him since she let him adopt one of her rabbits.
He had been walking into town, the very opposite direction she was headed. At the sight of him and the worrisome things Dash had told her she had fainted not even thirty feet from where she passed him. How long was I out…how many minutes to midnight… Fluttershy thought uneasily, walking up to her front door. The final piece of this puzzle all depended on Rarity. She knocked and held her breath as the door locks clacked and unfastened, and the door swung open.
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!”
They screamed at the sight of each other.
“Fluttershy what in Equestria have you been doing with my hair!? It looks absolutely dreadful!”
“Your hair!? Look at what you’ve done to mine! Oh my gosh it’s all true then. Rainbow Dash wasn’t fibbing!”
“Dash?!" Rarity winced. "What, pray tell, did she reveal to you?”
“She told me that well enough Rarity. How could you do this to me? You of all ponies I call my best friend.”
“Fluttershy you don’t understand yet. What I did was for you.”
“My personal life and what I do with it is very much my own business. You didn’t just root around in it; you’ve turned it upside down! I cannot believe, would not believe it was true.”
“I feel your pain though, I felt it, don’t tell me that your ok with th-“
“Just please leave Rarity, I don’t think I want to talk to you right now”
“-but Fluttershy let me expl-“
“Please, just go. Just leave me alone.”
“You don’t know what happ-“
“I SAID I WANT TO BE ALONE!" shouted the disheveled pony.
“There’s no need to shout Fluttershy…“
“I’M NOT SHOUTING…..ALL RIGHT I AM! I’M SHOUTING! I’M SHOUTING! JUST GET OUT!”
Rarity stepped outside, and Fluttershy went in .A dull whistling began to sound in both ponies' ears. Fluttershy shut the door roughly and locked it behind her. The whistling that should have died in her ears grew stronger, but she felt no breeze or wind. Her hooves were glowing, then the rest of her followed suit in a dazzling white light. She watched in bewilderment as the back of Raritys head disappeared before her as she was yanked from her body. A whirlwind of color and bright light clouded her vision as she floated through the air and with a bang there was darkness again.
Fluttershy opened her eyes and gasped. She was outside, the spell had magically run its course and her mind was reconnected with her body once more. She automatically tested her wings, and despite the relief of being reunited with them she turned back towards the more urgent matter at hand.
“Rarity! Open this door please and leave my house again!” protested Fluttershy banging on the door.
“Oh lord did you give me a break at all today Fluttershy? I feel achey everywhere,” she said woozily swinging the door open.
“I forgot, I was too busy, now I’m going inside. Good night Rarity!” huffed Fluttershy shutting the door.
She stormed upstairs to her bedroom a lot angrier than she looked. The last time she felt this peeved was facing down the dragon in the mountain after it hurt her friends, that cruel action had sparked her into honest anger. She felt so bad for yelling too, yelling wasn’t something she did, she hadn’t yelled at a pony before in her entire life. It was making her feel so much worse even though she felt justified while doing it.
“Shouldn’t I be this mad though!? It’s not fair, it’s not right, it’s my life! I can’t show my face around here anymore. What am I going to do now?” she lightly kicked the door to her room, making it creak noisily. “How can I face him? How could you even know about him?”
“I’ll just leave that’s it, I’ll go back to Cloudsdale, restart my old life. Nopony will ever see me here again,” she said irritably, walking over to the wastebasket. Fluttershy dejectedly pulled out a long strip of her pink hair. “This is going to take forever to grow back in.”
Dropping the lock of her hair back into the basket she went to her bed, something catching her eye. There was a small stack of loose paper sitting on her pillow. It had her name written on it in a very messy script.
“Fluttershy please read?” she mumbled bitterly. “Well, fine, I will. I hope it’s an apology letter.”
***
Rarity wasn’t tired. Tired was an average day of work at Carousal Boutique. If she didn’t keep putting one hoof forward walking back to the store she would surely drop from exhaustion right on the spot.
“I haven’t felt this beat since I made all those dresses for Hoighty-Toighty,” she muttered sleepily. Moving in a straight line was even proving difficult, as she kept swaying to one side. “I wish Fluttershy wasn’t so upset, I should have expected her to be acting out of character after working all day long, and goodness can I be snappy.” Rarity thought back to one evening where she had yelled at her sister for some childish reason. Sweetie Belle had been in tears from her little outburst. “Perhaps I do need to get yelled at sometimes, odd that it would be me shouting at myself though.”
Rarity was just opening her door when she heard somepony behind her clearing her throat.
“Carousal Boutique how may I help you?” Rarity recited automatically.
“I think you’ve helped enough ponies for one day.”
Rarity turned around to see a livid Twilight Sparkle a few feet behind her “Twilight….how nice to see you at this hour.”
“Rarity, do you have even the slightest idea about the repercussions of what you’ve been doing today?”
Rarity gulped, “Of course I do, but what are you talking about? I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Nothing!? You’ve been messing with your friends’ lives and feelings all day long according to Rainbow Dash.”
“Dash? What did Dash tell you?” asked Rarity curiously.
“She told me about how you were embarrassing her today in front of her weather team squad. More about how bad she felt after you left her to go on a date. She was just about crying you should know.”
Rarity gasped, “Rainbow Dash, I feel so bad now…”
“As you should, I think you-“
“She must want a makeover too!”
“should apol-” Twilight stopped “Wait, how could you have know that?”
“Poor dear, I mistook her actions for anger at me for trying to leave her behind. I need to correct that mistake tomorrow as soon as possible! She’s probably going to want to keep her color scheme too and what am I going to do with her hair….”
“How could you miss that? Dash isn’t the most subtle pony.”
“Well pardon me Twilight, I haven’t exactly been myself today,” noted Rarity sarcastically.
“Rainbow Dash aside, you should say you’re sorry to Fluttershy for meddling in her personal life as well.”
“I’ve done nothing worthy of an apology.”
“I’m pretty sure everything that you’ve done today would validate an apology. You met with Fluttershy already since you’ve switched back right? How did that go?”
“She, uh, kicked me out of her house…twice,” admitted Rarity guiltily.
“That seems to be all the proof you need.”
“Shes just over-tired at the moment, I’m sure she’ll be fine soon enough. I’d wager I’ll be getting a thank you in the morning,” said Rarity with a yawn. “Technically this is your fault to begin with.”
“MY FAULT!?” exclaimed Twilight.
“None of this would have taken place today if you hadn’t messed up your spell in the library. You should apologize for all the trouble you’ve caused," the white unicorn teetered forward on her hooves, eyes half lidded.
“Technicalities aside Rarity don’t you feel you owe th-“
“I have a feeling you’re a tad jealous as well,” jabbed Rarity.
“Jealous?!” recoiled Twilight, her cheeks red. “What have I got to be jealous about?”
“Perhaps it’s because Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash are setting themselves on the realms of romance and you feel left out stuck in your silly books all day.”
Twilight turned away from Rarity and stared into the night sky. Her sharp words bristled her conscience. Was Rarity right? Did she feel envious that she was becoming the only pony amongst her friends without a companion to call her own? Was she wringing out her friend over nothing? Twilight sighed as her own words she parted to Dash earlier returned to her head.
“Rarity…maybe you’re right and I’m wrong. I don’t know enough about this subject to be handing out advice and opinions. Jealous…maybe I am jealous of them…if everything does turn out fine…could you forgive me if I did apologize?”
“Rarity? Rarity are you listening?” asked Twilight.
She turned around to see Rarity snoozing quietly, slumped in a pile on the ground in front of her.
***
It was about forty minutes later when Fluttershy finished reading the written papers that Rarity had left behind. The sloppy writing had made it a difficult read and there were many minor spelling and grammar mistakes littering the paper that bothered Fluttershy for some reason. She picked her head up from the notes and stared into empty space, trying to digest what she just read.
“Me beating Rainbow Dash in a race? She’s the fastest pony I’ve ever seen. How could I have done that?”
Fluttershy unfurled her wings; flapping them a few times she felt that they were sore and stiff. Rarity had really been working them today; probably more than she herself had ever bothered to. The biggest reveal was near the end of the little tale Rarity had written. The one concerning her and the object of her affection.
Fluttershy noticed a small round smudge on her mirror and sat in front of it, absently rubbing it away as her mind filled with the romantic scenes that were playing her head.
“He…loves me too…and we kissed?”
Looking in the mirror she saw there was another part of the paper she had missed on the back, she turned it over and began reading.
Dear Fluttershy,
If you’re reading this then I haven’t had the chance to properly talk to you about this evening. Something personal like your love life was maybe a bit too bold of me to intervene in but I felt I had too. Being in your horseshoes today had let me feel the hurt in your heart and the idea that you felt that everyday drove me to vanquish it. The last thing I want to do is hurt you Fluttershy. We’re friends, and friends look out for one another. You’re private with your life and I respect that, but I could not sit idly by when even the slightest thoughts of romance drove you to tears. Everything you have read on those pages happened to you today Fluttershy, I just hope you can feel it deep down inside. Life is like a romance novel you know, full of twists, turns and unpredictable surprises. I’ve written the first few pages of a new chapter in your life, it’s up to you now to pick up the pen and keep going. With love,
Rarity
Small drops of water peppered the note she was reading. Fluttershy let it float to the floor as she averted her attention to the mirror. The yellow Pegasus staring back at her didn’t look sad today, her eyes didn’t hide behind her hair nor was her face contorted in grief. The tears swiftly streaming down her face weren’t borne of pain but of joy, the kind of unrivaled happiness that she had never once thought she would live to feel. Fluttershy didn’t wipe them away. Not yet. A peaceful smile crossed her face, and the pony in the mirror smiled back. With infinite conviction in her voice, Fluttershy broke her silence.
“I can do this”
***
The following few months were a turbulent time for everypony involved in that fateful day. Rainbow Dash had at last gotten her make-over despite being so fussy and un-specific about what to change. Rarity had dyed the blue stripe in Dashs hair and mane a dazzling glossy silver on the grounds that she was already blue enough, thoughtfully matching that color change on the tips of her wing feathers too. With the simple instruction of combing her hair in the morning and some extra anecdotes on the rules of attraction Dash eventually did snag an evening with her idol Soarin' from a chance encounter in Cloudsdale.
Having changed not one, but two of her friends lives for the better spurred Rarity to start offering romance counseling for the single ponies in Ponyville. To her eternal amusement Raritys first customer was Twilight Sparkle of all ponies, who sheepishly admitted that her studies weren’t everything in life. Rarity decided that Twilight looked fine the way she was, but had more difficulty changing the overly-analytical pony’s mindset than anything. Despite her constant begging Twilight refused to divulge the botched instructions of the talent swap spell to Rarity, who pointedly complained it would only improve her service.
Fluttershy’s out of body experience was a secret kept between only the three originally involved, and thanks to Rarity she had changed the most from the incident. At her other friends’ questioning she attributed her new attitude to a self-help book borrowed from the library. In a startling act of generosity she moved out of her little cottage and bequeathed it to Pinkie Pie, who had been living with the Cakes in a room above Sugarcube Corner. There were no secrets surrounding her affection for Dr. Whoof either;the two were rarely seen apart. With the veterinary clinic open Fluttershy moved in with him to assist with the jumpy animals often admitted, amongst more passionate reasons.
Fluttershy continues to wear the wild blue highlight in her hair, a daily reminder of the life she almost missed, and the friend who helped make it happen.
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Chatoyance
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1123
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Original Character,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Alternate Universe,Science Fiction,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Profanity
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The Big Respawn
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Two friends must face what the essence of identity means to them.
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complete
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<p>Set in the Conversion Bureau universe, two young men face the inevitable totality of the expansion of Equestria into our world, and in the decision of one to choose transformation, both must come to an understanding about what is truly important about the meaning of self. <span style="color:#BE4343">Features Enhanced Audiobook Version.</span></p><p><span style="color:#BE4343;font-size:1.5em">♥</span> <a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/the-conversion-bureau-one-year.html" rel="nofollow">As Featured On Equestria Daily!</a></p>
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teen
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2012-07-10T02:15:34+00:00
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2024-06-30T20:34:07+00:00
| 13,212 |
This is a Conversion Bureau Universe story set in the alternate MLP:FiM universe originated by Blaze.
The basic premise is that Equestria is an emerging pocket sub-cosmos located off the western coast of the Americas, its magical energies fatal to humans, human nature fatal to both Equestria and the earth as a whole, and the only solution being the total ponification, by any means, of the entire human species.
This story has an enhanced audiobook version with ambient sounds and sound effects available, read by the amazingly talented Pwezem. Delight in his professional quality, dulcet and mellifluous voice as he reads this tale to you! Theme music 'Hand For Hoof' by zahqo and d.notive, used with permission. 46 minutes.
The Big Respawn Mediafire Download 42 meg file
►Click Here For YouTube Version◄
Lost In The Herd: One
The BIG
Respawn
By Chatoyance
Liam slid smoothly around the broken wall, thought 'Grenade' and his right hand instantly moved away from the gun, dropped below his vision, and returned holding a smooth cylinder. He knew this place, this corner with the concrete hedgehogs and the ammo box, and he knew the spawn point. It was right over the little crack in the barricade, and if he threw high, at a practiced angle, he would have reason to grin.
In his mind, he imagined the motion of throwing, and his arm mechanically tossed the grenade over the wall. It was perfect, his practice informing the toss, and within a moment, words formed in the air indicating a successful frag. Then his vision was filled with a triumphant march, a stirring image of soldiers cheering, and the noisesome clatter of scores, ranks, awards, and experience gained.
Dylan ripped the set from his head, his dark hair left standing at an odd angle by the rough motion. “What the FUCK?” He threw his mindset on the unkempt floor, in anger, but controlled just enough to avoid breaking the appliance. “What the flying FUCK was THAT? Seriously, let me be the first to say 'Fuck You, Man'. Sincerely. What WAS that shit?”
A massive, toothy grin faced Dylan. Liam slowly lifted the MicroSony Mindset from his head, and smoothed his dishwater blond mop of hair. It didn't help much. “It's called winning, Dylan. Winning. You should try it sometime. Feels nice!”
“No, that was Bullshit! I spawn, and BAM, and... well, fuck you.”
They were both grinning now, Dylan's face marked with a touch of excited frustration, but also a tiny note of admiration. It was a pretty amazing throw.
Liam rose to his feet, and began to head to the bathroom. “Yeah, I practiced that. And I'm proud of that, motherfucker!” As he rounded the shelves, he added “Come on, you could have done the same... well, if you weren't a crying little bitch, of course.”
This elicited a round of muffled expletives from behind the door as Liam settled in. Something in the pizza last night was not agreeing with him, and he needed a little alone time to enjoy some explosive decompression. He'd been holding things a little too long.
When Liam was finally able to leave, he was greeted by the sound of the threevee and Dylan's excited “Over here, dude, quick! The bubble has just creamed Bakersfield!”
The 'bubble' was the iridescent, perfectly spherical barrier that surrounded the emerging land of Equestria. Since it had first emerged from the sea four and a half years ago, the strange soap-bubble like shield had never stopped expanding. Slow at first, news reports had eventually been forced to admit an acceleration. Now, the sphere was visible from space, a shining dome more than a thousand miles in diameter, like some great gemstone set into a Fabergé egg earth. It was the largest no-fly zone in history.
“Look!” Dylan was excited “It's just beginning to push into Los Angeles!”. The news anchors, two overly blond talking heads, were decrying the loss of American soil, and the horror of the sheer magnitude of it all.
Liam took his seat “Mother-fuck. Damn that's something. Damn.” The properties of Equestria's shield were such that nothing human could penetrate the barrier. It was open to almost all matter, but anything human met with total solidity. The effect was such that even bones, buried deep in graves, were pushed out of the ground, swept as by a shimmering bulldozer, up into the light of day.
But this was not all the barrier did; what passed through safely changed. Radiation ceased. It just stopped being radioactive. Poisons stopped being poisonous. Gasoline changed into something not entirely unlike raspberry jam. The most wilted, dying grass turned greener than the finest summer day, the darkest, most brackish water became the purest blue, and highway pavement shimmered and fizzed, shifting visibly into bright and colorful cobblestone pathways. High skyscrapers melted into thatched-roof buildings, and everywhere trees and flowers filled every space.
Outside of the bubble, the works of man, gray and grimy and hard, and inside the bubble, a brightly hued fairyland where only a semblance of the original pattern could be interpreted.
“Look at that!” it was an extreme close-up shot, from the ground, showing the slow, inexorable expansion of the Equestrian barrier. Liam could see clearly the edge of the bubble visibly swallowing the very last edge of what had once been a petrochemical tank, the other side of which had become a very pleasant looking hillock, covered with flowers. The hillock was strangely high and domed, the mass of it at a steeper angle than physics should allow. That was Equestria defined: an utterly alien physics, a completely alien world. No, not world, 'universe', thought Liam.
“It's not going to stop. It is just not going to stop. This is going to... it's going to cover the world and that is that.” Dylan was unusually somber.
“If it never stops, then at some point, eventually, there won't be any place left. There won't be any earth left. And no human can live in there.” Liam shifted in his seat uncomfortably.
“It's death in there. For humans.” Dylan paused for effect “For humans.” He stressed the word. Savored it on his tongue, stretched it.
“Listen man, we mothefucking have to do this. We are going to have to do it. If we want to live, we are going to have to...”
“Get ponified.” Dylan spat the word. “Mother fuck. Ponified.” In everything he had said, it was clear the only obscenity was that word. Ponified. Transformed. Converted.
A gentle voice issued from the Threevee, coming from an unearthly and beautiful creature, a being of fantasy and impossibility. Her multicolored mane moved and rippled like a flag around her head, sea-green, blue, and pink, her long unicorn horn jutting from her milk-white face. She was Celestia, absolute monarch and literal goddess of the emerging Equestria.
“It is with the utmost regret that we acknowledge the loss of the great and magnificent human dwelling of 'Bakersfield' and also the many other cities and locales that once graced your coastal regions. While we cannot stop nor halt the progression of the expansion of our realm into yours, we remind you that in this there is no threat. We welcome you, willingly and with love, to join us, to enter into our land, our lives, and our society. Everywhere are the Conversion centers, always is the open hooves to greet you into a new and better life.”
Dylan and Liam looked at each other, neither could interpret the look on the other's face. Celestia was speaking again.
“You have seen what exists beyond the great barrier of Equestria, a world green and lush and beautiful. Beyond is a land where life is gentle, kind and wondrous. I would not wish to be despairing of your magnificent works, but surely there are among you those that can see the verdant fields beyond the gray steel and blackened concrete, and yearn for a better life. Please, please join us.”
One of the toothsome anchors was back “That was Princess Celestia of Equestria, responding to these scenes of the current state of the Equestrian Expansion. We return now to...” But by now the young men were not listening, the sound tuned down, their faces solemn, chairs facing each other, each trying to read the other.
“I'll go first.” Liam spoke “Then you can see what's what.”
“Mother. Fuck.” answered Dylan.
* * * * *
It had been two weeks, roughly, since Liam had left their shared apartment. Liam's bedroom door silent, no music behind it, no dirty dishes left by the sink, no more games of SlaughterStrike 3. Dylan had been practicing Liam's trick of tossing grenades from across the map, and had managed to master it, he was eager to show his friend. They had met playing the first iteration of SlaughterStrike, back before the Mindsets came bundled with the system. Dylan had gone to the trouble of ordering a pony-scale Mindset for Liam, as a gift. The device was a custom job, bought over the hypernet, wide enough to fit the huge skulls of the Equestrian ponies.
Dylan was reconstituting some hot wings, sipping a beer, when he heard fumbling at the door. The fumbling went on for some time, and he listened intently; there had been attacks and robberies in the run-down building lately, and he was alert for trouble.
“DYLAN!” The voice sounded odd, yet also familiar. “DYLAN! I... I need your help. Could you open the door? Please?” Dylan checked the clock, it was earlier than Liam had said, but it must be him. Dylan ran to the door.
He paused. He paused for a long time. He knew what must be on the other side of the door. That was nothing new, the ponies, transformed humans, were everywhere now. There were more ponies than humans, the Conversion Bureaus having served their function for the majority of the time since Equestria rose from the sea. Both Dylan and Liam had met many transformed humans, 'newfoals' as they were called, and dealt with them on a daily basis. But always with a degree of separation, of distance.
It had finally sunk in. The denial and suspension crumbling away as he stood at the door. On the other side was Liam, but not Liam, no-longer-human Liam, and this Liam, this creature, this alien, was his roommate. It was going to live here now. With him. Every day.
“Dylan?” The voice was plaintive “Are you there? I can't work the printlock. No fingerprints. Oh, please be there! I'm.. I'm a little nervous out here. I want to come home. Dylan?”
Dylan snapped out of his emotion. “Sorry, dude, I was... I had to get here from the... Just a moment!” Dylan was working the locks, pulling back the three safety bolts and the hardlock. “There we go!”
The door swung inward. Dylan held his breath, unsure of what to expect.
The creature trotted swiftly in. It was dragging a sack with its teeth. It stood on its four short legs, its long bright tail swiffing left and right nervously. It was violet. Pale violet, the color of designer sheets or girls underwear. A thick disheveled mane surrounded its head, an amazingly beautiful, pale corn-husk yellow. It was the only thing that reminded Dylan of Liam's sad, messy, murky blond hair.
The creature, the pony, looked up at Dylan with unnaturally green eyes. It couldn't be four feet tall.
“Dylan?”
“D...Dude. Mother fuck. Shit, dude. I mean.... Man.”
The pony nervously looked down and pawed the carpet with one hoof.
Dylan's heart was pounding. This was for real, this was someone he knew. Someone he lived with. They had isolated themselves from the world as long as they could, insulated themselves, in their apartment, watching as if from another planet altogether, the madness of a fairyland rising from the sea, the insanity of the human race being converted into an alien, magical species. They had made it a show to themselves, an amusement. A fiction.
But now this fiction was fact, and it was digging at his carpet, in his apartment, and it lived there. Liam was home.
* * * * *
They had eaten dinner, Dylan offering Liam a chicken wing. That was interesting; everyone knew Equestrians were vegetarians, and both were curious how this new Earth Pony equinoid body would react to meat if it were presented. Meat was available, but somewhat frowned upon in the Conversion Bureaus themselves, so this was Liam's first re-acquaintance with a favored staple. The little stallion tried, but even the smell was too much. “It... it smells like death” was how he put it.
Dylan, tried some of the food Liam had brought home in the sack. The sack was filled with hay -lots of hay- some alfalfa, some unusually large and colorful flowers, some amazing apples, and, of all things, muffins in a box. The hay tasted awful, like trying to eat a broom, and the flowers just tasted of chlorophyll and nothing. The muffins were pretty good. The apples were like nothing Dylan had ever tasted. They didn't look real; they were some shade of perfect, and the taste and smell sang to him of something long forgotten in his childhood, something sweet, and pure. The apples made him sad, too, though he did not understand why.
They talked nervously to each other through this, Liam the Pony exclaiming the rich deliciousness of the hay, the unbelievable savor of the flowers. “That's one thing that has changed, dude. Your sense of taste is way fucked up!”
Pony Liam visibly shrank at that. What had Dylan said? “You alright dude? Liam?” The pony brightened “Yuppers! I'm fine! I am very happy to be home with you!”
That struck Dylan. “You never say 'YUPPERS', dude. And that prissy 'I am very happy' crap. Fuck, man. 'You are very happy to be home with me?' What kind of shit is that? Are you OK?”
The pony shrank again. It was instant. As though he had been hit by an invisible fist. Then he was back, all gigantic eyes and pony smile “I must have said 'yup' sometime. Everyone says 'Yup'. And I am happy to be home.” Those huge eyes – they seemed the size of soccer balls to Dylan – stared back with unnerving innocence.
“You didn't say 'yup', motherfucker, you said 'YUPPERS'. Dylan intoned the word in a musical, flaming way. Again, Pony Liam shrank.
“FUCK! SHIT! PISS! COCKSUCKER!” yelled Dylan at the little violet pony. Each time it jerked, subtly, but definitely. Dylan leaned close and softly whispered “Motherfuckercocksucker”. Pony Liam shuddered. He. Shuddered.
Time passed. Pony and human had retreated to opposite sides of their space in the apartment, out of mutual necessity. Dylan could hear the pony in the Other Bedroom clumsily knocking about, probably trying to manipulate his possessions with mouth and hoof. Dylan stared out the grimy window, at the deep, dim red disk of the sun staring out of the gray smog of Los Angeles. The bubble of Equestria was coming. Already it was at the edge of the city, Bakersfield was now a hilly meadow within an invading universe. Parts of the city were already dangerous to be in, the magical radiation too dense to remain in for long. In time, within another year, this apartment would be... Equestria.
The smog was clearing. Bright rays struck Dylan's eyes, shocking him. The gray blanket was being peeled back, faster and faster. He could no longer stare at the disk of the sun, it was too bright. Yellow and pink and deep blue sunset, something he had never seen outside of media, dazzled his vision. The sky really was blue.
Dylan made out what was causing this impossible change. Pegasuses... Pegasai he corrected himself, hundreds of them, in every color he could imagine, swept as one round and round the Los Angeles sky. They dissolved the smog, battered it, swirled it up like cotton candy, dragging it behind them, on into and past the now-visible bubble that loomed and shone beyond. When the smog trail entered the curving Equestrian expanse, it vanished. Purified, he imagined. Cleansed.
The Barrier was so close. It was so impossibly vast. It shimmered like a soap bubble. The smog had hidden it all this time. He had no idea it was so close and so incredibly huge.
The sun finally set, and for the first time in his life, Dylan saw stars. Not many, for there were many lights in the city, but some. Stars. Stars in a sky that was not gray.
* * * * *
Shopping with Liam The Pony was a strange new world for Dylan. They had gradually come to an understanding of how to deal with each other, and this first week, though rough, was increasingly feeling more acceptable to Dylan. He wasn't sure how much of the pony was still Liam exactly.
Sometimes, in the dark, watching the new, regularly cleaned sky out the big window, they would talk and for a while it seemed, in the dark, that nothing had changed. Just Liam. But then Dylan would say something or make a joke, and the reaction was Not Liam. “It's just that, well, I don't feel angry enough to use those kind of words, to talk about... things like that. I... I just feel too happy, too... light... to go there. I'm sorry, Dylan. I don't mean to be... frustrating.” Dylan didn't feel frustrated, he felt scared, somehow.
Pony Liam was social. That was new. Old human Liam was, like Dylan, uncomfortable around people. People were a danger, they were always up to something, they always had an angle, they always wanted a piece of you. You had to be on your toes in the city, you had to know when to talk and who you could talk to, and above all, who to not even look in the eye.
The new pony market had been a gas station, once. Now it was a space covered with open bins of fresh produce, hay and oats and alfalfa, flowers and vegetables. There was a bakery area, with pies and cakes and other treats. There was a very small human section. It was increasingly hard to find human-food markets, since the large supermarts had pulled out of town. Dylan longed for the days of processed meats and burger stands.
Dylan chose a stack of instant meals – beef stroganoff, cup noodle, mexi-rice with beans, dehydrated jobs that could be reconstituted quickly. It was what was available; most humans had fled Los Angeles long ago, or become ponies. The Barrier meant nothing to the ponies. They could freely walk through it, and often did.
A pony family ran the market, and Liam was always so friendly with them. He was friendly from the first moment they found the market, and dealt with the couple and their two foals as if they had always been friends. This was Not-Liam in action. Not-Liam always came out grinning and friendly when meeting anyone.
“Have you two stallions been enjoying yourselves?” Mister Whitemane was carefully packing up their purchases, he had already put Liam's favorite muffins into their shopping sack. Mister Whitemane was a newfoal, as was his family, and they were transformed humans that continued to live on human land. Dylan did not know Mister Whitemane's real name, his human name. He had changed his name to something more Equestrian, as best he could, because 'It sounded better!'.
“Oh yes, Mister Whitemane! Dylan and I have lots of fun. Yesterday we went to see the Shield! It was beautiful! Have you been there?” Dylan had touched the bubble, a flat wall extending to infinity, dividing earth from Equestria. There was a place, one of a few nearby locations, where the magical radiation somehow was not strong, perhaps like a faded radio signal, or perhaps where waves of magic canceled themselves out, a safe-for-humans spot where both he and Liam could visit the barrier without ill effect.
Dylan had run his hand over the iridescent wall, it felt hard as diamond, frictionless, and neither warm nor cold. It was just there, impossible to pass, impenetrable. Liam had happily trotted across the magical wall, it was but air to him, and Dylan saw Liam's violet hooves press upon the most perfect, bright, splendid grass he had ever seen. Looking across into that colorful land had moved Dylan in some fashion he could not say. He had turned away. He didn't want Liam to see. The fucker would probably make a big deal out of it, try to comfort him like some fucking pussy. He couldn't deal with that crap.
“Oh you are so going to enjoy this weeks' alfalfa, Liam. It comes straight from Equestria itself! We will be getting shipments from there regularly now. A taste of the homeland!” Liam cantered with joy “Yay!” Sometimes -no, all the time – Liam was like a child now. He was like an innocent, loving child. A part of Dylan had begun to hate this. Despise this. It burned.
“Have you thought of a new name, Liam? A proper pony name? Sayyyy.... something like 'Violet Fetlocks? Oh! That sounds nice!”
That was the last straw. That was it. That was the shit. The fucking shit. Dylan turned and strode away. He walked and walked. He couldn't go home. This motherfucking prissy pony shit.
* * * * *
Dylan was in a bad part of town, but it didn't matter much, what with the only threat, other humans, evacuated for the most part. There were still dangers, of course, a few, rare roving bands of punk shitheads, gang fucktards that stayed around to partake of the last days of Los Angeles, but this was not on Dylan's mind.
Pony or flee. These were his options. He could become like Liam, or he could flee. Somewhere. Anywhere. There would be ponies wherever he went, of course, but he could get away from the expanding Bubble, the growing magical field, and ultimately, Liam.
Liam and he used to be friends. They could shoot the shit with each other into the morning. They shot the hell out of opponents online. Liam was a great fighter. He was fucking awesome online. They had not played together since the first night. Liam couldn't take all the blood. He couldn't bring himself to pull the trigger. He didn't feel good hurting anything.
And that was it. That was what had been lost. That part of Liam, that part of his humanity was gone. The killer ape, the murderous primate. It was gone. The anger, the force inside that made a man tough, the rush of domination. Gone. Dead. Liam just wanted to be...
What was it that Liam wanted? To be a friend. That hurt Dylan the most. He couldn't get mad at Liam. He couldn't even swear at Liam. He couldn't because no matter what he did, Liam just tried harder to be a good friend. Liam was ...nice. He was so fucking nice. And Dylan was not. Not like that.
He never thought of himself as a bad person. He felt he was an OK guy. He was a good friend. The time human Liam, old Liam couldn't make rent AND food, he spotted him. He never even expected to see the money back. That's being a friend, isn't it? It wasn't like he was evil.
It's just that, dammit, where was the fucking fire? What had happened to Liam? And if he went pony, what would happen to him? What would he be? Who would he be? What the fuck did conversion steal from humans? Was it gone forever?
Dylan slept in an abandoned hotel. He picked the fanciest room, he deserved it. He did not feel like watching the Pegasai colorfully sweep the horizon. He pulled the drapes shut. He kept the room dark. He felt dark.
“I'm sorry, Dylan” The huge, shining green eyes seemed deeply concerned “I really wanted to play, and I really appreciate the wonderful mindset - it is a fantastic gift – but...” pale violet hooves pawed the carpet again “..Maybe we could try playing something else? Something a little less, well, violent. I can't help it. It just... makes me feel sad, I guess.”
Sad. It made him feel sad. The pretty pony feels sad. Not scared. Not disturbed. Not disgusted. Maybe a little. Yes, disgusted. It was on his face. His muzzle. Whatever. But the bottom line was that he was sad.
Like it was somehow wrong. Like a good round of killing the shit out of people was indicative of... a lesser status. That fucking pony was acting superior! Superior! That was the problem! Liam the precious pony princess was Better Than Everyone. Better than....
Better than human.
That thought startled Dylan. All of his life he had been angry, angry at people, because they fucking sucked. People were mean and selfish and cruel, and the world was mean and selfish and cruel, and there was no end of assholes. Fucktards on the net, asshats on the street, sociopaths in the government, and raping pirate cocksuckers ripping up the planet for profit everywhere. Every fucking man for himself.
Every fucking man. For himself.
Every pony for... each other. For everyone.
Dylan tossed and turned for hours before he finally fell asleep.
Dylan was six. He was at some kind of street festival. It was in the Latino part of town. There was music and men in fancy outfits playing horns. His mommy had taken him there. It was so bright, and everyone was so happy. A plump elderly woman squatted down and patted him on the head. She said something to his mommy he couldn't understand. Then she gave him candy. He beamed at her. Without thinking he grabbed her leg in his arms and held her. She stroked his hair and said things he couldn't make out. He waved to the nice lady. He waved to the band. People waved back. And all he knew in all the world was that life was pretty.
* * * * *
Liam trotted to the kitchen. Turning his head sideways he gripped the refrigerator door in his mouth and pulled it open. He pulled out his bag of alfalfa. Mister Whitemane had been right, real Equestrian produce was unbelievably good. For the past three weeks, since Dylan had disappeared, Liam had made a point of getting the imported grains and flowers. It was something cheery, and he needed that, because he couldn't help but worry about his best friend.
And Dylan was his best friend, he had realized that the moment he woke up after his conversion. Even while he had been first learning to walk with his new legs, he had been thinking, in the back, about whether he would one day impress his friend with how well he could trot. He had felt shame that he had never told Dylan how much he appreciated him. How he had basically just taken him for granted.
Every day, Liam had gone out to try to find Dylan. He had asked some of his new pegasus friends to keep an eye out for a dark haired human. He had even consulted a local unicorn, in the hopes that some work of magic could find Dylan. But while the unicorn was an early convert, she had no means of helping him.
Liam, by now, had many friends among the ponies of 'Los Pegasus' as everypony was starting to call the city. Occasionally he had heard rumors of sightings of a man, or men, but so far, nopony had definitively found Dylan.
Liam put some of the alfalfa into his big bowl. It was his favorite bowl, because it was wide and brightly colored. He went back to the fridge for some carrots. Carrots were now spicy-sweet treats to Liam, they tasted nothing like he remembered from his old days as a human.
He carried his meal, when he had finished preparing it, gripped tightly in his teeth, over to the table by the threevee. He liked eating there, it reminded him of days with Dylan, and it was nice and low so that he could eat comfortably, sitting on his haunches.
He dipped his muzzle into the bowl, the cool fragrance of Equestria filling his nostrils. It sang softly of rolling green hills perfect for galloping over, of crystal streams and green -so green- shading trees. Breezes so pure they almost sparkled, and vast fields of colorful, delicious flowers.
There was a knock at the door. For a moment, Liam was excited, but his keen ears knew the difference in sound between a human knuckle and a pony hoof. Liam stood up, licked the last savory strand of alfalfa from the edge of his muzzle, and trotted over to the door.
There was no need for locks anymore, everyone in Los Pegasus' was Pony now (except, he dearly hoped, for one special human) and that made opening the door much less of a chore. Carefully gripping the handle in his mouth, the little violet Earth Pony flipped the latch with a strong tongue, and pulled the door open.
“Hello...” he began, “May I help you?”
Outside the door was a bright yellow stallion, with a dramatic midnight black mane and tail. He had a simple cloth bag in his teeth, which Liam recognized as a release bag, often offered to the converted as they left the Conversion Bureaus, providing them with an initial supply of food and essentials to assist them in their new lives. Liam had been given one. He still had it, for sentimental reasons.
“Iffl Mffl, Fyffm!” the yellow pony tried to say around the bag.
“Oh! You must be looking for somepony for company, being new and all? No place to go? I'm glad you found me! Please, come in, come in friend!” Liam backed up to allow the new pony to enter the apartment. The yellow Earth Pony trotted in, a little unsteadily, and sat in the middle of the room. He finally dropped the bag from his teeth.
The cup was filled with a purple fluid. It was sometimes referred to as 'Potion', short for something like 'Ponification Transformation Solution' or some such term. He swirled it with his fingers, and it shone like something metallic, which it might well have been. It had been explained to him that it was a suspension of nanotechnology infused with some astonishing form of Equestrian magic - real magic – a combination of earth and Equestrian technology. He supposed magic could be called technology. It did stuff, after all.
It tasted... like grape. Artificial grape. Like a bad brand of jelly, or perhaps cool-aid. He was finally 'drinking the cool-aid'. The joke made him laugh. The stainless steel platform was cold under his naked buttocks. He downed the rest in a single gulp. A strange feeling spread through him, even as his consciousness left. He did not know for sure if he only imagined his head hitting the platform with a thud.
He was in some timeless space, floating, a dream that was not a dream, or perhaps it was. The shining form of Celestia and her sister goddess Luna were before him. “Troubled one, what is it that you seek in Equestrian life?” The question was kind, loving, almost motherly.
“I want..” the words formed in his mind, for he had no body with which to speak “I want kindness. I want to be... innocent.”
And he was filled with light, and laughter, and he became six again, and he knew, beyond any doubt or any fear, that life was pretty. And then the colors sang to him.
Dylan was hugging back, as best he could with his new legs, and Liam was all violet coat and cornsilk mane surrounding him, and Liam was crying pony tears of gladness, because his new friend was his best friend, and the hug went on for a long, long time, until the sniffles stopped. It was all very emotional, and very raw, and very sappy, and very honest.
And Dylan found that he didn't mind. No, he didn't mind it at all. In fact, he loved it.
THE END
Dylan and Liam return!
This story has a sequel in Chapter Five of 'Tales Of Los Pegasus' entitled: The City In Violet.
The Lost In The Herd Series:
One: The Big Respawn,
Two: Euphrosyne Unchained,
Three: Letters From Home,
Four: Teacup, Down On The Farm
The Conversion Bureau Novels:
27 Ounces: A story of eight and one half ponies
The Taste Of Grass
The Conversion Bureau: Code Majeste
The Conversion Bureau: The 800 Year Promise
The Conversion Bureau: Going Pony
The Reasonably Adamant Down With Celestia Newfoal Society!
Recombinant 63: A Conversion Bureau Story
HUMAN in Equestria: A Conversion Bureau Story
The PER: Michelson and Morely
Little Blue Cat
Cross The Amazon
Adrift Off Fiddler's Green: The Final Conversion Bureau Story
The Short Stories:
Her Last Possession
The Conversion Bureau: PER Equitum
The Conversion Bureau: Brand New Universe
Tales Of Los Pegasus
The Poly Little Pony
The very first and original
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Optimalverse Works:
Friendship Is Optimal: Caelum Est Conterrens
Leftovers: A Friendship Is Optimal Story
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Chatoyance
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1124
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Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Alternate Universe,Human,Adventure,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Euphrosyne Unchained
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A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than flesh.
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complete
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<p>Set in the Conversion Bureau universe, A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than merely her physical form.</p><p><span style="color:#BE4343;font-size:1.5em">♥</span> <a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/the-conversion-bureau-one-year.html" rel="nofollow">As Featured On Equestria Daily!</a></p>
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teen
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2012-10-06T02:32:54+00:00
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2018-07-24T04:36:08+00:00
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Lost In The Herd: Two
Euphrosyne
Unchained
By Chatoyance
Chapter One: Lansing Bureau
The bunk was not overly comfortable, but it would do, and in any case Alyssa knew she would only need to use it for a week at most. The rate at which Conversions were being performed had been recently stepped up, the news of Equestria's expanding magical barrier shrouding the very last of Los Angeles - 'Los Pegasus', she corrected herself – generating a rush on all of the North American Conversion Bureaus. Here in Lansing, far from the west coast, the crowding was not as bad, but her room, built for two, now slept double that number.
She rifled through her dufflebag, her last earthly possessions. The conversion process was free, as was placement afterwards, and all the training, room and board, paid for by both the inexhaustible Equestrian treasury and government assistance, but it was the rule that an applicant leave everything behind. Alyssa had liquidated her meager funds, and given the money to her neighbors, what few remained, keeping only enough to make it to the Lansing Bureau. She had left her belongings in her apartment, as most did, and her car was abandoned on a side street eight blocks from the Bureau. She could not park closer because other abandoned vehicles covered every open place, clogging the streets as well.
This was the way of things in post-Equestria earth, abandoned human possessions a silent testament to their owners abandonment of their biological humanity. Now, five years after Emergence, most of the human race had 'gone pony', as it was called.
There was no real alternative, of course. Alyssa had spent a great deal of time on the hypernet researching the effects of thaumatic energy on primate biology. Something about the magic emanating from Equestria destroyed human cells, damaging the mitochondria, ravaging liposomes, causing demylination of nerves and... “Stop.” she thought to herself “Enough. I'm tired of that.”
And she was. She was very tired of books and diagrams and journals and carrying a head heavy with too much knowledge too incompletely understood. She was tired of who she was, how she had hid from the world, the face she presented as much to herself as to the world.
Bookworm, little scientist, braniac, know-it-all – this was her childhood, and she had never grown up. Feeling weak and picked on, she had developed the defense of appearing smart, smarter perhaps than she really was. It had worked for a long time, but the older she grew, the less effective it seemed, and the more annoying to herself, and everyone around her.
Hannah pushed open the lockless, swinging door, and cocked her head at Alyssa “Soups on, Aly!” Hannah was one of Alyssa's three roommates at the Bureau, a gregarious older woman who had come all the way from Oregon. She had family in Michigan, and Lansing was as good a place as any to have her conversion. Alyssa had become friendly with her almost immediately.
The dining hall was bustling well past limits, what with double the number of applicants at the Bureau, and many people were sitting on the floor, holding their trays in their lap, or on one knee. Mixed in with the humans were over a dozen newfoals, recently converted humans, either awaiting transfer to Equestria, or still receiving training on how to live as an Equestrian, before returning to the streets outside. Alyssa followed Hannah to the line.
“Whatcha want?” asked the pony behind the stainless steel foodservice counter. Her name -her new name, Alyssa hadn't met her before her conversion- was Flower Meadow, which Alyssa had thought sounded more like a Chippewa name than an Equestrian moniker. Flower was a soft, pale yellow with a forest green mane, all of which somewhat evoked her name. It was doubtless why she had chosen it.
“Um, I guess the carrot salad and the tofu look good..” Flower skillfully used the serving tong in her mouth to dish up first the carrot and raisins, and then used a wide scoop to deposit tofu in some sort of sauce onto Alyssa's plate. Alyssa always marveled at such maxillofacial dexterity, and worried whether or not she would be so able... after.
“Oh! You have any of those Equestrian apples left?” Equestrian fruit was a huge hit with everyone, equine or human in the Bureaus, and was brought in as a cheery indication of the future, when there would be only Equestria, only Ponies, and the dying earth renewed. Equestrian apples tasted like the ideal of what an apple should be, and had no taint of genetic modification, nanotechnology, or chemical waste. Alyssa often wondered if terrestrial apples had ever been as good, before the industrial, atomic and nanotech ages, or, in lacking Equestrian magic, no apple in history had ever been so delicious.
“I'm really sorry, sweety” Flower seemed deeply regretful “What with the rush of new applicants and all, they're all gone.” Alyssa couldn't help but pout, the apples really were that good. “Tell you what – next shipment I'll set one aside just for you to make it up!” Flower really was a particularly nice pony.
Hannah had found a patch of floor by the trash bins wide enough to sit down amidst the throng, and called Alyssa over. Alyssa set her tray down first, then clambered to sit tailor fashion on the concrete. Setting the tray in her lap, she noticed Ella and Chloe -her other roommates at the bureau- enter. She waved to them over the din, then scootched over to make extra space for them to join, when they had gotten their trays.
Ella was from Boston, another victim of unemployment. Homelessness had ceased being a problem for her as ponies outnumbered humans, and for a while she had enjoyed living in the abandoned homes of the wealthy. Eventually she had come to the decision that a life of raiding empty stores and markets could not compare to life in a bountiful fairyland, even if it meant walking on four legs.
“So, how's tricks?” Ella had been in classroom B most of the morning, Alyssa hadn't seen her since wake up call and breakfast.
“We got basic Equestrian etiquette and customs today, bow to the princesses, say please and thank-you a lot, that sort of thing. How about you?”
“Same, actually. So, you think those princesses are really goddesses, like real goddesses, all powerful and all?” Ella picked unhappily at her tofu. She really missed meat, and particularly disliked that it had been discontinued entirely at this Bureau.
“They can't be!” Chloe had joined them, a tray piled high with cupcakes and muffins – she really liked her carbs – and was struggling to squat down without dropping her load “I mean, like seriously. Goddesses? No way. That part's just fantasy!”
“I'm not so sure” Alyssa began “We are talking magic here. Real magic, whatever magic is. This is Gandalf, Harry Potter, Sorcerer's Apprentice stuff. We see it every day – the unicorns for example. Levitation, illusions, transformations, heck, remember when Whirligig pulled off that Restoration spell on that cup the other day? I mean, that was a direct violation of physics, that was true...” Alyssa paused thoughtfully “...thaumaturgical extropy!” She smiled at her own feeling of cleverness.
“Thama-what?” Ella was always annoyed when Aly showed off; she secretly suspected the girl deliberately choose kilocredit words knowing nobody else would understand them.
“Thamaturgy is magic, and extropy is the opposite of entropy. So there, Alyssa.” Chloe was more educated than she often let on, and she too felt that Alyssa tended to show off a bit much.
“What I mean is” continued Alyssa, oblivious, “is that putting a cup back together like that, perfectly, is impossible. It cannot be. You can't un-spill a cup of tea or un-break an egg. Not by just willing it to be so. So we are dealing with real, honest to god... goddess... magic here. If that is possible, then what is the limit? Maybe these princesses really can literally shape reality itself. Maybe that stuff about them raising the sun and moon in their world is literal fact. Any being that can whistle up day and night by sheer force of will... well, that would be a god, or rather goddess, to me!”
“I was raised New-Catholic.” Hannah had turned her attention to some pudding that Alyssa felt sad to have missed “I believed in god for a long time. But in the end, it's just about power. Government or church, they all use fables and stories. I figure Celestia and Luna are no different. Yeah, we see magic. So what? One fixed cup doesn't mean immortal, all-powerful beings actually exist. Just the story they use to stay on top.”
Ella was disturbed “So, what, we're getting into some kind of weird cult as well as being turned into ponies here?”
“It's not so big a deal -” Hannah was wiping her hands on a napkin now “Egypt had god-kings, and they did alright for themselves, it's just whatever story works to keep order. You don't have to worship them or anything. Just bow and go about your business, and it's no different than meeting one of the Popes.”
Suddenly a tone sounded.
Next came a voice over the loudspeaker “HELLLOOOOoooo!!” the voice giggled and made raspberry noises for a while. It was unfamiliar. “This is Ground Control to Major Tom! Woo-Woo Woo-Woo! Alert! Alert! We have some special ponies here today!”
Alyssa looked at her roommates, Chloe shrugged back.
“All the way from Equestria, well, actually from the former Bureau in Los Pegasus, by way of Albuquerque, Memphis, Bloomington, Hamtramck...” another voice cut in “PINKIE!”
“Yes?” The original voice responded.
“They don't need to hear the entire itinerary, just introduce us!”
“Maybe they'd like to know. Maybe they NEED to know. You never know.”
“Excuse me, everyone” the second voice seemed to have taken over at this point “We're here to check out how things are going in the various bureaus, and today we are here in...” the voice paused “Lancing. Lancing, Michigan. We'll just be here for a while, but I would like to meet and talk with some of you in order to get your impressions of how we are doing and where we might improve things. My name is Twilight Sparkle, by the way, that was Pinkie Pie, and we may be observing some of your transformations as well. Don't mind us, we're just here to make sure your experience is as good as possible. Thank you.”
Everyone, by now, knew those names. When Equestria had first emerged from the sea next to what was rapidly unbecoming the west coast of North America, the first emissaries were six pastel-colored equinoids. Then came their sovereign, the one called Celestia. There wasn't a human or pony in Lancing Bureau that wasn't excited at the thought of catching a glimpse of the original emissaries. They had been all over the threevee, and in all the newsfeeds for a long time, so they were the closest thing to universal pony celebrities. Alyssa wondered if all six were here, or only Sparkle and Pie.
The next class was a special event, and saw everyone - everypony, Alyssa corrected herself: it was her intention to think as much like a pony before she actually became one as she could - crowded, as best as possible into Classroom C, the largest of the three. It served best as a meeting hall since the cafeteria area was surprisingly smaller.
Alyssa and her three roomies sat together on one of the several long benches that filled the room. They had made a beeline there suspecting that today's schedule might be special, and managed to get third row, right side.
A purple unicorn took the simple podium, and she needed no introduction, but she got one anyway, a simple “Miss Twilight Sparkle, Emissary of Equestria, wishes to address you.” Alyssa thought it was probably instructor Silverspark, the serious-minded newfoal unicorn that did basic Equestrian History on Alyssa's first day at the bureau.
“Ahem. Hello. I am Twilight Sparkle.” Clapping and cheers broke the silence, a spontaneous reaction to seeing a celebrity. “I guess you've heard of me.” This was followed by laughter.
“I've been asked to present my original orientation speech by... some of the faculty here. I really didn't want to, because it wasn't very good, as I have found, and caused a little unintended distrust at the time. I was still learning your language and nuances, and well, it just wasn't as good as it could have been.”
“But,” Twilight's horn glowed as papers shuffled on the podium in front of her “it seems that for some, it has some value, and, anyway, here it is:
"Now, I'm almost positive all of you are here because you want to become a pony. This is a fact. You don't come here because you don't want to be a pony, unless someone forced you at gunpoint, but that's a different story."
Twilight looked out over the quiet, attentive crowd. No human had ever laughed at her first attempt at a joke using human language, and it seemed certain that no human ever would.
"I may not fully understand your reasoning behind your choice to become a pony, considering I was born one myself, but I can understand what we have been facing in the past few years. Humans such as yourselves have brought your world to shambles, all because of the selfish greed of big business, and the horrible health habits of the majority of the population."
The papers shuffled again. She'd had such trouble with this part, having written the entire speech in a cold panic while being transported on one of the humans noisy and terrifying flying machines. Most of the content had come from a flight attendant who had explained her own view of how the human world worked.
"Ponykind faces overpopulation, in ways that the tiny isle of Equestria simply can't keep together for long. That's why we moved into your towns and cities."
This part wasn't even true, but it was the best she could do at the time. Only later had she learned that the word 'isle' did not mean a universe, and that 'overpopulation' referred to an increase in the number of individuals, rather than an cosmological expansion. It had all seemed to make sense, back when she was still struggling with basic human grammar. Worse, the whole thing made it sound like the ponies wanted human land. No wonder so many humans were upset. If only she had been given more time to learn the language.
"Our plan is to ponify you, the sooner the better. Expect this to happen when you least expect it. You'll get used to our culture, our food, and our lack of thumbs. Trust me, it's easier than it looks. Because humans can't handle the magic radiating from Equestrian borders, becoming a pony is crucial to expanding the peaceful, friendly aura that surrounds Equestria every day of every month of every year. Thank you."
Raging applause and cheers met the purple pony's conclusion, though Alyssa could tell that miss Sparkle was uncomfortable with it. Reflecting, Alyssa could see how the speech did seem a little sinister in composition, but nothing the Equestrians had ever done, nor anything she had ever seen in them personally (ponifally? Equisonally?) had ever been anything but guileless and kindly to a fault.
In their room, later, Chloe was being silly, something Alyssa envied. Alyssa had never been able to feel free enough to be silly in front of others. “Ooohh! We will PONIFY YOU when you LEAST expect it! Here I come to turn you into a PONY!” She had cornered Ella against the wall beside her bed “Wibble-wobble zappity-zap! You're a pony now!” Both young Chloe and the older Ella giggled like children at this. Hannah was doing her best to ignore the noise. She was writing in her diary.
“What do you think it will be like?” Alyssa abruptly asked.
“Like, we already know. We've heard it from the others who already did it.” Chloe sat down on the bed next to Ella. “You go to sleep, you wake up a pony.” She shrugged and gave a quick derpy look at Alyssa.
“No, what I mean is, what does ponification actually do to consciousness. Does it change our mentation? I mean, this is total physiological transmogrification here. The brain changes. It isn't just like growing some hooves and developing a craving for hay. What will it be like inside?” Alyssa tapped the side of her head for effect.
“God, you fuss, don't you?” Chloe glowered.
“All I know is that everyone we've seen changed so far came back the same person.” Hannah closed her diary “well... mostly.”
“That's what I mean!” Alyssa sat in a rigid stance “There is a world of difference between exactly the same and 'mostly'. What do you mean 'mostly?' Be specific!”
“I noticed that everyone comes back...” Ella considered what word to use “...nicer? Certainly more happy. I saw a guy go in - he looked like he'd never had a friend in his life – and when he came out he was... happy. He smiled. He trotted around and talked to everyone. I hadn't heard him say a word up till then.” Ella had been there the longest, her orientation week was basically up. “That's a big change. That's not just 'mostly the same', it was like night and day. But..” The Bostonian looked thoughtful “It's a difference I could really use.” She looked almost like she might cry.
“Yes, yes, happier, nicer, more polite, but... what else changes?” Alyssa seemed almost frantic in some internally controlled way “Do you think that, well, that you might become REALLY different, even another person entirely? Do you think that is what happened to that guy?”
Everyone seemed concerned by this. “He remembered people's names. He seemed to know who he was and how he had gotten here. Maybe he just got to be who he always wanted to be. Before life kicked him to the curb.” The way Ella said this, it seemed that she felt some identification with the man.
The next day, after oatmeal and fruit, the women were returning their trays when a familiar sound – the tone of an incoming loudspeaker message – peaked their awareness.
“Attention everyone!” It was Dr. Pastern – yes, her real, human name, and the joke of her name being part of horse anatomy was well worn at Lancing Bureau – “Due to crowding concerns, and recent news events, we will be performing ongoing, immediate conversions today. For those of you who feel ready, no further waiting is required. After Conversion, there will be direct transfers to Equestria, with all necessary training and assistance provided there. This is an excellent opportunity for those that feel themselves ready to take the plunge.”
Everyone in the cafeteria area was abuzz at this news. “Maybe it's because of having Twilight here!” someone said. “What if you don't feel ready yet?” asked another with some emotion.
Chloe looked at Ella who looked at Hannah, and they all looked at Alyssa. Alyssa stared back, her eyes strangely wide.
“Simply report to Classroom A if you are interested. You will be processed shortly thereafter. Thank you.”
The women went immediately to their room as if in some unspoken agreement.
Chloe seemed nervous “What do you think this means? I haven't heard about any 'news events'! Do you think it's the HLF?” The Human Liberation Front were dangerous terrorists, opposed to the conversion process, rabidly opposed to the very existence of the Equestrians, and they had made horrifying attacks on Bureaus in the past.
“It could be, maybe that's why they are moving the converts directly to Equestria right after! Maybe we're at risk here!” Ella fumbled for her hypernet compact. She began scanning for Bureau related stories.
“It could just be to show off to our pony celebs here.” offered Hannah. “I mean, maybe they just want to get a good rating or something.”
Alyssa said nothing. She stared intently at her hands, clutching her knees as she sat on the edge of her bunk. Her heart pounded inside her chest. Briefly she worried about tachycardia with resultant circulatory collapse. She caught herself. She always thought too much about such things. She wished she didn't even know those words. She wished she wasn't... who she was.
“It's the HLF!” Ella almost hissed the words “they've made a direct threat against THIS bureau. They intend to destroy the Lancing Bureau. There's nothing on how or why, but I bet it has something to do with our special guests!”
Killing off a high profile Equestrian ambassador or two would fit their intent well.
“Why not just evacuate everyone?” Chloe was rocking on her bunk, worried.
“Because there is no place to go.” Alyssa said the words flatly, coldly. “We've all cut our ties and just come here. No money, no home to go back to. They can't just tell us to just go live on the street. They don't do that.”
The women stared intently at Alyssa.
“There's no telling when or if the attack will occur, right?”
Ella nodded agreement.
“Then there's no way to know how long to kick us out for. That's how terrorism works. They win even if they never attack. They want to stop the conversions. They want to shut the bureaus down. And it might work.”
This was a serious issue. Most of the human species had become Equestrian. There were perhaps less than one and a half billion humans left in the world. If the bureaus shut down, what then for those that were left? Nothing could stop the expansion of Equestria. Nothing could cure the creeping death of magical radiation spreading across the planet as a result of its emergence. In the end, there would be no place left to hide, not even the other side of the globe itself. To remain human was a certain death, even if groups like the HLF were convinced they could find a way to stop it all.
Alyssa was thinking, rapidly, in the back of her mind, about how people were affected by thaumaturgical radiation. First the skin seemed to shrivel and the person became gaunt. Hallucinations and loss of coordination, eventually patches of necrosis. Finally total organ failure. There were zones, near the barrier that separated Equestria from the rest of the world, that could kill within minutes or hours. There were patches all over the world that had become no-go areas for anyone other than ponies.
It could be now, or never.
Alyssa did not want to miss the chance to survive. She'd been there three days. That was enough. What else was there to know? Besides, she always over-analyzed everything. Following her usual ways, she would have haunted the Bureau for weeks, trying to become expert on every little detail. It was her way of hiding, her mask, her wall. The little professor that could avoid facing things because she had things to study.
She stood up. Her hands were balled into fists. “I'm going.” Chloe seemed surprised.
“I'm going to room A.”
|
Chatoyance
|
1124
| 2 |
Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Alternate Universe,Human,Adventure,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Euphrosyne Unchained
|
A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than flesh.
|
complete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Set in the Conversion Bureau universe, A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than merely her physical form.</p><p><span style="color:#BE4343;font-size:1.5em">♥</span> <a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/the-conversion-bureau-one-year.html" rel="nofollow">As Featured On Equestria Daily!</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-10-06T02:34:14+00:00
|
2023-01-06T01:27:47+00:00
| 7,824 |
Lost In The Herd: Two
Euphrosyne
Unchained
By Chatoyance
Chapter Two: Atlantis With Hooves
Alyssa was glued to the threevee set, at turns fascinated and horrified at what she saw. She flipped from newsfeed to newsfeed, trying to get the best view of the barrage. For the moment, the attack had ceased, the ocean boiling around the enormous, shimmering, opalescent dome.
The scale was hard to take in. The dome, the shield that surrounded this newly arising land of 'Equestria' was easily two and a half miles in diameter. It had grown to this incredible size over the course of the last year, slowly but steadily expanding into the open north pacific.
The barrage had begun with conventional ordinance, brought forth by numerous zones and corporate states, including both Eurussia and the North American Alliance. The Panasians had had their turn as well, bombarding the shield with some sort of neutron-based weapon. Even airbursting nanoheads had failed to destroy the new island, and so the news was reporting the debate on whether to use hyperthermonuclear warheads, and just how badly finally daring that ultimate of ultimate weapons might permanently damage the earth's atmosphere.
Alyssa hadn't felt that the offer of the Equestrian princess was sinister. She hadn't really taken it seriously, at first. It seemed so absurd, but then everything was absurd, now. In only a single year, her comfortable understanding of reality had been demolished by the appearance of a factual world of fantasy. Suddenly, there was a land of magic and strange creatures in the world, and like most people, she was simply living day to day in a kind of fugue.
The Three Hour War, as it would soon be called, had come without warning. Somewhere in the halls of power, the leaders of the world corporations had decided that the threat of Equestria was bad for business, and so the sham remains of the earths nations bowed obediently to their owners.
But nothing had affected the otherworldly intruder. Nothing, apparently, could pass that shining barrier without the permission of Celestia herself.
Alyssa paged through her hypernet compact as she waited for some sign that either the ultimate weapon would be used or not. She came across images of the first probes that had entered the new land. The robot drones had been allowed to penetrate the barrier, and the world marveled at images of green fields and endless forests, curiously archaic villages and thatched-roof cottages.
But what brought the world to a collective shock was the first sight of the inhabitants of that unearthly eden – brightly colored, sapient equinoids. Small like ponies, with large craniums and huge, vast eyes. Their feet -hooves- were odd and huge, and their manes were large and astonishingly well groomed. Some carried tools in their mouths, others had elements of clothing, and some even had short wings and flew. It was insane, it was impossible. It was literally impossible. At least within the physical laws as known.
The newsfeed finally had something, and Alyssa turned her attention back to it. There would be no use of the hypernuclear weapons. The risk of permanently damaging the atmosphere was too great. This did not surprise Alyssa – she understood the risk better than most. She prided herself on such matters, she liked being very, very smart.
On the threevee, the ocean still boiled, as it would for some time, and now the talking heads and hair-with-teeth were moving into the usual endless reframing of what everyone had just witnessed. The war was over.
* * * * *
Today was the second anniversary of the emergence of Equestria. The powers that be had finally given in to the gentle, but constant, insistence of the princesses of that land. Now, it seemed, there were two, Celestia and Luna, and now their ambassadors traveled the world. There were six ambassadors, each a pony-creature, and like Celestia, could speak and use tools. Two could fly, another pair could perform amazing feats of telekinesis and other strange powers. They were astonishingly seductive. Everything about the Equestrians was seductive, and the only word for them was adorable. That was what ultimately won over the planet.
It was an invasion of the adorable.
The first Conversion Bureau had been opened, and the first few volunteers had been transmogrified into Equestrians. Alyssa studied the holoscenes over and over, trying to find any clue that they could merely be special effects. She watched a loop of an unconscious, naked man, lying on his side on a metal table. The man begin to ripple and ooze, as though he were made of pudding. The limbs shrank and thickened, the head swelled and the eyes enlarged. Hair sprouted all over his pale skin, a pastel cyan hue. His proportions altered dramatically, and she was particularly fascinated by the sudden spooling out of a bright blue and white tail. Long, ropey strands burst out of the nub of his vastly enlarged, external coccyx, falling in curling swirls over the edge of the platform. It took all of fifteen minutes.
Later, a groggy equinoid stumbled and fell, unsure of its footing.
She couldn't believe that this was being permitted to happen. Things must be much more serious than the newsfeeds indicated. Perhaps the strange radiation -magic- from Equestria really was as dangerous as the on-net rumors claimed. Was this really the only option the worldcorporation could provide?
* * * * *
She was alone, as usual. But she had her books, and her games, and what did it matter if everyone else was having fun on the floor down? She had never liked Christmas, just another stupid consumer holiday, one filled with a particularly annoying blend of greed and false closeness. All year, people treated each other like crap, but when presents were involved, when acquisition was at stake, suddenly the neighbors became chummy.
She understood that it was all a sham. But she still felt lonely, and the rest of the building seemed to be having fun. A part of her wanted to try going downstairs. But it just seemed foolish. It seemed silly and weak. She would only just sit in a corner surfing the hypernet, anyway. She could do that from here.
She went to the window and watched as a pegasus pony soared lazy circles overhead. Three years after Equestria, and already newfoals were commonplace. She bought her morning bagel from a cream-colored pony. The girl in 223 was a pony. She was bright red.
God, it was amazing how the human mind can get used to anything. She made a note in her compact to research adaptive cognition, or something like that.
* * * * *
The coast of North America was now being covered by the edge of Equestria. People suffered, to varying degrees, from the 'Mage Plague', many zones and areas evacuated because of the high concentrations of thaumatic radiation. Alyssa's home city of Petosky was a Thamatic Desolation Zone. She had moved to Lancing. What else could she do?
Some mathematicians had claimed that there was some kind of fractal pattern to the way that the magical radiation pooled and collected across the globe. But for all intents it appeared random; one patch of earth could be fine, and another blasted with whatever it was that magic consisted of.
Alyssa had seen her hometown, from a distance, before she left. It had just started one day. She woke up and had noticed that the colors seemed 'louder' somehow. At first it was pleasant. The perpetual smog seemed less oppressive. The dark slime of the lake seemed almost blue. Even the industrial plants that had replaced the old tourist waterfront seemed strangely dramatic.
Then she noticed the patches on her skin. By that time Michigan Corporate was beginning evacuations. There was no device that could sense 'magic', but the evidence of its effect was well known by now. She didn't know how large the Desolation Zone was for Petosky. No one could be absolutely sure – but there was no question of staying in or near the city.
Other creatures, the common mutie-rats and insects of the cities, flourished in the Desolation Zones, which slowly began to revert to nature. It seemed the DZ's became more beautiful every day. Some had claimed that flowers -real flowers- had begun to grow in them. Alyssa had even heard a report of a butterfly, alive and free, existing outside of a sealed environment sanctuary.
Thaumatic energy – magic – was deadly to all earthly life. The physics of Equestria, behind the great Barrier, were incompatible with how terrestrial biology functioned. Some claimed that this was all a plot, some scheme deliberately created by the alien Equestrians… in some undefined manner. Alyssa would not even have considered such a thought if not for the tin-hat fringe sites on the hyperweb. To them, it was all a deliberate genocide initiated by an invading, alien cosmos. After reading several sites filled with such notions, Alyssa became, for a while, terrified of anything involving Equestria.
But then, one day, she saw the bunny.
It was white, like in a picture-book. It looked alive. It was real. It wasn't a hallucination – she had recovered from her exposure in Petosky. She saw it out her window, right by the perpetual garbage pile on the corner.
She ran down the moldering stairs. She burst out into the plascreet roadway, tripping over a discarded quantum rig. By the time she made the corner, it was gone. But she had seen it. She knew she had seen it.
A rabbit. A bunny. White and clean. And alive. It wasn't a mutie-rat. It couldn't ever be one of those nano-infested things. It looked like something from an old 2D movie. It looked like what they would show in school to explain what the natural world had been like. It almost looked like something from behind the Equestrian shield, except... that this was definitely a terrestrial animal. It was not a magical bunny from a magical realm, just the type of lagomorph that once was common, back when there had been real fields and vast forests.
Alyssa searched all day and into the evening. It was safe, now, to be out that late, because most of the humans were gone, now. Occasionally she would see another person, more often a passing pegasus or a group of sightseeing ponies or unicorns. The changed humans never attacked anyone. They never stole, or killed or raped. They were almost disturbingly polite.
Alyssa knew her only danger had ever been from other humans. That said, Equestria was an invasion. She wasn't simple, it was obvious to her. Equestria intended to conquer and assimilate the earth. Resistance was futile. She smiled at the ancient reference.
But until now, she had feared the ultimate purpose of this obvious conquest. In this moment, under the yellow-grey glow of night, she felt she understood.
Or, if she did not understand, she no longer cared. She had seen a bunny. She had seen undamaged life, unsullied nature with her own eyes, for real, and reflecting on that, she broke down in tears.
There were endless rolling hills of flowers in Equestria. Blue, blue sky. Water that did not swirl with oil and cesium. And butterflies and bunnies were as common as... as the broken quantum desktop sets that littered her street.
And the ponies themselves... once they may have been human, with all the drives and greed and selfishness and violence of the great ape... but as ponies, they trotted together, gentle, always close, and ever kind to all things.
Alyssa realized just how lonely she was, and how lonely she had been, even back when the world was filled to overflowing with far, far too many people.
* * * * *
Chloe and Ella were right behind her as Alyssa broke into a run. She followed the short hallway, narrowly avoiding other bureau applicants just emerging from their rooms. Through the cafeteria, she banged her hip, hard, on the edge of a table. Through the entry on the left, and there was Classroom A.
She was one of the first to enter. Panting, she recognized the guy who always hit on her from the room at the end, and the two women she could never get the names right with. The pony ambassador, Twilight Sparkle was there, as was the bubblegum-colored Pinkie Pie, who kept bouncing back and forth at the back of the room. A lab-coated human was conferring with Sparkle, Alyssa knew she was Dr. Pastern.
More curious were the four Black-Nanomesh clad, armored soldiers stationed at the entrance and rear of the classroom. These hard-faced men stood still and alert, scanning everything and everyone for anything suspicious. Alyssa had not seen them enter the bureau, and their sudden existence within somewhat shocked her.
It was clear that the government was taking this threat seriously.
“Come in! Don't block the door!” Dr. Pastern waved in Alyssa, Chloe, Ella and a few more who had gathered near the door. Curiously, Hannah wasn't there yet. Maybe she was on her way.
The room began to fill up.
“Alright, everypony!” Twilight spoke commandingly “As stated, we will be doing batch conversions, starting immediately. This is an unusual situation, but I can assure you that everything will be taken care of. Please stay orderly, stay in line and we will be taking you in groups of three. It is a bit abrupt, I know, but we are well prepared for this, and there is no better time to welcome you to the herd than right now!”
Chloe turned to Alyssa “Expect this to happen when you least expect it. I guess she really meant that part, huh? ”
Alyssa looked past Ella, trying to see if Hannah was visible in the increasing crowd. She couldn't find her. It would have been nice to have all four roomies together for this, she felt. She'd only known them for a few days, but, in this place, they were the people she knew at all.
“Chloe, Ella, we need to get into line!” Alyssa had begun to notice that their position wasn't the best to be first, and she was feeling driven now. The three women shifted into place behind The Fat Guy and the Two Boys With Zits. No way around it, those three would be first today.
But that was Ok. Second suddenly felt better for some reason.
In the pit of her stomach, Alyssa began to feel fear. Her belly seemed impossibly hollow, and impossibly lower within her body with every second. This was happening. It was going to happen. Now. Conversion. Right. Now.
Fat Guy and The Zit Twins were lead by Pastern, Pie and Sparkle through the door in the back of the classroom. Alyssa knew it led down a corridor that connected the three rooms, to a big metal door marked 'No Admittance' featuring a sign that looked like the silhouette of a pony. There were also other signs, warning-type signs, possibly for nanohazard and radiation. She couldn't remember entirely, she'd only peeked once.
Chloe, Ella and Alyssa were now at the head of the line. “Do you think Hannah is in here?” Ella seemed to share Alyssa's concern over their fourth roommate.
“I thought she was right behind us.” offered Chloe.
“I've been looking, but I haven't seen her. At least yet.” Alyssa scanned the crowd again, darting her eyes from face to face. “There's a lot of people. It looks like everyone turned out, no holdouts. She's probably out by the trash bins somewhere”
“Yeah. Probably better off too – it's getting hot in here!” And it was. Probably thirty applicants were in the room now, and Classroom A normally only held ten to twelve. It was getting a bit stuffy.
Alyssa wondered if the other two classrooms had also been appropriated for immediate conversion, or if this was the only one. It wouldn't make sense to use more than one if they were only converting the people currently at the Bureau. There wasn't more than fifty applicants in the entire facility.
On the other hand -hoof- Alyssa corrected, what if the soldiers had brought more applicants in from elsewhere? The soldier had showed up suddenly and unexpectedly, so it wasn't impossible that they had come in trucks filled with conversion-cleared people. That was a thought. That would explain using the smallest classroom for the on-site applicants. Or, it could just be bad planning.
Twenty minutes had passed, and the door in front of Alyssa suddenly opened. It was Ambassador Pie, pink and bouncy “ALLLLRIGHT!” she winked “YOOUURR UP!”
Alyssa's stomach suddenly plummeted to the center of the earth, burning in the molten, iron-nickle core. Chloe blanched a pale shade. Ella just looked stern.
There was a strange burst, like a rapid stream of firecrackers going off. It happened again, for longer this time. The crowd started screaming and pushing against the walls.
Alyssa was shoved through the door, several people falling onto her legs and her bruised hip. Chloe had leapt back at the first sound and was pressed up against Ambassador Pie. Ella was helping Alyssa up.
There was red on the wall, at the other end of the classroom. It looked like a spray can had exploded there. Alyssa caught a brief glimpse of a black-armored soldier raising his rifle. She saw people ducking flat to the ground.
Everything was moving in slow motion.
Before she was dragged away, she briefly saw Hannah, something black and metallic raised high in her hands. She had a blank, empty look on her face, devoid of all feeling, devoid of all emotion. It was unearthly, hellish. Hannah looked like a mannequin or some pre-quantum human avatar.
Alyssa stumbled and instinctively turned away from the doorway to the classroom, in order to prevent a fall in the concrete hallway. Ella was dragging her towards the NO ADMITTANCE door, past the doors to the other classrooms.
Three sharp firecrackers sounded. One. Two, Three.
By the time Alyssa could glance back, the classroom door had been shut, but the noise of screaming and crying echoed in the hallway. There were no more firecracker sounds after that.
|
Chatoyance
|
1124
| 3 |
Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Alternate Universe,Human,Adventure,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Euphrosyne Unchained
|
A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than flesh.
|
complete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Set in the Conversion Bureau universe, A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than merely her physical form.</p><p><span style="color:#BE4343;font-size:1.5em">♥</span> <a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/the-conversion-bureau-one-year.html" rel="nofollow">As Featured On Equestria Daily!</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-10-06T04:39:31+00:00
|
2012-10-06T04:39:31+00:00
| 7,761 |
Lost In The Herd: Two
Euphrosyne
Unchained
By Chatoyance
Chapter Three: Birth Pains
Alyssa, Ella and Chloe sat on the floor, apart. Alyssa was by the entrance to the ponification room, her back against the white, unadorned wall. Ella was somewhere off to her left, trying to squeeze herself into the corner made by a counter-topped cabinet that met the wall on the opposite side of the doorway. Chloe was in the far corner to Alyssa's left, seeming to try to hide behind the thin metal pole of an intravenous drip rack. Some part of Alyssa's mind imagined her as a doe, hiding behind a tree. She was shaking, quietly.
Alyssa could not entirely wrap her brain around the fact that Hannah was the threat. She must have been HLF, Human Liberation Front. She must have been some kind of dangerous fanatic. She never showed it. There was no way to tell. Alyssa had liked her from the moment they had met. She had talked about her life in Oregon, about her family. Hannah had seemed intelligent, and polite. How could any of this not have shown in her? How could Alyssa have been unable to somehow tell?
Dim sounds came through the heavy steel door that led into the ponification room. Alyssa thought she heard the faint wail of an ambulance. They must be tending the wounded and dealing with the aftermath out there, down that hallway, past the other door, in Classroom A.
Alyssa looked up, at last, to see Ambassador Sparkle, in the middle of the room, by the stainless steel table, comforting Pie. The equinoid's hair -mane- she automatically corrected herself, had lost all of its curl, and hung limply down the creatures face. Her vast pupils had contracted to spots, and it was clear that she was not the bouncy, smiling being that Alyssa had come to know from countless newsfeeds and interviews.
Dr. Pastern was conferring with one of the soldiers, who had opened the ponification room door. Alyssa had startled at this, since she was right next to it; she was too wrapped up in her own feelings to notice that Chloe had jumped and set the IV rack to rattling.
Pastern and the soldier conferred for some time. Apparently the threat had been 'neutralized'. All of the applicants had fled to the parking lot, and it was unsure whether they would return for processing, or leave altogether. Some had already fled. There was a plan to transport what remained to another Bureau. Crews were dealing with the aftermath. It was recommended that Sparkle and Pie be removed to a place of safety immediately.
Dr. Pastern walked over to the Equestrian ambassadors and spoke in a soft voice to both of them. Some decision was made, and it seemed that Sparkle was fairly adamant about some point. Pastern returned to the soldier at the door. Alyssa remained quiet. Sparkle and Pie will leave, but only after the remaining humans in the room were processed. They weren't going to leave anyone in the lurch. It wouldn't take long, and the newfoals could complete recovery in transit. It was something they had to do.
Alyssa looked up at the Equestrian ponies by the table. Pie's hair was still limp, but now Alyssa could see the blue of her irises. She tried to imagine what it must be like for such creatures to have to deal with the human world, her world, after growing up in an OZ-like fairyland. They must be incredibly strong, incredibly brave, she concluded. She could barely stand living in the world of Man, for them, it must be like touring hell itself.
Yet here they were, offering a new life to whoever would take it. Tears began to well up in her, tears for such a gift, tears for what they must be suffering to be here, and tears for Hannah. She had liked Hannah. Something very wrong must have happened to make such a nice-seeming person do... what she did.
“Are you OK?” It was Dr. Pastern. Sparkle and Pie were looking at her now.
Suddenly, the one called Pie, Pinkie, bounced forward. She lowered her massive, pastel head close to Alyssa's and all Alyssa could see were oceanic eyes filling her vision. “Scaaarryyy stuff. I know. But!” The pony seemed to brighten, her hair regaining some of its original curl “There's a better land, fur, fur away!” For Ambassador Pie, she was being remarkably subdued, but there was every hint of her true nature in those quiet words. “We're gonna go there, all of us. So cheer up, little filly!”and with that, she winked, and bounced away. Alyssa's tears had stopped.
Equestria. Alyssa would probably wake up in that land tomorrow. As a pony. And so would Ella and Chloe.
Alyssa crawled over to Chloe – it just seemed better than standing up – and told her what she had learned. She took the shivering girl's hand and held it. Alyssa wasn't good at knowing how to comfort people, but it just seemed she had to do something. Chloe gripped back. Apparently, it was the right thing to do after all.
Ella had joined the pair, in the corner by the intravenous rack. It was kind of silly, Alyssa thought, but somehow sitting in that corner, not really very well hidden behind the 'tree' of the rack felt strangely safe. Perhaps it was some atavistic drive to find cover in a dangerous world, Alyssa mused. Three little rabbits hiding behind the only cover in their medical room veldt.
Dr. Pastern and Sparkle set up shop for the transmogrification process. A sealed Erlenmeyer flask was removed from some kind of storage device. Inside it bubbled a gloopy, purplish liquid. Three cups were arranged, and measured doses poured into each one. Alyssa was intrigued, despite everything that had happened, her mind easily distracted by a chance to learn something new. Could this be all there was to it? A few ounces of goop in a cup? Could total physiological transformation really be accomplished with such a small thing? It wasn't like she didn't understand the principle; 'magic' infused nanotechnology miraculously rebuilding matter in but moments, without heat, without conservation of mass, beyond normal physics. But it was still just three ounces in a cup.
But then, she grimly thought, a few grams of teflon-coated bullet could turn an entire living person into a pile of unliving glatton. In the terrestrial world, destruction was simplicity itself. It was easy to destroy, and hard to build and create. Maybe in Equestria, this truth was reversed. Maybe a few ounces of goop really could rewrite life itself, if the principle behind it was the truth of another universe entirely.
Chloe went first. She clawed her way up, using the IV rack for support, almost frantically eager. There was the dream of escape in her eyes, and Alyssa wondered if her own eyes showed how much she felt the same way. Escape from a world where the violent human heart could never be truly trusted.
Chloe was asked to undress, completely, and lay on the table. The position didn't matter ultimately, but lying on her side was recommended. The girl shivered from the cold of the steel surface. “It'll be ok.” Dr. Pastern stroked Chloe's hair to calm her.
“It's not that, it's just that this table is REALLY cold.”
“You'll be all warm and comfy in no time!” Pinky was rapidly regaining her old self “You'll soon have a lovely coat to keep you warm. I wonder what color you'll be? Blue? Pink? Golden-orangey-yellow? Heliotrope? Prussian Blu...”
“Pinky! Go get the others ready!” Twilight was using her horn to levitate one of the cups over to Chloe. Dr. Pastern seemed intent on checking Chloe's pulse and blood pressure.
Ella stood up and began undressing. Alyssa remained on the floor, her heart pounding. This wasn't the way she had imagined taking on a new life in a magical land. Under siege in the back room of a clinic in Lancing, soldiers beyond the doors, cowering in a corner.
Then again, when had her life really been any better? Everything was always hard. Everything was always disappointing in some way. No, she was disappointing in some way. Here was magic, real magic, right here, right now, and all she could think about was what physics supported three ounces of goop converting how many pounds of human into a different weight of pony.
Well, that and the recent horror, of course. Her mind swirled with thoughts. Now it was hard to think about... what had just happened down the hall. It was like her mind just slipped off of dealing with it all, as if all the noise and shooting were a slimy, oil-covered rock in the lake, and her thoughts a boot trying to find footing on it. She couldn't concentrate on it, it just kept slipping away.
Maybe this is how everyone is dealing with it all. Maybe that was a blessing.
Alyssa had missed the beginning of Chloe's transformation. From her position on the floor, she could see Chloe's hands just at the edge of the metal platform, a foot and toes further down, just slightly off the bottom. Though Alyssa knew she must be unconscious - there was some discomfort in transmogrification, so a form of sedative was incorporated in the mixture – the parts of her body that could be seen were jiggling and flopping a bit, as though puppeted by invisible strings.
More than this, the skin itself had taken a liquid sheen, and seemed to flow, as if it were made of pudding. Chloe's foot rapidly retracted, swelling and becoming lumpen in the process. Her fingers melted together, and the mass swelled into a bulb and it too was retracted away from the edge of the table.
As Alyssa braced against the wall and stood up, she thought she heard -or felt- a strange sound in the air, a curious, almost musical thing, that distinctly emanated from Chloe's molten form. It wasn't sound, not really, but it was in Alyssa's head, in her body, and it made her think of flowers and colors for some reason. The faint scars on her arms, where the radiation in Petosky had burned her began to itch.
It was thaumatic radiation. It had to be. She was feeling some kind of spillover from the forces at work inside of Chloe. She was feeling magic itself.
Chloe now looked more pony than human. The form was clear and unmistakable, though her eyelids seemed an unbroken part of her forming head. Somewhere in there her eyes were enlarging to improbable size. Somewhere in there her brain was being reconstructed into a non-primate configuration. Somehow her memories would be maintained in all of that, even as components shifted, changed, vanished, shrank or expanded. Magic was impossible, yet there it was, and it was real.
Fine hair sprouted all over the nearly complete equinoid. It sprang up like some verdant field of grass all over her body, delicate yet bright. Chloe was a soft, pleasing yellow, the color of the dye that was put in butter.
Her mane and tail came in, bursting out like a flow of water from a tap. It was an utterly improbable sky blue, pale as if from a fairy tale, and silken like nothing Alyssa had ever seen. It shimmered like spun glass, and almost seemed faintly translucent. It was truly beautiful.
The process was over, just like that. Where once an overweight, messy-haired human girl had lain, now a trim, surprisingly lovely creature lay, breathing slowly and regularly, a slight smile on its muzzle. Chloe the pony seemed lost in some sweet dream, and what fear Alyssa had about Conversion fell away as she stared. She suddenly envied Chloe going first.
“Pinky!” Twilight was serious in tone “lay down a blanket or something!”
The pink Equestrian dashed to the shelves across from the table and snatched a thin, hospital-styled blanket. With a twist of her head the blanket swirled open and landed on the floor, mostly smooth. These ponies have astonishing control over objects, Alyssa thought to herself.
Chloe was surrounded in faint violet light. The yellow and blue newfoal floated above the steel table and landed, like a leaf, onto the blanket on the floor. The glow from Twilight's horn faded.
“You! Umm...”
“Alyssa.”
“Try to wake her. Gently. Ella was it? You're next.”
Alyssa went over to Chloe-the-pony and squatted next to her sleeping form. She reached out a hand and slowly moved it down Chloe's yellow flank. It was so soft and smooth and warm. She gave it an experimental pat. “Chloe? Chlooooeee? Time to wake up. Chloe?”
Slowly, as she jiggled the newfoal's haunch, the delicate creature opened an eye. The iris was the same pale blue as the mane, and it lolled to gaze, unfocused, at Alyssa. Suddenly the pupil contracted into full awareness. “Lysssaaa?” The voice was slurred, the pitch somewhat higher, but it was clear that Chloe at least knew what she was seeing.
“It's time to wake up. You're a pony now.” As she said the words, a part of Alyssa's mind reeled at the bizarreness of such a sentence. The world had gone mad, been mad, for a long time now.
“How's our new filly doin?” The bright pink head of Ambassador Pie hung over Alyssa's shoulder, and she could smell the faint, sweet, almost flowery musk Equestrians had in place of terrestrial animal odor.
“She's... a pony.” Alyssa felt incapable of defining the situation further.
“HURRAY!!!” the Equestrian ambassador proclaimed, a little too loudly. Alyssa noticed that all of the curl had come back to the pony's mane, and, in the moment, she seemed as bouncy and full of life as she had been... before. They certainly recover fast, she thought. Maybe that's how they have coped with being in the human world without being completely scarred by it.
Alyssa stroked Chloe's soft hide. She couldn't help herself, it was strangely mesmerizing, and it was a normal thing to do with an animal to comfort it. Suddenly she stopped and withdrew her hand. “Um, sorry. I... well... I was just trying to...” Stroking the body of a naked girl she barely new was not exactly an acceptable behavior; she had just realized that new form or not, this used to be an ordinary human girl named Chloe, the same species as herself.
“Mmmmm. I don't mind...” Chloe said dreamily “I don't mind!” she said in a surprised voice “Seriously, I... don't mind. At all. Huh!” The pony-girl seemed astonished at her own reactions.“How... did I turn out?”
“You're going to turn a lot of heads back in Ponyville!” chirped Pinkie “Wooo... she turned out niiiiice.” The way the pink pony said the word made Chloe blush. Alyssa noted this, and wondered how she could even see a blush through that soft coat of yellow. Maybe Equestrian hair scattered light differently than terrestrial hair. Maybe they even blush magically. That was a thought.
By the time the groggy little Earth Pony newfoal had managed to stand on her own, Alyssa supporting her delicate weight as best she could during the first attempts, she was surprised to find that Ella had already been Converted. She had been so busy helping Chloe that she had missed the transformation.
Alyssa steadied Chloe and walked her off of the blanket, allowing Twilight to float a coral colored pegasus pony down from the table. Ella had a striking dark crimson mane and tail, with streaks of lighter shades running through it. It was a dramatic look, but then, Alyssa reflected, it wasn't as if there were any ugly ponies. Beauty, even stunning beauty was unremarkable in their species. She wondered what criteria these ponies used to judge their own relative attractiveness within their culture.
Whatever beauty meant to these creatures, Ella had become a dramatically colored entity. Alyssa found herself staring at the neatly folded wings. She couldn't help but envy that. Suddenly, she wanted to be a Pegasus more than anything in the world. To fly, to soar, to just stop fussing over every little detail and just...
“Alyssa?” Twilight's voice was kind, but a little impatient.
“You're next.”
|
Chatoyance
|
1124
| 4 |
Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Alternate Universe,Human,Adventure,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Euphrosyne Unchained
|
A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than flesh.
|
complete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Set in the Conversion Bureau universe, A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than merely her physical form.</p><p><span style="color:#BE4343;font-size:1.5em">♥</span> <a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/the-conversion-bureau-one-year.html" rel="nofollow">As Featured On Equestria Daily!</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-10-06T02:34:44+00:00
|
2012-10-06T02:34:44+00:00
| 7,257 |
Lost In The Herd: Two
Euphrosyne
Unchained
By Chatoyance
Chapter Four: A Spit In Time
Alyssa froze. Hunched over, supporting the still wobbly Chloe-pony, her arms wrapped around the filly to help keep her upright, Alyssa's eyes stared like those of a deer, caught in the headlights.
Earlier, she had envied Chloe, with her soft yellow hide and pale blue mane. She had envied how beautifully she had turned out, and that she had gone first. And Ella, now a striking coral and crimson pegasus. She had envied the wings and what they meant to her.
But now, it was her time, and fear once again gripped her stomach with a clawed hand. What would she become? She knew what she did not want to be.
“Please hurry, we're kind of in a rush here.” Twilight was kind, but insistent. The shock of what might be going on outside the Bureau reemerged from the oily lake of Alyssa's mind, momentarily sharp and not the least slipping away.
“It's OK, 'Lyssa!” Chloe's voice sounded somehow younger and, well, charming “Just help me down and you can be a pony too!” Alyssa steadied Chloe as she folded her legs close to her body, lying down in that curious, folded way that ponies sometimes do. Alyssa wondered if it was really that comfortable – if she tried to fold her arms and legs that way, all the blood would be cut off. Chloe sank her head onto her front hooves, eyes drooping shut. She was clearly still sleepy, whether from the sedative, or from the transformation itself. She seemed very comfortable, so Alyssa stood up.
Shivering slightly, Alyssa undressed mechanically, barely aware of doing so. Her mind was on her primary worry; she was concerned about what kind of pony she would become.
“Wheeee!” Pinkie cheered her as Alyssa sat up on the steel table. “IT'S PONY TIIIME!”
Alyssa's head fell. She stared at her hands, clutching at her knees. Dr. Pastern lifted her left arm and began wrapping the cuff of a sphygmomanometer around it. She rapidly squeezed the bulb of the device in a practiced manner. As the pressure was released, she noted “A little high, but good enough.”
“Wait.” Alyssa had to say something. She had to know. She had to try.
“What is it?” Twilight was clearly impatient now.
“Is there any way to control what kind of pony you become?” She already knew the answer, she had studied the available information on the hypernet long enough. Pony 'race' in newfoals was determined by genetic and epigenetic factors, the same factors that affected the development of personality and talents in human beings. There was nothing that was available to force a conversion to one type or another, if it even could be done at all.
“Every human asks that!” Twilight was exasperated, the stress of the previous hour showing “Every human wants to be a pegasus or a unicorn, they want to fly or do magic, it's always the same thing with you creatures!”
“NO! That's not what I mean!” small tears started to form in Alyssa's eyes. “I DON'T want to be a UNICORN!”
Twilight's mouth gaped. She stared for a few seconds, her huge eyes wide. Her head dropped and turned to one side. “O....K... I see.”
There was silence for a moment.
“All my life,” Alyssa half cried “all I have done is worry and hide. I lived in my books, I read and read and read until that's all I was. A walking wikipedia. I never had any friends, because I was too afraid to make any. The stuff I know only makes me unhappy – I worry about every little sniffle, I overanalyze every little thing, I don't know how to just.... to just be. I haven't a clue how to be alive in the world. I just.... I...” Her voice trailed off, a tear spatted on her knee.
“In your pony world” Alyssa continued flatly “unicorns do all the complex stuff, right? They do the fine detail, all the things that people with hands do here. According to what I've read unicorns are the craftsmen, the scientists, the thinkers and the students. They do all the fiddly stuff. Right?”
“It...it's true that we unicorns are good at certain tasks that other ponies can't do. That's what we're for, I guess. But it's a great thing to be a unicorn! Everypony has something that they are good at. Magic lets us, um, yes, well, basically...You're right. We do the fine work. We're highly respected!”
“I don't want to do that. More than anything. I'm not afraid of becoming a pony, heck, I welcome it! I've never liked being human. I've never fit into the human world. I just... I just don't want to be the same kind of... I don't want to make the same mistakes in my new life. I want to be a Pegasus, sure, but I would be just as happy to be an Earth Pony. I just want to be something that can run, or fly, or be out there in the world, and not... shut up in some library or something.”
Twilight shifted uncomfortably at that.
“I'm sorry, Alyssa” Dr. Pastern put a hand on her shoulder “but what you become is entirely up to your genes. We don't control that.”
“I KNOW!” Alyssa sat upright “I just had to ask. I had to try. I figured, maybe, you could add some DNA or something, maybe something new had been developed, I don't know... something.”
“It'll be OK, Alyssa.” Twilight's voice was calm and gentle “whatever you become, you can still choose whatever you want to be. Unicorns aren't required to do or be anything. And there is only a one in three chance you would become a unicorn anyway.” Her voice faltered just a little “That's pretty good odds, right?”
Alyssa wiped her eyes, and shook her head. “I'm ready. Sorry. I'm.. I'm sorry. That was selfish of me. Let's get me changed.”
A cup, glowing with faint purple light, hovered in front of Alyssa. She reached for it and held in in front of her. Inside, the thick purple semi-liquid seemed to swirl by itself, and Alyssa could see the metallic sheen of what must be clusters of nanotech, swimming through it. She felt an itch in the magic scars on her forearm. The cup almost seemed to be singing in her head.
“WAIT!” It was Pinkie Pie, bouncy as could be “I know JUST WHAT TO DO!”
Pinkie reared back making the most awful gurgling, hacking noise in her throat. The noise got louder, sounding like someone choking horribly “ACCCCCHHHHHH-CHHHH-CCHHHH...”
“PTUUI!!!” a white-flecked translucent splotch was expulsively deposited in Alyssa's cup. “And a hair for good measure!” Pinkie had somehow snatched a short strand of shining pink from her mane, and it somehow ended up, curled, on top of the splotch.
“EWWwwww! PINKIE!” Twilight was... not approving in tone.
“What? It's got DNA in it!” Pinkie winked at Alyssa “Think Pink.”
Alyssa stirred the mixture with her finger. The spittle faded into the nanogoop, the bright pink hair broke down as she watched, chopped up, she imagined, by innumerable submicroscopic scissors, knives and scalpels. No, not those things. Atomic fields did the cutting, with electron charges performing the necessary...
God damn. God damn, even now. Alyssa hated what she had done with her brain.
When she pulled her finger back, it was almost unrecognizable. The tip had become pale wax, and was rapidly swelling. It looked like it had become a blob of weirdly rippling glue. Oh, she thought, of course.
In a single motion she downed the cup. She couldn't help but instinctively feel a slight gag in her throat at the thought, but then again, it wasn't like there was any disease she could get from Equestrian spittle. It was just the... idea. Hardwired revulsion, she had once read an article about just that. Primates had evolved the reflex of being revolted by such things as a protective mechanism to...
And then her head hit the table, as she fell over backwards. Dr. Pastern had tried to catch her, but she was a little too slow.
* * * * *
A cold wind was whistling loudly through her ears. She flicked them because it bothered her. The flicking didn't help. Wait, that was cool. She could move her ears. Half asleep, she giggled softly, moving them left and right, trying to make them dance in unison. In her dreaming mind, her ears were bunnies, and they were doing a little dance. Left, right, left, right. She smiled, her lips spreading wide around her long face.
She startled. She could feel how different she was. It didn't feel bad, but it did feel strange and new. She tried to take stock of it all. She remembered playing with her ears. She gave them an experimental twitch.
“Are we waking up, Alyssa?” It was Dr. Pastern. She was close by but speaking loudly to compensate for the howl of the wind. Alyssa tried to open her eyes. Her lids felt heavy and slow. Gradually she lifted them.
She was looking at a pair of shoes, and the legs of the pants above them. There was the edge of a blanket wrapped around the pants. Alyssa looked down. It seemed like her head was resting on two aquamarine-colored hills. They were covered in short, fine grass. The grass was rippling in the strong, howling breeze.
Alyssa rolled her gaze down to study the hills. They stretched out in front of her, dropping precipitously off at the ends. She could feel the weight of her own head from them. It felt like her head was on the back of her fingers, sort of. She tried to move her hand. One of the hills, the right one, jiggled. She was laying just like Chloe had been, back in the room, and the grassy hills were her own front legs. She raised her head slightly, with great effort, and clopped her right hoof. She remembered that a hoof was equivalent to a human fingernail. Weakness overcame her, and her head plopped down onto her knuckles -fetlocks?- again.
She was bluish green then. Pale aquamarine. Aquamarine was a good color. Not her first pick, but, what the hay.
She giggled. What the hay.
When she awoke again, the wind was still blowing through her ears, and it was much colder. It seemed thinner, too. She was warm, though, pressed against her side was a soft comfort. She turned her head to see that it was Chloe, sleeping. Chloe's body was pressed close to Alyssa's, and tight in next to Chloe was Ella. All three were lying down, huddled together in the small... space?
It was like an open-topped rectangular box, made of finely polished wood. It seemed about as wide as a car, and about as long. One end was higher than the other, and she could see something like the tops of brass fixtures along the edges above her. But what really caught her attention was what was outside of the box, or rather, what was not. No plascrete walls, no towering buildings, no... nothing. Anything. Just a deep shade of greyish-blue.
She couldn't make sense of it. She looked for some texture, some structure to it. It took her still sedated mind several moments for it to dawn on her that she was looking at sky, sky that must be mostly above the perpetual smog layer. The air still smelled a bit of the smog, but it also smelled of the metallic tang of saltwater and oil. Her thoughts reeled. Were they somehow over the sea? How long had she slept?
It must have been hours, it was late, perhaps early evening. Alyssa couldn't believe how cool the air was. They must be above the smog, above the world. The box was not steady, she realized. She thought at first it had been her. They were flying, and the box was being buffeted by the winds.
Alyssa tried to stand on her front hooves, to raise her head above the edge of the lip. She caught a glimpse of the backs of four hard-flying pegasai, white, with some kind of helmets on. She was in a carriage of some kind, being pulled through the air at a fearsome speed. The blasting wind punished her face, and her hooves, unsteady, slipped forward. She flumped to the floorboards with a gasp.
“That's why we're all crouching down!” Dr. Pastern seemed concerned “We've been trying to outrun an angry bird.”
“How... long?” Alyssa's voice sounded strange to her, slightly higher, and it had more throat to pass through.
“About five hours. You've been out almost all of that time. You seemed to wake a few times, but it didn't last. Do you feel alright?”
“I...” Alyssa tried to take stock of her body “I feel... drowsy, but good. Really good. Really.... Good.” And she did feel good. She felt wonderful, other than a bit disoriented. Everything about her felt fresh and new, as if she had been manufactured just that day. She giggled. In actuality, she had been.
“Well, you're laughing, that's a good sign. Any dreams?”
“Why do you...” Suddenly Alyssa remembered. She had the most vivid dream. She only barely remembered the details, but the emotional power of it somehow reached the very core of her.
“Yes! I had a dream. It was really... beautiful. I usually have nightmares, but this was a good dream.” Alyssa couldn't remember the last time she had ever had a good dream.
“Could you tell me about it?”
“Really? It was just a dream.”
“Every single newfoal I have ever spoken with has had an unusual dream during their conversion. They all shared common elements. Humor me.”
This was surprising to hear. “Alright... um..” Alyssa struggled to pick the fading details out “I was running, over grass. Green, green grass. I was already a pony in my dream, I remember that – well, not quite a pony, but... something like the... essence of... being one. Then I was surrounded by others, too many to count. We were all running together, and... it felt really free. It felt happy and free, and like all the others were family, or... like best friends.”
“Yes, yes, go on...” Dr. Pastern seemed to be waiting for something.
“I was running with... the herd, I suppose, and then suddenly, I was in a vast hall. It was gigantic, I mean, as big as the sky. It was gorgeous. The curtains were like... pictures of the aurora, back in the old days, and the windows were made of stars.
Just then, I knew there were two... others... there. I remember! It was the two Equestrian princesses, Celestia and Luna. And they looked at me – they were gigantic too – and I felt.... I felt...”
“What?” Dr. Pastern stared at her “What did you feel?”
“I... I felt... loved. Wanted. Welcomed. I felt like they were the most perfect mother figures you could ever imagine, and they actually wanted me. Not like my mom, they wanted me. They approved of me, and when I looked up at them, into their eyes, I... w-well..” Alyssa looked down, she felt like the memory was too precious to describe any more.
“This is actually pretty common stuff, Alyssa, what you have described is essentially universal to newfoals, in one form or another. Please tell me the rest. It's alright. I really want to hear.”
Dr. Pastern sounded strangely sad. Alyssa couldn't leave the doctor hanging. “When I looked at them, I felt such love, I felt such gratitude, that... I don't know how to put it exactly. I... gave... myself to them. That's the best I can describe it. I knew I had a choice, even then, and in that moment, the only thing I wanted, the thing I still want, is... to be theirs.” The way she said the words was nothing short of reverent. The feeling overwhelmed Alyssa, and she fell silent.
“Thank you.” Dr. Pastern said, after what seemed a long time. Her voice was just barely audible over the roaring wind. The stars were becoming visible in the deepening blue.
After some time in silence, Alyssa noticed that Twilight and Pinkie were not with them. She also noticed that Ella and Chloe were still sleeping. “Doctor? Where are the ambassadors? And why aren't Ella and Chloe awake? Are they alright?” It seemed worrisome, since Pastern had said it had been five hours since leaving the Bureau.
“Ella and Chloe are pretty heavily sedated. The government goons made me do it. They insisted when all of you were packed up for transport. We were evacuated in an armored troopcarrier. Very hush-hush stuff. You were already unconscious, but they wanted you injected too. I was concerned about interactions, so I cut back on your dose when they weren't looking. Even so, you gave me a rough time.”
“What do you mean?”
“You stopped breathing a few times. That's why I'm here. It was too risky to leave you.” Pastern patted a grey-white medical kit resting on the wood floorboards by her side. Next to it was a larger, bright red case, which Alyssa remembered was the storage unit that had held the original Erlenmeyer that contained the nanomagical solution that made Conversion possible. “I'm part medical doctor, and part veterinarian!”
Alyssa giggled at that. “Stopped... breathing?” That was more than a little disturbing.
“'Fraid so. Anesthesia is a dangerous thing. I'm sorry. Government goons are too scary even for me. I did what I could under the circumstances.”
“It's... OK. I made it. Thank you for keeping me alive.” Alyssa felt very grateful; although she had experienced little, so far, with her new body, her new life, already she could tell she was going to like it. Inside, she felt happier than she had ever felt, for no reason at all. The warm pressure of Chloe at her side made her feel safe and content in a way she could not explain. 'Part of the herd?' she wondered to herself. And her senses... she could hear and see more clearly than she ever did as a human, and the smells... she realized in that moment that the wood of the chariot was wonderfully warm and complex – hints of summer flowers and delicious grasses... oh, being Equestrian was strange, but it was good-strange.
But above all else, the thing Alyssa loved the most about her new state, was the peace she felt, inside, in her heart, in her ...soul? She knew, with a certainty that she could not explain, that she would never again think a truly dark thought. She knew she was now incapable, in some fundamental way, of daydreaming about hurting an enemy, or exacting revenge for a slight.
All the scary, dark, cruel, violent parts of her had been washed away. She keenly felt their absence, and she felt as if she were lighter for it, almost floating as she lay there on the floorboards. It was as if the most enormous tumor had been surgically excised from her essence. Thinking about that feeling made tears come to her large eyes.
“What about the Ambassadors?”
“Ah. Yes. They are why we are being chased, Alyssa. Because Twilight Sparkle and Pinkamina Pie are on board, hundreds of meters over the Pacific Ocean, racing to reach the safety of the Barrier of Equestria before they can be assassinated by the Human Liberation Front.”
“But they aren't here!”
“No, Alyssa, they aren't. But the HLF doesn't know that. Consider this flight as your first official service to the Crown of Equestria. We are a decoy. Sparkle and Pie are being transported via other means. They are not expendable. So cross your fingers, girl.” Pastern looked uncomfortable “Sorry. You know what I mean.”
“The HLF is after us?”
“Not far behind by now, I should think. That is what all of todays... excitement... was about. They wanted to take out the ambassadors. They still do.”
“How far are we from Equestria?” For the first time as a pony, Alyssa felt fear.
“Let me check.” Dr. Pastern took out a handset from under her blanket, and huddled low to the boards to hear over the wind. “Nimbus? How much further?” Alyssa guessed Pastern was probably talking to the racing pegasai with the odd helmets, that were pulling the cart they were all in. The helmets must have radio links in them.
“OK, Thanks. We're fine. Yeah. I understand. Thank you, Nimbus.” Pastern put away the handset, and sat up, wrapping her blanket more tightly around her. “If we dared to stick our head over the rail, there, the Barrier would be very visible. About half an hour, more or less. He says there might be some turbulence coming up, so I wouldn't recommend taking a peek right now.”
Equestria. She was going to see Equestria in less than an hour! Alyssa's heart sang inside her body. She wished she could wake Chloe and Ella for this. She bent her head and nuzzled the sleeping yellow shape of Chloe. “Chloe? CHLOE! Wake up! Equestria!”
Suddenly the loudest noise Alyssa had ever heard screamed past behind her, on the right side of the cart. She felt the noise through her haunches and tail, where they were pressed up against the wall. The chariot bounced and bucked, caught in a terrible wake. Alyssa smelled some strange, burning, chemical fumes. The noise slowly wailed into the distance ahead of them.
“WHAT WAS THAT?!” Alyssa screamed over the ringing in her ears.
“POORLY AIMED, I SHOULD THINK!” Doctor Pastern did not look at all like she was trying to make a joke.
|
Chatoyance
|
1124
| 5 |
Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Alternate Universe,Human,Adventure,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Euphrosyne Unchained
|
A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than flesh.
|
complete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>Set in the Conversion Bureau universe, A young woman prepares for Conversion, but there is more she wants to change than merely her physical form.</p><p><span style="color:#BE4343;font-size:1.5em">♥</span> <a href="http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/03/the-conversion-bureau-one-year.html" rel="nofollow">As Featured On Equestria Daily!</a></p>
|
teen
|
2012-10-06T02:34:57+00:00
|
2024-06-30T20:34:34+00:00
| 8,888 |
Lost In The Herd: Two
Euphrosyne
Unchained
By Chatoyance
Chapter Five: Euphrosyne Unchained
The Royal Equestrian carriage tilted as it was pulled into a shallow dive to port. The four expert pegasai pulling the carriage were well practiced as a team, and did not need the human-tech transceivers in their helmets to coordinate the maneuver. Instinctively, as one, they leveled out, their wings working furiously to keep the carriage as steady as possible, under the circumstances.
Somewhere ahead, the glowing tail of the poorly aimed anti-air missile shrank into the distance ahead, a horizon dominated by the impossibly vast curve of the great Barrier that separated the impossible, magical realm of Equestria from the cold, hardened world of Man. The Barrier split the sky, a bright, opalescent half-sphere thousands of miles across, reaching above the atmosphere, touching space itself.
The air was cold and roared past the grand carriage with its pegasai, the stars gleaming in the early evening. Ahead, inside the surreal dome that protected Equestria, shone day, bright and green and warm. The brilliant light from that land, from the world within the barrier, illuminated the sea, thousands of feet below, painting the grey, poisoned Pacific with shimmering sparkles which faded with the miles into black night, far behind.
Alyssa-the-pony struggled to extricate her haunches from the pile of unconscious ponies, supplies, and human doctor that had all slid to the left of the car-sized open-air carriage during the sudden dive. When the polished, wooden floorboards had begun to tilt, Alyssa had tried to reach out with her hands to grab something, realizing almost immediately that she no longer had hands, but hooves. Her new limbs scraped uselessly on the smooth carriage floor, and she found herself sliding with her two former roommates, the still-unconscious Chloe and Ella, into poor Dr. Pastern. They had piled up against the left wall of the carriage, but thankfully, nopony had been lost.
"They're SHOOTING at us?" Alyssa screamed against the constant wail of the bitter wind "What WAS that? What are we going to DO? What are we going to DO?" Her hooves beat uselessly against the carriage floor.
Dr. Pastern struggled to get her wind back, the impact of one of Alyssa's hooves having caught her in the diaphragm. Breathing again, she automatically checked to make sure that her medical kit and the 'Potion' storage unit were safe. She shifted around the unconscious bodies of Ella-the-Pegasus and Chloe-The-Earth-Pony, and thought silently that perhaps sedating them had been a good idea after all. She briefly imagined having being kicked in the head by three panicking equinoids, rather than merely in the diaphragm by one.
"Alyssa! ALYSSA!" Dr. Pastern finally managed to get the poor newfoal settled enough to lay still. Pastern put her head close to Alyssa's so that she wouldn't have to shout. "Listen, listen... we're going to be alright. Those pegasai up there are Celestia's very, very best. They can outfly the wind itself. It's going to be OK. You need to remain calm, alright Alyssa?"
Pastern didn't really believe all of her own words, but she needed to get the situation under control, any way she could.
Alyssa tried to calm down. The carriage was flying steadily now, level, and she could no longer hear whatever it was (rocket? missile?) that had shrieked past them. Something in her, something new, powerfully compelled her to trust, and she found herself involuntarily relaxing against the legs of Dr. Pastern, and the piled bodies of Chloe and Ella. That was strange. She would never have been capable of such a thing back when she was an ape. The way she phrased that made her giggle. Ook-Ook. Hee!
Dr. Pastern noted the sudden change in newfoal Alyssa. She had seen such things before, in the past years of assisting Conversions. Newfoals seemed to universally be able to let go of fear and pain much better than human beings could. She always envied that, when she saw it happen. She wondered what it felt like.
"Alyssa, I need your help." Dr. Pastern was very serious now, and Alyssa's ears swiveled to follow her immediate attention. "Alyssa, this carriage is going to be passing through the Barrier soon, at full speed." Pastern paused to see if the newfoal understood.
"Doctor... you're not... you're human. Nothing human can pass the barrier. You'll be..." an image of a tomato hitting a windshield passed briefly through Alyssa's pony mind, the closest it could now come to the image it would have generated for her but half a day ago "Can't we land, let you off, isn't..." her voice trailed off.
"We're over the ocean, Alyssa. A thousand feet up. There's a chopper chasing us." Pastern said, softly. "There is only one thing I can do. But..." Pastern seemed worried "It isn't going to be fun."
"What? What can we do? I'll help you. Whatever you need me to do!" Alyssa felt a rush of empathy, of compassion, the like of which she had never experienced before. It shocked some deep, buried part of her. In this moment, she would willingly die for Dr. Pastern, a woman she had known all of three days. She was sure that she would not have felt quite so keenly for the life of a stranger... before.
"I can become a pony." Pastern wrestled with the bright red storage unit "This contains the ponification serum. But there's a problem. No anesthesia. We add it according to body weight and allergic history for each patient. I can't do that for myself."
"But your medical kit! Surely there's some..."
"No. Nothing that would do the job. I'll have to do this awake, and I have to do it now. It may already be too late. I waited too long."
"What?" Alyssa was incredulous "Why? You said it had been five hours since we left? Why didn't you..."
"These." Pastern held out her hands in front of her, fingers splayed wide. "I had to keep a certain pony breathing, remember?"
Suddenly it struck Alyssa. Dr. Pastern wasn't supposed to be here. She had leapt onto the carriage, probably as it was leaving, because she couldn't abandon a critical patient. She'd been forced to sedate the three newfoals, even though it was dangerous to do so. "Why... why did you wait until I finally woke up?"
"I had to be sure that you would." The matter of fact answer hit Alyssa like a stone.
"Take it! Take it now!" Alyssa was almost yelling "Hurry up! Do It! I'll be here for you! Just tell me what to do!"
"It's going to hurt, Alyssa." Dr. Pastern seemed pale "I will probably make a bit of a... fuss." The doctor looked away as she spoke "I really need you to stay calm and in control, even if we are shot at again. I need you to keep me from falling out, if you can, if there is any... turbulence. And... I need you to be very brave, whatever happens. Can you do that for me?" The doctor turned her head back and looked deeply into Alyssa's huge, wide eyes.
"I will." Alyssa heard a confidence and resolve in her own voice that quite astonished her.
"Thank you, Alyssa." Pastern opened the red case, inside was the stoppered Erlenmeyer, only a quarter filled with the swirling, purple goo. The carriage rocked suddenly, and for a moment the doctor and Alyssa shared worried eyes, but then relaxed when nothing further happened.
Alyssa watched as Dr. Pastern carefully opened the flask. She barely heard the faint prayer from the doctor's lips "please....Celestia.." Then Pastern took a swig from the flask, and instantly closed it, scrambling to secure the bottle within the red case before...
Pastern reared back, smacking her head against the carriage wall, her spine curving away from Alyssa. The doctor gasped, trying to breath, a faint cry coming from her agonized throat. Her body slid to the side until she was lying on the carriage floor. Alyssa could smell her grape-tinged breath as Pastern briefly choked.
Alyssa pressed close to Dr. Pastern, squeezing in close to her, to hold her still while she thrashed. Pastern's eyes rolled wildly, in opposite directions, as they swelled within her enlarging cranium. Her fingers, so recently splayed, had already fused together, melting like hot wax into squirming blobs.
Suddenly the carriage sharply banked to the right. Ponies, cases and the thing that was Dr. Pastern slid across the polished wood to slam into the opposite wall. Something bright and infinitely loud streaked by overhead and to the left. The brief flash of its passing temporarily blinded Alyssa, and she could hear nothing for some time from the roar.
When she could see clearly again, Dr. Pastern had changed shape radically, and her pulsing, oozing mass was beginning to rip her clothing "That's why they have us undress!" Alyssa suddenly realized that human clothing could strangle a pony, the neck was simply too small, the arms and legs too thin. She squirmed over Pastern's contorting form and began savagely biting at the doctor's neckline. The material was artificial, and very strong.
Alyssa braced a hoof and pulled and shook with all of her might. The fabric finally tore, and she continued to shred it until the neckline was a ragged, open space. As she did so, the forming neck of a pony filled that space even as she made it wider.
But the legs and arms were another matter. She couldn't get the right angle to tear the fabric. She couldn't figure out how to tear open the pants. Dr. Pastern's pony legs were inflating around the cuffs formed by the limits of human fashion, and the waxy, wriggling flesh began to rapidly turn purple where it could be seen.
This was terrible! Fear overwhelmed Alyssa's mind. She had to help. She had to save Dr. Pastern. She bit and pulled and shook her head like a dog worrying a bone, but the fabric wouldn't tear.
"aaaHHHHHHHHH!!!!" Alyssa screamed into the wind, half crazed with her own helplessness "WHY WON'T THIS COME OFF?"
A strange feeling transfixed her, like a spear through her forehead. It felt like all of her will had somehow coalesced into solidity, and she saw the struggling shape of what once was Dr. Pastern illuminated in the night by a strange, blue-green light. Inside, Alyssa felt like she was holding some kind of... storm... in her mind, and in anger she spat that feeling into those damned artificial fabric clothes.
Dr. Pastern's pants exploded. The material shredded like a burst balloon. With it was the last of the doctor's blouse and coat. Her shoes, stifling her forming, blobby hooves, detonated with an burst audible over the shrieking wind. The increasingly healthy looking, pony-shaped lump squirmed as it drew itself together, golden hairs bursting out from the skin.
Spaghetti strands of brown mane and tail spooled out onto the wood planks as the mysterious turquoise light faded. Alyssa collapsed, her head flat on the boards, inches from Pony-Pastern's flank. It was then, for the first time, that Alyssa finally noticed the short horn right in the middle of her forehead, as it unintentionally prodded Pastern's quivering leg. "Sorry." Alyssa mumbled as she scooted back, as best she could. She was too grateful to fuss.
Something was hissing and barking from a ragged piece of white cloth to Alyssa's left. It was one of the pockets from Dr. Pastern's lab coat. Inside, something square and flat was making the noise. Alyssa bit at the cloth and the set fell out. She swiveled her neck and tried to take the device with her lips. It slipped out, onto the boards, but something she had done had triggered it. The voice was new, and sounded as if it were yelling against a great wind "...said penetration imminent! Any minute now! Doctor Pastern, respond!" The voice kept repeating variations on this as Alyssa stared at it.
It was getting surprisingly light out. The stars were still overhead, but daylight was shining off the back of the carriage. The Barrier! The great Shield of Equestria! That must have been Nimbus, the lead pegasus of the crew pulling them through the sky. They were nearly home!
Home. Equestria was home. Alyssa savored the feeling. Home.
Alyssa turned to look at doctor Pastern. She was nearly complete. Her eyelids still hadn't unsealed from the skin of her head, but her golden hide shone in the increasing light, and her soft brown mane fluttered in the breeze. Surely she was pony enough now to survive passage through the barrier. Alyssa saw, in the brightening light, wings, beautiful and golden like the doctor's flanks. Alyssa didn't feel jealous, only happy. Pony Pastern's wings and body shone like morning, and Alyssa found herself laughing with delight. It was just so pretty!
It sounded like gravel rapidly hitting the wood rear of the chariot. PAK-PAK-TAK-PAK Alyssa scrambled up, hooves skittering on the floorboards. She knew that sound, from countless media, the sound of bullets impacting. Alyssa threw herself over the now blissfully insensate golden pegasus, trying to cover as much of it with her own body as she could. Pressed close behind Pastern, crushed into the corner, Ella and Chloe remained oblivious, a pile of unconscious hoof and mane.
Somewhere behind, in the dark to the rear, the 'angry bird', almost certainly a stolen military chopper, had reached a range where mechanized guns were worth using. The light from the front of the chariot was so bright, and glancing back at it, Alyssa saw an impossible, shimmering wall that stretched from one infinity to another, a dome as large as a continent, within which full daylight argued with the night beyond.
Alyssa swung her head back towards the rear, as if by looking, she could somehow defy the chasing threat. The light was very bright inside the chariot now, as she saw the black and gray shape of an Americorp Backstabber MKIII Assault Copter rise up above the brass-railed wooden lip. Inside, she could almost see, with her new, better eyes, the shape of a lone pilot. Did she imagine him grimacing as he took aim?
A pleasurable shiver rippled over her, and instantly the bitter air was springtime. A shimmering wall fell away, gleaming as it receded behind the chariot. In the full, warm sunlight of open day the Assault Copter burst through the wall, the tail end shattering as a pink mist appeared behind it, on the other side of the opalescent shield.
They were descending, rapidly, and Alyssa watched the broken copter fall, the pieces tumbling, end over end. As they fell, they began to change, affected by some strange magic, separating into shards, the shards turning from black and gray to brilliant colors, and Alyssa was astonished to see that they had become flower petals, drifting and fluttering in the sky like delicious confetti.
She couldn't help but laugh, it was so absurd, so whimsical, and such a relief. The danger was gone - all danger was gone, forever, for the rest of her days. Her laughing turned to giggles, somewhat hysteric, and then to sobs. That poor man. That poor, poor man.
* * * * *
Petal Confetti trotted merrily down the soft, dirt path that ran through the middle of her small village. Clydesdale was a farming community that specialized in hay, alfalfa, and -of all things- basil. The town had recently won an award for 'Most Flavorful Feed', which had been presented by the great stallion chef Al Dente himself, and the plaque had been hung over the oat barrels at the general store.
This was a matter of great excitement in such a small village, and Petal knew exactly what needed to be done. She swung her bright pink tail across her aquamarine flanks, keeping time to her own rhythmic gait. Across her back were slung two large saddlebags, filled to bursting with balloons, streamers, boxes of candies, little cakes and other treats, and of course, a great heavy jug of her own special punch.
She had many friends in Clydesdale, and they greeted her as she passed. She tossed her curly pink mane at Flapjack, a stallion that she knew had an eye on her. She paused to compliment Sweetpastry's new straw hat. The bow had become undone on it, so she used her horn and willed the ribbon to tie itself neatly. Petal loved helping with little things like that.
Sweetpastry smiled at her, and brushed against her flank in thanks, as Petal trotted on.
The town doctor was flying overhead, golden and magnificent. She was still called doctor Pastern, the name just didn't seem to need to be changed. Petal smiled up at her longtime friend. They shared a special bond, begun in strife, perhaps, but grown strong over time through mutual kindness. She would see her later, when everyone would come together, thanks to her special gift.
In all of Clydesdale, no one put on a party like the ever-so-giggily Petal Confetti.
The End
The Lost In The Herd Series:
One: The Big Respawn,
Two: Euphrosyne Unchained,
Three: Letters From Home,
Four: Teacup, Down On The Farm
The Conversion Bureau Novels:
27 Ounces: A story of eight and one half ponies
The Taste Of Grass
The Conversion Bureau: Code Majeste
The Conversion Bureau: The 800 Year Promise
The Conversion Bureau: Going Pony
The Reasonably Adamant Down With Celestia Newfoal Society!
Recombinant 63: A Conversion Bureau Story
HUMAN in Equestria: A Conversion Bureau Story
The PER: Michelson and Morely
Little Blue Cat
Cross The Amazon
Adrift Off Fiddler's Green: The Final Conversion Bureau Story
The Short Stories:
Her Last Possession
The Conversion Bureau: PER Equitum
The Conversion Bureau: Brand New Universe
Tales Of Los Pegasus
The Poly Little Pony
The very first and original
Conversion Bureau Group
archives only the best Three Rules Compatible stories!
Optimalverse Works:
Friendship Is Optimal: Caelum Est Conterrens
Leftovers: A Friendship Is Optimal Story
IMPLACABLE
My Life In Fimbria
Injectorverse Works:
I.D. - That Indestructible Something
The More Conventional Fanfics:
The Ice Cream Pony Summer
Around The Bend
PRIDE related works:
Transspecieality
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Rare, personally chosen anime, SF and fantasy television, movies, and comedy music. A truly unusual collection to listen to, featuring Spot Announcer Dr. Sandi!
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Col. Calamity
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1125
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Angel,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone
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A dark, stern figure rocks Fluttershy's introverted world. Both have life lessons for the other.
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incomplete
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<p>Fluttershy is disturbed at home by the appearance of a dark and mysterious stranger. His body broken and she with little other choice, Fluttershy takes him in and tends his wounds. This marks the beginning of a budding relationship, a journey of two hearts with vastly different views on life, and how they ultimately learn from one another.</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-01T01:20:12+00:00
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2011-10-01T01:20:12+00:00
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Fluttershy hummed to herself sweetly as she worked the garden aside her cottage. A serene smile played across her mouth as she paused and assessed the surrounding scene. It was a wonderfully bright and sunny day, and all her small animal friends were out enjoying the sunshine. Numerous birds were out chirping and singing to each other, all the while preparing their nests for the spring. Young squirrels and mice were playing in the grass whilst their parents were busy hollowing out homes for the family in the ground or in trees.
Fluttershy's ever present companion Angel was sitting at the edge of the garden, not so much expediting her efforts as enjoying their fruits. Fluttershy turned to watch him, to make sure he was still within sight and out of mischief. A few unwanted carrot stems lay tossed to the side nearby, and Angel had just begun a fresh carrot when Fluttershy chided him with a smile.
“Now, Angel, you know you shouldn't be eating so many carrots. You need a balanced diet to grow up big and strong. Besides, you'll spoil your supper.”
Angel gave Fluttershy a rebellious look, then took a slow, deliberate bite, after which making sure to chew as loudly as he possibly could. Fluttershy creased her eyebrows and frowned, not in reprimand but rather in sadness.
“Angel, that wasn't very nice.” Angel's expression softened. He put the carrot down and went to pick up the discarded stalks, presumably to throw them away. Her smile rejuvenated, Fluttershy called after him, “Thank you Angel bunny.” Angel did not stop or turn around, but Fluttershy knew instinctively that he in turn smiled, if only a bit.
The pastel yellow pony let out a sigh of contentment and rested on her haunches. She lifted her head toward the sun and closed her eyes, letting the light filter through her eyelids to cast a pleasant rosy red over her sight. The sounds from the animals flooded her thoughts, and the hazy, quasi-formed notion sank in that all was right with the world. As she sat and reflected, Fluttershy became aware of distant rumblings coming from somewhere. She opened her eyes and looked in the direction from which they came, wincing slightly at the adjustment of her pupils.
The rumblings were coming from the direction of the Everfree forest, a mysterious and dangerous place. Deadly monsters were known to roam freely throughout the forest, such as manticores and hydras. Any young pony was taught from a very early age to never go near the forest, for whatever reason. Fluttershy's cottage was situated at the edge of the forest itself, but she never had to worry about encounters with its more dangerous inhabitants. Those denizens made their homes in the deepest parts of the forest, far from its borders.
Fluttershy scanned the horizon as the tops of trees continued to retreat back into the forest and up a large mountain. She squinted as hard as she could, peering through the light mist that hovered in the atmosphere midway up the distant peak. There appeared to be a disturbance in the mist, as if from a sudden puff of air. There was a few seconds of silence, then another dull rumble. Fluttershy thought for a moment.
'Whatever it is, it's probably really mean and really strong. But, if it took that long for the sound to get here, it must be really far away. Nothing's ever come as far as Ponyville anyway, unless it was provoked... I suppose it'll be ok.'
Fluttershy cautiously decided to move on and continue with her daily routine, but she kept the noise in the back of her mind just to be safe. Once the garden was tended she put out feed for the chickens, checked on the progress of all the bird nests, checked the dens of the land creatures, and made her rounds finishing up with any animal patients she kept in her cottage. Such was a normal day for her, making sure every creature was cared for, and helping those who needed it the most. It was tiring work, taking up most of her time, but she usually found a couple of hours each evening to herself when she could stretch out and relax.
The sun was setting now. It cast a warm orange and pink tinge on the few clouds in the sky, both a requiem of its time hanging in that wide blue expansion covering the earth, and a heralding of the glossy pearl of the night that was Luna's moon. As the night crept in, it was as if a sheet was pulled over the earth, bringing with it innumerable miniscule jewels, each with luster beyond compare, shining in the sky.
The moon glinted with a pale milky light that shone through the windows of Fluttershy's cottage. Fluttershy had taken a comfortable position on the sofa underneath the front window of her living room. She was curled up against the left arm, her slight frame fitting snugly in the crook of arm and back. Her pink tale was curled about her, the tip folded between her head and the couch upholstery. The light of the moon and stars shone down on her coat and pink mane, and were in turn somewhat reflected, creating an ethereal, almost other-worldly radiance about the pony.
As she lay on the sofa her mind wandered back to those rumblings deep in the forest. She was curious as to what kind of creature could have made such noises, and if it could be a potential threat at some point. Her first thought was a monstrous dragon, her mind's eye flashing to a scene of a great winged beast circling the sky, with Ponyville a heap of smoldering ash beneath. Fluttershy shook her head. It couldn't be a dragon. Their snoring alone can produce massive plumes of smoke, and whatever it was sounded like it was putting up a fight. There wasn't any smoke, and definitely no fire. But if not a dragon, then what?
Fluttershy lay there searching the depths of her knowledge, trying to match a creature of which she knew with what she had seen and heard, when Angel hopped in. He was moving faster than Fluttershy had ever seen him move before, and gesturing frantically as he went. Fluttershy sat up in alarm, her tail flicking in panic.
“Angel? What's the matter? What's happened?!”
Angel was hopping in place, pointing madly at the back door and chattering incoherently. Fluttershy suddenly became uncharacteristically stern. She hopped down from the sofa and placed her hoof on Angel's head to ground him and get his attention.
“Angel, listen to me. You have to calm down and tell me what's wrong. Now what's happened?”
Angel could only point toward the back door of the cottage and alternate between his panicked expression and what looked like a forced attempt at a scary face. Fluttershy believed she understood. Her heart flew up into her mouth. It seemed her fears had been realized. Whatever had been going on in the forest had come this way, and it was right outside.
Fluttershy was terrified, there was no denying it. Her legs trembled violently, her wing muscles involuntarily contracted to her side, unyielding. Beads of sweat began to form across her body, her temperature rising in panic. She quickly looked around her living room at the smaller inhabitants. Some had come out of their small homes. Some were peering out from holes or miniature entrances to their dens. Some had looks of fear, some of apprehension, and all were looking to Fluttershy to know what they should do.
At the realization that her small charges were looking to her for guidance, Fluttershy steeled herself. A previously unknown reserve of strength welled up inside her, her legs steadying and panic receding. It was her responsibility to protect these animals, and nothing was going to harm them, no matter how ferocious the monster or the personal cost to herself. She lifted her hoof from Angel’s head and began to give him instructions in a quiet but purposeful voice.
“Alright Angel, I think I understand. We don't have time for a plan, so I want you to stay here and listen after me. I'll go outside, and if you hear me yell for you to run I want you to take all our friends here and make sure they get out of the house and to safety. Don’t worry about me, I’m not important. If it comes to it, I’ll make a distraction so you have time to get away.”
Angel shook his head violently, pointing to Fluttershy and then gesturing toward the front door. Fluttershy cut him off. It was incredible how soft yet stern she could be. “Angel, don’t argue. I already told you we don’t have time. Now stay here and listen. If I say so, you take everyone and move as fast as you can, and don’t you dare look back. Understand?”
Angel stood still, looking up into the lustrous blue eyes of his caretaker, his friend. Fear wracked his brain at what he had seen, but he knew Fluttershy was right, that he must obey. “Do you understand?” Fluttershy repeated more sternly and hastily. At the second inquiry Angel gave a solemn nod, resigning himself to follow his instructions, even to the end if need be.
“Good.” With that Fluttershy lifted her head high, posturing herself with a determined stance. She swallowed the unintelligible fear roiling inside her, reminding herself that she was the steward of these animals. She trotted brusquely to the back door, nudged it open, and quickly stepped out so as to not be paralyzed by her mounting fear. Once she was out in the night air she inhaled sharply and held it, another involuntary action.
Her eyes darted around; left, right, then up circling the skyline. Her heart was pounding in her chest, so much so that it hurt. Fluttershy didn’t see anything immediately, which gave her some small amount of comfort. She vaguely reasoned that she would have seen if right off had it been a dragon. She relaxed a little and exhaled unsteadily. Her delicate breath hung in the cool night air. ‘Perhaps the monster was out beyond the gate’ she thought.
Fluttershy moved slowly toward the back fence gate, beyond which lay the Everfree forest. She had to fight her own body with each step, her trepidation constantly threatening to immobilize her. As she moved, her mind raced as to what monster it was; perhaps a chimera, or a sphinx, or even an Ursa Minor. In the end it didn’t matter, if she could save her animal friends. Step. Breath. Step. Breath. Such was the cadence of her gait as she neared the dark forest, the harbinger of something Fluttershy knew had to be dangerous and horrifying.
It seemed to take ages, but she finally came to the opening in the fence facing the forest. Fluttershy was truly shaking now, her determination slowly succumbing to the pure terror of anticipation. She almost wished the threat would show itself, if only to know what she was against. The trembling pony stopped just short of crossing the fence line. There was some comfort in staying within the boundaries of her home, though she knew a fence would not do much, if anything, against a wild beast. Fluttershy peered intently into the darkness that cloaked the land, her gaze unsteady from the tremors in her body. At first nothing registered in her vision; there was no movement, no noise, nothing. Her eyes roved the tree line, expecting to stumble upon some vicious creature ready to pounce.
Then she saw it. Fluttershy did not immediately register the shape, but there was something moving just inside the treeline, a figure shrouded in the embrace of the shadows. There was just enough moonlight cutting through the foliage to make out a head. It was large and rounded, and the moonlight glinted off what seemed to be scales.
Fluttershy locked up completely. Even if she wanted to scream for Angel and the others to run she could not. She could only watch in utter terror as the figure stared silently from the trees. Moments passed, and the dark figure did not make a move. The hair on her mane stood on end, alternating hot and cold pulses of panic shot up and down her spine, and her jaw was so taught her teeth were beginning to hurt. Fluttershy's thoughts were disconcerted, hazy, and impulsive. 'What is it? What's it after? What's it going to do? How do I warn the others? Does it see me?' Indeed, the creature had made no indication it had seen Fluttershy, or at least made no attempt at attack. The pony wondered if it had noticed her at all, if it was not too late to retreat and escape. Any moment now, her palpitating heart was going to give her away, she just knew.
At this thought, the creature tossed its head, and the outline seemed to fix upon Fluttershy, seeing her at last. Her eyes somehow found those of the creature in the shadows and they locked with each other. Shockingly pale gray irises surrounded large black pupils; this was all Fluttershy could make out. The creature began to move, stepping slowly out of the cover of darkness and into the faint light from the sky. Its steps were off kilter, its legs looked as though they had trouble supporting the creature's body weight. The noise of its labored breathing pierced the otherwise silent night, and its balance was dangerously uneven, but all the while it never broke gaze with the fearful pony before it.
Whatever it was, it was wounded badly. As it stepped ever closer it sounded a chilling cry; not a cry of anger or wrath, but of intense pain. A spark of curiosity and even sadness lit in the back of Fluttershy's mind, but was still overwhelmed by fear. As she stood rooted to the ground the creature continued to approach, until it stood a mere few feet away. The creature stopped, eyes still fixed to Fluttershy's, those gray rings almost threatening to envelop the frozen pony. It exhaled a drawn and harsh breath. The cool air produced a look of smoke billowing out. Suddenly it reared with tremendous ferocity. It did not lunge, but rather took a step back, its two forelegs scraping at the air. Large, almost ill-proportioned wings jutted from either side of its body, flapping with apparently faded strength. It gave one final cry of pain, tossing its head and billowing more of its foggy breath into the air.
At that, all life seemed to drain instantaneously from it. The creature's head went limp, its wings fluttered clumsily to its side and drug upon the ground. It swayed for a moment, as if supported by a strong wind, then collapsed completely. It fell forward toward Fluttershy, turning slightly and falling on its side. Its body hit the ground with several metallic clangs. The wings twitched momentarily, but soon went still. Fluttershy could no longer withstand the stress. Her trembling legs gave out immediately, and she slumped to the ground next to the unconscious creature, head next to head. She could not move or speak, but she remained conscious and coherent. She kept her eyes closed, still fearful of the creature.
Hours seemed to pass. Calm began to creep into the recesses of Fluttershy’s mind, slowly replacing the paralyzing fear. As she regained some of her strength, she began listening to the breath of the body beside her. It was calm, but much more shallow than was warranted by something of that size. The steadiness of breath was soothing. The resultant breeze cooled her face, and her mane was brushed back and forth across her left shoulder, oddly massaging away some of her fear.
Finally, after time immeasurable, Fluttershy plucked up the courage to open her eyes. She winced as the veil of her eyelids was removed, exposing her potentially to a frightful vision. Through the dark of the night she could make out a large form splayed out on the ground. The creature had fallen on its right side, its four legs at odd angles and wings flopping perpendicular to its body. Fluttershy noticed the wings in particular. They were very large, each beginning at a main joint just behind the respective shoulder. Parts of each had large expanses that were reflective, taking the perfect moonlight from above and casting it right back at the sky. As best she could judge, the wings were long enough to stretch to the the tip of the creature's outstretched tail.
'Tail...' Fluttershy thought. She looked again. 'Four legs, two wings joined at the back, a tail...' Fluttershy was hesitant to move her head up until this point, for fear of some creaking in her neck that may stir the figure before her, but her curiosity was piqued now. She turned her face ever so slowly to her left. In doing so she could see the topmost part of the animal. A thick muscular neck branched from its body, with copious amounts of long flowing hair protruding from the back, like a mane. As she continued to turn her view her eyes set upon the odd rounded head she had seen before, as it glinted slightly in the moonlight.
Upon closer inspection Fluttershy could see it was only round as seen from the front. The side view showed an oblong shape with a flat end facing down the neck, not unlike a half-loaf of bread. She looked even closer and saw a distinct disconnect between shiny and opaque surfaces. As the creature inhaled and exhaled, the shiny surface rocked back and forth. Fluttershy observed this and pondered for a moment. Then an idea struck her. Her forelegs were severely weakened from the distress of her encounter, but she managed to lift herself up just enough to reach out and nudge the edge of the shiny surface as much as she dared. It moved. Fluttershy paused, making doubly sure the creature was still incapacitated. When she decided it was safe she nudged again, harder this time.
The shiny surface curled away from the head of the creature, scraping lightly on the ground. It made a half roll and came to a stop a short distance away. It was a helmet. At this realization Fluttershy became sure of herself again. She staggered to a shaky upright position. As she stood, she analyzed the sight laying upon the ground before her. “This isn't a monster. It's a pegasus. A pegasus in some kind of armor,” she whispered, as if to solidify her epiphany. Indeed, what she had originally taken to be scales of some kind was actually the reflective surface of metal. The pegasus was clad in armor from head to hoof. Even the wings were armored.
Her first reaction was that of unbelievable relief, then almost immediately shifted to that of worry and a sense of duty. Almost as if sensing Fluttershy's feelings, Angel came sprinting out from the back door of the cottage. Fluttershy heard him approach and turned to see who was coming. “Oh Angel, I'm so relieved. There's nothing to worry about. It's not a monster, just a very wounded pegasus. Everything is going to be fine, but I need your help. Did you tell everyone to get away?” Angel shook his head. “Good. Please, go get some of the strongest deer from the meadow and bring them back here. Four should do nicely. Tell them I'm sorry for disturbing them, and I don't want to impose, but if they would be so kind it's of the utmost importance. If they want to come.” Angel nodded, knowing now was not the time to trifle over things such as consideration. He hurried off into the darkness toward the meadow.
Fluttershy quickly trotted back to her cottage. She entered the living room, taking care to light a fire in the fireplace with a nearby candle from the mantle. She was momentarily grateful she had managed to keep a small stock of wood leftover from winter. Once a fire was going, she took her candle and placed it in an empty lantern hanging on a hook at the back door. She was going to need to see more clearly if she was going to be of use.
As she made her way back to the collapsed pegasus, Fluttershy saw that Angel had arrived with the deer. “Oh wonderful. Thank you all so much for helping,” she said with a soft voice. “I mean, I would do it myself if I could. I don't like asking others for things, and I never like to be a bother-” Angel jumped up onto Fluttershy's back, then onto her head. He tugged at her ear gently. He knew that sometimes Fluttershy just needed someone to keep her on track. She stopped, and nodded curtly.
“Right, s-sorry about that. Well, what I need you deer to do, if you would, is to lift up and carry this poor pony into my cottage.” Angel grabbed both Fluttershy's ears and bent over to lower his head in front of her face. He gave a severe look of foreboding, then arched his brow as if to inquire what exactly she was thinking. Fluttershy tossed her head so that Angel was seated again on top.. “I knew you wouldn't like it Angel, and I'm very sorry, but this pony needs our help badly. You can argue if you want, but right now this pegasus is a patient, same as any other animal. I'm sorry.” Angel blinked, not really sure of what do. Rarely was Fluttershy as resolute as she had been this evening.
“Now, if you please,” Fluttershy instructed the deer, “I think one of you per wing, and the other two supporting his neck and haunches should do fine. I'll hold the light so you can see. Please, remember to be gentle. I don't know how bad his wounds are. The two taking the wings get on either side of him first...” With the the strength of the deer and Fluttershy's direction the team was able roll the large pegasus off his side and into a supported position in the air. It was decided the pegasus would not fit through the back door, so the team carried their load to the front.
The front door was indeed larger, but not by much. It took some time for the solution as to how to fit the pegasus through the door. Finally, against Fluttershy's better judgment, the wings were taken and folded into the body, allowing two deer to gingerly carry the crumpled pegasus into the small cottage. Fluttershy began pushing furniture out of the way in order to make a clearing in the center of the room. “Ok, if you deer would be so kind, please lay the patient down right here,” she said, gesturing at the very center of the room. “Facing toward the fire please, but not too close. Stretch the wings out on either side, as much and as evenly as you can. I need to be able to see in order to work.” The deer acquiesced, though by now they were visibly straining under the weight of the pegasus; most likely a result of the armor.
Fluttershy could see this and stopped the deer after they had set down the crumpled body squarely on its stomach. “Please, you can stop now. Thank you ever so much. I'm so grateful for your help, but I believe I can manage from here. Th-Thank you again,” she said in a tired but sweet tone. Each of the deer bowed in turn and left the cottage, fading into the night heading back to their meadow. With that Fluttershy set to work arranging the limbs for treatment. She worked the right wing, then the left, dragging them by the tips as she held them in her mouth as delicately as she could. Merely dragging the wings was a task in and of itself. She took the legs one by one, taking care to spread them out evenly, but not in a manner that would cause discomfort.
Once Fluttershy had finished, she sat next to the pony and looked over the body. The light from the fire cast a warm glow across the floor, but the room remained rather dimly lit. The elongated silhouette of the sprawled body was cast down the floor and up halfway the opposite wall. It suddenly occurred to Fluttershy that she never had taken the time to examine the face of the pegasus. She was sure it wasn't somepony she knew, but perhaps she could identify some kinship by facial similarity. She sat down near the fire and, with great care, took the head in her hooves and turned it to one side, to better see the face. 'Oh my' she thought.
The pegasus was most certainly male. A strong brow arched over a pair of large deep-set eyes. A strong masculine jawline, reinforced with bristling neck muscles, underscored a shapely muzzle. His coat was a dark gray, like iron. A long mane of stark white fell gracefully to one side, its length falling past the neck and onto the floor. Fluttershy pondered the sight for a brief time. She definitely did not know him.
'I would most certainly remember somepony like this. I've never seen him before, in Ponyville or even in Cloudsdale. Maybe he's from one of the other pegasus cities, like Nimbus or Straton?' Fluttershy passively continued to analyze the face as her mind drifted. 'Those eyes... Back there, they were so scary, but now...' She recalled staring into those large eyes, the gray irises around what she was sure were simply dilated pupils. They were hidden now behind the pony's eyelids, a shadow cast across them by his brow blocking the firelight.
Without warning, an impulsive thought shot through her concentration. 'He is quite handsome, isn't he?'
Fluttershy immediately reproached herself. 'Oh, Fluttershy, what are you thinking?' she scolded, shaking her head.
Suddenly the pegasus began to shift his body unsteadily. Fluttershy, still holding his head in her hooves, froze with indecision as to what to do. The wings on either side of her jerked somewhat, stirring the fire behind her. The armor girding them scraped the floor of her cottage heavily. It was a wonder there was strength left in those wings to move at all. A few guttural sounds emanated from the pegasus' throat, his neck tensed to support his head, and the lids receded partially from his eyes.
For the second time Fluttershy locked eyes with this mysterious figure. The eyes were like small inset stone basins of the purest marble, filled with an unimaginably viscous black liquid that both absorbed and reflected light all at once. They were like portals into some strange world, both wonderful and terrible to behold. Now they were unreadable, a product of confusion and fatigue, but there was an undeniable strength behind them. For a span of no more than a few seconds each looked upon the other, an almost intimate connection between two minds. Fluttershy could feel her heart skip. A rush of adrenaline could be felt creeping up her spine. Then the pegasus fell sway to his condition once more, and slipped back into unconsciousness. His eyes shut and his head slumped in Fluttershy's embrace.
Fluttershy was still frozen, even as she continued to hold his head. She breathed in and out as softly as she could, not willing to chance another happening like that. Cautiously she watched and waited, wanting to make sure the pegasus was again unconscious before laying his head down. She tenderly set him down at a comfortable angle, with his mane folded underneath to provide some cushioning.
Sighing lightly as she felt the adrenaline dissipating in her body, Fluttershy got to her hooves and began her examination in earnest. She whispered quietly to herself as she thought, the extra idea reinforcement helping her think.
“Let's see, what to do first? I know he's injured; badly injured. But how to tell where?” She circled his body slowly, pensively, taking care not to step on any of his limbs. She had made her way from his front, around his right side, and then to his tail end which lay near the rounded archway leading to the rest of the cottage. Fluttershy saw out of the corner of her eye a shadow being cast across the floor by the light of the hallway. She looked down to see Angel standing watchfully.
Fluttershy smiled at him. “Angel bunny, would you please help me with something? Could you please light the rest of the candles in the room? I need to be able to see better.”
Angel did not move immediately. His eyes shifted knowingly from Fluttershy to the pegasus, then back to Fluttershy, and he frowned a bit. He pointed to the pegasus, then raised his forearms up over his head and contorted his face into a scowl.
Fluttershy stifled a small laugh. She knelt down, her face in front of Angel's. She mustered the softest, most honeyed voice she could. “Angel, I know he scared you when you first saw him. He scared me too. But you have to trust me when I say that he's not going to hurt anyone now. He couldn't move even if he wanted to. So please, will you help me?”
Angel thought for a bit, then squeaked in exasperation. He placed a paw on Fluttershy's nose and nodded. “Oh, thank you Angel. You're such a good helper.” She nudged his body affectionately. Angel shrugged it away with a small grunt. He proceeded to the woodpile next to the mantlepiece, where he snapped a twig from a resting log. He held it in the fire until it caught, then began to move around the room, lighting candles as he went.
As the level of light began to increase, a full picture of the mystery pegasus's body emerged. Fluttershy became increasingly horrified as visual details concerning his condition were more and more apparent. He was very dirty, as if he had been dragged through a freshly plowed field. His back- and front-right legs were caked with dried blood, open gashes in his flesh clearly visible. The gaps of flesh that could be seen under the armor looked burned, though the armor itself gave no indication of suffering such damage. His mane, now exposed by the candle light, was filthy and tangled with twigs and leaves. A myriad of smaller cuts and bruises could be seen all over.
The wings were in similar shape. Both were bloodied and haggard-looking, the parts outside the cover of armor. A few large feathers had fallen on the floor since the wings were lain down; the feathers that remained and could be seen on either wing were crusted with dried blood, and some even looked singed. Fluttershy noticed that the left slumped away from the body at the main join, suggesting wrenching. The ribs beneath were likely cracked, or worse. The right seemed sturdier near the base, but there was clear discontinuity in the bone past the end of the covering armor piece; this one was broken.
Fluttershy marveled at the injuries this pony had sustained. It was a miracle he was still alive, let alone able to move. Tears welled up in her eyes at the thought of another living creature suffering such cruelty. “What in Equestria could have done something so awful?,” she asked herself. “I can't imagine the pain he must have endured. What happened to him?” This personal question sparked remembrance of the rumblings coming from the Everfree forest. “Could that be it? Did he fight something in the forest?”
She looked again at the gashes in the legs, the patches of burnt flesh and wing, the physical trauma. “It must have been something from the forest. But what was it? What was he doing there? How did he manage to make it all the way here on his own?” These questions and others buzzed in Fluttershy's mind. She came to no immediate answer, instead asserting that it was much more important that the pegasus be cared for than her curiosity be satiated. She blinked away her forming tears.
“I need to get this armor off of him. I can't work around it. There may even be other injuries beneath it. But how do I get it off?” Fluttershy looked the pieces of metal up and down trying to find a way to remove them.
A large breastplate was across his front, comprised of what looked like staggered sheets of silvery metal. Interlocking sheets of the same glittering metal curved up and around the shoulders, then ran down the back to the flank. The sheets reminded Fluttershy of the shell of an armadillo; they were cascaded in such a way, she guessed, to provide flexibility. Each sheet of the back set expanded out to cover the sides of the body. On every foreleg there was a similar assembly; a thick metal semicircle with plates expanding out on either side to provide cover from knee to ankle, forming a bracer.
Each wing was armored with what looked like two connected cascade assemblies interlocking above the wing bend with a ball-and-socket, the front profiles curved and form-fitted around the contour of the bone. The inner cascades stretched from the ball-and-socket to about midway to the shoulders. The outer cascades spanned the ball-and-socket midway to the wingtips. The armor covered only the tops of the wings, and as to how it stayed attached could not be seen.
Fluttershy let out a sigh of defeat. “I don't have any idea where to start. Oh, what am I going to do? I can't leave him in this state.” She looked around aimlessly, as if awaiting an answer that had yet to come. After a moment she heard a soft metallic knocking coming from in front of the body. She looked to she Angel knocking on the breast plate, trying to get her attention. “Oh, Angel,” she whispered, “Please, no. You may wake him.”
Angel stopped knocking, but waved for her to approach. Fluttershy stepped carefully around to see what Angel was indicating. The breastplate was situated awkwardly under the neck, its rounded shape unwilling to lay flat. It was attached to the armor on the back with two large button clasps, one on each side of the neck. It was a good start. Angel and Fluttershy each tripped a clasp, she on the left, he on the right. The clasps sounded small metallic clicks, and the heavy plate was free.
Fluttershy carefully supported the pegasus's neck as she pawed at the plate, attempting to drag it out. Once the plate was safely away, she slowly laid the pegasus back down. She tried to pick the plate up and move it out of the way, but it did not budge. She tried again, forcing all the strength she had, but it was simply far too heavy. She puffed lightly at the strain, then decided to take it in her mouth and drag it out. It was slow work, but she finally managed to move it into the other room. The bracers were next, and the easiest. These were secured about the forelegs with simple straps at the center semicircle.
“Alright,” she breathed, “One piece down. Now let's try the rest.” Fluttershy took the back plate assembly and pulled up on the left side so that the right edge pivoted on the floor. It took all her might, but she was able to lift it up and over, until it tipped and rolled off. It kept rolling, coming to a stop as both flat edges connected with the floor. This produced a loud scraping and an echoing clank that made Fluttershy jump. She shot an apprehensive look at the pegasus, but it was clear he was too far gone to be woken by such noise. She relaxed and set to freeing the wings.
The wings were the most difficult to undo. Angel had to wriggle up under the wing itself to understand how the armor was attached. The armor assemblies stayed secure to the wings by half-circle clamps seated on the bone, squeezing it. Two strips of thick canvas, joined by a buckle in the middle and slung under the wing, formed a belt at the plate nearest the ball-and-socket for each assembly, holding fast the metal to sinew. The rabbit assumed a prone position and crawled up under the front of the right wing. He examined a clamp, looking for a way to release it.
He found it, a small spring-loaded rod keeping the hinge of the clamp firmly in place. He pulled it out, and the clamp gave way. Each belt was simple enough; the buckles were undone and the canvas strips fell slack on the floor. The other armor sheets were identical, and Angel went methodically from one to the next, removing all engagement to the wings. Once he was done, the rabbit crawled out from under the mass of feathers and muscle. He stood on his hind legs and took a bow, signifying he was finished.
“Oh wonderful work Angel. You're so smart. What would I do without you?,” Fluttershy praised the rabbit lavishly. Angel shrugged at the praise, a very smug expression on his face. “Now, let's get this off of him so I can treat him properly. Angel, I'll try and lift while you drag his wings back. You don't have to go far, just far enough so I can set the front edge down on the floor. Once his wings are free and under the plates, I'll push the plates away toward the wall. ”
She took the left armor piece in her mouth at the ball-and-socket and lifted. It was heavy, but she was able as Angel struggled to pull the mighty wing back from its metal burden. Once Angel had successfully moved the wing back an acceptable distance Fluttershy let the armor down to rest on the clamps. The same was done with the right side in turn. After this she circled around to the back of the wings. The connection between the sheets in each armor piece made them awkward to push. One sheet had to be moved a little, then the other had to be moved in kind to make both pieces lay flush to the wall. It was heavy work, but a when she was finally finished she sat down in front of the fire to collect her thoughts.
“Alright, now all the armor is off. As heavy as it was, it certainly did it's job. I can't see any injury from the protected parts of his body. Oh, ok, injuries; what do I need to do? Right wing is broken, likely rib damage, left wing is wrenched, both right legs gashed, multiple burns...” Fluttershy exhaled slowly to calm herself. “My, that's a lot to do. I'll have to work fast so he can start healing as soon as possible. Angel?,” she called. Angel came up beside her and tapped her on the leg to make his presence known. “Angel, do you know where the jar of aloe leaves is in the herbs closet?” Angel nodded. “Good. Please go and get it. I want you to prepare to treat his burns. I'm going to go get a bowl of water. His wounds need to be washed straight away.”
Angel headed up a flight of stairs to the second floor of the cottage where the medicine was located. Fluttershy entered the kitchen, took a large bowl from under the counter into her mouth, and exited out the back door. A short distance away from the cottage was her well that she used for drinking water. Water from the stream in front of her home would not do for cleaning. She cantered over and took hold of the crank in her front hooves. The crank turned with a slow, almost aching groan as the bucket ascended from the bottom. Once the bucket reached the top the crank locked into place. Fluttershy held the bowl steady in her mouth and tipped the bucket to pour in the water. The bowl now full, she stepped carefully as she returned inside.
Angel was already back with the jar of aloe. “Thank you Angel. Now please go and get all the bandages that are left in the cupboard. Also, take the two clean bedsheets that are folded at the top of the stairs. We can rip them into strips for a sling and splint.”Angel cocked his head in mild confusion. “Trust me,” Fluttershy soothed. “Oh, also, please remember the jar of tree sap for adhesive. Oh, and some mint leaves for infection... And that's all,” she said bashfully, as Angel gave a look as if to inquiring if there was anything else. Nodding, Angel set to finding the requested materials.
Fluttershy returned to the kitchen briefly to retrieve several washcloths. She set them down in a pile next to the bowl of water and took one, laying it out as flat as she could. She picked several mouthfuls of aloe leaves from the jar and placed them in the middle of the lain out cloth. With another cloth that she dipped in water, Fluttershy pointedly washed her hooves. The water was warm and clean as it ran down her forelegs; perfect for treatment. Her hooves clean, she began to crush the aloe leaves thoroughly, breaking their slick exterior to expose the inner juices. She finished and set this aside for Angel when he came back with the bandages.
Casting away the cloth she used to wash her hooves, Fluttershy took another clean one and dipped it in the water bowl. She rung it out and looked from burn to burn, deciding which to clean first. “It doesn't matter I suppose. I need to be quick though. Angel can tend these while I close up those awful wounds in his legs.” Cleaning the burns was relatively quick and simple, but as she worked Fluttershy took notice of how muscular the pegasus's body was. Under the coat she could feel the ripple of sinew on bone; each muscle was articulated almost elegantly. The fire, crackling softly, cast inviting shadows over the irregularities in his coat contour resulting from the muscle profiles.
She understood how he could wear such armor, and wondered vaguely at the condition of whatever it was that he had encountered. Angel appeared as the last burn was being finished. “Did you get everything I needed, Angel bunny?,” Fluttershy asked as she rinsed out her washcloth. Angel nodded as he pointed to the pile he had drug in. A substantial number of bandages and the jars of sap and mint leaves were lumped onto the two folded bedsheets.
“Thank you so much,” Fluttershy said with a smile of gratitude. “Here, take this.” She nosed the cloth with the crushed aloe toward Angel. “I want you to take this and apply it to all the burned areas. There are four on his body, and patches on both wings. Don't be stingy with it, there should be plenty. On the wings, if the skin underneath is burned, then doctor it. If just the feathers are singed, pull the feathers out and that will be enough. It looks like the wings were bleeding once, but we can leave those injuries to heal on their own since they're protected by the cover of the feathers. Can you do that for me?” Angel took the corner of the aloe laden cloth and pulled it over next to the pegasus's flank, an unspoken affirmative.
It was now time for Fluttershy to take care of the gaping wounds in the right legs. She tenderly washed away the dirt and caked blood. As the grime was removed, the wounds showed themselves to not be nearly as severe as Fluttershy at first anticipated. She thought at first she may have to use stitches, but she decided bandages would do just fine. After the woulds were cleaned thoroughly, she crumbled mint leaves into them to prevent infection. She then wrapped them firmly with the bandages Angel had brought, and secured the wrappings with the tree sap.
Satisfied with her work to this point, Fluttershy stepped back for a brief rest. “Those bandages should hold until he's healed completely. I think things are going better than expected, all things considered. How are you doing Angel?” Angel pulled himself out from under a layer of feathers. His ears flopped as he shook his head to loosen the stray down clinging to his fur. He took up the now empty aloe washcloth and presented it to Fluttershy as proof he had finished. “You're the best helper a pony could ask for Angel bunny. You really are.” Angel gave a curt nod of agreement. “Just two more operations to go and we'll be done. Here, we'll set the left wing first.”
Fluttershy took one of the bedsheets and began to rip it into thick, even strips with her teeth. She took two strips and wrapped them side by side around the left wing, close to the shoulder. Two more strips were taken and, side by side, looped through the wing wrappings. These strips were taken at the ends and pulled taught about the pegasus's neck. Angel tied them together, creating an effective sling to provide support for the wrenched wing. This would also serve to remove unnecessary bearing force from the ribs so they could set and heal properly.
The break in the right wing was the final point of attention. Fluttershy directed Angel to pull the three straightest sticks of reasonable thickness from the wood pile while she laid the wing out properly. With the utmost caution Fluttershy maneuvered the wing until the break was lined up correctly. She took a moment to feel the bone, judging how serious it was. She determined it was not a clean break; there was a small sliver of bone still bridging the gap. It was by no means good news, but a better alternative.
Angel produced three sticks of acceptable straightness and thickness. Fluttershy took the remaining strips she had torn and formed the base of the splint, wrapping the entire wing as the sticks held against the bone. She then took the remaining whole bed sheet, folded it in half longways, and wrapped the wing again. Tree sap was applied to the final wrapping to hold it fast.
Fluttershy heaved a sigh of immense relief after having finally finished treating the pegasus. She sat back for a moment to assess the work. “I have to say, that was probably the hardest work I've ever had to do. I feel so much better though, knowing he's taken care of. What about you Angel?” She looked down expectantly for Angel, but he wasn't there. “Angel?,” she called. The rabbit had moved away from her side. She looked around for him curiously, finally finding his small furry body collapsed on the couch. He had fallen asleep on the spot, his body rising and falling with each breath. “You poor thing. You worked really hard tonight too, didn't you?” Fluttershy lovingly scooped up the small creature in the crook of her wing. She carried him to his bed at the foot of the stairs and laid him down gingerly, smiling like a doting mother. Angel had his flaws, there was no denying; but at heart, he was a very good bunny.
A wide yawn escaped Fluttershy's mouth. She was all of a sudden very aware of how tired she was. She turned to look out her window, trying to gauge the time. The night was beginning its retreat, and Celestia's brilliant sun was nearing the tops of the trees, its faint light foreshadowing its grand entrance that was the dawn. “Oh no, it can't be almost morning. Aw, I need to get some sleep so I can do my chores tomorrow.” Her eyes bleary, her legs slightly aching with fatigue, she winged her way around the room to extinguish the low-burning candles. She stopped to a hover over the couch and descended slowly.
Taking her original position before the excitement of the night, her frame curled up in the crook of the couch arm and back, Fluttershy nestled down for a few hours of sleep. She opened her eyes just enough to steal a quick glance of the pegasus. His breathing had become deeper and less labored. The expression on his face had changed to a mild calm. Fluttershy felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Before she drifted into darkness she had one final thought, with no the energy to stop herself.
'He is quite handsome, isn't he?'
Chapter 1 Fin
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Col. Calamity
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Angel,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone
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A dark, stern figure rocks Fluttershy's introverted world. Both have life lessons for the other.
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<p>Fluttershy is disturbed at home by the appearance of a dark and mysterious stranger. His body broken and she with little other choice, Fluttershy takes him in and tends his wounds. This marks the beginning of a budding relationship, a journey of two hearts with vastly different views on life, and how they ultimately learn from one another.</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-07T12:27:02+00:00
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2011-10-07T12:27:02+00:00
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Fluttershy found herself lying on her back outside. She could hear the wind sweeping through tall grass all around her. A faint chirping from what she knew to be a lark was coming from somewhere off in the distance. The sun was bright and strong, the light fighting its way through her closed eyelids. She had the strange feeling that someone else was there with her. They were not directly beside her, but rather standing away, just out of wings' reach.
Fluttershy spoke; not to anyone in particular, perhaps not even to herself. “I've never really known companionship to be honest. With somepony else I mean. I have all of my animal friends of course, and I have so many, and they're all so adorable and wonderful. And there's Angel who is always with me. And he's such a good helper. But at the end of the day, when I lie in bed waiting to fall asleep, there's no one there to talk to, to share things with.
“I have friends though. There's Rarity and Applejack, Pinkie and Twilight, and Rainbow Dash. And They really are the best friends anypony could ask for, really. They would do anything for me, and I would do the same for them. But it's still just...not...” Fluttershy paused for a moment. Her next words trembled on the tip of her tongue.
A longstanding feeling of loneliness was threatening to burst forth in her heart. If she put this into words, it would only make it that much more of a reality. She rolled over onto her stomach and sat up, using her wings to brush herself off so that she may bide the time as the feeling of personal isolation faded.
“Well, I'm not that interesting anyway.” Fluttershy let slip a small sigh, looking off across the wide expanse of field in which she found herself. The wind brushed her mane across her shoulder, back and forth. Still gazing across the monotonous landscape, she asked the semi-corporeal presence, “What about you? Have you ever had something more than just, you know, friendship? Companionship, I mean.” She listened for the response, hearing no intelligible words, but somehow clearly understanding the message being conveyed to her. Images of her life without her friends flashed through her mind, and Fluttershy could feel sadness creeping up from the depths of her stomach again.
“Oh...I'm so sorry. That doesn't sound very nice at all. Actually, that sounds...” It was too much for her. Fluttershy's eyes welled up. Large tear drops were beginning to form in their ducts. She began to cry softly, her heart aching for this other presence. Suddenly she felt the brush of feathers across her face, gently wiping her tears away. The caress of the wingtip was comforting, soothing, even, dare she think it, loving. Weather it was her wing, or the wing of another, she could not seem to discern. She turned her head to see...
Fluttershy awoke with a jerk of her head. A slight dizziness muddied her mind, and her vision was blurred from sleep. She blinked her eyes, the pupils adjusting to the light in the room. She was hazily aware that the sun was out and shining through her window. With a small yawn she laid her head back down to arrange her thoughts and burn away the after effects of slumber, the dream already slipping into the confines of her subconscious mind. A smile formed across her face as her head met something warm and very soft. 'I do so love this sofa,' the sleepy pony thought.
A bird was chirping outside, and as Fluttershy listened she realized it was somehow recently familiar; it was a lark. She turned her head up in the direction of the sunlight, attempting to look through the window to find the precious little bird. As she opened her eyes she dimly thought 'The window seems much further away than what it should. What...?' Her vision then lit upon her familiar sofa under the window. Fluttershy's mind slowly closed itself around the fact that she was not on her favorite sofa, but rather on the floor. 'How did I get down here?,' she tried to reason. 'And what am I lying on?'
Fluttershy lifted her head to see her new found pillow. 'Feathers?,' she thought, mystified. 'But what...?' She froze as all of the memories from the night before came rushing back to her consciousness; the encounter outside, the pegasus's collapse, taking him in, washing his wounds, bandaging him. She squeaked and jerked her wings to thrust herself into the air. A hanging birdhouse struck her in the back of the head and she faltered a bit. Coming to a low hover over the pegasus still lying on her floor, she examined the spot where she had been resting. The feathers in the crook of the right wing shoulder joint were lain to the side, the depression just large enough for a pony's head. There was no telling as to how long she had been like that. 'Oh Fluttershy, what is the matter with you? Don't you have any decency at all?'
She had begun her descent to the floor so that she may take stock of the pegasus's condition when a loud knock came from the front door. A pulse of panic shot through her entire body, and her wings immediately locked in place at her sides. She fell onto the sofa below, then bounced onto the floor with a thud. She struggled momentarily to situate her legs to stand. Fluttershy's thoughts raced as she picked herself up and braced herself to open the door. 'Who could it be, and what are they going to think if they see me like this? They have to know I'm home after that. Maybe not. Maybe I can just not answer. No, I can't do that. Oh, what to do?'
Fluttershy edged ever closer to the door, hoping the unexpected visitor would make themselves known before she opened it. 'What if they see him on the floor like that? How do I explain something like this without looking just awful? I can tell the truth, but will they believe it? I'm not sure if I believe it.' Another knock sounded, making Fluttershy blanch. Her fear was plateauing, her hoof rising to meet the door handle, when a voice came from outside. It was a familiar voice; very hearty with a strong drawling accent.
“Fluttershy? Fluttershy? You home? I didn't see you outside tendin' things so I figured I'd come a knockin'.” Fluttershy's apprehension decreased significantly. It was Applejack, her longtime friend and strongest of the Apple family daughters. Of any possible visitor in Ponyville, she was by far the most desirable, being known for her calm temperament and levelheaded outlook on things.
Fluttershy opened the door, the sunlight from outside surging through the entryway. The caramel colored farm pony was standing on the doorstep; her sun blonde mane and tail were bound in a practical manner at the ends with red rings, and her signature hat was poised atop her head. “Oh, Applejack, good morning,” Fluttershy said quietly with a wan smile. “How are you today?”
Applejack gave a broad smile in turn, but this faded as she briefly assessed the appearance of her friend. Fluttershy's mane, usually brushed into a prim, elegant curve around her face, was now almost messy. Her voice was even softer than usual, and her eyes looked very tired. “I could ask you the same question, sugar cube,” Applejack responded with concern. “It's not mornin', just so you know. Um, beggin' yer pardon but, what overturned yer applecart?”
“Huh? N-no one,” Fluttershy spluttered hastily, her voice raised a little. “I mean nothing. I...uh...I just had a long night...is all. I-I had trouble sleeping.” A pang of guilt could be felt deep in her chest. Lying was not going to accomplish anything. “Wait, did you say it's not morning? What time is it?”
Applejack looked toward the sun to gauge the time. “Oh, I'd say 'bout two o'clock or so. You didn't just wake up did you?”
Fluttershy internally scolded herself. How could she sleep so late in the day when she had so much to do? It was all just too much. “Oh, yes. Yes I did. Like I said, long night.” The conversation lapsed into a short silence, with Applejack looking somewhat awkwardly at Fluttershy. “Oh, I'm so sorry, is there something you needed from me?,” Fluttershy asked as she remembered her manners.
Applejack's smile returned at this. “Nothin' fer me, thanks. But I brought ya'll a bit of a surprise.” She turned her head and nodded to indicate a wooden cart behind her, hitched about her middle. There were juicy looking apples piled high in the cart, up over the edges. “We got a pretty good haul last year, an' we put back more 'n what we needed fer the winter. They'll go bad soon if they don't get eaten, and t'ain't nothin' worse in this world 'n a wasted apple. I closed the market stall early today, seein' as how the pegasus ponies are plannin' a right downpour this afternoon, and came here. The whole family's been givin' the extras away to friends, and you were my first thought since you got all these critters to feed. So, y'all want some apples?”
Fluttershy's spirits soared. Sometimes it was a mere act of kindness, the knowledge that someone else was thinking of her, to make everything better. Her eyes brightened instantly. “Oh Applejack, that would be wonderful!,” she exclaimed with a radiant smile. “But, are you sure you want to give them to me? There isn't somepony else who could use them more maybe?”
“Now don't go spoutn' talk like that. I couldn't think o' nopony who could use 'em more. They're yours sugar cube. I'm sure yer critter friends'll appreciate 'em too. Speakin' of, aren't you normally out 'n about by now makin' yer rounds?”
Fluttershy blinked. She had forgotten about the animals until now. It was relatively late in the day, and if what Applejack had said was true she did not have much time left to do her chores. The moment of happiness at Applejack's kind gesture was replaced with worry. “Oh my goodness, you're right. Did you say the pegasi are planning a rainstorm today?”
“Yeah,” Applejack reaffirmed. “I'm guessin' Rainbow didn't come by n' tell you then? Sure is lazy, that one.”
“Oh my. What am I going to do about my chores? Because of the rain I can skip some things, but I still have to feed everyone at least. The chickens, the forest creatures, the birds, and...” She trailed off. She realized that she had never tried to feed the pegasus; understandable in the effort to treat his wounds. He could not feed himself if he was unconscious, and he most definitely needed to eat.
“Calm down 'Shy. There's no need to worry. I'll do whatever I can to help. Here.” Applejack unhitched herself from the cart and set the wooden slats down on the ground. “Tell me what to do.”
“Oh no, I couldn't ask you to help with my responsibilities,” Fluttershy said weakly. Her mind was working furiously. She truly did need the help, but did she want to risk exposing her secret? It was almost irrational she thought, wishing to keep such a thing secret. Somehow though, it just didn't seem proper, what she had done. And she did not know how her friends would react. “I mean-”
Applejack cut her off, resolute in her speech. “Nonsense. You need help, and I'm willin', able-bodied, and present. I won't take no fer an answer.”
Fluttershy conceded. Despite her wishes, she could appreciate Applejack's determination to help. Besides, Applejack didn't have to go inside to help, so the pegasus would still go undiscovered. “Alright, if you insist. I need to do some work inside, so would it be alright if you took care of things outside?”
“You got it,” Applejack assured. “What all needs doin'?”
“Well, each group of animals has to be fed. I usually take the food to their individual homes, but I can't ask you to do that. I think leaving it where they can get to it should be fine. Have you ever fed animals before?”
“Are you kiddn' me? I run the biggest farm fer miles around, remember? I've spread a bit o' feed in my day,” Applejack said proudly.
“Oh, yes, of course. In that case, there are three types of food in big wooden boxes on the right side of the house. One has chicken feed, one has bird seed, and the last has a special mixture of nuts and berries for the forest animals.” Fluttershy's speech was getting faster at her enthusiasm for animal care.
“The chickens are easy; each hen house has a trough for water and a trough for feed. I filled all their water troughs yesterday, so they'll just need feed today. There are two places the birds like to live. One is the tree with all the bird houses next to the stream. The other is the tree with all the nests up the path there.” She continued, speaking faster still.
“I would say take one of the empty feed sacks near the boxes and fill it halfway. Take that to both trees and empty half the bag at the base of each. The birds can collect what they need from that. Do something similar for the forest animals. Fill a sack completely full, and go around to each tree at the forest line and empty a small pile at the base. You don't have worry about using too much. I can always make more, and I'd rather the creatures had an abundance than go wanting. Oh, and please make sure they know you put the food out. They probably won't come out until you leave, but they need to know at least it's available. But don't scare them by bucking the trees or anything please. Speaking out loud should do... And that's all,” Fluttershy ended sheepishly.
Applejack was somewhat taken aback. She had never really put much thought into how much time and care her friend devoted to the animals. Fluttershy was looking at her, timidly awaiting her response. Applejack assumed a confident tone. “That's all huh? Sounds good to me. Don't you worry 'Shy, I'll take care of all this out here. You go do what you need to do.”
Fluttershy's face lifted once more into a smile. “You're a wonderful friend Applejack. Thank you so much.”
“Any time sugar cube.” Applejack turned and set about the task she was given. Fluttershy watched her briefly as she went. She truly was grateful that Applejack was going to help her, but this only compounded the guilt she felt deep down about not telling the truth. She hesitated momentarily, as if wanting to call her back, to confess her guilt; then she stopped herself. For whatever reason she was afraid of what Applejack, and in turn her other friends, would say upon such a discovery. It was best, she thought, that for now her secret was kept.
Fluttershy eyed the cart of apples before closing the door to the outside. 'These would actually be perfect' she thought. She checked to make sure Applejack had turned the corner around the cottage before grabbing up a few in her hooves and retreating inside. She quietly flew into the kitchen and set the apples down on the table. She landed and went to the cupboard, nosing through different pieces of tableware until finding a plate she could use. 'This should work fine' Fluttershy decided. She took the plate and placed it on the table next to the apples, the red orbs shining brightly in the warm sunlight of the quaint room.
'Let's see. The best thing would probably be to crush the apples. Maybe just one for now, to see if I can get him to swallow. If he takes it then I can give him more. The juice should keep him hydrated too.' Fluttershy took one of the apples and set it in the middle of the plate. She took her hoof and placed it on the apple, gently applying force until the tension of the skin gave way. There was a soft crunch, and the gooey contents spilled out. Fluttershy mashed a few more times to make the paste more fine and expose more of the juice.
Once she was satisfied, she carried the plate into the living room and set it down next to the pegasus still occupying the floor. She looked over the body before her, going over the work she had done the previous night. Everything seemed in order, and nothing had been missed. There wouldn't be any progress in such a short time, but the healing process had begun as soon as possible, and that was the most important part.
Fluttershy looked down near her hooves to see the face of the pegasus. His head lay there on the floor much as she had left it; the mane tucked underneath for some cushioning, the nostrils flaring ever so slightly with each breath. She remembered those captivating eyes, and the wonderful and terrible world they seemed to hold within. They were safely hidden now, stalwartly sealed behind their heavy lids.
Her heart seemed to rise into her throat a little as she pondered those eyes. Her breathing quickened just so, and her tail flicked in preoccupation. Suddenly a faint voice from outside pierced the quiet, pensive atmosphere inside.
“Consarn it, you little feather brain. You get back here now! Don't make me lasso you.”
Fluttershy snapped from her thoughts. “Applejack must be having trouble with the chickens,” she whispered to herself. “Maybe I should go check on her?” She looked back to the pegasus, and decided against it. “No. No she'll be fine. I need to hurry and finish with this. Oh, how should I do this? Maybe...”
The pastel pony took the head of the pegasus and slowly turned it to one side. She knew of a way to get smaller creatures to eat when they were too tired or ill, and she didn't see why it couldn't work for a pony. She took the pegasus's jaw in one hoof, and with the other scooped up a small mound of crushed apple. She opened the pegasus's mouth as wide as she dared, pulling down on the jaw. Awkwardly, Fluttershy placed the scoop of apple into his tongue. With the food secured in the mouth, she closed it.
Taking her now spare hoof and placing it on the throat just under the jaw hinge, she began to rub while simultaneously moving the jaw up and down in a chewing motion. If she was correct, the sensation would instigate a muscle reaction in the pegasus's body, causing him to swallow. She watched carefully as she worked, looking for muscle contractions in the throat. It did not take long for the body to react, and the food to successfully travel down the gullet.
Fluttershy heaved a sigh of relief at her success, and privately congratulated herself on a job well done. She tried again and again, each scoop being swallowed until the pegasus had in effect eaten an entire apple. “That went much better than expected,” she said, almost pridefully. “He could probably stand to eat another one though.” She rose to all hooves, ready to make her way back to the kitchen when a knock came from the front door once again. Fluttershy's legs nearly buckled in shock, but she recovered quickly, this time knowing what to do.
She trotted to the door nervously and opened it. Applejack was waiting on the other side expectantly. “All finished,” she said with a poke to her hat. “I will say, one of your chickens had a bit more fight 'n what I expected. Plum got away from me. I wrangled her though. Not rough mind you, just got her back where she belonged.”
“Oh thank you so much, Applejack,” said Fluttershy, true gratitude glowing warmly inside her. “That was a big help.” At this Fluttershy thought she was almost home free. She just had to talk to Applejack a little longer, then she would go back to her farm and everything would be alright. “Did you find everything alright to feed the animals?”
“Oh yeah,” Applejack nodded. “Since you mention findin' things though, I found this out by yer back gate.” She bent down, picked up a large rounded metallic object in her mouth, and presented it to Fluttershy. Fluttershy took it, at first completely baffled as to what it could be. As she turned it in her hooves a sharp pulse of realization and horror streaked through her body. It was his helmet. “I had no clue what it was, but supposed it belonged to you. Does it?”
Fluttershy struggled to find words to respond to the question. She stumbled over what few syllables she could string together. “I...I don't...don't...”
“Alright, that's it,” said Applejack, sternly cutting Fluttershy off mid stutter. “Fluttershy, I could tell before that somethin' had you all bothered, but I respected you not wantn' to talk about it. But I can't stand by seein' you like this. I'm puttn' my hoof down on this one. Now what in the world has got you so flustered you can't even speak?”
Fluttershy shrank away from Applejack. She had been found out. She wasn't afraid of Applejack; she knew her friend was not mad, merely concerned and fearful of her well being. More than anything she was ashamed of herself, like a child who had disobeyed and attempted to hide the evidence.
“I'm so sorry Applejack,” Fluttershy uttered meekly. “I didn't mean...I didn't want...well, please, come in and see for yourself. I'll explain everything.” She stepped back from the door to allow Applejack to pass. Applejack stepped through the entryway. The room was dim compared to outside, but her eyes quickly adjusted. Fluttershy closed the door and stepped ahead of the earth pony. “There,” she whispered simply.
Applejack followed the direction of Fluttershy's gaze. She had not noticed it at first due to the adjustment of her eyes, but it was very clear now what Fluttershy had meant to show her. The entire figure came into view; a large pegasus with his wings spread out on either side. His body looked to be in very poor condition, and much of him was bandaged in some manner. “Fluttershy,” Applejack asked in apparent awe, “what...is this?”
Fluttershy burst into monologue, her speech alacritous in her need to explain herself and her predisposition to panic. “It's not what it looks like. I mean, I don't know what you think it looks like, but whatever that is, it's not it. He came here last night, from the forest. I went out to go see what it was, and he scared me really badly, and then he collapsed from his injuries. I figured out that he was a pegasus and not a monster, so I just had to take him in to treat him. I don't know what hurt him so badly, but he was in really bad shape. I set his wings so they could heal, and put aloe on his burns, and bandaged his legs, and just now I fed him one of your apples. I'm sure it was really good, but he's been unconscious since last night, so I don't know. And I'm really sorry I didn't tell you before, honest. I wanted to so badly, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't know what you would think, and I didn't know what our friends would think when you told them, and I'm so, so sorry and...oh.” Fluttershy ended her outpouring with a squeak, then fell quiet.
Applejack was still looking over the body of the pegasus. Fluttershy tried to discern what she was thinking, but her face was unreadable. Finally, Applejack broke gaze and turned to look at Fluttershy. She spoke slowly and deliberately. “So you found him wounded outside, an' you took him in an' patched him up. That right?”
Fluttershy gave the weakest of nods. Applejack cast another glance at the pegasus, then turned back to Fluttershy. Her look of awe shifted to that of soft approval. She spoke soothingly, trying to calm her friend. “Now 'Shy, why would you get so worked up about somethin' like that? You helped somepony, that's all. What's to hide or be ashamed of?”
“I don't know,” Fluttershy replied shakily. “I just thought...I don't know what I thought.”
“Well, whatever it was, you best put it out that pretty little head o' yours. T'ain't nothin' to worry about now. If there's anythin' I feel right now it's pride; pride that I have such an amazin' friend who would go out of her way to help somepony, no matter the circumstance.”
All of Fluttershy's trepidation, the feelings of panic and guilt, and even her embarrassment were all eroded away instantly. “Oh Applejack, I don't know what to say. I'm just so glad. About- about everything.”
“Ain't nothin' to say, sugar cube. It's in the past now.” Applejack edged closer to the pegasus, bending down to get a better look at the wrappings. “You did all this by yerself then?”
“Oh yes. Well, no, actually. I had Angel bunny help me.” Fluttershy looked over at Angel's bed. He was still fast asleep. “He's such a good bunny.”
“I see. And you don't know who he is, do you?” Fluttershy shook her head. “Did he have anythin' with him, maybe to help identify him?”
Fluttershy shook her head again. “No, not that I found. He was covered in armor though. That's what this is.” She held up the helmet. It was made of the same metal as the other pieces of armor, it's glossy silver finish almost shimmering in the sunlit room. “This was the helmet he had on. There's the armor for his wings.” She pointed to floor at the far wall where the heavy plates still rested on either side of the fireplace. “And there,” she continued, pointing into the other room at a collection of metal, “is where I put the armor for his chest, back, and legs.
“Land sakes,” Applejack wondered aloud. “It doe'n't look like he had any business in these parts. Not with a getup like that. So we don't know his name, where he comes from, what he was doin' here, or what happened to him. That's a big heap o' nothin' to go on. I wonder if anyone in Ponyville-”
Applejack's query was interrupted by a knock at the front door, the third that day. Both ponies turned, wondering who it could be. A voice called out excitedly.
“Fluttershy? Hey, Fluttershy, are ya home? You've got visitoooooors!”
A second voice came directly after the first, assuming a slight tone of reprimand. “Oh, Pinkie Pie, please. You must exercise some restraint. The poor thing hasn't even had time to get to the door.”
“Sorry, Rarity. I was just so excited to see my friend is all. I love seeing friends!”
A third voice piped up after this, more calm and matter-of-fact than the other two. “Well I think that's a very good sentiment Pinkie. It would be nice if everyone was always so excited to see their friends.”
“Don't encourage her Twilight,” came Rarity's voice.
“Fluttershy. Where are you?” Pinkie Pie knocked again. Fluttershy looked nervously to Applejack. Applejack nodded, then winked in encouragement. Fluttershy went to the door, braced herself, and opened. Before her stood an earth pony and two unicorns, three more of her best friends. “There you are! Hey Fluttershy, what's up?!,” Pinkie Pie said with almost tiring enthusiasm.
Rarity cocked an eyebrow at Pinkie's greeting, then cleared her throat pointedly and smiled. “Good afternoon, Fluttershy dear. How have you been?”
Twilight was the last, simply smiling and saying, “Hey Fluttershy. How are you?”
“Oh, hi girls,” Fluttershy said in greeting to her friends. “I'm ok. How are you?”
“Fine,” Twilight and Rarity responded in unison.
“Great!,” Pinkie said with her large trademark smile.
Fluttershy smiled back. “Oh, that's good. Um, did you all need something?”
“I brought you some leftover cake from Sugarcube Corner!,” Pinkie volunteered first, wiggling her body to indicate the cake plate perched precariously on her back. “By leftover, I mean Mr. and Mrs. Cake left it out, so I figured they didn't need it anymore. And I haven't seen you since the day before last, so I just had to drop by and see you. And what kind of guest would I be if I didn't bring presents?”
Twilight held her hoof to her forehead in exasperation. “Somewhere, Pinkie, there's a panicking baker and his wife wondering what's going on.”
“Why would a baker panic? He gets to make tasty treats all day long,” Pinkie wondered aloud. “Unless he burns them or something. Ooh, did I turn the oven off before I left?”
Rarity cut across Pinkie's ranting. “Well, I came because I had some marvelous ideas for new pieces, and I wanted your opinion on some of them. They're nature themed you know, and who better to advise than you?”
“And I met these two on the way back from Zecora's for some tea, and came along,” Twilight finished. “By the way, is Applejack here? There's one of her carts here full of apples.”
“Howdy gals,” said Applejack, taking her cue to make herself known. She sidled over to the door next Fluttershy. “Everyone's doin' fine so I hear?” The three other ponies greeted Applejack in turn.
“Wow, Fluttershy. You sure are popular today,” Pinkie observed.
Fluttershy blushed mildly. “I guess I am, aren't I?,” she agreed, unsure of whether she wanted all this company or not.
Rarity cleared her throat again after a short lull. “Well dear, are you going to let us keep standing out here, or are you going to invite us in?” At this Fluttershy looked meaningfully to Applejack. Applejack took her signal, knowing Fluttershy couldn't explain herself a second time.
“Alright gals, come on in. There's somethin' ya'll have to see. Don't worry, I'll explain what's goin' on.” Fluttershy and Applejack stepped back, allowing the three now slightly confused ponies inside. Applejack waved them through into the living room. It took a few moments, then each gasped at the sight on the floor. Before they could let fly their veritable slew of questions Applejack held up her hooves to take control of the situation. “Now just hang on you three. I know this looks bad, but let me tell ya'll the story first.”
“Ooh, wait. Lemme put my cake down first. I love story time!,” Pinkie said. She dashed into the kitchen and placed the cake on the table. She then trotted back into the living room nonchalantly and sat at attention. “Ok, I'm ready.”
Applejack fought back the urge to reprimand Pinkie and proceeded to tell Fluttershy's story; how the pegasus came from the forest, Fluttershy taking him in and treating him, and how everything concerning him was an absolute mystery. On occasion she looked to Fluttershy for confirmation on the details. Upon finishing, Applejack took a deep breath and exhaled. “And that's where things stand right now. Got no information on him, but there he is.”
Of the three ponies continuing to look down at the pegasus, Twilight was the first to regain her speech. “That's a pretty incredible story Fluttershy. But you didn't find anything with him that could tell you something? Like a name plate, or maybe-”
Twilight was interrupted by yet another knock at the front door. Fluttershy did not hesitate in opening it this time. Her nerves were too well worn at this point to resist, and she was almost positive as to who it was, considering her four other friends were already inside with her.
A sky blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tale stood at the door. Her face looked as though she had been rushed, as if she was late for something. Small huffs came sporadically in between her words. “Oh good, you're home. Listen Fluttershy, I came to tell you about the storm the pegasi were planning today. Well actually, they're going to start any minute now. I never heard anything about it though, honest. They said I slept through last week's meeting, but I know I totally would have remembered that. Anyway, I know how you like to know beforehand, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.”
“Oh, that's ok Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy said as her friend finished. “I-”
Pinkie Pie butted in, “Rainbow Dash! Hey, Rainbow Dash! Hi!”
“Oh, hey Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow Dash said passively. She then stopped, registering whom she had just greeted. “What- Pinkie Pie?” Rainbow Dash skirted around Fluttershy and into the cottage. “And Rarity and- hey, Fluttershy,” she said with a slight accusatory tone, “what gives? Were you having a get together without me?”
Fluttershy looked hurt at this accusation. “Oh no, I would never do something like that. Everyone just happened by, that's all. We were just talking about...well...”
“Come on over here Rainbow. Best just get this over with,” interjected Applejack. She motioned for Rainbow Dash to move further in. Rainbow Dash followed, a look of confusion on her face similar to those the others had worn previously.
“Whoa, what happened to him!?,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed upon looking over the room.
Applejack once more took charge of the conversation. “Now don't spit your bit or nothin'. As things go, he's doin' a lot better n' what he could be. Here's what happened.” She once again related Fluttershy's story of how the pegasus had appeared and what she had done to help him. Rarity, Twilight, and Pinkie Pie listened again intently, making sure they had understood everything from before. “And now here we all are, together, with everypony knowin' exactly what the others do. Thank goodness that's settled,” Applejack closed.
The group of pony friends sat quietly for a moment, each pondering over the pegasus. Twilight was again the first to break the silence. “Well Fluttershy, now that he's here, what are you going to do?”
Fluttershy returned a modest frown of puzzlement. “What do you mean Twilight? Do what?”
“Well, what I mean is that you've got a strange pegasus lying battered on your living room floor. You don't have the slightest idea who he is, and no way to find out. Can you continue to care for him like this, until he wakes up?”
“Oh, I'm sure. Dressing the wounds would have been the hardest part. Now he just needs proper care.”
“That's well enough. But what happens if or when he wakes up? What if he's confused and lashes out? He may even be hostile toward you, despite all you've done. If he can carry that armor with him, especially in a state like that, he could do some serious damage. What I'm saying is, wouldn't it be safer to move him somewhere where more ponies can look after him, preferably closer to town? Like the clinic with all the nurse ponies?”
“No,” Fluttershy answered quickly. “I mean, it would be bad to try and move him like he is. And besides, that won't be necessary. I can take care of him until he wakes up. And when he does, I know he won't do anything like that.”
Twilight and the others were slightly stunned at Fluttershy's resolute response. “But Fluttershy, how can you know that for certain? You can't know that for certain.”
Fluttershy looked down at the face of the pegasus. The image of those striking eyes, seemingly burned into the back of her mind, flashed vividly to its forefront. “I do know it. I don't know how. I just... know,” she said softly.
“But-”
A deep rumble of thunder sounded from outside. The weather pegasi had done a thorough job of preparing the sky for rain. The clouds were dark from their weight with rainwater. They seemed to form a dirty cotton blanket in the sky, staggered as they were, effectively blocking the sun from view.
“Sounds like the rain's gonna start any second now,” said Rainbow Dash as she watched the forming storm through Fluttershy's window.
“Oh noooo,” wailed Rarity. “I needed to get started on those dresses tonight. But I can't go home now, I'll get soaked!” She rounded on Rainbow Dash. “Hrrmph. Rainbow Dash, this is all your fault.”
“What? Hey, why's it my fault!?,” Rainbow Dash inquired indignantly.
“It's every pegasus's duty to tell their friends about the weather plans. You didn't tell us, now did you? Had I known, I would have been prepared.”
“It's like I told Fluttershy, I never got a warning for a storm today.”
“So you say. But I'd imagine that you did in fact sleep through your little meeting and missed the warning,” said Rarity scathingly.
“And what would you know about handling the weather anyway?,” returned Rainbow Dash as her face started to flush with anger.
“I would imagine it's rather easy, the way you go on about it you...you...braggart!”
“Girls!,” shouted Applejack. Rarity and Rainbow Dash turned in surprise. “Now you two stop that this instant; arguin' like a couple o' fillies. You two know better n' that. Rainbow, you probably did fall asleep, an' you should be pony enough to fess up.” Rainbow Dash looked for a moment as if to protest, then faltered and hung her head slightly. “An' Rarity, I'm sorry the rain got in your way, but that's just how things are. An' blamin' Rainbow ain't gonna change 'em.” Rarity's lip quivered slightly in anger, then she too conceded and looked away.
“I'm sorry, Rainbow Dash,” Rarity proffered in apology. “A lady should know better than to let her anger overwhelm her, and for that I apologize. Also, I do not think you a braggart.”
“I'm sorry too. I probably should have done my job better. A lot better,” Rainbow Dash said in turn.
Fluttershy flew in between her friends to gain everyone's attention. “Girls, I have an idea, if that's ok. Why don't we all stay here and have a nice quiet party, just us? I know you don't want to go out in the rain, and I'd be more than happy to have you stay until it blows over. Pinkie brought cake, and we can bake anything with the apples that Applejack brought. Um, how does that sound?”
Pinkie squealed with delight. “I love parties! I'll go. Or come. Or stay. Whatever, I'm in!”
“A marvelous idea,” Rarity approved. “And we can still talk about those dresses.”
Applejack patted Fluttershy on the shoulder. “That's right nice o' you 'Shy. Thank you kindly. Say, if you'll get me some baskets, we can get those apples inside for you.” Fluttershy went into the kitchen and rummaged in a closet for baskets large enough for the apples. She returned to the living room with four large wicker baskets and set them down near the door.
“Alright girls,” called Applejack, “if ya'll can help me right quick like, we can get all these apples in here an' start bakin'.” The group of friends worked together to unload the apples from the cart, wishing to finish before the rain began in earnest. Applejack, Rarity, Twilight, and Pinkie each took one of the baskets while Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash transferred apples from the cart, both using their wings to scoop them up. When they had all finished the apples were brought into the kitchen and set down against the wall, near an old but very clean wood burning stove.
Fluttershy stacked some wood in the belly of the stove and lit a fire. It crackled merrily behind the wrought iron grate, its smoke billowing up the throat of the stove and out the pipe leading outside. The fire lit, she went to grab an apron hanging from a hook on the wall, but Applejack beat her to it.
“Why don't you go have a seat at the table there sugar cube. I'm sure you've had a powerful tryin' time today.”
“Oh, I can't let you bake too Applejack. You're my guest. And you've done so much for me already.”
Applejack tossed the apron's strap around her neck. “Nonsense. What kind of friend would I be if I wouldn't do somethin' like this for you? Now go on. Pink and I can take care o' things. Say, Pink?,” Applejack addressed Pinkie Pie.
Pinkie looked up from the cake she had brought, already hoof deep in one side. She tried to answer, but her mouth was too full with frosting and cake layer.
“Why don't you come over here n' help me with some fritters? Show me how ya'll do things over at Sugarcube Corner.” Pinkie nodded vigorously at the request for help and hopped over next to the stove.
Fluttershy took a seat at the far end of the kitchen table, away from the stove near the entryway to the living room. She looked on as her friends were chatting away, enjoying themselves. Rarity was lecturing Rainbow Dash about her tomboyish ways again.
“...Coloring in your mane and tail are just wonderful, Rainbow Dash. There's so much potential there. Why oh why do you insist on letting it hang like it does?”
“Ugh, what's it matter how my mane and tail look? It's not like you can see it anyway when I fly by. Besides, who's got time for that when there's Wonderbolt practice to do?”
Twilight had taken an interest in the cooking of the apple fritters, and was standing near the stove with Applejack and Pinkie. She had a look of amusement as Applejack questioned Pinkie's cooking technique.
“No, Pink. You can't keep eatin' the apples after you dice 'em. How else are you gonna make any filling?”
“But you said you wanted to see how I do things at Sugarcube Corner. This is what I do.”
“What, eat the ingredients?,” said Applejack incredulously.
Fluttershy smiled to herself. Here were all her friends in her kitchen, carrying on like normal. They were talking, laughing, and best of all none of them thought any differently of her because of what she had done. Indeed, it did not seem to faze them at all. It sounded foolish now, to believe her friends would think less of her for having someone like that in her home. She should have had more faith. It did not matter now however. Everything was out in the open, and no harm was done.
Twilight came and sat beside Fluttershy, leaving Applejack alone to deal with Pinkie Pie. “So, Fluttershy, you mind if we talk for a second about the pegasus?”
“Oh yes, Fluttershy,” Rarity chimed in. “I meant to ask you before. Can I have him once you've finished fixing him up?”
Twilight gave Rarity the most wooden of looks. “He's not a pet Rarity,” she said flatly.
Rarity giggled with a flourish. “Oh, he's not right now. But he so could be. That magnificently stark mane, contrasting with his dark coat. Those rippling muscles. And don't think I didn't see that gorgeous face either. He's a little banged up at the moment, but just imagine the possibilities. He could be the veritable diamond in the rough that is Ponyville, given the proper guidance of course. I wouldn't mind having a beau like him to show off.”
Rainbow Dash fanned her wings excitedly. “Who cares what he looks like? Did you guys see those huge wings? I bet he's a great flier. I can't wait to race him after he gets better.”
“Is that all you ever think about, Rainbow Dash? Flying and racing?,” inquired Rarity.
“Is all you ever think about girly stuff and fashion?,” Rainbow Dash retorted.
“Ahem. Returning to the matter at hand,” said Twilight, reigning in her friends. “Now Fluttershy, you said you didn't find anything that might tell you at least a name? Not even like a small engraving on the armor, or anything?”
Fluttershy cast her gaze to the ceiling, thinking for a moment. “No,” she said finally. “The only thing he had was his armor. I was really thorough when I took it off, and I didn't see anything on it.”
“Ok. Did he say something to you before he passed out?”
“No. I think he was in a lot of pain before he fell. He's been like that since last night.”
“What were his wounds like? Maybe you could tell what got him from that?,” asked Rainbow Dash.
“I thought of that too. Both of his right legs had bad cuts. His right wing was broken, and the left was badly wrenched.” Rainbow Dash flinched at this description. There was little worse bodily harm in a pegasus' eyes than hurting your wings. “He also had four or five burns in various places. And of course smaller bruises and things all over, but those didn't need to be tended.”
“That's positively ghastly,” said Rarity with a shiver. “What could have done such terrible things?”
Twilight answered her. “Well,there's all kinds of things in the forest that could do that to an average pony, but he's not the average pony. It seems to me that whatever it was had to be especially ferocious. The burns obviously mean it could produce some sort of heat, and that says dragon to me. What do you think Fluttershy?”
“That was what I first thought. But I never saw or heard a dragon. And dragons aren't usually found in the Everfree Forest are they?”
“Not usually, but dragons like mountain caves, and the forest does have a few of those. My biggest concern is what he was doing in the forest, so close to Ponyville. Like I said, he's not the average pony. We don't know if his intentions were friendly or what.”
“Well, when he wakes up, we can ask him,” Fluttershy said brightly.
“But that's just it Fluttershy. When he wakes up, it might be too late to find out. And who's to say he won't just lie?”
“Oh, I dressed those wounds myself Twilight. It's sad to say it, but he won't be in any shape to do anything for a while. I know you're concerned for me, and I appreciate it, truly. But it's ok. I can handle myself.”
Twilight looked as though to protest when Applejack came to the table and placed a large tray of piping hot fritters next to Pinkie's half-destroyed cake. “Here's some fresh apple fritters, a Sweet Apple Acres specialty. Get 'em while they're hot girls. Don't burn yerselves though.” The ponies at the table each expressed gratitude at the tray of desserts.
“We should start making these at Sugarcube Corner,” said Pinkie through a mouthful of fritter. “I love these things.”
“Are you kiddin'? They'd never be able to bake 'em, you eat the fillin' s'darn fast. I'm surprised there's anythin' in there at all.”
“What? The filling's the best part.”
“Oh my, I almost forgot,” said Rarity after a dainty nibble of her own fritter. “Fluttershy dear, we do need to talk about those dresses. Would you mind?”
Fluttershy turned away from Twilight. “Not at all Rarity. I'll help however I can.”
Twilight got up from the table. Rarity and Fluttershy were now engaged in conversation over fashion. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were having a heated contest over who could put the most fritter in their mouth at once; Pinkie Pie looked clearly to be winning. Applejack was now wiping down the kitchen from cooking. “I'm going to go watch the rain for a while,” Twilight said to no one in particular, and walked into living room.
Once she was around the corner of the entryway, out of sight from the kitchen, she went to sit down beside the pegasus. If Fluttershy didn't know anything, she would have to simply find out for herself. Twilight' eyes roved over the entire body, taking in the detail, trying to glean any amount of information she could. She could see the bandaged parts, the burns, and the sling supporting the left wing. The body was as it had been described to her. Nothing more could be gained by analyzing the injuries. If there was anything to figure out, she decided, the answer must be with the armor.
Twilight went to examine the wing pieces first. She took care as she stepped, trying to avoid treading on the pegasus's wings. The left piece sat on the floor to the left of the fireplace. The thought vaguely struck Twilight as to how large it was, and how abnormally large the pegasus's wings were in comparison with Rainbow Dash's or Fluttershy's.
With little light from outside penetrating the room, Twilight produced a glow in her horn; just enough to see well for about a foot or so. A faint blue light bathed the metal as she looked closely, trying to find something, anything that could possibly further her understanding. As she went up and down the contour of the top of the plates she became increasingly amazed at the detail and craftsmanship they exhibited.
The metal was in itself like nothing she had ever encountered before. The silvery hue was lustrous, even in the pale light of her horn. There were no marks on the metal from the forging process, and so fluid were the fittings between sheets that the entire thing could have been cast in a single piece. The sheets were joined with linear slides at the back and inside the front curved profile of each, making Twilight postulate that they could be collapsed into themselves in some manner. The mechanics reminded her of her large telescope back at the library. On each plate, just under the place where one ended and the one above began, were vertical rows of runes. Her runic reading was not the best, but she could make out at least a single phrase from three juxtaposed runes; “protection”.
Twilight was kneeling down, trying to see up under the armor, when she heard the sound of hooves from behind her. She rounded quickly, not wanting Fluttershy to catch her in her suspicion. The glow of her horn obscured her vision slightly, but she could distinguish the outline of a hat; it was Applejack.
“I figured I'd come an' watch the rain with you,” Applejack said in a knowing tone. She came and rested on her haunches next to Twilight. The rain was slackening now; the patter from the roof was barely noticeable as the two ponies sat together and spoke in soft voices. “Well, what do you figure Twigh'?
Twilight sighed heavily. “I love Fluttershy like a sister, but sometimes she's just too sweet and innocent for her own good.”
“I had just about the same feelin'.” Applejack tilted her head at the pegasus. “What about him?”
“Honestly? I have no idea where to even begin. I just took a look at the armor there. It's like nothing I've ever seen. I remember the palace guard armor when I lived in the castle at Canterlot. The quality of this stuff makes theirs look like tin. I've done several studies on forms of magical protection and defense; nothing I've read even mentions something like this.”
“So you think it's got magic power then? How can you tell?”
“When you've worked with magic as long as I have, you can just start to tell about some things. That, and there are runic engravings on it that form some sort of protection. Listen Applejack; whatever Fluttershy may think, we just have way too many unanswered questions about this pegasus. If he decided he's our enemy, everyone in Ponyville could be at risk, let alone Fluttershy.”
“I agree completely. But what do we do? Fluttershy was mighty sure of herself.”
Twilight thought hard for a moment. “For now, at least until we can find a better alternative, or convince her to do otherwise, I say let Fluttershy take care of him. If he does wake up and tries something, I think his body would slow him down enough to where Fluttershy could get away. If it comes to that, we can deal with him then.”
“I really don't like this Twilight. Not one bit. Seems to me like we're leavin' her to the wolves.”
“I understand. But like you said, she was awful sure of herself. For whatever reason, it looks like she knows something we don't. For now, let's trust her intuition. And hope that nothing happens that we'll regret.”
“If you say so. But I still think we should keep a watch on things. What do you say we all take turns comin' up n' checkin' on her? Somepony comin' every day would put my mind at ease.”
“That's a good idea. I'll talk with everyone and get things worked out. I'm sure they'll all understand our position.”
Twilight got to her hooves, followed by Applejack. As they picked their way back to the kitchen they could hear the voices of their friends approaching.
“That was really fun Fluttershy,” came Pinkie's voice. “We should have quiet parties more often. Loud parties with dancing and music and balloons and tons of ponies are super fun, but times to spend with your closest friends are just as fun.”
“I agree darling. The rain threw me at first, but this has turned out to be a marvelous evening. And thank you ever so much for the input. I'll get started on my designs as soon as I get home.”
“Maybe I should sleep through weather meetings more often Fluttershy. This really has been fun. We should do it again sometime.”
Fluttershy beamed at her friends. “I'm so glad you all had fun. Maybe we will do this again soon.”
The group moved toward the front door, Twilight and Applejack falling in step. Fluttershy's five friends stepped out into the now muggy but rain-free evening air. They said their final goodbyes as they walked into the night toward their homes in Ponyville. Fluttershy closed the door behind her. She backed against it and breathed in deeply, savoring the calm air of her home, the scent of apple fritters still somewhat lingering. Her body was heavy with fatigue from the day's excitement, but her spirit was as light as it had ever been.
“I'm so lucky to have my friends,” Fluttershy whispered to herself. Indeed, of all the reactions they could have had, of all the things they could have said, they never once had judged her for taking in the pegasus. They were concerned of course, but that just meant that they cared for her. Fluttershy yawned, and her knees weakened from fatigue. It was most definitely time for bed.
The tired pastel pony moved away from the door on her way upstairs, when her hoof hit something on the floor, making a soft metallic scrape. She stopped and looked down to see the pegasus's helmet. She picked it up in her hooves and made for the kitchen to leave it on the table. As she carried it, she chanced a glance at the inside, thinking it was as good a place as any to write something. Fluttershy looked closely, and noticed an irregularity in the metal on the inside of the helmet, just above the jutting nose piece. She held the helmet up eagerly to the waning light in the kitchen, trying intently to make out what it was.
As she squinted to see, Fluttershy recognized very small words lettered in an angular, stamped manner.
FERAGRIMM
MAY YOUR WINGS CARRY YOU TO PURPOSE
AS THEY BEAR THE WEIGHT OF YOUR HEART
Fluttershy read the words once, then again, then several times more. “I don't know what the second part means, but that first word. That looks like...a name.” She pondered the word and spoke slowly, using her phonetics to sound it out. “Fair-ah-grim,” she concluded.
Fluttershy placed the helmet on the table and blew out the remaining light in the kitchen. She trekked to the base of the stairs, then stopped to take one final look at the pegasus. “Feragrimm,” she whispered, the name faintly striking a chord deep within her heart. “His name is Feragrimm.”
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Col. Calamity
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1125
| 3 |
Angel,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone
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A dark, stern figure rocks Fluttershy's introverted world. Both have life lessons for the other.
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incomplete
| 36 | 4 |
<p>Fluttershy is disturbed at home by the appearance of a dark and mysterious stranger. His body broken and she with little other choice, Fluttershy takes him in and tends his wounds. This marks the beginning of a budding relationship, a journey of two hearts with vastly different views on life, and how they ultimately learn from one another.</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-29T05:31:18+00:00
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2011-10-29T05:31:18+00:00
| 2,832 |
Fluttershy took delicate care as she placed her tea tray on the small outside table. It was mid afternoon. The sun was out, and spring was in full swing as all of her woodland friends went about their business around her cottage. The stream crossing the path down from the dwelling babbled and frothed playfully, and the wind rocked the branches of the surrounding trees, playing a natural, soft cello suite for the canny listener. Birds taking residence in the trees provided a soothing, if somewhat chaotic, choral melody to complete the charming scene.
The table and its two accompanying chairs were placed in the side yard of the cottage, in the shelter of an elder oak. A backdrop comprised of the cottage wall and inset window lent a comfortable feel to the small eating nook. Fluttershy took two porcelain teacups from the tea tray and placed them at either end of the table, then took a seat opposite her visitor for the day.
As she reached over, teapot in hoof to fill her guest's cup, she said,“I think you're really going to like the tea Rarity. It's made with fresh honeysuckle I picked from the meadow the other day. It makes for a very mild, sweet drink, with just a hint of wild aftertaste. It's one of my favorites.”
Rarity pulled back her expertly curled purple mane and hovered her nose over her cup of the warm, viscous liquid. She breathed in lightly, letting the faint fumes pervade her senses. “Ooh, that does smell wonderful. It's like wildflowers.”
Fluttershy took up her own cup and sipped primly. “Oh yes. It has a very nice bouquet. Try some,” she urged. Rarity carefully levitated the cup to her lips. She tipped it slightly, taking care to maintain its balance, and sampled the fragrant tea. The brew was warm on the tongue, a different warmth aside from the physical heat. It was unobtrusively sweet, and as Rarity swallowed she noted the wild but not unwelcome residual taste.
“Mm, that is delicious,” she approved enthusiastically. “Fluttershy, wherever do you come up with such ideas?”
Fluttershy took another sip and smiled bashfully at her friend. “Oh, I don't know. I suppose I just spend a lot of time outside, and have a good sense for nature. You'd be surprised what kinds of things you can do with many common plants.”
“I see.” Rarity cast her gaze out across the stream to the path and meadow beyond. The sun in the sky bathed the land in a golden hue that seemed to float just above the ground. “You know Fluttershy, sometimes I wonder about you. What I mean is, I wonder why somepony like you, so demure and elegant, somepony with such grace and poise, would choose to live out here, away from town like you do.
“It just seems to me like you would be much more at home in a stylish townhouse on a quiet city street. But then I come visit you out here, on what would be a normal, uneventful day in Ponyville, and somehow I can begin to understand. It really is beautiful isn't it?”
Fluttershy looked out at the landscape and considered her friend's words. “It is. I love it here, and wouldn't trade it or my animal friends for anything. For whatever reason, I know this is where I belong.” She turned back to Rarity, her face slightly pinkened. “I think you might be praising me a bit too much though. I'm not sure I'm all you make me out to be.”
The unicorn tossed her mane dismissively. “Nonsense. You really shouldn't sell yourself so short darling. As a self-proclaimed expert on the subject, let me tell you that you are, without a shadow of a doubt, the most classic example of beauty and poise in Ponyville. Aside from myself of course,” she finished, holding her head high in a comedic show of pride.
Fluttershy gave a small laugh. “You're very kind Rarity. Thank you. Um, how is the boutique doing?”
“Oh, superbly,” Rarity said. “I just sold another round of pieces to a very stylish shop in Canterlot, with no small thanks to you. The nature themed ones received particular attention, just so you know,” she said with a wink. “How about you dear? How have you been?”
Fluttershy took another sip of her tea. “I'm just fine. All the animals have settled into their routines for the spring, so I haven't had nearly as much work to do, like feeding them and such. Oh, but the other day, the beavers-”
“Yes, yes the animals, all cute and loveable,” Rarity cut across. “No darling, I mean how are you doing with him.” She tilted her head, pointing her horn toward the cottage. The nearby window rendered a view into the cottage living room, where the wounded pegasus still slept. “Has there been any progress at all?”
“Oh.” Fluttershy looked down into the remaining tea in her cup to see her face reflected in its surface. She wore a look of mild gloom; clearly she had expected different results by now. “Well, he certainly is much better now than when I found him. His burns only took several days to mend. I removed the dressings from both legs three days ago, and the lesions are healed. The scars won't ever go away, but at least I was able to keep infection out. His left wing needs another week, and the right will need another two, but...”
“But what about him waking up? It's been two weeks to the night. He hasn't moved at all since then? Is that not bad?”
Fluttershy looked up from her cup, her gloom now mixed with worry. “Well, to be honest I don't really know. It's natural if your body is hurt badly enough for your mind to shut down until it gets better. I've never heard of or seen a case of unconsciousness for this long, but I also haven't seen anything so horrible as his condition before. I can't really say.”
“But how can somepony go on like that? What about food and water, and just moving about?”
“Oh, I can take care of that for him, in a manner of speaking. I've been taking the apples that Applejack brought me and crushing them for his food. If you rub someone's throat the right way while they're asleep, you can trick the body into swallowing. The juice from the apples will do for water as well.”
“But what about exercise? It can't be good for a body to just lay there all the time like that.”
“You're right, it's not. Every day I have to take each of his legs and wings and work them through their ranges of motion so they don't get stiff.” Fluttershy moved her forelegs back and forth, mimicking the motion. “It's also important to massage his muscles to keep blood flowing well.”
Rarity paused to picture Fluttershy's method of care. A sly grin crept across her face. “So, you massage his muscles do you?,” she said with a knowing inflection in her speech.
Fluttershy took on a look of bemusement. “Yes. It's to keep up blood flow. Is something odd about that?”
“I don't know,” said Rarity, amused at Fluttershy's confusion. “It might be odd if, maybe, you were massaging his body not just for his benefit.”
Fluttershy pondered this thought momentarily. “I don't understand. Who else would benefit from it?”
Rarity persisted, her tone unchanged. “Come now, Fluttershy. I'm sure it's not a chore, getting to rub down that...statuesque body of his. It seems to me it would be almost enjoyable.”
Fluttershy's puzzlement increased at this last statement. “Not really. I mean, I'm happy to help him, but his muscles are rather large, and it takes a lot of time. And my front legs get tired after a while.”
Rarity let out a groan and placed her head in her hooves dramatically. “Fluttershy, dear...I give up. I just don't know what else to say.”
“What's the matter? Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry,” Fluttershy apologized quickly.
“No darling, it's nothing. Nothing at all.” Rarity removed her hooves from her head and placed them on Fluttershy's shoulders. “In fact, I take it back. I do know what to say.” She smiled sincerely at her friend. “Don't you ever change Fluttershy. Never ever. You're absolutely perfect the way you are, do you understand?”
Fluttershy continued to look befuddled. “No. I don't understand at all. Are you alright Rarity?”
Rarity sat back in her chair and laughed. “I'm perfectly fine dear. As are you.” She let her mirth subside before taking a final draft of her tea. A refreshing gust of wind swept past the cottage up under the sheltering oak, and the two friends sat contently for a time, relishing the comfort of the surrounding nature.
“Ah, I just remembered,” said Rarity, a thought coming to her. “I happened to pass Pinkie Pie the other day, and amidst her rambling it sounded like you and Twilight had possibly uncovered something about your guest. Is that so?”
Fluttershy seized upon the topic happily. “Oh, yes. Well, Twilight found something. She came by with a load of books on different things and really looked hard at all of the armor. I don't think she really likes not knowing about things. Anyway, she brought one really big book about all different kinds of metals, and after a lot of searching she said that there wasn't anything in it that matched what the armor is made of. I thought that was kind of interesting.
“She also had this book on magical runes. I tried to read some of it, but couldn't really understand much. Twilight took a really long time to look at all the runes, and she kept talking to herself about how none of it made any sense. When I asked her about it, she said normally runes were lined up in a certain way to produce a certain effect. The problem with those runes is that they don't make any sense. The way they line up doesn't mean anything; at least that's what Twilight said.
“Oh, and there was one more thing. I hadn't really thought about it until she pointed it out, but Twilight noticed that he doesn't have a cutie mark.”
“No cutie mark?,” said Rarity, seemingly astounded by this revelation. “But that can't be right. He's a grown stallion. How could he not have a cutie mark?”
Fluttershy shrugged. “I don't know. But I thought back to when I washed his body to treat him, and there wasn't one then either. He just doesn't have his mark.”
“But how does that happen? I've never heard of such a thing. Late bloomers happen of course; but to never get your mark?”
“I don't know. I guess it seems possible,” Fluttershy reasoned. “You would just have to never have discovered your special talent or skill.”
“But surely something like that would have manifested itself by that age.”
“Not necessarily, I suppose.”
“You know,” Rarity mused, looking at the window of the cottage, “this is the first pony I've ever seen who becomes more mysterious as I learn more about him. It's the strangest thing. All we can seem to come up with are more questions, never answers.”
“I found something marked inside his helmet that may be an answer,” Fluttershy volunteered. “There was a word with something like a poem below it. I didn't understand the poem, but I think the word sounds like a name, and Twilight agrees. We think his name is Feragrimm.”
“Feragrimm?,” Rarity repeated. “I've never heard a name like that before.” She mulled the name shortly. “It's a bit odd. It sounds like a good, strong name though.” She gasped, making Fluttershy jump slightly. “Ooh, what if he's not a local. What if he's...exotic,” Rarity breathed with a flourish. “My, he certainly looks good; but imagine him with an accent. He could be positively scrumptious.”
Fluttershy's look of confusion returned. “What would being foreign or having an accent have to do with anything?”
“Everything,” Rarity said with gusto. “Now that I think about it, this whole thing sounds like a romance novel. A tall, handsome soldier, his body broken from his time at war, his mind steeped in the horrors of combat, is lost in a foreign land. He happens upon a lovely young maiden after a tragic turn of events, and she takes him in and cares for him; healing his physical and psychological wounds. Oh, the parallels are simply too much.” Rarity held her hoof to her horn in anguish, her show of dramaticism finished.
Fluttershy could not help but giggle at Rarity's display. “You do have a wonderful imagination Rarity. But I think you may be over thinking things.”
“Most likely,” Rarity sighed. “There's a reason they're called novels after all. Still, a girl can dream.” She turned once again to look at the window. “But you must admit Fluttershy; he is quite a looker.”
Fluttershy lowered her view to the tabletop. “Yes, well...”
Rarity quickly turned from the window to stare at her friend, her eyes hungry with anticipation. “Yes...what?”
Fluttershy shrank away, uncomfortable with the attention she had brought to herself. “Well...that is...” She spoke slowly, trying to choose her words. “I mean...I think he looks...nice.”
“I knew it!,” Rarity exclaimed. “It is just like the novels. You've fallen in love with the handsome ruffian you've rescued. Now the intrigue remains if he will ever wake up. If he does, what will he be like? Will he reciprocate your love? Can your love stand the trials to come? Has he already pledged his heart to another? Good gracious, the tragedy; the suspense!”
Fluttershy was blushing furiously now. “Rarity, n-no! It's not like that at all. I- you're- laughing. Why are you laughing?”
It was true; Rarity's poor attempt at covering her mouth could not hide the gaiety shaking her body. Her words were punctuated with small bursts as she tried to speak. “Dear, please...please Fluttershy, forgive me. It was...cruel of me. But I just couldn't...couldn't help it.” She calmed herself as she wiped a small tear from her eye.
Fluttershy was unresponsive. She was looking down at the table again, her face a brilliant shade of scarlet. Rarity's mirthfulness shifted to concern. “Oh no. I've gone and upset you haven't I?” Fluttershy merely squeaked.
Rarity stood from her chair and hurried to her friend's side. “I'm so sorry Fluttershy, truly. Here.” Rarity swung her front legs around Fluttershy's neck, hugging her tightly. “I really am sorry. I didn't mean any of it. I was having some fun and got carried away, and it was wrong of me to do that at your expense.” Rarity loosed her hold and looked Fluttershy in the face. “Can you forgive me darling?”
Fluttershy hesitated, then looked up. “So you don't think that about me, about what I'm doing to help him?”
“Of course not,” said Rarity, dismissing the notion. “Never. I know full well you mean nothing but the very best. Forgive me?,” she said with a hopeful look.
Fluttershy smiled back. The blood had receded somewhat from her face. “Yes, of course I forgive you. I could never be mad with you Rarity. It's ok.”
Rarity hugged Fluttershy again. “Thank you. I really am sorry about that. It won't happen again. And you really are the best friend anypony could ask for. I want you to know that.”
“Thank you Rarity. You're a good friend yourself,” Fluttershy said warmly.
Rarity drew back and inspected her mane, making sure her curls were still in place after all the commotion. “Well, now that we've gotten that behind us, I should probably be leaving. I left Sweetie Bell alone at the boutique with Opal, and I'm sure I have some cleaning to do by now.”
Fluttershy stood from her chair. “Oh, I see. Do you need any help with Opal at all?”
“No no, dear, thank you. I can handle her most of the time with little injury. She may need a grooming soon though. Would it be alright if I came by in a few days perhaps?”
“Yes, anytime. I'd love to help.”
“Splendid. And if you feel like it, maybe we can have more of that excellent tea of yours.”
“Of course. I'd love to.”
“Now is there anything I can do for you before I go? Perhaps some help with a certain pegasus?,” Rarity asked, partially regaining that inflection in her voice.
“No, I can handle it. But thank you for offering,” said Fluttershy, wary of the inflection.
“Alright, if you insist. Goodbye Fluttershy. Take care now.” Fluttershy waved after Rarity as the white pony made her way to the path in front of the cottage. She had almost reached the bridge over the stream when she turned to call back. “And Fluttershy, don't have too much fun treating your patient.” With that she crossed the bridge on her way back to town.
Fluttershy watched her go, confused once again at what her friend had said. “I still don't understand what she means by that. I don't see anything fun about it,” she said to herself. She sat down and looked out over the landscape before her. Ponyville was off in the distance, a sprawling collection of buildings nestled among the hills of the lowlands north of the Everfree Forest. Celestia's sun beamed its radiance upon the earth, the heat bending the light upon the grass to create an illusion of flowing amber water, on which Ponyville rested but would not rock.
Fluttershy closed her eyes and relaxed as her mane was brushed back and forth by the gentle breeze. As she sat, her mind roved over the events of the past two weeks. Every day since the pegasus had arrived at least one of her friends had come by to visit, sometimes two. They never said so, but Fluttershy knew they were checking on her to make sure of her safety. She didn't mind however; it just meant her friends cared for her and had her best interests at heart.
'I'm so lucky to have my friends,' thought Fluttershy. 'They've been so understanding of the whole thing; supportive even. I'm so glad.' Her mind trailed back to the day two weeks ago, when she was so intent on hiding the pegasus. Wisps of anxiety and fear meshed vaguely with the memories of the day. Now those feelings seemed so misplaced, even foolish. Fluttershy wasn't entirely sure what had prompted them; but it didn't matter now.
Truly the only one who made known their adversity to the situation at all was Angel. Ever since that night he had actively tried to avoid the living room, only staying for any amount of time when Fluttershy was there. She would ask the bunny for help when she went to massage the pegasus's body, having him paw at the back muscles, to which she could tell he agreed grudgingly. Fluttershy for the most part disregarded this behavior, as she was sure it was resultant of the scare he had suffered upon the pegasus's arrival, but it was still unsettling to some degree. Then again, Angel always was odd about things when it came to her interaction with other ponies, even sometimes her friends. She supposed that was just how Angel was.
'What's Angel up to right now?,' Fluttershy wondered. 'I haven't seen him since this morning. I should probably make sure he's not getting into trouble. He does tend to do that.' She stood and trotted back around to the table in the side yard. Rearranging the two cups and teapot onto the tray, Fluttershy prepared to take them back inside when she felt a small mass fall onto her back, then jump up onto her head. Angel grabbed Fluttershy's ears and lowered his face in front of hers.
“Oh, there you are Angel bunny. I was just about to go looking for you. Are you doing alright?,” Fluttershy asked sweetly. The white rabbit nodded, his ears flopping about.
“Good. Have you been behaving well? You haven't been up to any mischief have you?” The rabbit shook his head, his ears flopping again.
“Such a good bunny you are. Come on, let's go back inside.” Fluttershy picked up the tea tray precariously in her mouth and headed toward the front door of the cottage. With her wing she tripped the latch and the door swung open. The familiar smell of wild lilac underscored with earthy tones caressed her senses as she entered her home. Angel hopped down from Fluttershy's head to close the door behind her.
Fluttershy went to the kitchen and placed the tea tray on the table, to await cleaning later. She returned to the living room where Angel was sitting on the floor, eyeing the strange pegasus cautiously. “Angel,” Fluttershy called softly. Angel broke away from his suspicion and looked up at her. “Would you like to go ahead and take care of him for today? After that, we can have supper. What do you think?”
Angel considered the proposition for a moment. He then scowled, signifying his lack of will to help. Fluttershy had expected this. She knelt her down and nuzzled the white rabbit. “I know he makes you uncomfortable,” she soothed, “but I could really use your help. And I'll make vegetable soup, and let you have some. How does that sound?”
Angel reconsidered at the prospect of vegetable soup, as Fluttershy knew he would. He initially looked as though he was going to again decline, then hung his head and shrugged, acquiescing at last. “Thank you, Angel bunny. I'll make sure the soup is extra good, just for you.”
With the promise of soup motivating him, Angel hopped onto the back of the unconscious pegasus. He was quite small in comparison to the large body size of the pegasus, but the back muscles did not need as much stimulation as the appendages did. His job was simply use all his paws at once and use his body weight for rubbing, saving Fluttershy time and effort. It was not a hard task, but everything about the pegasus seemed to make Angel uneasy.
Fluttershy sat down at the pegasus's right, facing him, and began as she always did with the right wing. She lifted it gingerly in her hooves, taking the span just beyond the back joint in her right hoof and placing her left under the wing bone before the splint. Fluttershy began to move the wing in a path resembling a flapping motion, moving it up and down while simultaneously working the wing bend back and forth. It was difficult to do; the wings were rather heavy, and their sheer size made them very unwieldy.
Fluttershy started to sing to herself to take her mind away from the mundane task. It was a soft, sweet song; very befitting of her honeyed voice. She timed the cycles of motion with the rhythm of her song, her voice occasionally perforated with the sound of rushing air from the wing's down stroke.
When the sun goes down in the west
And the tides are tamed by the moon
I'll lay your little head down to rest
And see you to dreamland soon
The stars are alight in the sky
Like gems in an endless sea
And as you hear this sweet lullaby
The sweeter your dreams may be
As Fluttershy sang, she began to notice the cycles becoming less burdensome. The motion was easier to control, and more fluid. More air could be felt circulating from under the wing.
Suddenly Angel squeaked and bolted from his perch on the pegasus's back. With a mighty thrust of his legs he jumped over Fluttershy's head, onto her back, and grabbed tightly to her mane. Fluttershy let go of the wing in surprise. “Angel? What's wrong bunny? What hap-” She gasped and jerked back, away from the pegasus. The wing she had just been supporting was now flapping of its own accord, working its way through the air in slow, powerful strokes. It continued for a short time, then sank back to the floor to lie much as it had for days prior.
Fluttershy was rooted to the spot, watching the pegasus for the slightest signs of movement. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest, and her mind was gripped with apprehension. As she watched, the pegasus drew a long, deep breath and exhaled. His legs twitched, as though control had been reclaimed by an awakening mind. His tail flicked once, an arc traveling through the long, white hair.
His head rocked a little, as if he was deciding which way to turn it, and a deep groan vibrated through his throat and escaped his lips. With a half-roll his head faced to his right in Fluttershy's direction and lay still. At this all movement ceased, save for his breathing. Fluttershy continued to look on, unsure of what to do or how to approach the pegasus. This was the most action she had seen since the night she found him. If there was ever an opportune moment to wake him, this would have to be it.
Seconds passed, and the pegasus remained immobile. Fluttershy, resolving to not let this opportunity slip by, moved as warily as she could toward him. She reached out a hoof to nudge the pegasus. Her heart felt as though it was nearing the top of her throat now, beating ever faster. She could barely keep her outstretched leg straight as tremors began to shake her body. Her hoof was mere inches away now; just a quick nudge was all it would take. She inhaled sharply as she neared the point of contact, then halted as the pegasus slowly opened his eyes.
Fluttershy was confronted for a third time with the sight of those captivating gray eyes. The first time she had seen them, they were filled with pain and purpose. The second time, for however brief it was, they were racked with fatigue and bewilderment. This time they were different once again; there was no pain, no fatigue or confusion. These eyes told of a strong will, an unyielding strength, and a distinct undertone of what Fluttershy knew all too well to be sadness.
The pegasus lifted his head from the floor and made what looked like an attempt to speak. When no sound came he screwed up his face and coughed, rasping as though to clear dust from his vocal cords. His throat warmed, he tried again at speech. His words came thickly, breathily, as if with great effort. “Please, where...am I?”
Fluttershy knelt down closer to the pegasus's face, the better to hear him. Her apprehension was gone, replaced with a need to take care of her patient. “You're in my cottage. You were badly hurt, and I took you in. Do you...do you remember?”
The pegasus closed his eyes as if trying to dredge from the depths of his mind the memories of that night past. “I remember...blood, and pain. I remember a distant light, what I thought was... a window. And then darkness.”
Fluttershy felt a small twinge of undirected gratitude. It was good he still had some memory of the incident, however faint. She decided to try and go further. “Do you know why you were wounded like that? Did something attack you?”
“There were claws. And there was fire... and the thrust of wings.” His eyes could be seen flitting back and forth under his eyelids. “Dragon.” he finished.
Fluttershy squeaked. “A dragon? You were attacked by a dragon?,” she whispered in disbelief.
The pegasus opened his eyes and fixed them on the soft spoken pony watching over him. “Yes. I managed to...” he flexed his wings, lifting them on either side, and gently rested them on the floor again. This seemed to cause him discomfort. The thickness in his speech was no more; he remained calm, but was very direct now. “Where is my armor?” he asked.
“Oh, it's right here,” said Fluttershy, pointing in the direction of the wall. “Well, the parts for your wings anyway. I put the other parts in the sitting room behind you. I'm sorry if you didn't want me to, but I had to take it off to care for you properly.”
The directness of the pegasus's tone abated, some perceived anxiety assuaged at the knowledge his armor was not lost. “I see. Care for me, you say?” He shifted his right wing into his line of sight and examined the splint. He then turned his head and noticed the sling tugging at the base of his neck, supporting his left wing. “You did all of this?”
“Oh yes,” Fluttershy nodded. “I mean, you were in terrible shape. This wing was broken, and that one was wrenched at the base. You had some awful burns on your body, and your right legs were both gashed open, and I think you probably had some damage to your ribs. The ribs had to heal on their own, but I believe I mended everything else fairly well. Um, how do you feel?”
The pegasus seemed to gradually regain his cognizance. “To be honest, exceedingly well, in light of what you say” He took a deep breath, testing his chest cavity. “And you were correct about my ribs. Cracked, as I would hazard a guess.”
“I'm glad. Not about your ribs. Well, I'm glad I was right and took it into account. What I mean is, I'm glad you feel better.” The pegasus nodded appreciatively. After a brief lapse in the conversation, Fluttershy asked, “Oh, I'm so sorry. I forgot my manners. My name is Fluttershy. Um, is your name Feragrimm?”
The pegasus's facial expression became stern at the question. His voice reverted to the tone when asking about his armor, calm yet direct. “Where did you hear that name?,” he asked quietly.
Fluttershy hung her head a little and looked away, afraid she had upset him somehow. “I- I didn't mean to pry. I'm sorry. It's just that I saw it printed inside your helmet, and thought... that was your name.”
The pegasus softened his expression and tone. “Forgive me. It was not my intention to sound angry or to offend. It is a true honor to meet you, Fluttershy. And to answer your question, that is indeed my name. I would prefer however you did not address me as such. Grim will suffice.”
“Grim,” Fluttershy repeated, more to herself than aloud. She beamed at him. “It's a pleasure to meet you, Grim.”
Grim's visage cracked into a wan smile. “Likewise.” He cast his eyes around the living room, taking in the detail of Fluttershy's cottage. His gaze turned to the floor, and as he shifted his leg he noticed a minute difference in the level of dust underneath and the amount blanketing the exposed wood. “Tell me, how long have I been like this?”
“Well, it has been some time. Two weeks today, actually.”
Grim fell silent. He was focused on the floor, looking as though he was deep in thought. “Two weeks,” he mumbled to himself. “I wonder what the reaction was; what it will be. What happens now?”
Fluttershy was listening closely. When Grim stopped mumbling she asked, “Is everything alright? Is there something you need to do?”
“No,” Grim said quickly, snapping back to the present. “No, it's nothing. But I fear I have lain here for far too long.” He contracted his legs to his body, putting hoof to floor, in an attempt to stand. His legs strained shortly, then collapsed under his weight. He grunted in aggravation. “It seems however my faculties have yet to be completely restored.”
“Here, let me help you,” said Fluttershy, holding out her hooves to proffer assistance.
“No, thank you,” said Grim with a shake of his head. “This is something I must do on my own. I have trespassed upon your kindness for too long already.”
Fluttershy withdrew her hooves, looking slightly saddened. “Oh. I understand.”
“But,” Grim recovered, sensing he had hurt her feelings, “I suddenly find myself to be very thirsty. I would not begrudge you for some water.”
Fluttershy brightened at the chance to help. “Of course. I'll bring it right away. And here.” She swiveled her head around to look behind her and grabbed at something. She removed a flailing white mass from entanglement in her mane and placed it on the floor in front of Grim. “This is Angel. I have to go out to the well, so he’ll keep you company while I’m gone.”
She addressed Angel, “Now bunny, I want you to be good okay? He’s our guest.” Angel looked at Fluttershy imploringly, as if to ask how she could do this to him. Fluttershy patted him on the head, then got up and trotted to the entryway to the kitchen. “I won’t be long,” she called back.
Grim listened as the back door opened and closed. He tried again to lift himself, actually getting off the floor this time, but dropped back down on top of his wobbling legs. He sighed heavily and laid his head squarely on the wood beneath. Angel crept slowly toward Grim’s face and stood on the flats of his back legs inches away. Grim’s gaze came level with Angel’s, and the two locked eyes.
“Angel, was it? It's a pleasure. My name is Grim, as I'm sure you heard.”
Angel nodded curtly, keeping his eyes fixed on the massive figure before him. Grim cocked an eyebrow, to which Angel responded with a scowl.
“I take it you don't care for me?”
Angel gave another curt nod and tapped his nose, telling Grim he had caught on.
“I see. And what, may I ask, would prompt such an attitude?”
The rabbit looked Grim over for a moment, as if to decide if this was a trick question. Concluding it was not, he contorted his face and raised his paws over his head menacingly. He then pointed to the entryway to the kitchen, then back to himself as he tapped his head.
“So...you believe me a threat, to both your master and yourself. Am I correct in my interpretation?”
Once more Angel touched his nose, then pointed to his eyes with one paw, and at Grim with the other.
“Watching me, are you?,” Grim asked, cocking his eyebrow again.
Angel nodded and crossed his front legs over his chest, looking as tough as he could, given his stature.
“Allow me to guess; you are Fluttershy's lieutenant of sorts, yes? You are the faithful follower, the ever present companion who serves as a backbone and force of will to your demure master. Is that a summary of the situation?”
Angel looked briefly at Grim in surprise, then shot him a haughty glance and turned his head up and away.
Grim gave a slight grin. “Are you insulted at my presumption? Or are you annoyed that I've grasped your relationship dynamic?” Angel gave no response. Grim continued, his grin fading and his tone becoming progressively more melancholy. “Well, it doesn't matter. Your vigilance and love toward your master are truly noble, and I bear only respect for such virtue. I am a stallion of honor, and I am in debt to your master more than you can know. I will not ask your approval, nor will I ask a chance to prove myself, but know this. I give you my word, Angel; you have nothing to fear from the likes of me.”
Before Angel could respond to what Grim had said, they were interrupted by the sound of the back door. “I'm back,” Fluttershy called. She flew gracefully into the living room, carrying a metal pitcher and a glass. She landed in front of Grim and placed the drinkware on the hearth of the fireplace. “I'm sorry I took so long. I dropped the bucket the first time.”
Fluttershy bent her head down in front of Angel. “Did you behave while I was gone?,” she asked. Angel hopped around to Fluttershy's back, up onto the top of her head. He then vaulted onto a miniature flight of stairs imbedded in the wall, leading to the small catwalks suspended from the cottage rafters. “Was he good, Grim?,” she asked again, deciding Grim was the more reliable of the two sources anyway.
“He was,” Grim affirmed. “If I may say so, you are fortunate to have him for a friend.”
Fluttershy looked after Angel affectionately. “I knew he'd be good.” She asked Grim, “Did you try getting up again?”
“I did. I suppose the result is obvious.” Grim tilted his head toward the pitcher. “Could I trouble you to hold the glass up to my mouth?”
“Oh, yes. Here.” Fluttershy took the pitcher and filled the glass. She knelt down and put it up to Grim's mouth and tipped. Grim gulped down the water continuously as Fluttershy poured, draining the glass in no time. He let out a breath of satisfaction.
“That was very much needed. Thank you.” Grim planted his hooves firmly on the floor. “Now, they say that the third time is the charm.” His body trembled at his effort to straighten his legs, markedly unaided by the deadweight of the wings which he dared not use inside. He could feel the dull rumble of his straining muscles as blood rushed to them. By what seemed to be shear force of will, he began to rise. Loud cracks and pops resounded from within his joints, a joyful chorus of the body from the release of his pent up energy. As Grim reached the crest of his stance he twisted his head, releasing more pops inside his neck.
“Ah, that is better,” said Grim, now in full upright position. He arched his back, clearing several more noises from his bones. He spread his wings as far he could, taking extra care to avoid hitting anything, and tensed the shapely muscle tissue. A sweet burning sensation spread throughout his wings as the film of disuse melted away. Grim noted the soreness at his left joint and the dull pain on his distant right. Now thoroughly stretched, he collapsed the feathered structures to his side comfortably. As a finishing touch he tossed his head, and the hair from his mane fell elegantly to one side of his face. He gave Fluttershy an approving look.
This was the first time Fluttershy had seen Grim properly, as opposed to collapsed on the ground. She could now appreciate just how much larger he was compared to herself; the tips of her ears would not be able to touch the bottom of his jaw. Grim stood with a very proud and stern demeanor, with his broad chest out and his neck arched high. His pose struck Fluttershy as reminiscent of the guards Princess Celestia would bring with her on her royal visits.
Fluttershy was dimly aware of how laying prone did his muscular structure little justice. The thick sinew rippled under his coat like chiseled stone, accentuating his skeleton perfectly. The apparent power of Grim's wings was put into perspective by his now active muscles; they bulged around the base joints and even over the wing arms, noticeable under the small feathers that covered them. The proportion in wing size to the rest of his body was also much higher than Fluttershy had realized. When folded, her wings fit nicely within the profile of her torso at her side. Grim's however hung to about his knees, the lengths of the wing hands spanning almost from front leg to back.
“Is something the matter?,” Grim asked with a curious look.
“Huh? N-no, nothing. Um, how do you f-feel now?,” asked Fluttershy, not sure as to why she was stuttering.
“Much better than I anticipated; quite well, actually.” Grim lifted his front right leg, then the back, the better to see them. “Those scars are permanent I expect. Well, I suppose it can't be helped.” He flexed the bend of his right wing and held the splint up to his face. “Was it a clean break? I could not gauge the severity in the state that I was. I was not very coherent after my...encounter.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “No, it wasn't. I felt around the bone, and there was still some attachment. I set it right after I brought you in, so it should be well on its way to being healed.”
Grim analyzed the wrapping on his wing in detail. “This is well made. Do you have special training in medicine?”
“Oh, no, nothing like that,” said Fluttershy, blushing. “Um...I just take care of a lot of animals, and they get hurt from time to time, the poor things. I wouldn't say training, so much as experience.”
“I see.” Grim rotated his left wing about the shoulder joint. “And what of this one? Wrenched, I believe you said?”
“Yes, it was. I could tell from how it slumped when you were laying down. Normally I would tell a bird to rest and just keep off a wing like that, but yours was so large I thought it probably needed extra support, so I made a sling for it. How does it feel?”
Grim rotated the wing again. “Sore, but much better than what it was, I'm sure. A sling... and no medicinal training whatsoever?”
The red hue in Fluttershy's face deepened. “N-no. Never. It just seemed like something that made sense, was all.”
“A sharp sense you have then. It is a gift.”
Fluttershy tossed her mane so it fell into her face, hiding her right eye and, she hoped, the show of happy embarrassment she knew she wore. It was an automatic reaction caused by her shyness, for this is what she felt, in place of the more expected feeling of fear. She thought it very peculiar. Grim's voice was deep and somewhat harsh, though she could tell unintentionally so. His disposition was very stoic and matter-of-fact, something that was potentially off-putting in conversation. Considering this along with his build, under any other circumstances she knew she would be terrified at even making eye contact. But this was different somehow; perhaps it was the familiarity with him in nursing him to health, perhaps it was dealing with him in a weakened state, or something else. Fluttershy did not know why, but she was unafraid of Grim. Quite the opposite, talking to him made her feel oddly pleasant.
“Are you positive nothing is wrong?,” Grim asked with a note of concern.
Fluttershy was pulled from her thoughts. “Yes,” she replied quickly. “I'm sorry. I was just...thinking about something.” Grim was still watching Fluttershy when his stomach gave a loud gurgle. He growled in annoyance at his innards for betraying his controlled veneer. Fluttershy picked up on Grim's subconscious desire for food. “Are you hungry? I was planning on making vegetable soup for supper. I'm sorry that it's not something more special, but I promise it's good. Would you...like some?”
Grim rubbed his belly. “Only if I am not imposing. I will be content with whatever you choose to give me.”
“Vegetable soup it is then. Come on, you can sit in the kitchen while I make it.”
Fluttershy led Grim into the cozy kitchen adjacent the living room. She picked up the abandoned tea tray and placed in a wash basin to be cleaned later. Grim strode past as he saw the windows in the back of the room. He stood in front of the back door, peering through the glass pane at the yard and wilderness beyond. “So you live at the very edge of the forest. That would explain the eternity.”
“Are you talking about the other night?,” Fluttershy asked, glancing up from the water filled cooking pot she had placed on the stove. “What do you mean 'eternity'? What do you remember?”
Grim's words were very pensive. “I remember picking myself up from the ground. My body was broken, and I knew it. I tried to use my wings, to fly above the forest canopy to view the landscape, but I had no strength left. I remember estimating as best I could my position and heading. I was determined to not die in such a manner, so I pressed forward. When I say eternity, that is how long it seemed I had staggered through those miserable trees. It is nothing short of a miracle that my strength reserves held long enough for me to traverse the distance here.”
Fluttershy had been tending the stove as Grim spoke. A fire was crackling in the wrought iron belly, and she had now moved to the pantry to pull out the necessary ingredients. “That sounds just awful. I'm so sorry you had to go through that.”
“It is of little consequence now.” Grim left his window view and went to the table. Deciding the chairs were all much too small for him, he pulled one at the end nearest the living room aside and sat in its place on the floor. His height placed his chest and head reasonably above the table top.
Fluttershy had gathered the vegetables she needed and was breaking them up at the counter, preparing to put them in the pot of water. “Grim, do you mind if I ask what happened to you? I mean, if the memory isn't painful for you.” Grim did not immediately speak, but rather closed his eyes in what appeared to be great concentration. “It's fine if you don't want to. I understand.”
“No,” Grim said determinedly, opening his eyes. Fluttershy gave a small start as she dropped pieces of carrot into her pot. Grim softened his voice. “I apologize. No; it is a fair question, and the least owed you for your kindness.” He breathed in deeply and exhaled. “I am an elite soldier in the Pegasus Royal Air Corps, Royal Guard Division. Officially, I hold the rank of Major; unofficially, I avoid dealings with the Corps at large almost entirely. My missions are highly specialized. I serve to track, engage in dialog with, and respond to acts committed by various creatures categorized as potential threats to our country and its citizens. As I'm sure you can surmise, dragons would fall well within such a category.
“I was on such a mission. I had been hunting one dragon in particular for three days prior. There was an incident ending in the deaths of two fillies near Trottingham, and reports had implicated this dragon as being involved. I was sent to speak with him, and to possibly discern his guilt. If I deemed him worthy of suspicion, he would be brought to trial before a royal court. The irony of the situation, with regard to the outcome, is that my purpose was only to speak with him. Everything that resulted was utterly unnecessary; but I digress.
“Earlier on that day two weeks ago I had finally located him. He was holed up in a mountain cave in the forest. If I am not mistaken, it was inside the very peak visible from your window there. I eventually found the beast in a large room at the back of the cave system. I should note here that I am, by royal mandate, first and foremost a negotiator. Dialog is always my first resort, and force my last. If I am attacked however, should I judge the creature to be a danger to civilization as a whole, I do have license to, in lieu of a more graphic term, 'remove' the danger.
“When I found the dragon, I did attempt initially to speak with him. He was verbally hostile, but made no move to strike. At the time I did not fully grasp it, but it was as if he was stalling for something. Had I seen the entrance to an adjacent room in the shadows, perhaps I would have been able to avoid the entire incident; but as I said before, it is of little consequence now.”
Fluttershy had since finished combining her vegetables in the pot and left it on the stove to boil. She was now sitting in a chair next to Grim, very intrigued at his story.
“I pursued an exchange for a short while. I would ask a question, to which he would rudely and inadequately respond. I was beginning to lose patience when a dull rumble came from somewhere within the cave. A jet of fire burst from behind a rock formation to my right, and would have destroyed me had I not thrown up my wing to react. My armor absorbed the heat, but I was blasted back against the cave wall, breaking my focus long enough for the second dragon, whom I would only assume was a mate the first had found, to pounce upon me.
“I managed to dodge, but not before a snap of her jaws lacerated my legs. Much of what happened next was product of adrenaline and instinct; the memory is fragmented. I remember thrusting my wing into the female's neck as she recovered from her pounce. If done correctly, a sharp jab will crimp the pipe to the bile sac, keeping a dragon from breathing fire. I knew I had struck true when she began to cough plumes of smoke.
“It was at this I took my cue to exit the cave. It is one matter to spar with a single dragon; it is quite another to battle two, and close quarters with a dragon is the worst setting in which to fight. I do not remember how I got out, only climbing high into the open air outside. I felt the sting of a burn at my flank, and realized the female had been quick to follow, and was now flying after me. I wheeled around to face her, and another jet caught me in the side.”
Fluttershy interrupted, her curiosity overpowering her mounting dread at Grim's story. “B-but, I thought you said she couldn't breathe fire anymore,” she spluttered.
Grim nodded. “That is true. At that point she was unable to produce a flame. But do you know how a dragon does this?” Fluttershy shook her head. “A dragon carries a sac near the base of its throat. This sac contains a potent, volatile bile which, when heated, bursts into flames. When a dragon breathes fire, it super-compresses air inside its lungs and belches it forth at high speed. A separate pipe feeding from the sac releases bile into the air stream, and the bile is ignited. A dragon does not truly 'breathe fire', but this is the effect we see. And if the bile can't be injected into the air stream, there still remains a superheated air jet that can be quite harmful. The burns on my body were testament to that.”
Grim could see Fluttershy's emotion etched in her face, but didn't know what to make of it. “Have I upset you? Should I continue?”
“Um, the details are kind of...scary. Maybe just how you were injured, if that's ok?”
“As you wish. The female was the more aggressive of the pair, so I focused most of my attention upon her. I was able to create an opening, and smashed my wing into her arm, breaking it. I then sunk my other wing into her main wing joint, cracking the bone beneath and crippling her flight. As she fell, I flew up then dove at her. I brought the front profiles of my wings together about the back of the neck with as much force as I could muster, effectively severing her spine.
“When the body crashed into the mountainside, the male became even more enraged. He flew at me, spewing fire as he went. I dodged the fiery column, and tried to fly under him to attack his neck, but he was faster in his frenzied state. He managed to grab my left wing in his claws. My plate kept him from crushing my wing to a pulp, but he took me and threw me mightily. I hit the ground hard, and rolled. Before I could stop myself, my right wing was bent the wrong way against the edge of its plate, breaking it. My left was wrenched when I was thrown, I would imagine. It is also likely that my ribs were cracked by the same force.”
As Grim finished, he registered the mixture of what he believed to be sadness and fear on Fluttershy's face. “Perhaps I should have used less detail,” he muttered, more to himself than to his host.
Fluttershy's mouth was slightly agape. She gulped squeakily, then spoke. “H-how did you g-get away? From the d-dragon, I mean.”
Grim took care as he answered. “Suffice it to say, he is no longer a threat.”
“And what about the other dragon? The female?”
“She is also no longer a threat.”
Fluttershy turned her eyes from Grim to the table. She asked somberly, “So, they're both...”
“Gone,” Grim finished for her, saving her the pain of the word. Fluttershy sniffed, and Grim could see a tear rolling down her cheek. “You have my apologies. Had I known, I would not have told you as I did.”
Fluttershy sniffed again. She barely spoke above a whisper. “It's ok. I asked. It's just...I just wish it had turned out better. For everyone. It's so sad, so needless.”
“I agree. It was needless. But very little in this world happens for the better, or has a higher purpose. Such has been my experience, in any case.” Fluttershy did not respond to this last remark. Grim went to make an attempt at comforting her, but stopped as the smell of soup drifted into his nose. He rose from his spot at the table and walked over to the stove.
“Oh, I forgot the soup!,” Fluttershy exclaimed.
“Allow me,” Grim said as he removed the pot from the stove and placed it on the counter. “If you tell me where everything is, I can finish preparation.”
“I can't let you do that. You're my guest. And you're hurt.”
Grim's lips curled into the faintest of smiles. “I can assure you that my body is made of tougher stuff than you seem to believe. I insist. Allow me to help.”
“Well, if you insist, there are some bowls in the cabinet above you there. There are napkins in the drawer to your left, and the drawer left of that has a ladle. Oh, and we'll need an extra small bowl please.”
Grim set about retrieving what was needed for the meal. He took two napkins and placed them on the table, and ladled soup into the two larger bowls for Fluttershy and himself. As he set the bowls on table he asked, “What need is there for the small bowl?”
“That one's for Angel bunny. Once he smells the soup, I'm sure he'll come to eat. You can put it on the end of the table there.” Sure enough, as soon as Grim had set down the smaller bowl of soup, Angel scurried into the kitchen and hopped from a chair onto the table. “There you are Angel. Are you ready for your soup?,” Fluttershy asked sweetly. Angel nodded fervently, and hopped to his bowl at the end of the table.
“Did you say you take care of animals?,” Grim asked, taking his seat at the opposite end of the table, next to Fluttershy.
“That's right. All sorts of animals. I guess you could say I manage all the wildlife around town.”
“Around town? Is there a town nearby?”
“Yes, Ponyville. It's a wonderful little town. Everyone there is nice, and it's so peaceful.”
“Ponyville.” Grim tapped his chin in contemplation. “I seem to remember hearing of it once. Is it famous for anything in particular?”
“No, not that I'm aware. Rarity sells dresses to places all over, and Applejack's farm produces a lot of apples, but I wouldn't say there's anything famous.”
“I see.” Grim took his bowl in both hooves and tipped it to his mouth. He took a mouthful, chewed, and swallowed. A deep, satisfied growl escaped from the base of his throat. “This is excellent.”
Fluttershy finished a mouthful herself and smiled broadly. “I'm glad you like it. It's usually a treat when I make vegetable soup. I don't make it often because it's so much, and Angel and I can never finish it.”
“You live here, on the edge of the forest, all by yourself?,” asked Grim in mild surprise.
“I do. It's not as bad or dangerous as what you'd think though. Monsters from the forest always stay near it's heart. For company I have all my cute little animal friends, and of course Angel. I go into town a lot, and I have my friends in town who come visit me here. There's Rainbow Dash and Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, and Twilight Sparkle, and they're all very good friends.”
Grim put his bowl down after another swig of soup. “Twilight Sparkle? There's something else I recognize. Is she well known for something?”
Fluttershy thought for a moment. “I don't think so. She's really good at magic, but not famous or anything. Oh, but I do know she's a favorite student under Princess Celestia.” It was very slight, but Fluttershy thought she could see the muscles in Grim's jaw tighten. “Is something wrong, Grim?”
“Not that I am aware. Why do you ask?,” answered Grim. His tone remained characteristically stoic, save for a hint of puzzlement.
“Oh, It's nothing.” Fluttershy discarded the notion, downed some more of her soup, then asked, “By the way, where are you from? Where do you call home?”
“I do not really have a home, at least not in the way most would use the word. If I wished to be poetic, I suppose I could say the open sky is my home. I spend much of my time in the wilderness, performing my duties. But I imagine you mean 'where do I make my dwelling', in which case my answer is the Royal Palace in Canterlot. I go there to give my reports upon mission completion, and to receive new assignments. My quarters are there as well, housing what few possessions I own but do not carry with me.”
“That sounds nice, living in Canterlot. I imagine it's all so lively and grand in a place like that.”
“In a way it is. There are no shortage of amenities, and it is a cultural capital, or so they say. Few things are as they seem on the surface however. It is difficult to live in such a place if you are not of the correct 'stock'. Status is nearly everything in a place such as Canterlot, and you are immediately at a disadvantage if you are not a unicorn.”
“What do you mean? What does being a unicorn have to do with anything?”
“Canterlot is a center for magical education and research, boasting the best institutions anywhere. All the lesser nobles who live there are unicorns, as well as most of the residents. Pegasi, though I doubt anyone would admit to this, are generally considered second class. If you are not a guard or a performer, you most likely must find work as a messenger, a courier, or something of the like. So called 'earth ponies' are below that, and there are almost none to be found in the city.”
“Oh my,” Fluttershy said, somewhat deflated. “I didn't realize that things were like that.”
Grim frowned at her reaction. “I hope you can forgive me. I'm sure I made it sound much worse than what it truly is. I have an egregious predisposition toward pessimism. For what it's worth, I have scarce felt that way touring the city in my off-duty hours.”
Fluttershy perked up again. “That sounds better.”
Grim returned a softened expression and turned his gaze to his nearly finished bowl of soup. He sat quietly for a time, then asked, “Fluttershy, would you mind if I asked you a personal question? It is something I have yet to understand.”
“I don't see why not. What did you want to know?”
“I want to know...” Grim seemed to have trouble expressing his thought into words. “Why did you help me?”
“I don't know what you mean. Help you do what?”
“What I mean to ask...is why did you help me on that night two weeks ago? And why did you put forth so much effort in the days since. I have seen my share of injury, and seen it in my fellow soldiers. I know what my condition was like, and the amount of care it took to heal me to how I am now. You did not simply lay me on your floor and comfort me.”
Grim's stone gray eyes fixed themselves on Fluttershy's lustrous blue orbs. “You gave me drink and food. You monitored my wounds, gave me treatment I would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. You had to have taken some measure to assist my blood circulation; my muscles were still spry when I awoke. I wish to know what would possess you to show such compassion to a complete stranger, with no promise of compensation. I do not understand.”
Fluttershy looked at Grim almost pityingly. Before her was a proud and noble stallion of enormous strength and intelligence, confused by a simple act of kindness. The glint of sadness she had seen in Grim's eyes when he first awoke was now at the forefront of his inner world, swirling with an indescribable thirst for enlightenment, for spiritual sustenance. Fluttershy felt her eyes burn slightly as tears began to form, prompted by the gravity of Grim's inner struggle.
Her body willed by some unconscious force, Fluttershy rose from her chair and approached Grim. Without a word she stood on her hind legs and threw her fronts around Grim's neck, hugging him as tightly as she could. A tear rolled down her cheek and into his iron gray coat. She spoke in a whisper, the words forming of their own accord. “Kindness isn't something to be understood or examined. It's an expression of the heart, which in and of itself cannot be quantified or logically reasoned. Kindness exists for its own sake, and need only be appreciated and reciprocated.”
Grim was motionless. Fluttershy was soft and warm against his large chest. She smelled inexplicably sweet, and her heartbeat was able to be felt by his shoulder. There was no amount of training, no previous experience that could have prepared him for this. He regarded emotion as nothing more than a nuisance, and vehemently discouraged it, especially in the elite ranks of the corps. He would not succumb, but for the first time in many months, he almost felt as though it would be acceptable if he did.
Gently reaching up, Grim slowly eased Fluttershy's body away from his own. He stood and walked to the center of the kitchen, then spun round to face her. He assumed the most regal of bows, kneeling on his front legs, his head held low. He fanned his wings fully, spanning the entire kitchen, with the tops angled toward Fluttershy. “If that is your answer, then I have made my decision. I owe you a life debt twofold; once for my body, and again for the use of my wings. In accordance with this debt, I hereby pledge my allegiance to you, to serve as your guardian, to do whatever you ask of me, until my debt can be considered paid in full. A life for a life, and kindness for kindness' sake.”
With that, he withdrew his wings and stood straight. Fluttershy did not know what to make of Grim's proclamation. She merely stared, trying to sort through what she had heard.
“Do you accept my oath of fealty?,” Grim asked after a pause.
“Grim,” said Fluttershy, her tone uncomfortable, “you don't owe me anything, especially not your life. I was only doing what I could to help.”
“But I do owe you my life. There is no denying that I would have died if left in my state. You saved me, and saved my wings.”
“What does this oath mean though? What does it mean that you pledge your allegiance, to serve as my guardian, to pay your debt?”
“All it means is that I promise to stay by your side, to use my strength to protect you, until I can find a way to give you what you have allowed me to keep. I implore you, let me act upon the principle of kindness. Allow me a chance to reciprocate the kindness granted me.”
“But what is there to protect me from? And you have other obligations you have to go back to don't you?”
“Believe me when I say that I will find a way to repay what is owed. And as for my other responsibilities I am first a stallion of free will, and second a stallion of honor. Loyalties can change given honorable circumstances, and a more apt example I have never heard. The corps is in dire straights if they sorely miss a single soldier.”
Fluttershy struggled to find a rebuttal, but came up empty. “I still don't know. How do you mean stay by my side?”
“I will go where you will have me, make my bed where you allow me room, and provide company if it is pleasing to you.”
Fluttershy sighed, defeated. “I'm not going to change your mind, am I?”
Grim continued to be steadfast. “I have made my decision. I humbly ask your response.”
Fluttershy racked her brain, trying to come to a solution. An idea suddenly occurred to her. “I...um...what about this,” Fluttershy proposed shakily. “Instead of an oath of fealty, what about a pact of friendship? It's almost the same; you can stay by my side, and protect me from danger. It's much more pleasant sounding, and it doesn't make you seem like a servant. How is that?”
Grim considered this. “And what of my life debt?”
“Unless a chance comes up for you to save me, as far as I'm concerned you don't have one. And that's my decision.”
Grim mulled these new terms. He then hung his head in a short bow and said, “I agree to your terms. So it is spoken, so it shall be; a pact of friendship.”
Fluttershy gave him a warm look. “See? Doesn't that just sound better than some silly oath?”
“It does, in a manner of speaking. It is an odd feeling, but not unwelcome.”
The fire in the belly of the stove was almost out now, and the daylight from outside was quickly waning as night approached. The breeze from earlier that day was gone, and the trees stood still, silently beckoning for Luna's heavenly blanket to arrive.
“It's time for bed,” Fluttershy observed as she looked out her kitchen window. She yawned squeakily. “I am very tired. What about you, Grim?”
Grim yawned in turn. “Yes, I believe I could do with some sleep myself. Today has been an interesting one to say the least.”
“Where would you like to sleep? I have a guest bedroom upstairs that you can have to yourself.”
“Something tells me your bed would not be able to accommodate my size. No, thank you; the floor in the living room is more than adequate.”
“But it can't be good for sleeping. Are you sure you don't want to try the bed at least?”
“I am sure,” Grim affirmed. “Besides, it is much easier for me to sleep with my wings spread out. Do not worry about me.”
The two ponies walked through the entryway into the living room. Grim prepared to lay down as Fluttershy made to ascend the stairs to her room. “Goodnight Grim. I hope you sleep well.”
Grim gave a final half-bow. “Goodnight, Fluttershy.”
As Fluttershy climbed the stairs, her heart skipped a little. She hazily registered the small jolt of excitement she had felt at hearing Grim say her name like he had. She entered her room at the top of the stairs, pulled back to covers on her bed, and settled in for the night. As she lay there, sleep overtaking her, her mind straddled the elusive border between consciousness and the world of dreams. A thought suddenly came to her, and in a flash was lost to that mental oblivion. She would not recall it the next morning, but for a fraction of a second she distinctly thought 'He's exactly how I imagined he would be.'
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Col. Calamity
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1125
| 4 |
Angel,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone
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A dark, stern figure rocks Fluttershy's introverted world. Both have life lessons for the other.
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incomplete
| 36 | 4 |
<p>Fluttershy is disturbed at home by the appearance of a dark and mysterious stranger. His body broken and she with little other choice, Fluttershy takes him in and tends his wounds. This marks the beginning of a budding relationship, a journey of two hearts with vastly different views on life, and how they ultimately learn from one another.</p>
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everyone
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2012-01-10T02:41:40+00:00
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2012-01-10T02:41:40+00:00
| 3,154 |
Grim braced himself as he descended upon the rocky earth beneath him. He pulled up just above the ground, and his hooves produced an uneven thud as he touched down. He stopped to relish the feeling of flight, the fluid response of his muscles, and the familiar weight of his plated body. 'My recovery was even better than expected,' Grim thought to himself. 'Left is still a bit sore, but the break mended perfectly.'
He fully stretched his wings, arched his back, and groaned. The weight of the armor assemblies on either side was a welcome burden. The breast piece at his front and the plates across his back felt cool on his coat from his time in flight. The bracers on his legs hugged his muscles with a distinct familiarity, and his helmet was snug about his head, serving partially to keep his mane out of his face. His armor had become part of him, like a second skin, since the day he had imprinted himself upon it, and not wearing it made him feel...off. He was of course more lithe without it, but not so much as to grant an advantage in combat, and that was the point of the matter. After all, his body was attuned expressly for raw power, not agility.
'Now, what caliber of beast did I dispatch that day?' Grim had landed near the corpse of a large animal. It was an enormous thing; green scales glittered in the early morning sun, its massive leathery wings were unfurled on either side, and the limbs and tail were splayed in all directions. It was the corpse of a dragon, the male he had been tracking in that week past. Grim went closer to better examine it.
The head alone was larger than Grim's body. It lay squarely upright, the bony jaw sunk into the earth. Large spikes protruded from the top of the head and ran down the back, reaching toward the sky even as their owner lay dead. The wings were massive expanses of now decaying sinew hung about the stiff, spindly bones. Vicious teeth extended from out of the top of the closed mouth, and wicked claws accented the arms and legs. The green scales of the dragon's hide were closely knit together to form a natural armor Grim knew to rival the best work that royal smiths in Canterlot could produce. The dragon was truly a formidable foe, and Grim quietly expressed his respect in its death.
Copious amounts of ruby red substance had pooled and congealed in the indentation made by the corpse as it had fallen; dragon's blood. Grim took this to be indicative of the fatal wound and strode past the front of the snout on the left side, back toward the neck and rest of the body. He quickly found the source of the blood. A brutal laceration arced from just behind the jaw to the base of the throat, rending the flesh deeply.
The fatal wound was gaping now, the tissue sagging with the decay of the body, but Grim's masterful eyes could tell that the cut was almost surgical in its execution. He stepped back and slowly brought his right wing to bear. As it came horizontal, the armor assembly covering the wing hand began to move. Grim's wing jerked, and the brush of metal and mechanical clicking could be heard. The staggered plates within the assembly slid outward, the outer four going past the ends of their support rails. By some marvel of mechanics the last three plates were pivoted upon each other and swung until their lengths were in series, then pinioned and turned out ninety degrees by an extruded support from the fourth. A flat, pointed tip emerged from a hollow within the end plate. The result of this shifting was a large segmented blade extending out past the wingtip, formed from the plates.
Grim brought the blade up to the top lip of the wound. He traced it down its length, the wicked edge of the blade effortlessly shaving away some lingering gore. 'An acceptable cut,' he thought to himself. 'I would have preferred something more elegant, but circumstances considered...'
The pegasus paused, remembering just how he had escaped with his life that day. The images swirled in his mind's eye, mixed with sensations of pain and anger. After he had been grabbed and thrown (a mistake that would not have occurred without the distraction of the second dragon), he staggered to his hooves as the male charged him. With no time to dodge and his wings out of commission, he had decided to bear the brunt of the attack, and quickly formed the blade from his armor. Grim remembered repeating to himself one of his personal creeds: “If you are to die; die with honor, die with purpose, and die with your opponent.”
The dragon pounded the ground, plodding at top speed toward Grim. He opened his jaw wide, presumably to make the kill with his teeth, and lunged. Grim was just quick enough to feint left, missing the onslaught of fangs. The memory played through Grim's mind in slow motion. The dragon's head sailed past him, the glint of teeth passing safely to one side, the snap of the jaw closing shut filling his ears. Grim had retained the presence of mind to strike back, and plunged his blade into the neck of the beast. Between the momentum of the dragon's body and a flawless edge, the blade glided through the flesh, severing muscle and blood vessel alike.
The mortal blow had been dealt, but the dragon's body continued forward under its own inertia, and an extended wing slammed fully into Grim's chest. His breast piece protected him from the impulse, but he was knocked back to the ground, producing a resounding series of clangs as he skidded on the rocky soil. Finally he came to rest, at which point his body gave out; the adrenaline in his system was burning away, and the fatigue and sustained injuries from the encounter had overtaken him.
Grim lay for what seemed like ages. His body ached throughout, with sharp stabs of pain persisting in his legs and wings. He remembered for a while wondering if this was a suitable end, to die after having nobly carried out his duty. For a fleeting moment he almost welcomed the prospect of some creature happening by to finish him. The dragons were dead, but dragons were not the only danger of the Everfree Forest, and danger enjoys company.
But as quickly as this inclination had come, it was replaced with a ferocious need to press forward. He would not die here, and certainly not like this. What ignominious end would that be, to be eaten by some wretched scavenger? It was dishonorable, and therefore unacceptable. Grim steeled himself, and motivated his body through sheer force of will. He slowly rose, his legs feeling rubbery. Once he had taken a relatively stable stance, he searched his mind as to his most likely position within the forest, and settled on a probable point based on his travel that day.
The pain and lack of fortitude distorted his usually impeccable sense of direction, but he gauged his heading as best he could from the sun's place in the sky. With both position and heading, he tried to use his wings to lift himself from the ground and perhaps make his way to safety, but there was simply no strength left in them. They flopped pathetically to the ground under their own weight, and it was all Grim could do to bring them back into his sides. With flying an impossibility, he would have to brave the terrestrial perils of the forest. Thus he began the arduous journey through the trees that would eventually bring him to Fluttershy's cottage.
Grim thanked his fortunes as he contemplated the hardship his body was able to endure. Finished reminiscing, he passed his eyes for a final time over the cut, then to the back of the dragon's head. Satisfied that the male was dead, he withdrew from the body and readied his wings. He gave the feathered structures a mighty thrust, propelling his large form into the air with ease. He had always loved the noise his wings made when flapping. The sound of air rushing, being pushed back as he cut through it, seemed to him a small miracle each and every time.
He flew up the side of the mountain to where the female's body had fallen. Large boulders dotted much the mountain's surface. The crevices between the rocks and the earth provided shelter for young trees, and many had grown to adulthood, seemingly growing out from the sides of the boulders. Grim soon found the remains of the monster nestled among the boulders foliage, and landed on an overhanging rock above. He looked out over the edge to assess the damage he had done during his battle that day past. There was a clear discontinuity in the arm he remembered breaking. He couldn't tell about the wing joint, but if his memory was any indication, the dragon's fall was proof enough.
Grim jumped down from the rock, picking his way carefully to stand beside the neck of the beast. He analyzed the expanse briefly, looking for some sign of the place where he had struck her. He soon found a wide ring where the pattern of scales was somewhat skewed, and blood had pooled behind to seep between the small discontinuities. At this discovery he pressed the tip of his blade into the rotting flesh, navigating the hide and meat like a knife through butter. He dug down to the bone and cleared away the attached sinew over where he believed he had struck the killing blow. It wasn't long before he located the telling vertebra, and he pulled back his blade.
Grim's thoughts lingered over how the dragon had died as he made an analysis of the vertebra. 'Applied force almost symmetrical about the axis through the posterior. Arches collapsed inward. Centrum effectively crushed.' Grim lifted his wing, and it jerked again as the armor's mechanical workings retracted the blade and reformed into a cascade. “Instant,” he grunted at the final click of his armor before it went still. “A truly elegant way to end a life.” He sighed heavily and folded his wing. “But how much elegance can be found in something so needless as this?”
Grim moved away from the neck and came to sit next to dragon's head. The scales were a vibrant orange, giving off a soft glow in the sun, suggesting life even though Grim knew her to be dead for two weeks now. He looked at the large lidded eye and spoke softly, almost as if expecting a response. “What purpose did it serve to attack me? If I bore you any ill will, I would have struck first; could you not see that? What was the point in throwing away your life?” Grim pondered his own question, attempting to derive an answer through some vague analysis of the dragon's behavior that day. Coming to nothing, he stamped his hoof on the rock beneath him, cracking it. “Why?!,” he half yelled. “Why does it always come to this? You are sentient beings, capable of speech and reason. You can master yourselves, discard these monstrous impulses. Why do you not?!”
Grim continued to look at the eye, still shielded from view. There was no reaction from the dead beast. He knew there wouldn't be, but somehow the lack of an answer infuriated him. He stood and raised his wing again, the armor clicking and brushing to form the blade. He would gouge out that obstinate eye, deliver retribution for the crime of ignorance, make his anger known. Then Grim stopped. Self reproach replaced the anger inside him, and he reformed his armor. He gave another heavy sigh, closed his eyes, and hung his head.
“Anger will solve nothing; neither will desecrating a corpse,” he said to himself. “Why does this always enrage me so; how does slaying a beast illicit such a reaction? What keeps me from performing my duty and simply moving on?”
At this series of questions, a small melancholy voice within Grim's mind piped up, offering the answer. 'It's because you're just like them.'
“Just like them,” Grim murmured slowly. He sat down in silence and stared at the insides of his eyelids for a long time. He listened at the slow expansion and contraction of his powerful lungs, at the dull thud of blood being pumped from his burdened heart. “Just like them,” he repeated. “Is that the true answer?” He began to rationalize this simple statement. “All my life I have been feared by those who saw me. I could hear their whispers behind my back, feel the sting of their gazing.” He raised his wings and held them in front of his face, mulling the feathery contour of their bottoms. “My size has always intimidated others. But to show such disdain?”
Suddenly another voice from within spoke, this one extremely harsh. 'How could they not fear you? You're a monster.'
“A monster,” said Grim sullenly. “Like all the dragons I have slain. Monsters, slaves to their natures, unwilling to comport or restrain themselves, defectors from reason. Could I be such a creature?”
'Do you deny it?,' asked the voice.
Grim answered, willing his logic to prevail. “I am more than capable of holding dominion over my emotions and faculties. This alone is sufficient to set me apart.”
'But how long can that last? You can try, but everyone slips up, even you. And when you lose control, you certainly make a grand display. Don't you remember? Of course you do. And what's to say you won't stop the next time? What could stop you next time?'
At this a third internal voice chimed in. It was small, but very clear. 'She never thought you were a monster. Even after that instance. She saw you for what you were; befriended you.'
“My first real friend,” Grim breathed. “The first of very few.”
'What of your friends?,' shot the harsh voice. 'What can be said of a relationship spawned from convenience and circumstance? Besides, isn't it odd that all of your so-called friends possess strength nearly parallel to your own? Pathetic, if a requisite for friendship is lack of fear.'
'Not necessarily. Not anymore,' came the small voice, gaining strength. 'Think back to last night...'
“Fluttershy,” Grim whispered. He had regained sovereignty over his mind, and was sifting through the images and conversation of the previous night. “She never once shrank away from me; never gave me a look of fear. On the contrary, she seemed almost content with me.” Grim blinked slowly. He lowered his wings to his sides, and his tail flicked as he thought about the yellow pegasus. “It is odd though. Her demeanor is so...subdued, so meek. I would expect nothing short of terror, but it was she who proposed friendship. She wished to befriend me.”
The warrior pegasus's voice became more sure. “She rejected fealty, and instead chose friendship. She took great pains to care for me, citing the only reason as kindness. I must find my own way to return such an act. I must, after that...explanation.” Grim's mind wandered to the scene in which Fluttershy had hugged him from nowhere, and whispered into his ear about kindness. That particular display of emotion still puzzled him. He knew what a hug was of course, though he admittedly had little experience with such things. He had only ever met one pony daring (or crazy) enough to do so to him. But this hug was different; very different. Grim tried to match a term to the situation, but struggled. He kept coming back to the word 'tender', but was that it? If it was, he would not be able to know, as his knowledge of these things was limited to say the least. But perhaps his lack of knowledge was proof enough?
Grim shook his head, clearing away the muddling web of reasoning. “It does not matter. I will do as I have said. I will be her friend, and stand beside her for so long as I am in her debt.”
Like a cornered animal making a last desperate strike, the harsh voice returned in his mind, though not nearly as strong. 'But that begs the question; what happens when your life catches up? You don't think they'll look for you? You're Knight Commander of the Royal Lunar Vanguard. You believe you can simply walk away from that do you?'
“What debt I have incurred from the corps has been more than paid through my service. I persisted only at the behest of a friend. My allegiance has now changed, and my purpose honorable. I am secure in my right.”
'Do you honestly believe they'll see it that way?'
“Perhaps not. But I am Knight Commander of the Royal Lunar Vanguard. What match do they have for me?”
'They wouldn't need to defeat you. Judging from your new friend's disposition, all it would take is a good scare. The moment you show your true self, she'll reject you entirely. Where will you be then?'
“A moot point. Should the situation arise, I will handle it without confrontation.”
'We shall see,' the voice countered.
“So we shall,” Grim finished. He glanced once more at the female dragon's body before him. “There is nothing more to be gained from dwelling on this,” he told himself. “I should take my leave. I would imagine Fluttershy will wake soon. She may think it rude of me to wander without informing her.”
- - - - -
Fluttershy rolled onto her side, away from the intrusive sunlight shining through her window. Her mane flopped across her face, but she didn't really mind. Though she had already forgotten it, she knew she had been having a wonderful dream, and was trying to conjure it again. Her eyes flitted back and forth beneath their lids, her synapses fired rapidly, trying to dredge the pleasant illusion from that dark abyss where all dreams go to be erased. Her body was enveloped in her bed covers, and her stillness made her feel as if she was floating idly in that world of dark, her hooves lazily snatching at fractions of memory. As she lay there concentrating, she could hear from outside a strange sound. It was like the report of flapping, but each downstroke sounded much louder than what it should. Listening she could envision a grand pair of arching wings, moving through the air with ease, the dark colored feathers absorbing the sunlight.
Breaking away from her attempt at dream recovery, Fluttershy tried to think of what could be making such a sound. It wouldn't be Rainbow Dash; not this early. Other than a pegasus, she didn't know of any animals that would make noise like that. But then who...? Without warning the answer snapped to the forefront of her brain. She scurried out of bed, struggling with her wings against the covers, and fluttered to her bedroom window to see if she was correct. It took a moment of almost frantically casting her eyes over the yard, but she eventually found the iron gray figure contrasted with the green grass. Sure enough, there was Grim touching down in her front yard. Fluttershy could see that he had discarded the wrappings about his wings, and had even managed to put his armor on.
'What does he think he's doing?,' Fluttershy asked herself. 'He shouldn't be flying for another two weeks at least. I have to stop him before he hurts himself.' She hastily trotted out of her bedroom and down the stairs into the living room. She went to cross to the front door, but stopped as it opened before her. Grim's imposing form stepped through the doorway, the sunlight behind him glinting off parts of his armor.
Fluttershy remembered seeing Grim like this the night he appeared from the forest, but she had thought him a horrible beast then. She had also been able to look him over thoroughly before removing the heavy plating to treat him, but now she could see him in his proper form; a proud stallion, adorned in full battle regalia. Fluttershy tried to compare him with the royal bodyguards for Princess Celestia, who afforded her the only frame of reference she had, but Grim was decidedly different. He was larger of course, but the true difference was in how he carried himself.
The guards were always so hard looking, undoubtedly to deter any possible threat to the princess. Grim did not project this same air; he was intimidating to be sure, but not intentionally so. The guards' armor always looked bulky on them, and their helmets added to their hard aura, covering much of their faces. Despite being made of heavy plate, Grim's armor was form-fitted about his frame almost elegantly. Fluttershy was mildly surprised at how well he carried his wings; they were folded into his body very naturally, in spite of the shear weight she knew the armor to have. Grim's helmet obscured most of his face, but his distinctive eyes were very prominent, even in the shadow of the sleek, shaped design of the metal.
Grim closed the door behind him with a back leg and bowed his head to Fluttershy. “Good morning,” he greeted in his deep voice. “I hope I did not disturb you. I meant to return before you awoke.”
Fluttershy blushed mildly at the consideration Grim had expressed. “No, it's my fault. I should have gotten up sooner. I'm sorry.” Grim removed his helmet. The part of his white mane underneath rose with the removal, then fell languidly around his neck and partially into his face. He placed the helmet on the nearby sofa side table. Fluttershy watched him, wary of his action, then asked in a small voice, “Um, I'm sorry, but you said 'return'. Did you go somewhere?”
“Yes,” Grim said as he swept some troublesome hair to the side of his face. “Forgive me for not informing you. Such was my intention, but I thought perhaps I could go and return before you awoke so as not to trouble you. It seems, however, that that was not the case.” Grim gave a soft, sad look meant in apology.
“I see.” The color in Fluttershy's face deepened. “Well, thank you for meaning to tell me. Um, where did you go? If you d-don't mind my asking,” she inquired nervously.
“The forest, back to the scene of my ordeal. I had to take stock of the situation, and assure myself that my duty was completed. I suppose you could say I desired closure,” Grim answered matter-of-factly.
“Oh. I understand.” Fluttershy averted her eyes. For whatever reason, she was coming to find more and more that her feelings did not seem to work correctly when talking to Grim. It wasn't upsetting to her that Grim had left, but knowing that he could leave made her ill at ease. And yet the fact that he had come back made her strangely happy. She began to slowly trace a circle with her right forehoof in the wood of the floor. “Um, Grim? If you wouldn't mind, I mean if it's ok with you, could you...could you tell me next time... if you want to go somewhere on your own?” Fluttershy immediately realized her request may come as awkward and quickly appended, “The reason I ask is that I'm still taking care of you. I mean, you are still healing.”
Grim's soft look turned into the slightest of smiles. He nodded in acquiescence. “You have my word. I will not leave again without your knowledge. But it is as I told you last night; my body is made of stronger stuff than I'm sure you believe, and I am no stranger to hardship or injury. I have more or less healed to my original state. My body was quite responsive and strong during my outing.”
“That may be,” Fluttershy said as she gained confidence and met Grim's eyes. “But a lot of times the injured think they're better off than what they really are. I just don't want to see you get hurt. The state you were in, I don't know if I could bear to see you like that again.”
A pang of something unfamiliar to Grim shot briefly across his consciousness. There was little he loathed more than the pity of another, but he knew whatever he felt from Fluttershy not to be pity. Unable at the moment to reason what exactly this feeling was, he discarded it for the sake of simplicity, though he was sure he would later come back to it, and redirected his attention to the conversation at hand. His smile expanded minutely. “If that is how you feel, then I will - what is the phrase - take it easy. At least until you are comfortable with my progress. Is that acceptable?”
Fluttershy perked up, her confidence holding. “Yes, very. I'd like that.”
Grim bowed. “Then I will do so. But I would hope that you never trouble yourself further on my account. I am conscious and cognizant now; there is no effort you can make that I cannot make for myself.”
“Oh, don't worry about that. I love taking care of others,” said Fluttershy sweetly, her spirits lifted thoroughly at Grim's agreeable demeanor. “Speaking of which, would you mind if I checked your wounds? I don't doubt you're feeling better, but I'd like to check anyway. If that's ok.”
“As you wish.” Grim turned and presented his right side so that he might be examined. Fluttershy stepped slowly toward the comparatively towering figure and placed her front hooves upon the scar on the back-right leg. As she did, she was greeted with the warm sensation of flesh and the rock-like resistance of muscle under her touch. She registered the sensation, and for some reason beyond her understanding Rarity's voice rang out in her head, saying “And Fluttershy, don't have too much fun treating your patient”.
The snippet of dialog from yesterday was then gone, just as unexpectedly as it had come. Fluttershy hazily told herself that she still did not know what that meant, then refocused upon her examination. The scar began just under the bottom of the plating cascading down over Grim's sides from his back, and ran jaggedly down about eight inches or so. Fluttershy grimaced at the thought of the pain that must have come with such a wound. “Well, I can see it never got infected,” she muttered to herself. “It looks like the mint leaves did their job. Stitches wouldn't have made much of a difference as far as the scarring goes, I'm sorry to say. ” She rubbed her hooves in a searching manner up and down the length of the scar. “There's definitely a knot of repaired tissue underneath, but blood flow doesn't seem to be hindered at all. Everything considered, I'd say this is about the best outcome we could hope for.”
Finished with the back leg, Fluttershy then moved to the front. She performed the same diagnostic on the sister scar, and came to the same conclusion. “Well, you're doing quite well so far,” she told Grim cheerily. “Now, can I see your left wing please?” Grim complied, and turned to the other side with his wing unfolded and pointed toward the ceiling. Fluttershy positioned herself alongside him, facing the same direction. Standing on her hinds simply to reach, she took her entire right leg and placed it in the crook of the main wing joint and Grim's back, cautiously avoiding pinching it between his back plates and wing plating. Her other front leg she used to pull the wing in question down until it was horizontal. “Alright, now I want you to move your wing like you normally would when flying, but slowly, if you please.”
Grim did as he was bade, and cycled his wing through a flapping motion. Fluttershy carefully watched and felt the muscle and bone of the wing joint as it moved. The motion was fluid and continuous, not jerky or strained such as the telltale marks of wrenching. She watched until she was satisfied, then pushed down on the wing to signal a halt. “That's enough. I think you can stop now.” She removed her leg from the wing joint and stepped back, and Grim turned to face her. Fluttershy glowed warmly, “That's actually much better off then I imagined. I won't bother with checking the break in your right. You'd know if that wasn't mended. I think you were right about your strong body. You made one of the best recoveries I've ever seen.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Grim said, trying to match Fluttershy's warmth in spite of himself. “But do not neglect to give credit to yourself. My body may be strong, but I have no doubt that my life would be forfeit had it not been for you.”
A reddish tinge began to creep up Fluttershy's face. “I don't know about that.”
“Perhaps not, but I can confidently say that I do. Your modesty is nothing short of refreshing, but you saved my life, and I owe you just as much.”
“Grim, I appreciate the praise, but remember what we agreed on last night. You don't owe my anything. My decision, remember?” Before Grim could answer, Fluttershy continued, “You said you've been out all morning, right? Did you have breakfast? Do you want some?”
The soldier pegasus moved away from what he was about to say and considered the proposition of breakfast presented him. Almost as if by cue his stomach rumbled heavily. “It appears my innards have developed a habit of betraying me,” Grim growled, looking down warningly. “Well, to answer your question, yes. Breakfast would be much appreciated. Only if it is of little effort on your part, however.”
“Nonsense. Come on, let's have a nice bowl of oats; simple and tasty.” Fluttershy turned and made her way into the kitchen, followed by Grim. The larger of the two went to sit at the table, again moving aside a chair in order to sit on the floor. Fluttershy began milling around inside her pantry, looking for a bag of oats to prepare the meal. Her tail extended out past the door frame, flicking in preoccupation as she searched. Grim cocked his ears in mild confusion, and listened to the rustling and the pastel pegasus's mumbling coming from within.
“Now let's see. Where was it? Here?,” she said, lifting a canvas sack. “Oh no, I'm out of hay. I'll need to buy some soon,” she mused after taking a close look at the sack she had moved. “And no, not there. Maybe here? No. And I'm out of wheat flour too,” she mused again at the removal of another sack. “Perhaps... No. And the corn meal is gone. Oh my. But wait; here!”
Fluttershy emerged from the pantry holding a half-full sack with the word “OATS” stamped across the front. “Here we go. Now, let's pour-” SSSHHHH. The rip of fabric and the rush of grainy material flowing reported through the small kitchen. The bottom seam of the bag had suddenly torn, spilling the remainder of the contents. Fluttershy gasped. She looked down at the floor, dumbstruck, then held the bag up to her face. “What happened?,” she wondered aloud, crestfallen.
Grim got up, examined the oats upon the floor, and pointed down. “It appears that some of your animal friends decided to indulge themselves in your larder.” Sure enough, there were three field mice struggling in the pile of spilled oats. They had apparently been asleep inside the bag, and were now staring up at Grim in a combined state of befuddlement and horror “I would wager they ate through the bottom of the bag, and it gave way.”
Grim leered down at the mice, disapproval etched in his face. The mice began to tremble under his gaze, but spun round upon hearing Fluttershy's voice. “Aww, you poor things. Did you get hungry during the night? Is that why you ate your way into the bag?,” she cooed in a comforting tone. The mice hung their heads in unison and nodded weakly, not willing to look up at Fluttershy. She gave a small, breathy laugh. “Oh, that's alright. Everyone gets hungry.” She put her face low, next to the mice, and nuzzled them. “We all have to eat, don't we? It's ok.”
Fluttershy pulled her head back up, and the middle mouse gestured with his front paws and chattered something. Grim caught himself thinking this to be meant as some sort of an apology. Fluttershy returned a heartened look, as if she could decipher the meaning of the action. “I understand. Let me help. I'll give you the rest of these oats here. Don't be shy. They've been on the floor anyway. But next time, I would ask that you just tell me if you run out of food. Deal?”
The three mice chattered excitedly, and scurried to Fluttershy's leg to hug her. Fluttershy caressed them back with her spare hoof. “You're so sweet. Now go on and get the rest of your family so you can take this back to your den. And I want you all to share if anyone else asks.” With one last affirmative gesture the mice bolted to the back of the kitchen and through a hewn crack in the back door. Fluttershy watched them leave, then turned her attention back to Grim. Her face had instantly changed to feature a mixture of sheepishness and worry.
“I'm really sorry Grim. I promised you breakfast, but it looks like I'm out of everything. I've got other food, but nothing good for breakfast.” Grim looked on, his expression of disapproval slackened, but still somewhat present. “I- well-,” Fluttershy trailed off with a meek whimper under the sight of Grim's visage.
“It is fine if we do not have breakfast,” said Grim, taking Fluttershy's reaction as disappointment in herself. “An early morning meal is most often a luxury for me. It is nothing with which I am unfamiliar. Do not trouble yourself.”
Fluttershy absentmindedly pinned her ears back, trepidation mounting in spite of Grim's reassurance. “Oh. But you...you look upset.”
“Upset?,” Grim muttered in bemusement, more to himself. He thought momentarily. “Oh,” he breathed as realization sparked in his mind. He assumed a tone of rough remorse. “Oh, no. I hope you can forgive me. I am aware that I have what one may call... a severe face. I will admit that the mice rather threw me. I think that is most likely the cause of whatever you might have seen in my countenance. Believe me when I say that I have no ill feelings about the situation, despite what you may perceive.” Grim finished his explanation with a weak smile.
“So you're saying you're not disappointed? Or mad? Or upset? Or- or angry?,” Fluttershy asked, her stunning blue eyes full of cautious hope, locked with Grim's of stoic stone gray.
“I am,” Grim affirmed, somehow knowing he could say nothing to the contrary. Even as he spoke, he again felt another uncharacteristic twinge, but again he discarded it. “The attempt at such an act of- kindness- is more than enough for me. It is I who owe you a debt, if you will recall. You need not fear for my well being.”
Blushing after the smile Grim was still giving her, Fluttershy partially regained her composure. “A-alright. As long as you're sure.” She turned from the large figure and went back to the pantry, more to cover her efforts at comporting herself than actually searching for other food stuffs. She shifted a few things here, then a few more there, but nothing in the small storage space lent itself well to a hearty morning meal.
With a small huff of defeat Fluttershy pulled herself from the pantry and sat on the kitchen floor facing Grim. “I take it you still did not find anything that you wanted,” the iron gray pegasus stated.
“No,” Fluttershy responded, this time truly disappointed. “I thought I might have had something, but it looks like I'm out of everything. No oats, no cornmeal, nothing.”
“I do appreciate the gesture, but it is of little difference whether I have breakfast or not. However, if I may, perhaps a trip to the grocer is in order?”
“I thought about going to the store. But it takes such a long time to go. I usually have to make several trips when I buy food. And I'll probably have to oversee the beavers with their dam repairs upstream very soon. I'm not sure if I should.” Fluttershy sat quietly in thought for a short time. She then suddenly jumped to her hooves. Grim's seasoned body twitched in surprise. “Oh, but I could go to the store. And you could- and they would- and then-”
“Is there something wrong, Fluttershy?,” came Grim's voice when she had paused from her initial outburst. Fluttershy's eyes were immediately drawn to Grim's, and a quick warm pulse covered her body at his utterance of her name.
“Grim, could you- only if you wanted to- could you go to town, to the store with me? I wouldn't make you do anything, or carry anything.” Fluttershy's pacing was picking up, as it was prone to do when she was nervous and had something to explain. “I just ask because all my friends are in town, and they've all been coming by to check on you since I found you. I know they would want to meet you, and get to know you, and I'm sure that they'd like you, and want to be your friends. It wouldn't take too long. We'd just stop and meet everyone in turn, then buy what food I need, and come back here. Would that be...ok?”
Since he had woken up, this was the first time that Grim had felt any sort of uneasiness when conversing with Fluttershy. Taking special care to navigate the conversation Grim replied, “Accompanying you to the store would be no problem at all. But meeting other ponies is something very different. I will be honest with you; I am not very skilled in dealing with social situations.”
“What makes you say that?,” asked Fluttershy genuinely, her enthusiasm somewhat stymied.
“Well, others tend to view me as off-putting. You have been very gracious not to say so, but I know you have noticed I am not what one would label as 'normal'. My size alone is enough to invite fear or scorn, and my way of speech only serves to worsen things. Are you certain it is wise, allowing me to go?”
“Of course,” said Fluttershy in the most comforting of tones. “My friends are the best anypony could ever ask for. And Ponyville is full of all kinds of nice ponies.”
“Can you be sure? Of your friends' acceptance I mean. I do not wish to cause tension or strife with your personal affairs.”
“You won't have any problem at all. And I know my friends would really love to meet you. You don't have to go if you don't want to, but I would like it if you did.”
At Fluttershy's last words, Grim knew that by obligation he had no other choice in the matter. Reluctantly, he resolved his will and stood at attention. “If that is the case, then by my honor and duty I shall go.”
“Yay,” the yellow pegasus cheered softly as she put her front hooves together. “I'm so glad.”
“But what of the engagements to the animals you mentioned previously?”
“Oh, they'll be fine. They've had two weeks to get settled for the spring. One day without me should be ok. Hang on. I'll get my saddle bags, then we can go.” With that, Fluttershy cantered out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Grim eyed her as she left.
When he could hear her on the stairs his posture loosened, and he released a quiet sigh. 'This is not going to end well,' he thought to himself. Grim's brain buzzed with uneasy thoughts of past times in which he was thrust into interaction with other ponies. Memories of walking the streets of Canterlot, of gathering information from other ponies while on mission, of even trying to purchase some bread in city market districts snaked their way through his mind's eye like painful brambles. He had traveled across the entire country of Equestria, from east to west. He had been to all the major cities; Stalliongrad, Scotsdale, Cloudsdale, Manehattan, Saddleton, and others. Even these cosmopolitan centers, familiar with all types of visitors and transients, showed little acceptance of an oversized soldier stallion.
'Given that, I can only imagine what this Ponyville is going to be like,' thought Grim. 'I am sure Fluttershy is genuine in her belief, but that does not make it reality.' Grim cast his eyes absentmindedly about the entryway to the living room and stairs. He was looking for nothing in particular, but a glossy surface to the left caught his attention. He walked closer, and found it to be a pane of glass inset into a wooden piece of furniture; a pie safe. The piece was aged, and its wear was obvious, but it was otherwise clean and carefully kept. The glass had lost some of its translucence over the years, giving it the reflective quality that now showed Grim the image of his own face.
'Have I made a mistake?,' he mentally asked his own reflection. 'Was I presumptuous in the thought that I could repay her generosity?' Grim's muscles in his forelegs tensed, his anger at himself rising. 'Am I truly that desperate to escape my existence; I leap at the chance to pledge myself to another life? I should have known there would be social barriers. I should have anticipated this. I did anticipate it. I was merely too stubborn in my own wants and convictions; caught in the heat of emotion that should never have manifested itself.'
Grim's legs were tensed to their maximum, shaking upon the very floor. He could see the muscles in the jaw of his reflection bulging, the malice smoldering in his own eyes. 'Now I have supplanted myself in the life of an innocent filly, and nothing can come of this but pain. The ponies in town will reject me, and my past will find me out eventually. I am a damnable fool.'
Suddenly the small voice from earlier that morning rang through the roiling ire in Grim's head. 'Everything happens for a reason. How many times have you been told that? Maybe, just this once, you could take a chance?'
'Trust such a common adage, a meager justification for misfortune or some other happenstance? What good has that ever done?'
'The makings of a viable situation can sometimes lie within one's disposition. Even you can appreciate that.'
'Perhaps. But the corps will not sit idly by. I will be tracked here at some point. And social interaction only expedites such a possibility. Especially considering Fluttershy's friend, Twilight Sparkle. I did not remember at first, but I know all too well of her relationship with Celestia. It would only take one correspondence...'
'The chances of her making a connection would be slim at best. You have accepted much heavier risk before.'
'Those were risks associated with known variables. Another entity provides for an unknowable variable.'
'This is the first chance you have had in a long time to absolve yourself of your past and a life for which you did not ask. Would you make this opportunity a stillborn only out of some preconceived notions of social rejection and comeuppance?'
'Can I be blamed? I am a product of my past experiences. Everything I have known until now tells me I walk toward failure. Aside from that, it is not fair to involve another with my struggle. I have known her all of less than a day combined, but Fluttershy is the most genuine pony I have ever met. What right do I have to even ask something more of her?'
'Fluttershy showed you kindness unparalleled. If you will recall, there was another who showed you similar treatment once. Perhaps this time you could try to not bear the complete burden yourself, and allow the heart of another to work in your life. Perhaps that is the answer to your ultimate conundrum.'
Grim's rage subsided. The last words of his exchange with himself continued to echo in the depths of his mind. “The heart of another,” he whispered to himself. “Is the answer beyond my singular strength?”
“I'm back,” came Fluttershy's voice to Grim's right. “I'm sorry you had to wait on me. I had to find my bags. Is everything alright?” Fluttershy thought she had for the briefest of moments glimpsed anger on Grim's face.
Upon hearing Fluttershy's voice Grim instantaneously wiped his brain clear and reassumed his stoic, controlled air. He turned toward Fluttershy and purposefully widened his eyes in order to feign surprise. “Wrong? No, nothing is wrong. I was only admiring your kitchen. For all of your animal charges, you keep a very clean home.”
Fluttershy beamed at the compliment. “Thank you. I do what I can. It's not easy at times, but it's what I love to do, taking care of animals.” She had retrieved her saddlebags, which were now slung across her back under her folded wings. “So, are you ready to go? Do you need anything before we leave?”
“Not that I am aware. I am ready whenever you are.”
“Ok then. We can go out the front door.” Fluttershy led the way through the living room to the door. She opened it, and a radiant wave of sunshine flooded her body. She took a deep contented breath of the fresh outside air and stepped through the portal, followed by Grim. Fluttershy trotted out a ways down the path from her house, and Grim shut the front door behind himself before following. “Would you prefer to walk, or to fly?,” asked Fluttershy.
“I would prefer flight, if it makes no difference to you,” Grim said as he ruffled his wings. “My small adventure this morning was a good start, but I would like to test myself further. Would that be satisfactory?”
“Flying is fine with me. Should we take things slowly? Or would you want to go faster?”
Grim completely unfurled his wings in preparation for take off. “I will adopt your pace. It is up to you.”
Fluttershy brought her wings out and lifted herself gently into the air, like a leaf being caught by a small stream of wind. She flew up until she came level with a nearby tree top. “Alright. Why don't we go slow this time, and faster on the way back?”
“Agreed,” Grim responded. He raised his wings to their highest position, then with a mighty sweep he thrust his body into the air. The action sent a residual gust in all directions, and Fluttershy was unexpectedly knocked back a ways. Grim saw this, and slowed the frequency of his flapping to lower himself from the top of his take off to her level. “I am truly sorry,” he apologized with a note of worry. “Very rarely do I fly adjunct to anyone. I admittedly cannot gauge my own strength in good esteem. Are you hurt?”
“N-no,” Fluttershy stammered as she checked the security of her bags. “I'm not hurt. But thank you for asking.” She reached her head back and pulled on a protruding strap, tightening the buckle that held the binding about her middle. Finished, she swept some flyaway hair in her mane from her face and shakily smiled at Grim. “I didn't see that coming. I suppose I should have, looking at your wings. But I'm fine, honest.” She gave a last meaningful glance, then cocked her head pointedly. “Come on; town is this way.”
The smaller pegasus ascended over the forest canopy level and began heading in the direction of Ponyville, with Grim prudently in tow. Taking great care not to produce any more residual effects from his wings, Grim flew up alongside her. Fluttershy turned her head and observed him as he powered through the late morning air. Her eyes roved over his articulated muscles, and her ears synced themselves with the almost thunderous strokes of his wings. In the calm of the sky Grim's motion was almost mesmerizing as spots of sunlight were reflected and moved with the metal covering his wings.
Before she could stay her curiosity, Fluttershy chirped, “Is it difficult, flying with all that armor on?” After she had asked, Grim gave her an unreadable look. She immediately regretted asking. “I d-didn't mean to pry. I'm sorry. It was rude to ask”
Grim's mouth cracked into a knowing grin. “Curiosity is nothing of which to be ashamed. I fully understand you wishing to know. If I had a bit for every time I was asked, I would be considerably wealthy. In answer to your question, it was difficult at first. I grew into my wings very early, and they have always been strong. When I fashioned this armor for myself however, it was more burdensome than I had projected it would be, and the weight took some acclimation on my part. Moving my wings was a task in itself, and supporting the rest of my body in flight was another matter entirely. But as you can see, my body gained strength with time. Now I feel uncovered as a newborn foal without it.”
“I see.” Fluttershy pictured Grim as a large colt, trying to support the seemingly impossible weight on wings already too large for him. Then she came to a realization. “But, if it's ok to ask, how do you get it on by yourself? Isn't it at least a two pony job?”
“Ah. A more interesting question, that is,” said Grim, still bearing his grin. “I will answer you, if you will indulge me first. I wondered something as I prepared this morning. How exactly did you get my armor off. I do not mean offense, but such a feat would require a fair amount of strength and mechanical knowledge, neither of which I would have imagined that you possess.”
Fluttershy let out a quick laugh. “Well, to tell the truth, I more dragged it off of you than anything. I had to remove it to treat you properly, and I guess the urgency helped as far as being strong enough. Angel bunny actually found the clasps on your breast piece, and I don't know what he did for the wings. But once they were loose, I did whatever I could to drag them away from your body.”
“I am impressed. Your Angel is an exceptional companion. And you must be stronger than what your appearance would indicate.” Fluttershy allowed part of her mane to fly into her face, covering her sheepish expression. “My turn now, I suppose. You asked how I put my armor on? The true answer is actually rather involved, but the short version is that my armor possess many magical properties, both instilled and inherent. There is a process in the more advanced realms of arcane study known as “imprinting”. This process grants a certain user mental sovereignty over an object through magic, meaning the user can access through his or her mind the capabilities or functions of that object.”
“So what you're saying is that you can control your armor with your mind?,” Fluttershy marveled.
“That is the gist, yes. For example, I have two assemblies on each wing, connected with a ball-and-socket joint. Each assembly has under it two canvas straps that come together with a buckle, which holds it to my wing. By the power of imprinting, combined with the degrees of freedom of the canvas straps, magic moves the straps until they come together. Magic also buckles them together, and even can manipulate the ball-and-socket for better positioning. Bearing that in mind, all I must do to take up my armor is, say, hold my wing underneath the assembly, touch the top of my wing to it, and mentally will the assembly to affix itself to me.”
“That's sounds really amazing,” Fluttershy breathed in awe.
“I am sure it sounds more amazing than it actually is,” Grim replied modestly. “There is much more at work than imprinting mind you. A thorough understanding of the intricacies of Magical Mechanic Theory is crucial, and when dealing with objects that are polymorphic, the mathematics and runic inscriptions can be-” Grim cut off abruptly. He screwed up his face and cocked his ear into the wind, listening intently.
“Grim? Is something the matter?”
“Do you hear that?” Grim's voice had shifted to a deep, harsh rasp.
Fluttershy listened out, now in a state of waxing panic. “I don't hear-” She stopped. Without warning Grim wheeled in her direction and lunged at her, his wings held at full span after propelling himself. She could only watch in adrenaline filled wonder and horror, her mind throwing the scene into slow motion, as the giant pegasus hugged her to himself with his front legs and fanned his massive wings about them.
Her ears pounding from a fear-stricken heart and the cadence of flapping, Fluttershy instinctively looked up from her embrace to try and see what was happening. At first she could see only Grim's mane being whipped about in the air, but in a miniscule frame of time in which it was blown back, she saw something streaking toward them from up above at breakneck speed. In the next instant Grim's entire body jarred forward, and a loud thud resounded above Fluttershy's head.
The now terrorized mare buried her face in the valley of Grim's neck and shoulder, unwilling to look to see what had collided with them. She braced the rest of her body as best she could, and perked her ears to listen, though she really only wished the danger would go away. Initially the only sound following the thud was the continued beat of Grim's wings. Then, like the straining of a tree in the wind, a groan came from where the object had crashed.
“What- what happened? Hey, this isn't the ground.”
Fluttershy pitched her head upward, searching for the face of the pony that had spoken. She knew that voice all too well. Her suspicion was confirmed when she could see a tuft of multicolored hair jutting from somewhere over Grim's neck. “Rainbow Dash?!,” she called, elation building inside her at the knowledge she was not, in fact, in mortal peril.
The tuft of hair moved at Fluttershy's calling, and the sky blue pegasus named Rainbow Dash peaked over the side of Grim's head. “Wha- Fluttershy? What are you doing? What is this?”
“I think it is I who should be asking,” Grim answered, steadiness having returned to his voice, “considering it is you who has landed on my neck.”
Rainbow Dash faltered, nearly falling to one side of Grim's body. “Whoa. Who said that? Who's there?!”
“Down here,” said Grim as he tossed his head in annoyance. Rainbow Dash shot up into the air, then came down to a hover at face level with Grim. She went to say something, then halted as her attention was drawn to Fluttershy, still held closely in Grim's embrace.
“Hey pal, just what do you think you're tryin' to pull?,” Rainbow spat as she pointed at the sight before her.
Grim looked down at his middle to where Rainbow was pointing. He then realized what she had meant by her questioning admonition. “Are you alright, Fluttershy?,” he asked calmly, loosening his hold on her body.
Fluttershy let herself drop through Grim's legs, then flew up to a hover on level with Rainbow and Grim. “I- I'm fine,” came her tremulous voice. “I'm not hurt.”
“What do you have to say for yourself?,” Rainbow demanded of Grim.
“Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy whimpered.
Grim's annoyance was deepening by the second. “I could ask you the same question. What reckless abandon was that, hurtling through the sky with no control of your flight path? Are you touched in the head?”
“Grim,” Fluttershy whimpered more worriedly.
“I have no idea what you said, but it sounded like an insult. You wanna go?” Rainbow put up her front legs and made a punching gesture.
“Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy tried for a third time.
“From what I have seen, that will not be necessary. I should let you go about your business; you will injure your own self soon enough.”
“I'll fly circles around you,you-”
“WAIT!,” Fluttershy yelled as loudly as she could. Grim and Rainbow turned to look at her. Her one spurt of courage now exhausted, Fluttershy then shrank back in her timidity. “I'm sorry,” she murmured. “It's just that you two weren't listening.” She glided to Rainbow's side. “Rainbow Dash, there's no need to be mad. He was just trying to protect me. Weren't you Grim?”
Grim nodded sternly. “I was. I could hear something rushing through the air, and when I saw what I know now to be you, I instinctively threw myself around her as a shield,” Grim explained to Rainbow.
“See? That's all that happened,” Fluttershy chimed.
“Oh,” said Rainbow as embarrassment was beginning to build within her face. She rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. “Oh. Well, I...didn't know that. Wait. Fluttershy, you know this guy?”
“Oh yes. Don't you recognize him? Well, maybe you don't. The last time you saw him, he was unconscious on my living room floor with bandages all over. Rainbow Dash, this is my new friend. This is Grim.”
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Col. Calamity
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1125
| 5 |
Angel,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone
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A dark, stern figure rocks Fluttershy's introverted world. Both have life lessons for the other.
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incomplete
| 36 | 4 |
<p>Fluttershy is disturbed at home by the appearance of a dark and mysterious stranger. His body broken and she with little other choice, Fluttershy takes him in and tends his wounds. This marks the beginning of a budding relationship, a journey of two hearts with vastly different views on life, and how they ultimately learn from one another.</p>
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everyone
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2012-04-13T04:00:05+00:00
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2012-04-13T04:00:05+00:00
| 1,715 |
“WAIT!,” Fluttershy yelled as loudly as she could. Grim and Rainbow turned to look at her. Her one spurt of courage now exhausted, Fluttershy shrank back in her timidity. “I'm sorry,” she murmured. “It's just that you two weren't listening.” She glided to Rainbow's side. “Rainbow Dash, there's no need to be mad. He was just trying to protect me. Weren't you Grim?”
Grim nodded sternly. “I was. I could hear something hurtling through the air, and when I saw what I now know to be you, I instinctively threw myself around her as a shield,” Grim explained to Rainbow.
“See? That's all that happened,” Fluttershy chimed
“Oh,” said Rainbow as embarrassment was beginning to build within her face. She rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof. “Oh. Well, I...didn't know that. Wait. Fluttershy, you know this guy?”
“Yes. Don't you recognize him? Well, maybe you don't. The last time you saw him, he was unconscious on my living room floor with bandages all over. Rainbow Dash, this is my new friend. This is Grim. Grim, this is Rainbow Dash. She's one of my best friends I was telling you about.”
Rainbow furrowed her brow in concentration. “Unconscious? Bandages? Fluttershy, what are you- ?” Then the connection dawned upon her. Her face lit up in her new found understanding. “Hey, you're the pegasus that got beaten to a pulp!”
Grim was very unamused at Rainbow's observation. “That is...one way of phrasing it, I suppose.” With difficulty he suppressed his rising resentment, and proffered a hoof. “As Fluttershy said, my name is Grim. Rainbow Dash, is it?,” he attempted with a polite coolness.
Rainbow pounded her hoof on top of Grim's, not the particular gesture he had in mind, and did a quick aerial back flip. “You got that right. Rainbow Dash is the name, and speed is the game. I specialize in agility, adrenaline, and winning. Nice to meet ya.”
“Likewise,” Grim replied halfheartedly, retracting his hoof.
“Wow, look at that,” Rainbow marveled as she began to survey her new acquaintance. “Those wings you've got are awesome. I've never seen anything like them, even in competition. Are you a pro? Is that what all the flashy metal's for, like your costume?”
“A 'pro'? You mean professional? Professional what, exactly?”
“You know, like a stunt flyer. I figured you had to do something like that since you ended up out here near Ponyville. Were you, like, practicing over the forest and crashed? I know I crash a lot.”
“No Rainbow. He's not a performer,” Fluttershy informed her friend. “He's a soldier. And that's armor, not a costume. I showed you all when you came over that time, remember?”
“Armor?” Rainbow Dash craned her neck to gain a better view of Grim's body. She could now see not only the plating on his wings, but the cascade covering his back as well. She also noticed his breast piece and bracers. “I guess it is, isn't it? Huh. A soldier. What kind?”
“Pegasus Royal Air Corps, Royal Guard Division.”
“Oh, ok. So you're like one of those guards Princess Celestia always has with her?,” inquired Rainbow. She let her eyes wander over Grim's form, taking in the detail. “You look kinda like them, but you're way bigger than the other ones. And you actually talk. I can't get a reaction out of those other guys for anything.”
“The Royal Guard Division does encompass Celestia's personal guard, but there are classes within the division. In reality I am rather dissimilar from the guards to whom you are referring.”
Rainbow furrowed her brow again. “What's with the whole 'proper speech' thing? Where are you from?”
“Canterlot I suppose is the abbreviated answer. It is the location of my quarters, and where I spend my time when not out on mission,” answered Grim, fighting back his fraying patience.
“Canterlot makes sense I guess,” Rainbow shrugged. She looked more closely at the large feathered structures supporting Grim in flight. “So how do you fly? You're totally covered in metal. I've never even seen armored wings before. That's gotta be heavy.”
“It is heavy. But I am quite strong, and thoroughly trained.”
“That's cool. I do a lot of training myself.” Rainbow poked her chest out in pride. “That's what I was doing when I- well, when we- met,” she finished weakly.
“Training?,” queried Grim, a small spark of interest ignited despite his urge to snort. “For what, may I ask, were you training?”
“The Wonderbolts,” Rainbow breathed with awe in her voice. “One day I'm gonna be the best flyer in Equestria, the head of the Sky Team.”
Grim maintained his even tone, warning himself that it could be catastrophic to tarnish any social interaction, especially before even making it to town. “That is a lofty goal. I know a few of the members of the Sky Team, and some racers as well. I find some of them to be unsavory characters, but there are some decent individuals in turn.”
“Oh my gosh! You know some of the Wonderbolts? Could you introduce me?,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed at Grim's remark.
“I am afraid I do not know them that well. The Wonderbolts sometimes participate in joint exercises with the Guard for mobility and maneuver training. I oversee it on occasion, and that is how I came to know them. That is the extent of the relationship however.”
Rainbow's face fell, her enthusiasm shattered as quickly as it had appeared. “Oh. Ok then. Never mind.”
“I am sorry to disappoint,” Grim said, feeling a mild remorse.
“No, it's cool. I understand.” Rainbow forced a confident look. “I don't need an introduction anyway. I'll get there by letting my flying speak for itself.”
“I believe in you Rainbow Dash,” came Fluttershy with soft vigor. “You'll do it for sure.” She put her hoof up in the air in a celebratory manner.
“Been practicing your cheering I see,” Rainbow stated with a strong note of sarcasm.
“Not really. Did it sound like I have been? Was it that good?”
Rainbow put her hoof to her face. “It was definitely something.” Fluttershy beamed at her friend, having missed the slight. Rainbow shook her head. She made to say something more, but stopped as an idea struck her. “Hey,” she directed at Grim, “You said you did training or something with the Wonderbolts right? Can you race?” Her enthusiasm was again increasing. “I bet you can fly fast if you take that stuff off. You want to?!”
Fluttershy came forward and placed a hoof on Rainbow's shoulder. “Rainbow, I don't think that's a good idea. Grim was hurt pretty badly, and he just woke up yesterday. He needs more time to heal.”
“But he's flying right now. Why not? One race won't put him down or anything.”
“He has to take it slow. You remember how bad he looked before don't you? Recovery from that doesn't come instantly.”
“I know, but what's one race?”
Grim cleared his throat to gain the mares' attention. “I am afraid I would have to agree with Fluttershy. Forgive me Rainbow Dash, but no. A race would be out of the question.” Rainbow made to protest, but Grim continued. “I do feel perfectly fine, but Fluttershy has been kind enough to see to my care thus far, and I will heed her advice until she is satisfied.” Rainbow did not speak in turn, but threw Grim a disgruntled look. To salvage the situation, Grim appended, “But, as an aside, I will say that from what I observed earlier, you would almost certainly best me in contest. My body is purpose built for strength, not speed. I doubt all the power I could muster would avail me much.”
“Yeah. I guess you've got a point,” Rainbow conceded. “It still would have been fun though.” She looked out over the landscape in the direction of Ponyville. The sun was high in the sky now, almost at noon position. The landscape beneath them was a vibrant mosaic of greens and pastels produced from the foliage now blossoming forth for spring. “What were you guys doing out here anyway? Were you going to town?”
“We were,” Fluttershy answered. “I ran out of a few things at home, and needed to go shopping. Grim woke up, and he'll be here a while longer to finish recovering, so I thought he could come to town with me and meet my friends.”
Rainbow Dash jabbed Grim playfully in the shoulder, making a soft dunk on his armor. “Well alright. Any friend of Fluttershy's is a friend of mine.” Grim smiled faintly at Rainbow Dash, though he was slightly perturbed at her invasion of personal space. Rainbow addressed Fluttershy, “Hang on though. You haven't been to town at all yet, right?”
“That's right,” Fluttershy nodded.
A mischievous grin snaked its way across Rainbow's face. “So he hasn't met Pinkie Pie yet, has he?”
“Oh...uh...well, no. I was actually going to-”
Rainbow Dash bolted up in the air a few feet, her wings beating at a quickened pace. “Sorry Grim, I just remembered. I have to go do something in town. Like right now. I gotta go.” At that, the pegasus zipped away toward town, leaving a rainbow streak in her wake. Before she was completely out of sight, she stopped and yelled back. “Oh, and it was cool to meet you.” She waved once, then she was gone.
Grim watched for a moment, then turned back to Fluttershy. He had an unsettled feeling about Rainbow's final words to her friend, and from the expression on her face, Fluttershy had a similar notion. “Her last words seemed to imply something. Should I be concerned at all?”
Fluttershy tried to subdue her anxiety about Rainbow speeding off to town. She knew all too well of the duo composed of Rainbow and Pinkie, and the trouble of which they were capable. Either one had sizable potential on their own, but together they were a force nigh unstoppable. Grim had already expressed caution at social circumstance, and Fluttershy could only hope that Rainbow had enough forethought not to be too overbearing with her plans.
“I don't think there's anything to worry about,” soothed Fluttershy bravely. “I'm sure she just wanted to go get some of the girls together is all. Ponyville doesn't get new arrivals very often, and my friends are spread out over town. She's probably just getting them together to make your welcome easier.”
“I see. But before she went, she made it sound as though she had a prior engagement. She also made reference to me meeting someone. Pinkie Pie, I think she said.”
Fluttershy quickly thought out her reply. She didn't want to give Grim cause to worry, but she had a vivid idea of what to expect at some point on their excursion. “That's right. Pinkie Pie is another one of my best friends. She works at a bakery, and Rainbow Dash is probably going to tell her about you so they can...can... ” She had done it now. She knew Grim would pick up on her hesitation. “M-make plans,” she spluttered finally.
Grim cocked an eyebrow in suspicion. “Make plans?,” he repeated.
“That's right, make plans.” Fluttershy smiled nervously.
“What kind of plans?,” Grim pressed slowly. “Not plans for me, I hope.”
“Well, maybe,” said Fluttershy, trying her best not to be untruthful.
“Maybe?,” Grim repeated again.
“Maybe,” Fluttershy asserted.
“You are not sure as to the means or purpose of said plans?”
“I have a good idea.” Fluttershy once more reproached herself for another conversational mistake. She briefly wished she had some of Grim's even-keeled nature.
“Ah. And what, may I ask, is your idea?”
“Well, they'll probably have a cake for you.” Fluttershy was going to say anything she could to avoid uttering that certain word that was ringing in her head.
“Cake?”
Suddenly Fluttershy had a stroke of brilliance. She seized on the possible outlet she had created. “That's right, cake. Pinkie works at a bakery, and just loves sweets. They'll probably make a cake to welcome you.”
Grim's eyebrows righted themselves, the suspicion waning in his face. “Oh. I understand. Well, that is...very welcoming of them. I hope they do not trouble themselves too much.”
“Oh no, they'll be happy to.” Fluttershy instantly began to relax. “They love making new friends. And like I said, Ponyville doesn't get new arrivals very often.”
“Your friends are just as you described, if Rainbow Dash is an example of their collective attitudes,” Grim commented. “Are they all so brash, however?”
Fluttershy laughed. “No, all my friends are pretty different from one another. Rainbow does everything fast. Sometimes her feelings get ahead of her thoughts, but once she's your friend you won't find anyone more loyal.” The pastel pegasus drifted in the direction of town. “If it's ok, we should keep going. It'll be afternoon soon.”
Grim made to follow, still taking care not to use excessive force. “Lead on.”
The pair continued on their way to Ponyville. The remainder of the journey was fairly short; they had made good progress before the encounter with Rainbow Dash. As they approached the edge of town the larger vegetation began to recede in favor of small shrubs, bushes, and semi-wild flowers. Grim could begin to see in the distance the ends of cobbled streets, extending out from in between some of the buildings. A few of the chimneys were emitting wispy columns of smoke, and the sounds of activity could be heard ever so slightly on the wind.
As Grim's apprehension was swelling in his chest, Fluttershy began her descent. Grim dutifully followed, and the two landed on one of the cobbled outcroppings from an alleyway. They folded their wings, the larger with some minor accompanying metallic sounds, and Fluttershy rounded on Grim with an expectant smile. “Well, we made it. This is Ponyville. See? Nothing to worry about.”
“Perhaps. But we have not actually entered town yet, by my reckoning,” Grim pointed out.
“Oh. Well, no, we haven't.” Fluttershy adopted the most calming tone she could. “But I promise there's nothing to worry about. I didn't make us land directly in the market area, so we'll attract as little attention as possible. We'll walk right in, go meet a friend of mine, and go about the day. Easy.”
Grim swallowed his instincts against his better judgment, and decided to trust in Fluttershy's beliefs. “If you can possess such confidence, then I suppose some small amount of faith on my part is warranted.”
“That's the spirit. Come on. This alley lets out right at the market.” The hoof beats of the two pegasi echoed softly off the ground stones and the walls on either side of the alley. Chatter and other noises could now be heard from somewhere within the town ahead, the source of activity drawing ever closer. The shadows in the alley, combined with the contrast of sunlight at its mouth, created an illusion of a tunnel leading to something unforeseeable, an effect Grim thought he could quite do without.
Fluttershy was in front, and was the first to step out into the day. She disappeared for the briefest of moments, her coat blending seamlessly with the crème sunlight. Then her silhouette materialized, and she gave a beckoning gesture. Grim paused just at the edge of the comforting shadows. He slowly exhaled, his proud, stern posture unchanged, then followed suit and stepped into the early afternoon air.
The bustling that had been muffled in the alley was now fully audible, an amalgam of hoof beats, shouted greetings, and pleasant conversation. Grim listened as his eyes adjusted to the brightness of the day, anticipating the instant in which it all stopped, and he would feel the stares of the other ponies in disdain or fear. But his eyes countered the sun's light, revealing the scene of the market and the ponies browsing its offerings. The ponies continued talking with one another, continued haggling with defensive vendors, continued about their business. The instant never came.
Grim cautiously cast his eyes about the outside venue. He caught a few passing glances here and there, but no one performed the usual act of stopping and gawking. Unwilling to compromise his guard Grim told himself he had yet to even step out into the market proper, but the gait he took in following Fluttershy was one of a mildly lightened heart. Fluttershy made her way past wooden crates and stacks of merchandise to a booth set up in an open area of the north market. Grim assumed it to be the booth of a local farmer. Piles of sacks marked with pictures of vegetables lined the front, and open containers of smaller produce covered the booth's counter top. Of particular note were the barrel stacks, four barrels high and taller even than Grim, surrounding the booth. Each barrel had a large centered picture of a plump green apple faced out.
Fluttershy had made it to the counter, and Grim drew up alongside her. He peered over the edge and to each side of the wooden installation, but could find no one who looked as though they were conducting business. “It seems as though the merchant is not here,” Grim observed.
“She should be here,” said Fluttershy. She mimicked Grim in looking around, then turned to possibly find the pony she wanted in rest of the market. “She wouldn't be setup otherwise. I wonder where she could be?”
As Grim made to reply he was interrupted by a loud, drawling yell from somewhere nearby. “Watch out, she's comin' down!” Grim jerked his head in the direction of the voice. He didn't see anyone immediately, but caught some movement out of his peripheral vision. His attention was drawn upward, to the top barrel in one of the stacks; the stack next to Fluttershy. The barrel was teetering precariously, and as he watched he realized the entire tower was swaying, with the timid mare directly in harm's way.
Without a word Grim threw his wing over Fluttershy, keeping it bent so that his long winghand covered her head and most of her back. Fluttershy, unaware of the danger above, squeaked in fear at the whoosh of Grim's wing and the sudden shadow around her. Her legs buckled, and she fell low, nearly into a prone position. The tower strained in Grim's direction, the wood creaking against the metal hoops. It slowed, and as it reached the end of its elastic range the bottom barrel shifted, initiating collapse. Fluttershy squeaked again at the noise; she covered her head with her front hooves, and her body began to tremble.
Three large, apple-filled barrels came down across Grim's wing and back. As they made contact with his armor the hoops clanged and snapped, flying every which way. The wood splintered, and the apples within were freed. They thundered as they hit the plating, their momentum arrested, then rolled down safely into the dirt below. Grim did not flinch at the resulting cacophony, but admitted surprise to himself at the weight of the fruits.
The last of the apples rolled to the ground. The stack had fallen, and the danger had past. Grim checked the other stacks near the booth to make sure it was safe. Satisfied that all movement had ceased, he flicked some lingering apple flesh from his wing and brought it in, then quickly assessed Fluttershy's condition. She was still on the ground, her body rife with tremors. Grim frowned. He knelt down and gave his best effort at an allaying voice. “Fluttershy? Fluttershy, it is safe now. There is nothing to fear.”
Fluttershy's body calmed itself when she heard the utterance of her name in Grim's deep rumble. She uncovered her head and raised it up to find his face. Her voice was weak from the ordeal. “W-w-what happened? Grim?”
“I gave you an unnecessary fright, and for that I am sorry.” Grim wore an apologetic expression. “The barrels near you were falling. I did not warn you, but merely reacted. Forgive me.”
Fluttershy looked around at the scene before her. Bruised apples and pieces of wood littered the area, and ponies were crowding at a distance, murmuring and jostling to try to see what had happened. She tried to process what Grim had said. “I don't understand. What did you do?”
“I saw that the barrels were unsteady, and I-”
A caramel colored pony with a brown stetson on her head came rushing up. She skirted around Grim and went to Fluttershy's side, kneeling down as well and hugging the pink-maned pony tightly. “Oh, 'Shy. I'm so sorry,” she choked. “I had no idea you were there. I'd'a saved ya m'self if I could. You ok?”
“Applejack. There you are. Yes, I'm alright. I'm not sure what happened though.”
Applejack loosed her hug. She took Fluttershy by her hooves and helped her to stand, then turned to Grim with her eyes full of teary relief. “Mister, I cain't even start thankin' ya. I saw the whole thing from the other side o' the booth there. Are you ok too?”
Grim's first thought was to inform the shopkeeper of how careless she could be to endanger pedestrians like she had. He stopped however upon seeing her interaction with Fluttershy, and thought it best to remain reservedly polite. “I am fine, thank you. But if I may, someone else would not have fared nearly as well in the same circumstance. Perhaps you should reconsider how you display your wares?”
“I still don't understand. What's going on?,” Fluttershy asked as she dusted off her legs with her wings.
Applejack took the initiative. “Somepony brushed up against that stack o' barrels ya'll were standin' next to. They started rockin', an' I knew they were comin' down, so I yelled out that warnin'. I guess you didn't pay it no mind, but this fella here did.” Applejack indicated Grim with a nod. “I came back round the booth just in time ta see all the apples fall on top of 'im, his wing coverin' you 'n all. Never seen anythin' like it.”
Fluttershy gasped. She had finally wrapped her mind around the event. “That sudden shadow. That was you, wasn't it Grim? That was your wing. You let those apples fall on top of you, didn't you?”
“I can assure you it sounds more dramatic than what actually transpired. I felt very little.” Grim tapped his breast piece at this. “And as I said, I merely reacted.”
“But surely you didn't just have to throw yourself underneath like that. You could have gotten hurt too, and after just starting to really get better.”
“Now hold on just a second there,” Applejack interjected. “Fluttershy, you know this fella?”
“I do,” Fluttershy answered cheerily. “You do too, although I guess you wouldn't say you actually 'met' him. Applejack, this is Grim. He's the pegasus I've been taking care of.”
Applejack stepped back from Grim and took stock of him with this new information. Her eyes moved from the ground up, over his this bracers, along the profiles of his muscles to his chest piece, then up to his stony but none the less handsome visage. She craned her neck to one side and saw the large, metal laden structures folded and hanging about his knees.
“Well I'll be,” Applejack wondered aloud after having finished her appraisal. “It is you, i'n it? I declare.” The caramel colored pony extended a hoof and smiled warmly. “It's good ta see ya out 'n about. Name's Applejack. It's a pleasure.”
Grim took the hoof with his own, and the two shook. He noted mentally his appreciation for this friend's demeanor much more in comparison to Rainbow Dash. “The pleasure is all mine,” he replied genuinely. “Grim is my name.”
“Grim, huh?” Applejack reached under her hat and scratched the top of her head absentmindedly. “There's one I hadn't heard before. I'm gonna take a wild guess 'n say yer not from around here. Mind if I ask where ya come from?”
It was now Grim's turn to inspect his new acquaintance. Applejack was nearly identical in size to Fluttershy. She had no wings, but her legs showed a much greater degree of muscular definition, likely a product of prolonged manual labor. Grim detected a distinct air of practicality; a hat to ward away the sun, and her mane and tail bound at the ends out of a sense of purpose rather than style. Her speech was very rustic, a complete foil to his own manner, but it was not without its charm. “Not at all. Canterlot is my home. I reside at the Royal Palace, in the barracks.”
“Barracks? I s'pose that'd make you a soldier or som’n?”
“Correct. Pegasus Royal Air Corps, Royal Guard Division,” Grim stated mechanically.
“Well that clears a few things up on my end.” Applejack pushed up her hat and glanced down at Grim's chest. “That sure is some fancy metal you got there Grim.” She then eyed the ground and the fragments of wood and apple strewn about. She sighed. “Did the trick against my apple barrels anyway. I know I said it before, but I'm pow'rful sorry 'bout that. You sure you ain’t hurt?”
“I am fine, and it is of no concern now. Apology accepted. However, if I may ask, I doubt you were able to stack those barrels yourself, considering your height. Is it not unwise to have them arranged in a fashion difficult for you to control?”
Applejack chuckled evasively. “Well, yeah, you got a point there. My brother, Big Macintosh, put the barrels up. Normally I hold down the stall by m'self, and he stays on our farm to do chores. He got flustered ‘cause I wanted ta git the last o' the winter harvest out to make room in the storage cellars, an' he had ta come up ta the market to help me, then go back ta work his share.
“He'd just as soon put 'em up high than arrangin' 'em, an' that's what he did. He's about the biggest stallion in Ponyville, so four high wasn't a problem for him. Speakin' of...” Applejack stood purposefully straight and took a step forward. She seemed to be gauging a point on Grim's neck with her eyes. “Yer definitely a lot bigger when yer not sprawled out on the floor. I reckon ya even got Big Mac beat.”
“Do you really think so?,” Fluttershy asked as she looked up at Grim's head, as though truly noticing his size for the first time.
“Oh yeah. I'd say 'bout half an apple taller. Not much, but just enough ta make Mac jealous.” Applejack winked at Grim and chided, “My brother's always taken a bit o' pride in bein' the biggest around. I bet you two'd make good friends though; he wouldn't mind havin' someone ta talk to where he didn't have ta look down. But speakin' o' bein' around; you mind if I ask what brought you round these parts in the first place Grim?”
Grim was suddenly very much aware of the crowd of ponies in the market. They had maintained a distance, but their rapt engrossment was almost palpable in the air now. He could hear bits and pieces of muttered conversations within.
“Wow mama, who's he? He's like the biggest stallion ever!”
“What was his name? Grim? That's kinda scary.”
“Look at that armor. And those wings. What in the world is a soldier doing here?”
“Did you see how that stuff falling on him didn't do anything? What kind of stallion is he?”
Tension was beginning to rise within his chest as Grim decided how best to answer Applejack's question. “Begging your pardon,” he breathed as he leaned in toward Applejack, his eyes roving over the onlookers, “But perhaps those types of questions are best saved for a less exposed setting. It seems I've garnered some speculation for my actions.”
Applejack followed Grim's eyes. She could see that the market ponies were listening much closer than manners should allow. She gave the crowd an annoyed look and took a step in their direction. “Alright folks, ain't nothin' ta see here,” she dismissed. “Everypony's fine. G'w'on now, ya'll know better 'n ta stare.”
Obviously displeased, the ponies began to disband. They went to continue their previous business, and slowly the sounds of the busy market returned. Fluttershy blushed at the attention they had drawn. “Oh, Applejack. You didn't have to do that. We could have just gone somewhere else.”
“Nah. They needed tellin'. There's curious, an' then there's nosy. Don't be mistaken Grim, we got good folks here in Ponyville. But fer whatever reason we get our fair share of excitement fer a small town. Ponies always gotta know what's goin' on.” Applejack nudged an apple fragment on the ground. “Well, anyway, what brings ya'll to the market today? Just checkin' things out?”
“Not really. We came looking for you, actually,” Fluttershy answered her friend.
“Lookin' fer me?” Applejack gave a short snort of laughter. “That's one way o' doin' it. Well, now that we're here, what can I do for ya? You need som'n off the farm?”
“I do. Several things, if that's ok.”
“O' course Shy. Anythin' fer you. Shoot.”
“Um, let's see. I need...” Fluttershy thought critically. “What did I need?”
“Oats, wheat flour, corn meal, and hay,” Grim rattled off. “At least those were the items that you mentioned this morning.”
Fluttershy's face pinkened. “Oh, thank you Grim. That's right Applejack; I need oats, wheat flour, corn meal, and hay.”
“No problem. Lemme see what I got.” The farm pony hopped over the counter of her stand and began to rummage through the stock she kept behind. “Alright. I got corn meal.” She set a few bags aside. “An' I got oats.” She pulled several more bags to the side. “An' I got wheat flour.” She piled still more bags on top of the others. “But as far as hay goes-” She shifted other wares around and frowned. She spun slowly in place in search of something, then came back to Fluttershy. “Sorry, sugarcube. I got everythin' ya asked for, 'cept hay. I bet I got some back at the farm though. Ya'll wanna stop by later today n' git some? Or if ya want I'n just deliver it to ya t'mara mornin'.”
“No, Applejack, I couldn't ask you to do that. And I don't want to impose at your house. No, I can just pick it up here tomorrow during the day. That's the least trouble for you.”
“Ain't no trouble,” Applejack assured Fluttershy. “I'n come by yer place t'mara mornin' on my way to town.”
“No,” Fluttershy objected softly. “I'll just come tomorrow and pick it up then. But thank you for offering.”
Applejack shrugged. “Alright then, if'n ya say so. What about all this here then? How much ya need?”
“Two bags of each should be fine. That will last a while.”
“Sure thing.” Applejack took a pencil from the counter into her mouth. “C-M, Oat, W-F; two bags E,” she said through her clenched teeth as she wrote on a nearby ledger. “Charge yer town account for this, right?,” she asked Fluttershy.
“Please.”
“Charge to town account,” Applejack mumbled. “Ya'll gonna pick up now, or wait 'till t'mara for the hay?,” she asked, her teeth still clenched.
“Can we get what you have at the end of the day today? We actually had a couple more stops to make. Grim will have to stay here a little while longer to recover completely, so I thought it might be nice to introduce him to my best friends in Ponyville since you were all so concerned for him.”
Applejack finished with her pencil and ledger and placed it back on the counter. “Pick up at the end o' today's fine. And that's nice seein' everyone. So what'd'ya think o' Ponyville so far Grim? It ain't Canterlot, mind.”
“It seems to be a fine community,” Grim stated politely. “But it is odd; I have yet to meet anyone without an accompanying incident.”
Applejack pushed her hat to one side sheepishly. “Ya don't say. Who else have ya met?”
“Well, the first would be Fluttershy, when I strayed into her yard bloodied and broken. And just this morning as we were coming to town we happened upon Rainbow Dash. Or rather, she happened upon us.”
Applejack huffed disapprovingly. “Crashed inta ya, didn' she?”
“It is a recurring theme then, I presume?,” Grim mused with a hint of a grin.
“Yeah, you could say that. She's a great friend 'n all, no denyin'. Wouldn't trade 'er fer nothin'. But she ain't without her faults. Then again, none of us are I s'pose.”
Grim nodded sanctimoniously. “Very true indeed.”
“I like you,” declared Applejack heartily. “Ya talk fancy, but yer alright Grim. I think ya'll'll fit in just fine round here.”
“Thank you most sincerely,” Grim returned with as much heartiness as his demeanor would allow. “I admit reservation initially, but so far everyone has been most welcoming.”
“It's my pleasure.” Applejack spoke to Fluttershy. “So what other stops do ya'll have ta make today?”
“Oh, just going to see the other girls. I thought we should take things easy today. Grim only came to last night.”
“Land sakes.” Applejack's eyes surveyed Grim one more time from the ground up, marking his reserved stance that almost produced an air of rigidity. “Best save Pinkie Pie for last, I think,” she commented pointedly. “Somethin' tells me excitement ain't what he's lookin' for.”
Fluttershy deliberately kept her gaze fixed on Applejack, unwilling to reciprocate Grim's now searching look. “I had the same feeling. I know everything will turn out just fine though.”
“It will.” Applejack nudged Grim. “Well ya'll best get goin' if you still got things ta do. Daylight's burnin'. An' I got some cleanin' ahead o' me, looks like.”
“Don't you want some help with the mess?,” Fluttershy offered genially.
Applejack waved her hoof away in dismissal. “Nah, it's my mess. Cain't ask that of ya. Thanks though. Now g'w'on. You got comp'ny.”
“Ok then. Thank you for taking my order.”
“Any time. Ya'll can come by the stand whenever. It'll be under the counter for ya.”
Grim bowed his head. “It has been a delight, Applejack. Until next time.”
“Same here, Grim. I'm sure I'll be seein' ya again real soon. Take care.”
With that, Fluttershy went right toward a row of houses with Grim following closely behind. Grim waited until they had walked far enough to be out of earshot before asking, “Fluttershy, Applejack was the second friend to make mention of this 'Pinkie Pie'. She recommended that you 'save her for last' I believe was her phrasing. May I inquire as to what she meant by such a statement?”
Fluttershy bit her lip nervously. “Well..,” she began slowly. “Well...what Applejack meant was...was that Pinkie Pie probably has something planned for you. You know, like a cake, like we talked about earlier. We should wait so she has enough time for what she wants to do.”
“I see. But Applejack also used the word 'excitement'. I cannot speak for you, but I for one have never found cake to be particularly exciting. Do you know what she meant by that?”
“Oh, Pinkie Pie is just easily excitable. That's all,” Fluttershy explained away quickly. She was getting better at this. “And you were so calm after the apple thing, she probably figured you just don't get excited that much.” She was getting much better at this.
“Of course.” Grim did not voice his inclination to the contrary of Fluttershy's words, but maintained it nonetheless. “Please forgive me if I sounded suspicious. It merely struck me as odd that both Rainbow Dash and Applejack mentioned her.”
Fluttershy was relieved that she had again avoided revealing the likely inescapable conclusion to their outing. “No, you're fine. Here, this way.” They had reached the end the row of houses, and Fluttershy lead to the left. Grim rounded the corner, and saw a somewhat larger building set away in the distance. It was circular in architecture, and adorned with vibrant colors and decorative accents. It had two stories, and tapered off to a conical steeple at the top. Several silhouettes of ponies could be seen flying on poles around the second tier, and numerous patterns, shapes, and filigrees wound their ways about every part of the place. The word 'frilly' came to Grim's mind.
“Where are we going next?,” Grim queried, though he doubted he needed to ask.
“It's right up ahead; the boutique at the end there. That's where my friend Rarity lives.”
“Boutique? Is she a merchant like Applejack then?”
“Yes. Well, I guess that's the word. She designs all sorts of clothes and accessories, then makes them to sell. So yes, she is.”
“A business in fashion; that certainly elucidates her shop's appearance.”
“Isn't it just lovely? I love coming over to Rarity's on a quiet afternoon.” The pair made their way up to the front door of the boutique. Fluttershy opened the door and stepped through, motioning Grim inside as well. He entered through the portal, and a small bell at the top of the frame tinkled merrily as it was brushed by the door closing behind him.
Grim was greeted by an onslaught of color as his eyes adjusted to indoors. The space into which they had come was less of a room and more of a small galleria. Here and there were racks of carefully hung clothing pieces, each different from the one next to it. Interspersed among the racks were stands hung with fanciful hats and mannequin ponies sporting some of the more flashy or elegant ensembles. To the right of the door was a raised platform with a tri-fold mirror for, Grim assumed, trying on outfits. The air of the place bore the faint smell of perfume, and as he looked closer he was fairly certain he could make out small shimmering particles in the air. 'If ever there was a place I do not belong,' he thought, 'I believe I may have found it.'
“Just a moment, please! I'll be right with you!,” chirped a singsong voice from somewhere out of sight.
“Oh, don't rush Rarity. It's just me,” Fluttershy called back.
“Ooh, Fluttershy. I'm so glad you came by today. I meant to get your opinion on something yesterday, but I completely forgot. I'm finishing it up now. Wait right there.”
Grim had determined the origin of the voice; it was coming from behind a yellow dressing screen near the back of the room. As he watched, the screen developed a crystalline blue aura and shifted to the left, revealing the pony who had spoken. She had a snow white coat, and her tail of deep purple was styled in a large sweeping curl. What could be seen of the mane on her neck was also curled, the rest covered by a very extravagant hat perched on her head. She was not looking at Grim and Fluttershy, but at herself in a large panel mirror against the wall.
“How does it look from the back darling?,” the white pony asked. “I think it looks smashing in the front.”
“Oh Rarity, I think it's wonderful. Maybe one of your best yet.”
“Do you think so?,” asked Rarity said passively. “What about the feathers? That's really what I need your opinion on. Do you think they accent things well?” Grim's attention moved to the feathers to which Rarity was referring. They were stuck in the band seated on the hat's brim and protruded so far out into space that they wilted under their own weight. Grim remembered seeing this a few times in Canterlot, and remembered having it explained to him that that was the point. He still did understand this.
“I think they're perfect. But where did you get peacock feathers at this time of the year? They won't be molting for some time.”
“It wasn't easy, let me tell you.” Rarity continued to gauge her appearance in the mirror, turning her head back and forth.
“Those feathers aren't freshly picked I hope.”
Rarity struck a pose for herself. “We all must suffer for the sake of fashion Fluttershy. And it's not like the peacock needed all of them.” She tilted the hat to one side. “He was able to put up a bit of a fight, but I think he was more than willing to part with these once I gave him a piece of bread. And magicked him into the air.”
Fluttershy giggled. “I know what peacocks can be like. He chased you, didn't he?”
“He did, the silly bird,” Rarity huffed. “For something so beautiful, he was awfully mean. He even made me squeal.”
Fluttershy giggled once more. “You could have asked me. I probably would have had less trouble.”
“Yes, well, it's done with now. Anyway...” Rarity levitated the hat off her head and hung it on a post of the dressing screen. She finally tore herself from her reflection and did an about face to speak with her friend. “What brings you-” She stopped as she registered Grim standing beside Fluttershy.
“Oh no, I'm terribly sorry sir,” Rarity apologized. She hurried over to the two in front of the door. “I didn't realize you had come in as well. I-” Even as she spoke, recognition crept across her face. “Begging your pardon, but I want to say I know you. And yet I can't place you.”
“I wouldn't say you know him, but you have seen him before. Remember?,” coaxed Fluttershy.
“I like to think I would remember when and where I saw somepony like him,” Rarity muttered to her friend.
Grim was unsure of how Rarity intended her last statement, but acted as though he had not heard, and instead bravely attempted to smooth the conversation along. “Excuse me madam, but perhaps I can provide frame of reference. If my guess is correct, you at one time saw me as I was in Fluttershy's care. Does that help?”
Rarity squinted up at Grim as she processed the clue given her. Her face then lit up, and her eyes grew wide and sparked with glee. “You're that stallion from the forest aren't you?,” she exclaimed.
“I am. My name is Grim.” The pegasus bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you Miss- Rarity- I believe it is?”
“Oh my, such manners,” Rarity breathed. “I-I mean yes. Yes, that's right. And Rarity will be just fine, thank you.” She blushed. “I must say, it's good to see that you're finally up. It seems like it's been ages since Fluttershy found you.”
“It has been two weeks, yes. But thanks to her care, I am feeling much better. Thank you for your concern.”
“Of course, dear, of course. But wait. When exactly did you wake up? I only visited Fluttershy yesterday afternoon. Don't tell me I just missed everything.”
“I'm sorry Rarity,” Fluttershy answered. “It happened right after you left. Even if I had thought to call you back, you were already long gone.”
Rarity sighed. “Well, that is a shame. But I suppose it can't be helped. In any case, the important thing is that you're here...in my...boutique...welcome.” She had begun to pass her eyes over Grim, gleaning from him every detail she could. She absorbed the sights of his shapely legs, his broad chest, his lank mane hanging about his muscular neck and back, and his massive wings, all covered by casts of lustrous silver metal. She ended at Grim's face, and was met with a look of searching curiosity, accentuated by his strong brow and stark eyes.
“Is there something amiss?,” Grim asked with distinct grace. He could tell when he was being judged, and hated the feeling. He normally would have scowled and walked the other way, but he knew this was not an option with circumstances considered.
“No,” Rarity said quickly. “Nothing is wrong. My eyes tend to- to wander when I'm in thought. I just remembered something. Fluttershy dear, could you help me in the kitchen for a second?”
“The kitchen?,” Fluttershy repeated confusedly. “Sure. But what do you need help in your kitchen for?”
“Well, not really the kitchen. The back I suppose. I have a- uh- a piece in the back that I can't move that I want you to see. Would you mind coming with me for a moment?” The unicorn beckoned toward what Grim presumed to be the back of the shop.
Fluttershy acquiesced. “Well, ok. If you insist. Should Grim come too?”
“No no.” Rarity smiled apologetically at Grim. “No, I'm so sorry. Girls only I'm afraid. But please feel free to browse. The stallion designs are over there on the rack in the corner. We'll only be a minute, I promise.” Before Grim could speak blue magic glowed around and under Fluttershy's hooves, and the shy pegasus wobbled from loss of footing as she glided behind a trotting Rarity, literally being towed.
The two mares entered the curving hallway leading to the back rooms of the boutique. Rarity made it to the end, almost to a staircase, then hung left into a roomy, neatly kept kitchen. The magic she was maintaining under Fluttershy's hooves evaporated, landing her unsteadily on the ground.
“Rarity, what is this about? I thought you said we weren't going to the kitchen.”
“Sorry about that dear. I may have fibbed a little.” Rarity poked her head out past the entryway edge into the hallway verify their privacy. “I needed something to get you back here to talk with you.”
“Talk with me? About what? And why do we have to do it here?”
“Because dear, I certainly couldn't do it in front of him.” The unicorn positively gushed the word.
“Him? Who, you mean Grim?”
Rarity giggled madly. “Ooh, yes, him. Grim. Such a strong, dark name. He's just like a storybook character.”
Amusement was beginning to replace Fluttershy's confusion. “What are you talking about Rarity? He's no different than any other stallions we know.”
“Oh Fluttershy, he's so much different. You have to have noticed. Just look at his body; those rippling mounds of muscle, that exquisite posture, a lank mane hanging with effortless elegance, and so tall. And his voice, and those eyes; I think I got chills.”
Fluttershy laughed breathily. “Don't you think you're being just a teensy bit dramatic Rarity? I mean, yes, maybe he is somewhat different, but I don't think he's quite like that.”
“Beauty and drama go hand in hand dear,” said Rarity sagely. “And if there is anything I know as well as fashion, it's beauty and drama. Tell me this; can you honestly say you don't think he's absolutely gorgeous?”
“I...well.” Fluttershy wilted a little at the question. “It's like I said yesterday. I think he looks...nice.”
“Just nice?”
“Nice,” Fluttershy reaffirmed.
Rarity grinned slyly. “If you say so. Anyway, what's he like? Did you find out anything about him, like what he was doing here, or what he does for a living, or where he's from?”
“Oh yes. We talked a good while last night, and a little this morning.”
“Well, go on dear. What did he say? Tell me everything.”
“Ok. Let's see. He's a soldier in the Pegasus Royal Air Corps. He lives in a barracks in the Canterlot Royal Palace, but spends most of his time traveling for his duties. If I understood correctly, his job is to keep monsters and bad things in check when he gets sent out on missions.”
“A soldier.” Rarity looked up wistfully in thought. “That makes sense. It explains a few things, like that armor of his. What else? What was he doing here?”
“He was out on a mission, tracking down a dragon in the Everfree forest. He found it, and another one it was living with, and they attacked him. He was fighting the two dragons when he got injured, and barely made it to my house through the forest after it was over. That's why he was in such bad shape.”
Rarity frowned. “Dragons, as in plural? I don't know about that. That sounds just a little fantastical, wouldn't you agree?”
“Oh no. I mean, it may sound like it, but that's what he said. And it adds up. He had these gashes on his legs, and the burns, and damage to both his wings. He told me the whole story last night of how it all happened. Besides, why would he make something like that up?”
“You've got me. But all we can know is what he tells us.”
“I believe him. I could tell he was being truthful. By- by his eyes,” Fluttershy finished almost dreamily.
“His eyes? What ever do you mean darling?” Rarity's sly grin returned. “You didn't happen to spend last night lost in those perfect circlets of polished marble did you?”
Fluttershy blushed furiously. “What I meant was he has honest eyes. That's all.”
“Honest eyes? Try stunning eyes. Alright, so he's a soldier who lives in Canterlot, which seems reasonable. Still don't know about how or why he's here. What's he like? It sounds like you spoke with him a bit.”
“Well, he doesn't really speak that much on his own. You have to ask him mostly if you want to hear what he has to say. When he does speak, he's very open though. He doesn't smile much; he's been really serious so far. He looks like he would be really mean, but he's not. He's never harsh, but even if he does smile just a little, you always get this hint of a deep sadness. It's never on his face; you have to look at his eyes to see it. But I don't have to tell you this. Why don't we go out and talk to him so you two can make friends? That's why we came by today.”
“Certainly dear. I just wanted to find out what you knew first. It makes those introductory conversations that much easier, that's all.” Rarity walked back toward the hallway. “Now come on. Mr. tall, dark, and handsome is waiting for us. It would be a tragedy to keep somepony like him waiting for anything. But remember, if he asks, we came back here to look at a dress. Have to keep our stories straight.”
The two traversed the hallway and came back into the main show room of the boutique. Grim was immediately apparent against the colorful backdrop of clothing and decoration. He was holding up a vest and tie set by its hanger and examining it, his face unreadable.
“Grim, we're back,” called Fluttershy. “I'm sorry if we took too long. We had to- to look at a dress. I hope you didn't miss us too much.”
Grim put the vest and tie set back on its rack. “Not at all. I was just taking a look at the stock here. Rarity, do you design and craft all these pieces yourself?”
“Every last one,” Rarity almost sang. “Why? Did you find something you like? Oh, should I put you on the riser so we can fit you?!”
“No, thank you. You are gracious to offer, but I am quite comfortable as I am. I also have no money with which to pay.”
“I couldn't ask you to pay darling,” Rarity scoffed. “No, this would be a gift in light of your pulling through that ordeal of yours. Come now, tell me what you fancy. Anything you want, and it's yours. I'll pull it in- or let it out as your case may be, and everything. Really.”
“Again you are very gracious, but I must protest. I am satisfied as I am. I was actually rather pleasantly surprised that the townsfolk paid me the little attention that they did.”
Rarity turned to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy dear, you didn't take him through town like this did you? On his first day up and all?”
“Is there something wrong, Rarity?,” asked Fluttershy.
“Do you find cause for concern about my appearance?,” came Grim with his tone of forced grace.
“Of course not, Grim. I apologize if that sounded ill meant. Believe me, you look absolutely smashing adorned with that glistening metal. It's just that it might give the wrong impression is all. And you could turn so many heads with the correct ensemble. Won't you please let me get you an outfit? I can make one here on the spot, just for you. It will be the most marvelous set of clothes you've ever had, guaranteed.” Rarity gave a broad, expectant smile.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I am comfortable in my present state. I must decline.”
“I must insist. There must be something that strikes a chord. A posh vest? Perhaps a distinguished top hat?”
“Thank you, but no.”
Rarity's smile was gone. Her bottom lip quivered as she spoke unsteadily. “But I wanted to make something nice for you. Are you saying you don't like my work?”
“I did not mean-”
“But what did you mean? You won't accept my gift!”
“That is true, but for different reasons than you-”
“You are saying you don't like my work!” Large tears were forming in Rarity's eyes. “I just wanted to do something nice for a new friend. And I so rarely get to make clothes for stallions anyway.”
“Rarity, I-”
“No, it's fine. I understand. You won't tell me directly. You don't have to. You're trying to spare my feelings. And I must keep my businesslike composure. It's just...just...” Rarity gave an exaggerated sniff.
Fluttershy tried to soothe her friend. “Rarity, Grim's not saying he doesn't like your clothes. Everyone knows they're the best in Ponyville, and I'm sure he thinks so too. It's just he doesn't want any right now.”
Grim's mind was racing. He could not figure why, but the situation was deteriorating rapidly. He had made sure to be polite. He was presumably gentle enough in his dialog. He could find nothing he had done incorrectly, yet the unicorn before him seemed to be on the verge of a teary breakdown. There had to be a way to recover, a way to placate her. Grim steeled himself, and chose his words carefully.
“Rarity, please be calm. If the importance to you is that great, I would be honored to have you design something for me.”
Rarity jumped and squealed with delight. Any and all traces of the coming breakdown were washed away. “I thought you might come around. It's for the best darling, it really is. Now come, come, stand over there on the center riser so we can see you properly. Ooh, this is going to be so much fun!”
Fluttershy huffed breathily to herself with a grin. “You always do get your way with boys, don't you Rarity?”
Rarity leaned in to Fluttershy as Grim stepped onto the raised platform. She whispered,“You bet I do. Now watch me while I dress those perfectly cut shoulders.” She winked, and edged her way to platform's base. A tape measure and pair of glasses zoomed magically to her side from somewhere in the room. She brought the tape measure to a hover next to Grim's mid-back, and placed the glasses primly on her face.
The tape measure extended to the ground, and Rarity made note of the distance. She made similar measurements of different things on Grim's body, smiling and humming all the while, and sometimes giggling. Grim stood still patiently, but watched Rarity out of his peripheral vision. 'I've been had,' he thought heavily with a mental sigh. 'A simple ruse. The most elite combat and negotiation training, and I cannot identify false tears. I loathe irony.'
Rarity's voice broke over Grim's contemplation. She had cast away her tape measure and was now levitating a bolt of blue cloth in the air. “Grim dear, can you please remove your armor for me? I want to try a few things to see how they look, but I can't don't much with it in the way.”
“I would prefer not to remove my armor, if I may submit,” said Grim apologetically as the cloth caught his eye. He could make an educated guess as to what was coming next. “Is that at all possible?”
“I'm afraid it isn't possible dear. I can't simply work around it. It covers you almost completely. There's nothing to clothe. I'll need you to take it off.”
Fluttershy came forward. “But Rarity, you can't make him take it off if he doesn't want to.”
Rarity set down the bolt of cloth. “I know, and I don't mean to push. But I'd like to be able to give him an outfit now.”
“Well, could you maybe make some sketches for now, and we could come back another time? How's that?,” Fluttershy suggested.
“I could. But you know how I am about ideas Fluttershy. They're best when they're spur of the moment, when they're fresh.” Rarity looked up at Grim. “If you let me work now, I think things would turn out so much better. Please, Grim? For me?” Rarity batted her pronounced eyelashes.
Grim was unsure what to make of this. He had heard of such a gesture, but had never been the object of it. “Perhaps we can arrive at compromise?,” he proposed, unwilling to provoke any more of Rarity's persuasion tactics. “What do you think of this?” He partially unfolded his wings from his sides and stood as straight as he could. Fluttershy and Rarity looked on at first in confusion, then in awe as the metal plates girding Grim's body began to move autonomously.
The myriad pieces of metal interlaced to form the armor were sliding in upon themselves, one beneath the other beneath the other. The pieces shielding the flank and sides slid up inside top sheath plates, which in turn slid underneath their preceding plates in the cascade down Grim's back. The breast piece followed similarly, sliding up into itself, until the collapsed back and breast pieces formed a solid, surprisingly compact yolk-like piece around Grim's neck.
The plates forming the bulk of the wing assemblies drew inward under one another along their support rails. Once they had collapsed as far as they would the support rails themselves partially collapsed, finally forming shortened half 'H's on both parts of the wing, joined by the ball-and-socket. Even the bracers transformed, creating unassuming bangles on Grim's legs.
Fluttershy uttered a low “Wow.” Rarity gaped, speechless.
Grim waited a few moments for the mares to respond. When they did not he said, “I take it this will not suffice as a compromise then?”
“I didn't know you could do that too,” Fluttershy said with wonder. “And I thought putting it on sounded amazing. What do you think Rarity?”
Rarity's voice was soft, reminiscent of a trance-like state. “I think...I think it's the most captivating thing I've ever seen.” She approached the riser on which Grim stood and hopped up, gazing as she went at his newly-formed yolk. “May I?,” she asked, indicating the metal.
“Be my guest,” Grim approved. He was wary of Rarity's intention, but was grateful for a distraction from fashion.
The unicorn placed her hooves on the silvery surface. She knew the piece before her to be segmented, having seen it transform seconds ago, but the perfect reflection in front of her was unbroken by lines of any kind. The gloss of the metal produced an image more vivid and real then even her own vanity mirror. It was, for lack of a better word, perfect. Rarity moved away from her reflection, though not without difficulty, and inspected Grim's wings. Due to their shaped front profiles the support rails did not fit together quite so miraculously, but the plates came together in the same manner as the yolk.
Grim had begun to grow uncomfortable. He attempted to redirect Rarity's concentration. “Do you perhaps have a question that I may answer?”
“I do have a question, actually.” Rarity pulled herself away from the armor. Excitement could now be felt in her speech. “Your armor; is it enchanted?”
“It is.”
“And what of this enchantment, the one that makes things move like that? Can it only be used on things like metal? Or maybe something a bit softer, something like fabric?”
“I suppose it could be applied to fabric,” Grim mused after a second of thought. “But there are inherent qualities of my material that facilitate the use of the enchantment, such as rigidity and magic sustainability. Fabric would require further compensation for those qualities to induce similar results.”
“But it can be done right? I could, say, make a design that moves? Like this, I mean.”
“It seems feasible. As I said, the use of fabric would require different efforts; efforts with which I would not be totally familiar. Why do you ask?”
“Because you may have just given me the most fabulous, revolutionary idea I've ever had!,” Rarity sang. “Think of it. Transformable fashion! Literally buy two outfits for the price of one. Casual wear that transforms into evening wear, adjustable sleeves for anything, hats that change accessories for the seasons. The possibilities are endless!”
“That is a wonderful idea,” piped Fluttershy. “And you'd be the only designer in Equestria to have anything like that. I bet your boutique would do so well.”
Rarity's eyes sparkled. “It would. I could even become famous. My talent would finally be recognized in the highest places, my creations worn in the Royal Court. Just imagine. Oh, but I mustn't get ahead of myself. I haven't made anything yet.” She turned to Grim. “May I ask something of you, Grim? Can you tell me who produced this astounding example of craftsmanship for you? I'd very much like to speak with them for advice. I'll need to understand the magical concepts before I can begin.”
Grim could not help but smile a little at Rarity's inadvertent praise. “This regalia was hoof-crafted in its entirety by me. It is custom made; there is, to my knowledge, nothing remotely similar. If you wish advice, I would be the one with whom to speak.”
“You made this, all of this, yourself? But you're so...well built. I would have guessed your profession to be more of a physical type, not that of an artisan.”
“The craft of forging is a rather physical activity, but your guess is correct. I am a soldier, not an artisan. I am not without my leisurely activities, however.”
“'Leisurely activities' he says,” Rarity murmured. “Well then, it seems I need look no further. Grim, might you be willing to help me with my fashion? Not today of course. I think you'd like a little more time to get used to things around Ponyville. But I would be ever so grateful if you agreed.”
“Would I have to serve as a model?,” Grim asked with caution.
“No darling I won't make you do that, as much as I'd like to.” Rarity winked. “No, I'd have you on as a consultant, with the enchantment parts and such. And if you're really opposed to it, I won't force to wear one of my creations. What do you say? Will you do it?”
Grim looked at Fluttershy for affirmation. “What say you, Fluttershy? Would this be acceptable?”
Fluttershy nodded. “I think it's an excellent idea. I'd be interested to help too Rarity, if that's ok. Your idea sounds fascinating.”
“Oh, thank you both!,” Rarity exclaimed. She beamed at Grim. “You are absolutely marvelous, darling. I could tell there was something special about you the moment I laid eyes on you, even if you were bloodied up a bit. On that topic, how are you feeling? I think my manners escaped me earlier, and I forgot to ask.”
“I am not sure of being special, but thank you all the same. And I am very well. Fluttershy's medical care is peerless. Even now, after a full recovery, she continues to mind my health.”
Fluttershy blushed. “One of the most important times for a patient is post-recovery. It wouldn't be right to let you go on your way after just waking up. It could be dangerous.”
Rarity laughed. “That's our Fluttershy. Precious, as always. So is that why you two are out today then? Grim's stretching his body out after being down for so long?”
“That's right. I thought it could be nice for him to come into town and meet all my friends. He wouldn't want to stay cooped up in my cottage. I also may have run out of food, so I needed to go shopping too.”
“That's sounds lovely, a short jaunt into town to stretch out and meet some new ponies. So Grim, what do you think so far?”
“Ponyville is a fine municipality,” Grim said with approval. “The ponies I have met thus far have been quite welcoming.”
“Wonderful. And whom have you met so far?”
“Well, as we were on our way into town, Rainbow Dash happened upon us. After that, we visited the market district to speak with Applejack concerning food stuffs. And now here we are with you.”
Rarity grinned. “When you say happened upon, do you mean Rainbow Dash crashed into you?”
Grim grinned softly back. “Applejack posed the same question. And yes, she did.”
“I knew it. Let's see, that's Rainbow, Applejack, myself...and Fluttershy of course.” Rarity addressed Fluttershy. “So what's your next stop then; the library, or Sugarcube Corner?”
“I was thinking the library. We'll pass that first, and I haven't seen Twilight in a while. After we see her, then we can go to Sugarcube Corner last.”
Grim was watching Rarity for any tells of mood change. He could deduce from past information gathered that Sugarcube Corner must be this Pinkie Pie's place of residence. There were only two friends left to meet now from the five, and Fluttershy had just made it known that Twilight Sparkle resided at the library. Both Rainbow Dash and Applejack had made mention of Pinkie Pie with a cautionary connotation. Rarity could unintentionally provide further confirmation of his suspicions.
“That makes sense. And Twilight doesn't do well with visitors late in the day.” Rarity looked out one of the boutique's windows. The sun was still shining merrily, but it would soon turn orange signaling the fade of daytime. “You know, business has been slow today. It's almost closing time too. Would you mind if I joined you two on your way to Twilight's? I haven't seen her in a few days myself.”
Rarity's response was inconclusive. Grim had observed carefully her facial features and tone. She had remained passively neutral, leaning toward a positive disposition. There was nothing to be gleaned. Either she was oblivious, or was not willing to fuel his possible preconceptions. Grim tucked away his gut feelings, deciding to keep observing.
“We'd be happy to have you along,” Fluttershy responded cheerfully. “But are you sure you want to close early? What if somepony wanted something at the last minute?”
“Oh it's fine.” Rarity had already moved to the front door and was switching her sign to “CLOSED”. “If they want something to wear, they should come earlier in the day anyway. Well, I'm ready when you are.”
The three ponies stepped out onto the pathway in front of Carousel Boutique. The air was mild, and carried a diminished commotion from the direction of the market. A few townsfolk could be seen here and there, but it seemed most had made it back to their homes by now. Rarity led off toward what Grim calculated to be the edge of town.
“Now do tell Grim; you said you're a soldier, yes? What particular type of soldier are you?”
“I am among the elite in the Royal Guard Division of the Pegasus Royal Air Corps.”
“That sounds so official, 'the elite'. And what does one do when out doing...soldier-y...things?,” Rarity asked with piqued interest.
“Well, my duty mainly concerns creatures of a potentially dangerous nature. I-” Grim did not finish his statement. Something bolted down from the sky, landing right in the group's path, a distinct rainbow streak following the object. A dull thud resounded, and a small cloud of dust rose from the ground. Rarity gasped, Fluttershy squeaked, and Grim readied his wings.
Rainbow recovered from her touchdown and flicked her tail coolly as if nothing had transpired. “Hey guys. I was just coming to track you down. What's up?”
“Rainbow Dash!,” Rarity scolded heatedly. “Just what do you think you're doing?”
“Pfft. Landing, duh.” Rainbow tossed her head flippantly. “What's it look like?”
“Ooh, you-”
“Why were you looking for us Rainbow?,” interjected Fluttershy. “Did you need something?”
“Nah. I was down at the library talking to Twilight, and mentioned old Grim here had woken up. She asked if I'd go and find you; said she'd like you to come by if you get the chance.”
“Well that was nice of her. We were just on our way to the library.”
“Cool.” Rainbow shot into the air and hovered. “I'll go tell her you're on your way then.”
Grim called after her, “Perhaps you would care to join us, Rainbow Dash? I presume the distance to the library is not far, and your company would be a welcome addition.”
“Sorry, but I was just going to tell Twilight, then bail. I got other stuff to do. Thanks though.” Rainbow gave a short salute. “Later.” And with that, she was off.
Once Rainbow had gone, Rarity began venting about the indignity of her actions. Fluttershy tried to talk Rarity down, but Grim paid the two little attention. He was immersed in thought about Rainbow's words and phrasing.
'I surmised correctly, judging by her evasion of my suggestion. She tried to portray her purpose as casual, but it was more pointed than that. She used the words 'track down'. She also used 'you guys', not specific enough for Fluttershy and myself. She was looking for Rarity as well. An invitation from Twilight Sparkle, that is the key. If Rainbow Dash spoke to her previously, she would have known Fluttershy's plans from our meeting earlier. Why send a messenger after an eventuality? Unless she wanted to speak with Rarity in particular, and was on the lookout for Fluttershy and me. An invitation...one that Rarity was supposed to receive first. There are machinations at play here. Whatever awaits seems to be located at this library. I wonder-'
Fluttershy's voice penetrated Grim's inner dialog. “Grim? Are you alright?”
Grim snapped from his reverie. “I am. I simply drifted off, admiring the sky. Begging your pardon. Shall we continue then? We mustn't keep your friend waiting.”
Rarity and Fluttershy agreed, and they set forth again. The three soon came to a more open area, with houses less densely and orderly placed. Amid them was a very prominent willow tree that looked as though it had been fashioned into a liveable space. It had windows, a front door, even a balcony affixed with a large telescope.
“That's the library there,” Fluttershy pointed out with a nod. “That's where Twilight is.”
“I'd imagine you and Twilight would get along swimmingly,” speculated Rarity. “She comes from Canterlot as well, you know. She's quite intelligent too, much like yourself. And if you enjoy books, she's compiled an excellent collection. She was even been able to find some books on fashion history for me once or twice.”
“It has been some time since I have done any recreational reading. I may take the opportunity to peruse her selection.” Grim was forcing himself to remain cordial despite the mounting tightness in his chest. Part of him thought his entire reaction silly; he wasn't going into a combat or negotiation situation. If anything it was a simple welcoming gesture for him in light of his new arrival status.
And yet he could not help himself. He had had more social interaction today than in the last six months. He was mentally exhausted, having to constantly evaluate the words and body language of unfamiliar ponies, and in turn provide what would be considered a socially pleasing response. Grim was unsure as to how much more he could take, but he knew that if he wished to remain close to Fluttershy, to keep a chance at repaying his debt, he would have to behave on her terms. This obviously included ingratiating himself with her friends.
Fluttershy made it to the library door first. “He we are, the Ponyville Library.” She put her hoof on the door handle, clicked it, and the door swung wide. She stepped through the entrance, followed by Rarity, with Grim bringing up the rear.
Grim's eyes strained at the shift from daylight to indoors. The library was rather dimly lit Grim thought; an odd quality for a place such as a library. He took in the setting before him. The library truly was a hollowed out tree. Rows and rows of books were organized around the inside, their shelves cut into the wood of the tree itself, and the floor flowed with the grains and biotic patterns of the tree's heartwood. There was not much in the way of furniture or settings in which to read. Grim assumed this meant it was not much of a reference library.
'And yet there should be someone here,' Grim suddenly realized. 'Where is your eagerness, Twilight Sparkle, if you do not come to greet your guests? What are you planning?'
As if cued by Grim's query, the lights in the room came to life. Grim's eyes darted left and right, trying to find the unseen resident, and then-
BOOOM!!
Rarity shrieked. Fluttershy fell to the floor, covering her ears. Grim shot into the air, sending forth a mighty gust of wind. His armor reformed into the combat ready mode by instinct, the yolk sliding out to cover his breast, back, and flanks, his wings and bracers transforming almost instantly. Without thinking he readied to extend the blades in either wing, and cast his eyes methodically in search of a target. Then something interrupted his vision, and his instincts ground to a halt. A small square of blue paper floated down from somewhere in front of his face, and landed on his nose. Another square, this one pink, floated down after, missing his nose and heading to the floor whilst being swept by the beat of his wings.
Grim looked up, and saw a veritable cloud of small, brightly colored squares slowly descending upon him. He recognized it as something known as confetti. Utter confusion gripped the pegasus, so much so that his will to fight left him. To add to the confusion a loud burst of laughter pierced the silent, confetti-filled aftermath of the boom, seemingly coming from all directions. Now that Grim was in the air he could see that the library had a raised loft area, and his eye fixed upon something moving within.
A flamboyantly pink earth pony with an absurdly curled mane and tail hopped onto the edge of the loft, laughing madly. She fixed on Grim with a look of wild mirth, and with a feat of tremendous agility bounded from the loft onto his back. Through her laughter she put her face right next to Grim's and yelled “Surprise! I thought your welcome could use a little bit of a bang!”
Grim was torn between indignation and sheer bewilderment. “What madness is this?”
“Pinkie Pie!,” came another, more practical voice from the loft. “I told you to not fire the cannon until after we yelled surprise. He's probably been scarred!”
Pinkie Pie stood up straight on Grim's back and amused herself with the falling confetti. “But my way was so much more fun. Doesn't that make it the better way?”
“Not if you cause emotional trauma,” the practical voice said reprovingly. Grim looked back at the loft. Three more ponies were standing on the edge, previously hidden from view. Two of them he had already met. Applejack was viewing the whole situation rather abashedly with her stetson cradled to her chest, and Rainbow Dash was clearly near breaking into a fit of laughter to match Pinkie Pie's.
The third pony Grim did not know. She was a unicorn with a purple coat and darker purple mane and tail streaked with pink. Grim deduced that this must be Twilight Sparkle. He had never actually met her during his years in Canterlot, despite frequent personal meetings with Celestia. Grim knew she was Celestia's prized pupil of magic, and she looked the part to a trained eye. Her mane and tail were neatly kept and styled with practicality, the end features cut straight but not unattractively so. Her bangs fell at a longer length than her friends', and most likely hid a more pronounced forehead. Her physique was slight, slighter even than Fluttershy's, but her neck was thicker, most likely a result of protracted amounts of time indoors reading. She addressed Grim.
“I'm so sorry we startled you. Pinkie tends to be enthusiastic when it comes to welcoming parties. We didn't mean any harm.”
“Welcoming party?,” said Pinkie through blowing around small colored squares. “No Twilight, this isn't the welcoming party. There'll be way more ponies to come for that one. This is the glad-you-got-up-from-your-coma party!”
“He wasn't in a coma Pinkie. And even if he was, how is using a cannon to surprise a recent coma patient a good idea?!”
“It gives his wake up that extra kick. Duh.”
“Pink, git down off the poor fella's back,” ordered Applejack in exasperation. “First ya scare the tar out of 'im, then ya stand all over 'im. What're ya doin'?”
“Oops. Sorry.” Pinkie jumped down to the library floor, then noticed her two other friends in their recovery from the cannon shock. “Oh hey Rarity! I didn't think you were gonna make it before the guest of honor got here. I'm glad you got here in time. I knew you'd come though Fluttershy. You wouldn't let somepony recovering like that out of your sight. Looks like your healing know-how is sharp as always. Uh, why are you on the floor?”
Rarity helped Fluttershy to her hooves. “Because you scarred the living daylights out of us Pinkie Pie, that's why. Why in the world would you use the party cannon inside the library without warning?!”
“Because it's more fun when it's a surprise,” Pinkie giggled. “And I think you might be exaggerating Rarity. I know you have magic, but I don't think you've got daylight inside you.”
Twilight Sparkle and Applejack took the stairs from the loft, and Rainbow Dash winged her way down to join the others. Grim watched them all as they moved. His nerves were thoroughly frayed, his patience was at the breaking point, and he didn't know if he could cope with any more surprises. When the six friends had all gathered together they stopped and eyed Grim with expectation, but Grim made no move to descend.
Sensing Grim's trepidation, Fluttershy assumed a calming demeanor. “Grim? You can come down now. I think that was the one and only surprise, right Pinkie Pie?”
“It was the only one I had planned, but if you want more I've got them!”
“NO,” came a chorus from the other five friends.
Twilight spoke up. “Really, it's alright. We organized this little get together to make you feel more at ease. We know you're just coming out of an awful state, and we thought this might help, even if it sort of did the opposite at the beginning. We'd just like to talk, and get to know you better. That's all. Fair?”
As a negotiator, Grim could appreciate Twilight's almost diplomatic approach. There was also a very hopeful looking Fluttershy standing next to her, which gave him little other choice. He acquiesced, and slowed his beat. The confetti that now littered the floor was swept in a large radius as Grim cushioned his landing with a final thrust. He stood with his customary posture, folded his wings, and faced the six mares before him.
“Thank you for understanding. I'm Twilight Sparkle.”
“And I'm Pinkie Pie,” Pinkie said as she hopped in place next to Twilight. “Your name's Grim, right?”
Grim bowed, though he rather disliked the thought of letting Pinkie Pie out of his line of sight. “Correct. My name is Grim. I am...pleased...to make your acquaintances.”
“It's nice to meet you as well,” Twilight returned with a nod and a smile.
“Yeah. I had a real blast,” Pinkie snorted. The others gave Pinkie reproachful looks, but she didn't seem to notice. Twilight pressed forward with the conversation.
“So Grim, I know you've told a few of us bits and pieces, but I was hoping you'd be willing to go through some things one more time. Would it be alright if you answered a few questions for us? If you don't want to talk about something, you can just say so. Is that ok?”
Grim mulled this proposal. He supposed there would be little harm in giving them information. Most of what they wished to know he had likely already told Fluttershy anyway. “I will do my best to answer what you ask of me. What is it you would like to know?”
“Well, I think the first question would have to be what happened to you that day you arrived at Fluttershy's. Don't take this the wrong way, but you were in awful shape when we first saw you. And that was after Fluttershy had that first night to clean you up. What happened?”
“I was performing the duties of my post. I am an elite officer in the Pegasus Royal Air Corps, Royal Guard Division.”
“You're a Royal Guard?,” Twilight asked with a hint of wonderment.
“Is that supposed to be something extra special?,” piped up Rarity.
“It is. The Royal Guard Division is the best of the best. It pulls from all three military branches; the Pegasus Royal Air Corps, The Royal Corps of Magical Enforcement, and The Royal Terrestrial Army. There are different classes, like palace guard and Celestia's personal guard, but each one is hoof picked by the princess or one of her closest advisers. Most ponies only dream about being a Royal Guard, and the pegasi are especially known for their harsh training and tactics.”
“You are correct, Twilight Sparkle. There is no contention that the Royal Guards are the premier force of the military's ranks.” Grim was developing an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. It appeared that Twilight knew more than he previously would have postulated.
“That is so cool,” volunteered Rainbow Dash. “I had no idea there was anything like that for the military. But wait. If you're so elite, then how come you got beaten up like you did?”
A pulse of aggravation shot through Grim's mind, but he remained cool. “I was out on mission in the Everfree forest. My post requires me to liaise with any and all types of creatures that may present or have presented a threat to citizens of Equestria, but my specialty is the dragon. I tracked an accused dragon to a mountain cave in the forest when I was attacked, by both the suspect and what I can only assume to be his mate.”
“You got attacked by two dragons? And you made it back alive? You think you might be making that up just a little bit?,” asked Rainbow sardonically.
Grim had to think of a way to snuff Rainbow's suspicion. He could not deal with any dissent in his present state. He somberly settled on the only idea he could conjure. “What I say is true. If you do not believe me, then perhaps the tale of my body will better convince you.” Grim willed his armor to retract. The plates clinked and brushed mildly, the sounds mixing with soft wows from Rainbow, Applejack, Twilight, and Pinkie. He faced to his left and presented both his right legs.
“The scars you see here were born from that battle. These are only the most recent.” Grim pulled back his lank mane to reveal a longitudinal gash down his neck. “This was made by the claw of an elder dragon. I am told I lost a quarter of the blood in my body that day.” He then stood fully on his hinds. He separated the coat on his chest with his front legs. Underneath was a series of linear scars, two rows of six like tally marks, squarely over his ribs. “This is the result of leaving yourself open by flying directly at a dragon's face.” Grim dropped back to his regular stance. “Does this address your doubt, or should I continue?”
Rainbow cringed. “No, that's cool. I didn't mean to doubt. It just sounded kinda out there at first. But I believe you now.”
“I am sorry if I caused you discomfort. That was not my intent.”
“I got a question.” Applejack raised her hoof in a schoolhouse manner. “How'd you make yer armor do that? I never seen anythin' like it.”
“My armor possesses magical properties. Suffice it to say, it is enchanted to shift itself according to my will. I can control it with mere thought.”
“I had some questions about that as well.” Twilight raised a hoof like Applejack. “I got the chance to examine your armor while you were unconscious. I was trying to maybe get some clues as to who you were. I found a lot of small runic inscriptions on different parts of it, but none to the runes made sequential sense. What kind of enchantments does it hold, and how did you enchant it with your runes out of order?”
“That is a very good and interesting question.” Grim could not help but smile, if only a bit. “If your interest is analytical rather than functional, as I am sure your arcane knowledge warrants, I am afraid it is a question best saved for another, more leisurely time. I would be happy, however, to fully satiate your interest at such a time.”
Pinkie Pie waved her hoof in the air eagerly. “Ooh, ooh, I wanna do one! I wanna ask a question! Uuum....oh, I know. Why do you talk so funny?”
The other friends rolled their eyes at this query, but Grim was regaining his conversational footing and chose to answer with politeness. “Is my speech odd to you? Forgive me. My duty as a Guard usually does not allow for much interaction with others. My mannerisms have developed over the years from diplomacy and presentations of formal reports at Canterlot Palace.”
“That is where you come from then? From Canterlot?,” asked Rarity.
“Yes. That is where my quarters are located, and where I present mission reports and am assigned new missions.”
“If that's the case, then do you need to report back to the palace anytime soon? Will your superiors be worried about you? It has been at least two weeks.”
Fluttershy saved Grim the trouble of answering this time. “Oh no. I mean, he may feel fine, and that's wonderful, but he's not ready to be let go yet. I'll need at least another week to make sure he's back to full health.”
“Under any other circumstance I would gauge my own health, and terminate medical care as I saw fit. However, Fluttershy has been exceedingly altruistic and thorough. I would be at fault to not follow her advice until she is satisfied,” Grim affirmed. “My rank also affords me a great deal of latitude regarding ways and means of my missions. There is no cause for concern.”
“Alright. Well, I have a pretty convenient way of reporting directly to Princess Celestia if you ever need it,” offered Twilight. “And now that I say that, where is he anyway? Spike? SPIKE? How are those snacks coming?”
“I'm bringing them out now Twilight,” someone called from somewhere out of sight. A door at the back of the library swung open, and a large serving cart wheeled its way through the threshold, seemingly by itself. At first Grim thought this to be some sort of magic, but as the cart drew near he could see a small purple body pushing behind it. To his astonishment a diminutive, scaly creature stepped away from the cart as it stopped; it was a baby dragon.
Applejack trotted over to the cart, her eyes alight with hunger. “This is great Spike. What've we got goin' here? I'm starved.”
“Well, a little bit of everything really.” Spike began to name things off with his claws. “We've got chips and salsa. There's daisy sandwich squares and haycakes for light snacks. And if you want sweets we've got cupcakes, double-baked peanut butter brownies, and those two full cakes that I'm not totally sure Pinkie Pie took from Sugarcube Corner with permission.”
Rainbow Dash swooped upon the cart and snatched a brownie into her mouth. “Brownies are awesome,” she confirmed thickly.
Pinkie Pie bounded across the room joyfully. “Alright girls, the food has been served. It's definitely a party now!” She slammed her hoof on a nearby music machine which promptly came to life. A mild, upbeat tune filled the room. “Let's boogie!”
Having finished her brownie, Rainbow joined Pinkie near the music machine, and the two began to dance. Twilight helped herself to a cupcake next to Applejack, and even Rarity took a nibble from a sandwich square. Grim stood in place, unsure of what to do other than observe the situation. He was pondering the miniature dragon at the snack cart when he felt a soft poke just above his right knee. He was surprised to find the dragon staring up at him, a genial expression on his face.
“Hey. You're the new guy right? The pegasus that Fluttershy's been taking care of?”
“That is correct.”
“Cool. Name's Spike. What's up?” Spike held out a set of claws.
Grim put forth a hoof and the two shook, though Spike's claws couldn't wrap around the hoof entirely. “Fascinating,” Grim uttered to himself. His response did not really match with Spike's greeting.
“What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen a dragon before?”
Grim let out a short bark of a laugh. “I have, actually. I have met many dragons in my time, but none quite so intriguing as yourself Mr. Spike. Ah, but forgive me. I have forgotten myself. My name is Grim. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“Likewise,” Spike said, though he looked rather unsure if he meant it yet. “I heard the party cannon go off a little while ago. Pinkie Pie didn't scare you too bad I hope?”
“It did make a distinct first impression, but the initial shock wore away quickly. There was no harm done.”
“That's good. You're feeling better then, I guess. Did you get the grand tour of Ponyville today? Not that there's anything grand about Ponyville.”
“I was shown a few locations. And I would not say that. From what I have seen, Ponyville is a peaceful, friendly community. I would choose it over many of the larger cities I have visited.”
“You haven't been here long enough yet. Give it time; there's usually some crazy situation going on around town, and they're usually in on it somehow.” Spike pointed in the general direction of the mares. “By the way, where'd you come from? I heard you guys talking earlier, but couldn't make much out from the kitchen.”
“I am from Canterlot. My residence is the barracks inside the Royal Palace.”
“A soldier huh? That's cool. Twilight and I lived in Canterlot for a while, before we moved here. The guards there were always kinda stiff, but they were always nice too.”
A spark of curiosity lit in Grim's eyes. “Inform me if I am being too bold Spike, but what is your connection with Twilight Sparkle?”
“Oh, Twilight and I go way back. We've been friends since I was hatched. She was just a filly then. She always spent her time in the library looking for books, or reading ones she'd found. I don't recall how, but I eventually just became her assistant. It's been like that sine I can remember.”
“I see. And what is it that you do in your assistantship?”
“A little bit of everything I guess. I help Twilight organize the library. I help make and check lists. Twilight's a big fan of lists. I keep her calendar and appointments, do scheduling, go shopping. Oh, and I do chores and things, like clean up. Which reminds me-” Spike looked over and inspected the serving cart. Anything that had not been eaten had been removed and placed on a couple of nearby tables. “Yeah, I gotta get back to the kitchen and start cleanup. But hey, it was great talking to you.”
“The honor has been mine. But do you not wish to stay and enjoy the revelry?”
“The what? Oh, the party. Nah, parties aren't my thing. They tire me out. I'll be seeing ya Grim. If you plan to stick around Ponyville for a while, I'm sure we'll see each other soon.”
“Until next time, then.”
Spike put up his arm in farewell, then took the serving cart and wheeled it back into the kitchen. “Absolutely astounding,” Grim muttered. “A dragon youngling, brought up around ponykind. Fully integrated into society, with a matured grasp of social discourse, organizational skills, interpersonal relationships and sense of self. I wonder if he has an idea of the magnitude of his uniqueness.”
Grim continued to contemplate Spike and their conversation when Fluttershy came up and tapped him on the shoulder. The crème pegasus proffered a plate stacked with a couple of daisy sandwich squares and a haycake. “I'm so sorry Grim. I hadn't even thought about it until now, but you haven't eaten anything all day. Here, I know you're hungry.”
Grim took the plate appreciatively. “Thank you, Fluttershy. You are very kind to continue to think of me.”
“It's nothing. But- um- Grim...” A faded happiness played lightly across Fluttershy's face, but her eyes were glassy with oncoming tears. “I- I'm so sorry. I owe you an apology.”
“And why would you think that?,” Grim asked after eating his haycake whole.
“Well, it's just...I knew there was a party coming,” Fluttershy blurted. “I've known Pinkie Pie a really long time, and I knew the second that Rainbow Dash flew away after meeting us that she'd tell Pinkie Pie, and there would be a party. I didn't really lie to you, but I avoided the truth because you had already said you were nervous about going into town, and a party like this would be the last thing you would want. I didn't want you to feel any more anxious than you already were, and I hoped that once you actually got to the party that it wouldn't be so bad. And I'm sorry about not telling you, and about the party cannon, and about not feeding you breakfast, and- I'm just sorry.”
Grim put aside his sandwich squares on a nearby table and laid a hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder. “Fluttershy, there is no need for remorse. I was admittedly suspicious that something was amiss from the beginning, and I was completely aware something was coming after our second encounter with Rainbow Dash. You did what you believed was right, what you believed would in some way protect me. I do not begrudge you for your actions, for they were honorable, if perhaps flawed. For the future, you need only to be honest with me. I can assure you that I am very capable.” Grim removed his hoof. “Does that assuage your distress?”
Fluttershy squeaked and nodded. “It does. I'm glad you're so understanding. Thank you. But you knew the whole time something was going to happen?”
“I did not know for certain. After both Rainbow Dash and Applejack mentioned Pinkie Pie by name, I made a connection. After Rainbow Dash caught us on the road, it was clear that some sort of plan was set in place for me. I must say, I believed myself prepared. But nothing could have prepared me for the 'party cannon' I believe it was called.”
“That's Pinkie. Never a dull moment. She did it to make you feel happy and welcome though, even if it may not have turned out that way.” Fluttershy paused. “Are you sure you're ok?”
“I am. Do not worry.”
The party lasted for several hours, well after sunset. Grim chose to abstain from most of the festivities, such as dancing and balloon popping. Pinkie attempted multiple times to get him to sing a song with her, but was denied outright. In the beginning Grim did not show much zeal in the way of partying, but each of Fluttershy's friends were delighted when Grim expressed interest in their individual talents. Pinkie Pie received a chance to gleefully explain the inner workings of her party cannon. Applejack bent his ear for a time about agriculture and food industry economics. Rarity was eager to begin discussion of her collapsible fashions, but was interrupted by Rainbow Dash wanting to know about Royal Guard training, and Twilight proudly showed off the selection she had built up in her library.
Twilight was in the middle of explaining her research into teleportation magic when Fluttershy came up to join them. She put her hoof over her mouth and yawned widely. “Oh my, I'm so sorry Twilight. I don't mean to interrupt, but I think it's about time Grim and I head home. It's getting late.”
“Is it?” Twilight referenced a clock on the wall. “Oh my gosh, you're right. I didn't realize.”
“We did'n' either,” said Applejack as she walked up, followed by Rarity. “It's been a real nice time Twi', but we reckon we gotta head out. Business hours'll come early t'mara.”
“Yes dear, I'm afraid this is goodnight. Thank you ever so much for having us though. We should do this again soon.”
Pinkie Pie zipped in between Rarity and Applejack and put her front legs around their necks. “Oh don't worry, we will. This was Grim's glad-you-got-up-from-your-coma party. We've still got his official Welcome-to-Ponyville party to do!”
“Is one party not enough?,” asked Grim with fatigue.
“Are you loco in the coco? You can never have enough parties!”
Everyone collectively agreed that it was time to head out for the evening. Twilight bid farewell after her guests had all exited the library, and they began to go their separate ways. Grim and Fluttershy decided to fly back to the cottage, and they lifted off to begin the journey. They had not gone far when they were stopped unexpectedly by Rainbow Dash.
“Hey you guys, can you wait up a sec?”
Fluttershy was fading fast. She was having trouble keeping her eyes open. “Hm? What is it Rainbow?”
“Hey, Grim. Listen I- I want to say I'm sorry- about before.”
Grim looked at Rainbow with confusion. “Before? What do you mean, Rainbow Dash?”
“From before. You know, when I sorta crashed into you. And when I sorta didn't believe you about the whole dragon thing. I thought about it, and I was wrong to do those things. I'm pretty fast, but my mouth is sometimes faster, you know? Anyway, I wanted to say...I'm sorry.”
“Your actions are honorable, Rainbow Dash. I admit, given my impression of you, I would not have expected this. I accept your apology.” Grim held out a hoof. “And I extend my friendship, if you will have it.”
Rainbow took Grim's hoof, this time shaking it. “You got it.” She flew higher into the air and wheeled around. “I'll be seeing you guys. And don't think I forgot about that race Grim. I'll be pressuring you real soon.” With that, Rainbow disappeared into the night.
“That was sweet of her,” Fluttershy commented after Rainbow was out of sight. “My friends like you, you know.”
“Do you truly think so?”
“I do. I could tell at the party. I'm really glad you let me bring you to town today Grim.”
“I am glad you made the effort to introduce me to your friends. But it has been a trying day. I believe a good night's rest is in order.” The two pegasi glided gently on the nocturnal air. It was a clear, crisp night, and Luna's moon shone especially bright. Perhaps it was the moon, perhaps it was the relief of having made it through the day, but Grim's spirits were high. As he flew toward Fluttershy's cozy little cottage he could not help but think, 'Maybe there is a chance for me here. Maybe. Maybe...'
|
Col. Calamity
|
1125
| 6 |
Angel,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Heart of Gold, Heart of Stone
|
A dark, stern figure rocks Fluttershy's introverted world. Both have life lessons for the other.
|
incomplete
| 36 | 4 |
<p>Fluttershy is disturbed at home by the appearance of a dark and mysterious stranger. His body broken and she with little other choice, Fluttershy takes him in and tends his wounds. This marks the beginning of a budding relationship, a journey of two hearts with vastly different views on life, and how they ultimately learn from one another.</p>
|
everyone
|
2013-06-07T21:47:50+00:00
|
2013-07-01T02:04:36+00:00
| 741 |
Grim methodically scanned the room before him. It had been four days since his first foray into Ponyville, and again he found himself at the library, caught in the midst of a social gathering for which he did not ask. This time it was, as Pinkie Pie had so excitedly explained it, his 'Welcome to Ponyville' party. Grim replayed the invitation scene from yesterday in his head.
“It'll be so much fun!,” Pinkie exclaimed. “We'll have cake and games and music, the works! And it'll all be to give you the most awesome welcome ever! All of us that you met before will be there, and anyone and everyone I know will come too. It's the best way in the world to make new friends. And who doesn't want more friends, right? It'll be no time before it's like you've been a part of Ponyville forever, you'll make so many. You just have to come, Grim. I bet you've gone to those stuffy old Canterlot parties, and let me tell you, they got nothin' on mine.”
“Pinkie-” Grim felt foolish saying her name. “I am...very appreciative of your offer. However, for lack of better phrasing, I do not do well with parties.”
“What does that mean, you don't 'do well at parties'?” Pinkie tapped her head and rolled her eyes wildly. “Are you saying you don't like parties? Has your spring-a-ma-bob sprung a sprocket?”
“Has my- what? No, never mind. Pinkie, I would ask that you stay yourself from arranging such an event. Considering my disposition, I believe it is best if I am allowed to acquaint myself with other Ponyville citizens incrementally.”
The pink pony snorted with laughter. “I guess that would make sense if I knew what 'incrementally' meant. But that's ok, because I already made all the arrangements. Everything is ready to go. It wouldn't be much of a welcome party if you had to do all the inviting and stuff. All you have to do is show up. Sounds great right?”
Grim could feel agitation rising within him. “Pinkie Pie, I am not sure if you are understanding me. I am not well suited to social events such as parties, especially when I am obligated to introduce myself to numerous ponies with whom I am unfamiliar. That is my personality.”
“Nu-uh. You had plenty of fun at our last little party.”
“That was with Fluttershy and your small band of friends. It sounds like this party involves the entire town. I am not equipped for something such as that.”
“Don't be silly. No one has a personality like that. You said it yourself when we first met, remember? You said you don't get a lot of contact with other ponies because of your job. Well since you're taking a break, sort of, now you can make up for all those lost chances.”
“I do not believe your logic is sound. I-” As Grim made to counter Pinkie's last statement, the mare began to hop backwards on all fours.
“Don't worry about it,” she said as she continued to hop away. “Just show up, you'll see. I'll send the final details through Fluttershy ok? See you tomorrow Grim!” Pinkie spun in the air, bounced down the street, and around a corner. Grim watched after her, nonplussed.
“If ever I have met a pony touched in the head, it would have to be her,” Grim muttered to himself.
“Who do you think is touched in the head?,” came a soft voice to Grim's left. Grim jerked his view to the side. His tension released when he saw it was only Fluttershy.
The mare smiled uncertainly. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overhear. I just came to check on you. I thought you looked preoccupied.”Grim was sitting against the far wall from the library door in his usual strict posture, with his head high, his neck and back straight, and his haunches and wings pulled in. Fluttershy came and sat down by his side.
Grim did his best to return a smile. “Concerned for me, as always. Thank you, but I am fine.”
“You were talking to yourself again,” Fluttershy retorted with a note of doubt. “You do that when you're thinking hard about something.”
“Do I now?,” asked Grim, somewhat surprised. He silently cursed the developed habits of having spent so much time alone out on assignment. In the days since Grim's awakening, both he and Fluttershy had spent an ample amount of time together, granting each the opportunity to learn about the other.
In his interactions with her, Grim had taken careful mental notes about the demure young mare who saved his life. Kindness and good will were abundant in everything she did, and her altruistic attitude was nothing short of incorrigible. Shyness was a dominating factor in her social mannerisms; she exhibited moderate to acute submission when conversing with equines with whom she was not totally familiar, though this was absent for the most part when dealing with friends. Her skill with handling animals was something to behold, and indeed it sometimes appeared as though she preferred animals to ponies, though this appearance was most likely a product of her shyness. Grim marked it as interesting that Fluttershy's behavior around him was similar to when she dealt with her friends, as though he were a familiar, if only having met in a true sense just days ago.
Though she was often near unwilling to show it, Fluttershy possessed exceptional intelligence. Her knowledge of medicine and dietary habits with regard to both animals and equines was impressive. In her after care of his treatment, Grim sensed a deep and thorough understanding of equine physiology through her methods and observations, despite a confessed absence of any formal training whatsoever. Fluttershy's natural ability to read facial expressions, vocal tones, and body language, something in which Grim had received specialized education, was also noteworthy.
“Yes, you do. Not that it's a bad thing. I guess we all need someone to talk to sometimes. I suppose who better than yourself?”
Fluttershy had in turn been keenly watching Grim since he woke. She didn't like to pry, so she couldn't ask too many questions about him, but it was evident to her that Grim was an unmistakable product of Canterlot military lifestyle. His speech was paced and articulate, and his diction was precise. At times it bordered upon cold and calculating. It reminded her faintly of speech lessons at the finishing school she attended after junior flight camp.
Grim's posture was also telltale of service in a strict and orderly environment. Try as she might, Grim was unwavering, yet polite, in his dismissal of her requests for him to relax. As he would state again and again with his almost-smile, 'I am comfortable. I know no other way to present myself.' Fluttershy guessed that most ponies would take him to be stuck up or harsh because of the way he spoke and carried himself, but she believed that Grim was telling the absolute truth. He really did not know any other way to behave.
Normally this idea would not bother Fluttershy. Some ponies were the way they were, and there wasn't much to be done about that. The problem with Grim was that, despite any answers or explanations he would give about himself, his eyes seemed to wish to say something different. Fluttershy had discovered a certain unexplainable liking for Grim's eyes, but whenever she looked into them, for whatever reason, they held a different answer than the one Grim would speak.
It was almost as if he was a prisoner of his own enormous strength. It was all he could do to constantly hold himself back, all the while trying to quell the inquiries of others, and yet his eyes begged for someone to see, to understand, and to accept who and what he really was. Sometimes Fluttershy was on the verge of expressing this idea to Grim, it nagged at her so. Other times she was able to bury it deep in her mind, regarding the whole thing as nonsense. But even so...
“Hi guys!,” came a familiar, excited voice. Pinkie Pie bounded in between the pair and beamed up at Grim. “You enjoying the party?!”
Fluttershy spoke first. “You know we always enjoy your parties Pinkie. Thank you so much for doing all of this. I hope you didn't go to too much trouble.”
“Yes,” Grim rumbled. “I hope the arrangements were not too much effort on your part.”
“Of course not sillies. And even if they were, I think this would be way worth it, don't you?” Pinkie swept her hoof across the view of the Library. Streamers of all colors crisscrossed the ceiling, supported by balloons tied to them at certain points. Sunlight from the high windows filtered through the balloons to cast a multitude of color across the already confetti strewn floor. Around the perimeter of the room were tables stacked high with sugary treats and fruity looking beverages of every variety.
If Pinkie had not invited the entire town, it certainly appeared so. The relatively small library was packed full of local ponies, so much so that there were even several tables and tents set up outside to comfortably accommodate everyone. Some ponies were chatting away, some were sneaking second and third helpings of the dessert buffets, and some were dancing in a corner to some odd music which Grim had never heard before.
There were also several “games” available for the guests' enjoyment, the points of which Grim was not sure he understood. One game involved dunking one's head in a large metal basin filled with water to grab up certain prizes at the bottom. Another game was played by being blindfolded, spinning in place, and pinning a paper tail to a cardboard cutout of a cartoonish donkey. There was also a hollow paper mache sheep dangled from the rafters, with younger ponies taking blindfolded swings at it with a stick. As Grim had been told, such a thing was called a pinata.
“So, Grim, what'd'ya think? Do I know how to throw a party or what?,”Pinkie asked.
Grim glanced around the room one more time. He glimpsed one of the young ponies playing with the sheep sharply whack another over the head in a poorly aimed swing. He also saw a rather clumsy looking pegasus mare make a valiant winged effort to reach a blueberry muffin at the top of a dessert pile. Her pitch was miscalculated, and she promptly tumbled to the floor along with the desserts, though she did emerge victoriously with her goal in her mouth.
“I have never witnessed another party quite like it,” Grim said in total truth. “You have exceeded my expectations, Pinkie Pie. I am...honored by the events you have orchestrated here today.”
Pinkie had picked up a passing balloon as Grim was thanking her. She bit into the base and sucked out the mass of helium inside. “You're welcome!,” she squeaked. “Hey, when you get tired of doing the whole meet-and-greet thing, you should come play Pin the Tale on the Donkey. It's a blast!” She then leaped away in the direction of the others playing the game.
As Grim watched Pinkie, he could hear Fluttershy giggling next to him. She craned her neck to whisper into his ear. “You know, you might want to at least try and hide your confusion.”
The stern stallion looked over at her. “It is that obvious, is it?”
Fluttershy giggled again. “You look like a school colt during a lecture.”
Grim's face softened into a small grin. “An interesting simile. I am sorry. I did not mean to be rude, but Pinkie is just-. Well, she is very-”
“Different,” Fluttershy finished for him. “You don't have to say it. You'll never hear anyone say otherwise. But Pinkie is Pinkie, and we all love her the way she is. I think sometimes even she doesn't really know what goes through her head, but I believe that just adds to her character. Anyway...” Fluttershy turned her view to the library at large, then back to Grim. “Have you made some new friends since the party's started?”
“I have made some acquaintances, yes,” replied Grim. “Pinkie Pie made no small effort to point all new arrivals in my direction, so I daresay I have at least shaken hooves with everyone here. Most were content with a brief introduction, but others were more engaged. Madam Mayor was gracious and welcomed me to town. The local bakers, whom I understand are responsible for the refreshments, were here, though I believe they did not stay long due their accompanying little ones. Ah, and your close circle of friends, sans Rainbow Dash and Applejack.”
“Oh, Applejack had to go out of town on important apple business. I'm sure she would have come if she could. But you haven't seen Rainbow Dash yet? That's strange,” said Fluttershy with some concern. “She never misses a Pinkie party, not even for a nap. I wonder where she could be?”
“Perhaps flying about, or 'practicing' as I believe she is wont to say?,” suggested Grim. “That comprises large portions of her schedule from what I have observed in recent days.”
“Well, you're not wrong about that. But still, I can't ever think of a time when Rainbow missed a party for practice. I don't know...”
A soft crash and collective 'whoo' from the other side of the room interrupted Fluttershy's thoughts. She and Grim looked to see what had happened. One of the young ponies who had been swinging at the pinata finally landed a blow, breaking it open, and spilling a treasure trove of candies onto the floor.
Many of the younger guests were now clamoring to the spot, trying their best to grab up hooffuls of candy before it was all gone. As Fluttershy and Grim surveyed the scene, Pinkie Pie jumped high above the fray and shouted “Gangway everypony! We got candy here!” She did a half somersault, and dove head first into the middle of the jostling circle.
At Pinkie's declaration of 'candy', Fluttershy squeaked as something burst forth from her mane at the top of her head. Angel shimmied his way through the pink thicket and down onto the tip of Fluttershy's muzzle, where he stood and sniffed at the air.
“Angel Bunny?,” Fluttershy wondered aloud in bewilderment. “When did you get into my mane? How-?” Angel ignored his master's inquiry. He dropped down to the floor below, and skittered through the legs of the party guests, making a B-line for the mound of candy.
“Oh no, Angel. You know you shouldn't be eating sweets. Remember how you get when you have too much sugar!” Despite Fluttershy's plea, the rabbit made no effort to stop and listen to her. He zigged and zagged amongst the forest of equine legs with the singular purpose of getting to the sugary morsels that awaited.
“Oh dear,” said Fluttershy to Grim. “I had better go get him before he eats into an overload. I'm sorry Grim, but will you be okay for the time I'm gone?”
Grim nodded. “Of course. But you had better hurry. He has probably gotten to the treats by now.”
Fluttershy smiled appreciatively, then turned and began to navigate her way through the crowd to where Angel was now most likely gorging himself. Grim remained seated, content with his distance from the crowd's focus. They certainly were different from the citizens of Canterlot, these Ponyville ponies. The air of apprehension, judgment, and even occasional scorn that tended to plague him on Canterlot's streets was almost nonexistent here. Certainly, there were ponies who had gawked a bit upon meeting him, or had avoided eye contact while passing, but this was almost friendly compared to some of his experience.
The young ones were especially surprising. In Canterlot, whenever Grim could be seen in the street, little ponies of family groups would skirt behind their mothers or fathers, who would say something to the effect of “Just look away” or “Try not to get too close.” Often, after soothing the young pony, the guardian would look up at Grim with an affronted expression, as if Grim had somehow wronged their offspring. He had not been out too many times, but whenever the large stallion passed a parent and child in Ponyville, the child would usually marvel at his size or wings, and ask who he was. The parents were decidedly more cautious than their children, but were at least polite, and apologized for the outburst.
Grim was pondering just how the young ponies perceived him, when he realized that three small figures were sitting before him, just within his peripheral view. He moved his eyes downward to see them fully, and was thrown off guard when met with three very intense little stares.
Forgetting himself, Grim simply asked “May I help you?”
The three small ponies sat perfectly still. The one on the far right, an orange pegasus with a short purple mane, responded first. “You're really big,” she grunted, still staring.
“You are very small,”Grim replied, his right eyebrow raised.
“Am not,” the pony argued dully, still staring.
“Not from my point of view,” Grim retorted.
“I just look small 'cause you're so big.”
“Perhaps I look big because you are so small.”
“You are kind of small Scoots,” chimed the pony on the far left, a white unicorn with a curly mane.
“Scootaloo,” admonished the one in the middle, a yellow terrestrial pony with a large bow in her red mane and a drawling accent, “What'd we say 'bout tryin' ta make a good first impression?”
The one named Scootaloo broke her gaze and spoke to second the pony. “I'm sorry Applebloom. I choked. I wasn't expecting him to be this big.” Scootaloo then leaned forward to address the unicorn. “And you and I are totally the same size, Sweetie Belle.”
“Nuh-uh. I'm a whole inch taller than you,” Sweetie Belle shot back.
“Maybe with your horn.”
The pony in the middle put her front legs around her companions' necks and brought them in close. “I'm real sorry 'bout these two,” she said to Grim with a nervous grin. “What we all meant ta say was 'It's nice ta meet'cha'.”
“Yeah, that's right,” agreed Scootaloo with an equally nervous grin.
Sweetie Belle grinned as well. “What they said.”
Grim bowed his head modestly. “And I am pleased to make your acquaintances. My name is Grim.”
The three ponies relaxed back into sitting position.“Yer just like my big sis said ya were. You look like you'd be scary to talk to, but you're really kinda nice.”
Grim was unsure as to whether he had just been complimented or not. “Well, thank you, I believe. Would I be overstepping my bounds to assume that Applejack is your older sister?”
Applebloom nodded, pleased. “That's right. I'm Applebloom. How'd you guess 'bout Applejack?”
“Call it good fortune,” Grim said with a small, knowing smile. “And what might your names be?,” he directed at the other two.
“I'm Scootaloo,” the orange pegasus proclaimed boldly, spurring her stubby wings to hover in place.
“I'm Sweetie Belle,” said the unicorn. “Rarity is my sister.”
“I see. Well Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, Scootaloo, how are you fairing today? Are you enjoying the festivities?”
Applebloom waved her hoof in manner of dismissal. “Aw shucks, ya'll don't have ta bother with all the small talk. We bet yer plum tired of it after meetin' all these ponies. Besides, we wanted to talk to ya 'bout a- uh-”
“A business proposal!,” Sweetie Belle blurted excitedly.
“Yeah, a business proposal,” confirmed Applebloom and Scootaloo.
“Business proposal?,” Grim repeated with curiosity. “Forgive me, but what sort of business would three young fillies such as yourselves have with me?”
Applebloom lowered her voice and skirted back around toward Grim's left flank. “Well ya see, we noticed that you've got some'n in common with us three. Some'n that makes ya diff'rent from all the other grown-ups.”
Sweetie Belle approached Grim's flank on the other side. “Yeah. Something pretty unusual, something that got us thinking...”
“Got us thinking,” said Scootaloo as she nudged herself in at Grim's left, “that you would make a great addition to our team.” She fished her leg in between the stallion's body and wing, and swung out the secondary armored joint to see it better.
Grim rotated his line of sight among the three fillies, his sense of suspicion now roused. “I see. And of what sort of team, pray tell, are you a part?”
The joint being examined by Scootaloo rang softly at a curious tap. She gave a sheepish look as its owner turned her way, then sprung up onto his back. “This is some pretty cool hardware you got here.” She leaned toward Applebloom. “But I thought Applejack said he had armor that covered almost all of him. If this is what she was talking about, it doesn't look like it'd do much. Looks more like a fashion statement to me.”
The now annoyed stallion made to answer this intrusive comment, but was sidetracked by the sensation of a small hoof prodding his flank at his right. Sweetie Belle made several quick passes.“I don't know about that, but it looks like Rarity was right about his mark.” Grim sat speechless as the hoof wound its way back and forth over his backside, ruffling his coat, searching for something. “There's nothing on this side.”
On his right, another small hoof began running its way over the contour of his flank. “She was right,” said Applebloom. “I got nothin' over here either. He's blank as we are.”
Grim had heard enough. He pulled his left wing back, wedging his primaries under Scootaloo like a pie server, and scooped her up. With his other wing he lifted her away, and placed her squarely within view. He then took both wings, brought them back past his rear, and swept the other two fillies forward to sit on either side of the orange pegasus. The action was so quick and smooth, they had to think for a moment as to what had happened.
“You know, most ponies would consider poking and prodding someone without warning to be rude.”
Sweetie Belle hung her head a little. “We're sorry Grim. We didn't mean to be rude.”
Applebloom and Scootaloo hung their heads as well. “Yeah, we didn't mean anything,” they affirmed.
Sweetie continued. “It's just that when Rarity happened to mention your b- uh- your flank, we kinda couldn't believe it. I mean, everyone always tells us to just be patient and not to worry, that everypony gets it eventually. But then here you are, a grown-up, and you don't have one. And then that got us thinking-”
Grim held up a hoof sternly. “Forgive me, Sweetie Belle, but to what exactly are you alluding?”
Misunderstanding clouded Sweetie Belle's face. “What does 'alluding' mean?”
“So much for being our team's dictionary,” snickered Scootaloo.
“Better than the team chicken,” Sweetie countered.
“What I am asking,” said Grim with a slightly raised voice, “Is what are you talking about? Everyone gets what eventually?”
“You know,” said Applebloom, indicating Grim's flank. “A cutie mark.”
“Ah, of course.” The fillies' flank inspecting made complete sense now. “Well, you have been told truthfully. I do not have my mark. But I would have freely told you myself, had you asked. There is nothing wrong with well-mannered curiosity. But first, back to your beginning statement, you said you wished to speak with me about some business?”
Applebloom nodded. “That's right. Ya see, we don't have our cutie marks either.” She bent her back and presented her side, sans a marking. “We formed our own club, the three of us, and we're on a mission to get our cutie marks, no matter what it takes.”
“Not just a mission,” piped up Scootaloo. “We're on a crusade. We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!” The three ponies pulled themselves together and struck a short group pose.
Grim could not help but feel amused at this. “Crusaders you say? A lofty description, to be sure. And what sort of crusading do you three do to gain your marks?”
“Well, that's kind of where we were hoping you could come in,” Sweetie Belle answered. “Obviously what we've been trying hasn't really worked out. That's why we came here to talk to you. We'd like you to join up with us, and be a full fledged Crusader.”
“Yeah! You'd get the full perk package too,” volunteered Applebloom. “Yer very own cape with the Crusader emblem, access to our clubhouse and exclusive sleepovers, and probably even a seat on the Crusader Council if you play yer cards right.”
Stifling a bark of laughter Grim asked, “A very generous proposal indeed. But I wonder, what makes you think I have anything to offer with my membership? At my age, and still without a mark, I am unsure as to whether I would only hinder you.”
“But that's just it. There's lots'a things we can't do, or have a hard time with, because we don't have one grown-up we can always go to. You could be that grown-up. We could maybe help you doin' diff'rent stuff that you haven't tried yet, and you could do the same fer us, helpin' us out 'cause yer so big n' all.”
The weathered soldier pegasus looked down earnestly at the three youngsters before him. “Tell me, how much do you girls truly know about cutie marks? What exactly is the depth of your understanding?”
The three looked at each other, then back to Grim. Sweetie Belle asked, “What's there to know? You figure out what your special talent is, and then a mark representing it appears on your flank. That's what we learned in school.”
“And you would be correct. However, that is but a portion of cutie mark lore. I imagine you are concerned for your marks because of peer pressure, yes? You fear that you seem immature, or perhaps you fear that there may be nothing particularly special about you.”
“This guy's a real downer,” Scootaloo whispered to her friends. “Maybe we should back out of our offer while we can.”
Though he had heard Scootaloo perfectly well, Grim continued. “Allow me to share something that took me a long time to grasp. A mark is not so much about a specialty as it is about self awareness. Understanding of the self is what brings to bear a mark. Recognition of a certain talent is coincidental; the true milestone is realizing that you have worth, and learning that you can focus that worth into an aspect of life.”
The Crusaders simply looked up at Grim, their eyes almost blank. “Do my words make sense?,” he asked.
Applebloom nudged Sweetie Belle. “Ya git all that?”
“Not really,” said Sweetie Belle with a shrug.
“Perhaps I should have been more concise,” Grim muttered as he massaged his temple with a hoof.
“Listen big guy,” came Scootaloo, seeming eager to approach a final answer, “we can talk plenty about all kinds'a stuff later on when we have a get together. Right now, all you gotta do is tell us that you're in.”
“In? I don't recall ever making a decision one way or the other.”
“But you are gonna join, right?,” Applebloom asked with uncertainty.
“Your goals are clear, but in what way could I assist with the means? I have no knowledge that would be useful, let alone appropriate, for school fillies.”
“It ain't about what'cha know. If that was true, no pony would ever git their mark.”
“I highly doubt any talent I possess would be one in which you would, or for that matter could specialize.”
“We don't think that either,” said Sweetie Belle. “We don't wanna do any soldier stuff.”
Scootaloo raised a hoof. “I kinda want to do soldier stuff.”
“The point is,” Applebloom cut across, “We think us gittin' together'll be good fer all of us. The more heads we got comin' up with ideas fer cutie marks the better, right?.”
“And what makes you three believe I am still trying for my mark?”
Each of the Crusaders gave Grim a look as though he had just uttered absolute nonsense. Scootaloo was the first to recover. “What, like you gave up on getting it or something?”
Grim racked his brain for a conversational sidestep. As far as he was concerned the topic was not worth discussing, and he knew that these fillies would never understand anything outside of a need for a mark, young as they were. “That is not what I said. What I mean is, how do you know I do not simply wait for it to manifest, instead of actively seeking it?”
“What kind of plan is that?,” squeaked Sweetie Belle. “We can't just wait around for our cutie marks to appear. What if we're waiting until we're old like you?”
“I would imagine I am not so much older than your sister, if Fluttershy is to serve as a reference,” Grim rebutted, surprised at his own mild offense to Sweetie Belle's comment.
“But your mane is solid white, and you talk all old and stuff.”
“This is the color with which I was born. And I did not develop my speech of old age. I conditioned myself to speak this way.”
“You see, like that!,” Scootaloo said energetically. “That's something we'd never think to try, a speech cutie mark. That could be pretty cool.”
Applebloom joined in. “Yeah! And I bet that takes a lot of practice and discipline too, right? We could probably use some o' that in our questing. You see Grim, I bet there's a buncha' stuff you could help us do. That's why we'd like you to join up with us. It ain't like we'd ask ya ta stick with us all the time or some'n'. We'd just come see if you could give us a hoof when we really needed it. And if you ever needed help, you could always call on yer fellow Crusaders. That's pretty reasonable, don't ya think?”
Grim considered the explanation given him. These fillies had sought him out, not out of fascination or some malign intent, but out of a perceived common bond, and a wish for help. This was something altogether foreign to him. “Would you not find it odd, having a grown stallion accompany you in your exploits, whatever they may be?”
“Cain't be more odd'n a earth pony goin' fer a hang glidin' cutie mark.”
“I see. And you do not believe others would find my company with you to be unacceptable?”
“If Ponyville can git over a zebra in town, you'll be just fine.”
“You do not intend to give me a choice in the matter, do you?”
“Nope,” the Crusaders chorused brightly.
“Then I am at my wit's end,” Grim sighed. “Very well. I accept your terms.” The stallion bowed his head. “Hence forth, you may consider me a part of your 'crusade', and I shall render what service I am able, whenever I am able, to the best of my ability, in order to facilitate your goals.”
Scootaloo ribbed Applebloom. “I don't know about you, but that sounded like a 'yes' to me.”
“You're gonna be a Crusader?,” Sweetie Belle chirped.
“I will.” The Crusaders cheered and high-hoofed, but stopped as Grim continued to speak. “However, I must say that I reserve the right of refusal of participation should I deem a situation inappropriate, dangerous, or, the stars forbid, embarrassing. Is this acceptable to you?”
“Sounds good to us!,” said the three in unison.
“Hi girls. What sounds good to you?” Fluttershy had returned from her pursuit of Angel, though it appeared without desired results. The white rabbit was slung across her back, his stomach full and bulging, his body limp, and his facial expression a contorted mesh of agony and ecstasy.
“Oh, hey Fluttershy, ”Scootaloo said innocently. “It was nothing. We were just talking with ol' Grim here; you know, swapping war stories. ”She bent forward and gave Grim's breast piece a sharp thunk. Grim showed displeasure at this.
“War stories?,” asked Fluttershy, perplexed.
“Yeah, war stories. Aaaaany way, we gotta go. See ya Fluttershy. See ya Grim.” With that, the three fillies turned tail and zipped away to the library door, but not before Sweetie Belle took a very opportune swipe at the nearest dessert table.
Grim eyed the Crusaders as they went. “That was arguably the most odd encounter I have had yet.”
“They tried to recruit you into their little club didn't they?”
“And succeeded, I am abashed to say. You know something of this organization of theirs?”
“A bit. They're sweet girls, if impatient, and they mean well. I think it's more about banding together than getting their marks, to be honest. Others can be cruel, and if you have a problem it helps to know you aren't alone. Does that make sense?”
Grim growled deeply within the base of his throat. “Absolutely. I can commiserate.”
Fluttershy glanced quickly at Grim's flank. “Grim, would you, um, would you mind if asked you a, well, a personal question?”
Knowing what was to come, Grim steeled himself. “I would not. What is your question?”
She tiptoed over her wording as best she could. “I, well, I was wondering about... about...” She could not seem to complete the thought. Though his face was perfectly agreeable, his eyes silently glinted with a spark of protest, as if to beg her not to continue.
“Why I do not possess a mark,” Grim finished for her. “Is that what you wanted to ask?”
“N-never mind,” Fluttershy stammered. “It was rude of me. I shouldn't have-”
“It is alright. Considering my age, it is a natural question. If you will believe it, I had a mark once. It was a long time ago now.”
“You 'had' one once?,” Fluttershy asked confusedly. “Like it appeared, and then you lost it?”
“Lost? Yes, I suppose that is the appropriate word,” Grim said, more to himself. “Lost.”
“But Grim, I don't understand. How do you lose a cutie mark?”
“I have often posed the same question. Over the years I believe I have derived an answer; but such a conversation is not one to be had a setting such as this.”
“But what-”
CRASH
A rainbow blur had hurtled through one of the library's high windows and straight into a table, scattering its contents. Party guests gasped and screamed, and they all leapt back from the point of impact. Fluttershy squeaked and rammed herself headfirst under Grim's wing.
As dust cleared and settled, it became apparent that the crashed object was no object at all, but rather a very rattled Rainbow Dash. Rainbow staggered to her hoofs. She gave her head a good knock to stop her eyes from rolling, then set them on the crowd before her. She breathed deeply.
“Ok everyone; now I don't think it's any reason to panic, but we have a problem. The cows at Sweet Apple Acres got spooked, and they might be stampeding straight for town.”
At first, silence. Then, “My house!,” someone cried.
“My garden!,” yelped another.
“My shop!,” came a third.
“Now everypony just calm d- woah!” Rainbow was swept away as a mass exodus of party guests ensued. They jostled and shoved one another to make it out the door. Pegasi bolted up to the different windows, skipping the turbulent crowd below. Rainbow was tossed back and forth on a sea of scurrying backs, until finally landing on the floor with a loud thump. As the last of the party guests dashed out, there was silence once again.
Rainbow sat up and rubbed one of her shoulders. “Well that didn't go the way I planned.”
“Rainbow Dash, there you are!,” Pinkie shouted gleefully. She threw herself around Rainbow's neck. “What gives? Why didn't you come to the party sooner?”
“I'll tell you later Pinkie.” Rainbow spun her gaze around the room. The only ponies left were Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie, Grim, and Fluttershy, who was just now pulling herself from under Grim's wing. “Alright, listen up guys. We've got a stampede on our hooves. I don't know anyone who's rounded up the cows besides Applejack, and she's not here. We need a plan five minutes ago. What do we do?”
“Maybe ask nicely for them to stop?,” Fluttershy suggested timidly.
“I'm talking real suggestions here. Come on guys, think.”
“We could scare them the other way with my party cannon,” offered Pinkie. “I still have a couple of charges left.”
Rarity chimed in. “I don't think more fright will turn them around. You know how cows can be when they're scared; not sensible at all. What if we blinded them with a flash of magic? Do you think that could work?”
“That's better, but I think it still goes back to what you said about more fear not working. They'll probably just speed up, and they won't run into anything. It's a straight shot into town that way.”
Twilight spoke up. “I have an idea. Let's take them stopping themselves out of it all. I can levitate them off the ground with magic. That should stop them in their tracks.”
“But darling,” interjected Rarity, “There must be forty cows in that herd at least. Do you think you can handle all that mass, especially with it moving like that?”
“That is true. The spell might take a bit to capture all the cows. How long until they're to stream?”
“Not long,” Rainbow huffed. “I don't know if you can make it running. Fluttershy and I will have to fly you to the bridge. That should give you the time you need.”
Grim stepped forth. “Allow me. I would be faster than you and Fluttershy in tandem.”
“But Grim, your injuries,” Fluttershy objected. “You can't expect something like that from your body just yet.”
“We have no choice. We must answer the situation as best we can. Do not worry,” Grim soothed. “This is little more than a trifle.” He made for the library door. “Come then, Twilight Sparkle. We have dallied enough as it is.”
Grim splayed his wings in the open air, tensing and releasing the sinew in preparation for the flight. This would be his first trial under stress since the dragon encounter. Despite the circumstances, he was almost keen to test his body's limits.
A nervous Twilight Sparkle came up beside Grim. “Ok, so I understand the need to fly me out there and everything, but I haven't really had any good experiences with other ponies having to carry me through the air. Is there any way you could maybe-”
“Climb onto my back.”
“Do you really think that's the best way to do this? I was kind of hoping you could maybe carry me with your legs, or-”
“I assure you I am more than broad enough for you to seat yourself. Do not be afraid. Climb on. ”Grim bent his knees, and held his body low to the ground.
Twilight eyed the pegasus with a weakened stomach, but figured it was best not to argue. “Well, ok. If you say so.” Twilight dug a foreleg in above Grim's wing joint and hoisted herself onto his back. As it turned out, Grim was correct. Securely seating a pony of her size was easy enough on the firm gray expanse, and the armor yoke around his neck was something to grab onto if need be.
“Are you situated?”
“I think so. I just-” The breath behind Twilight's next words was sucked from her lungs. Grim pounded the ground with a tremendous downbeat, and the two were launched into air.
Rainbow Dash flew up to meet them. “Come on. They'll be coming in from this way.” Her signature streak trailed behind as she shot toward an edge of town. Grim thundered after her, his wings brutalizing great volumes of air to match speed.
Though he understood the conditions, on some small level Grim relished the urgency of the flight. The turbulence whipping his coat, the stroking motion and report of his wings, the sensation of his lungs fighting the flowing air around his face to fill themselves; these were some of the sweetest pleasures life had to offer. He glimpsed the idea of what could have happened, had it not been Fluttershy who found him that day. Permanent wing damage was a terrible proposition indeed, and his heart beat a pang of gratitude to the demure pony.
“Hey, you're not half as slow as what I thought you'd be Mr. Soldier Guy,” called Rainbow through her slipstream.
“I have more speed yet. But now is not the time for quips Rainbow Dash. Where is this stampede? I see nothing yet.”
Rainbow peered forward through the air rushing her face. “I can see the bridge and stream up ahead. There's gonna be some hills after that. They're probably in there somewhere. We'd better hurry. How ya holdin' up Twilight?”
“I've...been...better,” Twilight panted. She held her chest as she attempted to maintain her breath. “How do you guys...do this...on a regular...basis?!”
“Your guts get used to it when you're young. It's a pegasus thing. We'll set you down soon. Where should we put you to cast your spell?”
“The top...of that first hill...should be fine,” Twilight choked.
“Roger that. You got that Grim?”
“I do not believe landing will be an option,” warned Grim. “Look there.”
From somewhere beyond the hill a cloud of dust had begun to rise. It was undoubtedly from the herd of stampeding cows, and it was approaching quickly.
“Looks like you're gonna have to work your stuff on the fly. You think you can handle all that movement?”
“Shouldn't be...a problem. Grim, can you...get me as close...as possible? Keep pace...as best...you can.”
“Understood.” Grim crossed over the bridge and stream, and began his descent. As he did the cows reached the apex of the hill, and barreled down the back slope, straight for Ponyville. Grim eased off, and glided down close to the thick of the herd. “Is this sufficient Twilight Sparkle?”
“Should be,” Twilight yelled, her wind restored. “Just keep up. I'll do the rest.” She screwed up her face in concentration. A purple glow began to burst forth from her horn. “Focus on the hooves,” she coached herself. “Capture, and lift. Everything else will work itself out.”
Twilight's horn pulsed once. Several cows seemed to stumble for a bit, but otherwise there was no visible evidence of the stampede slowing.
“Was that your spell just now?,” asked Rainbow over the echoing beats of the stampede. “You gotta do better than that, Twilight.”
“I know. Just let me focus. I can do it.” Twilight's horn pulsed again, with much the same effect as before. “Grim, you have to keep me more steady.”
“I am holding to the best of my ability.”
Twilight tried again; nothing. Another pulse; still nothing. Hoofbeats rang in Twilight's ears, skewing her thoughts.
“Twilight!”
Pulse. Nothing. The noise turned into a fuzzy blanket, hampering her magical rationale.
“Twilight Sparkle.”
Pulse. Pulse. Nothing. The cacophony was indistinguishable from the rush of blood to her head.
“Twilight, what are you doing?!”
“I can't do it!,” Twilight blustered, tears forming in her eyes, her thoughts broken. “I can't cast the spell like this.”
“Well what the hay are we supposed to do?!”
“I don't know. This was all we had. It's too late to do anything else.”
Grim's voice willed its way through all the noise, calm and collected. “Twilight Sparkle, is it imperative that these cows do not reach the town?”
“Well, they'll cause a lot of damage, to the town and probably to themselves.”
“But is there absolutely no choice in the matter?”
“I can't really think of any-”
“It is a yes or no question.”
“I- I don't-”
“TWILIGHT SPARKLE!,” Grim roared.
“Yes! Yes!,” bleated Twilight. “We have to stop them! Please!”
Grim snorted begrudgingly. “Then I shall do so.”He broke away from the stampede, speeding back toward Ponyville, and gaining altitude.
As they continued to rise, Twilight asked through a half-sob, “Wh- What are you going to do?”
“That only thing I know to do,” Grim answered solemnly. “The only answer to which I can ever seem to arrive; a force for a force. Lie flat, and hang tightly around my neck Twilight Sparkle. I will do my utmost to accommodate you. And I hope that you will forgive me for what you are soon to witness.”
Twilight looked as though she wanted to ask Grim what he meant by this, but somehow knew better. He was different now. At the party she had observed him several times as being perfectly agreeable, if somewhat taciturn. But now, even though even-keeled, Twilight's horn buzzed at the aura of danger surrounding him. The muscles beneath her were taught, his wing strokes were more strict and aggressive, and they continued to gain altitude to an end that she could not infer.
Suddenly Grim stayed his wings and pulled them to his sides. The silence of being given to the mercies of gravity was the most deafening sensation Twilight had ever felt. As their momentum petered out and they began to fall, Twilight Sparkle screamed, “Grim, what are you doing?! Why did you stop?!”
“Do as I have instructed Twilight Sparkle. Whatever you may feel, I swear you will be unharmed. For now, all I ask is your trust.”
Grim fell in a slow backward somersault, until his head was pointed earthward. He drug his wingtips just so in the airstream so as to face himself in the direction of the stampede. He then struck a single, mighty thrust at the sky, putting them from freefall to full hurtle. Twilight nearly lost her hold, and her heart lodged in her throat.
The ground was growing ever closer, and they were only building speed. Twilight managed to nestle her face safely in a dead spot at the nape of Grim's neck, but she could not solve the unbearable whistling in her ears. What sort of plan could he possibly have, she wondered. Was he going to charge his own body against the cows? Then, even as she assured herself they were plummeting to their dooms, she could hear Grim fan his wings, and the surrounding air lashed around them. From a nose dive he pulled his rear end down, to now falling hooves first.
Twilight braved to crane her neck now that her body had been righted. They were still falling horrendously fast. A chance look at the ground indicated they should land just in front of the bridge. She looked to her right to see that Grim's wings were standing vertical to the ground, and their armor plating had shifted out. Twilight thought it odd for a split second that the plates did not extend quite as far as she remembered. In fact, the plates were only at half extension at best. What-?
BOOM
Any volume left in Twilight's lungs, as well as any thought in her head, had been effectively removed. Every muscle in her body, from her diaphragm to her eyelids, was rendered utterly bound. She could only watch in slow motion as the cows rampaged toward them, and Grim executed whatever unfathomable last ditch effort he had in mind.
Grim's wings were swept down upon impact with the earth, and he bent his legs to allow the sinew to absorb most of the shock. His hooves shuddered as they were swallowed by the compacted soil of the town path. Then, in an instant, he straightened his legs, and brought his wings back up to chest level. They arced in perfect symmetry, and with immeasurable momentum the front profiles of his plating collided together. The lustrous material did not clash, or gong, or even ring, as one would expect; the pieces simply rebounded, shooting opposite of their former path. Grim knew he had struck true.
Halfway through their return arc, Grim bent his front knees, rolled his main joints to angle his wings directly at the ground, and sank his armor as hard as he dared. The earth groaned and shivered, as if begging him to relent. Trees on either side of the path rattled, decrying the subterranean thrashing of their roots. Down to the very bedrock the ground capitulated.
Spouts of dirt, the screams of stress relieve, spewed forth as large pieces of underlying rock were upended. The path to town was rent beyond recognition, likened to a stretched piece of ribbon crumpled upon itself at both ends. The ruinous effect sped outward from its epicenter, following some sort of shockwave, heading directly for the group of stampeding cattle.
The herd sped on, and met the roaring ruin head first. The result was disastrous. Those at the forefront immediately fell, either by upturned rock or sinking hoof. Those at the middle and back fell over the ones in front, or continued to falter by pitfalls of the still spreading shockwave. Like dominoes they fell as their heads disappeared beneath dirt clouds rising in the air. Horrified moos pierced the cataclysm as the stampede collapsed to a halt, a frenzy of tangled legs and writhing bodies.
Grim looked on as the dust cleared and the earth stilled. His plan had certainly worked, but the effect was greater than what he had wished. Then again, such a feat was always difficult to regulate without knowing the precise wave characteristics necessary.
“Grim...what...what did you just do?,” came a voice to Grim's back.
Grim pulled his hooves free and sidestepped the earthen scars he had made. “You are unharmed I hope, Twilight Sparkle? Can you stand?” He got down to his belly and spread his wings to give Twilight room.
Twilight grunted and wobbled up. “Ugh...yeah, yeah I think I'm ok.” She carefully picked her way off Grim's back, down to the steady, unmoving ground for which she was now passionately grateful. “What did you do?,” she asked again as she surveyed the mass of struggling cows before her.
“I did as you bade, Twilight Sparkle. I diffused the stampede. I imagine several of them suffered injury, but nothing serious.”
Some of the cows were beginning to stand, their faces torn between confusion and pain. “Well that's great, and I know everyone in town will be grateful, but what did you do?”
Grim was saved the trouble of answering by an incoming Rainbow Dash. She streaked down and landed in front of him. Her eyes were alight, and she was positively gushing. “Grim, that was the single most super fantastic, ultra cool thing I have ever seen in my whole entire life! I mean I can do a sonic rainboom, but that was...that was...WOW!”
“What the hay did he do!?” Twilight repeated, flustered.
A reserved, commanding voice from somewhere behind them spoke. “I would very much like to have that question answered myself.” The three of them turned around. It was the mayor of Ponyville. Her usually quaffed main and signature tie were skewed, and her glasses were grossly crooked. “To my office, the three of you, if you please. You have some explaining to do.”
...................................................................................
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash sat beside each other in front of Madam Mayor's large wooden desk. Rainbow Dash had collected her friend on the mayor's order, and the two were now waiting for her to return, and tell them why they had been called. From what Fluttershy had been told it was Grim who had stopped the stampede, not Twilight, and whatever he had done sounded both amazing and terrible by the description Rainbow Dash had given.
A door latch clicked behind them, and the mayor strode past to sit behind her desk. She had apparently found time since before to compose herself; her mane and tie were in their usual order, and her spectacles sat neatly on her nose. Her speech was kind, but very direct. “I would first like to thank the both of you for coming here on such notice. I won't take much of your time. I only have a few questions for each of you. You both do know why you're here, yes?”
“I've got a good guess,” said Rainbow.
Fluttershy squeaked and looked away. “I...well, I'm afraid I don't know M-madam Mayor.”
“Let me make myself plain. Neither one of you is in trouble. A few simple answers and you may leave. Really you don't have to answer my questions at all if you wish, but I would hope you could give at least enough information to satisfy. Am I understood? ”Rainbow and Fluttershy nodded. “I'm glad we can agree. Rainbow Dash, I'll start with you."
“You apparently have a first hoof account of the damage done to the west of town. How exactly was this damage caused?”
Rainbow thought for a moment. “Well, let's see. Twilight couldn't get her magic to work or something, so we kinda put it on Grim to stop the stampede. After that he flew way up high, then dived back down, planted a landing, did some weird thing with his wings, and then the ground kinda ripped apart. And that's all, I guess.”
The mayor was writing notes as Rainbow gave her answer. “I see,” she said around the pen clenched in her teeth. “And can you describe this 'weird thing' with his wings?”
“He sort of clapped them.” Rainbow made a clapping motion with her hooves. “He pulled them out in front of him, parallel to the ground, and clapped them. Then he went and slammed them into the ground. That's what I saw anyway.”
“Was this the plan when you set out to stop the cows at the beginning?”
“No. Like I said, Twilight was going to do it at first. She couldn't get her spell to work though. I think we may have panicked a little when that happened. It was Grim who took stuff into his own hooves after that. He asked us if it was important to stop the herd. Twilight said yes, so I suppose what you saw was what he came up with.”
The mayor's next words were very careful. She eyed Rainbow over the rims of her spectacles. “So, Rainbow Dash, you do not believe that there was any malicious intent in what happened out there today?”
“What? Of course not. Grim saved the town.” Rainbow's wings beat anxiously. “I mean yeah, he busted up a road, but that's a lot better than what could have happened.”
“It's alright. I meant no accusation,” the mayor reassured. “I just want to make sure that I understand the facts fully. That's all. Thank you, Rainbow Dash, you have been most helpful. And now for you, Fluttershy.” Fluttershy squeaked again. “Oh, don't be like that. A few more minutes and you'll be out the door, I promise. Is that fair?”
Fluttershy looked across the desk to the mayor. “Ok. I'll d-do my best.”
The mayor smiled at her warmly. “Thank you dear. Now, when did you and your new friend meet exactly?”
“I wouldn't say we met,” Fluttershy recounted. “Grim stumbled into my yard at night a few weeks ago. He was really hurt, so I took him into my cottage, and cared for him.”
“Did you not think to take him to the hospital?”
“Oh, I mean, I thought about it, but his injuries were so severe I just had to treat him there and then. He went unconscious, so once he was all bandaged up, I thought it would be most comfortable for him to leave him be and nurse him.”
“Of course you did. Well Fluttershy, it's obvious that you have had the most contact with him up until now. What can you tell me about his character?”
“Oh, he's very kind and sweet,” Fluttershy said with a new found vigor. “I know he might look standoffish at first because he's so big, and he does have a natural frown about him, but he's nothing but nice to me or anyone he meets. He's very patient and well-mannered, and always offers to help when he can.”
“I'm sure he's very charming,” said the mayor, scrawling more notes. “What else can you tell me? Did he ever give any reasons for being near to Ponyville, or why he was injured?”
“He said that he was a soldier out on a mission.” Fluttershy became uneasy at this point. She was uncomfortable about giving information that may not be hers to give. “He got injured in the Everfree Forest, and almost didn't manage to make it out.”
The mayor's pen was perched precariously over her paper. “Is that everything that happened?”
Fluttershy hesitated. “Yes,” she said finally. After all, it wasn't a lie. Skimming the details, it was the entire story.
“Very good.” Madam Mayor did not seem to take notice of Fluttershy's reluctance. “Just one more question dear, then I'll let you be on your way. What, in your opinion, were the motives behind your new friend's actions today?”
“Well...” Fluttershy tossed her mane to the right, shielding her eye from the mayor's searching stare. “I didn't see anything that happened, but...”
“But?,” the mayor egged her on.
Fluttershy tossed her mane again, this time to remove it from her face, and meet the mayor's eyes. “But I think it's like Rainbow says. Anything Grim did, he did it because he thought it was for the good of others,” she finished resolutely.
The mayor gave Fluttershy another warm smile and laid her pen down. “Just what I was hoping to hear. Thank you, Fluttershy. And thank you, Rainbow Dash. I have quite enough to be getting along with. You may go. And Rainbow Dash?”
“Yes ma'am?,” said Rainbow quickly.
“From the look of him, I suggest that you not tell your new friend that it was you who scared the cows into a stampede. I doubt he would take it well.”
“How the- how did you know?”
“Please, Rainbow Dash. You were late for a large party, only to crash in and announce the town was in danger? How could I not know?”
Rainbow guiltily rubbed the back of her head. “Yeah, I guess when you say it like that.”
Fluttershy and Rainbow got up and headed toward the door. As they were on their way out, the mayor called after them. “Oh, please send the soldier in after you. I would like a word with him next.”
At this Fluttershy turned back to the mayor. Her expression bordered on being cross. “With all due respect Madam Mayor, the 'soldier' does have a name. It's Grim. His name is Grim.”
The mayor looked shocked. “Yes, of course Fluttershy. I meant no offense by it. Yes, if you would, please send Grim in after you.”
...................................................................................
Grim stepped into the mayor's office and closed the door behind him. His thoughts were rife with apprehension as he neared the big desk at the far end, and the silver-maned mare on the other side.
“Please, Mr. Grim, have a seat,” Madam Mayor invited cordially. Grim looked down at the normal pony-sized stools at his shins, then back up at the mayor, eye brow cocked. “Or stand I suppose. Whatever suits you.” Grim pushed a stool to one side, and took a seat on the rug. “That's the ticket.”
“I am aware as to why I have been summoned here,” Grim stated preemptively. “I wish to apologize for the incident earlier today. It was a rash action, spurred by a rash decision, and for that I am sorry.”
The mayor laughed stuffily. “Oh no, Mr. Grim. No need to apologize. Quite the contrary, I'm grateful for what you did today. There was damage, that's true; but the result was the lesser of two evils. You prevented a potentially great amount of destruction to Ponyville today. I should be thanking you.”
Grim forced a smile, but his apprehension remained. The circumstances were too clandestine for simple thanks. “I was happy to help as I could, though I am still sorry for my disruption.”
“Don't be. But since you mention it, your 'disruption', I am very curious. Where does one acquire such a skill as you displayed in that sticky situation?”
Grim picked through his words cautiously. “Well, not to boast, but a build such as mine does afford its advantages.”
“And quite a build it is.” The mayor observed Grim keenly.
“Thank you, madam.”
“I hear you're a soldier, Mr. Grim.”
“Just Grim is fine. And that is correct. A soldier I am.”
“A noble calling, isn't it? I used to serve myself.” The mayor pointed to a placard with an overhung medal on a high shelf.
“Is that so?,” Grim asked with mild interest, eying the placard.
“Staff Sargent, Royal Terrestrial Army, 78th. Honorable Discharge of course, though more years back than I care to admit. May I ask your own position?”
“Major, Pegasus Royal Air Corps,” said Grim curtly.
Madam Mayor put her front hooves together on her desk. “There's no need to play coy, Grim. I recognize a Royal Guard when I see one, though judging from your hardware,” she nodded to Grim's yolk, “And your, shall we say, abilities, I highly doubt you spend your days in front of a palace door.”
Grim leveled his eyes. “I mean no disrespect, Madam Mayor, but what is your true purpose in calling me here?”
“I don't bear you any ill will, if that's what you think. I meant what I said about today; I truly am grateful for what you did.” Madam Mayor furrowed her brow and frowned. “But you must understand my position. I am the steward of this town, and it is my job to keep its citizens safe, from both external threats, and should they arise, internal ones as well.”
“I am no threat to your community.”
“Forgive me, but I am not so sure. An individual with full freedom and little accountability, save for the military, who can summon small earthquakes and the stars know what else at will; that doesn't sound like an issue to you?”
“My actions would have been different had I more time, or the circumstance been less dire. My sole motivation was help for Ponyville.”
The mayor stood to look out her office window, then turned back to Grim. “And what of the next time something happens and you are called upon? Will you perform comparably then as well?”
“If assurance is your desire, then I acquiesce. I give you my word, I will never react in such a manner again, so long as I am near this town.”
“And just how long do you intend to stay in Ponyville, Grim? Are your objectives completed, or is the mission ongoing? Are you at liberty do discuss such matters?”
“My business is my own,” Grim growled coldly.
“I expected as much,” the mayor sighed. “Grim, I will be plain. I realize I have no authority over you in any capacity. As a Royal Guard I can only guess at the latitude you posses in your goals. However, as mayor of this municipality, I do deserve your respect and cooperation.”
“And so you have it, as I stated previously. My word is binding.”
“I'm afraid that isn't good enough. I dare not imagine what someone like you is capable of, and believe me when I say that this town has more than its share of happenings and characters already. I need you to swear in absolution that you will never give any display of force ever again. If you can hold to that, then you have my word that you won't receive any interference from me. Your business is your own, and I respect that.”
Grim stood up as well. He spread his wings as much as he could and bowed. “I swear, on my honor as an officer of the Corps, that I will never bear strength in Ponyville again.”
Madam Mayor bowed her head. “You have my thanks. And I promise to leave your affairs be, such as they are.” The two faced each other again. “And now I will bid you good evening, Grim. Please, send Twilight Sparkle in on your way out. She should still be waiting for me. And once more, truly, thank you for what you did. My concern aside, you did Ponyville a great service.” Grim acknowledged her with a half bow, then turned to leave.
...................................................................................
Madam Mayor leaned against a bookshelf on her office wall and rubbed her temples wearily as Twilight Sparkle entered her office. “Ah, good evening Twilight. Thank you for coming. I do apologize for the wait.”
“It's not a problem, mayor,” said Twilight as she took up a stool in front of the desk. “What can I do for you?”
“Twilight, I have had a long day, and I'm very tired. Thankfully I don't have to beat around the bush with you, so I will just say it.” The mayor gazed rigidly over her half-moon glasses. They glinted as she spoke. “I want you to tell me everything you know about what happened today, west of town. In particular, I want to know anything you can give me about Grim.”
Twilight was not immediately forthcoming. “Do you mind if I ask why?”
“It's my job to know what goes on in Ponyville, in order to keep ponies safe. Information is my most effective tool to that end. You of all ponies can appreciate the value of information, I know.”
“I suppose that's true. Well, do you have an idea of anything specific?”
“I know what Grim did to stop the stampede. My question is how. What sort of magic can cause that type of devastation, and how does a pegasus go about wielding magic?”
Twilight's ears drooped, and her face fell. “I was afraid you were going to ask that. I'm sorry mayor, but it's my fault that Grim had to act at all. I knew exactly what I needed to do, and knew what spell I should use. I just- I couldn't do it.”
“I do not blame you, Twilight. In fact, I don't blame Grim either. Everything aside, his result was a welcome alternative. But such a display is understandably disconcerting, wouldn't you agree?”
“I do.” Twilight moved her eyes to the office window, then the floor. “It bothers me to say it, but I don't have any clue what he did. I got the chance when I first met him to ask about his armor. I think that's the key. It does hold some sort of enchantment. I've seen him move it by thought, and I bet that's just scratching the surface of what it can do. The material has magical properties, and is undocumented as far as I can tell.”
Gritting her teeth, Twilight knocked her horn to think. “I was on his back the whole time, but what I saw, I don't know what to make of it. He landed on his hooves really hard, which had to be on purpose. I remember him pushing his wings out in front of him...” She waved her front legs like wings moving through the motions, “And then he brought them together. It looked like he slammed them into each other, but I didn't hear a sound. Then he hit the ground, and it just fractured.”
“So you haven't the slightest as to how he did what he did?,” muttered the mayor as she sat at her desk and put her head in her hooves.
“No. Short of his armor being the source, nothing.”
“And as far as a pegasus using magic, what would you say?”
“It's unheard of. A pegasus could use a magical object, however. I really don't have any solid facts one way or the other.”
“That's that then. It can't be helped. Thank you for your candor, Twilight.”
“Always. Is there anything else?”
“There is, actually; one last point of interest. I want your honest opinion.” Madam Mayor tapped her hoof on her desk agitatedly. “Do you believe that Grim poses a threat to those around him, or the town at large?”
Twilight gasped. “Are you serious, mayor? Is that what you think about him; that he could be dangerous?”
“I am simply considering the task at hoof,” the mayor replied coolly. “Like I said before, it's my job to keep these things in check. I only want your opinion. I have no intentions of any action against him.”
Twilight breathed deeply. “Alright. Honestly? I think 'threat' is overstating things. He's shown that he has a lot of power, and there's no telling what kind of damage he could do if he wanted to. But that's just it; he doesn't want to. The only reason he did what he did is because I begged him to help. Even before that, he made sure that he knew letting the cows get to the town wasn't an option.
“He also has every reason to show restraint. He's under the military. That's cause enough to trust anyone. I know having a trained combatant may not be comfortable for you Madam Mayor, but I think you have nothing to really worry about.”
The mayor sighed heavily. “Thank you, Twilight. And I certainly hope you are right.”
|
ThatBastard
|
1126
| 1 |
Alternate Universe,Comedy,Random
|
Defcon
|
Planet earth has gone into a mass riot and the people need to be calmed with something pretty and co
|
cancelled
| -1 | -1 |
<p>CANCELED. Aww, boo hoo.<br />But alas, I am a man of generosity and good will. You may have what of Chapter/Part/Defcon 3 is written.<br /><br />Planet earth has gone into a mass riot and the people need to be calmed with something pretty and colorful.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-01T02:41:21+00:00
| 1,358 |
US Secretary for Defence: "So far, we have Nyan Cat..."
US President: "WE NEED MORE RAINBOWS!" US President slams fist on table.
The Dude-like-the-guy-with-the-glasses-in-tron-who-gets-rid-of-the-dog-that-popped-up: "There has to be another internet meme out there that's got rainbows..."
US President: "Well FIND IT!!! BECAUSE THOSE PEOPLE OUT THERE WON'T CALM DOWN UNTIL THEY HAVE MORE RAINBOWS!!!"
|
ThatBastard
|
1126
| 2 |
Alternate Universe,Comedy,Random
|
Defcon
|
Planet earth has gone into a mass riot and the people need to be calmed with something pretty and co
|
cancelled
| -1 | -1 |
<p>CANCELED. Aww, boo hoo.<br />But alas, I am a man of generosity and good will. You may have what of Chapter/Part/Defcon 3 is written.<br /><br />Planet earth has gone into a mass riot and the people need to be calmed with something pretty and colorful.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2011-10-01T02:42:38+00:00
| 1,724 |
Random Aid (Kind of like an assistant) - "Sir! We have found another internet meme with rainbows!"
US President - "GOOD! Now we can CALM DOWN the people of our FUCKING AWESOME COUNTRY known as the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and maybe the rest of the world, if we have time..."
Random Aid - "I'll breif you so you can inform the senate about the uhh... meme."
*US President gives the Aid a questioning look*
US President - "Yes... let's do that."
An hour later after the US President has been breifed the US senate gathers in wherever they gather during a thing. I don't know because I'm Australian.
US President - "Just over three hours ago, a meme was discovered, a meme that can be communicated with, a meme that has RAINBOWS."
Members of the senate blabber about the news until order is quickly restored.
US President - "But first, there is something I ask you all to watch before we continue."
More chatter as the lights dim and the projector powers up.
After a minute a cartoon begins and the senate goes into an uproar as people scramble for the doors that have been locked to keep them in, to make them watch My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
But after the video has been rolling for mear minutes, the senate have returned to their seats to quietly watch episode after episode until all have been viewed.
US President - " You will by now have noticed our meme known as Rainbow Dash and experienced for yourselves the calming effects of this television show. We will bring back peace to the people of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the rest of the world. WITH PONIES BY OUR SIDE, THIS PLANET WILL BECOME A BETTER PLACE AND BECOME THE ENVY OF THE UNIVERSE!!!"
Cheers erupt from the whole senate, and as the once professional senate members jump up and down on their seats and tables, swinging their jackets around, a door opens behind the US President.
The President of the United States of America turns to face the doorway.
US President - "You know what to do, Rainbow Dash."
In a whirl of papers and color, Rainbow Dash dissapears to help cleanse the world of hate.
|
ThatBastard
|
1126
| 3 |
Alternate Universe,Comedy,Random
|
Defcon
|
Planet earth has gone into a mass riot and the people need to be calmed with something pretty and co
|
cancelled
| -1 | -1 |
<p>CANCELED. Aww, boo hoo.<br />But alas, I am a man of generosity and good will. You may have what of Chapter/Part/Defcon 3 is written.<br /><br />Planet earth has gone into a mass riot and the people need to be calmed with something pretty and colorful.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-04-24T02:26:28+00:00
| 382 |
IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE MESSAGE IN THE DESCRIPTION THEN YOU'RE AN IDIOT. But don't fret, because I'm going to use this bit of red text and space to copy and paste the message: CANCELED. Aww, boo hoo.
But alas, I am a man of generosity and good will. You may have what of Chapter/Part/Defcon 3 is written.
A quick word from SuperFrodo:
After consideration I have decided to write(Lie) Defcon 3. I plan on it being sillier but with more detail on the characters and in the entire story.
The US President's name is now President President. The joke being his last name is President but his first name will remain unknown.
Dude-like-the-guy-with-the-glasses-in-tron-who-gets-rid-of-the-dog-that-popped-up is now Steven Dren. The joke with his name is that Dren spelled backwards is Nerd. Steven is the tech head of the story.
I also have no clue what the places in the US look like (as in layout) so don't whine when I make a guess at where something is located or whatever.
<2 hours prior to the 'gathering' of the US senate.>
"Ugh, this is so boring!"
"Then maybe next time you should practice your stunts somewhere else so I don't have to make you put all the books away."
After trying to do a complicated triple loop scoop and roll, Rainbow Dash had collided a branch in a tree which bent back, released, and sent her flying through Twilight's window, crashing into her bookcases and causing the books to fall out of place and onto the floor.
Twilight had rushed to the scene and caught Rainbow Dash before she could fly away, forcing her to put back all the books IN alphabetical order.
Rainbow reached down to grab another book and saw a piece of perfectly flat, white paper.
Would you like to get out of putting away books and help us with something? There will be plenty of flying involved! Just write 'Yes' or 'Ok' or 'да' or '是' or Were not kidding either.
Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight and made up an excuse to use a pencil.
"Uhh, Twilight, can I borrow a pencil or something? I think I've found a book that uhh... Pinkie has been asking for and I need to write the name down so I don't forget."
Rainbow splashed a big fat grin on her face as Twilight looked at her.
"Sure, whatever..." she said as she sent a pencil flying towards Rainbow.
Rainbow picked up the pencil in her teeth and wrote Yes on the piece of paper. She dropped the pencil and waited expectantly.
Then she heard an incredibly load crackling sound and watched the room around her flicker, then replaced with a new room. Then the crackling sound vanished.
She stared around the strange alien looking place. Everything looked strange, sharper, like there was more detail, and the light that reflected off these surfaces and into Rainbow's eyes, registering as color looked completely different to what she was used to.
There was a humming above her head and she looked up into what looked like a massive set of mechanical arms with glowing yellow lights on the tips. Rainbow jumped out from under the 'thing' and then heard somepony speaking.
"Oh my gooooooooooood! Look how cute she is!".
Rainbow turned and looked at the wall where she heard the voice coming from and saw a box thing with a small glass window on the end that was pointing at her.
"Shut up! Why are you acting like this?".
This time it was another voice.
A door behind Rainbow Dash opened and she spun around flying up into the air to avoid a truly bizarre creature that had come lumbering at her. Then a second one appeared walking calmly to the first that was now trying to grab Rainbow's tail.
The second creature took hold of the first and pushed it to the floor, planting one of it's own feet on the first creature's chest to keep it from getting up, however it didn't seem to make an attempt.
Rainbow stared at the ridiculous face of the first creature who was smiling stupidly and fruitlessly trying to reach out to Rainbow.
Both the creatures had large bodies, oddly shaped, with long, thin arms and legs and very short necks with a small head on top. They wore plenty of clothes covering every part of their bodies except for their hands neck and head, and they had very short dark brown manes that covered the top sides and back of their heads. They also had small round ears on the sides of their heads.
As for their faces, they had tiny eyes with a ridge of fur above each one. They had no snout but instead a pointed triangular nose that was completely separate from their mouth.
These things were freaky looking, but at least they could talk.
"Hello, my name is Steven Dren." said the second creature to enter the room. It held out it's hand in greeting.
Rainbow refused, still flying close to the ceiling away from reach.
"What are you?".
Steven withdrew it's hand and replied. "I'm a human, male. I was the one who sent you that note but my colleague here was person who wrote it."
Rainbow had never heard of a human before.
"Can I pat her?" whined the other human.
"How about I pat you and we'll see how you like it." replied Steven coldly.
"Then can I pat her?".
Steven Rolled his eyes and pointed to the doorway. "Go through there and I'll meet you to take you to the President."
Rainbow obeyed and flew through the doorway arriving in a small room with a desk and a strange flat box with a glowing picture of... "Twilight!".
Rainbow Dash hovered in front of the monitor that displayed a picture of Twilight in the library who was staring at the spot Rainbow had been in.
"All Twilight will notice is you vanishing and then reappearing all within about five seconds.". Steven walked through the door, but then got pushed aside by his colleague who again rushed to Rainbow Dash, this time however there was no room to fly around him and he grabbed her, pulling her in tight against his body in a crushing hug.
"What the f... Chris let go of Rainbow Dash!".
Rainbow struggled. The man named Chris half doubled over when her hoof bumped a spot between his legs. Sensing a week spot, Rainbow kicked with all her strength. Chris released her in a single high pitch note and collapsed to the floor.
Rainbow turned in the air to see Steven clapping. Zero sign of an expression on his face.
"Bravo." he said, stopping his applause. "Now. Right this way.". Steven opened another door that was strait across the room from the door they had previously come through. Rainbow Dash flew through into a long plain hallway and waited while Steven closed the door. He pulled out a set of very small (for ponies) keys, and after finding the right one inserted it into a shiny silver protrusion on the door and turned the key. Rainbow heard a thunk and Steven pulled the key out of the door.
He began walking down the hallway and Rainbow followed.
They arrived in front of a silver metal rectangle that looked like a doorway but with no handles. Instead it had a groove running down the middle from top to bottom, and a small block sticking out of the wall next to it.
Steven produced a card and slid it through a groove on the side of the small block and they both heard a bell sound as the metal doorway parted at the groove, revealing a tiny room with large mirrors covering each of the rooms three walls.
Rainbow Dash finally realized that this room was an elevator. She had only heard about the contraptions from big cities such as Manehattan. But this one was much more modern.
She flapped inside and Steven followed pressing a button on a panel inside marked G and the elevator doors closed.
"So what do ya need me for anyway?" she asked the impassive Steven.
"You'll be briefed by the President of the United States of America." he said, not looking at her. "I don't have permission to tell you anything."
Rainbow huffed in annoyance at Steven, crossing her cyan forelegs and frowning at the metal door.
The elevator stopped and made the bell like Ping poong! as the doors opened.
Rainbow Dash followed Steven around rather fancy looking hallways and stairs. Not seeing anyone until they rounded a corner. At the end of this hallway was a man who wore patchy grey clothing that looked rather bulky with several pouches. He also wore a helmet and and was holding a jagged stick that was probably some kind of weapon.
The 'guard' stiffened and said "Sir." as Steven and Rainbow approached, and Steven pulled out a flat black object which flipped open. He showed it to the guard who leaned forward, looking at the object carefully. The guard nodded and opened the large dark wooden door, standing to the side to let Steven pass.
Rainbow stopped next to the guard who now wore on his once serious face, a huge and happy grin.
"What's this thing?" asked Rainbow poking the odd stick that the guard was holding.
"No don't touch that! If your not careful this could splatter your brains all over the wall.". He reached out and ruffled Rainbow's mane. "But I would never do that. Your too cute." he said, his grin breaking out again.
"Ramirez! Cut that shit out! You've got a door to guard!" came a voice from inside the room.
"Yes Sergeant!" said Ramirez loudly. He tilted his head toward the room and Rainbow flew in.
The door closed behind her.
The room was occupied by a large wooden table the same shade as the door Rainbow had just flown through. Just like the hallways they had passed this room did not have any windows. A man in a suit walked up and extended his hand. He did not smile.
"You might want to shake the president's hand." said Steven who was reclining in a chair at the large table.
Rainbow extended a hoof and the President took it, squeezing it very hard.
"Nice to meet you Miss..."
"Dash." said Rainbow, trying to hide her discomfort of having the area around her hoof crushed.
"Miss Dash."
"Yeah, it's nice to meet you too Mister President."
The President finally let go of Rainbow's hoof and she shook it to regain blood flow. He turned around and took the seat at the end of table.
He gestured to a seat across from where Steven was sitting and Rainbow flew over to it, landing briskly yet gently.
"Our, BEAUTIFUL country and the rest of the world are being tormented by rioters in most major cities. We need you to calm the people down with your pretty rainbows.". Mr. President looked at Steven and held his hands up in the air.
Rainbow Dash happened to notice the way Mr. President practically yelled the word 'beautiful'.
"That's pretty much it isn't it Mister Nerd?"
Steven scowled at the president. "My name is Dren not Nerd." he said whilst sounding quite calm.
"Bah!". Mr. President waved at Steven, who sighed and continued. "Yes that's pretty much why you're here."
Rainbow looked at the two men, not knowing what to think. How would her rainbows help calm rioters?
Then she remembered something Mr. President had just said.
"Wait wait wait wait. You want me to fly around the world?!" said Rainbow, sitting up with her hooves strait out on the table in front of her.
This was a crazy plan. Even being the fastest pegasus in Equestria, she wouldn't be able to fly that far or for that long.
"For now you'll just be flying around Washington."
A beeping sound broke the silence and Mr. President raised his arm to look at something shiny on his wrist. He pressed a button on his watch and stood up.
"Let's show those people people in there
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 1 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-02T14:19:30+00:00
|
2011-10-02T14:19:30+00:00
| 4,074 |
~the characters can be viewed at www.deviantart.com, under the artist IceOfWaterflock, in folder Autumn~
Rarity sat on her balcony, watching her daughter play tag with a group of other foals. She sighed at the sight of her child standing, running; her mind drifted to Light Wings, and she shook the thought away before it could take hold. She was old, quite old, and there was no extra room in her remaining life for grief. She turned to go inside, already planning another set of dresses. She would go quietly into the night, but not leaving things unfinished. She would provide for her daughter long after her soul met Gaia.
Down on the ground, the young pale purple Unicorn jogged in a circle, avoiding being tagged by her best friend, a Griffon boy named Tigerjay. He was Gilda's son, and Gilda, being forgiven by Ponyville for her previous actions, was living in one of the houses nearby. It seemed like she had taken the place of Fluttershy, who had flown away after Coronus's passing, taking care of the animals around and leaving her door open to all who would need help.
Her son was the new Pinkie Pie. The original, saddened by the loss in the air of Ponyville, had fled to recover. No traces of her parties had been seen since. The young tiger-rumped Griffon was great at baking, and spent most of his time in the company of Mr. and Mrs. Cake's decendants.
A mare glided down and landed on the drainpipe of a nearby building. Her pale blue fur was unmarked, but three of the four colours in her mane and tail were darkened black. Two golden bands were clamped around one foreleg. Flipping her mane out of her eyes, Rainbow Dash's daughter smiled at the rowdy kids below. Shaking her head, Rainbow Dark took off again.
An Alicorn suddenly slammed his back against the wall, daring to glance out fo the alley. There. Trotting down the road, his father was calling. An Earth Pony, a common pony. Like the Prince wanted to be. As the red king continued past, the prince let out a relieved breath and started climbing the wall, magicking his hooves to the wall. He crested the edge, flattening himself against the tile and shimmying across the roof.
"Oh, hey Crimsonleaf." A voice called out from behind him. The prince spun, only to see a young yellow dragonness cresting the wall behind him.
"Hi, Sunrise." He replied, straightening out his back. "Spike let you out of the tunnels? You get to see the light of day?"
She laughed, her claws clicking on the tiles. Unlike her father, she preferred all fours. "You hiding from Bic Mac again?"
"You mean High and Mighty King Macintosh?"
"Yeah, him. And I know you wish you were common, but you aren't. You probably have something to do at the castle, which is why he wants you."
Crimsonleaf rested his head on one hoof. "There's always something going on at the castle that the Prince has to attend. Is there nothing Celestia and Luna can handle anymore?"
Sunrise peered over the edge of the building. "Well, there is the fact that he can't raise the sun. When your mother passes away, you'll have sky duties with Luna. He's probably trying to prepare you for all of the publicity."
"I know, I know." He spotted the group of kids romping below. "Hey, want to see how much mischeif we can do before he catches me?"
Sunrise squealed, her wings flapping. "Let's do it!"
Twilight plodded over to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack asked her to come over so they could reflect on old times. Zecora, Gilda and Rarity were invited too, and they all arrived at about the same time, except Zecora, who had to navigate the Everfree. Exchanging weak, trembling hugs, they settled down in the shade of the apple trees and looked across the orchard.
"You know, when I thought of my life, I never thought I'd end up here. Under the shade of the trees, my friends beside me, Spike with a daughter, you with children..." Twilight trailed off.
Gilda looked at her Unicorn friend. "Did you ever regret not having a foal?"
She shook her head. "It's hard enough making sure your kids stay out of Everfree! With one for me as well, the town would be overwhelmed!"
Applejack sighed. "Applebloom has been pretty good helpin' out though, hasn' she?"
"Yes, yes, but there are a lot of kids. Far too much for the former Crusaders to handle." Rarity interjected. "Even Rainbow Dark can't keep up."
"Well let's list the new additions!" Gilda exclaimed. "Figure out how much trouble they can get into!"
Rairty magicked a bolt of plain fabric and a marker from her saddlebag, presenting them to Gilda.
"Well, there's Squishy, Rarity's filly. Umm... and Tigerjay, my cub... and Sunrise, Spike's hatchling. Saucey, Apple's granddaughter... Oh, there's Chibi, Zecora's filly..."
"Is that my foal's name you spoke? Has she pulled another joke?" Zecora chimed as she crested the hills.
"No, just in a list."
The zebra nodded and lay down, her golden earrings clincking on each other.
"Any others?"
"No, I don't think so..."
"Is that it? How do they manage to get in so much trouble?"
Applejack looked up, back towards town. "Speaking of trouble..."
The others turned to look, seeing a small cloud of dust racing up the path. In the front, was a large red mass, wings outstreched-
Crimsonleaf whinnied in excitement, bounding past the aged mares and skidding to a stop among the trees. The others of the group set to a meal. Squishy trotted over to her mother, curling up against her mother's flank. Tigerjay grabbed apples for himself, Squishy, and their parents, spilling them out and giving them around. Task completed, he snuggled between his mother's talons. Chibi, Zecora's filly,had goined in the run later on, and pranced over to her mother, wide eyes sparkling. Sunrise sat down beside Twilight, putting one wing lovingly over her adoptive grandmother's back.
"Corrupting the local children again?"
Crimsonleaf looked down from the tree he was attempting to climb, seeing the pale yellow mare standing nearby. Her wild pink mane hung around her shoulders in a loose braid. A young filly was with her, looking almost exactly like Applejack, except she wore her mane and tail loose.
"Oh, hi Applebloom, Saucey." He yelled, grabbing apples in his magic and offering them to them.
"You managed to get all of them this time? How long do you think it'll be until Mac catches up?" Applebloom commented.
Crimsonleaf shrugged. "Probably pretty soon. Celestia's gift of invinciblity was pretty great for him."
Two more mares cantered up, one an orange Pegasus with a purple mane-tail, and the other a white Unicorn with a blue and pink mane-tail.
"Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle." Crimsonleaf nodded to each of them in turn, offering each an apple.
In silence, they all settled down, the peaceful farmland streching on as far as the eye could see.
There was a clatter of hooves, and a shadow streched over the peaceful group.
Twilight turned around, looking at the newcomers. "Celestia, Luna, care to rest a moment?"
Celestia sprawled out on the grass, old joints creaking almost as much as Applejack's. Her wings weren't in the best condition they'd ever been, and a good portion of her mane had gone gray. Luna, however, remained standing. Unlike most ponies thought, neither of them was immortal. Due to being returned to a young age - courtesy of the Elements - she was only now beginning to look like a mare, and had been slowly taking Celestia's place as she got older.
Crimsonleaf hopped out of the tree and gave his mother a loving nuzzle. Luna looked almost lonely for a few seconds, but she trotted off through the trees and vanished in the distance.
"What's with her?" Gilda asked. "Where's she going?"
Celestia sighed. "She barely gets any quiet time anymore, so when she has the chance, she likes to walk. It clears her mind."
Lapsing into another comfortable silence, the mares and stallion - plus one hatching and a couple of Griffons - shared the warm sun and gentle breeze.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 2 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-01T21:54:14+00:00
|
2011-10-01T21:54:14+00:00
| 2,577 |
Celestia looked around the group, her eyes resting on Crimsonleaf, who was lying nearby, and her gaze was that of a mother looking at the child she loves more than the world.
Crimsonleaf noticed his mother's gentle gaze. "I know you're good at stories, Queen. Why don't you tell one? It is a nice day."
Celestia smiled softly at her colt's trying attempt to be formal. "Why not?"
She streched out, crossing her golden-shod hooves, and looked up at the sun, closing her eyes in thought.
"How about the story of how Equestria was made?" Tigerjay piped up, eyes gleaming with excitement. "Momma doesn't know it, but I've heard it's really good!"
Gilda blushed profusely and used one talon to push her son back onto his belly. "Sorry about him."
"No problem." Celestia muttered. "He's holding us together. Now, let us begin our story. Now, my mother told this to me long, long ago, and I will tell it to you in the words she used."
"So, in the beginning, there was chaos, and chaos was a birthday cake. There was nothing special about this birthday cake, other than the fact that it was the only thing to exist, other than nothing. So chaos floated through nothing, whatever nothing may be. And suddenly, from the cake, came something. Something was like nothing, and beat back chaos and nothing to make planets and stars and clouds and water and grass and sky. And in this way, something controlled nothing and chaos and kept them as far away from its creations as possible. But chaos did find it's way in occasionally, in the form of war and earthquakes and tornadoes and the birthday parties of foals. But, as chaos snuck in occasionally, something was making more somethings, and they were animals; birds and fish and turtles and dragons and griffons and ponies. And something was very pleased with these things.
"But, at first, all ate plants. As time passed, the animals had more children than there were plants, and because of this, the grass and trees began to fade away. In shock, something asked nothing for help. So nothing came down to earth in the form of a great raven, and made all the creatures line up. It gave out special powers to each; fire for the dragons, sharp claws to the griffons, gills to the fish, wings to the birds - because, in the time of creation, birds could not fly, just as the fish walked on land - hard shells to the turtles, and other things to everything else. And some started eating meat, but the balance was the same, and the earth returned to its' former glory.
"But at the end of it all, there were three ponies waiting for gifts. They stood in front of nothing, expanctant smiles on their faces. Nothing reached back, expecting another special power, but there were none left. Looking at the ponies, it tore it's own wings off and set them on the back of one, and it became a Pegasus, flying instead of running. Nothing then tore out its' own magic heart and gave it to the second pony, who accepted it, and grew a horn to show her abilities, and she became a Unicorn. Now, as the other two left, nothing faced the last pony. She looked up from the ground, where she had been digging up a grassy clump.
"<I am very sorry,> said nothing, <but I have nothing left to give you but my own body.>
"<It does not worry me,> the pony replied. <I will become strong with my own help. I will harvest the crops and plant the seeds, will tend to the gardens and take care of the wounded. When the time comes, I will be the infantry, guiding the creations you have made to freedom.>
"<You do not need to do all of that for me.> Nothing muttered. <I am not worth it. All I am is an empty shell.>
"The pony looked up further, straining to see nothing's eyes, and smiled. <You are more than nothing. You are something as well.> She smiled, but it was more determined, and she planted her feet in the dirt. <And I will do what I've told you. I promise.>
"Nothing was surprised, but as the pony cantered away to join her friends, he could hear them laughing together. <Despite their differences,> nothing declared, <they will act as one.>
"And nothing vanished."
There was silence between the ponies as they listened to Celestia's voice trail off. Her eyes opened again, and she looked down at her subjects.
"Was that a good enough story, Tigerjay?"
The young Griffon nodded. To him, her words had shown images in his head, of a great, nine-tailed raven who oozed with power and darkness, and the wingless birds, and the walking fish, and the planets and the stars- "It was great!" He exclaimed.
The assembled ponies laughed, and Celestia found her smile reappearing.
They were so much like the ponies she had known when Twilight was still a filly.
Fluttershy's helpful nature had actually come through in Chibi and Gilda.
Rainbow Dash was in Rainbow Dark, for obvious reasons, but also in Scootaloo.
Applejack's youthful spirit was caught in Applesauce.
Pinkie Pie's randomness was showing through Tigerjay's blue feathers and orange-black fur.
Twilight Sparkle's love for reading and learning was in Sunrise.
Rairty's love for helping was in her own daughter, who's real name was Squishyheart.
Celestia paused, a last thought crossing her mind. Luna... Luna was becoming Celestia.
She smiled at the thought. Her sister, once feared by all as the dreaded Nightmare Moon, had become just as love as the Sun Princess. With a yawn, Celestia put her head on her hooves and fell into a calm, deep sleep.
Crimsonleaf lifted his ears, hearing something like a dog's whine, high and keening. If the other ponies heard it, they didn't pay it any mind. The keening became a white noise, and Crimsonleaf squinted, baring his teeth against the squealing. The others started to hear it too, standing up and glancing around in confusion.
Gilda screeched, shoving her talons over her ears. A thin trickle of blood ran from each one. Tigerjay ran towards her, but was scooped up in Sunrise's claws as she took off flying. Rainbow Dark grabbed Gilda's tail and started dragging her away, but the Griffon was writhing in pain.
Scootaloo and the other Crusaders gathered up most of the ponies - Chibi, Saucey, Squishy, and Crimsonleaf - and began running them towards town.
Sunrise was carrying Tigerjay a good distance ahead of the others, despite the Griffon's constant struggle.
The keening just... stopped.
For a moment, the air was still and silent. It ended just as oddly as it began, with the sound of a wave crashing on rock and the howl of wind. A large mass appeared above the remaining group; Zecora, Twilight, Applejack, Gilda, Rarity, Celestia and Rainbow Dark.
The mass continued emitting the horrific noise, all the while shifting into a solid, dark shape. A giant bird, with no wings and a clean-cut hole through it's chest. Nine dragon's tails swept the air around it, as it opened it's beak - or at least, where the beak should be, and probably was, but it was head-on, and the colour of mysterious forms - and let out a cat-like wail.
The gaint creature struck out with it's tails, constricting all the remaining group and holding them far off the ground.
Tigerjay kicked out and was dropped, landing on his feet and facing the giant, wingless bird.
It turned to face him, or at least, in his general direction, and on the sides of the great face opened two eyes of feiry red. Tigerjay screamed in terror and the bird-thing whipped it's tails, but the second he turned to run, it vansihed into thin air, bringing it's seven victims with it.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 3 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-02T14:27:25+00:00
|
2011-10-02T14:27:25+00:00
| 2,474 |
~If there's something that doesn't make sense, it's because I keep going back and making minor changes, like introducing Applesauce (Saucey) and now, as you will figure out, the first keening was coming from Ponyville, and it stopped while the bird was teleporting~
Luna scrambled to her feet as the keeing stopped, looking over her shoulder, back at the barn. She squinted, trying to see through the trees. Some black bird? She heard galloping hooves and a distant scream, and the bird vanished. Trying to calm her rising panic, she shot out of the tree cover and flew towards the small group of cowering ponies.
Seeing a flicker of orange in the corner of her eye, Luna checked her speed and turned.
"Fire." She whispered. "Fire! Ponyville's on fire!"
Yelling, she flew low over the remaining group, pointing towards Ponyville before flying over to help. There was a flicker of releif as she saw the weather force moving rainclouds, but it diminished as the clouds dissolved in the raging heat.
"You guys, go to the Everfree, to Chibi's house. Stay there until we come and get you! Do you understand?" Scootaloo asked, wings twitching as she prepared for flight.
The kids nodded, watching as the only older help they had flew and cantered towards the blaze. Sunrise felt tears well up in her eyes as she watched the flames.
Tigerjay was the first to notice. "Hey, Sunny, what's wrong?"
She wiped her face with one claw. "My dad's in there..."
Tigerjay turned her face away from the fire, and Chibi silently led them towards the Forest. Crimsonleaf was carrying Squishy, and her curled tail bounced with his steps.
Chibi nosed open the door of the hut, sighing as she held it open. "It is still empty, that I feared; I believe our rescuers still aren't here."
"You don't need to rhyme everything, Chibi. Zecora isn't here." Saucey whispered.
"Sorry. I wasn't thinking. It's just normally when I come home, my mother..." She broke off with a sniffle, and wandered away to light the firepit.
The remainder settled down, Sunrise picking a book off the shelf and curling up to read it, mouth moving silently on a few words. Crimsonleaf stated he was going on guard and trotted outside. Chibi was kneeling beside the fireplace, vainly trying to start a fire to warm her friends. Tigerjay had already gotten out ingredients for cupcakes, and was set on finding a bowl. Squishy was handing out blankets, not getting one for herself and not caring. Applesauce was muttering about Applejack and fire in her sleep.
All looking up as the door swung open and Crimsonleaf trotted in, holding it open as Scootaloo ducked in.
"Sorry, guys. The fire's still blazing, but everyone's accounted for. I couldn't bear how I left you guys out here alone, so I came back."
Tigerjay looked up from his batter. "How can we help?"
Scootaloo smiled. "We're setting up a camp here. There's enough clear space that ponies can come and sleep here. It's closed in, and I'll get Belle to magic up a sheild for the night. You guys are doing great already."
All nodded in agreement, and most of them settled down to go to sleep. Squishy handed Crimsonleaf a blanket, and he accepted and went up against the wall, curling up and closing his eyes. Scootaloo blew out a few of the lamps, lighting the room from the kitchen.
Scootaloo lay down against the door, as if blocking anything from getting in. Squishy, shivering in the cold, trotted over and lay against Scootaloo, who rested a wing on her back to warm her.
Sunrise closed the book and replaced it on the shelf, turning to check on Tigerjay. He was banging flint together, trying to light the cooking pit. Hopping down from her chair, Sunrise padded over, sending a small spark into the pit. It caught on the dried twigs, and soon there was a nice smell wafting around the hut as pine needles and cupcakes heated. Sunrise sat on one side of the fire, warming her cold blood, while Tigerjay made sure his precious goods didn't burn.
After all, it was basically the only thing he could cook, and he was - other than Sunrise - the only creature there with fingers. He could see the fire from here.There was a storm building up over Ponyville, the Pegasus squad working overtime to slam clouds together and move them in place. Unicorns and Earth ponies were digging a wide trench around the outside of the fire, creating a wide brown ring.
Tigerjay sighed. With that precaution, they must have been pretty sure they couldn't stop it.
Spike woke up with a faint warmth on his back. Opening his eyes, he glanced up at the roof. A thick layer of smoke covered it. Grumbling, he calculated where he was before puching the thin layer of earth between him and the surface, sending the smoke swirling into the sky.
He squinted, trying to see the sun to figure out what time it was. Instead, there was a large, dark cloud, and most of the Weather Squad was flying around it.
Confused by the sudden cloud, he enlarged to hole, pushing his head through. He looked around, his eyes focusing on the ruined, blackened buildings and toppled trees. His eyes narrowed as he saw a group of Unicorns fiercely defending the library, being forced back inch by inch.
With a roar of rage, he climbed out of his tunnel, the ground collapsing around him as he struggled to escape. Pouncing on the flames, he smothered them under his paws, wings unfurled. The unicorns cantered away as Spike single-talonly protected his childhood home.
Luna, after nudging a cloud, finally saw him. Her eyes quickly connected the rising blaze and the new escape route for it, formed by Spike's sinkhole.
"Spike! Spike, the library tunnels!"
He heard her, and decided to take a last-second measurement. Taking a deep breath, he set the library alight in green messanger flames, and it dissloved and drifted away to the Palace. Now that his disraction was gone, he got to work on the worst of the fire.
The wind howled against the trees, and sent a chill into the small hut. The cooking fire had gone out a while ago, and everyone was sleeping.
There was a sharp rap at the door. Squishy jumped up, suddenly awake. It was quiet again. Squishy looked around, confused. Had she been dreaming?
There it was again. On light hooves that she gained from her mother, she tiptoed over to the door, pulling it slightly open.
It wasn't a giant demon, like she had thought. It was a stallion, with a pale gray mane and tail and scarlet fur. He knelt down to Squishy's eye level.
"May I come in? I haven't seen anyone for days."
"Are you lost?"
"No, but I need to rest before I can find my home." He looked past. "May I come in?"
From where she had been watching, Scootaloo stood up, narrowing her eyes, but relaxed. "Yeah, warm up by the fire."
He walked around Squishy instead of over her, and sprawled around the fire pit. He was an Earth pony, and his Cutiemark seemed to be an orange-rimmed star. Without looking up, he responded to her gaze. "Pointless, isn't it?"
Squishy, shocked by him noticing, bolted beside Scootaloo again. She sighed.
"By the way, my name's Starlight."
Spike stood in the center of town, watching the rain pound the last few embers into nothing. He sighed at the amount of destruction. Ponies had mentioned both a bird and a dragon, but Spike doubted there were two. Luna had mentioned the bird she saw at the farm, that had taken the remnants of the Mane Six and their friends. A giant, black bird.
Where had he heard of that before?
His pupils shrunk to dots. The legend of Creation. Nothing was a giant raven, who tore off his own wings and heart as gifts... it fit the demon perfectley.
If nothing had taken Twilight...
Spike's talons curled into fists and lit with a foxfire that definatley wasn't for messaging.
If nothing had taken Twilight, than nothing was going to pay.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 4 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-20T22:14:38+00:00
|
2011-10-20T22:14:38+00:00
| 2,474 |
Scootaloo watched Starlight warily. Due to the fact that she was a pony, she did trust everyone, but something about him seemed off. He didn't speak much, but of course, neither did Luna or the evacuated ponies. Three weeks in the Everfree taught you a lot about a pony.
Starlight sighed, without turning to face Scootaloo. "Pictures last longer." He commented.
Scootaloo blushed and looked away. Again, he had noticed. It was almost like he had eyes in the back of his head.
"Who are you?"
He paused, as if thinking over the response. "...I believe I'm a pony." He stated, finally turning to look at her. His golden eyes peirced through hers, as if he was reading her mind, looking through her memories. The feeling vanished as he continued. "A stallion, to be exact."
"That's not what I meant."
"I am entirely sure of what you meant." He replied, rolling his eyes in mild annoyance before turning away. "Do you know the legend of Hallow's Eve?"
"Well, it was long before I was born. And when I heard it, all I was interested in was the free candy!"
Starlight sighed, curling in tighter as if to hide his stomach from the cold wind. "It's a long story." He admitted. "Far too long and far too... gory... for ears like these."
A he waved a hoof at the general surroundings, Scootaloo saw something running across the ankle. It almost looked like a extra, smaller hoof, but he had set it down before she had time to look properly.
Suddenly, he rolled onto his feet. In the rounded moonlight from the window, she noticed his flanks were glistening with sweat. His eyes looked wild, reflecting in the dim light.
"Are you okay?"
He looked up, as if he had forgotten there were others in the room. "Fine." He choked out. "Nothing a walk won't fix."
"It's how you got lost before, wasn't it?"
Again, the confused look crossed his face. "I don't know what you're talking about, but if you want to come, you may as well."
With the hardly-comforting farewell, Starlight shoved the door open. Scootaloo was getting up to follow when he quickly backpedalled through again. His hooves made soft noises on thr floor. Surprised, she looked down. They weren't hooves... they were... paws?
He shook his head quickly, and when his eyes met hers, they were small with terror. "Help." He squeaked. "Help me."
Jumping forward, she grasped him by the ear and pulled him outside, edging around the hundred-odd sleeping ponies and vanishing through the trees. After cantering forward until the loud snores coming from the camp ceased, Scootaloo let go of Starlight, letting him slide to the ground.
The stallion tried to get up and walk, but his trembling legs gave out. As he trembled, sweat pouring down his flanks, Scootaloo considered going back for help.
Suddenly, his fur was lengthening, his tail twitching randomly as he curled up tighter. In a matter of seconds, he scrambled back on his feet, scarlet fur spiked with sweat and dirt.
Scootaloo surpressed a scream.
It wasn't Starlight standing in front of her anymore.
It was a wolf.
The giant bird flashed back into existence, it's captives still struggling in their scaly bonds. Nothing glared at them.
<I'm not letting you go.> It growled, slowly dropping it's tails to the near-invisible ground. Slowly releasing the weakened ponies, they collasped. <I am only making you more comfortable. Your magic will not work here, and neither will your wings.>
"Why not?" Rainbow Dark yelled, scuffing her hooves against the bblack stone.
<I am simply returning you to the forms you had before.>
Twilight struggled to her feet, placing a hoof against the Pegasus for support. "Before when?"
The bird-dragon glared at it's new prisoners. <Before I gave you my wings and my magic!> It snarled. <The Earth ones were the only creatures content with their First Forms.They are the only ones left without harm! The only ones that demanded nothing of me!>
It struck out with one tail, constricting Princess Celestia from where she was crumpld on the floor. She screamed in pain. <You were never even supposed to exist!> It screeched, throwing her into the air. One wing snapped as it crumbled underneath her flank. Blood began seeping from the small outer wound, the bone shards poking out through the skin. <My children listened to none of my warnings! They did now know what they had done! I knew! I warned them!> Still mad with rage, nothing picked her up again, this time slamming her into the ground. <You weren't supposed to exist!>
Celestia closed her eyes, the soundless ringing in her ears blocking the rage of the demon. Around the foggy white haze, she could see Twilight, crying in fear, being held back by her friends.
The haze suddenly increased as another rocky impact slammed against her side. The ringing increased until it seemed her ears would burst, before black spots crowded her vision and everything went peacefully quiet.
Luna shot up from under her blanket. She had the Nightmare Moon dream again, where she raged out of control and her night ruled all.
She jerked her head to the side as something moved. Confused, she saw it again. No matter where she turned, she couldn't see it. She reached up to pat her mane in thought, but her silver shoes went cold as she prodded her neck. Stunned, she shook her head, her mane falling in front of her eyes.
The black-blue swirling mass drifted lazily in front of her eyes.
Biting back tears, she closed her eyes.
"Celestia... Celestia is dead..."
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 5 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-09T23:39:36+00:00
|
2011-10-09T23:39:36+00:00
| 1,964 |
**WARNING TO ALL READERS - This will get graphic. Not clopfic graphic, just reading-between-the-lines graphic. And no, it's not gore. **
Distraught, Luna trotted further into the depths of Everfree. Her temporary sheild was protecting her from both the cold and the Poison Joke as she wandered aimlessly.
Looking back towards the town, small flickers of fire arced randomly out of the wreckage. Again, Luna saw her billowing, nightly tail, and again, a few more tears ran down her face.
She felt like she needed help. Celestia's teasing nature, despite being annoying, was hard to miss. Luna only knew one other creature that held that level of annoying authority.
Luna contempatled this choice. If it went wrong, there was little she could do to change it back. The Elements had disbanded long ago, and although Luna knew where they were, they had no bearers. She closed her eyes with a sigh and readied the teleportation spell, selecting her target in the castle's garden.
A flash of light, and a large stone statue appeared, it's smooth marble finish out of place in the dark forest. Luna felt some pity for the statue, being trapped in such an obnoxious pose for eternity.
"Well," Luna whispered, "eternity ends today."
The statue was illuminated in magic, and slowly grew brighter before darkening completely.
As Luna caught her breath, the statue began to break off in egg-like shards. The inside of the stone was just as smooth as the outside, marred only by the occansional muscle line. The creature inside streched out his claws, yawning with comical exaggeration.
"Ah, beautiful chaos." The creature sighed. "Destroyed again."
Luna moved into sight of the draconequus. He waved a claw, summoning a small pink cloud and crushing it between his talons in frustration.
"I need your help."
"Nobody ever needs my help. They help me."
"Discord, Celestia is dead."
He actually looked shocked, his small red pupils growing as he looked down at the Moon Mare. Her eyes were filled with tears.
"Why did you," he waved a paw at the shells of stone, "awaken me?"
"You're the only creature annoying enough to match Celestia." She admitted.
He sighed, waving his lion's paw. "Luna, Luna, Luna, did you really think this was a good idea?" Before she could respond, he wrapped his tail around her belly and lifted her into the air. Her eyes were level with his. "Really, I thought you would have known enough about your dearest sister to know that she shouldn't have a replacement."
"W-what do you m-mean?" Luna stammered, his thick tail tightening around her middle.
"Let's see how many times she's let you down." He explained, holding up two closed fists. "For starters, she sent you to the moon. She let you have control of only what everyone else didn't care about. She watched you be attacked by a bunch of fillies. She never asked you how you felt." One paw was now completely open. "She tormented you with her constant tricks." Three toes were left. "She made a stained-glass window of your failure." Two. "She made sure your side of the story was never told." He smiled, his one long fang hanging beside his mouth. "And she always had that hint of Molestia in her, didn't she? There was always the few words she never said, because you were her sister. Well, I have something to tell you." His two front paws had all fingers extended as he constricted her tighter. "I. Am. Not. Your. Sister."
He lowered her to the ground, holding her upside-down. Her eyes widened in fear as he grabbed her shoulders with his claws, before changing his mind and covering her mouth with one.
"Luna, Luna, Luna, precious little Luna," Discord whispered, "where's your sister to save you now?"
Crimsonleaf kicked out in his sleep, muttering about fire. Sweetie was standing beside him, gently stroking his sweaty flanks to try and soothe his dreams. She could only wonder of what was happening in his nightmare. Apple Bloom was nearby, desperately sorting through a pile of burned food. Almost all of it was beyond consumption, but whatever wasn't couldn't be wasted.
Sweetie half-thought about where their new Queen had gone. But, there wasn't any reason to worry. The mare had always been prone to walks alone.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 6 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-10T03:51:45+00:00
|
2011-10-10T03:51:45+00:00
| 1,902 |
**Yeah, still semi-graphic... I wasn't just going to end it there - 'she's never seen again and nopony wonders about it yadda yadda yadda' so let's all put on our poker faces and brave these next few chapters out... **
Something was moving outside, almost silently. Sunrise could hear it, perched on the windowsill, leaning forward to hear better. It was far away, she noted, but not too far. Easy to reach at a moderate speed.
She remembered Luna going for a walk. Was she in trouble? There were a lot of things in the Everfree that were more than a match for the mare. Worried for the Princess, Sunrise went to jump outside, only to be met by a beak clamping on her tail.
"Let go!"
Tigerjay obeyed, sending Sunrise rolling into the grass outside. "Where were you planning on going?"
"Can't a girl go do her buisiness without being questioned?" She lied, scuffing a talon through the dirt.
"Oh." The Griffon blushed, dropping back on all fours. "Sorry."
As soon as he vanished back inside, Sunrise targeted the noises again and set off at a run.
Panting slightly, Sunrise crawled through the web of branches, careful not to make a sound. If she endangered herself, she couldn't help Luna. Closing her eyes so they adjusted faster, Sunrise tried to listen to what was happening.
There was almost no noise, nothing of the turmoil she had heard before. Instead, there was heavy breathing.
Breathing that was far too heavy to be of a pony.
Setting her jaw and preparing her mind-bleach, Sunrise opened one eye. The darkness was still thick, but she could make out a pony-like figure lying on a large, distorted rock. She was moaning slightly.
Was she hurt? No sane pony would be lying in the open at night unless they couldn't help it. Filled with fear for her Princess, Sunrise's senses took an adrenaline jump. Everything was brighter, clearer.
And she could see her Princess wasn't lying on a rock.
A thick red tail held her down, while a massive body was curled below her. A dragon claw and pony hoof held her between them, jabbing her back into the body below. All the while, Luna was moaning in a cross between pleasure and pain, while the creature below breathed quickly and heavily.
Sunrise slammed her eyes shut, mentally pouring the mind-bleach. When she opened her eyes, she fixed them on the ground, which was covered in stone fragements.
One of Twilight's stories surfaced in the puddle of bleach, filling her head. Had Luna released... Discord?
Slowly backing up through the bush, Sunrise bolted back to camp, ignoring her strained breaths. If either of them even heard her, they were in no position to follow.
Tigerjay was preparing to set out after Sunrise when she came running out of the dense forest and crashed into his chest. Her forehead was soaked in sweat, and Tigerjay wiped it off with one paw, trying to open her squeezed-shut eyes. When her breathing slowed, she slowly opened her eyes, not shocked to see the worried Griffon only a muzzle-length from her face.
Any other circumstance, and she would have felt that this was very romantic. But she was still filled with shock at what she had seen. She dove through her mind bleach to remember how to speak.
"L-Luna in f-forest and-d D-Discord..." She stammered, looking up at Tigerjay. "D-Discord was... was... Luna..." She shuddered, pressing up against the Griffon's chest in mental disarray.
He placed a talon on her back and stroked her shoulders, trying to stop her trembling. She whimpered and pressed in further, eyes shut again. But despite her repeated shudders, she was calming down, the young Griffon's warm body relaxing her tensed muscles.
"Please, can you tell me what you saw? I want to know what happened."
She glanced around a few times before waving a claw for him to lean forward. She whispered a few quick words in his ear, and his heart rate increased dramatically.
"H-how are we going to help?" He choked out. "We can't do anything to a d-d-draconequus..."
"I don't know." Sunrise whispered back. "But there has to be something."
"...I don't think there is..."
"We can't just leave her to be-"
"I know." He placed a talon across her muzzle, keeping her from continuing the sentence. "I agree. We aren't leaving her with him forever. Just until we come up with a plan. I will find a plan."
Sunrise glanced out towards the trees. Her dragon hearing surpassed Tigerjay's, and she could still hear Discord's heavy breaths. "I just hope she'll be alright..."
Tigerjay settled a wing on her back and guided her inside. "Let's just rest up. We can plan better in the morning. Agreed?"
Sunrise swallowed the lump in her throat. "A-agreed."
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 7 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-10T13:14:36+00:00
|
2011-10-10T13:14:36+00:00
| 2,466 |
** Less cloppy in this chapter... sorta... but this should be the last one**
Discord rolled over, dropping Luna to the ground. Despite the lack of constriction, she couldn't stand. Her legs were trembling and she was covered in feverish sweat. The draconequus was looking at her out of one eye, making sure she didn't run away.
Getting to his feet, Discord looked at Luna sprawled helplessly on the ground. Rolling his eyes, he magicked her into the air, her feet brushing the grass.
"Still thinking it was a good idea?"
Luna gritted her teeth, forcing her muscles to lift her head. "..................y........yes..............."
"Surprising, actually." Discord muttered, making her walk in circles. "I thought you were stronger than Celestia."
"W....what do you....... mean?"'
"She never told you how we 'met'? She didn't just want me turned to stone because of my chaos. After all, the stained glass in her hallway is fake. I actually tormented nopony. I was leader, and it was a little distorted at times, but I didn't hurt anypony when I returned, did I? Didn't then, either. There were exeptions of course, and your sister was one of them. I have to say, she fought much longer than you did."
"You did ....... this ........... to her too?" Luna asked. "But she.......... she never said anything.........."
"Of course she wouldn't, my precious little Luna. What would be worse than admitting that? The pure Alicorn of Equestria, great Goddess of the Sun, marred by the draconequus leader? That would bring much worse consequences than simply turning me to stone and putting me in the garden. Many less questions that way." He floated Luna over his head, twirling her slowly like she was some foals' mobile. "But, alas, you can't trap me without the Elements, who are, as of now, missing or dead. I see a proooobleeem."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why do you want to be like Celestia?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know, you try to be leader, you have Molestia moments, you seem to enjoy tormenting me, you don't care about anypony, you think everyone else's versions of a story are wrong... you know, you seem to be trying really hard to be like her. So, why?"
"Oh, you think we're the same?"
"Isn't that what I just said?"
"Rhetorical." He sneered. "Anyway, I don't turn ponies to stone."
"You mentioned that last time, remember? Before Rarity called you tacky."
He swung one paw up, spinning the new Queen in circles. "For starters, she didn't call me tacky, she called the window tacky. There's a difference. And also, I think statue ponies is a perfectly valid arguement."
"I don't think you can do it!"
"Do what?"
"Turn things to stone."
Discord growled. "I can make cotton candy clouds rain chocolate milk that explodes once you drink the glass. Ever seen your sister do that?"
"No. But I still think you can't turn things to stone."
He dropped her on the ground, pinning her under his tail. "I hate ponies." He muttered. "I hate them a lot."
"Are you ready?" Tigerjay asked, looking over his shoulder.
Sunrise gulped, afraid of what could be seen in daylight. "As I'll ever be."
"You don't have to come. We've got a bunch of ponies from all over Ponyville coming with us, and we'll be okay if you want to stay."
Sunrise looked behind her, at the small hut; it looked warm and inviting, but she didn't want to listen to the impending battle from the windowsill. "I'mcomingwithyou."
Tigerjay sighed, running a talon between her shoulders. "Promise me, if things start going bad, that you'll come back here."
"...Okay."
Luna gasped for air under Discord's thick tail. "You....can't.....turn....things....to.....stone...."
"I can so!" Discord snapped. "But there's nothing here."
Mind racing, Luna realized what she had just done. She was buying time for her rescuers, which she was sure were coming, and had now doomed them to stone.
"In fact, here come some ponies now. Still don't think I can do it?" His scarlet eyes burned into hers.
"Fine!" Luna screeched. "You can! Just... just please, don't hurt them...."
"Okay." He looked around, making sure nopony was close. "I'm off to make some chaos."
He flashed white and vanished, leaving Luna gasping for air on the ground.
"There!" A mare cantered ahead, skidding to a stop in front of the Princess. "Luna! Princess Luna! Are you alright?"
The Goddess slowly got to her feet, trying to hide her hindquaters behind her billowing tail. "Fine."
The others came out of the thicker trees, and Luna realized how easy it would have been for Discord to destroy all of them.
"I've done something terrible." She whispered; in the near-silence of the forest, it was easy to hear her. "I've released a powerful creature. Many of you are too young to have heard of him, but he was the former leader of Equestria. His name is Discord." She sighed, looking at the ponies. "And without the Elements, there's nothing we can do to stop him."
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 8 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2012-02-19T22:41:16+00:00
|
2012-02-19T22:41:16+00:00
| 2,041 |
~only 100 views until it hits ONE-THOUSAND!~
Sunrise padded along beside Luna, trying to make her talk. Despite her efforts, the Princess wouldn't say more than a few words of 'I'm fine' or gently comforting Crimsonleaf over his mother's passing. The dragonness was trying to get Luna to admit what happened, but she knew that the Alicorn was far too proud.
Luna watched her hooves as she walked on, in the midst of the group. Discord had been right. It was to much to admit.
She felt a new batch of tears rising in her eyes, but she tried to hold them back. Her sister was dead, and that was permitted, but after those had dried... she shuddered at what everypony would think if they knew. Discord wouldn't reveal himself until the playing field had been cleared and he had a surefire victory. Luna thought she saw him moving through the trees, but he vanished again before anypony else saw him. With a sigh, she closed her eyes and tried to steer her mind back to before any of this happened.
"Tia! Tia, Discord's back!" She leaped into his paws, hugging the draconequus until she lost her grip and fell back on the ground. Celestia, so much younger, watched him through a swirl of pink mane. Discord returned the stare, smiling slightly. Celestia blushed and looked away.
Luna had never thought anything of it. They were still young, none of them could properly use their magic or wings, and nothing seemed to be happening. Of course, the presence of two powerful deities in the castle nearby enhanced the feeling of warmth. As Celestia stood quietly nearby, Discord and Luna romped, running about the gardens in young euphoria. There was one time when Luna tripped and Discord fell on her, but that was all, they got up, shook themselves off, and continued running.
Butterflies and cotton candy.
That was all that mattered.
Luna sighed, walking around the ponies - her subjects, she remembered - and entered the small hut, lying down beside a surprised Squishy and falling asleep.
"Do you think she'll be alright?" Sunrise muttered, front paws on the outside wall as she looked through the window. "It must have been...you know... terrible..."
Tigerjay looked at the ground between his talons. "No matter what happens, I think Equestria is in for some pretty deep sh*t now. Oh, sorry." He glanced up at the young dragonness, who was glaring at him for the strong language. "Slip of the tongue. Anyway, now not only do we have giant dragon-bird made of absense running amok, we also have the Element of Chaos preparing. I'd say the word was appropriate."
"I know." The dragon landed back on all fours, tilting her head up to look at the sky. "I'm glad Luna was strong enough to raise the sun for today, despite all of this. Who's going to teach Crimsonleaf?"
"Has anyone thought of the fact that now, wherever he is, the last stallion of the pure-blood Apples is lying in the cold, trembling as his last breaths -"
"Don't even say that!" Sunrise growled. "Don't say ANYthing like that! We've lost our Queen and King, and Luna is the new Queen! Think of how Crimsonleaf must feel!"
Tigerjay cast his eyes down at the ground again. "Sunrise, how does a Queen choose a King?"
"You know that."
"Yes, I do."
"Then why are you asking?"
"Sunrise..."
Her pupils shrank as she realized what Tigerjay had already figured out. "You mean..."
He nodded, looking out towards the remnants of Ponyville. "Yes. Discord is our new King."
Luna slowly opened her eyes, suddenly looking into the face of an aged mare. The new Queen reeled backwards, preparing an offense spell and opening her wings.
The mare shook her head slowly, her long horn cracked along one edge. Magickless. Luna relaxed. She could easily take this old horse. The mare smiled as Luna shut her wings and tilted her head.
"Who are you?"
The mare contemplated this, her faded pink mane hanging in thin knots around her neck. "Who do you think I am?"
Luna was shocked by this reply. It almost sounded familiar, something she had heard before, somewhere. She shook off the odd feeling and raised her head. "I am Queen Luna of Equestria, also known as the Moon Goddess."
"And the daughter of Corona, Maker of the Sun and Earth, and Altitudo, Maker of the Moon and Seas. Sister to Queen Celestia, who in turn was the mother of Prince Crimsonleaf, who will take the throne when you pass away. Am I correct?"
The suspicion in Luna's voice faded, replaced by curiousity. "Who are you?" She repeated.
The mare sighed. "It does not matter."
"It matters to me!"
The white horse lifted her ears at this, and shifted her hooves so she stood taller, regal in her physical power. Slowly, a pair of hidden wings opened, delicate feathers torn and broken with age.
"It does not matter because I am no longer alive. But my bloodline is proud and powerful." She paused, a small smile playing over her muzzle as Luna's mouth gaped in awe. "We call ourselves Queens of Equestria, I believe."
Discord lay on a large cloud, twirling a strand of fluff through one talon in boredom. He sighed, looking down at the camp below.
"Silly, silly ponies." He whispered, breaths turning to steam in the cold wind. "You are fine now, but winter is in the air. What will you do when the snows fall and coat everything you love in a blanket of silence?" He pasued, half expecting a response from somewhere below him. When nothing happened, he continued. "The first seeds have been planted. And as you mortals know, a few seeds can grow an entire crop." The cloud dropped from his claws as he rested his chin on one fist. "Sometimes faster than you think."
With those final words, his talons slipped past each other and he vanished in a flash of white light.
Scootaloo braced herself against the wintery wind. She was lucky that there were no prickly shards of ice in the clouds, but the tips of her wings were becoming numb. Attempting to move another cloud, it just moved around her hooves and recollected around them. Snorting in anger, she kicked it before gliding down to the ground.
There were a few Pegasus fillies around when she landed, all trying to fly. Scootaloo smiled, but she shook her head. "It's worse up there than it is down here, I'm afriad. We don't need any of you falling from the sky today."
As she walked back to the hut to warm up by the fire, she could hear the fillies muttering about how cool it would be to fly. Don't worry, little ones, she thought. I felt the same way. You'll be skyborne soon enough.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 9 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-20T22:23:54+00:00
|
2011-10-20T22:23:54+00:00
| 1,817 |
TWO MOONS LATER, MID-WINTER
Sunrise clambered up the wooden beams of the dome, her yellow scales flashing with from the light of the fires below. Jumping off of the wood, she reached out into the open air, her claws catching on a blowing piece of fabric. Extending her wings to change her direction, she swung back at the wall, landing on her hind legs on the beam. Pulling the thick nails from her mouth, she proceded to hammer them into the wood using her tail.
Tigerjay landed beside her, tail sticking straight out as he struggled to balance on the thin wood. "I don't know how you can climb up her every day and patch up these holes. I'm surprised you haven't fallen yet."
She shrugged. "My wings can't really work, but they make good parachutes."
"What about when you rescued me from nothing?"
"That was different. I had no idea I was flying."
Tigerjay rolled his eyes, claws digging into the wood. "I'm going to head back down. You coming?"
Sunrise shook her head, pointing at another tear a few beams up, and one on the other side. "Still have work to do. The Pegasus can't hold as many nails as I can, and I'm faster!" She smiled and prepared to jump up.
As she climbed away, Tigerjay smiled. "Tell me how proud you are when you fall off!" He yelled up. She yelled something unintelligible and continued higher. Laughing, Tigerjay let go of the beam and opened his wings, gliding down to the ground in a lazy spiral. It was a long free-fall, and he had more than enough time to think about what would happen come spring.
Unicorns and Pegasi had been flying all over the Forest and the remaints of the town, knocking down trees and collecting the wood. Earth Ponies had been clearing away massive piles of charred wreckage from the town, revealing soft, brown dirt. Almost immeadiately, the base had been built, while the soil was still soft. From there, a ring of beams, on top of those, another set of posts, until it formed a massive dome, connected at the top and supported by a few tall trees harvested in full growth from the forest, their branches woven into the woodwork.
The tarp was made of any avalible fabric, including curtains, blankets, parts of clothing, carpets, and everything else. This was streched over the wood and nailed down, macigked to fit perfectly around the tree's growing branches without tearing. The nails, however, were not as enchanted, and large seams opened regularely. It was Sunrise's job to fixed them, and she loved scaling the walls without any form of safe-fall mechanism. Tigerjay had tried to help before, but ended up breaking a wooden beam that Sunrise had to put back togather with flame. He hadn't helped since.
He could see her hanging upside-down from the roof, flapping her wings for balance as she held a section of tarp shut. Smiling to himself, he prepared for landing and shut his wings.
AS his claws hit the warm dirt, he smiled again. Multiple buildings, built like multi-level tents, were thriving under the warm dome. Three larger poles of wood streched above the rooftops, magic fire lit in the cups at their top. No sparks ever flew from them, and if they fell, the flames would go out without burning.
Earth Ponies lived closer to the edges, where the best soil was, and grew crops long past the growing season should have allowed. The Pegasus had moved clouds in during the early days of development, to keep the soil soft with light rain, and had never moved them out. On the now-dry clouds, small houses stood proudly, the occasional pieces breaking off to form another cloud. The center was home to Unicorns and Luna, who was living in Ponyville instead of Canterlot, for the time being. She felt partially responisble, and didn't want to leave until everyone had been declared stable. She didn't have a majestic palace made of remnants. She didn't want any more than anypony else did.
He did agree that it would have been easier just to move everypony to the nearest cities, but none of the citizens of the new Ponyville wanted to leave the place where they were born. Including Tigerjay. He shook the dirt from his claws and slipped into the stream of walking ponies. Weaving through the crowds, he approached the nearest ground-fire and lay down to warm up.
Something heavy landed on his back, and he yelped, trying to turn around to look at whatever had landed on him.
"Hi!" Chibi was looking at him, her face upside-down in the tops of his eyes. "You looked so cute, I had to come over! I haven't seen you in forever!"
"You saw me yesterday, Chibs." He reminded her. "You've seen me every day this week. And last week, and the week before that. Now get off, you're heavy."
She backpedaled, walking around him. She was bigger now. Not full-grown, but still much heavier than she had been at the beginning of construction.
"So, Chibs, what have you been doing? Crop planting?"
"Actually, no! I've been building!"
He rolled over, inviting her closer to the warming flame. A thin layer of snow was coating her legs. "Where? I haven't seen you at any of the indoor sites."
"Outside, back in the forest. At first I was just building myself a cart so I could bring my mother's things here, but one of the colts saw me working and invited me to help. So I've been hauling limber and re-enforcing the lower supports." She streched out, the melting snow soaking her from the knees down. Tigerjay had to turn away to hide his blush. He rubbed a talon over his cheeks gently, as if expecting the colour would rub off. Narrowing his eyes to focus his attention somewhere else, he waited until the heat had faded from his cheeks.
When he turned to continue the conversation, he realized at somepoint, Chibi had left. And for some reason he couldn't explain, it made him sadder than he had ever been before.
Sunrise looked down from her perch, although, it did seem like she was looking up to her. She was currently upside-down, tail pressed against a newly hammered nail. She loved being up high enough to see everything in the dome, and being part dragon, was not at all scared by both hanging by her talons and the height. She had often locked her claws around a piece of wood and slept high above everypony else. sometimes going for nights without returning to her treehouse home.
Seeing the last edge flapping nearby, she clambered across the beam, her tail sticking out as she balanced. If she swayed too much, not only would she fall, which wasn't really a problem, but chances are her claws would pull the beam down with her. And due to the fact that a major snowstorm was approaching, it would not bode well to have a massive, ragged tear gaping in the roof.
As she approached, she felt the pressures on the beam change. If she hadn't been on the surface to check for snowfall that morning, she would have thought it was simply a snowdrift sliding off to the ground. But when she had gone out, there was only a thin layer, and no fresh flakes had been blowing through the holes moments before.
Curious, she climbed out of the hole, little claws poking miniscure dots into the fabric. Almost immeadiately, she was picked up and carried off of the dome and into the forest.
Squeezing her eyes shut against the bitter cold, she cursed at herself. Nopony's magic had been strong enough to make a new barrier around the new town, due to the fact that Luna was still raising the sun, and the two previous protectors, Celestia and Twilight Sparkle, were now gone. Of course, noone knew what condition Twilight was in, but since Celestia was confirmed dead, there was little thought to the others not having the same fate. So the camp had come to terms with the loss of the final Elements.
She was suddenly dropping, and got ready to parachute to the ground. Unknown to her, the drop was only a few meters, and her opened wings merely plowed through a puffy pile of snow. She lay flat for a little while, trying to figure out what was happening. No predator would simply drop a captured kill on snow. Rocks, maybe. But not snow. And if snow, never anything this deep.
Sunrise was not claustriphobic, which was good for a dragon that used to live underground. She was more than comfortable with the idea of lying face-first in the snow until she figured out what was going on. Of course, like everything that ever happens in Ponyville, there's never a logical explaination.
The thing that had dropped her pulled her back out, clicking it's tongue.
"Really, could you at least bother with resisting?"
Sunrise scratched out a lot of names on her mental list. She rolled her eyes as she narrowed it down.
"Really, could you at least bother with coming in and getting me?"She snapped, shaking snow off of her back.
"Someone's grumpy." Discord replied. "And why would I sacrifice being seen for one measly little dragon?"
"Why would you stand on the roof? How long were you waiting for?"
He blushed a little. "Doesn't matter."
She glared at him. "You've been up there for most of today, haven't you?"
"Doesn't matter."
They were silent for a while, Sunrise glaring daggers and Discord looking mildly ashamed.
"FINE! I've been up there for at least four hours!" He growled. "What makes you so sure of yourself?"
"Oh, I'm fine with knowing you were shivering up there for more than a few minutes."
Now, for anyone getting confused at this point, Discord had regularly captured ponies and the other creatures living with them, attempting to corrupt them. The first few times it was terrifying, but because of the daily attempts, they had just become part of the schedule, even if it was annoying. Luna had been the first captured, and had placed an effecitive restricting spell on him before he used his magic. Now, he could only play his games if the target had agreed or given in.
Of course, that really pisses him off.
He growled, shoving his head into the closest snowdrift. "Come on! I'm so bored with you mortals. I can barely teleport, so I can't even bother anypony else! I hate ponies!"
"I know, I know, you've already given me this rant." Sunrise reminded him. "It's Tigerjay who hasn't heard it yet."
He sighed. "Can't one of you just give up?"
"No. Can I leave now?"
He waved a paw from the pile of snow. "Yeah, whatever."
Sighing in frustration, Sunrise jogged away.
"Get Tigerjay over here, by the way!" Discord yelled out from behind her.
"NO! Go do something productive for once!"
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 10 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-18T20:31:41+00:00
|
2011-10-18T20:31:41+00:00
| 1,518 |
Sunrise shook her head as she jogged back to the Dome. "Will he ever learn?" She muttered to herself.
"Who?"
She spun, expecting to see somepony standing nearby that could hear her. Instead, there was just snow. She scanned the ground. Hoofprints came to a certian point, and there were a lot of them, like a group huddled together. She glared at the space above where the prints stopped.
"Stupid Unicorn." She growled. Far too many wandering ponies were around. Most of them shouldn't be. "Your cloaking spell is still on."
"Crap." A voice replied. A few more hoofprints appeared as the speaker shifted, and the air shimmered and seemed to peel away in layers.
A lime-green unicorn looked down at the snow. "Sorry about that."
"I have a feeling you aren't the only one?"
He sighed. "Smart little dragon." He muttered. There were a few more flickers, and other ponies appeared.
A brown Pegasus with a tan mane and tail flicked an ear in greeting, but didn't say anything. His Cutie Mark was a golden watch on a coiled chain. The second was a blue Earth Pony, with a robin-egg mane and tail, a black eye patch on his left eye, and a bomb Cutie Mark. The final was only a colt, who was grey-blue with a teal mane and tail. His Cutie Mark was a foaming wave.
"I'm Lamplight." The Unicorn stated, turning to show off his Cutie Mark. Sunrise said nothing, mostly due to the fact she didn't want to embarass him further by telling him she had never seen a lamp that old. "This is Rapture, Bomberman, and that's Thumper." While the other two muttered something along the lines of 'hello', the brown Pegasus merely looked at her curiously.
"What's up with him?" She asked, pointing a claw at Rapture.
"Don't mind the silence."
"Why?"
"You don't need to know. You're a child."
This common remark enraged Sunrise. Claws out, she tackled the Unicorn, pushing him onto his back and planting her claws on his throat. "I run up that dome every day to secure tarp without a safety rope. I just argued with the Element of Disharmony. I have stronger magic than you, and I can and will breathe fire. I am no child."
Lamplight let out a little squeak, and Sunrise hopped off of his chest and into the snow. He scrambled to his feet, glaring at his companions as they stifled laughter.
"If you really must know, he's mute." The green stallion huffed. "Good enough?"
Sunrise blushed. "Sorry, I didn't know..."
The Pegasus just shrugged and fluttered his wings in a nonchalant manner. Sunrise found her own wings fluttering in a similar way. They kept up the silent conversation for a few more moments before Lamplight cut in.
"Okay, you're best friends now. Is there any way we can go inside the tent for a while? My friend needs to warm up."
Sunrise cast a glance at the colt. His teeth were bared, and he was pressed up against Bomberman, who was not pleased with it. "How far have you come without any winter gear?"
"None of your buisness."
She planted he feet in the snow in front of them. "Well, sorry, but I have orders to question any unfamiliar ponies. And if your friends have been out in the snow long enough, Thumper may not be the only one in need of our medical service."
Lamplight countered her gaze for a few more moments.
"We've been walking for a week now. We're nomads, so we don't stay put in one place for long. That's why we came towards the tent, you know, familiarity between gypsy folk."
"Hate to break it to you, but if you want gypsies, I'd take your little herd and continue in the opposite direction." She snapped, starting starting to walk without waiting to see if they were coming. "Because this happens to be a very permanent self-sustaining town."
"Meh." Lamplght retorted, trying to hide his embarassment. "It has a tent on it, and that's good enough for me."
Sunrise ignored him and kept walking, hearing the hooves sliding through the snow behind her. Unknown to the herd, Sunrise could hear the vague hum of a weak teleportation spell, and sighed.
"Ignore him, he only wants the attention." She called out, not even checking her speed. Rapture was close behind her, head bent low to her eye level as he looked around curiously. There were muffled squeaks from the others as the spell's humming stopped. Grumbling about how many times he would interrupt, she stopped and turned around.
Discord's expression changed from a distorted mask to a shocked frown. He lowered his claws and shut his wings, turning to face her innocently. She glanced at the three terrified gypsies before looking back at him.
"Forest. Go. Now." She pointed a claw, and he sighed and shuffled back through the snow, waiting for his meager magic store to recharge enough for another teleport. He looked back over his shoulder once, smiling and holding up one claw.
Sunrise rolled her eyes at the obscene gesture and looked at Lamplight and the others. "Come on. You're not the first ponies he's done that to, and you won't be the last. Get your rears in gear!"
Beside her, Rapture mimicked her expression, narrowing his eyes and frowning. Shaking off the sheer terror of coming face-to-face with a mild form of chaos, the ponies started walking again.
Sunrise bounded ahead through the snow, hoping that the sarcastic unicorn might freeze to death. Of course, when she reached the doorway, he was still fully alive and keeping up. Rapture was gliding aimlessly in the sky above, watching Bomber and Thumper as they trekked through the snow. Sunrise stepped aside, letting the nomads enjoy the warmth from the burning torches.
As they looked around in astonishment, Sunrise jumped up to the closest beam. "I'll be up here if you need me."
She waited for them to move, but they just gaped at the city-like interior of the dome. Rolling her eyes, she scaled the walls, hoping to find the stash of nails left behind when Discord captured her. Again.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 11 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-19T20:11:28+00:00
|
2011-10-19T20:11:28+00:00
| 1,532 |
Luna ran her hoof against the soft fabric. It looked much better than when they had started, at least. All of the hues had been whitewashed, giving it a slightly more 'it's-supposed-to-look-like-that' appearance.
Clearing her mind of random thoughts, she concentrated on the task at hand. Crimsonleaf was standing on the cover a bit further down, still attempting Celestial Enhancement. The sun was moving lower, which was a great improvement, but she finished it for him anyway before moving the moon. It was almost effortless now. As the moon reached the brightest spot, Luna let it stop.
Crimsonleaf turned to look at her. She was about to congratulate him on his efforts, until she noticed his eyes were full of tears.
Careful to stay on the supports, she galloped over. "What's wrong?"
He lunged forward, his front hooves wrapping around her neck. She was frozen with shock as the colt's wings slid limp along the tarp, his body wracked with sobs.
"I miss her." He choked. "I want her to be here. I need her, Luna."
She rested one hoof on the back of his neck, his limp orange mane running over her silver shoes. They stood like that for a long time, each passing second driving a new shard of ice into Luna's heart.
She couldn't replace Celestia. Ever. Every morning strained her, the unfamiliar magic still ripping her strength to pieces even after almost three months. She was trying to be leader, but she couldn't take care of Ponyville and the rest of Equestria. Canterlot had been adapted a long time ago to function without the presence of Alicorns... back when Luna and Celestia were the same age, same power, and in the end, same time of death.
She knew all of the important affairs were being handled for now. Those words cut open the last sliver of resistance from her core. For now. Someday she would have to leave this fragile, broken Ponyville in exchange for Canterlot, and never have enough precious time to take care of this little place. She doubted Ponyville would continue existing if she left.
Her storming conscious settled momentarily as Crimsonleaf stepped back, his hooves dropping back to the wood. He re-folded his wings at his flanks.
"I'm sorry, Luna. Don't tell anyone, okay?" He turned without waiting for an answer, gliding down to the ground and back into the tent.
The Goddess stood silently, holding back her intense emotions. She had to get away.
Flapping her powerful wings, she lauched skyward, dancing between the clouds until she was far from the tent. Settling on a warmer cloud, she lay down. She felt strangely more comfortable the further she went from the others. Gritting her teeth against the cold wind, she took off again, darting around the clouds as adrenaline raced through her chilled veins. When her exhaustion fianlly caught up, she landed, flailing through the snow as her hooves scavenged for stable ground. Attempting to move forward, she surged through the drifts, head raised high and teeth showing as she struggled against the forces of nature,
There was something watching, however, that she couldn't see. It was a vastly powerful creature, one of the Firstborn Spirits of nothing and something. There were five Firstborns in the beginning; Corona of Fire, who created the Sun, Altitudo of Space, who created the Moon, Maris of Water, who created the seas, Faenum of Earth, who created the plants, and Fulmen of Electricity, who made the storms.
Corona took the form of an Alicorn, Altitudo took the form of a great dragon, Maris turned into a rainbow-hued snake, and Faenum became a golden wolf with bird's wings tipped in green. Fulmen turned her form into that of a tiger with the wings of a bat.
They split the spoils of creation. Corona became the mate of Altitudo, and these two divided the land into sections, giving each species a section in which they ruled. Altitudo gave birth to two Alicorn filles, and when the coupled Firstborn began having to travel all over, they promoted the two foals into the powers of the Sun and Moon. And all was fine.
Until Fulmen became jealous. She came out of her underground palace - the only domain unused by the others - and seduced Maris into her palace, and when she released him to return to the sea, she began dabbling in Darkness. Faenum was troubled by the corrupted Firstborn, and attempted to destroy the unborn child. Faenum's powers were great, but Fulmen made a last-moment counter that deflected most of the attack. Both believeing nothing more could be done, Faenum sighed and returned to the surface, leaving Fulmen to rage underground.
Corona and Altitudo were worried at the sadness of Faenum, and drew the Keepers of their sections togther in order to protect the two new Goddesses. Maris rose the sea in a threat to flood the Firstborn's underground realm, and in the end, Fulmen prowled out of her den, body flecked with dried blood and dirt.
Faenum watched the Firstborn stumble towards the flooded castle, immortal paws making small ripples on the surface of the water. Faenum's wings twitched, wanting to dive at the feline Firstborn and destroy the unborn kit. But Fulmen made no aggressive moves, if she even noticed the judging eyes of the Earth Maker.
Maris's winding form dashed under his water, red mouth open, rows of yellow teeth shining as he drew closer to the battered creature. As the snake drew nearer, he twirled his body, waves splitting the surface and battering the walking tiger. Faenum felt like stopping him, but her own feelings stopped her.
When the water settled, Fulmen was still standing. Maris's great body loomed out of the water behind her, pink tongue flicking as the Firstborn continued her trek.
After what seemed like years, Fulmen brushed the closed gates of the castle with one paw, leaving bloody stains on the polished gold. Maris withdrew his waters back to their place, leaving the other Firstborn to stand on sodden ground. Fulmen was pulled into the castle by the tail, and thrown into the dungeon, for her immense power had been drained by the enchanted waters of Maris. Faenum found herself walking to the dungeon every hour, checking on her sister.
The greatest storm known to the new lands began building, with no rainfall. Instead, great winds and thick lightning struck the earth. The summond creatures returned to their homes to prepare for the storm. And when Faenum went to check on Fulmen, the tiger was sprawled on the floor, flanks heaving. Faenum teleported into the chamber, and for a long time, the winds ripped stone into mountians, and the lightning carved valleys. The winds let out one final gust, and with a flash of lightning, the storm clouds vanished. The world recovered.
And in the dungeon, Fulmen's barbed tongue tugged across a small bundle of fur and scales and feathers. Faenum was still with her, displeased at this turn of events.
Between Fulmen's paws, two mismatched red-and-yellow eyes opened for the first time.
And now, as the desendant of her siblings struggled through the snow, Faenum waited. And on the wind, the great golden wolf could hear the distorted yowling of a laughing tiger.
Luna shut her eyes, feeling small shards of ice lodging themselves in her lids. Her entire body was growing numb, and she was scared of dying. She was scared of herself.
Faenum shook out her wings, their ancient width shedding centuries of dust and stone and shimmering in the light of the moon. The Firstborn drew the warmth of her brother's sun and her sister's moon, and melted the snow in front of their struggling child. Flapping her emerald wings, she danced to the ground.
Luna's shoe clicked against a stone as she sank into the snow. It was dissolving around her, seeping into the dead grass and soaking her already-cold fur. She let out a shiver as the wind bit against her skin. Pain ripped through her entire body as she stumbled forward. She could see a cave now, visble through the warming wind. Luna's tongue was hanging out in exhaustion as she limped forward, making her way into the darkness and collapsing on the warm stone.
Faenum dug deeper through her earth. One of Maris's springs was under this dirt, and she was determined to raise it. Her stubby claws were cracked and bleeding, but she kept going, ignoring the stones cutting her paws. When warm, steaming water finally burst from the earth, the wolf nearly passed out in exhaustion. Putting aside her own troubles, she returned to the entrance, pulling the Moon Goddess into the warmth of the cave and out of the reach of the raging wind.
And like she had for Fulmen, she sat down to wait. Somewhere in the dark underground, Fulmen was laughing, her glowing green eyes piercing the layers of rock in order to watch the struggles of her neice.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 12 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-21T00:18:54+00:00
|
2011-10-21T00:18:54+00:00
| 1,663 |
Luna's eyes could barely open. Tears of pain ran down her cheeks, matting her fur and collecting under her chin.
UNIMAGINABLE.
She felt like she was being torn apart inside. And all the while, she was vaguely aware of another creature in the warm cave with her, a predator. She had seen flashes of golden fur when she managed to open her eyes. There was no fear. Only pain.
"Tigerjay!" The griffon was pushed into the ground as Sunrise tackled him. He was about to laugh and push her off, before seeing the dots that were now her pupils.
"What is it?"
"It'sLunashe'sgonenopony'sseenhersinceshewentouttoraisethesunwithCrimsonleaf." The dragonness was unintentionally diging her claws into Tigerjay's shoulders with every word, where the words themselves could be distinguished.
"Stop spearing me!" He grunted, shaking her off. "Now, repeat that. Slowly."
"Luna's missing." Sunrise choked. "I don't know where she is. No-one's seen her since she went up with Crimsonleaf to change the sky. Crimsonleaf swore she was right behind her when he came in, but he never turned around to check."
"What do you think we should do?" His voice took a steely tone as he continued. "Where's Discord?"
"I don't know," as Tigerjay got ready to run, she scrambled to continue, "but he's inside. He's finally given in to the fact he was catching pneumonia and decided we can deal with his," she paused to make air quotations, "extreme handsomeness. His words, not mine."
The griffon scanned the crowd, hoping for the tall figure of Disharmony to come striding by. As usual, Discord moved on his own terms, and was nowhere to be seen. Tigerjay sighed. "I don't know what we can do. She's a strong mare. If she's not back by the time the sun has to rise, we can worry. Until then, we have to hope. If you see Discord, punch him for me."
Sunrise nodded, slowly calming down, watching as Tigerjay took off into the empty air of the Inner Dome. She waited until he had almost reached his cloudbank home before running off to the infirmary.
"RELAX!" The mare shouted, trying to restrain Discord. "I'm trying to help!"
"No, you're trying to spear me!" He hissed, writhing out of the grip of her magic and pressing up against the wooden wall.
Waving the needle in her magic, the exasperated nurse attempted to inject him again, trying to get his immunity levels up. She had managed to take blood while he was sleeping, but he hadn't shut his eyes since. Now, he was curled up and growling, wings flared out as he tried to look bigger. When the mare stepped closer again, he raised his head and attempted to bite the needle's tube, careful to avoid the actual point.
"What's going-" Sunrise walked around the corner, immediately taking in the overturned bed and the small prick on Discord's arm. "Oh."
"She's trying to stab me!" The draconequus stated, pointing a claw at the nurse. "Look!"
"How long has this been going on?"
She sighed, dropping the needle on the only table that was undisturbed. "Since he woke up." Sunrise cast a sideways glare at Discord, who seemed to be calculating the distance between him and the needle shaft. "At least we got one valuable piece of information." She added. "We know exactly how long it takes for him to store enough magic to teleport."
"How many times has he gotten away?"
"Well, the first time he came back on his own, we've had to send Pegasi once because he was half-sedated, and at least ten times I've gone at retrieved him myself. So, at least twelve times." She looked up at the clock. "About to be thirteen."
As soon as she finished speaking, Discord flashed out. Both creatures sighed.
The nurse looked down at Sunrise.
"Want to go for a walk?"
In a void of darkness, five creatures stirred. One was already awake.
Nothing glared down at the mortals, thick feathers trembling as he sensed the air around him. He knew of what was happening, even with blind eyes.
The one called Twilight Sparkle, once bearer of the powerful Element of Magic, is crying relentlessly.
Her friend, Element of Generosity by the name of Rarity, is refusing to look towards nothing's shadowy form.
Applejack, old bones creaking under the once-bright fur of Honesty.
Gilda the Griffon, lacking in an Element, standing idly.
Zercora the Zebra, also without an Element, wordless in her sadness.
Rainbow Dark, daughter of the deceased Rainbow Dash, who was the bearer of Loyalty, leaning on Gilda through force of habit.
And below nothing, the broken form of the final Element, untitled in it's power. And the corpse that once had the name of Celestia.
And it was that abomination that he directed his blind eyes towards. The simple act was difficult, pain searing through his face as they moved fractions. He wasn't going to open his eyes in daylight. It would have burned him if he had stayed longer. In fact, the other two Alicorns were only alive because he had felt the scales on his tails crumbling. And he had opened his eyes then.
Too much sheer light. The last efforts of the Sun Goddess.
"Abomination." He growled, lifting the body in one claw. The skin on them itched with the touch. It was old magic. Hissing as the skin crumpled and burned, he threw the body aside, where it skidded against the endless obsidian, simply rolling until the momentum was lost. He heard the increased wailing of the one named Twilight.
He hated these creatures. They had taken so much. He wanted to crush their measly bodies now. But he was still fragile. Sunlight. Oh, how he loathed sunlight.
If his children had not made the mistake of mating, neither princess would exist. Chaos's mortal form would also vanish. But nothing could not interfere with the pasts of the Firstborn.
The marks had already been made.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 13 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-22T01:15:51+00:00
|
2011-10-22T01:15:51+00:00
| 1,795 |
"You know, Luna, I am proud of you."
The Moon Queen couldn't move. Every nerve seared with pain, and her fur felt like it was made of fire. And somewhere, close, there was a voice. It was gentle, comforting, but stuck in the almost-silence normally held for the summer wind and the falling of snowflakes. She tried to respond, to ask what was going on, but her breath burned across her dry mouth, and her tongue was doing nothing but taking up space.
There was some sounds of movement, and in a sudden, cold spasm, her mouth was filled with snow. The burning pain down her throat subsided as she struggled to swallow, the icy hunk settling in her stomach as remnants melted over Luna's tongue.
"Can you move?"
Luna tried to open her eyes, placing her front hooves on the ground and trying to stand. Her grip failed, and she toppled sideways. Something warm and soft as fresh spring grass was under her, pushing her back upright with strong shoulders.
"There's a good reason that you shouldn't exert yourself, my niece. Please, be calm."
She trusted that voice. It sounded like home and spring and happiness, and she liked those things. "What's going on?" She rasped. "Where am I?" Niece?
"You are safe. What do you remember?"
"I was drowning... drowning in snow..."
"And you went into a cave, remember?" The voice insisted. "And then you passed out."
"Who are you?"
"My name is unimportant. I need you to try and open your eyes."
Luna lifted a hoof to poke her muzzle. It was simply dried tears, basic eyes gunk. As she scraped it off, she thought about the pain. Mostly, why that pain had occured.
When she opened her eyes, there was no sudden light. It grew brighter slowly, as if her eyes opening was slowly pushing back the shadows. Soon, she could tell she was in a small cave, a steamy ground spring on one side and a tunnel on the other. Between them, there was a golden wolf, with a set of birds' wings folded neatly at her sides. There was something between her paws, hidden like it was behind bars as she sat patiently.
"Good." The wolf was the speaker, her lips drawn awkwardly back, despite the fluency of the words. "You're seeing everything okay? Focusing properly? Motor skills functioning, at least. If not uncoordinated..."
"I'm fine." Luna interupted. "Now, what's going on? Other than the fact I'm talking to a winged wolf, which in itself wouldn't be weird, except were underground and I seem to remember excrutiating pain."
"Luna..." The wolf glanced down at the solid shadow hidden behind her paws. "There's something you have to know. And even if you don't like the words, it's happened, and you can't stop it. Okay?" She nodded.
Moving one paw, the wolf swept the bundle from between her legs, skidding it across the damp stone and in front of the Queen in one fluid motion. As the object slid to a stop, it growled.
Luna's pupils shrank as she glanced between the bundle, the wolf, and herself. "Wha-but-no-this-I-didn't-"
The wolf raised a paw, and Luna cut off her babbling. "I know it's not the outcome you wished for. It's not even up to you. And I know how bad this will be. For both you, and this impending battle. And I can take this," she pointed a paw towards the growling lump, "and dispose of it, if you wish."
Luna grabbed the bundle in her teeth, ignoring it's increased snarls. Moving it as far away from the wolf as she could, she glared at the calm creature.
"No. It's-"
"He's."
She almost snarled at the wolf herself. "He's mine. You can't have him."
"That's your choice." The canine had an added hint of venom to her voice now. Helping had not been out of kindness. "Good luck finding your way home, by the way."
And, much softer than Discord, she faded out, leaving a warmer hint in the air before icy wind began whistling through the tunnel. Suddenly, the spring stopped bubbling, turning still and cold as the temperature in the cave dropped. Luna shivered, looking at the bundle she had not expected to recive.
It looked exactly like it's father, other than the eyes, which looked like hers. But there was no way of hiding the sire from the eyes of ponies everywhere. She sighed before lifting the kit-foal-cub in her teeth and walking out of the tunnel. The cold seeped into her bones as she stepped out, the snow once again biting into her coat.
Closing her eyes, she started walking.
"Discord?" Sunrise called out. "Are you here?"
The nurse sighed. "We should be getting back in. He has nowhere else to go. He'll be back, trust me."
The pony began plodding back through the snow. Sunrise sighed before jogging after her. There was just too much waiting.
The draconequus in question stuck his out from the branches of the tree, making sure the miniature search party was gone before climbing down. His tail was painfully bent from being pushed into an odd angle as he had launched into the branches. Grumbling, wishing he was still above most physics, he streched it back into shape.
He thought about the hideout he had kept until the cold had really hit. Trying to measure the teleport distance, he started walking. It wasn't as cold as it had been on the night he finally gave in, but it was still cold. Absentmindedly rubbing his arms, he shuffled through the snow, leaving deep trenches that would have been easy to track, if not for the snow filling them back in.
Discord's ears pricked as he heard something through the wind. Not voices, but cries. Pained, hopeless cries.
And despite his nature, he sped up, almost on all fours as he dove through the snow. And the cries became louder, closer.
"Luna?! What are you doing out here? You'll freeze to death!" He exclaimed, seeing the Alicorn kneeling in the snow. He moved to pick her up, only flinching slightly when the Queen moved away.
"P-p-please g-g-g-go..." She shivered. "I-I-I-I-I'm f-f-f-in-n-n-n-e..."
"You're not fine." Discord insisted, lifting the frozen Alicorn in his arms. She was shivering, as fast as if she could shake out of her own skin. "I'm bringing you to the tent. Is that okay?"
She might have nodded, but it could have just been a stronger tremble. He accepted it anyway, stumbling back the way he came.
Sunrise was on her way down from the roof when Tigerjay came out of nowhere and landed on the beam below. "Sunrise! Sunrise, there's no need for you to come down. Go straight home!"
She glanced behind her at the treefort. "Why?"
"Just trust me! And hurry!"
As he flapped back over the tents, Sunrise leaped up the wooden rails, every claw fitting every grip, finding each hold with weeks of practice, not checking her speed as she changed to vertical, shimmying up the post and climbing fast. It wasn't long before she was standing on the wide, tarp deck of her home. The door was open.
Suddenly cautious, Sunrise pressed up against the wall, moving forward only enough to be able to see around the edge of the doorframe.
A golden paw pulled her in. "Good. Tigerjay found you."
"Discord?!" Sunrise began struggling against the paw that was holding her. He had her pressed against his chest, absentmindedly stroking the crest on her head. It took a while for Sunrise to realize he was crying, and she stopped fighting.
"What's wrong? What happened?"
"It's Luna..."
"What about her?"
"I found her out in the snow. I brought her back, but all we can do is wait. If she doesn't recover... her life is not the only one on the line..."
"What do you mean?!"
He lowered Sunrise to the ground, walking into Sunrise's room. Confused, she followed.
There was something on her bed, small and fragile, and that didn't look at all like it belonged in the small, wooden room. It was a miniature, skinny, stumpy version of Discord. And it was sleeping peacefully, twitching occasionally.
"WHAT IN EQUESTRIA?!?!" Sunrise shrieked, being swiftly cut off by a paw over her mouth.
"Shush! When he's awake, all he does is growl." Discord hissed, glancing over at the mini. It just rolled over, leaving a dip in the fabric where it had been lying before.
Sunrise struggled to keep from yelling. "Whatisthatandhowdiditgethere?!"
"Well, it's a long story..."
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 14 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-23T15:58:34+00:00
|
2011-10-23T15:58:34+00:00
| 1,499 |
Discord leaned over the bed, front paws on either side of the creature in front of him. His son, he remembered. That didn't mean he had to like it. It didn't like him.
Slolwy, he lifted one paw, inching it towards the peaceful cub-kit-foal-thing. As soon as he was within touching range, the dragonequus's head shot up, teeth bared and growling. Discord pulled his hands back, stumbling as he pressed up against the wall.
Inching away, the new father tried to look unthreatening. Still, he could hear the growling long after the cub-kit-foal was hidden from sight.
Discord slumped to the floor with a sigh. This was not going the way he planned.
Tigerjay was holding Sunrise under one wing as they stood in the doorway. Luna was sprawled on the bed in front of them, parts of her coat shaved off where tubes and needle pricks showed.
Her skin was discoloured all the way up to her knees and parts of her wings. There was a good chance that not only would she be grounded, she wouldn't be able to walk, either. And she still wouldn't wake up. And even more disturbing, her sparkling mane had gone dull and dark, still billowing gently, but not in a way that looked alive.
"What can we do?" Sunrise whispered, breaking the deathly silence. "Is there anything that might help?"
"This is beyond us." The nurse replied, her soft gaze filled with hidden tears. "If the frostbite has gotten deeper than we thought, then she'll be leaving us sooner rather than later. She's barely alive as it is."
No, Luna thought, only hearing sections of words. I'm alive. Can't you see? Make me better... please... I don't want to die... I can't leave Crimsonleaf alone...
"He's not alone." Luna's eyes opened. She was standing, across the room from Sunrise, Tigerjay and the nurse, and could clearly see her mane and tail solidifying on the body between them. The Queen turned, expecting to see another pony, some kind of friendly face for the last breath.
It wasn't a pony. It was a dragon, bent over in order to fit in the large room, scales reflecting in the colours of night and peace. "He's not alone." She repeated. "He has his friends."
"I can't leave him! I can't leave Ponyville! I can't leave my son!"
"Your son is in good hooves, Luna. The ponies here will care for him long after this point. His father, despite the mutual hatred the two seem to share, won't leave him alone either. Everyone's safe, Luna. Nopony is alone."
"How is this going to turn out?" She asked, trying to block out the cries of the yougn dragonness as she shook her Queen's limp shoulders, ran her claws through blue curls of mane... "What's going to happen to Discord, and the Dome, and nothing? Isn't there something I can do?"
"You already have done something." The dragon whispered. "You gave birth to the Seventh Element. You've done so much, Luna. Now it's time to let someone else do their part."
And she rested a paw on Luna's shoulder. Reality twisted and folded, turning into colour and light, images flying by as the two silently teleported. And when they stopped, Luna was alone.
"There's nothing you can do." Tigerjay whispered, holding Sunrise off of the body of the Queen. "She's gone to a better place now."
The procession led through the main streets. Everypony was dressed in black, standing at the sides of the road as a set of ten ponies, Earth, Unicorn and Pegasus alike, walked through the center. They were dressed in complete armour; the Pegasus in gold, the Unicorns in silver, and the Earth ponies in bronze. Behind the coffin bearers, another group walked, head up and coats cleaned. Tigerjay, Sunrise, Squishy, Chibi, Applesauce, Scootaloo, Crimsonleaf - dressed in golden Regalia, and Discord, who, despite his magic returning, was behaving. None spoke, simply following the coffin bearers, trying not to look at the ponies on the sides. Sunrise wasn't looking up from her feet, despite gentle nudges from Tigerjay.
As the coffin entered the central crossroads, a trio of Pegasi shot down from the roof, glowing batons in their mouths. As they sped up, the batons began emitting dust, floating in the air and sparkling like stars. Dropping the batons down to the ground, the Pegasi split apart, making individual loops before combing at a three-way spin. There were a few moments when the air itself was still, and everything was silent, before the trio broke the sound barrier and an echoing crash emitted from the sky. Streaks of silver, blue and black orbited away from the breaking point, hiding the trails of the Pegasus as they landed, their heads bowed in respect.
Rainbow Dash had requested that these same fliers would put on a show at her funeral. They were much younger than, faster, stronger... but the Wonderbolts were more than willing. But unlike Dash's show, there was no cheering as the sound barrier was broken. There was just noise.
Sunrise helped the Pegasus lower the coffin, her tiny wings straining to try for flight. This wasn't the queen any more. This was just another gravesite.
Crimsonleaf was looking down at the shimmering Regalia around his neck, seemingly lost in thought. He had a good reason for thinking. His mane hadn't changed. He wasn't King.
And Tigerjay didn't have the heart to tell him why.
The clouds shuddered before letting white flakes float down to the ground, just enough sunlight getting through to set the snow sparkling. And in this harsh, beautiful world, there was silence.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 15 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-28T20:14:36+00:00
|
2011-10-28T20:14:36+00:00
| 1,446 |
Discord was curled on the bed, positioned exactly out of reach from the little demon that he had accidentley spawned. It was asleep, for now. But one move, at it would sink it's needle-teeth into his hand, or whatever was closest to it's mouth.
"I hate ponies." He muttered.
The little creature lying peacefully in front of him shot onto it's feet, growling. Too loud.
As Discord slowly moved away, trying to look unthreatening, the little creature stood up on it's hind legs. Eyes narrowed evilly, it pointedly replied with, "Hate."
"What did you just say?!"
Seemingly pleased with this reply, more words were added. "I hate you!"
"You little runt!" He growled, lunging across the room. The little draconequus yelled out one more "hate you!" before leaping off the bed and vanishing underneath. Discord slammed into the wall.
There was to sound of claws on wood, and it scrambled out the other side of the bed. "Runt runt runt! I hate you, runt!" Scampering away, it's claws gouging the wood, it vanished into the next room. The once-element of Disharmony face-pillowed.
"Hate runt hate runt ponies hate runt little!"
Sunrise screamed as Discord flashed into existence in front of her.
"It's driving me insane!" He yelled, drawing his claws down over his ears. "It won't stop talking!"
"I wonder who that reminds me of..." Sunrise muttered, looking down at her paws.
"What?"
"NOTHING!" She quickly replied, eyes glancing up at him.
He was silent, raising one eyebrow suspiciously, but shrugged it off and started hovering beside her. "Is there anything known to shut me up?"
"Stone." She joked.
"That could work..."
"Discord!"
"What?!" He stuck his paws out in front of him. "You said it! I simply approved it."
"You're annoying."
"I'm taking that as both an understatement and an insult."
"Good."
"I hate ponies!"
And from somewhere across the dome, another call anwered; "Hate!"
Discord's pupils shrank. "Dear Equestria it's found me! Quick, hide!" He lunged behind her, his recovering powers twisting his body until it was virtually inivisible. "Run!"
"It's fine. You're just overreacting. You might be bad, but there's no way it's worse."
"It issssss..."
"Can it fly?"
"...It doesn't exactly need to..."
A sparkle of light flashed above Sunrise, taking the shape of a small draconequus before falling onto the dragonness's scaly back. It shook out it's fur, looked around, and purred contentedly. Rubbing up against her side, it wove between her front legs, purring and looking up at her through a pony's eyes.
"You're adorable!" She scooped it up in her front claws, hugging it as it purred and rubbed against her scales. "See, there's nothing to be worried about."
"That's what you think." He replied, unbending from wherever he had gone. The second the cub-kit-foal turned to look at him, it's little eyes narrowed and it started hissing. Disord drew back. "Eeeugh."
"Oh, he's just being silly." At Sunrise's voice, the growling changed to purring.
Discord's jaw dropped. "No. No no no no no. Not you."
Still purring while casting sidelong glares at the stunned draconequus, the cub-kit-foal didn't speak up.
"Come on, Discord. He's adorable. Have you named him yet?"
"No. I was think something along the lines of 'Little Runt', 'It'... you know, something along those lines."
"He needs a real name... how about Apollo? Or Oranges? Orrrr..... Obsidian?"
"Obseedan!" It mimcked. "Obseedan!"
"It doesn't need a name..."
"OBSEEDAN!" The cub-kit-foal, now aptly named, leaped at his father, staring into his unnerving eyes. "You named Little Runt! I named Obseedan!"
"Okay! Okay! Your name is Obseedan!"
"No Obseedan, Obseedan!"
"That's what I said!"
"You said Obseedan! My name is Obseedan!"
"Discord," Sunrise interrupted, "I think he means Obsidian."
There was a slight pause. "I knew that."
Somewhere far beyond the reach of any magick, may it be that of Chaos and the neverending abyss or of Light and Alicorns and Elements, there was a long, rolling meadow, the grass just tall enough to avoid being sharp, while short enough for the smallest foal to see it's mother; the sky as clear as a sapphire overhead, dotted with sparse clouds only for the purpose of patches of shade; the air clean and fresh as the spring-fed rivers tracing their odd, weaving paths through the warm soil.
Two Alicorns stood silently, looking out over the calm plane, regal stature far less than imposing.
"Well? Is it everything you thought it would be?"
The recipent of the question looked up at where the sun should be, but there was nothing. The light seemed to simply be, not really being shone from one place as it was just there. "No."
"Why not? This is the ultimate Utopia. Clear skies, clean air, fresh grass... there are many species that need what we now have."
"Then give it to them." The other snarled. "Those species are dying, and we're just here, prancing about in everything they can't have, and we'll have it for eternity! That's not even close to fair!"
"Life isn't fair, sister. You have to learn that."
"Well, it can be unfair to us! We've been raised in disgusting perfection while everypony else has to work their flanks off just to feed their foals! Can't we have what they have and they can be happy instead?"
"Luna, these decisions aren't yours to make."
"Yes, they are! I'm the daughter of two Spirits! I'm just as much of a Goddess as you are!"
"And Discord, if you can even remember him? You know, the Element of everything evil, that you ever-so-nicely released from imprisonment and then had a foal with? Him? He's a God. Just like us."
A navy hoof swung, and there was a fleshy thud as it connected with the jaw of the white Alicorn. She stumbled - gracefully - and turned to face her sister, blood running from her lip. "Fighting will not help, Luna. We can't die. You can't kill me."
"I can hurt you!" Twisting, she battered her sister with her wings and back hooves, landing on the opposite side as blood bubbled through the multiple cuts on Celestia's flank. "I can hurt you..." Luna repeated, her voice breaking with tears instead of anger.
"Luna, please..."
"I can hurt you as much as you hurt me!" Sparkling tears ran down her cheeks, blurring her vision. The blows were strong, but slow, losing fuel. "One thousand years... trapped on some barren, cold stone... so... so far away..."
She stopped attacking, but backed away from the once-Queen still standing in front of her.
"Please, this does nothing..." The wounds were already closing, the blood evaporating into the fresh air and leaving only the faintest copper scent before vanishing completely. "And if you run, you will be running forever, going nowhere, but it will take you just as long to come back!" She raised her voice on the last few words, tilting her head up.
Luna listened, forgetting about keeping up her gait. Her hooves tangled, and she fell to the ground. As she held her front hoof close, willing for the bone to mend faster, she looked up at her sister.
Celestia had started walking as she fell, and was standing over her, looking down at her like she was some vile insect instead of a sister. Those calm, gentle eyes, and the warm flank that had protected her from many a bad dream were distant ice now. The gentle wings that sheilded her from Discord's wrath were tightly folded.
There was no solar warmth here.
She had to look away from her older sister, her gaze landing on the golden shoes on the Alicorn's delicate hooves. Instinctively, she looked at her own hooves, far too small and young to be lying amid this eternal summer. But here she was.
Rolling onto her back and kicking up at the exposed throat of her sister, she forced the older Goddess away, scrambling to her hooves and galloping away, silver shoes silent on the grass. With every step, every section of her gait, pain raced through her. Not her hoof - that had already healed. But every thump of hoof connecting with grass meant that her sister was not following her.
Looking back over her shoulder, she saw her. The pure, white, perfect Alicorn, calmly watching as the gaping wound across her neck sealed. She had not moved.
"The sun must set, in order to rise!" She called out, her voice sounding the same as it would as if she was running alongside.
But she wasn't getting further away.
Luna would never be far away again.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 16 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-30T15:39:52+00:00
|
2011-10-30T15:39:52+00:00
| 1,513 |
So, this was what it had come to. The ever-present goddess sighed, running one claw over her forehead, the short fur bristling in it's path. Yet again, she had to untangle her brother's mess.
She reached out with one claw, gently pulling on one of the threads that knotted around her. This one, unlike the others, was merely a byproduct, an easy change. As the knot unraveled, a pony vanished from Canterlot. Noone noticed; noone would remember his name again.
That was one of the simple ones. There were other knots that were harder - falls of civilizations, deaths of to-be-famous ponies in the midst of war, the wrong foal being in the place of the right - small things that meant a lot. And then there were knots that could not be untangled. EVER.
These were major events, and quite a few of them had shown up lately. Or, whatever passed for lately when one was surrounded by strands of time instead of actually being a part of it.
The first knot had occured farther back than an recorded history - when Celestia and Luna were born. That had turned into Discord's birth, and from then on the knots had just increased by far more than thousand-fold. By the time the tighter ones had been fixed, something else would go wrong. She had help lately, without the concious notice of the helpers. Six mares had been unraveling many... interruptions... along their own time line, that, due to the presence of old magic, had not reformed new knots along the way. But the efforts had grown slower, further in between, until they vanished almost completely.
Now, another set of knots had appeared, extremely close to each other and made of the time that refused to change. She made a sound, like a sigh crossed with a growl, and swore in thousands of languages - Equine, Griffon, Dragon, and other - at her brother. Poking the knots experimentely, she squinted at them, tilting her head to try and see better.
Scenes playing out in still shots along the crossed strands; a young draconequus being held by a female dragon, a still body being laid to rest amid the snow, an older, more powerful draconequus glaring at what she assumed to be his son...
She flicked the strand, sliding it so she could see another knot. After it slowed, she peered into an earlier knot - the one leading up to the others; a blue Alicorn, spell ready, a statue appearing - no, it was breaking, the creature trapped inside overpowering the Alicorn...
Feeling sick, she flicked the stand again, looking away from the far too graphic images, moving backwards in time until she saw the event she was most familiar with. Her brother, seven creatures in tail, the town burning behind him. Angry, she shoved the line, sending it spiralling through the others into the distance.
Damn, she thought, I'll have to find that again later...
Ignoring it for the moment, she looked up through the endless circles running through the colorless air - if it had enough material to be called air, for it had no color or shade - and towards the single dot of colour in this endless, barren 'sky'. The little dot was pure colour, all of it, and not just in the visible spectrum, and was just drifting there. It showed her where the exit was, the way she had to move to go up instead of down. And if she needed to actually interfere with time, it was always there, sparklign in some part of her vision, guiding her back where she entered the line and needed to return here.
She shook out her sleek coat, scuffing her paws on the ground. She was hard to describe past this point, for her fur was long yet short, her scales rough yet smooth, her skin dry yet wet, and these were constantly shifting. She had wings, but they were that of a bat, a bird, a butterfly, a ladybug and all in between, and her tail was that of a dragon or a rat or a pony. Her muzzle was seemingly lupine, but also draconic, feline, humanoid, and equine all at once. Her color was not as much color as it was light, colorless yet rainbow-hued, black and white and grey and gold and bronze and silver, and shone like the sun given fur.
While her brother had nothing, she was everything.
She was something.
And, spreading her great, many-skinned wings, she shot upwards and towards the little dot, grasping a single thread of time as she went, her long, curved claws fixing on one single moment as the dot filled her vision. There was a vague sense of weightlessness for a few moments, as if she was outside of her body - not unheard of - and looking down at it through another's eyes, before she was slammed back in, her paws taking the shape of hooves, tail growing short and sprouting long, golden hair, wings taking the single form of a bird, and muzzle shifting longer, eyes moving back, ears rounding at the tips, horn growing fron her forehead, mane sprouting and falling haphazardly around her head and shoulders, eyes opening and letting their purple depths adjust to this level of sunlight.
The Alicorn struggled to her feet, letting her golden hooves stabalize her pure silver form. The purple eyes spun once before focusing. A step forward was successful. She gave in to the instincts of this form, running forward, age-old programming rebooting in her mind, hooves pounding into the grass, wings folded to keep her grounded, head slightly raised -
She slowed to a stop at the top of a large hill, vaguely aware of the snow crunching under her feet. This form was one of her favourites after all. So much pure joy, power, grace... whatever it was, she whinned, rearing up to strike her hooves into the wind. As the last echoes died, she landed back on all fours, snorted stale air into the wind, and ran again.
Tigerjay paced. It had become a regular pastime now, due to the fact that Discord's kidnapping had slowed - a few ponies were looking rather gray lately, he had to remember to check on that - and a break in the schedule would have been welcomed. He kicked a chunk of snow, noticing how heavy it was.
He looked over at the sun, lodged in just-before sunset, while the moon was almost perfectly above him. Three days. It didn't seem like long to anyone in the realms where the sun was normal, but for Ponyville, it was stuck in dusk. Everything had a kind of sepia tone, the temperature was dropping, and slowly, the crops were dying. Crimsonleaf was trying his hardest, going out for hours on end, horn flaring with old magic, but had only been able to raise the sun to it's present point.
And this was why he paced. He could think clearly, without the noise and bustle of the Inner Dome. Deciding his talons were cold, he took off, circling in the dead air instead of on the ground. Another problem there. Flying was harder when night fell, because the helping thermals had vanished. Now, it felt like stones were piled down his back, weighing the muscles that pumped so easily before.
He had already contemplated asking Discord for help. Being one of the holders of an old magic store, he probably could do something. But he found this hilarious. Ponies stuck in twilight eternal? Food stores shrinking? Mood growing sadder with every passing day? Neither celestial body able to move? In his words, it was the funniest thing he had ever seen!
"What a twisted sense of humor." Tigerjay growled to himself, finding his eyes drawn again to the setting sun. He hovered, despite how painful it was on his already worn muscles. "How did you move before the Goddesses were born?" He muttered.
"Hello!"
Tigerjay's wings locked, and he fell out of the sky, landing awkwardly in a mound of snow. Jerking his head up, he looked around quickly.
"You're funny, falling out of the sky like that!" The voice giggled. He could see the owner now, a silver Alicorn with a golden mane, tail, hoof and horn combo. Her eyes were a glittering purple. "Did you mean to fall out of the sky? Or was it an accident?"
"You scared me!" He protested, shaking out his feathers. "I can't fly when I'm scared!"
"You're a funny Griffon. Most of them are mean."
"Endless joy on my part. The name's Tigerjay. What's yours?"
"Som-" She caught herself, glancing around for any hints on a good name. "I'm Twilight!"
"Like Sparkle?"
"No silly! I don't sparkle!"
Are you retarded? He had to surpress saying that out loud. "Do you need shelter or anything? Our town's just over there."
"No, I am fine! I am happy right here!" She tilted her head, looking past him. "Why's your sky so pretty?"
"Oh, that... you haven't heard of the Goddesses death?"
Crap. Forgot about that one. Come on, need somewhere that wouldn't have heard about that... "No! I'm from far away!" That was smart. Her brain facehoofed. Could you find anything less intelligent to say? Is it possible? "I mean, I heard about it, but I thought the sun and moon would start moving again like they did before-" I'm shutting up. Shut up now.
"Before? Wow, your history books must be old!" Tigerjay replied. "Ours don't go back any further than when Nightmare Moon got put up in the sky!"
Something, now known as Twilight, had to keep from uttering something she would probably regret. She looked away, allowing her eyes to switch. The sheen changed from purple to green, and the snow turned black. When she faced Tigerjay, he was a blend of white, red orange yellow and green. Heat leaked from his body and into the air around him, staining it with yellow strands.
"Hey, your eyes changed color!"
"They did? I don't think so." She made a fuss over trying to look at her own pupils, failing miserably. Time for a subject change. "I can move the sun for you!"
Doubt it... "Well, go ahead and try, but I don't think -"
Twilight spread her front legs, her chest almost brushing the ground and she tilted her head down. Her mane began moving as if it were blowing in the wind, but the air was still. Magical turbulence, Tigerjay remembered. She opened her wings, their tips touching the snow as her horn began glowing. The copper-colored aura around it intensified until it matched the hue of the sunset.
She opened her eyes, still seeing despite the otherworldly white glow filling her eyes. There was Tigerjay, his body heating up as he stepped back cautiously. There was the ground, black as ink. And there was her target, a burning sphere of pure white in her vision. She jerked her head up in one quick movement, her wings opening as wide as they could go, her front legs tucked close to her body, mane and tail writhing in the energy swirling around. The glow of her horn increased, flashing in pulses.
Tigerjay glanced at the sun. It was getting brighter, matching the rythym the strange Alicorn was beating out. She stayed focused on the sun, but she spoke to him.
Do not be afraid, little one. I will not hurt you. She whispered. Tigerjay could understand the words, although he didn't recognize the language.
As she talked, she was tilting her ears back, giving the impression that she was falling backward. Slowly, the sun was rising, and the moon was moving away at the same pace. All of the Alicorn history books said the Sun and Moon could only be moved in one direction. Those books lied. It was simply that no living Alicorn was powerful enough to go completely against nature.
The sky flashed into a clean, pristine, bright blue. The clouds changed from grey to white. It was daytime.
...
...
...
...
Tigerjay was frozen with shock. The sun was in the sky, moving against all natural order he knew. Who was this Alicorn?
Twilight fell forward, kneeling with her wings spread limply across the snow, chin just above the snow. But she wasn't showing any signs of exhaustion, weakness, or even breaking a sweat. But she was talking to something... it sounded like Corona?
She stopped muttering, getting to her hooves and walking over to Tigerjay. She seemed taller, having to kneel slightly to look at the young Griffon. He seemed shocked, confused even, but he had a good reason. Gently, she picked him up by the tail and began trotting in the direction Tigerjay had said the Dome was.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 17 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-01T20:09:57+00:00
|
2011-11-01T20:09:57+00:00
| 1,503 |
~Need to know how teenage Obsidian sounds? Example... um... think Soren, from the Legend of the Gaurdians. He sounds like Soren in my head, but sometimes there's WAY too much going on in there... *takes breath* So yeah. Obsidian sounds like Soren.~
"What?! I'm trying to work!" Sunrise growled, swinging at Tigerjay with sheathed claws. He got out of the way, but just barely.
"I need your advice on something."
"Like what? I'm not looking up what types of dirt are edible again."
He put his claws up and rolled his eyes. "I was little!"
She secured the tarp before turning around to glare at him. "So what do I need to do for you now?"
Tigerjay felt himself blushing involuntarily. Damn puberty... why must I be surrounded by so many girls?! "Well, I don't know if you've noticed the sky..."
"Yeah, it's dark. Been dark for the past few days. I am fully aware of this." She picked up the nails and waved a paw for him to follow. "So what's important?"
"Come." He picked her up, and held on, despite her squirming and growls of protest.
He darted out of the next hole - where Sunrise had been heading - and landed a safe distance away from the flapping sheet. Sunrise's eyes widened, her pupils shrinking.
"T-t-t-t-the sun is u-u-u-up?!?!"
Obsidian was growing. FAST. He had gone from being about the size of his father's arm to almost three-quaters of his height in a matter of days. Discord, as always, had forgotten to warn anypony about the first few days of draconequus coming into their powers - meaning for a good forty-eight hours, there would be absolutely no control over the young draconequus. The havoc had already begun to wreak itself, having turned a bunch of calm cloud houses into chocolate-spouting cotton candy, a lone bird into a pteradactyl and most of the food inside the dome into assorted snakes.
And while his father killed himself laughing, Obsidian was trying to fix it.
He put his talon over his forehead, sighing before unleashing an almost-Fluttershy-potent stare on the bunch of hissing reptiles in front of him. Keeping their attention with his unexpectedly equine eyes, a group of Unicorn stallions took their chance to revert their forms into food. Obsidian was left staring at a pile of corn.
Still being in his father's bloodline, he materialized a pair of red-rimmed sunglasses, putting them on as he looked for the 'dactyl. It was probably mad now, due to the fact that most of the clouds had been returned to normal, and couldn't eat them.
Oh look, there it goes now, screaming it's head off like a prehistoric banshee.
Cursing, Obsidian launched into the air, leaving the Unicorns to deal with the rest of the snakes. He knew he was lucky his mother was an Alicorn; his wings had developed stronger, and could actually support him without the help of levitation. Although, levitating required much less energy.
Obsidian opened one wing, rolling into a high-speed dash. He had to get to the pteradactyl's eyes. If he could slow it down, he could change it back.
Extending one claw, he managed to grab the 'dactyl's leg. Not thinking the whole manouver through, his spin failed with the extra weight, and the 'dactyl began falling. Wrestling the dinosaur's wings to it's sides, he climbed up it's back, fixing it with an upisde-down stare.
The ground was getting closer. They had already fallen past the height of the torches, which was already dangerously close in a free-fall.
He needed a few more moments... just a few... more...mom-
The creature shrank under his claws, feathers sprouting through thick skin, bones thinning. Within the span of a blink, the bird fluttered away, quite happy to be small again.
Another good point of levetation - it didn't take long to come into effect.
Obsidian stopped falling mere hairs above the roof of the tent below. Floating calmly now, he flapped his wings a few times, making sure they weren't injured, before drifting off to go help the Unicorns.
Smiling slightly, he repositioned his sunglasses.
"How did the sun come up?! Crimsonleaf can't be strong enough to move the sky against the grain, can he?"
"No, it wasn't him. I was out for a walk and there was an Alicorn, and she's a little loopy upstairs, but she just made it rise. I don't know how."
"What did she look like?"
"Silver, with a gold mane and tail. Oh yeah, her horn and hooves were gold too... and her eyes were either purple or green."
"I haven't seen her around..." Sunrise pouted. "Any idea where she is?"
"I have a feeling wherever she is will be pretty easy to tell once she starts talking."
"You could help!" Obsidian yelled, watching his father floating above. He was reclining on a cloud of his own, his head hanging back over the far edge to watch the ground.
"Helping's no fun!"
Obsidian really wished the stare worked as well on his father as it did on snakes. But it didn't.
As well as his previous Unicorn force, when he had returned there had been an Alicorn mare as well, prancing around the snakes and somehow avoiding being bitten. In fact, they seemed to be avoiding her at all costs. Ignoring this as the kind of thing he had heard happened around the pony known as 'Pinkie Pie', he had proceeded to stare the snakes down.
"Oh, you're doing it wrong, silly!" The Alicorn protested, shoving him out of the way with her flank.
"Yeah? And how do you suppose we should do it?"
She sighed and shook her head, as if that was the stupidest question in the world. "Like this!" And she fixed the snakes with a red-iris stare. Without any movement from the Unicorns or her own magic, the snakes simply coiled up, shrinking away from her gaze, and faded back into their vegetable forms.
Obsidian couldn't lift his jaw off the ground. He could hear the stallions laughing, but at that moment couldn't do anything to stop them. The Alicorn stood up straight again, flipping a few strands of her mane back behind her ears. Her eyes had faded back to a purple color, although nopony noticed.
"That's how you do it. No wings, no magic, as your father used to say." She added the last as a snide remark, and was not surprised when a stream of angry growls floated down from above, including a few choice sayings that Obsidian wished he hadn't heard.
Rolling her eyes, the Alicorn flared with sudden magic, making the cloud Discord was lying on - or, as of now, standing - flip completely upsidedown. The dragonequus didn't fall far, but it was enough to severly damage his normally perfect facade, and hear the laughter that was being exchanged below.
Glaring down over the edge of the cloud, Discord let loose a rage-powered kick, sending a few stray bolts of lightning and a downpour of chocolate milk on the ground below. It didn't stop them laughing, but it made Discord feel better. Taking this chance, Obsidian spiralled silently up, stopping under the far edge of the cloud. Almost holding his breath, he somersaulted, pushing away from the bottom of the cloud with his back legs.
Unfortunately, Discord knew he was coming. Leaping off the edge of the cloud, he waited until his son was already flying away before throwing the cloud, letting it spin through the sky with the speed of a frisbee and a trajectory to match. It hit Obsidian in the back, and stayed stuck as he tried to shake it off. As the laughter changed targets, Obsidian returned the cloud, finally managing to get it off his back. When Discord caught it, he used the momentum, flinging it back at Obsidian with double the speed.
They were all laughing at this insane game of catch. As the two Bearers of Disharmony tried not to catch the spun-candy nimbus with their faces, the sun was setting - with the normal bend of nature returned, the crops that weren't snakes had begun looking better, feeling the presence of the sun, ponies were heading into their huts for some sleep, and somewhere, beyond it all, the second Creator waited.
He was known for his patience.
When he was patient, glaciers seemed like they were faster than the great tornadoes that ravaged the new planet before Order was created. When he was patient, lives began and ended in blinks. When he was patient, he could outlast even the supposed immortal. He had done this many times before.
And under his feathers, he could feel his inner fire stirring, and had almost cried out in shock. In had been millenia since that fire had sparked at all. Now, he could feel it dancing around, hot tongues running up the sides of his core, ember drifting lazily up his throat, only to be extinguished by the subtle chemical tang in the air. He suppresed a laugh. The ponies and the other would question him if he laughed, for the only time he had spoken was before he killed the Alicorn.
He did regret that. A Queen for a hostage worked much better than the ragtag group that represented the original recepticles of the Elements of Harmony. And in the omniscient way he had grown to accept, he knew that the other Queen was dead as well, and that the new King was a Bearer of Disharmony and minor levels of Chaos.
What made him truly angry was that this new king had once been his most treasured possesion, had taught the young creature unstable old magic until Fulmen had found out and took him away. And, true in his anger, he had given the runt much more old magic than was allowed, until he was more powerful than the two Goddesses. The runt grew stronger in his chaos, could not fully control it as of the time he was encased in stone. When he was released, that was different. He knew what he could do, had tested his limits trapped in that solitary prison, and did not wait upon his release. As cotton candy and grey coats expanded over the land, he had laughed in this infinite darkness, feiry eyes fixed on the images in his mind. But after the second time the new God was trapped, he decided to revolt. He tore away from the cold, infinite embrace of absence and began making his own choices.
And that would have been fine with him, if the God had not continued using the powers gven to him. He could have fit in, been powerless yet regal, ruling for much longer than the pitiful Alicorns who had all but vanished, giving with a kind paw and empowering with steely talons, but he had not shirked the powers he had been given. This is what truly angered nothing. So he had forced a son that would kill the last Equestrian Queen, who in time would become stronger than his father, in time...
He had time.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 18 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-02T23:03:29+00:00
|
2011-11-02T23:03:29+00:00
| 1,403 |
SPRING
"Where am I? Hey, is anypony there?" Obsidian's voice echoed for what seemed like forever, but he couldn't see the space around him in order to tell exactly how far it could echo.
<Your father sent you here, you know.> The voice laughed. <He wants you to stay here forever and rot in your own skin, like he rotted in stone... you've taken his place, can't you tell?>
"No!" Claws raked across fur, blood ran down over sharp teeth, dripped onto the ground. "He wouldn't do that!"
<Oh, I have known him far longer than you have.> The bodiless voice crooned. <He has betrayed many creatures who thought he was an ally.>
"No! He's good! He's my dad! He's my friend!"
<Oh, we all must have our little dreams, I agree. We all want to have some little shard of hope to fall back on...>
"NO!"
<He hates you, Obsidian, you saw how he loved making fun of you...> There was a pause, a muffled snicker, <...I won't betray you. I'll give you everything you've ever wanted. Just think about it, and it will be yours...>
There wasn't a long pause. <Oh, that's all?>
He hadn't meant to think it, but it hadn't stopped tugging at the back of his mind. And now, the danger wasn't some imaginary rescue mission.
Sunrise might be in danger.
Obsidian jolted upright, feeling his back soaking with sweat. Realizing it was just a dream, he fell back on the pillow, sighing in a cross between relief and exhaustion.
What a nightmare.
Of course, he was still thinking about Sunrise... there was a good possiblity that his 'actions' the night before had caused his fever dream. He liked the young dragoness more than he wanted to admit, and knowing that Tigerjay was sweet on her too didn't help. He knew - in some mixed up primal instinct gained from his left claw - that Griffons weren't the best at sharing, and that included mates.
Even if the disemboided voice wasn't real, he did want to have Sunrise all to himself... he wasn't willing to resort to dulling Tigerjay, at least not yet.
The young Griffon stood on the surface of the dome, feeling the warm breeze run across his face. Although the Winter Wrap-Up had been cancelled due to lack of intrest, the snow was still melting, the animals were waking up, and the birds had begun flying back. Although the ground closest had been thawed magickly - it was needed to plant extra crops - the rest was slowly returning to the state it had three out of the four seasons.
The Griffon had a reluctant partership with Obsidian in taking care of the dome. Both knew Discord would reboot his old, trickster side once he felt up to it - his pneumonia had returned breifly in the last few weeks - and he could cause much more chaos once the animals were up. Neither wanted to find dulled ponies and make sure to note the memory spells needed, but Tigerjay had an eagle's eyes when it came to noticing the colour change, and only Obsidian could keep his father at bay while they were cured.
And the base line was that at least they hadn't killed each other yet.
Sunrise was helping raise the lower sections of the tarp. It had been built so that the lower portions could be rolled up and secured in order to still provide shelter from the rain and create a breeze as well. The torches had already been extinguished, and at the moment were being deconstructed for storage. The next week would be busy, but it would mean a lot more air traffic would be allowed and the Unicorns and Earth ponies to wander without crashing into a low flier.
Speaking of low fliers, Sunrise had begun thinking about Rainbow Dark, last seen in the scaly grip of a demon. She really hoped all of the ones taken were alright. She knew they were long past being able to save Celestia, but still...
She shook her head, dispelling the gloomy thoughts. The sun was warm on her back, filling her with a sense of belonging and joy. It was spring. Things could only go uphill from here.
The first thing Starlght was aware of was that he was lying in a very cold and wet pile of slush. Standing up, he shook off the wet chunks and looked up at the sky. Judging by the sun and the temperature, it was spring.
"I was out for longer than last time." He mused. "An entire season. Wow, beats the old three days..." Scuffing a hoof through the dirt absentmindedly, he sniffed the air. There were equine scents nearby, lots of them. At least that meant he hadn't run far from civilization, like last time...
Setting off at a trot, he really hoped this wasn't where he had last ended up. There would be far too many questions if he left without any trace and returned a season later. That had happened before, but it was a small camp, nothing like the destroyed town before...
Letting that thought trail off, he peered through the thick trees, following his nose to the edge of the forest. He hadn't seen this strange dome before, at least that he remembered, so it was probably safe. Night was falling already, and he would be happy if he could just get a decent meal before leaving. As he stepped out of the trees, an ornage blur tackled him from behind.
The voice was so familiar it made him wince.
"Where in Equestria were you?"
Scootaloo looked down at the scarlet pony pinned under her hooves. He looked normal, but she knew him too well to think that the skin on the surface was his only coat. At the moment, she was being angrily glared at, but she didn't care in the least. He was thin to the bones, and had none of the powerful aura most stallions exhumed. The last time she had seen this pony, he hadn't been a pony at all, decidedly more lupine, and had taken off silently into the inner Everfree. She had lost him in the thick leaf cover and prickly thorns, and felt genuinely saddened by the loss. Even as a wolf, he had been strong, handsome, gentle...
Now he seemed to have nothing. He was a bag of skin and bones, ears drooping and coat matted.
"Come on, let's get you seen to. You look worse than Rainbow Dash did after crashing that one time!"
Starlight could barely whimper as he was hoisted around the waist and pulled into the air.
Discord lay back on his cloud, swinging his tail in a supposedly bored fashion over the edge. He was intrigued by the way the dome was functioning. Everypony seemed to have a purpose in preparing for summer, or more unpreparing for winter. During his decades of imprisonment, Discord had come to the realization that he was the only one of his kind, and enjoyed this thought immensely. Every species had traditions, codes of honour, royal palaces...
Although the two latter had been discarded - he hadn't the patience to build a palace out of anything, and honour was below him - , he had come up with a set of events that he would soon begin celebrating. Anypony saying they didn't want to would be shunned by the others who still believed in 'inter-species relations' and 'universal acceptance'. Oh, these traditions would be lots of fun, for everypony involved.
And now that Celestia and Luna were out of the way, he ruled! This was not a thought that he believed would ever be realized, and was pleasantly surprised when it finally came to be.
"Ah, spring!" He yelled to noone in particular. "I've waited far too long for you to come!"
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 19 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-03T00:35:23+00:00
|
2011-11-03T00:35:23+00:00
| 1,431 |
OKAY there is only one reason for this chapter that isn't really a chapter-
THANK YOU EVERYPONY!!!
I can't beileve I got a Featured! My initial stages of reaction over the span of ten seconds:
Second 1) Loaded FIM, saw a new featured
Second 2) Huh, good for them (I feel good for the author when I see a new story up there, I hope the other writers do this too!)
Second 3) That picture looks familiar
Second 4) So does that title...
Second 5) Isn't my username IceOfWaterflock?
Seconds 6 and 7) Brain catches up
Second 8) ...
Second 9) AYSFYCHICATHBVIBBISBISHVBSVAOVSDV!!!!!
Scecond 10) Screamed like a little girl who just figured out a bat landed in her hair (in my head) and started bouncing (in real life)
SO THANK YOU! You have no idea how happy I am seeing my story up there!
So, special thanks to:
1) Readers
2) Raters
3) Commenters
4) Favers
5) Watchers
6) Knighty (you know, for making the site and all...)
7) Lauren Faust
8) EVERYONE
I'M SO HAPPY IT'S HILARIOUS!!!!!!
*and for anyone displeased by the lack of storyline in this chapter - do not fear! There will be more tonight-tomorrow! Thanks again!!!!!!
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 20 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-04T00:03:45+00:00
|
2011-11-04T00:03:45+00:00
| 1,521 |
<So, you still wish to go home?>
This question drew gasps from the normally silent creatures around. Timeless imprisonment had left them without any more conversation, and their demonic captor wasn't helping, always watching with those burning, pupilless eyes.
<Well? I am quite sure you still have lungs and throats, although it can be arranged that you don't... anyway, speak up!>
The Griffon present swallowed, as if being trapped here made it impossible to breathe. Nothing seriously considered just ignoring them again, but the female had flown into the air and landed on his beak before he noticed she moved.
"What I think, you dirty old fleabag, is that you should let us go and then hang yourself by your own tail!"
<Ugh. So brunt.> Nothing attempted to roll his eyes, but the true effect was lost. <You knew using the teeniest bit of force used to get you whatever you wanted, when you wanted it. Of course, you hid all of that from your friends...>
She was still glaring at him, so he tipped his head down, letting her slide to the ground.
<I really wish you were truly open with your friends... none of you know everything, do you? Zercora, why did you come to the Everfree in the first place? Rarity, who is Sweetie Belle? Rainbow Dark, who's your father? Gilda, why did you come back? Applejack... okay, I admit, there's nothing I can say about Applejack... I would ask Celestia something, but she's sorta... unable to speak at the moment...> He trailed off for a moment before focusing again. <And Twilight, why did you always try so hard for Celestia? And I think somepony would speak up, or Applejack's going to bite her bottom lip off.>
"We don't have to tell you, you stupid egghead! Why can't -"
Gilda was silenced as Twilight Sparkle set a hoof on her talon. "No. He's right."
Five other sets of jaws dropped. Nothing merely smiled.
"We've never told each other everything. I'll admit to that. But if anypony wanted to know, we would tell them. Do any of you really care?"
Nothing's eerie smile grew wider as heads shook. Oh, this would be fun.
"And I don't want to hurt you, whatever you are, but I think we have to." Twilight looked up at the bird, who was still grinning.
Old magic... nothing knew what was coming. Of course, against him it would have next to no effect, but he knew when to play along and when to end the game. Momentarily, the magic barrier was lifted. Gilda and Rainbow Dark seemed to feel it, lifting into the air. Twilight and Raritys' horns sparked.
"Positions, everypony!" A calm look settled over Twilight's face. Cold, aged, but steely and calculating. A minor magic flare, and a set of six gold decorations fizzled into existence. They settled on the old Bearers and their replacements, shining despite the lack of light. Mere moments later, they began pulsing the shapes set in the gold, lighting the closest blackness.
Nothing was bracing himself. The magic would be painful, but it would be quick, like getting a needle, or getting your leg ripped off seconds before the anesthetic kicked in. His feathers were standing on end, his tails curling close. There were a few curious grinding noises, and the dark raven had kneeled in front of the Bearers. His eyes darted between them, metallic flecks glittering in their depths.
The fire in his core leaped higher, threatening to rise from his jaws. He hoped it would stay hidden for the time being.
There was a brilliant flash of light. All was hidden, before slowing disappaiting back into darkness, lit only by the two Unicorn's magic and the residual glow of the Elements.
The assembled were staring in horror at the sight unfolding before them.
"I... I didn't think it would... would actually kill him..." Twilight whispered, eyes wide.
"Ah hate to crush that, Twi,..." Applejack was looking up at the hulking mass in front of the,, wishing she had better light. "But ah don't think it's dead..."
Indeed, the creature was still letting out rasps of breath, although they seemed too precise, almost as if there was some metronome ticking them on and off. Adding to the effect, the skin seemed to be falling off their captor, in huge hunks that would have been far too rotted to look at in normal light. But oblivious to the discoloured, bubbling flesh all that was attention-grabbing was the metallic sheen under the skin. Soon, there looked to be a massive mound of icy shards, other than the eyes. Slowly, like a cloud over the Everfree, the surface of them peeled off, dropping lifelessly to the ground.
Startling all the Bearers, Gilda and Rainbow plunged to the ground as Rarity and Twilight's light went out. The Elements dulled and rusted, crumbling around their necks - and forehead. And in the darkness, two pinpricks of red suddenly lit, enlarging and shrinking as if focusing.
A flurry of sound erupted as the mound moved, pushing up onto ancient talons, lighting its' own metallic glory with the electric shine around the eyes. Metal ground, a few distinct cracks could be heard as what sounded like gears began moving again. Whatever had been living about the creature had vanished. Fire flickered from aluminum jaws as the beast breathed, or at least fueled the inner fire.
<Not the best move you've ever made.>
The town crowded around the last torch, lowered to the ground to act as a bonfire. Night had fallen, and a few icy winds still manged to swerve through the houses and bite into the fur of the ponies sitting around.
This had been hard to arrange, but Discord had pulled it off, using the 'beliefs of his species' as his trump card. So he got to use the last torch out, and was rather enjoying himself. He knew he could of thought of a better name than 'the Spring Party', but he was short on time, and... well, it was all trivial. He got to party all night, and that was good enough.
"So, I need five volunteers!" He yelled, shocking everypony in the crowd. Slowly, timidly, hooves were raised. He selected five at random, letting them find their way through the crowds on their own.
As they got closer, they looked away from him more and more, trying to keep walking forward. Discord could smell ther fear. He was mildly surprised that none of the ponies nearby couldn't. It reeked a little, but it was a break from the candy and happiness, so he enjoyed it slightly.
"Ah, thank you!" He pointed to the only filly, with a cream coat and bright orange mane. "You, go stand over there."
She did as she was told, seemingly relieved to be further away from the draconequus.
"Further!" He yelled, swinging his paw rapidly until she was out of sight between the tents. Putting his voice back to a normal volume, he pushed the stallions back into the crowd, ignoring their whimpers of mild fear. "Now let's party!"
As the filly returned, Discord moved aside to let her pass, laughing as she blushed before merging back into the crowd.
Obsidian was scanning Sunrise's library, looking for any interesting books she might have. The subjects were quite limited, being whatever was salvaged from the burned wreckage, or sitting in Zercora's hut. Not trying to be intrusive, he had avoided the stack on the table beside her bed. He had only come for some light reading while his father created reasons to drink hard cider.
One book kept catching his eye. It wasn't anything special, after all, it was a refrence guide to fauna of Equestria, and much too informative to be interesting, but he kept pulling it out and putting it back without realizing. After being drawn to it again, he pulled it out and lay down, leafing through the pages for something interesting.
Just medical diagrams of deer and ponies. Mostly guts. Being male, he was vaguely interested, although the lack of blood was disappointing. The next page showed a full-page shot of a male and female dragon...
Obsidian's wings opened, pushing out from behind his shoulders. Shutting the book quickly, he shoved it back in its' place and looked around to make sure nopony had seen. Blushing profusely, he glanced back at the book, trying to figure out if anyone would notice if he tore it into pieces and burned it. Knowing his wings were still opened and there was no way he would be able to shut them for the next few minutes, he rolled onto his belly and sighed.
~After a good four hours and quite a bit of hard cider in tow- ... one second, I have to go get Discord out of a tree again...~
Sunrise had, after a few failed attempts, managed to climb the tree up to her house. There was a strange fuzz blocking out her hearing, and her vision seemed a little fuzzy, but the cider was still sweet on her tongue. Stumbling into the wall three times before noticing the door was beside her, she zigzagged into the house, heading subconciously towards her bed.
Obsidian jerked awake, scrambling backwards against the wall. Trying to fit behind the bookcase and failing miserabley, Obsidian picked up the stench of alcohol and stopped trying to fit behind the shelf. Looking through a gap between some older books, he was easily visible, but Sunrise didn't seem to notice, walking into her room, swaying in a way that declared she was extremely drunk.
He managed to get free of the shelf before his wings opened this time. Shaking them a few times to try and get them to move, he kept looking at the room where Sunrise had vanished into. It was dark, and snoring could be heard. Try to keep his eyes averted from the darkened room, Obsidian snuck out onto the deck, leaping off before flying away to his own tent.
Unknown to him, a pair of green eyes pierced the darkness, and a set of talons curled into a fist.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 21 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-05T05:19:42+00:00
|
2011-11-05T05:19:42+00:00
| 1,184 |
"Hey, wait up!"
Three days had passed since Discord's impromptu party, and he had been seen lurking around schemeing something else - probably trying to prank somepony important - while the rest of the ponies recovered. The current exchange was taking place in the airspace of the dome, out of earshot of any Pegasi and the ponies below.
Obsidian stopped flying, turning and waiting for the Griffon to catch up. He REALLY didn't want to talk to him today.
"Geez, what's your hurry?"
"Going outside. Is that a problem?"
Tigerjay grunted. "I thought maybe you were preparing for another night with Sunrise."
"I've told you, it wasn't like that!" Despite everything Obsidian had said, the Griffon wasn't believeing him. The fact that Sunrise had been sleeping off her hangover since the party hadn't helped, and Obsidian had already decided she'd be too intoxicated to remember seeing him at all.
"Well, until she tells me, I'm not believeing you!"
Obsidian grabbed the Griffon by the shoulders and stared at him. "I. Did. NOTHING. Do I make myself clear!?"
"Get off!" With a short shake, Tigerjay got free of the floating draconequus's grasp and backed up out of reach. "Clear as crystal. I just don't believe you."
"Do I have to settle this using force?"
"Ha! Like you could EVER beat me."
"Care to take your chance?" Obsidian floated backwards, putting his fists in front of him and glaring. "Come on, let's get this over with."
As the Griffon backpaced to get a flying start, Obsidian contemplated how hard the male would have to be hit in order to deter him. Griffons were a stubborn species, and prone to impulsive desicions that their stubbornness would not allow them to change later...
He moved to the side, not bothering to watch the feathery blur tumble through the air behind him.
...of course, there was always the fact that, like all flying creatures, a simple stroke into the thin bones of the wing could be more than needed, due to the fact that their thick skulls took the brunt of thousands of hits without breaking and were therefore only possible for mild disorientation. Remembering a pressure point from the book - I told myself never to think of that book again. EVER! - he caught the Griffon on his next pass and kicked down hard between his wing and his shoulder.
The fact that his dragon's claw had a much weaker impact must have been the only thing keeping him from breaking Tigerjay's ribs, because a bruise spread immediatley as he curled up, whimpering in pain.
"Uh... unfair..."
"That was perfectly fair!"
"Not... really..."
"Oh, I could have done much worse than that. I am really beginning to think you aren't going to back off. I have dirty tricks too, you know. That was not one of them. In fact, if I wasn't holding you up, you'd be a little multicolored splat somewhere on the ground. Do you want that to be arranged?"
Tigerjay glared daggers at his captor - and through show of strength, superior - but looked away when the grip on his tail loosened. "No..." He muttered. "You win."
"I can't hear you~"
"YOU WIN!" Tigerjay screeched, balling his talons into fists. As he regained control over his wings, he kicked out with a back paw before darting away.
Obsidian let go of the Griffon's tail and flew backwards, barely avoiding the kick hitting home between his legs. After yelling a few Griffon insults after the retreating competetor, Obsidian went back to his original course.
He wanted to go check on Sunrise, to see if she was awake. He had a question for her.
Sunrise tried to steady her feet. Not only was she exhausted, she couldn't seem to get her limbs to move right, and her vision was either fuzzy or she was shaking harder than she thought. Mumbling to herself, she commanded her body to walk forward, and it responded by pitching forward. She expected a long fall, ending in a face-full of wood; instead, she stopped about halfway down in some kind of fur.
"Easy, there." Two strong paws pushed her back upright, and she found herself looking into Obsidian's worried eyes. "You okay?"
"Fine." She gritted her teeth against a sudden wave of nausea, feeling herself falling sideways before she was caught again.
"Jeez, your eyes are all funky. Look, I'm taking you back to your room, and you can sleep this off, okay?"
"No!" She shook her head way too fast, stumbling sideways.
"I get it, I get it, don't hurt yourself." He tried in vain to align her eyes, waving his talons in front of her face. "So what were you planning on doing?"
"My job." She stated, her eyes still rolling despite Obsidian's help. "Imma gonna climb up the walls and fix the roof. Can I go now?"
"Nope, not letting you. You'd kill yourself." He looked down, partially thinking about just locking her in her room and sitting against the door, partially thinking how cute she looked when her eyes derped. "You can barely stand. How do you expect to climb?"
"Imma not staying here." She tried to get around him, but even if he had tried to block her, it wouldn't have changed the outcome. She was staying put, at least until Obsidian figured out how to solve this problem.
There was a silence that was bordering on awkward before Obsidian decided. "I'll carry you outside, but you're not going out of my sight. Is that clear?"
She didn't reply for a good ten seconds. "THAT'S GREAT!" She suddenly shouted, before quickly passing out.
Obsidian sighed and shook his head slowly. Gently picking her up by the extra scales on her neck, he flew down from the treehouse, heading out to find some Unicorn with even the mildest detoxification spell.
Night had fallen, and now that Sunrise had regained control over her motor skills, Obsidian took her outside for a walk. There had been a silvery Alicorn out for a few minutes - putting the last touches on the stars, if the rumors were true - but she had vanished inside as the two approached.
Now, they had taken a break on the opposite side of the town, looking out across the mostly untouched wilderness up to Canterlot, whose glittering lights were visble even from the current distance.
Sunrise shivered, pressing up against Obsidian's side. He settled a wing on her back slowly, testing to see if she was okay with the small action. She closed her eyes and sighed as his warmth enveloped her cold scales.
"It's so pretty out..." She muttered. "Cold, but pretty."
"I agree." More than just the sky...
"You sound like you're holding something back."
"I... I am..."
"What is it?"
"I can't tell you. You'd probably take it the wrong way, and then it'd be awkward..."
"No, I swear. I won't tell anyone, and I'll keep it between us."
Obsidian sighed. There was no getting out of this now...
"Well... I... I... um, sorta..." He swallowed the rapidly forming lump in his throat. "I kinda..." He trailed off into mumbling.
"What?"
"I kinda like you." He was barely at hearing level, and anywhere else he wouldn't have been loud enough. But in the still, cold, silent air, he was audible.
There was a silence that Obsidian percieved as awkward. "I know... it's weird, I shouldn't have said it. You can go back in, if you want..."
"Go back in? Why would I do that?"
"I thought..."
She laughed, pressing in closer to his flank. "I like you too. You're better than any of the ponies, and to be honest, Tigerjay lacks in the relationship area. He's a friend at best." She smiled, looking up at him through her massive pink eyes. She scooted up so she was beside his shoulders. "But I really like you."
She streched her neck out and kissed Obsidian on the cheek. Nothing too fancy, but enough to make his wings pop up. As he blushed profusely and tried to force them closed, Sunrise leaned up against him, laughing harder than she had in weeks.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 22 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-06T00:47:54+00:00
|
2011-11-06T00:47:54+00:00
| 1,374 |
~So, how's everypony doing? Ready for winter? I'm not. I would like winter if it wasn't cold... anyway, we've topped 4000 views! Yay! And Obsidian and Sunrise make such a cute couple <3 ~
Twilight Who Never Sparkled, Silly was walking around, bored after making the night. She could still see the lengths of time running about her, but they were larger, more detailed, catching images before her eyes. This made it incredibly easy to watch for knots - each pony's timeline normally wove around another, but when they went taught, it was a presign of a disturbance.
There weren't many in the town that were problemous. Everyone got along well, which was a good relief from the anarchy-wracked realms around. She had kept a close eye on the newest draconequus, under her own orders to not interfere until she was back in her infinite form.
The creature in question had gone out with a young dragoness while she was putting up the stars, and she had felt compelled to watch them and make sure nothing went wrong, but her morality had won out and she had left them alone. She didn't like not being able to see everything whenever she wanted to, but she couldn't interact without this form and remaining in this space-time. And she had to stay until the other Alicorn was strong enough to move the sun and moon, or more problems would occur that she didn't want to bother with fixing.
Seeing a knot forming, she trotted off.
<I told you.>
Obsidian jolted up from where he was lying on cold stone. He was back in the barren, desolate wasteland.
<I told you I would get her for you. I did, didn't I?>
"I thought..." A sinking feeling settled in Obsidian's stomach and heart. "I thought that..."
<...Somepony actually liked you? Sorry kiddo, but that's not how things work for draconequus. Nopony wishes to like you. Now, because I have done my part, you have to pay up.>
"Payment? But I didn't-"
<Well, you woke up before I could continue. Not very considerate. Anyway, the payment isn't actually bad for you. You just have to tell me you accept.>
"Accept what?"
<Powers of chaos.> The voice took a tone that made it obvious that this was common information. <Your powers will become as strong as your fathers'.>
"That's going to happen anyway, isn't it?"
<Not really. You see, you have very very very minor chaos. He has an average level. I have the optimum levels, which is the maximum. You won't ever be as strong as I am, but you can be as strong as him.>
"And nothing happens to me?"
<Only little things.> The voice shrugged.
"Well, okay... I accept?"
A odd kind of smoke took form in the air, floating for a few moments before enveloping Obsidian's form. He struggled against the smoke, coughing and clawing at it, until it finally managed to seep in through his mouth and nose. He stilled almost seconds after, his eyes closing and body settling back into a normal standing position. Streching out his claws a few times, he took a deep breath.
"A long time..." The not-Obsidian began, before coughing into the back of his paw. "It's been a long time since I felt mortal."
Twilight backed up from the hunk of unnatural metal as it sagged forward and the light in it's eyes dimmed.
"What's going on?!" She screamed, plunged into darkness as the meager source of light flickered out. "You can't just leave us here without telling us what's going on!"
"Calm down, Twi." Applejack's hoof on her shoulder pulled her back into a state of somwhat balanced psychology. "He can't hear ya, there's no use in losin' your voice, y'hear me? Ah don't think it's possible for a machine to go dyin'. At least, not like that. He'll be wakin' up soon enough, and we'll have ta fight him."
"How do you know?"
"Oh, Twi. Haven't you realized everything that can go wrong will?"
Discord knocked on the door a few times, waiting for his son to get up. For once in his life he had made an actual breakfast, and there was no way the little runt was going to miss it.
Shoving the door aside with one paw, he stormed up beside his son's bed, peering over the pillow. Obsidian was muttering in his sleep, paws twitching. Rolling his eyes, Discord leaned back, ready to roar, when Obsidian's head shot up and his eyes instantly focused on his father.
The older spirit took a few steps back, falling on his rump with shock. Not only did he wake up so weirdly, his eyes...
...they were different sizes.
Just like his.
Discord knew exactly what this meant.
"SPIKE! YOU'VE GOT TO HELP ME!"
The large dragon raised his head from the stone, momentarily confused. He had set up a new den in the mountians of Canterlot - ponies knew he was alive, but not where he was. Finally seeing the draconequus floating in front of him, he started growling.
"Oh come on. Don't be like that. I'm not after your precious Elements, even though they're in the library behind you. I need help."
"That's obvious. You've needed help since you were born." He laughed at his own joke, but was still wary. Twilight had instructed him to hide the Elements in his hoard so they would never be found by anypony without the benefits of Equestria at heart.
"Please, don't make jokes about my states of mental deprivation. I need to stop discord."
Spike cocked his head. "You know, I was joking about you needing help, but I am really beginning to believe being trapped in stone has gotten to you..."
"Well, it sort of has, but - wait a sec - no! No no no! You don't understand!"
"If you need a psychiatrist, I can get you somepony from Canterlot in no time at all."
"Listen to me, you numbskulled overgrown lizard!"
"That's Mr. numbskulled overgrown lizard to you."
"Fine, whatever you want to be called, I need a book."
"Dealing With Multiple Personalities?"
"What? NO! The history books on how you beat me." He glanced over the dragon's shoulder. "Didn't you keep the Elements right there?"
Spike looked back over his shoulder, noticing the missing garments for himself. "What did you do with them?!"
Discord shook his head and put his hands up defensively as the dragon stood up to his full height. "Calm down, calm down. I did nothing, I swear."
"Pinkie Pie swear?"
"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye. Good enough? Anyway, I didn't take them, but I know where they are. Or, where they were."
Spike settled slightly, sitting down. "And?"
"Well, you see... ahaha... this is awkward... okay, so, my mom - you wouldn't know her, I'm sure... well, her dad just happens to be, you know, the embodiment of absense and darkness... and he's sorta pissed off at me right now... you know how he had Twilight and her friends? Well, Celestia and Luna are dead, and Twilight must have summoned the Elements - there was magic residue all over the place where she was kidnapped, in her signature violet sheen... so anyway, there's one problem with using the Elements on my grandpa... what doesn't kill him makes him stronger, and whatever he's hit with, he destroys. And he can't die, which means the Elements don't really exist anymore. And I have reason to believe that he's preying on my son..."
"Crimsonleaf is King? Good for him." Spike was still trying to understand what Discord had said.
Discord blushed, scuffing the rocky floor with his hoof. "Well not exactly. I didn't want to tell you, but... I'm King."
"Y-y-y-you? But Crimsonleaf was next in line! Unless..."
"I GET IT, I get it." The spirit interrupted. "Do you know what made my eyes like this?"
"That was random."
"From birth my grandfather had poisoned me. I was a God since I opened my eyes and realized the wasteland he trained me in wasn't the real world. And he didn't have a pleasant way of giving me my powers. I had to watch him break... everything... that I loved before I could use those powers."
"And where do I fit in here?" Spike had relaxed completely, although he still partially believed Discord was suffering from multiple personality disorder, the chaotic draconequus wasn't being agressive.
"Well, the thing my son loves... it's..." Discord took a deep breath, wishing he had some cider with him to calm his nerves. "He's in love with your daughter."
The dragon's eyes narrowed.
Spike's angry roar echoed around the mountian, matched by Discord's girly scream.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 23 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-09T21:46:33+00:00
|
2011-11-09T21:46:33+00:00
| 1,473 |
Discord was wedged painfully between Spike talons as the dragon glared down through hate-filled eyes. The spirit was terrified and slightly embarassed - he hadn't screamed for decades, at least, not in terror - and his life could be ended at the merest flick of a claw.
"Hear me out!" He yelled, rubbing his hands together nervously. "If you kill me, she'll... well, she won't die, but she won't care about ANYTHING. It'll be like a full-body numbness. She'll break her leg and not even notice until somepony sees it bend the wrong way and dragging on the ground. You've got to help me!"
The claws lifted slightly, letting the pinned draconequus breath a little bit easier.
"I'm not doing this for your son, or you. I'm doing this for Sunrise." He took a deep breath, snorting a plume of smoke. "What do you need?"
Discord stifled a nervous laugh, and petted the missing hairs on his tail. "Well, I lied. I don't need a book." Pivoting back towards his previous personality, he struck a pose. "The fate of Equestria is in your claws!"
The nervous laughter stopped at Spike's glare. The purple dragon grabbed Discord by the tail and started stalking out of the cave.
The dragon that Discord had last seen as a mere hatchling had grown considerably in the last hundred-odd years. His scales were sleek, and shone in a way that made it seem impossible that they had once been dull. Of course, his sheathed claws had been shown to be dangerous, and the tooth-filled maw holding Discord's tail was kind of nerve-wracking, but they were travelling faster than any other mode of non-teleportation.
The draconequus, however, greatly disliked being held upside down against his will. It was not a very pleasant experience. And in the cosmic sort of way karma finds hilarious, what they were about to see cresting the horizon was not much better.
Spike's wingbeats grew stronger, pushing him far past the speed he should have been able to go. The air streched around, and for a second Discord thought they were about to pull off a sonic dragonboom, before Spike's angry roar filled the sky and his claws dug into the ground.
It was oddly beautiful. This was not a thought that would have crossed Obsidian's mind in the normal circumstance, but trapped inside his own body with no means of control, it was peaceful. The sky, once a shimmery dawn pink-orange, was coated in thick grey fog, the random lances of light flickering through mesmerizing when one could look at them instead of the ground that was now littered with-
No, this was not a thought Obsidian was allowed to contemplate. The great power now possesing his body cut the train tracks short, sending the engine hurtling into neverending space and leaving Obsidian's huddled spirit back on the thought of how pretty it was, leaving no remnants of speculation of what had just happened.
It was oddly beautiful. The sky, flickering in the smoke pluming from the fires of his -
The sky, flickering in the fog, felt warm on his skin, almost as warm as the burning wood that he -
"Would you shut up? I'm trying to concentrate." Obsidian's spirit reeled in fright at the sudden ability to hear, before realizing the power in his body wanted him to be quiet.
I like being thoughtful. See, it's so pretty, now that everything I love is going down in fla -
"I said shut up! Do you want me to make you braindead as well?"
No, that would not be nice. I'll be quiet. Mostly.
"Start now, then."
Okay. Oh sorry, I forgot, I'm still thinking, sorry -
The creature that was once Obsidian rolled it's eyes and continued stalking through the burning fragments of the dome. There would be bodies, corpses, really, but if there were some still alive, burning under the wreckage, he should at least cut their agony short. He was quite happy that he was not the benovelent spirit, like his sister, and did occasionally wonder how she survived without any maiming. Pushing Obsidian's feeble spirit into the deepest cores, he looked around, slitting his eyes against the ash blowing in his face.
Nothing had to seriously think about how stupid these ponies must have been to not fireproof their homes. It was the first spell any unicorn learned - other than basic telekinesis - especially those along the dragon borders or who would raise a hatchling, like Twilight Sparkle did.
Ugh. He loathed that unicorn. No, stay on track. You're here to kill survivors.
What are you going to do if you find Sunrise?
The power paused, kicking a small peice of tent away from Obsidian's senstive hoof. "There is no need to worry about that. I have no fear in knowing that your pitiful father will soon be returning, and will attempt to defeat me."
What if he does? Will I be in control again, or will I die with you?
"That's not your problem." Nothing growled, and sent another train spiralling into shadow. "Now please, let me kill something without your incessent babbling!"
The not-Obsidian froze as a loud whistling sound came from the other side of the smoky roof. Spinning to one side, he drew back his lips and hissed, glaring at the foggy blanket.
The flame pulse hit down right where he had been before, and the dragon - carrying it's reluctant passenger, slammed into the earth. Pivoting to face the demonic creature, Spike narrowed his eyes and roared.
Nothing looked like he was about to go primal and fling himself at Spike's face, but regained control and stood up, brushing soot from his front paws and letting his snarl drop into a simply dissatisfied frown.
"Must we be so aggrivated?"
Spike's eyes narrowed further, but he fanned his wings to clear some smoke and sat down. "What have you done to the town? To Ponyville?"
"Is it not obvious? I set it on fire, you retarded reptile. That would be why you're sitting amid burning wreckage instead of cute little pastel houses." The not-Obsidian made a gagging face, before rolling his eyes and glaring up at the draconequus hanging from the dragons' jaw. "Oh, you again. Are you really stupid enough to think you might kill me with a mere dragon?"
Discord was unnerved. He had expected something to look different - larger claws, darker fur, blazing red eyes - anything, just to show it wasn't his son anymore. But his powerful grandfather had even resized the eyes, making them just as equine as they had been before. And the voice, all pronounciation and pitch intact, made no change from the way it had been before.
There was no denying that somewhere in there, his son was still living.
And despite the circumstances leading up to this fateful, feiry meeting, he felt a small shard of hope.
One hour earlier...
"Hey, Obsidian, wait up!" The draconequus turned around to look at whatever had been calling his name, and quickly smiled.
"Oh, hi, Sunrise. Were you looking for me?"
"Yeah, I was wondering if you'd want to come out with me for a while, you know, it is a nice day and all."
"Sorry, I can't. Have work to do today. Maybe you should take Tigerjay out, break it to him that we're dating... he was sweet on you..."
She looked downfallen, but forced out a smile. "Yeah, I'll tell him. Can we go out tomorrow?"
"Yeah." Obsidian lied through his smile. There would be nothing to walk out of by tomorrow. He really hoped she would take him up on the idea of bringing Tigerjay out... he didn't want to hurt her... or him, at the moment.
As she bounded away, Obsidian glanced back at his hands, feeling the power inside of him regain control.
<You handled that very well.>
Thanks. Will she be alright?
<She will be fine. I will make sure she's outside when this place comes down.>
What about her books? Could you move them someplace safe?
<Whatever.> A void opened in space time, and the entire bookshelf - including a few novels hastily collected from the bedside table - reappeared in Twilight's library, safely inside Spike's cave. The dragon was sleeping, and the flash of light was silent.
Thanks. She'd be devastated if she lost her books.
<I'm going to subdue you for a few minutes, okay? You won't be able to do anything.>
Yeah, that's fine. Sunrise will stay in love with me, right?
<Right.> Nothing had to keep his laughter from entering his voice.
Mortals were hilarious!
Current time...
"There's nothing you can do!" Tigerjay bit down hard on Sunrise's tail, locking his jaw despite the flurry of scratches he was receiving. "We have most of the townsponies, and it's summer. We can rebuild."
"You're wrong! Obsidian's in there!"
Tigerjay struck out with one paw, knocking the dragonness sideways and keeping her rolling until she slid painfully into a tree. She opened her eyes, tears sparkling in their depths, as he stalked up in front of her.
"This is all Obsidian's fault! He set the stupid thing on fire! He killed whoever was inside! He hasn't killed himself, because I know he's going to kill us too, and he would have planned too far ahead to be killed by his own fire! This is all his fault, Sunrise! If he's dead, it means we'll still live!"
"No! He's not like that! He's not a murderer!"
"Sunrise, please. Don't make this harder than it is. He is a murderer. The best thing that could happen now was that he's dead."
"NO!" She swung her tail, smashing it into the side of Tigerjay's beak. He screeched and backpedalled, shards of bone falling through his claws. "He's not a killer! He can't be dead..." Her anger was replaced by a deep sadness that seemed to rip apart her very soul. "I... I loved him..."
Not-Obsidian lifted his paw, jerking it quickly to the side. The wreckage lifted itself or was absorbed into the earth, and the fire went out as the dust settled.
Discord found himself reliving something he had wanted so desperately to forget. His failure, replaying with not six ponies, but his own son, and a barren circle of dirt as the newly-cleared battlefield. This time, he wasn't the powerful overlord. He was Twilight, fearing for her friends, her life, her country, and seeing everything she had grown to love ripped away by a drconequus of unimaginable power.
This revelation made Discord's eyes sting with tears. They didn't help, didn't block out the gruesome reality, just made him look weaker. Swiping them away with his claw, he glared at the thing that had once been his son.
The younger draconequus tucked his elbows in, letting his hands glow with a spectral red light, levitiating slightly into the air. Discord flicked his tail as a signal to the dragon behin him to get clear, and began channeling his own magic, shining with a yellow hue.
Surrounded by smoke and dappled sunlight, the two spirits of chaos charged.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 24 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-11T03:23:32+00:00
|
2011-11-11T03:23:32+00:00
| 1,291 |
~Song mentioned later was introduced to me by Mindblower, who's fanfic is awesome and yet I do not have a link to and should really get around to finding... it's called Envy and Arrogance~
This place...
It was never supposed to look like this...
Have I been here before?
I remember sun and light...
I couldn't have ever been here. This place is nothing but fire and darkness...
...and joy...
This can't be...
...the kind of joy only ever felt in the...
home?
Obsidian suddenly threw his spiritual essence into retreiving his left wing. Folding it tightly, he sent his body spinning to the ground. Discord skidded past, claws still sparking with haze. Seeing the creature writhing, he lowered his hands, instead hovering a safe distance away.
<Go back! You let me be in control!>
I didn't let you destroy my home!
<Yes, you did. You said as long as she was fine, you'd->
I DON'T CARE! LET ME BACK IN!
The struggle looked almost false, the way that the thing in control seemed to be fighting itself. It was mildly disturbing, but this thought never crossed Sunrise's mind as she skimmed over the burned ground. Her paws, normally clumsy on gravitationally correct ground, seemed to vanish as she launched herself to the rim of the battlefield.
"GET OUT!" Obsidian's shreik echoed through the unnaturally still air. Almost as fast as it had lost control, the other power returned.
"You've driven me to this, Obsidian." The other mocked, rising one talon to his throat. "Your question before, if this body dying would kill me? I hate to regret not telling you sooner, but the corpse of a host does nothing to me."
It was a quick, swift motion, and Obsidian regained control mere seconds too late.
"NO!!" Sunrise's shout was louder than Obsiadian's final scream, shocking all present. She darted across the ground, falling onto her knees beside him, ignoring the blood beginning to pool around her feet. "You can't... you can't die..."
There was a rustle, but a mechanical one, not the kind made by animals foaging through leaves. A series of pings not unlike a security code being entered, and a series of whirrs and clicks followed suit. With the screech of rust, two spirals of metal twsited open, relighting the two pricks of scarlet light.
More groans of steel shifting, and the lumbering beast revitalized. Glaring down at Twilight Sparkle and her measly band of friends, he made a series of moans not unlike a disgusted snort. <Come.>
There was the reverse of the flash of normal teleportation, almost seeming to blanket the area in further darkness, before the vague silhoettes of the former vessels vanished.
Sunrise cradled Obsidian's head in her front paws. The blood oozing from his throat had been thick and black at first, but had returned to the normal cherry sheen and density of a normal pulse.
"Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry, go to sleep my little baby. When you wake, you shall have all the pretty little horses. Dapple and grays, pintos and bays, all the pretty little horses...when...you...wake..." Tears were streaming down her muzzle, making dark streaks down Obsidian's neck. His pulse was racing as his body panicked to heal what his mind knew he couldn't. “Way down yonder, in the meadow, poor little baby cryin’ mama, birds and the butterflies flutter ‘round his eyes. Poor little baby, cryin’ mama.
"Hush-a-bye, don’t you cry, go to sleep, my little baby. When you wake, you shall have all the pretty little horses. Dapples and grays, pintos and bays, all the pretty little horses.”
"I'm so, so sorry, Obsidian..."
I love you...
The following silence was broken by the sound of scratching metal, and the impact wave of a powerful teleportation spell. The discarded bodies from said spell got to their hooves - claws - and looked around the barren landscape.
Twilight was the first to speak, as nothing waited pateintly for them to catch up to their current predicament. "Discord?! How did you where are we what's going on?!?!?!"
He cast a sideways glance at her, and to shut her up, replied. "This sentence is false."
As she struggled to understand the paradox he had just inflicted, the others took in the scorched ground, casual spirit of Disharmony, Spike, and Sunrise, cradling the body of another draconequus.
"Discord, what's goin' on? Ah demand ta know where Ponyville got to!"
The spirit was crying, tears invisibly stremaing down his face. "This is Ponyville."
Before she could continue, he held up his paw. "And I'm sorry. For everything I've ever done to you. For turnign you against yourselves. And I need you to trust me. I'm not the enemy here."
Gilda, separating herself from the group, timidly walked over to Sunrise. "W-what happened?"
The dragonness didn't look up, just burrowed her muzzle deeper in his mane. "He's...he's..."
Tigerjay suddenly appeared over the hill, with four others in tow. There was Chibi, eyes narrowed at the cruel twist of fate being played out before her. Scootaloo, her wings flared and head up, looking for something to attack. Applesauce - who Sunrise admitted she didn't know very well - seemed to swell with strength and anger. And Squishy, who seemed to have discarded her prim appearance for two streaks of soot under her eyes. Tigerjay launched into the air, screeching a battle cry, and watched the others charge. Glaring at the demon standing indifferently a distance away. He looked down once, making sure his mother was alright, before scraping his claws against each other and charging at the beast.
Is this heaven?
It depends. What do you believe heaven to be?
I don't care what heaven in. I just want to go home.
So home is your heaven?
I guess so...
The girl. Do you miss her?
Sunrise?
Yes. The dragonness.
I miss her. I can't believe he tricked me... he made her love me...
You are wrong then.
What do you mean?
She loved you before then, and she loved you after.
She can't. Noone loves draconequus. That's why we're disharmony.
Please, listen. She loves you.
~When you wake, you shall have all the pretty little horses...~
She's singing...for me?
She loves you.
~Dapples and grays, pintos and bays...~
Fight it. You can go back.
I...can?
~All the pretty little horses...~
Be gentle. Your body is in a different space than you. It will be painful.
I can stand pain.
Time seemed to slow as nothing spun, tails whipping across the new army and knocking them all aside. Dust and ashes flew away from their impact, leaving long dark marks of exposed earth. Bones shattered, and hope flew apart in slivers of light.
This will be more dangerous than anything you've ever done before.
I'm ready.
You will need help. Tell me you will retreat once this battle resumes.
...I will.
Sunrise's sobs only increased as Gilda screamed beside her, seeing her son's pastel body launched through the air and slammed into the ground.
You must hurry. Time never stops.
It stops when I want it to.
No. It can't be. Only two beings have that power.
Maybe three.
The new army fell, finsing their caretakers and parents quickly beside them. Mutters of happiness and painlessness echoed around, but there was no truth.
You can change this.
Yes. I need to go back.
For her?
For me.
And a pair of sapphire eyes flickered back to life.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 25 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-12T04:59:02+00:00
|
2011-11-12T04:59:02+00:00
| 1,465 |
~Okay, I had the chapter done, but then my internet kicked out, and I lost all of it. So, upon waiting for word from knighty about the topic of retrieving said chapter, I will attempt to replicate it.~
It was silent, quieter than it had been even when the only noises were the crackle of soot and charcoal underhoof or the laboured breaths that sounded like thunder. Still and silent. The sun could no longer penetrate the blanket of ash, and had given up trying. Instead, it was a gloomy twilight, holding the battered bodies of many ponies and non-ponies, as well as the unmoving ironwork of a demon.
A creature stirred.
Before the creature had been... well attempted to be... destroyed, it had the same ragtag, discordant coat of it's father, as all creatures mortal gain traits from their parents. But the short fur was a mixture of long and short, and shimmered with some kind of spiritual light. The scales on the tail had also changed, becoming semi-reflective and much sturdier.
One one paw, the claws had grown longer and thicker, extending in the blink of an eye and always ready to spill the lifeblood of something.
The other claw had not only changed claws, but the leathery skin had hardened into a dinosaurian scale, heavier on the surface with softer, more sensitive skin on the underside.
The first back leg had gotten thicker, muscle running along the inner side, out of reach from a common attack. The fur had also grown shorter, and felt - even though it had not been touched since it had changed - almost like fuzzy sandpaper.
The second had dark green scales, marked by a pearly-white dewclaw and pair of thicker talons that served as both the claw and the toes. These claws looked sharp, and probably were, but that theory had not been tested.
The scales on the leg changed to a dark salmon colour and coated the tail, broken up by short pink spikes. The tip of the tail, once a soft plume, was now made of thin quills, which looked to be only useful for picking one's teeth, until they contacted and shot poison into the bloodstream of the target.
From the head came two horns - one almost like that of a unicorn, but bent and twisted into a curl that would leave even the strongest stallion wailing, the other a throwback to the antler of a young buck - each having shed the soft roundness of childhood for the icy sheen of maturity.
And the wings, only slightly larger than the fathers' before the death, had also changed. The feathered one was now double the height of the bearer when outstreched, and the widest section was his entire height, able to fold in half when not in use. This wing was coated in long, delicate feathers, each being sky-blue in the center, darkening to navy at the tip and being a snowy white at the base.
The other wing was the same size, but with the bone structure of a mammal, thick and heavy, while being coated in sparkling purple scales on the inside and a darker shade on the outer. Unlike the bat it drew from, the webbing was not skin and therefore throughly opaque.
This creature let out a sigh and looked up the sky, eyes closed and sensing the new things around it. Strands, of a material he could not specify, and doubted even existed normally. Taking a deep breath to calm his frayed nerves, he dropped his muzzle back to a normal angle and opened his eyes, focusing on the demon staring at him.
<Ah, you've decided to join me?>
The new creature tilted his head, studying the angles of the strands to determine where the next plane was. Moving one claw slightly up, he opened the seam, the inside of which seemed to seethe with moving colour. It would be disorienting, but not unescapable.
That would have to work. He needed some time.
No, he did not need time. His friends... no, his family... needed it.
The demon was still unaware of this happening behind him, and merely looked at the calculating look on the creature in front of him. With a quick motion, he thrust his other paw out, sending the shocked iron beast flying into the seam. With another motion, the seam closed.
That will not hold him for long. He is actually strong.
He lifted his ears, but did not turn to face the being that had appeared behind him. "I need to help my friends."
Yes, I know. You still breathe for a good reason. I will hold him for longer than the dimension will.
"He's already proven himself stronger than me. How can we beat him?"
There are others like your father. Elements of Order, to be honest, but you will have to get their help.
"The Firstborn? They're foal-tales."
To be honest, so are we.
He turned then, looking at the other supreme creature he now shared an existence with. It was the Alicorn he had met before. "You... you're something?"
None other. Now go, before he realizes you've tried to trap him.
He moved, another dimension bending dance. This one was more fluid, severing the ties that held him to this plane, in a motion that defied the laws of physics in it's grace and movement alone. The second he slowed the spin - if that was an aquedate title - he existed on thousands of realities at once, seeing the second creator in her true, ever-encompassing form. With a salute of farewell, he selected his dimension and vanished.
Sunrise fell forward as the body of her friend vanished under her claws. Instead of getting up, she just scratched at the thick dirt and cried.
The first thing she was aware of was Gilda's comforting claw between her shoulders vanishing.
Moments later, the second realization hit as a different claw began resting gently on her shoulder. She expected Tigerjay, but was too miserable to bite him.
The third was that, when she opened her eyes, Gilda was just in range of her long-sight, cradling the broken but breathing body of her son.
The fourth was that it seemed like the dread had lifted, instead becoming a soft, warm hint in the air.
The fifth was that there was no sign of blood, anywhere.
The sixth was that the demon-bird had vanished without a trace.
The seventh, that when she turned around, there was a set of soft, corcerned oceanic eyes looking back at her.
Lucky number seven.
"C'mon we have to leave. I hate to move you all along, but-"
Obsidian was cut of by Spike's irritated roar of "GET MOVING!"
He spun towards the dragon, glaring at him and making a slicing motion through the air. Once the dragon calmed down slightly, he dipped his muzzle to the dragonness sleeping quietly in his arms. "She's been sleeping peacefully for probably the first time in days. Could you turn it down just a little bit?"
"I hate having to walk."
Time to kill two birds with one stone. "Why don't you go back to Canterlot? I need you to find the oldest or smartest ponies of any breed and bring them back. Gently, if possible."
"I don't trust you alone. I've only ever known you as a killer." He paused, before his resolve broke. "But I have a feeling you reincarnating at the same time that demon vanished are connected, so I'll go. Pull one little trick, and I'll be eating your tail before sunset."
"Understood." He backed away, giving the massive dragon space to take off. He did, lifting slowly before catching a thermal and gliding up through the ashy blanket, which was slowly disappaiting.
The draconequus knew there had been a pony behind Spike, waiting for him to finish. She trotted up beside him, matching his pace. When he glanced down, curious at who the mare was, he saw the blankflanked filly, the lively mare Ponyville had once known, and the old, fragile elder she had become. When she looked up though, the only thing that showed in her eyes was a constant reflection of Celestia's death - or what Obsidian assumed to be Celestia, from the books he had read - and the pure devastation in her memory made him turn away.
"You can see it, can't you." She muttered, stating the fact instead of questioning him. "I used to know your father... wow, that sounded corny... but before all of this, before any of this, he was the second true villian me and my friends beat. He broke us, and tried to destroy everything we loved, but we won." Obsidian suddenly knew where the conversation was heading. "And I guess, in his own twisted, cosmic way, he finally succeeded. My home, my mentor, my library..."
"The library is fine. Spike has it."
"So, that's all you're going to defend? The books?"
"I didn't mean to do that. Burn... this. I lived here too. It was my home. It still is. And... this hurts me as much as it hurts you."
"It can't. Did you ever know what it looked like before?"
He made a casual glance over his shoulder, the battlefield splintering into pastel houses, whitewashed tents, burned rubble, and barren stone, and before all of that, a rolling, green meadow, with a few primitive ponies grazing.
"I do. And you do." Feeling Sunrise roll over, he shifted her around in his arms, holding her like a foal.
"You know, she never let me cuddle her. I could be close to her, I could hug her, but once she wanted to go to sleep I had to get out." She made a little smile, the kind a pony makes right before they start crying. "And I can't help but think she's a great judge of character. If she trusts you..."
The two had stopped walking, while the uninjured led the ponies further away. Twilight Sparkle put her hoof on Obsidian's claw.
"...then I trust you."
Obsidian had always been intrigued by the quick bonds they formed with others they had met only for a short friend. If someone got hurt, ponies who only knew them by the casual greeting exchanged during shopping would be showing up, concerned. This Unicorn... she had to think about trusting him?
And that made him want her trust even more.
"Thank you." He smiled, before releasing a small teleportation spell so she wouldn't have to canter to catch up.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 26 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-15T22:55:48+00:00
|
2011-11-15T22:55:48+00:00
| 1,323 |
"How much further?"
"As far as we can. The second anypony can't go on, we rest."
Sunrise kept her eyes closed, feeling the warmth radiating from the fur around her. She didn't want it to end, but she had seen... it had to be a dream. She didn't want to wake up.
"Most of us are strong enough to walk on our own... should we carry the others who can't?"
"Your strength needs rest as well. We will be safe for the time being. Use your judgement."
There was the sound of wings spreading, and a soft gust blew over Sunrise as the Pegasus flew off.
She opened her eyes, seeing Rainbow Dark gliding back towards the front of the group. Even more shocking than the fact that the Pegasus seemed uninjured, the dragonness realized she was still being held by a draconequus.
About to snarl at him - some sad part of her mind resigning to the fact that this had to be Discord - his paw moved so that he was petting the spikes along the back of her neck. She looked up, and instead of seeing Discord's teasing smirk, she saw a gentle smile.
"Did you have a good sleep?"
Not even wanting to answer, she rolled over, pressing her side into his warm fur.
"I'll take that as a yes."
I can't tell her what I have to do. Not now.
Somewhere in the underground of Equestria, something crawled. It was not crawling by choice, it enjoyed stalking much more, but the tunnel it was currently in restricted movement down to almost nothing. If this creature had been anything else, this would have been unpassable, but this was not any other creature.
Fulmen snarled, her pupils turning momentarily yellow as she turned her head to look back down the way she had come. The light cast from her eyes at least told her she had made progress - the dark stone had paled to a natural gray. She was nearing the surface.
And this time, if Faenum dared oppose her, then the sparkly wolf would get her ears sliced.
Needless to say, the goddess of lightning was not in a good mood.
Would you be, after trekking through solid darkness for three days and being unable to turn around to move backwards? I didn't think so.
So, despite the sound of the stone overhead moaning under the weight of some body of water, the tigress plodded on
The time had come. The Seventh Element, the Turning Point, had entered his dimensional form. The fabric of time and space was now under extreme pressure, which would only be removed by the Turning Point's death or a tear opening. And Fulmen, after being surrounded by darkness eternal, had trained herself to see without light, to shroud herself in complete shadow and see through it, and with time, could create wisps of ghoulish light, and one of these was floating in front of her at the moment, colours shifting between red and green.
The Turning Point.
This final being wasn't new, or known in legend. It had existed before Chaos and Void, the two first Objects, and was said to be their creator. The body of the Turning Point made no difference, other than the fact it had to be a grandchild of the Firstborn, in turn the great-grandchild of something and nothing, and before that, the great-great-grandchild of Chaos and Void. So, in four generations after being destroyed, Turning Point would return.
He was the maker of time. Before him, if there was even a before, there was no Void, no such thing as something or nothing, and somehow Turning Point had come to be. His true name was cursed, but Fulmen enjoyed saying it anyway. She could not be killed.
Kha'dighreel.
The language was only used by the named himself. It was simply too complicated for any mortal or immortal mouth to grasp.
Kha, however, was beyond immortal. If the land died and something and nothing along with it, and Chaos and Void fell under some massive onslaught, Kha would simply return, in his solid, insubstantial greatness, and blanket the damaged lands in the absence of both types of matter, until the unemptiness spawned new lands.
He had seen many species, in this way. Giant lizards, with spikes of bone and jaws of daggers. Strange, two-legged creatures who built massive cities, before being eliminated in one fell swoop. And now, among thousands of other eras, there were four-legged mammals as sentenients. Ponies, to be exact.
And this was also the era of something, nothing and the Firstborn. The era in which Kha would take form in order to realign time.
This was Fulmen's chance to break free from her sister's powerful hold. If she made it out before Kha reverted time, she would be able to see the sun and feel the wind, and that would be enough.
With this single, pathetic hope, Fulmen surged forward, breaking through a layer of dirt and sending it tumbling down the passage behind her, before narrowing her eyes as the bright light and struggling onto the surface, her little ghostlight wavering before going out completely.
The tigress almost wished she was back underground as another presence entered her senses.
"Well, you make this so much harder than it needs to be, sister." The golden wolf hissed. "Why can't you just stay in your grave?"
"Why must you keep pushing me back in?" Fulmen sighed, rolling her eyes before sidestepping away from the hole. "And Fae, I know you felt it."
"What? Oh, yes, Kha. His power hasn't improved yet. Her form is still weak." The wolf sighed and looked out towards the sunset. "And if you're going to call me Fae, I'm going to call you Fufu."
"I hate that name." She snarled, sitting down and curling her tail around her paws. "And I felt the power surge. You said she. I though it was Obsidian."
"How did you know he existed?"
"News travels fast in the underground." She smirked,
"Anyway, I checked him when he was born. Nothing but the regular draconequus powers."
Fulmen had to bite her tongue to keep from blurting out something she would regret. Normal draconequus powers. Nothing's powers. Draconequus were powerless without that brief possesion. None of the others knew that Discord's powers came from his grandfather. They weren't supposed to. So... regular draconequus powers... did that mean he was heading down the same dark road as his father?
"When you said she... there is another? I know of Crimsonleaf and Obsidian, and Crimsonleaf is disqualified for not having two godly parents. Ali and I were the only ones to have children... unless..." She trailed off, before smiling demonically and prancing in a circle around her sister. "Oooh you had a kiiiiidddd! Who's the daddy?"
Faenum blushed heavily and looked around, trying to find anything she could focus on that wasn't her sister. "C'mon Fulmen, be a little mature about this..."
"I'm the one not being mature? You never told anyone." She rolled onto her back and looked up at Faenum. "Tellmetellmetellme! Or I'll tell Mommy~"
"You tell her and I'll kill you. No hesitation." Faenum glared down at her obnoxious sibling.
"So who's daddy? Does he know?"
"It wasn't as long ago as either of you, and she doesn't have powers or a powerful form... she's just a Pegasus. She was easy to hide in Equestria. I brainwashed her... you know, mildly... and told her her name and sent her off to do whatever she wished."
"Don't those memory spells have side effects?"
Faenum laughed. "Yes, they do. But when I say later than the others, I mean one-hundred years, tops. She's the same age as the surviving Element Bearers."
Fulmen let out a low whistle. "She doesn't know who her mom is? Or dad? Speaking of which, you seem to be avoiding answering my question? Was it Maaaris?"
Faenum blushed and looked away again. "Come on, Fulmen, you know he's not bound like Corona..."
"Aw, Cori's such a spoilsport. Up until he got viciously dulled, he would have been great."
"Don't think like that! Alititudo married him, so he's beyond you!"
"You're a spoilsport too." Fulmen crossed her eyes and stuck out her tongue. After Fae's distasteful reaction, the tigress bounced to her paws and sauntered off. "So, what's the name you gave her? And her daughter?"
"The child's original name was Grayscale. She was born when her mother still remembered me. She was an Alicorn... and like all of them, she was resistant to aging. I wouldn't be surprised if she still looks the same as she did a hundred years ago..." The wolf sighed, waving a paw dismissively. "The daughter still knows her name, so if you go to see her, use that. Her mother told me to hide her under a spell blanket when she was born... you see, she knew about my plan to hide her... so I did. I made her look like a normal Pegasus filly..."
Fulmen had been planning to hear the new Kha's name as she vanished into the shadows, but Faenum's rant had failed that illusion and left her standing grumpily out of the Firstborn's vision, tail flicking. "Get on with it! I'd like to leave."
Faenum sighed. She really wished that her sibling hadn't been a twin. "My daughter's name is Ditzy Doo."
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 27 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-16T03:22:18+00:00
|
2011-11-16T03:22:18+00:00
| 1,257 |
When you were born, did you ever dream? Was it possible for you to see fantasies and hopes when you had not yet known their names or their reasons? Did hope even exist to you, or was it simply that you came to the conclusion that you had a purpose as you grew up? Did you end up aging, believing that in some fateful way, you would find your purpose and be remembered forever? It doesn't work like that. It has never worked like that. Since the dawn began being, not only in the multitude of solar systems in your universe, but in all the universes in an onmiverse, and all the omniverses beyond that, in every single heart, soul and being of every single life form that has ever looked up towards their sun and their moon and their stars and told themselves they would find their purpose, they have all been wrong.
You do not grow into your purpose, just as you do not begin dreaming when you learn words and sights and smells. In the womb you begin dreaming, closing your infantile eyes against the warm blackness and dreaming in colour and sounds and smells, dreaming of trees and meadows, of rainbows and birds, before being born. And after you are born, you realize all the things you dreamed about, in your puerile hopes and thoughts of nameless things which you cannot describe and cannot name, all those beautiful gifts Gaia has bestowed have been replaced by stone and metal and oil, by smog and pollution and orderly rows of chemically grown crops, by airplanes and submaries and cars, by wars and death and famine, and upon noticing your dreams are nothing more than that, you are stunned.
Upon birth, your knowledge of your purpose is eliminated with that sight of industrial spires in the place of towering pines, there is no surprise that you are stunned. In this shocking revelation. you lose everything that Gaia bred into you while you were unborn, and again you must learn her teachings, of speech, art, song, and these take longer to learn amid ironworks and stone fortresses, and so, in time that passes faster every day, you learn. And maybe, with a flash of hope and those colourful, vibrant dreams of your blind, deaf, mute life, as you lie on your deathbed you will remember even a single sliver of one of those indescribable dreams, and will remember how the earth looked before it was mined and corrupted, and in that last breath you take, of stale, empty, worthless air, you will taste the fresh hint of spring grass that used to be, and as that breath fades back out of your body, and your eyes close, as the tears begin falling, as the blood stills in your veins, you will remember your purpose, and you will realize that you have lived up to it or have not, and those who have will feel glory and joy in their final, fading moments, and maybe even those that did not know that because they failed, someone out there succeeded.
And so you do not grow into your purpose, as many believe. You do not begin dreaming only after you see. If we did not dream until we could look around at the populous ruin our earth has become, then our dreams would be filled with gray haze, and our purpose would be hidden in the same.
This was the unforgiving reality Kha'dighreel had been born into. Through some flaw in the unchanging network of time, he had been created. He was not without form, as many believed, of those who knew of his being, which were few in their entirety. He had form, but it was not that found in mortal or immortal. Even the planets could not create a match for his form. They had attempted replicas, yes, and these replicas varied en masse, but they all shared one feature.
Dreams.
Kha'dighreel did not choose to be above immortality. Sometimes he wished he was mortal, for then his suffering could end.
How can a being that not only symbolizes but is the eternal overlord have sadness?
The feeling of sadness exists in levels varying from pain to agony, and between these is devastation, which is loss of material possesion. These are categorized, from mildest to strongest, as pain, painful devastation, devestating pain, devestation, devastating agony, agonizing devastation, agony. Mortals can feel from pain to painful devasation, from losing family or material possesions, not nessecarily in that order. Immortals can feel from pain to devastating agony, from seeing gemerations lost as age slips past, until eventually they have distanced themselves from anything else and age endlessly alone and broken until they disolve into dust under the weight of their own sadness.
Kha'dighreel existed alone in the plane of agony. Pure, unmarked agony. It is simply impossible for any mortal or immortal to feel sadness on this level. It is not because their troubles are less, but because they cannot understand the grief under the feeling of knowing that now, as your eyes scan this page, someone has died, possibly surrounded by family, possibly alone, and in some omniverse, an entire civilation has been destroyed by simply moving too close to the sun, while another perishes by drifting away. You cannot comprehend knowing that while even immortals fall and are reborn anew, that you have not changed, that you cannot intervene, that you cannot warn of that traitor with the blade, or that snake with the fangs, or that water with the whirlpool, and instead must watch as millions fall. And then you blink an eye, trying to hold back the death that has been assulting your mind, only to see it projected on the inside of your lids, and when you open your eyes you are again surrounded by the dense colourless fog that makes up your universe, while death and destruction ravage your mind and eat away at your soul and purpose, and that unstoppable carnage once again begins, waiting for you to blink again so it can show itself in full ravaging detail until your eyes open once more.
You cannot sleep for these pictures. Your dreams of sunshine and hope and beauty have fallen under swords and guns and bombs long ago, and when you do sleep, the only peace you can wish for is a gruesome stalemate in some war, for a few blissful moments of precious silence, before the guns are loaded again and the shots ring out in their deadly cacophony.
You do not understand even now, as moments forgotten are written in words that simply cannot describe even a single one of these moments, for the words themselves have lost their meanings through translation, as only eyes can see, and words cannot live up to the senses you have been gifted with. Look around you right now, take a break from this text. You do not have to move from where you are, just simply lift your head and look around, and find something to describe. Think of a few aquedate words, and say them out loud. Red? Scarlet? Crimson? These simply do not show the difference between the brilliant orange-red-pink-yellow-light of a sunset or the dark, pooling black-red of blood, simply because there are no words, no alignment of letters in any written or spoken language, that mean these colours or scents or sounds, and these missing words cannot be filled in because no mere letter can write them and picture them clearly.
You cannot tell another of your dreams because of this. Whether it be a nightmare or a blissful, sleeping heaven, noone else will feel the same fear or happiness that you felt, because words like fear and happiness simply do not begin to explain, and not amount of adjectives will aid in that glorious lack of description.
And there is a reason words like that have not been invented.
It is because one day, Kha'dighreel's eyes will open again after blinking, and instead of endless gray fog, they will see ashes and fire and blood - blood from the earthen form he now has - and dappled light and he will smell fear and hate and death, and will hear laughing and metal creaking and muffled cries, and he will not be able to describe them in a personal fear that words simply will not do.
So he does not speak.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 28 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-18T03:23:12+00:00
|
2011-11-18T03:23:12+00:00
| 1,236 |
Obsidian, or the being that had once been him and was now sharing flsh with that of legend, could feel the dragonness against his flank breathing as she slept.
Why are you still with them?
He almost jumped up, before recognizing the subtle lack of audible sound and sighing. I've told you already, I'm not leaving them behind.
It will be faster to finish this if you leave them behind.
You're starting to sound like your grandson, you know that? Leave them, and all will be perfect.
I am sorry. I did not mean it like that. Do you wish to sleep?
No, I'll be fine. I never sleep anyways.
Oh.
The persistent questioning voice of Kha muted for a few moments. Obsidian resisted the urge to ask him if he was alright. The eternal being would speak up again soon enough.
Have you ever met a Firstborn?
That's an odd question, don't you think?
I meant it as in do you know what you're looking for. Not to be a disturbance.
Isn't you being in this timeline disruptive enough already?
The spirit's laughter filled his body, not with sound but with an indescribable feeling of joy and humor. You make me laugh, you little freak of nature.
Obsidian forced a hurt tone into his mindspeech. That was harsh...
I'm sorry! I didn't mean- The voice trailed off as Obsidian attempted to muffle his laughter in the back of his paw. That was mean. I meant it, you little breedless scale...feather...furball thing!
Obsidian calmed down and rolled onto his back, looking up at the ashy blanket covering his sky. With a small flick of a talon, he sent the smoke hurrying away, revealing pinpricks of light sown into the dark sky.
It's beautiful.
You've never seen the stars?
The stars I see are those on bloodied flags. Not the kind that truly show freedom.
It was Obsidian's turn to fall silent. Together, through the same eyes, one misfortunate draconequus and one equally misfortunate ethereal being lay quietly, warm breeze ruffling their shared coat, and looked up at the stars, both wondering if anything would ever be the same again.
Halfway across Equestria, in the center of Canterlot, one extremely confused Pegasus and her Unicorn daughter paused in front of a massive statue. Dinky looked up, seeing the frame of Celestia's stonewraught mane blocking most of the sun's rays.
"Momma, why are we here?"
The Pegasus aligned her eyes. "Dinky, I need you to remember something for me. I have to go somewhere, and I need to know if you'll be okay."
"You mean like our address?"
The Pegasus sighed, her worried expression softening. "No, I know you can find home." The Unicorn beamed at this, looking up at her mother with a wide smile on her face. "Do you remember your middle name?"
"I know it all, Mommy! Dinky Grayscale Doo! Am I right am I right am I right?!"
"Yes, you're right." Once again, Ditzy sighed, picking her daughter up in her hooves as she lifted into the air, her eyes rolling as she watched for collision courses. "Do you remember Grandma or Daddy?"
"No..." The Unicorn sighed, happiness deflating. "I don't ever think I met Daddy. But I met Gramma once, right? She was a doggy?"
There was no use in correcting her. "Yes. You remember Ponyville?"
"Uhhuh! Where Sweetie and Scooty and Apple lived?"
"Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, yes. I'm bringing you back there, and I need you to find them and stay close to them, okay? And if you can't find them, there'll be a draconequus there, a young one. Go to him."
The foal's jaw dropped. "Like in my COLORING BOOKS?! They're REAL?!"
"Yes, honey, they are..." Ditzy sighed, moments in her mind replaying that she didn't need. "Yes, they exist."
"Woooooowwwwwww..." Dinky trailed off, dumbstruck. "Mommy, why aren't you going to Ponyville too?"
"I'm needed somewhere else, sweetheart." The Pegasus alighted on a cloud, looking off towards the inky blackness tinting the horizon. Smoke. Kha. "I need you to take off your sparkly coat now, okay? And fly back home, to our address."
"I get to use my wings again? Cooool~" With a flash of what looked like regular Unicorn magic, Dinky's fur peeled off in a semitransparent layer, sparkling as it lifted before being enveloped into her horn. She fluffed out her gray wings and hopped down onto the cloud, kicking up fluff and laughing. "Mommy, when you're done doing whatever you're doing, will you come see me?"
"Yes. Now go." She nudged the filly to the edge of the cloud, towards the dim ash coating of Ponyville. "And whatever you see, I want you to know that it's just a nightmare. It'll go back to normal if you stay with Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom or the draconequus. Promise you won't get scared?"
The Alicorn that had once been a Unicorn rubbed her desaturated coat against her mother's foreleg. "I promise~"
"Then fly to the sun, Dinky, and go home." With these gentle words, mother and daughter parted, each flying in a different direction. One bounced happily, singing a quiet little adventure song, and the other withholding tears.
I'll miss you, my baby. But this battle is far too strong for you to join me. She audibly sighed, before hovering and staring down at the rocky earth thousands of feet below. And I will miss you. I'll watch over you...
Her wings folded, and she began falling, the fabric of her essence tearing apart from her skin as she plummeted. Thousands of feet, hundreds, tens...
...forever
Altitudo's eyes snapped open and she jerked her head up. Something had entered her Dreamscape, her perfect little paradise. Shifting to look at the abnormal energy, she met the eyes of a pale blue-grey Pegasus, scuffing a hoof - a thick, substantial hoof - against the lazurite stone forming the floating platform.
"Ah, welcome." The dragonness moved to make space, her concentration breaking on her meditation and the false ceiling of clouds over the platform shivered before fading away. "Ditzy, I have to say I don't enjoy seeing you here. Something's gone worse since Luna joined the summerland, am I right?"
"Kha's returned."
"You left Grayscale alone with Kha's spirit!?"
"No. I left her alone to go find it." The distraught Pegasus shook her head. "She's not the only one, Alei! There's another."
"I have heard of Luna's son..."
"I saw him, Alei. You know what I mean."
The Firstborn sighed, a plume of steam rushing from her nostrils. "Your spirit eye?"
She nodded. "He's drawn Kha's essence."
"And you can't destroy him, because he reminds you of his father." Altitudo's tone was soft, but Ditzy almost broke into tears.
"The only reason I know you exist is because I got caught up in the residue of one of Twilight's memory spells from a hundred years ago! It brought back... everything... including why I've been a young mare for over two hundred years! I remember Celestia as a foal, and who knows how long ago that was?"
"Two thousand four hundred years, fifteen days, seven hours, five minutes and twenty seconds. Twenty-one. Twenty-two..." Altitudo interjected.
"Exactly!" Ditzy stomped her hoof on the stone, not recieving any dramatic auditory feedback other than a pathetic 'clink'. "I've been alive since forever, and now Dinky-"
"Grayscale."
"-is going to be living the same way? She's been watching her friends grow up and old around her! That's why I moved her out of Ponyville in the first place. That's why we have to keep moving. If she ever noticed that her friends aged and she didn't... what about when the time comes that one of them dies?! How am I going to explain..."
"Look, Ditzy, for starters, you could just fly here. You don't need to perform suicide stunts. Second, and on topic, I' sure she'll be fine. Celestia and Luna could do it, you did it, for Equestria's sake even Discord handled it... you know, in the way only Discord can handle things... but I know you, and that means Grayscale will be fine. She'll be just as strong as you."
"I've never been strong!" Ditzy yelled, stomping again and getting a much more effective ringing thrum, and a few splinters. "If I was strong, Dinky wouldn't have been born!"
"Don't talk like that."
"I'm just as much a Goddess as Celestia and Luna were! I'm going to talk however I want to talk!"
The dragonness's dark eyes lit up with opal fire, and she got to her feet, towering over the Pegasus. "You're not even half the pony she was!"
Ditzy glared back, golden eyes blazing. "Which one of them, Alei? Which one can I not live up to?"
The dragonness shut her mouth, teeth hitting with a series of snaps, and she took a deep breath. "Go back home, Ditzy."
"I am home."
"Hey, what's with the tyke?"
"Whaddaya mean, Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom stopped her paced trot, looking up to the spot Scootaloo was pointing a hoof at. "Ah don't see anythin'."
"No, you're looking in the wrong place." The orange Pegasus grabbed the sides of Apple Bloom's head and jerked it up and sideways, sending her gaze off towards Canterlot. "See? Right there. There's a foal."
"You're goin' insane, sugar cube." Apple Bloom responded. "There's nothin' there."
"No, she's right." A deeper voice responded. It was one of the nomads, finally emerging from the crowd. It was the Unicorn, his eyes focused on the distant point while his ears lay flat against his neck. "It's a foal. Scootaloo, she looks tired. Maybe you should go get her. What do you think, Rapture?"
There was a snort, and the named Pegasus trotted out of the stream of disheveled Ponyvillians. He shrugged, lifting into the air in a preparation for leaving to get the foal on his own.
"Hey, bud, stay here. Don't want you getting hurt."
Lamplight glowered. "He's not mentally retarded. He's not going to go flying into a tree or anything." Rapture glared at him, the silence streching before he lifted a hoof and boxed his ears. The Unicorn winced and glared at his friend, who was wearing a smug grin. "Plus, somepony's already beat you to the punch."
Tigerjay narrowed his eyes against the ash burning his eyes and throat. Steadying himself with his tail, he did a wide loop, dropping his speed so he flew up alongside the Pegasus foal. A filly, with an entirely gray coat, mane, tail and even eyes, drifting through the dark skies. As he lined up the last bit of his flight, he noticed the little gray nub of a horn parting her mane.
"Hey!" She jerked her head up, seeming to lock up when she saw the Griffon. "Hey, are you alright?"
"I can't talk t-to strangers!" She yelled back, tumbling as a stronger gust of smokey wind nailed her flank.
"Look, it's too dangerous for a filly to be up here! The wind is too strong!"
"I have to keep going! Momma told me to find Ponyville!"
There was a mild disturbance in the space surrounding them. "Hey, Tigerjay, what are you do-" Obsidian trailed off as he noticed the bouncing Alicorn. "Whoa, that's new."
Her eyes brightened, and she plowed into him, wrapping her hooves around his neck. "Yay~ I found a draconequus! Momma's gonna be proud of me for finding you! Where's Sweetie and Apple and Scooti? She said I'd get a ride on her scooter, you know! And where's Sugar Cube Corner? And Pinkie Pie?"
Under Tigerjay's quizzical stare, all that Obsidian could do was shrug apologetically. "Trust me, I don't know her either."
"Oh YEAH I almost forgot! Silly me! Now that I've found you I can put my sparkly dress on!" The magical web quickly spread over her body, masking her wings and transforming her into a seemingly ordinary Unicorn filly.
"Whoa." Obsidian repeated, stunned at the apperantly new filly hanging from his neck.
"HEAR THAT, MOMMA?" She yelled. "I FOUND HIM, JUST LIKE YOU SAID!"
The echoes from her yell bounced around the feiry sky, fading along with the mild hum of a teleportation spell, as all present returned home.
Wandering, burning home.
|
canonkiller
|
1127
| 29 |
Applejack,Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Derpy Hooves,Dinky Hooves,Discord,Fluttershy,Gilda,Original Character,Pinkie Pie,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Rarity,Spike,Twilight Sparkle,Zecora,Adventure,Dark,Romance,Sad,Slice of Life,Tragedy,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Autumn
|
There were gods and goddesses before the Princesses, and they will not be forgotten for much longer.
|
complete
| 42 | 21 |
<p>Ponyville has changed in a hundred years of sunshine and snow and rain, of towering cloud formations, Solistice festivals, nights full of constelations and seasons full of happiness. Truth be told, many things have changed, and the Elements have faded back into myths, but Equestria still stands. The question is, will Ponyville last as well?</p><br/><p>So, one-two generations after the Mane Six, here is the quick update:<br/>-Celestia has a son named Crimsonleaf<br/>-Rainbow Dash passed away, her daughter, Rainbow Dark, has taken her title as fastest.<br/>-Applejack's granddaughter, Applesauce, looks almost exactly like her.<br/>-A group of nomads, made up of one Pegasus, Rapture, a Unicorn, Lamplight, and two Earth Ponies, Bomberman and Thumper are showing up somewhere in this story<br/>-Rarity's daughter is made fun of for being made of marshmallow<br/>-Gilda has a son named Tigerjay<br/>-Spike has a daughter named Sunrise<br/>-Even Zercora has a daughter, named Chibi<br/>-A hermit named Starlight has shown up in the Everfree Forest</p><br/><br/><br/><p>-Twilight is old, Rarity is oldish, Rainbow Dash has passed on, Fluttershy vanished after Coronus's death, Applejack is old, and Pinkie went to Canterlot to get away from the sadness in her home and has not returned since. <br/>-Celestia is still alive, but growing weak; Luna, due to her missed years on the moon, it just beginning to look like a mare<br/>-Crimsonleaf's father has the gift of invinciblity; he will not die until Celestia does.<br/>-The nomads are of average age<br/>-Rarity had a child later, who is now the same age as most of the grandkids, give a few years<br/>-Gilda has a Griffon's lifespan, so her child is also a young age<br/>-Spike is still alive and well, and takes care of his daughter in the library's underground tunnels (they exist)<br/>-Zercora's daughter is much more social than she is.<br/>-Starlight has a secret.<br/>-The Cutie Mark Crusaders are full-grown mares</p><p>Because you read this, you recieve the password: trollestia</p><p>So far, that's it.<br/>Let the games begin.</p><p><b>--------------------------------</b><br/><b>** This story was written when I was 14, and the quality and content reflect that. Please be aware that my position on topics contained within may have changed in the time between publishing and now, and I apologize for any offensive material that I may have condoned in my younger years. **</b></p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-20T00:35:26+00:00
|
2011-11-20T00:35:26+00:00
| 1,094 |
Obsidian gently lay Sunrise down at her father's claws. In his sleep, Spike swept the dragonness closer, up against his chest. Sighing, Obsidian carefully walked away, waiting until he was far enough away to fly.
No, he was lying to himslf. He wanted to see how far he could get before Sunrise noticed he was gone and came with him. Once he was beyond the ring of sleeping ponies, he was past return. If she woke up, and got over to him before his claws touched the other side of that invisible barrier...
Somepony stirred behind him. There was the unmistakable scuff of claws on dirt, and Obsidian found his breath had decided to stick in the back of his throat.
"Hey, where are you planning on going?"
The draconequus sighed. A few octaves off to be Sunrise. "I need to set all of this right."
"You've done enough." Tigerjay walked up beside him, rearing onto his hind legs to stand level with the bearer of Kha. "You've fought everything against you every step of the way."
"Exactly. I can finish this. Once and for all. There'll be no more fighting, ever. Life will go back to the way it was."
"Boring and repetetive? Hate to break it to you, but it wasn't that great before."
"Worse than it is now?"
"Ha ha ha." Tigerjay groaned. "You wouldn't understand, but more than half of us enjoy this excitement! After the initial shock, we came to terms with the lack of material possesion. We're all alive. We're all together."
"I guess." Obsidian pouted. Downside to being powerful, he realized: having the stupid things pointed out to you.
"If we wanted to give up on this fight, we would have gone to Canterlot or something a long time ago." The Griffon placed a talon on Obsidian's shoulder. "When this war really starts, I'll be on your side."
"Thanks, but I don't need help."
"Oh, buzz off." Tigerjay laughed, elbowing his superior. "Go prance along on your merry way, and be sure to get me a snowglobe to remember your travels by!" He widened his eyes and blinked innocently, holding his talons under his chin. "And when you get beat up by a cyborg, I'll catch you like you would catch Sunrise~"
"H-hey!" Obsidian pounced at the Griffon, shoving him into the dirt. "I'll soak your feathers with so much chocolate rain you'll be sticky for weeks!"
"Unfair! Unfair advantage!" He squealed, whimpering like a schoolfilly and struggling to get free. "That is so not allowed!"
Obsidian summonded one of the now-common puffy pink clouds, holding it over Tigerjay's head and smiling deviously. "Take it back."
"Okay! I'll drop you instead!"
Laughing, Obsidian backed up, letting Tigerjay get to his feline-avian feet. Swiping the cloud into a candy-cane patterned cone, he handed it to Tigerjay before floating into the air. "No hard feelings?"
The Griffon saluted and watched as a dim flicker of light briefly shone, before the matter inside it vanished and the shine followed suit.
"You know, buddy?" He yelled into the empty sky. "You keep living like this, and one day I'll be chronicling your suicide missions instead of the other way around. Stay alive out there!"
When no response came, he turned slowly, walking back towards the ring of ponies and up beside his mother. No others had woken up, or even stirred. In the stalking, surprising way that only sleep can come, it swallowed Tigerjay in a deep, welcoming blackness, giving him a few blissful hours of unconciousness before the sun would rise and he would be the new leader of the end of Ponyville.
An Alicorn stood silently against the dark mountian. He would have been invisible in the dark if not for the embers blowing from his mane or the dim ring of light around his Mark. Still soundless, he lept up the rocky cliffside, hooves barely touching the stone before kicking off again, his one wing holding healing feathers until they healed, the other folded as well for balance.
He stopped again at the peak of the mountain, backlit by the glorious silhoette of the unmarked moon. Lifting one hoof, he locked his jaw. This was not a pleasant task, but the magma was threatening to flow without his control.
The lifted hoof slammed into the thick black stone, and a spiderweb of cracks spiralled out around him. Massive chunks of stone fell inwards, swallowed in the seething red haze beginning to show through.
Anypony awake in the village below that looked up in that one fractured moment would have seen a great plume of smoke and fire rising from the normally friendly mountian, the black shadow of an Alicorn standing at the peak before rearing up and falling backwards into the liquid flame.
And after that, there would be nopony watching, for the houses were covered by cooling lava, and the screams had never broken in the first place.
Falling through molten metal, the God felt the bones in his wing remending, the feathers straightening and regaining their heathy scarlet glow. He sighed. The sun would be rising soon, and he had to regain control over this orb of fire slowly, the way he had tamed her in the first place, until she bent to his command and then to the other, with a good chance of not doing so until the sky itself folded under the weight of time.
Corona knew that Kha was seeking him, needed him and his power, and was distorting space as he travelled even at this moment, his new, once-mortal form flapping serenely powerful wings through time itself.
And Corona took nothing's place.
He simply waited.
<You will never understand!> The bird struck out with one clawed foot, catching his Alicorn sister across the cheek and sending her flying backwards, tumbling through the ungravitational plane.
"Then... why don't... you... tell... me?" She screeched, holding one hoof against her bleeding face. "Just tell me!"
The metal bird simply roared, shooting forwards through the empty space as magic pooled around his head.
The resulting red beam lanced through the air, burning a clean, bloodless hole through something's wing and stunning her. Without her wings...
<You're useless!> He growled, swatting her aside with one tail. <You'll never beat me!>
"I'm not trying to beat you!" Her hooves kicked out, as if searching for some invisble ground, hoping for leverage. "I don't want to hurt you!"
<Well you're doing a pretty bad job!> He shot forward again, locking the battered creature in his talon and hovering. <You have no idea what it's like!> He realeased his visegrip, flinging her across the groundless void. <There was nothing!> His rage deflated, the words seeming to hang in the air like ashes borne on the wind. <I... I am nothing...>
This is not my home... this is not my home...
I don't have a home... I don't have a home...
|
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