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Parakalo
|
1418
| 11 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Owlowiscious,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
A Comet's Tale
|
When star-crossed Comet tries to settle down in Ponyville, he finds it more difficult than expected.
|
cancelled
| 18 | 5 |
<p>After establishing himself in Ponyville, Comet's friends come to a disturbing realization. This is his story in showing everyone in Ponyville that anyone can change for the better, even someone who's got their head in the clouds.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-23T04:00:06+00:00
|
2011-10-23T04:00:06+00:00
| 2,539 |
As Comet walked home, he found the wind was gusty, unpredictable. He turned and watched the Everfree Forest. This was not something he wanted to deal with today. As he walked up the hill, he eyed the sky for any developing clouds. Nothing to be concerned with... just relax, he unlocked his door and came inside with his book. The air pressure was still dangerously low. Wind speeds... sporadic. He watched the three-dimensional dial spin back and forth on a gyroscope. If a dust storm built up, it could mean a lot of collateral damage for Ponyville. He realized there was someone in more immediate danger. He grabbed a printout of the variable wind speeds and put it and some supplies into a saddlebag. He needed to make Cloudsdale aware of the potential magnitude of this storm. But first, he needed to make sure that Zecora was safe. He turned to leave.
He opened the door to find Cupid standing there waiting for him.
"Cupid!" Why now? He had work to do...
"Hi, Comet." She smiled at him, "Are you busy?"
"Actually," He worked around her to get out the door, saddlebag half on, "I am. I could use your help, though."
"Really?" She was disappointed, but glad she could contribute, "What do you need?"
"I need you to go to Ponyville. Find Twilight Sparkle in the library." Cupid's look of disapproval irritated Comet.
"What?" Comet didn't have time for this. "Something wrong?"
"No." Cupid composed herself. Comet needed her help. "I'll find Twilight."
"Alright. She has a baby dragon that follows her around named Spike. Give him this," He passed the scroll of readings to her. "I need you to have him send this with a letter. There's a storm coming. I need a hazard team and Rudolph inbound right away."
Understanding that this was an issue greater than her, she nodded. "What will you be doing?"
"I need to get Zecora out of the forest before the coming storm gets any bigger. It could be dangerous for her to stay in the forest."
Cupid nodded. She was glad she knew him well enough to not need to worry. As she ran off for Ponyville, she was legitimately worried. Was this just another day for Comet? It seemed so... dangerous. She hoped she could get into town in time.
As Comet neared the forest, the wind picked up. Leaves off the trees and loose dirt from the ground picked up and swirled and spiraled in small twisters. All the signs were in place; a dust devil was brewing. He was lucky it was a dry day. If it got any wetter, this could escalate into a full-blown typhoon. He rushed down the trail.
"Zecora! Zecora!" Where was she? He rushed around her hut. She wasn't inside. Did she already get out?
"Comet, there is no need to shout," She came out of the forest, "Can't you see that I was out?"
"Zecora, we have to go! A storm is coming," She seemed abnormally calm.
"I think you are overreacting some," She looked around. "A little wind never hurt anyone."
"It's small now, but trust me, we need to get out of the forest right away!" She saw the urgency in his eyes, and trusted him. She ran inside and grabbed some things, and made for the edge of the forest. As Zecora ran with him, she saw his cause for concern. The older trees moaned under the stress of the building storm. This is could cause a lot of damage.
Cupid found the library and knocked on the door. She tapped her hoof in impatience. Rarity opened the door.
"Cupid! How delightful. Come in, come in."
"Thanks. Is everypony here?" They came up to the second floor and found Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and spike gathered in a circle. Everyone seemed cheerful and greeted her when she walked in.
"Spike," Cupid walked over to him and handed him the scroll of technical readings. "Comet asked me to get you to send a letter to Cloudsdale for him."
"Okay. What does it need to say?"
"That there's a storm building in the Everfree Forest, and that he needs a hazard team led by Rudolph to help take care of it."
"What?!" Everyone had no idea how she could say that so calmly.
"What can we do?" Rarity hoped Cupid had an answer for her.
"We need to warn Ponyville!" Rainbow Dash got up and headed for the door. The others followed him. Cupid watched Twilight Sparkle leave and followed her out.
When Comet and Zecora got into town, they found Rudolph and a team of Pegasi there waiting for him. When Comet came into few, Rudolph lost his balance and landed with a thud on the ground.
"S-sir." He quickly got up when Comet approached him.
"Easy, Rudolph. I need you to counteract the culminating low-pressure zone with a building centripetal force that would disperse the now rotating cumulonimbus cone."
"S-sir?" None of the Pegasi had any idea what he was talking about. Comet groaned.
"Get in there and fly counterclockwise! Go, now!" The pegasi rushed off for the forest, Rudolph bounding in an attempt to get airborne toward Comet's house. "Where's Rainbow Dash?"
Zecora went to help their friends while Comet ran through the town. "Rainbow Dash!" He called into the now scrambling crowds. Ponies from all over town boarded windows, rationed food and barrels of water, and did head counts. Cupid, who was shepherding a group of school-children back to their parents, watched him run through the streets. She wasn't sure how it made her feel to watch him look so fervently for her friend.
"Rainbow Dash!"
"Yeah Comet?" She set down a board she was carrying and flew over to him.
"I need you to come with me. The hazard team might need your speed."
"All right!" They rushed off to his house.
After some climbing and uncoordinated flapping, Rudolph managed to scale onto Comet's roof. He watched as the team moved in unison against the wind, in hopes of slowing the growing storm. The wind could be felt at Comet's house at this point, picking up and not relinquishing for minutes on end. Rocks and small trees could be seen through the cloud cover. Rudolph pawed the roof, wishing he could do something. Comet and Rainbow Dash joined him shortly, Rainbow landing next to Rudolph.
"How are they faring?" Using Applebloom's ladder, Comet climbed up onto his roof.
"N-not well, s-sir."
"We should get in there and help them!" Rainbow Dash didn't want to sit around and do nothing. They watched in horror as one by one, the hazard time dropped out of the storm. It was building too quickly, and one of the members of the hazard team was taken out by a tree. They disbanded into the forest.
"This is bad! It could head for Ponyville!" Rainbow Dash, overpowering Comet, took off. She stopped to turn back to look at Rudolph, "Are you coming?"
"I... I-I c-can't..." Rudolph didn't know what to do. He couldn't keep up with Rainbow Dash anymore. The look she gave him made him feel more helpless than he had in a very long time. In a flash of multicolored light, Rainbow Dash took off for the now rampaging typhoon.
"We have to stop her! She could die, Rudolph!" Comet got up and rushed over to his equipment. There had to be some way to dissipate the storm. At least direct it away from Ponyville, something. Rudolph sat on the roof, alone. The wind whipped in his ears and mane and dirt stung his eyes. He watched the trail from Rainbow's tail rush in circled around the hurricane, dodging debris. If only he could do something. If only he wasn't so debilitating. Comet came back up with a long trail of readings. "If we punch a hole through it, we could cause a pressure vacuum that forces the typhoon to move in the direction we put through it. You have to tell Rainbow Dash!"
"I..." Rudolph looked within himself. He had to try. He leapt off the roof, attempting to stay airborne, but crashed to the ground. He watched the cyclone from the dirt in despair. Why was he so useless?
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash's trail stopped. They stared in horror. It didn't make it out of the cyclone. She was still inside.
Rudolph rose from the ground. He knew what he had to do. Comet watched him from the roof.
"...Rudolph?" He took off his glasses, and looked up at Comet. He had never seen a face so serious. Rudolph removed his lab coat, revealing a thin frame and maroon arrow in the shape of a Z on his flank. Comet had never thought about what Rudolph's talent was. Rudolph looked up at Comet.
"S-sorry... s-sir..." And we was gone. Comet watched speechless as the red trail bolted through the sky.
His flight pattern was not unlike a scribble, darting in every which direction like a red bolt of lightning. He never moved in the same direction for more than a yard, making him difficult to watch for more than a minute.
Rudolph pumped his wings and swung his weight with a finesse he hadn't had for a long time. His head ached, but it didn't matter. He needed to help his old friend.
Face it Red, you can't beat me. The wind was bitter and stung his face. When he was close enough to the outside of the cyclone, he stopped for just a second to get his bearings before zig-zagging off again.
Is that a challenge? Low-altitude obstacle course, after lunch. He punched through the side of the cumulonimbus clouds, the vacuum of air behind him pushing him into the raging torrent.
So you beat me once. You got lucky, Red. Rudolph's jagged path cut around debris, turning on a time to make sharp turns Comet couldn't believe. He disappeared into the eye.
This was fun. We should do it again sometime. Rudolph scanned the inside of the hurricane, looking for Rainbow Dash. His head pounded, his vision clouded. He shook it off, finding a rainbow-colored tail in the top of a tree.
That win was just luck. You know I am the fastest, Red. You can't beat me. He rushed over, dodging around a tree and through a tree and oscillating around Rainbow Dash until he found a way to scoop her up.
Red? Red, you're okay. Oh Celestia, please tell me you're okay. Somepony help me! He did his best not to hurt her as he whipped around in the storm, punching out the other side.
You're awake. I'm so glad, Red. After he broke through the other side of the cyclone, he worked his way around it as it moved toward him. He could feel blood from the crack in his skull mingle with his perspiration.
The doctor... he told me you'd never fly again, Red... As Rudolph cleared the storm, he could feel his balance failing him. His wings, no longer in unison, folded and he crashed into Comet's house, dropping Rainbow Dash on the grass. He slid to the ground, unconscious.
Dumbfounded, Comet leapt down half the ladder and rushed over to them. He saw Rudolph bleeding from the skull and panicked. He must have hurt himself in the storm. Thinking quickly, he got Big McIntosh's cart. He hauled Rainbow Dash and Rudolph into the cart, surprised at how heavy his thin assistant was. He strapped himself in and rushed for town. Rudolph had saved them from a brutal storm, and he was not going to lose him now.
He pulled on the practically overflowing cart, straining and bruising the harness into his gray flesh. Slowly, the cart inched ahead, and Comet got it moving. He panted and wheezed as he finally got the cart rolling for Ponyville. One step at a time, Comet pushed himself like he had never pushed himself before, Almost there. One... more... step...
Rainbow Dash came to in the cart. Something felt hot against her side. She had a splitting headache, and her right wing burned and stung to the touch. She looked up to find her childhood friend Red, and she was practically on top of him.
"Red...? Red!" He was bleeding. "Not again!"
She paced in the waiting room, tears stained on her blue face. A nurse came to her.
"What happened? What were you doing?"
"We... we were racing, and he must have lost control... and..."
"Rainbow Dash... I'm afraid your friend has sustained a lot of damage to his skull. There's a possibility he's taken brain damage..."
Tears welled up in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Red... I'm so sorry..." Rudolph stirred at her voice.
"D-dash... I... I d-don't hate y-you..."
"Red..."
When they got into town, their friends came running. With the combined magic of Twilight, Rarity, and Cupid, Comet was able to rush the two of them to the hospital in Canterlot. They found the executive secretary there, infuriated with all of them, when they arrived. She was shouting at nurses, doctors, and hospital security as they rushed around them to tend to Rainbow Dash and Rudolph's injuries.
"What have you done?" She shrieked, "What have you done to my son?!"
"Ma'am," Comet tried to be as respectful as possible despite the fact that he was loosing his cool, "Your son just saved Ponyville."
"You took the only good thing in this world and- Hey! Let go of me! What're you...? Hey!" Comet couldn't help but grin as his hysterical boss was dragged away by security. She was making a scene, he supposed. Now silent, they sat in the waiting room. Pinkie Pie entertained a young colt that waited with her mother, Fluttershy and Rarity sitting silently. Cupid and Twilight Sparkle did their best to cheer up Comet, who was beside himself with mixed emotions.
Rudolph... he never knew. He didn't know anything about his assistant, now that he thought about it. He had only known him for two or three days, and Rudolph had already saved an entire town, with Comet's help of course. Rudolph crashing into his house with Rainbow Dash in his arms played through Comet's head over and over again. He saw Rudolph's head before he hit the building. That injury was not new. He had pushed himself to the point of almost killing himself... to save Rainbow Dash. What was their relationship, he wondered, and what would it be like, now that Rainbow Dash knew who he was?
"It'll be okay, Comet..." Cupid put a hoof on his shoulder.
"Yeah, Rainbow Dash has probably hurt herself plenty of times before this... she'll be fine."
They sat in silence for an hour or two until, led by a nurse, Rainbow Dash returned to the lobby. The seven of them swarmed upon her, careful of her bandaged wing and head. She heard so many voices at once, and understood none them, but was overjoyed that her friends were all there to make sure she was okay. She was disconcerted to find that Rudolph hadn't made it out yet.
"His injuries were a bit worse than yours..." Comet though out loud. Cupid elbowed him at this.
"Where do you know him from, Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy spoke the curiosities of the entire group. They all went and sat down in the waiting room.
"Red was one of my only friends in flight camp," Rainbow Dash explained to the group. "He was lanky and didn't talk a lot, so everyone just called him Red." Comet nodded. "I thought he looked familiar when he showed up for work at Comet's house, but I couldn't recognize him with those goofy glasses on." A few of them rolled their eyes at this. Impulsive Rainbow Dash, as always. "Gilda called him Zig-Zag, because his special talent was that he could make turns sharper than anything we'd ever seen before." Comet recalled watching him take off, his entropic flight path that Comet compared to a red scribble. "He could double back on himself in mid-air like nobody's business. When I saw Rudolph fly for the first time, I knew it wasn't him. Red was one of the most skilled fliers I had ever known."
"Rudolph? Skilled? What happened?" Applejack didn't understand. The look on Rainbow Dash's face told the story.
"We were racing on a low-altitude obstacle course one afternoon. He had already beaten me once, and I guess I pushed him a little hard. He tried to turn too sharp in mid-air and went straight into the ground head-first. He had to go to the hospital, and I havn't seen him since..."
"And I intended to keep it that way!" The more composed Mrs. Lyra Windhoof joined them in the waiting room. An extra pair of security ponies took posts in case she made another scene. "Every time you show up, Rainbow Dash, my son almost gets killed! His first accident left him crippled, broken! It took me years to get him out of Cloudsdale and into the air again after that. He went to school, almost finished getting a degree, and found a job working for the weather committee until you showed up! This is all your fault!"
"I..." Rainbow Dash cringed, hanging her head, "I'm sorry... Mrs. Windhoof, I---"
"And now I've lost my baby Rudy again and it's because of you! You!" She screamed this last 'you' as the security apprehended her again and dragged her away. Some sedatives were in order, Comet commented to himself. Rainbow Dash hung her head low.
"What a witch of a woman," Fluttershy was flabbergasted at the display.
"Don't believe a word she says, Rainbow Dash," Rarity tried to comfort her, "Not a word if it is true. It was not your---"
"But it is my fault!" Tears welled in her eyes, "She is right about everything! I've hurt him twice now because I do things without thinking. I've broken my wing, too! I can't do anything!" She ran outside.
Comet wished they could help her, but the only pony they feared could do it, was their friend Rudolph.
|
Parakalo
|
1418
| 12 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Owlowiscious,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
A Comet's Tale
|
When star-crossed Comet tries to settle down in Ponyville, he finds it more difficult than expected.
|
cancelled
| 18 | 5 |
<p>After establishing himself in Ponyville, Comet's friends come to a disturbing realization. This is his story in showing everyone in Ponyville that anyone can change for the better, even someone who's got their head in the clouds.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-24T07:07:13+00:00
|
2011-10-24T07:07:13+00:00
| 2,443 |
Rudolph laid in his hospital bed, head throbbing and arms, sore. A nurse sat by the bed, smiling at him.
"Good morning, Rudolph."
"W-who are y-you? How d-do you k-know m-my name?" She waved the clipboard in her hand. Rudolph said nothing.
"Did it feel good to fly again? Fly like you used to?" Rudolph said nothing.
"It's okay. I know you have mixed feelings about it. I have something I need to explain to you." Rudolph half-listened, half-thought about Rainbow Dash.
"Your skull is damaged. I'm sure you knew that, but it's damaged to a new degree now. Your acrobatic skill in the air will be unmatched if you push yourself. But at a cost."
"C-cost?"
"Yes. Every time you release yourself, every time you fly like you could, the damage to the motor function portion of your brain will worsen. Your flying and coordination will worsen to the point that you could only fly if you push yourself. After that..."
"Af-after that?" She said nothing for awhile, and then looked at him, the sadness apparent in her eyes.
"The Motor and Premotor Cortexs will develop an aneurysm, reducing you to a catatonic state." Rudolph swallowed hard, tears welling in his eyes.
"Wh-what am I s-supposed to d-do with that?" His sorrow stung his already aching head.
"I'm sorry, Rudolph," She felt just as bad having to be the one to give him the news. Using telekinesis, she set down the clipboard, and turned his head to look at her, gently. He stared into her light grey face. "Listen to me. You can't let this stop you." He didn't understand. "You... you have the potential to go out and be known for generations for your work and accomplishments. The things that hold you back can only make you stronger in ways you can never fully understand. Believe me when I tell you, pursue what you love until you can't anymore. You have to keep going. You can keep going."
"Wh-who are you? D-do I n-know you?" She released her grip and turned and walked away. She turned only once to look at him.
"Maybe. Good luck, Rudolph." And with that, she was gone.
He looked out the windows. Pegasi moved about in the sky, and he was jealous of every single one of them. Some delivered packages, some did acrobatics, and some did whatever they wanted. At that moment, Rudolph would've given everything to be any one of them. Age, sex, color, it didn't matter. To have the head and wings of someone normal. His self-pity was interrupted by a knock on the door. He turned and saw the one pony he truly wished to see standing in the doorway.
Rainbow Dash. Although one of her wings was clipped and casted, she was still unbelievably quick. She rushed over to the bed, apologizing and crying and mouthing off about his mother. He just looked at her until she stopped talking.
"R-rainbow Dash." He hoped she didn't beat herself up about this. It was the wrong message he wanted to come across.
"Red, I..."
"Shhh." He looked into those wet eyes of hers and smiled. He felt he was starting to know what that Nurse meant. "Y-your wing is c-clipped."
"I don't care about that. They told me you'd never fly again."
"N-not never. Sh-shouldn't."
"Did... did you hurt yourself? For me?"
"Y-yes. I w-wouldn't have d-done it an-any other w-way." She bit her lip.
"Why? Why me?" Although it hurt to move, he pulled her close and rested his forehead on hers.
"Because." He let her go when he heard a knock on the door.
Comet, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Fluttershy, Rarity, Cupid, Pinkie Pie and Applejack all entered. They carried assorted gifts, from flowers and cards to actually wrapped presents. Pinkie Pie had the remnants of a dozen cupcakes.
"G-guys."
"That was a brave thing you did, Rudolph." Rainbow Dash smiled at him when Comet said this.
"We just want you to know how thankful we all are. And all of Ponyville, too." Twilight was right behind Comet.
"So we're throwing a party!" Pinkie burst out some streamers and confetti, making a small mess.
"You are a true friend to Rainbow Dash," Rarity smiled at him.
"And a true friend to all of us." Fluttershy joined in the festivities. Rudolph couldn't help but smile a little and laugh.
"Y-yeah. Th-thanks."
He was in the hospital for three days after that to ensure he was stable physically and mentally. That made his stay a total of eight days in length, and without frequent visits from all his friends (and even more frequent visits from Rainbow Dash), he wasn't sure he would have made it mentally. He returned home to Ponyville to a welcome address by the Mayor and a cheering crowd of ponies. Although he couldn't fly, he knew he would be happy here, in Ponyville. Much to the dismay of his mother, his request to work full-time for Comet as Assistant Everfree Ranger was passed, and he was given a house right in the middle of Ponyville.
The next few days in Ponyville were spent preparing for a special celebration, Nightmare Night. Rainbow Dash, who, when flying carefully and slower than she liked, found she could fly with the help of a cloud as support. She spent the days before the festival with Rudolph, preparing a very special costume to call her own.
Comet didn't understand the purpose of Nightmare Night and, because of the recent storm, was sending multiple reports a day to the weather committee out of fear of something developing before the celebration. A watched pot never boiled, and Comet intended to keep it that way. This was much to Cupid's displeasure, but found that when she wasn't reading fortunes for ponies in her little shop, she would spend her time in Rarity's boutique, talking about everything and nothing, posing in new dresses for her to ensure they fit, and doing the occasional reading for Rarity.
"Rarity, can I tell you a secret?" She became very serious one afternoon in particular.
"Of course, Cupid, anything."
"I... I have a crush on Comet. I have for a long, long time. Longer than I've known you." Rarity would have laughed if it wasn't for the serious tone in her voice.
"I... see. What a... shocking revelation?" She sat down next to Cupid. It was obviously bothering her.
"It's just... he's been so busy lately. I want... I want to tell him how I feel."
"That's the spirit, darling! If you need anything from me, don't hesitate to ask."
"How... how would I...?"
"Well," Rarity knew what she wanted, and already had something in mind. "What about Nightmare Night? Everyone will be at the festival, so I'm sure we could put something romantic together." Cupid squealed in excitement, hugging Rarity. They immediately set to work, buzzing like bees and planning and giggling like the rest of Ponyville.
The night of the Nightmare Night celebration, Comet found that he was forced from multiple sides to dress-up, although the only person that came all the way out to his house for candy collecting was Applebloom. She was so cute in her "Wife of Coltenstein" outfit, Comet couldn't help but laugh every time she showed up. Although she was the only one that saw his friar outfit, he didn't especially care. After the third time Applebloom had come to the door, Comet was distracted yet again by another knock at the door. He had long since taken off his costume, and went about the house in his Ranger uniform.
"Applebloom," Comet laughed to himself, talking to her through the door, "I like your costume, but you can't keep coming all the way out here by you---" He opened the door to find Cupid standing at the door. She had a red and gold dress that shimmered in the moonlight, her hair pinned behind her head with what appeared to be one of her cards. She smiled at him, eyes glittering like the stars Comet was writing about.
"You... you look... beautiful..." Comet had to blink a few times to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
"What say you play hooky with me for a bit?" She gestured for the trail down the hill. She didn't especially like the lines Rarity told her to say, but she appeared to be more experienced than her at this.
"I... uh... well, Cupid, y'see..." Comet rubbed his two front hooves together, stumbling for words. Cupid made a pouting face.
"You'd waste away your night inside rather than going on a little walk with me?"
"I... eheh... sure, let's go." Comet shut the door behind him. Cupid sighed under her breath. She owed Rarity a gold coin for the pouty-face working. Comet felt horribly under-dressed in his Ranger uniform, but it was actually the most professional piece of clothing he owned. One of the only pieces of clothing he owned. They walked down the hill to the gate.
"Did you have some place special in particular?"
"Actually, I---" She caught a glimpse of camo-Rarity in the corner of her eye. She was motioning with her hoof, suggesting she didn't know where she was going. Cupid turned to him and smiled. "Actually, I have no idea. Let's just, take a walk."
"Alright." Comet didn't mind getting the chance to stretch his legs. He was disconcerted to find that she turned them toward the village.
"Have you been down to the festival yet?" Cupid tried to make small talk as they walked.
"You know, I haven't? I love your costume by the way. You look great." Cupid beamed at his compliment.
"Thanks. Rarity made it for me, special for Nightmare Night." Comet nodded. She did appear to be spending a lot of time with Rarity lately.
"Nightmare Night. It seems like a kind of silly holiday, doesn't it?" Camo-Rarity motioned to agree with him.
"Yeah. Pretty dumb, right?"
"I wouldn't say dumb. I mean, I love a good festival as much as the next colt, but I've always loved the night. Why do they have to mock the one that made it so beautiful?" Cupid felt stupid for suggesting the holiday was dumb.
"Nightmare Moon? Didn't she try to make it night forever?" Comet grinned at her.
"Would that be such a bad thing? A beautiful night like this one, forever?" Cupid smiled at him. That same smile that gave him butterflies in his stomach.
"I guess you're right. Oh! What's this?" They found the elaborate display of the town caught them both off guard. The decoration, the music, the festivities, everything was much more than either of them had expected. Games, food, comstumes, candy, it was all here. Applebloom was overjoyed that Comet had come down, but unsure why it was Cupid that succeeded and not her.
"Comet," a small friend of Applebloom's came up to him. Although he had never met Comet, she hardly ever stopped talking about him. "Why aren't you in a costume?" Comet wasn't sure what to say to the small, brown, and white one.
"Why Pipsqueak," Cupid had talked to the smallest colt a number of time, "Comet is in costume. Aren't you, Comet?"
"Of... of course." Comet grinned at the friend of Applebloom, "I'm a... Creature Catcher!" Applebloom laughed at this. He had remembered one of her stories.
"Isn't it a delightful costume, Pip?" The card in Cupid's hair stirred when she spoke. She had no idea it took as much, if not more focus to keep it still than it did to move it.
"Wow, Comet, that's amazing!" Pipsqueak jumped and ran around them. "Have you met Princess Luna?"
"Can't say that I have." Comet blinked. "Why, has she gobbled up anyone yet?"
"No, but she is really good at Tarantula Toss!" He ran off with Applebloom to be with the other ponies.
"It sounds almost as if he knows her personally," Comet laughed as he and Cupid got some drinks.
"I have no doubt he does. She was playing with them not even an hour ago." Princess Luna was in town? Tonight? Why hadn't anypony told him? He was locked up in his house for most of the evening, he surmised.
"There's a pony I would love to get a chance to talk to. All the bodies in the night sky, all the stars, there are so many questions I have for her." As Comet listed questions to himself on nebulas, planet formation, and constellations, Cupid wished there was some way she could get his attention back on her. From under the table, Camo-Rarity tried giving her suggestions for changing the topic. Games, food, anything. Games sounded like something they could laugh about later.
"Let's play a game, Comet." She stood in the square, awaiting his input. Ponies scrambled about, laughing and playing. Although Comet was perfectly happy watching, he didn't want to leave her hanging.
"Sounds like fun," Comet smiled at her.
"What game do you want to play?" Comet didn't have an answer for her. He looked at the assorted games and found that there wasn't a single one that he was particularly interested in embarrassing himself at. He watched the Cutie-Mark Crusaders work together to pitch a pumpkin into a target with a crude catapult.
"That looks like fun. Wanna check it out?"
"Sure." As long as she could be the center of his attention, she didn't mind. They approached a catapult, pumpkin at the ready. Comet aimed it carefully. If a collection of fillies in kindergarten could hit a target, so... could... h--- Comet's concentration was shattered by a crack of thunder. He leapt in fright and collapsed against the firing mechanism, unconscious. Bent at his weight, the catapult pelted the pumpkin over the target and out of sight. Comet rolled off the firing mechanism stunned and irritated.
"Glad to see you're feeling better, Rainbow Dash." He cleared his head with a good shake. She rolled on her cloud, laughing and laughing.
"You should've seen the look on your face! It was priceless!" Cupid was glad she saw her coming.
"I... I missed, didn't I?" Comet heaved a sigh. He looked at Cupid, hoping she would say something to cheer him up.
"It... it was really close, Comet," She lied, "If Rainbow Dash hadn't gotten the jump on you, you totally would've hit it."
"No way, Cupid, he shot it like 40 yards too far," Rainbow Dash laughed, thinking it was a joke. She shut up and zoomed off when Cupid shot daggers at her.
"It's okay, Comet," Perhaps games were a bad idea. "It's a lot harder than it looks." As they walked across the square, they passed the waitress from the restaurant. She was ecstatic to see Comet out of his house for once.
"He lives! Glad to see you get out of the cave. Enjoying the festival?"
"It's... okay I guess?" Comet wasn't sure if he was having fun yet.
"You should try the Apple Dunk. It's wild." She smiled at him under her bonnet. She was dressed in a dress that was probably as old as Comet's parents. It somehow fit on her.
"We'll check it out. I'll stop by for brunch tomorrow, okay?" He and Cupid turned to leave.
"Alrighty! Have fun you two!" She watched them go with a knowing smile. They approached Applejack's basin of apples, a group of giggling fillies running past.
"Well Ah'll be," Applejack was happy to see Comet out and about, "Ah was about to send a search pony. You came down for Nightmare Night, after all. Ah was afraid you'da locked yerself up all day. 'Tain't good fer ya, y'hear?"
"All right, all right." Comet laughed at her lecture. He had been holed up for the past few days, and he did feel a bit paler. "I'll try not to spend so much time in my work." He eyed the green fluid in the basin with apprehension. Applejack laughed at his reaction.
"It's just water, Sugarcube. T'ain't gonna hurt ya. Give it a shot." Cupid watched expectantly as Comet dunked his head in the basin. He had to come up for air a number of times before he was able to find an apple at all with his mouth. As time wore on, his search became more fervent, sloshing water all over himself. Cupid had to protect her dress a number of times.
"Don't hurt yourself, Comet." She wasn't sure he heard him. Finally, he surfaced with an apple in mouth, panting and out of breath. Cupid and Applejack both cheered for him as he chewed his apple triumphantly. Sopping wet and without a care, Comet decided that he maybe he should have tried Nightmare Night before shutting it down. He was actually really enjoying himself once he got into the spirit. Comet and Cupid talked and laughed for the remainder of the evening, chatting and joking with the rest of the costumed camaraderie. Once, Comet saw Twilight Sparkle walking with an allicorn whose mane sparkled like the night sky. His eyes widened at the revelation of who Twilight was with. He made eye contact with each of them for just a brief moment before Cupid quickly pulled him away.
Cupid had attracted quite a crowd by the end of the night, costumed ponies asking her for readings and tricks with her cards. Comet took that opportunity to slip away, looking for Twilight and Princess Luna. When he found he couldn't find them, he returned to Cupid's side to find that she had made an elaborate serpent with her cards, which slithered and clawed at the air. Distracted, he didn't think much of it until he returned home.
~~~
Twilight Sparkle returned to her library, flustered. Confused, Spike tried to decipher her frustration.
"Something wrong, Twilight?"
"Yes. No. I'm not sure." She paced about as she took off her hand-made costume. No wonder she couldn't find Comet. He was with Cupid the whole night.
"Did you have fun?"
"Yeah, loads, Spike."
"Did someone do something wrong?"
"I... I'm not sure." She walked upstairs to look out the window. Spike wasn't sure what she meant.
"Was it Night- I mean, Princess Luna?"
"No."
"Was it Rainbow Dash's pranking?"
"What? No."
"Was it Rarity or Fluttershy or Applejack or Pinkie Pie?"
"No, no, no, no, no!"
"Was it Comet? I didn't see him at all tonight."
"He was with Cupid all night." Twilight played with her telescope while he talked to her.
"Why are you mad, though?" Spike wasn't sure if that was the problem.
"I don't know!" She snapped at him. "...I'm sorry, Spike. I just, I think it makes me angry, but I don't know why, and that makes me angrier."
"Uh... do you not like Cupid?" Twilight had to stop and think about it.
"I don't not like her, Spike. She's not a bad pony... I don't know." She flopped down on her bed, exhausted. It was a long night. She didn't want to think about it anymore. She rolled up in her blankets and fell asleep. Spike watched her snooze. He hadn't seen her so angry about something in a long time. Looking over at the telescope, he was curious to see what she was looking at.
Through the lens, he saw a dark figure sitting on the roof of a house, staring at the stars. He looked at Twilight Sparkle, unsure what to make of it. Too tired to think, he found his bed and curled up in it, falling quickly into a deep slumber.
|
Parakalo
|
1418
| 13 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Owlowiscious,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
A Comet's Tale
|
When star-crossed Comet tries to settle down in Ponyville, he finds it more difficult than expected.
|
cancelled
| 18 | 5 |
<p>After establishing himself in Ponyville, Comet's friends come to a disturbing realization. This is his story in showing everyone in Ponyville that anyone can change for the better, even someone who's got their head in the clouds.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-02T00:49:15+00:00
|
2011-11-02T00:49:15+00:00
| 2,667 |
Comet stared at the stars, the festivities of the night still swirling in his head like green water in a basin. The light left his night-vision damaged, but the longer he stared, the more he could see. Autumn was one of his favorite times for constellations. Andromeda, Cassiopeia, the Triangulum, all the big-shots were out tonight. He found that many of them were referenced in Zecora's book, or at least the stars that made them were used differently. It made him wonder about all the different constellations that could be made with the stars out there. A sigh escaped his lips as he got comfortable on his roof.
"'Tis beautiful, is it not?" Comet jumped to find that he was not alone. The allicorn that was with Twilight Sparkle at the festival sat next to him. But, that meant...
"P-princess?"
"Luna, if you please." She looked at him, dark eyes aglow in the night.
"Alright. Luna. What can I do for you?" Comet was afraid he was in trouble. She seemed young physically, but spoke like someone who was very, very old. It disoriented Comet. How did she know him?
"Twilight Sparkle told me thou appreciated our night as much as she did. We wanted to see for ourselves." Again with the unicorns and the mind reading. Comet began to feel he should seriously start a study on this or something.
"I've always wanted to meet you, myself. I do love the night. When I heard you wanted it to be night eternally, I actually didn't mind all that much." He laughed, but realized he was talking to the wrong person about it. He shut his mouth and looked away, unsure of what exactly to say. If there was anything farther out of his league, it was royalty. After a pause, Luna spoke.
"May we ask thou a question?"
"Of course, your excellence. Luna, I mean. Ask me anything."
"Wouldst thou live in the night if thou could?" Comet hadn't thought about it before. It was always how his day started, and how it ended.The alpha and omega, so to speak. The highlights of his day.
"Is that an invitation?" She turned to look at him, the cold in her eyes suggesting that another joke would make her leave. He tried approaching it a different way. "Although I do love the night, I'm not sure what I would do if it was there all the time. I would get used to the beauty if it was always there, you know?"
"Twilight Sparkle said the same thing." Luna thought carefully about his words. "You share a lot with her. Perhaps thou art making a mistake." Comet raised an eyebrow and turned to look at her.
"Mistake, Luna?"
"Although those who share the most in common with us are the most difficult to live with, they are always the most loyal of companions." Comet could tell she was speaking from experience.
"I'm not sure I understand." He didn't know royalty ever beat around the bush.
"We can see Twilight Sparkle dost care about thou. We find it unwise to ignore one such as her." Comet said nothing. Did he do something wrong, by seeing the Nightmare Night with Cupid?
"Cupid is just a friend, Luna. I don't mean to neglect Twilight Sparkle by spending an evening with Cupid."
"We doubt Twilight Sparkle understands that." She stood to leave. "We are glad to have met you. It makes me glad to see someone who appreciates our work." The mix of traditional and old-fashioned speak confused Comet. "We wouldst like to speak to thou again." She stepped off his roof with a powerful flap of her ebony wings. A dark chariot waited below. Her servants, no longer in costume, were at her beck and call to leave. She made it so, and disappeared into the night, leaving a bright flash across the half-moon. What a treat. Comet slept well that night, having met one of the most important figures in all of Equestria because she felt like it.
Comet was awoken the following morning by Rudolph, ready for work. Half awake, Comet ushered him into his house.
"S-sleep well, s-sir?" Rudolph wore no bandages, but still had his wings clipped down with braces, preventing flight. He must have walked all the way here.
"Like a baby. Princess Luna visited me last night." He beamed. Rudolph didn't find that to be very exciting, considering that he saw her a number of times at Nightmare Night. After a minute or so, Comet realized this, and they got to work. After calibrating and cleaning the instruments, they took some readings, and Comet explained their meaning and thought process. Rudolph obediently took notes and observed, giving his input when applicable. The Everfree Forest yielded nothing exciting for them today. It was overcast. Just like it was everywhere. The humidity suggested that rain was unlikely, and the thickness and cloud makeup inclined that it would be that way all day. Report filed and ready to be sent off for the day, they wrapped up just in time for Comet's brunch.
They walked back to Ponyville together, the town just waking for the day's adventures.
"Got any special plans today, Rudolph?"
"N-not really. J-just th-th-therapy." Comet nodded. Rudolph was spending most of his money on expensive physical therapy. He hoped that, with training, he could fly with proficiency without hurting himself. It was only his first or second lesson, and so far it was just leaving him sore and worked. He knew it was better than doing nothing, however.
"Ah. Sounds... tiring, actually." They laughed together. Once or twice, Rudolph stumbled on the way down the hill, but Comet was there to keep him up. Comet hoped that Rudolph knew that all of their friends were there to keep him up. They got down into the morning bustle of Ponyville, and Rudolph turned to head back home.
"S-see you t-tomorrow, s-sir."
"Anytime you wanna hang out, Rudolph, you know where to find me."
"Al-alright." He grinned. Comet cringed when Rudolph walked into a cart while looking the other way. What a lug. A fun guy, but still a lug. The waitress had a seat waiting for Comet when he got there. Pancakes, orange juice, fresh fruit, the works were laid out before him. Comet's stomach rumbled like a deep pit. He grinned when the waitress laughed. They sat and talked while Comet ate.
"Enjoying the easy life?" Comet nodded, swallowing a third of a pancake.
"Everything I've wanted to do, I have nailed down. It's great." The waitress looked around, checking to see if anyone was listening
"Have you heard the latest juicy bit? It involves you."
"Does it now? What's the word?"
"I heard down the grapevine that your family hunted you down after the celebration at the defeat of Discord. They are supposed to be reaching Ponyville, today!" Comet chocked on an orange slice, spraying small orange bits all over the table.
"What?! Who all knows this? Why don't I know?"
"A few people I imagine. I pick up these things eavesdropping, you know." Who in town knew so much about Comet that they knew when his parents would show up in town? Comet shook the thought out of his mind; it wasn't important right now.
"This is bad, this is very bad..." If Comet's parents found out that he was falling in love with unicorns... he shuddered at the thought. They wouldn't understand.
"What's so bad about it? Dancer is gonna love your new place." Comet stopped for a second.
"You... you know my mother?" The waitress giggled.
"Of course. Who doesn't? She's pretty famous herself, Comet."
"Forgive me if I don't keep up with the innermost circles of librarians." Comet was becoming more and more curious about his friend from the restaurant. Who was she, exactly?
"Comet!" He jumped and turned around to find that Rainbow Dash was looking for him.
"There's a group of earth-ponies looking for you. Are they your family?" Comet rubbed his hooves over his eyes. This was a nightmare. And he could honestly say he knew a Nightmare now. He put a napkin down in his food, leaving a generous tip as always.
"Now, or never I suppose." As Comet walked with Rainbow Dash, he started thinking to himself. A voice in him questioned his thought process. What was the big deal? His parents were awesome. He thought about how proud his dad would be to see that he was living his dream. As long as they didn't find out about his preferences, there would be nothing to worry about. When he saw the crowd at the village entrance, his fears melted. Comet recognized the ponies that walked down the street instantly.
"Leaflet!" Dancer was first to notice him. They collided in the street in a colossal hug. She was accompanied by her husband, Dasher, Comet's brother Prancer, his sister, Vixen, and his sister's boyfriend, Blitzen. Blitzen didn't join in on the group hug; he was distracted by the pegasus that had accompanied Comet to his parents.
"Dash." Vixen broke out of the hug when she heard the name. Her eyes narrowed.
"Hey Blitzen." Rainbow Dash landed on the ground and eyed the earth-pony next to him, "Who is this?"
"I'm Vixen." Comet's sister puffed herself out as far as she could, "And I know all about you, Rainbow Dash."
"From who?" She gestured to the white pegasus she associated with, "This show-pony? He doesn't know a thing about me!"
"As if, Rainbow Crash. I used to know you better than anybody." A puff of hot air shot out of Rainbow Dash's nostrils.
"Guys!" Comet got between them. "Do we have to do this right now? We haven't been in town for five minutes, and we're already starting fights?"
"I'm not sure, Comet," Blitzen's gaze narrowed. "Are we doing this right now?"
"I could beat you any time, anywhere." Rainbow Dash pawed the dirt, as if she would charge headfirst into the white pegasus. Comet had never seen this side of Rainbow Dash before. Her eyes burned, her nostrils flared, and Comet was legitimately afraid of what she would do to Blitzen. After knowing both of them, he knew Blitzen couldn't hold a candle to her in terms of sheer speed or technique. Brute force was an entirely different matter, however. This was still rapidly growing into a situation, and Comet got in-between the two of them.
"Honest as the stars? Can it. Both of you. Rainbow Dash, go get Rudolph and the gang. Blitzen, watch it." Blitzen turned to look away from Rainbow Dash as she shot off toward town, faster than she needed to. Unsure of how to approach the scenario, Dancer tried to cheer everyone up.
"Why don't you show us around Ponyville, Leaflet? It seems so... rustic." She was disconcerted at the small scene Vixen's companion had made, but wanted to see her son's accomplishments more than anything.
"Out of all the places to settle down," Dasher grinned at his son, "You really picked a winner, kid."
"Speaking of which..." Prancer grabbed Comet around the neck and ruffled his mane, "Have you picked a winner, yet? Some homey village girl?"
"Prancer!" He cringed and let his sibling go at the stern tone in his mother's voice. She smiled though, "Don't use 'homey' like it's a bad thing. I'm sure she's very pleasant." Although she was giving her best effort, Comet was not amused.
"I don't have a girlfriend, mom."
"Of course, of course," Dasher knew his son better than that. It obviously meant that he had someone in mind, but didn't want them to know about it. "But what are we sitting around for? Let's check out this Ponyville."
They walked into town, Comet answering the flood of questions that his family had for him. Yes, everything he needed he could get in town. Yes, he had plumbing and electricity. No, he didn't know any of the neighboring villages besides Canterlot and Cloudsdale. No, he cooked for himself when he got hungry. Yes, he knew enough people in town to---
"Twilight Sparkle!" Comet had never have been happier to see his beautiful purple friend. "Everyone, this is Twilight Sparkle. Head librarian of Ponyville, and one of my closest friends." His introduction left her pink with embarrassment. "This is Dasher and Dancer, my parents, my brother and sister Prancer and Vixen, and Vixen's... friend, Blitzen." He didn't want to brew another argument.
"Charmed." She smiled and greeted the group.
"Glad to see you are getting along in the world, dear." Dancer was happy to see her again.
"Likewise, Dancer." Comet had forgotten that Twilight knew his mother from her time in Canterlot's libraries.
Rainbow Dash then produced the rest of Comet's friends for him to introduce. She landed next to Rudolph, making special attention to never make eye contact with Blitzen.
"This is Spike, Twilight's assistant." Spike grinned. He observed that all of Comet's relatives were assorted shades of grey.
"This is Rarity, proprietor of the Carousel Boutique." Rarity gave a small curtsy. Vixen's eyes grew wide with astonishment. The Rarity lived in this little town?
"This is Fluttershy, our animal caretaker." She hid behind the group when Prancer gave her a small wink.
"This is Pinkie Pie." He put a hoof over her mouth before she could say anything. After a short while, she began vibrating, unable to vent her excitement any other way. "We'll be joining her for a small welcoming party this evening." She nodded vigorously.
"This is Rudolph, my personal assistant and good friend." Although Rudolph was happy to meet Comet's family, Rainbow Dash's reaction made him uneasy.
"And this is---"
"Cupid!" Dancer finished his sentence for him, rushing over to her. "How are you, dear? Glad to see you finally settled down." Cupid grinned sheepishly.
"Thanks, Dancer. It's nice to see you again."
"And last, but most certainly not least, I'd like to introduce Applejack, the owner of Sweet Apple Acres."
"Howdy, all." Applejack nodded to each of them, smiling. Dancer approved of this last one. Comet could use someone in his life that kept him busy physically as well as mentally.
"Everyone, I'd like to introduce my family. Dasher and Dancer, my parents." His parents bowed and curtsied in unison.
"My brother and sister, Vixen and Prancer." They both appeared to be very excited to be here, for entirely different reasons, Comet was sure.
"And lastly, Vixen's friend, Blitzen." He puffed out his chest at the mention of his name. The group observed that he looked astonishingly like a royal guard in his proud pose..
"And this is Ponyville, my new home." They all watched in wonder as Comet, with the assistance of his friends, accurately labeled all of the landmarks and important locations in Ponyville. They spent a good hour of their time wandering the village, saying their greetings to all of the other ponies on their way. The waitress was happy to see Comet enjoying himself with his family. Comet put in a reservation for dinner before the party at Pinkie Pie's. There was one last landmark Comet wanted to show them all before the tour ended. As they moved up the hill to Comet's house, Dancer eyed the Everfree Forest with unease.
"You work in there, Leaflet?" Cupid and Twilight Sparkle giggled at Comet's pet name. Comet ignored it.
"Not directly. Rudolph and I placed a mobile weather station in the forest, so we don't have to go hiking through it on a daily basis."
"I see..." Dancer still thought it seemed dangerous.
"It-it's p-perfectly safe, D-Dancer." Rudolph did his best to assure her. Comet was probably the best person Cloudsdale could have picked for the job, and there was no way they could get rid of him. When they got into Comet's house, we wasn't surprised to find the mixed reactions.
"Awesome..." Dasher was awestruck, to Comet's delight, "I'm so glad to see all the support you've gotten for this, son."
"It's... delightful, Leaflet." Comet wasn't surprised it was all a bit over his mother's head. "I'm just glad to see you doing something you love."
"I've never been in here before," Fluttershy was also amazed. "You know what all of these do?"
"Pretty amazing, isn't it?" Prancer grinned at Fluttershy, causing her to squeak and take refuge behind Rainbow Dash.
"Nice work, kid," Vixen and Blitzen gave their approval. With well over a dozen warm bodies in Comet's house, it was needless to say it was crowded and they didn't spend much time inside.
"Well, I'm sure our tour was enjoyable," Comet was struck by a good idea, "But I think everyone has their own ideas of what they specifically want to see in Ponyville. How about we disband for now, see the sights on our own time, and then rendezvous in the evening for dinner with a good friend of mine?" Cheers were had amongst the lot of them.
"I'd love see another one of your readings," Cupid was delighted to comply with Dancer.
"I'd best make sure your mother stays out of trouble." Dasher's comment was met with an elbow in the ribs, but he laughed nonetheless.
"I'd love to see the Carousel Boutique, Rarity." Vixen was twitching with excitement. Rarity already had a few ideas about dresses for this one.
"We have unfinished business, me and you." Blitzen eyed Rainbow Dash with a grin.
"Try me, show-pony, I could beat you with one wing tied behind my back."
"Or t-two." Rudolph chipped in. Rainbow Dash found confidence in the fact that Rudolph had her back.
"I'd like to see more of the animals." Prancer tried to find the cute yellow one behind Rainbow Dash, but she had disappeared. A squeak was heard amongst the crowd, and only Comet and his friends could tell it was in displeasure.
"Well, sounds like we all got someplace to be." Applejack decided it sounded like things were settled.
"I have a party to set up!" Pinkie Pie zoomed off for town before anyone could get a word in otherwise.
"Until dinner, then." Comet nodded in satisfaction. He was glad his family had all found things to look forward to in town.
With that, they separated, everyone going there separate ways for the afternoon ahead.
|
Parakalo
|
1418
| 14 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Owlowiscious,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
A Comet's Tale
|
When star-crossed Comet tries to settle down in Ponyville, he finds it more difficult than expected.
|
cancelled
| 18 | 5 |
<p>After establishing himself in Ponyville, Comet's friends come to a disturbing realization. This is his story in showing everyone in Ponyville that anyone can change for the better, even someone who's got their head in the clouds.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-28T08:02:42+00:00
|
2012-01-28T08:02:42+00:00
| 2,669 |
Rudolph's frustration was apparent in his eyes. He flexed his wings against the clips on his sides over and over as he watched Rainbow Dash and Blitzen argue on the starting line. Who had the advantage didn't matter. Where they were going wasn't important. Rudolph did not want to sit on the sidelines and watch. He could beat that white pegasus for her. She didn't need to stoop to his level. Rudolph could probably fly rings around him. Literally. After half an hour or so of arguing, a route was set. Reluctantly, Rudolph held the flag in his mouth, unwilling to let them go without him.
"What's the hold up, Red?" Blitzen started to become impatient. He hopped in place, waiting for Rudolph to throw the flag. Rainbow Dash looked at him, and he saw the sadness in her eyes. He knew he was being selfish. This was her race. Trying to get involved in something that had nothing to do with him would only cause more problems. Reluctantly, Rudolph gave the flag a swing, and in a small explosion of dust and wind, they were off, disappearing off into the distance. His wings aching from flexing against the clips, Rudolph put down the flag and watched them go.
Rainbow Dash's form was always a sight to behold. It was always something Rudolph had difficulty putting into words, although he had difficulty speaking period nowadays. Her entire body, from her nostrils to the tip of her hooves worked in unison to put everything she had where it needed to go as fast as possible. She was, without a better turn of phrase, built for speed. Blitzen was simply a larger pony than she was. Although he had much more mass to move, he had the wings and muscle mass to support it. Comet watched them race for the first ring, neck and neck. Rainbow Dash could hear the wind whistling in her ears, and couldn't help but feel bad for Rudolph.
He loves to race as much as I do. Who am I to get between him and that? She thought to herself. Almost missing the first ring, she forced herself to focus. That slip-up had given Blitzen the slightest of leads. Nopony could match her speed. Nopony. Shooting off like a rocket, Rudolph watched with pride as a rainbow trail shot past Blitzen, punching through the cloud-line and racing out of sight. This was something he had to see. Carefully checking to make sure no one was around, Rudolph undid the clips on his wings, hiding them in a bush. He wasn't going to race, he just wanted to spectate. Rudolph unfurled and tucked his wings, relieved to not have the weight of his clips hanging on his aching shoulders. It took him four tries to get off the ground and get airborne, losing balance only once before he, too, disappeared into the clouds above.
Dasher and Dancer laughed and laughed in Cupid's parlor. Dancer was tickled by Cupid's readings, and had her reveal card after card, answering question after question. The quality of their dinner, the weather tomorrow, how Vixen did on her literature test, the list went on and on. Exhausted, Cupid finished her last reading for the day, explaining that the card was The Devil. The horned pony represented an unexpected experience, or controversy. The foreboding of the card couldn't taint Dancer's good mood, however.
"I just love this air! There's something in the air, isn't there, Dasher?" She giggled and giggled.
"Of course dear," He looked at Cupid and shrugged. He was happy she was enjoying herself, despite the fact that he didn't know to what she was deriving so much pleasure.
"So who is the lucky pony my boy has found?" Dancer's grin became sly as she got low on the table, searching the room for something invisible. This dramatic change in subject caught both her husband and Cupid off-guard.
"W-why do you say that?" This side of Dancer made Cupid shift on her hooves in uneasiness.
"The cards told me so, dear." Dancer reached for the rapidly retreating cards. They took refuge in a furiously shuffling pile behind Cupid. "You said so yourself." Cupid searched her memory, and unless Dancer had asked her to read something, while thinking of something else, she hadn't recalled doing any love readings. She realized with horror that she could've said any number of things with her readings if that was the case. What if she said something bad about herself? Or hurt her chances with Comet?
"That Berry Punch seemed like a nice girl, didn't she, Dasher?" Dancer went through a mental list of all the earth-ponies she had met in the few hours she had been in town.
"I..." Dasher had never seen this side of his wife, either, "I don't believe Comet knows Berry Punch very well, honey."
"Well, what makes you say that?"
"She didn't know who Comet was when we spoke to her."
"I suppose you're right." Dancer continued searching through her mental list.
"What about that other pony? What was her name?" She ignored Dasher's facial expression at this, "Oh, you know! I've been hearing she has been spending a lot of time with Comet. She even snuck into Comet's house one evening."
"Applebloom?" Cupid was hoping Dancer wasn't suggesting what she thought she----
"Applebloom! That was it! What a delightful girl, don't you think, Dasher?" Realizing who his wife was talking about, he nodded.
"A very nice lass indeed. Good with her hooves, too." Dasher nodded with approval.
"Well, I best be seeing what my offspring are up to. I'll see you at the dinner, Cupid?" And with that, Dasher and Dancer walked away from Cupid's parlor, leaving her sitting at her table, mouth agape. An odd number of emotions bubbled and churned within Cupid. Applebloom was young enough to be Comet's child, much less... she shuddered at the thought. There had to be some kind of mix-up. She collected herself, and a disconcerting thought came to her mind. Why didn't Dancer suggest her? She had only known Comet since elementary school. She was only his closest and oldest friend. She revealed a single card, which to her dismay revealed an ornate circle of symbols of all kinds of symbols and objects.
The Wheel of Fortune. If a deck of cards could be sarcastic, surely it was this one. She collected her cards and moved out into the bustling afternoon, knowing fully well without the card that whatever happened, she sure as sugar wouldn't forget it.
Comet chatted the afternoon away, enjoying the company of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity and his sister Vixen in the Carousel Boutique, Rarity's shop of finer clothing. Comet had never particularly enjoyed clothing, but he was glad to see Vixen enjoying herself as much as she was, and it seemed everyone was having a good time. As he relaxed, watching Rarity and Vixen dance about the room in ball-gowns to the glee of the fillies around him, he couldn't help but feel the darkest sense of foreboding loom over him. Twilight looked at him to find that he had a look on his face that suggested a bug was in his fruit juice.
"Something wrong, Comet?" He shook his head and smiled at her.
"No, I---" He was interrupted by a knock on the door. Applebloom got up and, laughing, walked over to open it. After a pause, she returned.
"It's for you, Comet!" She hopped over to him, smiling. Unsure of who it could be, Comet walked outside to find the eldest of the newest generation of the Apple Family, Big McIntosh, waiting for him.
"Big McIntosh? Is something wrong?" The red colt towered over him, looking down on Comet's small frame.
"...Eeyup." Comet had never seen big McIntosh like this before. Comet shifted on his hooves in uneasiness at the awkward silence that followed.
"Is... is uh, is it something that's my fault?" Comet couldn't help but feel like a small animal that had broken something.
"...Eeyup." Big McIntosh put a powerful hoof forward, causing Comet to jump back, falling over a bench beneath some hung laundry. Although the green-apple eyes appeared emotionless, Comet couldn't help but feel that they bored through Comet, searching for something. He knew he was small, but against the great colt overpowering his willpower, he was miniscule.
"What c-can I do, McIntosh? What did I do?" With the physical stature of a wet puppy, Comet had no idea how to approach this situation. He had never been happier to see Applebloom poke her head out from the door.
"Comet, what's taking so lon--- Big McIntosh! Don't hurt him!" She rushed out to Comet, getting in between her older brother and Comet. She looked up into eyes, checking first to make sure that Comet wasn't hurt. She blinked a few times, listening to the red colt's incoherent whispers. She was completely silent as she turned to face Comet, pain in her eyes. "Is... is what he says true, Comet?" Her bottom lip and teary eyes were heartbreaking. Whatever Comet did, it had destroyed one of his greatest friends. What could he have done so mindlessly, so horribly, that it could ruin Applebloom's adorable face?
"Yes? No! I don't know what anyone is talking about! What did I do?" Comet was flabbergasted and confused.
"Are you... dating Applejack, Comet?" Comet's response was halted by his train of thought coming off the tracks and derailing into the station, crushing passing innocent thoughts in its wake. Something disconnected in his mind, and it took him a second to come back to reality.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Why didn't you tell me you were dating my sister, Comet?!" She practically shouted at him. In the seriousness of her face, Comet did his best to suppress a laugh.
"No! Who told you that? She's just a friend! I never had any intention of going out with Applejack! I don't like her that way." The relationship between Big McIntosh and Applebloom was reaffirmed by their simultaneous change of expression. They looked at each other and then looked back at Comet. "Why? Who said I was?"
"Your parents."
The gathering crowd at the small restaurant in Ponyville paused only for a second at the flock of birds that fled from what sounded not unlike a shout the Carousel Boutique. Fleeing for dinner with the crowd from Rarity's boutique, Comet was incredibly worried. He was glad he had managed to sort out this problem with Applebloom and (for his own safety) with Big McIntosh, but if his mother was wandering Ponyville spreading this rumor, who knows who might already know? Someone important might get the wrong idea. They arrived at the restaurant just in time for dinner, but the look on the waitress's face told everything that Comet needed to know.
"Applejack?" She had a look on her face like she couldn't understand Comet's thought process. Comet waved her off with a worried hoof.
"Don't worry, I'll explain everything." Comet and his friends gathered around the large banquet that had been played out for Comet and his friends. Everyone that Comet had taken a liking to in the past few months had all gathered to meet and greet with Comet's family. Unfortunately, the only spot available was next to a very irritated Applejack, who was at the center of attention. Comet did his best to slink in next to her unnoticed, but he was unable to accomplish this without first drawing the attention of his parents.
"Leaflet!" Dancer's shouting attracted throngs to her as usual. "When were you going to tell us that you had met someone special?" Her gaze repeatedly returned to Applejack, who would in turn shoot a glare at the colt next to her. He had some explaining to do.
"Mom... we're not... I didn't..." He tried to explain himself.
"It's okay, Leaflet, I just wanted to speed things along." She was sure dense enough to be Comet's mother, "When I found out that you were seeing someone, I just had to find out as much information as possible about her. What a lovely earth-pony she is, too, I'm so proud of you, Leaflet."
"Applejack and I aren't dating, Mom." He finally managed to silence her, "No offense to you, Applejack, but I'm not dating anyone, and I never really had an intention of going out with anyone for awhile. Why are you spreading rumors that I was dating Applejack?" Dancer laughed at this.
"Oh, Leaflet, don't be coy. You can't keep secrets from me. I heard you've been spending a lot of time with a certain Applebloom, not Applejack."
There was a pause around the whole table. All the pieces had fallen into place. Applebloom revealed herself, taking a seat on Comet's lap, overjoyed at the idea of being paired with Comet.
"Hello there, Applebloom." Comet rubbed her head, disheveling the bow on her head. She smiled back up at him.
"Howdy, Comet. Is it okay if I come over and watch the stars again tonight?"
"Sure, Applebloom. My house is always welcome if it's okay with Applejack." Applejack rolled her eyes, knowing finally what was going on after a hectic afternoon of accusations.
"Of course, Applebloom. Just don't be out too late." Everyone laughed, the situation finally resolved. Embarrassed, Dancer ate almost entirely in silence, speaking only when spoken to or prompted by Dasher. Beyond this, a merriment was had about the table, although Appplebloom was a bit put off to find out she hadn't successfully roped down Comet, so to speak. Finally, during dessert, Dancer spoke after spending a long time in thought.
"Cupid's readings are never wrong, though."
"I'm sorry, Mom?"
"Cupid told me that you were thinking of someone special, and Applejack was the only earth-pony that came to mind." Comet blinked. An incredibly delicate situation had splayed out before him. He would have to navigate this carefully, or she would find out that Comet was interested in not one, but two unicorns, no less.
"Why do you have to bore into my social life, mom? Can't I let you know when I'm ready? Or I've actually asked her out yet?" Comet tried to pin it back on her.
"So there is somepony you like." Dancer's sly smile returned.
"Ugh..." Dasher rolled his eyes, getting irritated with his spouse, "I'm going to need a drink if this going to happen tonight..." He flagged down the waitress and had her bring him and his son an ornate cocktail of a number of different alcohols. Comet looked at him nervously. "Ha! Don't worry, son. A mare should drink and be merry with his son! I'm proud of you and all your friends." The waitress returned with the pair of drinks, setting one down in front of Comet. She was silent. It bubbled and hissed in its clear glass, and although it didn't look particularly appetizing, Comet found that downing it burned is throat and made his head swim. It was perfect for drowning out the babbling of his mother and the rising voices of the ponies around him. Another left Comet's vision hazy, his speech almost incomprehensible.
A third, and... well... Comet wasn't sure what happened after that point.
|
Parakalo
|
1418
| 15 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Owlowiscious,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
A Comet's Tale
|
When star-crossed Comet tries to settle down in Ponyville, he finds it more difficult than expected.
|
cancelled
| 18 | 5 |
<p>After establishing himself in Ponyville, Comet's friends come to a disturbing realization. This is his story in showing everyone in Ponyville that anyone can change for the better, even someone who's got their head in the clouds.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-28T08:06:54+00:00
|
2012-01-28T08:06:54+00:00
| 1,417 |
"G'mornin', Comet!" She beamed at him, getting off of him to find he had dark bags under his eyes. "Trouble sleepin'?"
"Y-yeah..." He cracked his back with a long stretch and looked at the clock. It was late. Rudolph should have been here by now. He hadn't been late once yet. He took a quick glance at his machinery as Applebloom scuttled around the room. The Everfree forest was motionless. That was also a first. What an eerie day, Comet thought to himself. He shook himself as awake as he could, and opened the door to a warm, autumn breeze. "We should get you home. I said I'd bring you home last night, remember?"
"Aw, Comet, do we have to? We had so much fun!" Applebloom rushed out the door and then back inside in her excitement.
"I'm sure, Applebloom, Applejack is probably worried about you. Let's go." He motioned out the door and away they went. The sky was clear, the wind was nice. If Comet wasn't afraid of his reception in town, he'd have decided that today was good flying weather. He hadn't made a kite since he was little, but it was certainly something to keep him busy. Maybe he could pick up some supplies in town. As they walked, Applebloom couldn't stop talking about the stars Comet had shown her the night before. It always made Comet smile to see someone as passionate about the stars as him. The thought made him think about Twilight Sparkle. She probably hated him now.
"Everyone... everyone seemed pretty mad yesterday, huh, Applebloom?"
"Yeah... can you really only love earth-ponies, Comet?" The naivety in her voice didn't match the insight in her words.
"I... I dunno, Applebloom. That's what my parents want."
"That's weird, Comet." Applebloom went back to ranting about Comet's telescope, leaving him lost in his own thoughts.
Was it weird? He had never thought about it before. He was always told that this was just the way it was, and he accepted it. Why was that wrong?
When they got into town, it was emptier than Comet had ever seen it. The town was absolutely silent. He had no idea Ponyville could be so quiet. "It's almost like it was when Zecora first showed up!" Applebloom looked around in awe. They passed by Twilight's library, and Comet had a half of a mind to knock on the door and see what happened. Was it a holiday or something? They foraged on into the eerie silence. As they passed Sugar Cube Corner, Comet couldn't help but notice figures moving in the window. That's what confused Comet the most. The ponies hadn't left. They were hiding. From what? Comet wondered. They crossed out of town and on the outskirts, they found the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack and Big McIntosh stood at the archway, waiting for Applebloom. She ran to greet them. She got up to them, and they quietly beckoned her inside. Applejack looked at Comet only once before turning and disappearing into the barn.
At that point, Comet realized it was his doing. He had caused this cold shoulder amongst the residents of Ponyville. He walked from storefront to storefront, occasionally calling into window displays in hopes that someone would help him. After a bit of pestering, he managed to get over to the library with assorted colors of tissue paper, springy dowels, and a sappy adhesive paste. He only needed one last thing. Summing up his courage, he approached the large hollow tree. It took a few minutes of playing with the doorbell before the door creaked open.
"Spike! How've you been?" The baby dragon appeared apathetic at best.
"Oh, hey, Comet. Can I get you something?"
"I just need an encyclopedia of dragons, a menagerie of birds, and a paintbrush or two, please."
"Okay. Let me get them for you." Before Spike could shut the door, Comet tried to stop him.
"Actually, I was wondering if it would be okay... if I came inside?" Spike looked up at his friend. There was something in his eyes Comet didn't recognize.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Comet. Let me get your things." The door shut with a soft slam. Put out, Comet waited on the doorstep for a solid fifteen minutes or so before Spike came back, producing two large volumes and a pair of small paintbrushes.
"Thanks, Spike." Comet grinned at him, but it appeared to have no affect.
"See you later." The door shut again. Collecting his things, Comet walked back out into the empty street. For the first time in a long time, Comet felt a pang in his chest from being left alone. Searching his mind for some companionship, he thought of a place where there was always someone to talk to him when he needed it.
Comet sat at the table of his favorite restaurant, hoping to see a smiling face come out of the back. Eventually, the waitress appeared, producing two glasses of ice water. She sat across from him at the table, looking for something in his face.
"What?" After awhile, it started weirding him out.
"How old are you, Comet?" The tone in her voice was much more serious today than usual. It gave Comet the feeling he wasn't going to particularly enjoy the following conversation.
"Uh... gee, I don't know. Twenty? Twenty-two? Somewhere in there?"
"Do you think that's old enough?" She sounded almost angry at him. He didn't understand the question.
"Old enough to... what?"
"To make your own decisions?"
"Well sure. I think? What's with the weird question?"
"If you are old enough to make your own decisions, then why do you just go along with what your parents say?" Comet blinked.
"Excuse me? Why am I being interrogated here? What did I do? Why is everyone acting strange today?" The waitress stood up.
"You need to grow up, Comet. You can't live in your parents' shadow for the rest of your life. You have to make your own decisions."
"I don't understand. What have I done wrong?" The waitress slammed back down into the table, her hot breath in Comet's face.
"Your parents said a lot of hurtful things yesterday, and you just sat by and watched. How did you think people would respond?"
"Why are you so angry with me? I didn't do anything." She slumped back in her chair at this, looking away.
"Look at me, Comet. What do you see?" Another weird question. Comet focused on her. He was shocked to find that this was the first time he had ever really given her a serious glance. It was almost as if she blended into the background, her voice being the only thing he noticed. It took much more effort than he expected to produce a description.
"You're a tall, slender pony, with a very light purple skin tone and a cut, grey mane." Comet nodded. She was quite pretty.
"What else?"
"You... you have dark blue eyes, a white uniform, with some kind of string necklace, and a horn." She was a unicorn. Comet began putting two and two together.
"Am I less of a pony because I have a horn?"
"No! No, of course not!" She looked back at him, anger still apparent in her eyes.
"Then why couldn't you say that for Twilight Sparkle last night?" He couldn't produce an answer for her.
"Everypony here is part of a family, Comet. You can't insult one third or two thirds without hurting the whole community."
"I didn't insult---"
"You sat back and watched. You did nothing. That's just as bad. You have a lot of making up to do." The waitress stood to walk away.
"Wait! I... all this time, and I never got your name." She turned to look at him.
"Maybe some other time. Maybe when you're ready to be a better pony." With that, she disappeared back into the restaurant. Her words weighed down on Comet like a ton of bricks. He hadn't grown at all since he had gotten here. Everyone has been growing up around him, and he's been a naive little colt. Comet collected his things, wandering back through the town back to his church. He watched the windows of the shops as he passed by. What redeeming qualities did he have? After everything that has happened, what did he have that he could use to bring his friends back?
The dirt path had no response for him, despite the earnestness in his gaze. Comet's door opened silently as he passed through the doorway into his house. At least my door is reliable. He looked at his machinery, his achievements and his pride and joy. What did it matter if he didn't have friends to share it with? What was he worth without a camaraderie to make him laugh? He sat on his single pew, sorting his tissue paper by color. Although they were slightly different, they were all the same. They were different colors, of course, but what all was different besides?
He looked out his window to the now bustling village. He had to apologize. He had to show them that he wanted their friendship. He wanted to laugh and play and be irritated by Pinkie Pie.
"Pinkie Pie..." He looked curiously at his tissue paper. He thought of the crazy pink one and her revelries. He needed to get their attention. Colors... He had an idea.
Applebloom paced back and forth in her clubhouse. "I want to help Comet." She finally spoke to her friends.
Scootaloo and Sweety Belle looked at her. "Why? Applejack said not to. He's not any of our friends." Scootaloo was tired of this subject.
"He's my friend! He wants to be friends with everypony! Ah know it!" Applebloom didn't understand why everyone didn't like Comet anymore. She looked through her telescope at his church, a position it had been in for a few days now. "I'm sure as sugar he's doin' somethin' to get everypony's attention right now..." As she focused the lens on the window, a purple shape floated out the window. A tail dangled out the window for just a moment before it began to drift down the hill in the breeze.
"Thas it!" Applebloom bolted out the door before either of the other two could get a word in edgewise.
The library was unnaturally quiet. Twilight remained in her private quarters, silent. Occasionally, Spike would call to her as he polished a ruby to pass the time.
"I'm sure he wants to be given a chance, Twilight." It would not be graced with a response. The wind began to grow gusty outside.
"Twilight..." Tap, "I really think you're--" Tap-tap, "Overreacting." Spike paused. Something rapped on the upstairs window. When he had finally decided to get up and find out what the fuss was about, Spike was surprised to have found four ornate kites had caught on the branches of the tree, scratching at the window. Each one of the purple and pink kites had a portion of a long letter painted on it. Spike collected one out of the tree, dropping it when he found the glue was still wet. It drifted from the window down to the floor, sticking to the table face down. Shutting the window, Spike pulled it up to find the paint was also still wet, smudging into an intelligible grey mark on the table. Spike did his best to clean it up, but he hoped the letter's contents weren't too important. Being much more careful this time, he grabbed the box kite that was closest. He was relieved to find that the letter was written on the inside, and was careful not to drop it.
if that's possible. I've never minded that you were a unicorn, or that any of your friends weren't earth-ponies. In fact, I've always felt that their gifts made them special, just like yours. I've always felt you are special, Twilight Sparkle.
|
Parakalo
|
1418
| 16 |
Big Macintosh,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Gummy,Main 6,Original Character,Owlowiscious,Spike,Zecora,Adventure,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
A Comet's Tale
|
When star-crossed Comet tries to settle down in Ponyville, he finds it more difficult than expected.
|
cancelled
| 18 | 5 |
<p>After establishing himself in Ponyville, Comet's friends come to a disturbing realization. This is his story in showing everyone in Ponyville that anyone can change for the better, even someone who's got their head in the clouds.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-02-29T05:16:46+00:00
|
2012-02-29T05:16:46+00:00
| 910 |
Some of my loyal readers are going to be in for a bit of a whirl at reading this...
If you haven't been able to tell, Comet's Tale has been having some difficulty getting off the ground for the past... ..,
... well, months, actually. I have danced around a few reasons why this is: work, school, girlfriend, all very real and viable excuses, but they all are shadows of a truth I have had difficulty facing until now: I simply don't want to.
After a hiatus of writing and retreating to my studies, returning to A Comet's Tale had a feeling similar too... going through a baby book, or visiting your kindergarten class room. My work is juvenile. Infantile, even. Even down at its roots, A Comet's Tale is flawed and poorly thought out. The pacing is jank and my characterization skills are terrible. As some of my commentators (there has been quite a few of you and you know who you are) have put it, I need to put this to bed, write something totally different, and then come back and start over.
I have every intention of doing just that.
Some of you may be disheartened at this, but it's a learning phase and a growing phase. I started A Comet's Tale for the sole purpose of getting my feet wet with writing consistently about a group of characters for longer than a chapter or two, and now that I have done just that, I feel that it is time to put down on paper a piece of work I can come back to and be proud of and have pride in.
Thank you for everything, my loyal readers. My trackers, my followers. You put me on the featured articles board for approximately 20 hours, which is to this day a gift I will cherish for a long, long time. If you aren't too frustrated, though, I would like to turn your attention to something entirely new. Something that nopony may have expected of me before. No characters you know, and (for some of you) no characters you may come to love.
I would like to introduce to you now, The Garden's House
|
SleeplessBrony
|
1422
| 1 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
Romance Reports
|
Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
|
complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
|
mature
|
2012-08-20T22:41:10+00:00
|
2012-08-20T22:41:10+00:00
| 35,961 |
Twilight Sparkle is sitting on the balcony of her library – the town library, she reminds herself. It's cold out, and her breath hangs in the crisp air around her as she looks up at the stars. A half moon hangs low in a cloudless sky, glowing bright, seemingly bigger than usual.
Of course it looks bigger, she thinks. It's all you've been thinking about lately.
She sighs and snuggles her blanket more tightly around her body. Everything is perfectly silent and still save for the rustle of her blanket against her hair, the sound of her own breath, and her own pulse in her ears. Ponyville is covered in a deep layer of fresh snow all around her. It's beautiful, but she hasn't looked down in close to an hour. She's just now starting to feel the numbness in her hooves and beginning to wonder what time it is. She remembers that she really should sleep.
She feels somepony staring at her. Ignoring the feeling, she stands up and stretches, feeling joints pop and muscles ache from lack of motion. She turns to go inside and comes almost face to face with Princess Luna.
"Good evening," the Princess says in a normal speaking voice.
After screaming and almost jumping out of her skin, Twilight attempts to speak, gasping for breath.
"I – uh, you... hi?" She gathers her blanket up from the floor, hooves trembling a little.
"I apologize. I did not intend to startle you. Of course, I did not exactly take steps to prevent it," the Princess says with a smirk on her face.
"It's fine, really." Twilight forces a nervous and obviously fake smile.
"You looked like you were observing my night." She gestures upwards with a hoof.
"Uh, yes, I was actually. It's, umm, nicer than usual tonight?" Twilight feels her face growing hot. She's sweating somehow, despite the cold.
"Thank you, Twilight."
Twilight feels a lightness in her chest at hearing her own name escape the Princess's lips. Before she can mumble anything, the Princess continues.
"How lucky for those in Ponyville. A blizzard rages all day, but the clouds clear in time to observe the stars. A still winter night is one of my favorite kinds, you know."
"Really?" Twilight says.
Really? That's all I can say? Really?
"Indeed. So still, as if time has frozen." The Princess stares out over the snow-covered town for a moment. She turns back to Twilight as if noticing the purple unicorn's nervousness for the first time.
"Is everything alright? I hope that I am not imposing, arriving like this," the Princess asks.
"No! No, it's fine. I just wasn't expecting anyone this late at night."
"Mmm." Luna pauses and seems to consider this very seriously for some reason. "Well I am not generally awake during daylight. I must say, I am surprised that you were not expecting a visit from me, after the way we parted last."
Luna looks at her with a faint smile playing at the edge of her lips. She looks amused? Twilight can't tell. The low-grade panic threatening to overwhelm her since Luna showed up is gaining strength, building to a ferocious roar at the mention of their last meeting. She tries to maintain her fake smile, feels herself blush even hotter somehow, and then finally loses it. Her smile disappears and she bows, almost groveling.
"I am so, soooooo sorry about that! It was inappropriate, completely, and, and, and... drinks! I had a few that night. More than I'm used to. I didn't really know what I was doing, I swear, I would never, EVER, disrespect you or your sister in such a way –"
"Twilight!" The Princess cuts her words short. Her tone is commanding but soothing somehow. Twilight looks up from her bow and Luna is smiling down at her.
"Stand up," Luna commands. Twilight obeys immediately, averting her eyes.
"I am a bit disappointed," Luna says, almost tittering. Twilight winces.
"Blaming your behavior on drink. My sister always makes you sound so mature. So smart. In some ways." The Princess lifts a hoof to Twilight's chin and raises her face so their eyes meet. Twilight feels her knees go wobbly.
"Drink lowers barriers. Makes us do things we regret, sometimes, but it does not change who we are," the Princess says.
Twilight is awestruck, mind completely blank, staring into Luna's large... green eyes? Is that light green? Blue? Twilight can't put a name to the color. Rarity would know.
"I, uh... uhhh..." she stammers.
"So, when you drunkenly kissed me that night –"
Twilight immediately bows again.
"I can't apologize enough. I just can't. I'm sorry if I offended you or upset you. I didn't mean anything by it." Twilight grits her teeth and forces her eyes open, trying to gauge Luna's reaction.
"You didn't mean anything by it?" Luna raises one eyebrow.
"I swear."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, absolutely, completely –" Twilight freezes as a pair of lips caress her own. The touch is electric, and her mind instantly clouds over. She sees stars, floating in a dark, beautiful expanse of stars, endless and eternal. The feeling only lasts a moment, and suddenly she is on her – the library's – balcony again, swaying on weak knees. Luna is smiling at her.
"Still so sure?" she says.
"Did we just – did you just...?" Twilight shakes her head, still feeling groggy, floaty, lost in time and space.
"Mmhmm." The Princess nods, her eyes half-lidded, staring right at Twilight.
"I don't remember it being like that..." Twilight trails off as she faints, seeing stars.
• • •
She jolts as consciousness returns. Twilight is in her bed, wrapped snugly in the covers. Luna is next to her, in bed with her. Twilight starts to panic but then sighs in relief as she realizes that the Princess is on top of the blankets. She's using her magic to flip through a book. Pale moonlight pours in through the windows, bathing the room in subtle light.
Twilight sits up and takes a few deep breaths. The Princess must know that Twilight's awake by now, but she's still casually leafing through the pages.
Okay, okay, this is fine, this is OKAY, you can do this. Now make some words.
"Princess..."
Luna turns to her, closing the book.
"Just Luna, if you don't mind," she says.
Mind? Mind?! You better believe I don't mind.
"...Luna." Twilight smiles. "Anything interesting?" she asks, nodding towards the book.
"Just one of your astronomy guides. Flattering, but they do so miss the point of it all sometimes."
Twilight raises an eyebrow, but quickly dismisses her many questions. This is her big chance; better to not derail the conversation. She opens her mouth to speak, and finds she has nothing there. The silence turns into a pause, then a long pause, and then a pause bordering on awkward.
"So," Luna says.
"So?"
"Do you find me attractive, Twilight Sparkle?"
Twilight blushes and shrinks into her blankets. "...Yes," she squeaks out, doing her best Fluttershy impression.
"And why should you be embarrassed to be attracted to me?"
Twilight's rational mind breaks through her nervousness – a question, a puzzle, something to figure out! She forgets to be nervous long enough to consider this.
"I... I've never had a crush on a mare before," Twilight says slowly, articulating as she thinks it through. "Well actually, I've never had a crush on anypony before. Ever. I – this is new to me. And you, you... You're a Goddess! I can't even – I don't even..."
"Never had a... crush?" Luna asks.
"Oh, its modern slang. It just means to be attracted to somepony. Infatuation, interest, of a romantic nature. Implies feelings conducive to becoming, but not necessarily yet, serious romantic love," Twilight recites.
"Ah. So you have a crush, as you say. On me."
"Do you... I mean... do you...?" Twilight folds her ears down, remembering to be nervous again. "Do you even have relationships? You and your sister? Aren't you kind of, I don't know, above that sort of thing?"
"Of course we are not above it. It is natural and healthy for all beings, great and small."
"Oh." Twilight pauses, and feels a little bit of joy chase out a little bit of her nervousness. "So... you take on mates? Lovers? I've been your sister's student for years and she never had any, uhh... companions."
Luna casts her eyes down at the mention of her sister, pausing to think.
"My sister... is discreet. As always, she is the pinnacle of decorum. Purity. All those wholesome and proper things. She is very selective and restrained, and only occasionally indulges. When she takes on a mate, they bond for some time, and devote themselves to each other, body and soul. As always, I am her opposite." Luna looks her right in the eye and winks.
"Oh..." Twilight feels an entirely different kind of blush creeping over her face. "Oh!"
"So you see, Twilight, you need feel no shame in your attraction. I am quite flattered, and it is quite mutual." Luna rests a hoof on Twilight's side, caressing her through the blanket ever so slightly.
Twilight feels light as a pegasus. Her head spins a little, and she fights the urge to jump around the room screaming "YES!"
"But," Luna interrupts.
"But?"
"Yes, there is a 'but'. And it is a large one."
Twilight's eyes disobey all her orders and slide over Luna's flank as she says this. Of course, Luna notices, Twilight notices that she notices, and Twilight shrinks into her blankets further. Luna snorts, almost giggling.
"You are cute. So young. So eager. I would very much like to take you into my bed," Luna says calmly, as if it was a normal piece of everyday conversation. Twilight shudders and smiles, feeling herself turning to putty with every word.
"But I worry for you. This might not be fair. For you. I have lived many millions of years, and had many great loves. And I have also broken many hearts."
"Fair?" Twilight says.
"You have no experience in love?" Luna asks.
"No," Twilight admits. "I was always so busy studying, and..."
"I know." Luna stops her with a raised hoof. "My sister speaks of you sometimes. Many ponies by your age would have had at least one lover. But for a pony that is just now in her life learning how to make friends, I am not surprised. Again, it is nothing to be ashamed of."
Twilight fumbles with her hooves, looking down at them. She's unsure where this is going, and unsure whether she wants to get it over with or delay the inevitable.
"You still write my sister letters? Reports?" Luna asks.
"Not as much as I used to, but yes," Twilight says.
"Yes, your assignment. Homework." Luna giggles.
"What does this have to do with us?"
"I would like to give you an assignment, Twilight. And I would like for you to report to me, as you have done for my sister."
"About... love?"
"Precisely. I want you to experience some love and romance for yourself, before we do anything."
Twilight ponders this and instantly thinks of about a hundred objections. The very idea makes her feel awkward.
"But I... I want you. Am I supposed to just fake feelings for other ponies?" she asks.
"I know you can not force a crush, Twilight, but I suspect you have not yet begun to open your eyes on this matter. You are surrounded by the potential for love, if you would only be aware of it."
Twilight looks skeptically at Luna. "So you really want me to – ?"
"Think of it as study. Research."
"Huh." Twilight continues to ponder. "Huh," she says, more intelligently this time.
"And I won't be satisfied until you really enjoy yourself," Luna adds, winking again.
Twilight absorbs this and does a double take. She can't really mean – ?
"If this is what you really want from me..." she says.
"Trust me, I am looking out for what you really want. Even if you do not yet know it," Luna says.
Twilight stares into Luna's eyes and starts to get lost in them again, losing track of any coherent thought. Of course she'll do it. She would do anything those eyes asked right now.
"Alright. I'll find some romance. With other ponies. Ponies? More than one?" she asks.
"That's up to you. As many as it takes for you to feel you understand the magic of love."
"I see. How can I send you my... romance reports? I'm not doing this through Spike," Twilight says.
"Just write a letter." Luna leans in closer to Twilight's face.
"Focus your magic on the paper." Luna brushes in close, their horns touching slightly, lips atoms apart. Twilight can feel Luna's cool breath across her own lips.
"And think of me." Luna kisses her tenderly, and Twilight is lost in stars again. When her bedroom returns, Luna is gone.
Her chest heaves, catching her breath. Her eyes take their time focusing again, and she feels hot all over.
"Wow," she says.
She slumps onto her side, snuggles herself deeper under her blankets, and lays there, wide awake, heart thumping in her chest.
• • •
Twilight trots down one of Ponyville's main roads, reveling in the silence. It's almost midday. At any other time of year, the town would be bustling, but little is happening now. Everything is quiet, covered in a beautiful clean layer of new snow, and perfect.
Humming tunelessly, she turns towards Carousel Boutique. Rarity isn't expecting her, but Twilight doubts the fashionista will be too busy to talk.
"Twilight!"
Rainbow Dash lands in front of her with a soft poof of snow.
"Hey! Nice... sweater?" Twilight says.
Rainbow Dash is wearing a garish red and green sweater, decorated with small gold trees.
"Ugh. Thanks, I guess. My parents sent it to me. For Hearth's Warming Eve."
"It's nice?" Twilight offers.
"It looks like filly's pajamas," Dash says.
"It looks warm."
"Good thing too! You think it's cold here on the ground? Nasty up there. Especially when you're as fast as me." Rainbow Dash poses, flaring her wings out. Twilight just rolls her eyes.
"I got the day off, and the town's dead today. Bored outta my mind. Watchya up to?" Dash asks.
Twilight considers making something up, but then a thought occurs to her. It might be good to invite the blue pegasus along for this.
"I was on my way to Rarity's. You wanna come along?"
"Ugh, nevermind, I think I'm busy." Dash rolls her eyes this time, preparing to take off.
"Hey! What's wrong with hanging out at Rarity's house?" Twilight asks.
"What are you gonna do, try on dresses? Drink tea? Don't get me wrong, I like Rarity and all, but I was looking for something to be less bored doing," Rainbow says.
"Well, what else are you going to do? It's the middle of winter."
"Ehhh..." Dash looks ready to take off at any second.
"Look." Twilight glances around, making sure nopony is close enough to listen. "I need to talk to Rarity about something important. And kind of secret. And I think you could help, too. I want you in on this."
Rainbow Dash folds her wings in, looking interested.
"You don't say?" She raises one eyebrow.
"I do say. But you can't tell anypony."
"Huh. And what is this secret mystery conversation about?"
Twilight gives her an "Oh please, really?" look.
"Alright, I'm in. Let's go to Rarity's Boutique of Girly Boredom."
• • •
"Twilight! And Rainbow Dash! Where did you get that dashing accoutrement?" Rarity says as she lets them in, over-pronouncing her French.
Dash gives an exasperated sigh.
"Gift. Parents. Hearth's Warming," she says.
"Well, the gold thread is just lovely! And this weave – just fabulous!"
"You're not busy, are you?" Twilight asks.
"Well, these days I'm always busy, but not too busy to take a break. Please, come in, sit!" Rarity leads them to a kitchen in the back of the boutique and lays out some cushions around a small table.
"I've just finished up another large order from that noblepony in Canterlot, and I can't believe I'm looking forward to a bit of a lull," Rarity says as she sets out some cups and begins pouring drinks from a steaming kettle. "I mean, it's nice to have so much business, but I do so need some relaxation."
Rainbow Dash sniffs at the cup in front of her, then glares at Twilight.
"Thanks for the tea, Rarity," she says, still staring directly at the purple unicorn.
"It's good, if you would just try it." Twilight glares back.
"Oh, uh, of course, it's nothing, just a little something I order occasionally," Rarity says, choosing to ignore whatever Dash was obviously trying to say. She puts the kettle back and joins them.
"So!" Rarity sips her tea and prepares some juicy bit of gossip for launch.
"SO!" Rainbow Dash cuts her off. "Twilight said she had something super important to tell us. And secret."
"Oh my! Do tell," Rarity says.
Twilight opens her mouth to talk but hesitates. "Is your sister around?" She glances over her shoulders.
"She's been at school for hours now, why?"
"This is kind of, uh... inappropriate. For younger fillies," Twilight explains, folding her ears down. "And I want to keep it secret for now."
"Now we're talkin'! This is gonna be good," Rainbow Dash blurts out. Rarity arches her eyebrows, obviously thinking the same thing.
"Well..." Twilight begins. Her two friends are completely focused on her, staring. She hesitates again. "Promise you won't ask any questions until I explain it all?"
"Yes, fine, just tell us already!" Dash yells.
"Fine, fine." Twilight takes a deep breath. "Remember a few months ago when I went to Canterlot for the Solstice?"
"So sorry I couldn't accompany you, still. It sounded just marvelous," Rarity says.
"It was. Anyway, the Princess was there at the ball. The other Princess. Luna."
"You mean like, Nightmare Moon Luna?" Dash asks.
"Just Luna. And I sort of... kissed her."
Both her friends do double takes and start talking. Twilight raises a hoof to silence them.
"Not finished."
"There's MORE?" Dash asks.
"Now, Dash, we agreed to let her explain fully. I am eager to hear the rest. Do continue, Twilight," Rarity says.
"I had a few drinks, and at the time I just kind of did it. And then I found myself thinking about her more and more, and I did some research, and I realized I had a crush on her."
Both her friends are staring at her completely wide-eyed, mouths hanging open a little.
"She visited me last night. And she, uhh, returns my, um, feelings."
"Twilight Sparkle! Consorting with royalty! Why this is delightfully scandalous!" Rarity says.
"Now who's interrupting?" Dash groans. Rarity shoots her a dirty look.
"We haven't really consorted. Not yet, anyway. I think. She wants me to do something first," Twilight says.
"To prove your love and devotion?" Rarity asks breathlessly.
"Not exactly. First she wants me to get some... well... experience." Twilight tries to grin but just winces.
"Whoa. WHOA. She wants you to get laid? Nice." Rainbow Dash waggles her eyebrows.
"Ugh, don't be crude." Rarity sips her tea.
"You two don't think this is strange at all?" Twilight asks.
"Of course not. Twilight, you've been chosen by a Goddess! To be her... her companion. Her lover! How fabulous!" Rarity says.
"Besides, weird magic stuff is always happening around you. This is like, one of the less weird things you've told me," Rainbow Dash adds.
Twilight feels a weight lift off her chest. Yet again, it was silly to be so nervous. Of course her friends understand. How could she have thought otherwise?
"So, you'll help me?" Twilight asks.
Rainbow Dash and Rarity both pause and exchange a confused glance.
"Help you... with...?" Rarity says.
"...Getting experience?" Rainbow Dash cocks an eyebrow.
"Oh gosh! Advice! I want advice. Guidance. For dating. Other ponies." Twilight blushes.
"Oh yes, of course, haha, for the, uh, experience! Yes!" Rarity says.
"Ha! I'm like, the best lover in Equestria! Of course The Dash can teach you a thing or two." Rainbow Dash puffs her chest out.
"You must be joking. How do you even know she likes mares?" Rarity asks.
"That's not what I meant!" Dash says. "Besides, you sayin' Luna's a stallion?"
"Well that's different. She's a hardly a normal pony, it doesn't count," Rarity says.
"Why not?"
"Because she is a goddess."
"So?"
"So... Twilight?" Rarity turns to her. Twilight is caught off guard, lost in their back-and-forth. Both her friends are looking at her.
"So?" Twilight isn't sure what they're waiting for.
"Do you... how shall I put this, hmm... do you like...?" Rarity says.
"Do you clop to mares?" Dash asks.
"Clop?" Twilight raises an eyebrow.
"Again, must you be so crude? I swear you are worse than Applejack sometimes." Rarity sighs.
"What's so crude about the sound of hooves on stone?" Twilight asks.
Again, her friends stare at her.
"Wow. Worse than I thought." Dash shakes her head. "No wonder Luna wants you to get around some."
"What Rainbow Dash was referring to was, ahem, uh, tending one's flower," Rarity explains.
Twilight just stares blankly at her.
"Exploring your mare's garden?" she tries again. Twilight still looks confused.
"Touching yourself – down there?" Rarity says.
"Oh! That. Right. Uh... I don't really do that," Twilight says.
Yet again, her friends stare at her, speechless.
"Do you guys...?" Twilight asks.
"Pssh, like, every day!" Dash says.
"Everypony does it, Twilight, it's perfectly normal," Rarity says. "Well, almost everypony, it seems. Twilight, are you, and please forgive me for asking, a virgin?"
"Well duh! She doesn't even clop, what do you think?" Rainbow Dash yells.
"It's quite improper to make assumptions. I'm trying to help the poor filly," Rarity says.
"Thank you Rarity, but she's right. I don't know anything about any of this. I've never had these kinds of... feelings before, and I've definitely never tended my garden or whatever. I don't even know if I like stallions or mares. Is that like, a thing? How do you choose one or the other?" Twilight says.
"Well one doesn't exactly just choose," Rarity begins.
"Who says you have to choose?" Rainbow Dash interrupts.
"What should she do, try both?" Rarity asks.
"That's sort of what I had in mind anyway," Twilight says.
"Wha?" both her friends say.
"It seems logical. Scientific. And Luna said I need to understand romance. So I need to study both sides."
"Wow. Twilight. I'm kind of impressed," Dash says.
"I would urge you to try stallions first," Rarity says.
"And why is that?" Dash asks.
"Well, there's nothing wrong with liking mares, but this isn't exactly Manehattan. It's a little unusual around here. And, there's an added element of uncertainty. You must determine if your potential mate is... of the same inclination. And some ponies are somewhat sensitive about that sort of thing. As you are just starting out, it may be easier to go with stallions at first. Until you're more experienced," Rarity explains.
"Sensitive? Some ponies?" Twilight asks.
"Yeah, some ponies don't like the idea of mares with mares." Rainbow Dash glares at Rarity.
"Are you implying something?" Rarity says.
"Naw, I don't do that. I'm a straight talker," Dash says. Twilight is curious but tries to move the conversation along.
"Anyway! That idea sounds good. I'll begin by trying to date a stallion. Can you help me find one, Rarity?"
"Darling, I would like nothing more! I must admit, it's been some time since I dated anypony, and I've been feeling a little less than completely worshiped lately. We can do it together. Oh! We can double date! How exciting!"
"I thought you might say so. And Rainbow Dash, once I've learned all that, can you teach me how to... love a mare?" Twilight unconsciously waggles her eyebrows a bit.
Rainbow Dash glares at her in response. "Why does everypony always think I'm gay?!" she yells.
"Oh please, Dash, why do you try to deny it?" Rarity says.
"I like stallions! I love riding stallions! Cocks are awesome!" Rainbow Dash yells. Rarity rolls her eyes.
"Oh. I'm sorry, Dash, I just kind of assumed..." Twilight says.
"Are you really going to lie to her?" Rarity says, arching an eyebrow.
"Hey, why don't you –" Rainbow begins but catches herself, taking a deep breath and a pause. She turns to Twilight. "I like mares, too. It's no big deal, unlike what Miss Fussy Flanks over there might tell you. And yeah, I'll help you get some dates. But you better be ready for the hottest filly action this side of Manehattan, 'cause I won't settle for anything less for my friend!"
Twilight giggles a little. "Thanks, Dash. I knew I could count on you girls. I was really nervous about all this, but you two are starting to make it sound fun."
"Well of course it's fun! Dating, love, romance..." Rarity says.
"Sex!" Rainbow Dash adds.
"Yes, that too, I suppose. Does Luna really want you... giving up your maidenhead? It's not something to take lightly," Rarity says.
"Aw don't listen to her. It ain't no thang. Besides, sex is like, a HUGE part of all this. Understanding love without sex is crazy. You gotta try it," Dash says.
"Yet again, you almost impress me with your crudity," Rarity says.
"Well, I think Rainbow Dash is right this time. I need to try it. I'm a little scared of that part, I'll admit, but I want to know."
"Are you quite sure? That's an awfully big step," Rarity says.
"I've made up my mind on that one. I'm pretty sure the Princess wants me to, strange as that might sound. But I'm really curious for my own sake, too. It's a whole new part of life to learn about, but most ponies don't talk about it. It's kind of a mystery to me."
"Well, if you're certain, then of course I'll help." Rarity lightly touches a hoof to Twilight's for a moment. "Winter Wrap Up is just two weeks away, and there will be the usual festival afterward. That will be an excellent place to find you some potential suitors."
"So, I can just ask some stallions on dates there?" Twilight says.
"Oh no no no, perish the thought! There's a back and forth, a tête-à-tête, a process to this thing, Twilight. A lady cultivates a suitor, and waits for his advances," Rarity says.
Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes and puts a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "When you get to workin' with me, we'll skip all that. Go right for the goods." She winks.
"Well thanks Dash, but I don't want to skip any of it. I'm doing this to learn," Twilight says.
"Speaking of learning. Perhaps before the festival you should, ah, hmm... study a little?" Rarity says.
"Great idea! You gotta know how to take care of yourself, girl," Dash says.
"You want me to...? I don't have the first idea about, uh, that," Twilight says.
"That's not really what I meant, but I suppose that couldn't hurt either," Rarity says.
"Exactly. You have to figure out what turns you on. And cloppin's the best way to start," Dash says.
"So I just... what, think about sex and... touch... myself? Is it really that simple?" Twilight asks.
"I have an idea. Wait right here a moment." Rarity excuses herself and disappears upstairs, to her private quarters above the boutique proper. Rainbow Dash and Twilight sit, their tea slowly getting cold. Twilight feels strangely awkward, tight in the chest. She pointedly stares at nothing.
"Why are you so nervous? What, are you afraid she's gonna come back wearing lingerie?" Rainbow Dash says.
"What? Eww, no. That's silly, this is Rarity we're talking about," Twilight says.
"Exactly," Dash says, frowning. Twilight is about to ask a question when Rarity returns, still wearing nothing. She's levitating a small box, and when she sets it on the table Twilight sees that it's filled with...
"Books! Familiar territory!" She levitates a few of them up in front of her, scanning the covers. Rainbow Dash groans.
"The Rugged Stallion, Mares of Passion, Burning Desire... wait a minute, these are... novels," Twilight says with ill-disguised contempt.
"Well yes, romance novels. I thought they might help you to imagine the act of love," Rarity says.
"Got any with filly-on-filly action?" Rainbow Dash says.
"Yes, actually. A few," Rarity says. Rainbow Dash nods, duly impressed.
"Oh gosh. This one has, uh, pictures." Twilight laughs awkwardly.
"Interested!" Dash grabs that particular book out of the air and begins flipping through it. "Ooooh. Wow. Oh... nice!" she says, turning the book sideways. Rarity's cheeks turn a deep shade of crimson.
"Ah, that one. That one is, ahh... Fluttershy's," she says.
Twilight and Rainbow Dash drop what they're doing and gawk at Rarity.
"We exchange sometimes."
"Huh," Twilight says. She leans over and examines the page Dash was looking at, startling a little. She averts her eyes, but then can't help but look back. "Huh."
"Wow, I didn't know," Rainbow Dash says.
"Oh, you mustn't tell her you know. It's sort of our secret. She would be mortified if anypony knew."
"Our lips are sealed. Although I might have to find an excuse to ask for her advice, too," Twilight says.
"I wouldn't do that. Fluttershy reads quite a bit, but, well... she's Fluttershy," Rarity says.
Twilight and Dash nod in instant understanding.
"Go ahead and borrow some of these for as long as you like, I've got plenty. And try to think of what you're looking for in a stallion, so we can pick one out for you at the festival," Rarity says.
"I think I'm gonna borrow this one." Dash starts to tuck the one with pictures under a wing.
"Hooves off! These are for Twilight." Rarity's horn shines, levitating the book away and back into the box. "Besides, I thought you had plenty of your own?"
"You read romance novels?" Twilight asks.
"Well, more like magazines," Dash says. "Plenty of pictures." She nudges Twilight, who doesn't quite get it. "Oh hey! You can borrow some of mine, too. I'll go pick out a few for you. Is it cool if I just drop 'em off at the library?"
"Sure, as long as Spike doesn't see them. He's a little young for all this."
"Right. On the down low. Gotcha," Dash says. "I'll go pick 'em up now, slip a few copies of Young Flyer Monthly on top of the pile, call it good."
"Alright. Rarity, can I borrow a bag for these? I wasn't expecting to be assigned reading for homework." Twilight giggles far too much at her own joke.
"Certainly, certainly, and I really should be getting back to work. I have to hurry up and finish this order now so I can make you a stunning new dress for the festival!" Rarity says.
"Really? Gosh, I don't know, Rarity..." Twilight says.
"Don't worry, it won't be like last time, I learned my lesson. I can focus on just one dress this time. Take my time with it. You don't mind, do you Rainbow? I can set you up with something new next time we have a big occasion," Rarity says.
"Naw, I'm good. Wasn't planning on wearing anything anyway," Dash says.
They quickly say goodbyes, and Twilight and Rainbow Dash are soon standing outside. Twilight is wearing one of Rarity's saddlebags, which are now bursting with steamy novels.
"Was that so bad? You didn't even have to try on a dress," Twilight says.
"Yeah, she's alright. Tea was good, too. I'll see you later." Rainbow Dash takes off without waiting for a reply, soaring high into the sky with breathtaking speed. Twilight watches her go, smiling.
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 2 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:41:38+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:41:38+00:00
| 22,380 |
Shrill voices bounce off the walls of the library as Twilight shelves a book. She's tired, and her head hangs slightly as she levitates another book into yet another empty space on the shelf. Behind her, she can hear a crowd of fillies and colts driving Spike insane.
"Alright class!" The noise dies down just slightly as Cheerilee yells. "Five more minutes! Every one of you needs to check out a book for your report. You have five minutes left to choose your book!"
Twilight sighs in relief. Earlier, she'd been excited about actually acting as a librarian for once, helping all the young fillies exercise their minds. Now she just can't wait for them to leave. She turns around and checks on Spike. He's doing the same thing he's been doing for the last hour, furiously re-shelving and organizing books as young ponies discard them.
Spike slides a book onto the shelf in front of him, and in almost the same instant a small blue filly sees the title and snaps it up eagerly. Spike slaps his forehead. Twilight quietly giggles to herself. Spike gives her his best "overworked servant" glare.
"Miss Twilight?"
She feels a small hoof poking her foreleg and looks down.
"Hey, Apple Bloom. Have the Cutie Mark Crusaders found any good books today?" Twilight says. With the other two dozen or so students crowding the library, Twilight had barely gotten a word in with her favorite fillies.
"Miss Cheerilee said we couldn't all work on one book together," Sweetie Bell says.
"So we need two easy books to pretend to read, while all three of us study this one," Scootaloo pushes a huge book forward on the floor, a thick tome with a plain cover.
"Cutie Marks: An Academic Study of Flank Symbolism, Heraldry, Genealogy, and Manifestation Theory," Twilight reads. "With a Foreword by Professor... girls, are you sure this isn't a little... advanced?"
"But we gotta learn everything we can! We STILL don't have our cutie marks!" Apple Bloom says. Twilight's annoyance with young ponies in general is forgotten completely, and she scans the shelves. She levitates a much thinner book down to the trio.
"What's Happening to My Flank?" Apple Bloom reads.
"A Filly's Guide to –" Scootaloo continues.
"Cutie Marks!" Sweetie Bell finishes.
"That's the book I read when I was your age. I think it really helped me understand what it means to get a cutie mark," Twilight explains.
"Wow, thanks Twilight!" Apple Bloom says.
"But we still need two other books," Scootaloo says.
"There's some new release young fiction over there by the checkout counter. They're pretty light reading – you should be able to get through those quickly. Not that you should, of course." She winks at the three.
"Thanks Twilight!" the three say almost in unison, trotting off with boundless energy towards the checkout counter. Owloysius is on the counter, looking a little frazzled and sleepless, busily stamping books with checkout dates as students bring them up. Twilight turns back to the pile of unorganized books next to her. She's just about to start shelving them again when another voice interrupts her.
"Thanks again for helping out. It gets hard toward the end of winter – all the students are cooped up inside too much, and it really helps to get them out of the classroom for a bit," Cheerilee says, sitting down next to Twilight. She looks a little frazzled and tired as well.
"I can tell. And I'm happy to have visitors. The library doesn't see that much use, honestly," Twilight says.
"I know. It's a shame, really. The collection here is so extensive. When I was a filly I never realized, even though I came here all the time. My school's library in Fillydelphia wasn't half as well stocked," Cheerilee says.
"You used to come here all the time? How come I never see you here?" Twilight asks.
"Oh, I'm always busy. My job takes up all my time."
"Well that's too bad."
"I know. I should really try to swing by more often." Cheerilee looks her right in the eye, smiling.
Is she...? No, no way...
"Uhh... yeah, well, we're always happy to have customers."
Is that the right word?
"Visitors?" Twilight tries again.
"Guests?" Cheerilee says.
"Yes, guests. Right. Haha."
Smooth.
"Anyway, I have to corral these guests right now before they tear your library apart. More than they already have." Cheerilee frowns, looking at the mess all around them.
"Oh it's fine! Don't worry about it. That's why I have Spike!" Twilight looks around for her assistant. He's being buried under a pile of fillies grabbing for the books he was trying to organize. She could almost swear he screamed for help, but it's hard to hear over the students.
"Oh, well, sorry for the mess all the same. By the way, will you be Team Organizer again this year?" Cheerilee asks.
Twilight just stares dumbly at the teacher.
"For Winter Wrap Up?" Cheerilee says.
"Oh, yes! That. Yes. I'm doing that," Twilight says.
"Great. I'll see you then!" Cheerilee smiles. She trots away, yelling to her students to gather around and finish up.
Twilight watches her go, her curly pink mane and tail bobbing slightly as she walks. Was she really...? No, no that's silly.
Been thinking about all this romance stuff too much. It's just Cheerilee.
She had known the school teacher for a while now, and they had always been friendly, if not actually friends. Just good acquaintances.
The school fillies line up, and Cheerilee opens the door for them as they trot out in single file, each carrying one more book in their bag then before. The dark pink mare shoots Twilight another smile and a nod as she walks out, too occupied keeping the line orderly for much more.
Finally, the last of the students goes trotting out the door. The door closes. The library is quiet again.
"Look at this mess! We're gonna be cleaning this up all day!" Spike says, looking at Owloysius. The owl quickly flutters up to his perch near the ceiling, settling in to sleep. Spike frowns, turning to Twilight.
"Look at this mess! We're gonna be cleaning this up all day!" he says again, gathering up some books.
"Actually, you're gonna be cleaning this up all day. I have some studying I need to catch up on, and I lost a whole morning because of that field trip," Twilight says.
"What? They didn't even get here until noon!" Spike yells.
"Yes, well, that's true, I guess, but I'm sure my number one assistant can handle this all on his own," Twilight says. Spike grumbles something she can't hear and begins shelving books yet again.
"Good boy. I'll just be up in my room then," Twilight says, not moving.
Spike continues to grumble and organize books.
"Yes, to my room. I'm going now," she says, watching Spike. Her little dragon assistant is totally absorbed in his chore and his complaining, ignoring her completely. Satisfied, she trots to her private room and quickly shuts the door. She walks up the small staircase to her bedroom proper, a cozy enclosed balcony above a small sitting room. She sighs and collapses on her bed.
She rests for a few minutes, thinking about whether she should try to nap or not. Her eyes ache just the tiniest bit, but in the end she decides she's just not feeling it. She glances at the door to confirm that it is, indeed, closed, then warily looks over both shoulders. The room is empty. She is alone.
Carefully, she reaches under her bed and pulls out a small box. The box is crammed with the novels Rarity lent her, next to stacks of magazines that Rainbow Dash dropped off. Tucked into the side, next to the novels, a few pieces of paper stick out. Twilight levitates these papers out and looks over the top sheet. It is creased and covered in notes, scribbles, and writing crossed out and re-written several times over.
Twilight's Plan to GET LUNA
Phase One
1. Find nice stallion.
2. Flirt with him – learn how to flirt.
3. Go on some dates. (Requires more research conc. How to date? Where to go?)
4. Fall in love? (See notes page seven and eight)
5. Have sex? (NOTE really?)(ALSO NOTE seriously?)
6. End the relationship (Eye on the prize!)
7. Doesn't that sound a bit shallow? (That's not even a step what are you writing go to sleep)
8. Find statistics on average length of relationships, usual causes for breaking up
9. (Wordless scribbles, heart shape with "TS + L" written inside)
10. GO TO SLEEP CHEERILEE IS BRINGING THE FIELD TRIP TOMORROW
"Hmm," she says, reading the list over. She puts the papers back in the box and begins browsing the other contents, unable to settle on one to read. She's spent the last week reading them, studying, even taking notes.
It's not that she was completely ignorant of all of this. She's read of the biology and anatomy involved. She knows, in a very clinical way, that there are emotions that happen.
But to do... this? Herself? Not Twilight Sparkle. Certainly not smart, serious Twilight Sparkle. Why would such a studious pony waste her time with a bunch of emotional, irrational, sweaty, steamy...
She stops her thoughts short, an old habit. She has to force herself to pick them up again. It's not so hard, really. Ever since that night with Luna...
There it is. That's the feeling. She frantically digs through the books, anxious to ride this wave while it lasts. But which one? They're all terrible. The gulf between what she's been feeling and the sappy garbage she's been reading is huge.
She sighs and rolls over onto her back, staring at the ceiling. She's tried to puzzle it out every night.
Why can't I just do this like everypony else?
She puts herself in one of Rarity's stories, pictures herself with the models from Dash's magazines, feels herself getting worked up, tense, wound like a spring. But whenever she actually tries to alleviate the pressure, her imagination fades away and it's just her, sitting alone, feeling embarrassed and far from turned on.
How can this be so hard?
Apparently everypony does it. My friends probably all do it. Well, maybe not Fluttershy, but you never know. Just because it's hard to imagine doesn't mean she doesn't do it.
She pictures Fluttershy lying in a bed on her back, moaning and blushing, hooves reaching between her own legs, her cute little wings stretched out stiffly to her sides.
Twilight shakes her head and blushes a little herself. She feels a tiny bit of that delightful pressure in her loins.
"Huh," she says, trying to clear the image from her mind.
What's the secret?
Does everyone read books or look at magazines?
How do they buy all that stuff all the time, and I just never noticed it?
Do most ponies just use their imagination, or only some? What do they think of? Does Rainbow Dash think of the Wonderbolts? Did Rarity think of her prince, before the fiasco at the Gala?
She sees Rainbow Dash, lying next to Fluttershy on the bed. Dash is furiously rubbing herself, her wild mane bobbing around as she whips her head from side to side. Rarity is on Fluttershy's other side, caressing the yellow pegasus' wing, staring straight at Twilight.
Twilight shakes her head again, suddenly feeling very warm.
"Huh," she says again, trying to focus on her thoughts. She feels like she's getting close to puzzling out some answers.
Do her friends think about her? No, they couldn't possibly... how weird would that be? Do ponies picture their friends when they do this? They must, sometimes. Sometimes your friends are pretty, and it's just imagination. Right?
Pinkie Pie is riding on top of Fluttershy, her thick, curly mane bobbing up and down as she bounces on her friend.
"Wooo! Wooo! Wooo!" Pinkie yells.
Suddenly Applejack is right behind Pinkie, pulling Pinkie's mane roughly with her mouth while grinding her hips into the pink mare. She releases Pinkie's thick mop of hair and turns towards Twilight.
"You best get a taste of this! Nice and thick!" She winks at Twilight.
Twilight shakes her head furiously, seeing just her ceiling again. She's breathing a little quickly, and she feels heat along the back of her neck and between her legs.
"Huh," she says again.
This can't be right. Those are my friends.
She shifts her weight, and the feeling of her thighs sliding against each other makes her skin prickle up all over.
This can't be normal. If this were normal, her friends would have mentioned it to her.
No, that's stupid.
Oh hey, I imagined you having sex with our other friend last night. Great conversation starter.
Well then what else is there to think about? Other ponies you don't know that well?
She's still in her room, but it's darker here in her mind. Just a few lit candles lend their soft light to the room. Cheerilee is in bed next to her, lying on her side, her back facing Twilight. Cheerilee's round rump is rubbing up against Twilight's hip, and her curly mane is practically shoved up Twilight's nose. She breathes deep, but there's no smell. The soft curls cling to her snout.
"I know it isn't as thick as Pinkie Pie's." Cheerilee is looking at Twilight over her shoulder, eyes half-lidded. "But you think my color is much nicer."
Twilight's eyes almost roll back in her head – as Cheerilee turns, her rump slides against Twilight, pressing in closer. The curls of mane shove into her face, enveloping it.
"Ooooohhhhh," Twilight moans, her whole world light pink curls.
"Eeeeeeyup." Big Mac's deep voice comes from Twilight's other side. She turns to see the big red workhorse lying in bed with them, looking strangely serene.
Twilight shakes her head fiercely, and she is alone again, a sheen of sweat on her brow. She has a hoof crammed between her legs, tightly squeezing her thighs around it as she presses into her nethers. She feels slick wetness in her crotch and feels unbearable, awful, intolerable pressure, almost painful. There's tightness in her chest, and she realizes that she's panting short, shallow breaths. She feels a little dizzy.
"Huh. Wow," she says. Those thick pink curls had felt so real. She'd never even touched Cheerilee's mane in real life.
What does Luna's mane feel like?
It wouldn't be at all like Cheerilee or Pinkie, it must be...
...Smooth, silky hair plays over her snout as Luna turns on her side, looking over her shoulder at Twilight. One wing unfolds, tickling Twilight's belly.
Twilight presses down across the lips of her mound, parting them slightly. She gasps quietly. Her other hoof caresses her own belly, lazily moving in small circles.
The feathers caress her belly lightly. Luna nuzzles her neck, cool breath blowing onto her shoulders and chest. The side of Luna's long horn bumps into Twilight's face and snout, hard and warm.
She moves her hoof up across her slit, hitting a small hard bump at the top. Her body shakes at the touch, and she moans, biting her lip to keep it from being too loud. Her other hoof rubs her snout and neck.
Luna rolls over on top of Twilight and presses her body down on the small unicorn, kissing her neck harder. Her beautiful wings stretch out over the pair, strongly splayed out. Their coats are pressed together all over, sliding against each other.
Twilight is rubbing herself in a kind of slow rhythm, down and up, pausing for just a moment on each up stroke to press on that sensitive button.
Luna grinds her hips into Twilight's. Their nether lips rub together, hot and dripping wet, sliding across each other. She locks lips with Twilight, bucking her hips into her like a stallion, driving her down into the bed.
"Aaahh!" Twilight gasps, arching her back, driving her rump and hips into the mattress. Her free hoof is dug into the blanket at her side, her foreleg stiff and tense. She rubs herself harder, pressing down past her lips with each stroke, teasing her inner walls.
Luna is still grinding into her, running her tongue up and down her neck.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!" Twilight moans with each stroke of her own hoof, picking up speed, pressing harder. Her hoof is practically dripping with her own fluids. Her tail swishes back and forth, dragging along the sheets. She feels that pressure, that unbelievable pressure, building between her legs, in her chest, in her head, everywhere!
She's sweating all over, she can feel the warm dampness in her sheets every time she moves. Her rump is pressing down into a wet circle of her own juices soaked into the bed. Her hind legs are splayed up in the air, shaking slightly, she's not sure when that happened. She strokes harder, furiously, the hot pressure building, trying to push it down, make it go away, it feels incredible...
It's building, she can feel it building. In her mind Luna is picking up speed, bucking her hips into Twilight wildly, moaning. Their clitorises rub together roughly, and Twilight stops stroking her mound and focuses just on the button, cramming her free hoof into her mouth to keep from howling. Her chest soars and her body tingles all over, like falling.
She rubs herself in small circles, moans muffled by her hoof, breathing in ragged, choked gasps.
Suddenly, Luna is gone. Twilight feels large forelegs wrap around her and sees a white, gold-shod hoof reach between her legs.
"Prin-Princess?! Princess!" she says out loud, spitting her hoof out.
"Shh... hush, my most faithful student," a regal voice whispers past her ear. Twilight looks up and sees Celestia embracing her from behind. Celestia's hoof tenderly begins massaging Twilight's swollen clitoris, and her ecstasy is instant and complete.
"Wha? Ah! Ah! Aaaauuuughhhgh!" Twilight splutters nonsense, panting. She rubs her mound again, pressing as deep as she can into herself, bucking her hips up into it.
"My smartest, most talented, most loyal student..." she hears Celestia whisper.
Twilight's eyes roll back into her head. Her body spasms wildly, legs shaking in different directions. The pressure is incredible now, she feels insane, mind completely gone, nothing exists except the pressure and it's mounting and oh god oh god it feels so good.
This is it! This is it! I did it I'm doing it I'm gonna come oh my Princess Ohhhhhh...
The door slams open. Spike walks in holding two books.
"Hey Twilight, I can't figure out where these two go and..."
"AAAHHH!" Twilight dives under the sheets, panting.
"Geez, sorry, I just needed some help and –" Spike pauses. "What's that smell?"
"Get out get out get out!" Twilight yells, peeking out from under the covers.
"But what about these books?" Spike asks.
"NOW!" Twilight screams.
"Fine, sorry, sorry!" Spike leaves, shutting the door behind him.
Twilight waits a moment, frozen under her sheets. She notices the smell now too, her own thick, sweet scent. She throws the sheets off and rolls onto her back, practically slamming her hoof between her legs again.
Nothing.
She starts to press and gets only pain, her whole crotch sore to the touch now.
She tries to imagine...
Wow, was I really imagining... that? What is wrong with me?
Nothing comes. It's just her with herself, alone, in a damp bed growing colder by the second.
"Darn it!"
She pounds her hooves against the mattress.
"Darn it, darn it, darn it!"
I was so close...
She sighs, giving up.
• • •
Some time later, after calming down a bit, Twilight levitates a quill over a piece of paper.
Dearest Princess Luna, she writes.
She stops. Some weird emotion she can't quite identify washes over her. It's been at least a month since she wrote a report to Celestia. She feels bad sometimes, knowing that her reports have become less and less frequent over time.
It had even become her habit to open each letter with an apology, for taking so long between letters. But the Princess always replied that it was perfectly fine and Twilight should be out with her friends more, living her life.
Twilight ponders this. Should she tell Celestia about her and Luna? What would she say? Has Luna told her already?
She pushes this new train of thought away, continuing with her letter.
I learned today that with love, as in friendship, all the books in the world aren't enough sometimes. Just thinking about those you care about can be more wonderful than anything else. I'm learning a lot with my research so far, but I'm starting to see just how little I know. I can't wait to start trying out what I've learned with other ponies... or with you.
She smiles at that last line. Too much? No, it feels right. Luna doesn't seem to be modest about this kind of thing.
I'm learning about myself, too, I think. There's so much I don't understand about how I feel sometimes. Well... sometimes it feels really good, I understand that. But I still don't know exactly what makes me feel that way. I'm hoping that I can figure this all out once I really get started.
The Spring Festival is in just a week. I'll try to find some dates there, and try them out. And then we can be together. I can't wait!
How to sign it, she wonders. Love? Yours? With strong feelings? She shakes her head. Then inspiration strikes. She grins as she completes the letter.
Your Eager Student,
Twilight Sparkle
She wraps the letter in a plain envelope, then focuses her horn's energy on the paper. She concentrates, horn glowing, thinking of a teleportation spell. When the time comes to think of the destination, she closes her eyes and pictures Luna. Beautiful, dark, mysterious, standing by a hedge in the palace gardens of Canterlot, as she looked when Twilight met her at the Solstice.
She gasps as the spell connects with something. Somehow, she can't quite fathom how it's happening, she feels Luna around her, their minds touching for just a moment. When she opens her eyes, the letter is gone.
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 3 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:41:52+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:41:52+00:00
| 23,170 |
"Twilight! I guess I should congratulate you," Cheerilee says.
Twilight chokes on her drink. She's been avoiding Cheerilee lately, afraid that somehow the pink mare would know what Twilight had been imagining. But they are at a party, and ponies are crowded everywhere around them, and Cheerilee somehow got right up next to Twilight without being noticed.
"Uh, thanks? For...?" Twilight asks.
"Winter Wrap Up! On time again. Two for two," Cheerilee says.
"Right, of course. Well, you shouldn't congratulate me, you ponies did all the work."
"Ha, I heard the speech. You don't have to repeat it." Cheerilee bumps into Twilight, but doesn't seem to notice. Her pink face is flushed red, and she's swaying on her hooves.
"Oh. I hope I didn't overdo it," Twilight says.
"No, no, I thought it was nice. Now the mayor, she overdid it," Cheerilee says, her eyes wandering. "Oh! Excuse me." She turns to trot away.
Twilight just raises an eyebrow and cautiously sips at her drink.
"Nice dress!" Cheerilee yells back at Twilight as she walks off.
Well, that was weird.
Twilight watches the fuchsia mare wobble away, but quickly loses track of her in the crowd. Ponyville's town square is packed with ponies. Long lines of hanging lanterns are crisscrossed between every building, and food carts are lined up on every side. Somewhere near the town hall a band is struggling to be heard over the crowd.
Twilight focuses on her drink again. She's happy to just stand alone for a moment. She's been fielding compliments and shaking hooves for hours.
"Twilight! I've been looking for you all night!" Rarity walks up next to her.
"Well, you found me. Enjoying the festival?"
"Of course, it's just smashing this year, isn't it?
"Yeah, I guess it is." Twilight smiles.
"How is the dress working out? Is it comfortable? It's not riding up at all, is it? I was so worried about that."
Twilight checks herself out. She's wearing a light, simple dress with the same colors as her Team Leader vest. Nothing seems wrong to her.
"It feels nice. And everyone keeps telling me it looks nice, so it looks like you've done it again."
"Oh, darling I knew it would be perfect for you." Rarity edges in closer to Twilight, glancing around them. "Now, what about that other thing?"
"The other thing?"
"Yes, the other thing."
"You mean finding a stallion, or Pinkie's birthday?"
"Silly, I meant finding us some acceptable suitors."
"Right. That. I've been keeping my eyes open and –"
A passing couple almost bumps into them, pushed over by the crowd. They apologize and keep walking.
"Should we really be talking about this here?" Twilight asks.
"Well, I'm sorry we didn't really get a chance before, I've been so busy," Rarity looks around, thinking. "Let's go sit at one of those picnic tables."
They thread their way past dozens of partying ponies. They come to a particularly thick part of the crowd but Rarity finds her way through easily. The crowd parts to make way for her. Most of them are ogling her dress, or just Rarity in general. On top of making Twilight's outfit, she's put together a stunning new piece for herself. Even Twilight keeps finding herself ogling Rarity a bit.
"Hey, wait!" Twilight says.
"Yes?" Rarity looks back over her shoulder.
"This is the line for Applejack's cart. Shouldn't we go say hello?" Twilight says.
Both ponies stand on hooftip, craning their necks. They can just barely see Applejack's hat bobbing somewhere far off at the end of a line of ponies. The line is more like a blob, stretching out halfway across the square, cutting the festival in two.
"She looks busy," Rarity says.
"Guess we'll catch up later," Twilight says.
They continue, making it to the edge of the square. Small tables with rough cushions are set up, all occupied. Rarity scans them and quickly picks out a table with a pair of younger stallions, both laughing as they chew some kind of baked apple treat. Rarity approaches them and tosses her hair, beaming.
The colts freeze and stare at her. One of them hangs his mouth open, crumbs falling out.
"Would you mind terribly?" Rarity says to them.
They both stammer sounds sort of like words and get up, offering their cushions to Rarity and Twilight. Rarity motions for Twilight to sit as she settles down herself. There's no cushions left for the two colts, but they hover nearby, smiling at Rarity.
"Thank you!" she says, shooing them off.
Twilight sits and lets out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I thought you were going to make me talk to them," she says.
"Them?! Oh heavens no, Twilight, please! We can do far better than that. They're hardly more than colts, anyway."
"That's what I was thinking," Twilight says. "They seemed to like you, though."
"Oh, well who doesn't? But enough about me. Have you thought about what you're looking for tonight?"
"Umm, I've thought about it, yes."
"And?" Rarity says, sweeping some crumbs off the table with magic.
"I don't know, nice? Smart? Someone I can talk to?"
"Very reasonable. What about color? Hair? Size?"
"Does that matter? I can't really picture an ideal date. Physically, I mean," Twilight lies.
"Well what do you picture when you imagine a stallion? When you're, ahem... alone?"
"Uhhh..." Twilight's mind flashes back to her fantasies and sees Rarity in bed next to Fluttershy, just staring.
"Never mind. What about that one?" Rarity points to a blue stallion with music notes on his flank.
"He's alright, I guess." Twilight barely looks at the pony Rarity is talking about.
"Oh! How about him over there?" Rarity says, pointing to a blue unicorn with a two-tone white-and-silver mane.
"He looks nice," Twilight says with a smile. Her eyes are scanning the wavy locks of his hair.
"My, my, that one is simply dashing." Rarity checks out a unicorn with a chocolate-brown coat.
Twilight looks over at the pony Rarity is talking about. She barely gives him a second glance before casting her eyes down to the table.
"Is this really how you find love? Just randomly picking ponies based on how they look? On one particular night?" she asks.
"Twilight, trust me. It's not at all as bad as it might look at first. You just have to find somepony who looks like he might be appealing to you. Then you get to know him through dates. If it works out, wonderful. If not, you try again," Rarity says, still checking out stallions in the crowd.
"Do you even know their names?" Twilight asks.
Pinkie Pie lands on their table with a thud, puffy tail bouncing around.
"Names? I know everyone's name because I know, like, everypony! Who do you need to know?" she says.
"Where did you...?" Rarity says.
"Come from?" Twilight says.
"Up there! Duh!" Pinkie looks up, not climbing down from the table. Rarity and Twilight look up and see only lanterns hanging from a line, and the stars above. They both shrug, knowing better than to pursue the question.
"So, who is it?" Pinkie asks, raising an eyebrow at Twilight.
"Wha– Uh, who?" Twilight stammers.
"You were asking about a name," Pinkie says, leaning in close.
"That's quite alright, Pinkie, we can find out," Rarity says. Twilight just grins, her eyes uneasy. Pinkie looks back and forth at both her friends.
"Are you keeping secrets from me again?" She glares.
"No! No no no, haha, of course not!" Rarity says, forcing a smile.
"I'm looking for a stallion to date," Twilight admits.
"Ooohhhh neat!" Pinkie's glare disappears instantly. "Who are you looking at?"
"We were just talking about that one." Rarity points again at the brown unicorn.
"What, him? I wouldn't go out with him, he's kinda bad at smooching," Pinkie says.
"What?" Rarity and Twilight both say.
"Not nearly as good as him over there, he's fun!" Pinkie waves at the blue unicorn. He smiles and waves back.
"Did you...?" Twilight asks. Rarity just stares, aghast.
"Maaaaaaybe." Pinkie smiles innocently.
"I beg your pardon?" Rarity says.
"When did you – ?" Twilight starts to say, but is interrupted by Pinkie.
"Oh, all the time! Sometimes at big, fun parties, you just gotta smooch somepony, right?"
"Pinkie Pie, a lady does not just – smooch!" Rarity spits the last word out with some effort.
"Silly! I'm not a lady, I'm a pony." Pinkie playfully taps Rarity's foreleg.
Rarity starts to say something, but pauses, looking puzzled.
"Pinkie, who do you think I should date?" Twilight asks.
"Whoever you want, Twilight. Just find someone you like."
"But I don't really know any stallions."
"Then just find someone who looks good for smoochin'!"
"S... smooching?" Fluttershy glides down to their table, landing softly next to Rarity.
"Yeah, smoochin'! You know, like this!" Pinkie grabs Fluttershy's face and plants a loud, wet kiss on her cheek. Fluttershy squeals and hides under her own hair.
"Oh, um, thank you Pinkie Pie," Fluttershy says. "You mean kissing. I like kissing."
"You too?" Twilight stares at the yellow pegasus in shock.
"Well, I would like kissing, I'm sure. But I've never tried it before."
Pinkie shoots a hurt look at Fluttershy.
"Not really," Fluttershy adds.
"That wasn't really? I can kiss you for really!" Pinkie reaches out to grab Fluttershy again.
"Oh, um... no, that's okay..." Fluttershy tries to shrink further under her bangs.
"Pinkie, leave the poor thing alone," Rarity says.
Rainbow Dash lands next to Pinkie Pie, shaking the table with the impact. Earlier, Twilight had been a little shocked at how drunk Cheerilee looked, but Rainbow Dash is putting her to shame.
"Are you gonna kiss Fluttershy? This is gonna be awesome! Do it!" Dash yells.
"Do it?" Pinkie asks.
"Rainbow Dash, are you... drunk?" Rarity says with disgust.
"DOOO IIIIIT!" Rainbow Dash yells, pumping a foreleg in the air.
"Um... ponies are watching..." Fluttershy squirms out of Pinkie's hooves. Most of the crowd around them is, in fact, watching by now.
"Well, this is a reliable way to get male attention." Rarity frowns.
"I dunno," Pinkie says, putting a hoof to her chin.
"DO IT DO IT DO IT!" Dash yells, stomping her hooves on the table.
"Hmmmmmm – Okay!" Pinkie dives for Fluttershy, who squeals again.
"Girls!" Twilight yells. Her friends freeze. Pinkie is hanging over the edge of the table, while Fluttershy is mostly hiding under it, her rump and back legs sticking out. Rarity pulls Fluttershy out from her hiding place, brushing off her coat.
"Thanks Twilight..." Fluttershy says.
"I still need to find a date," Twilight says to the whole table.
"Oh, a date? Are you in love with somepony?" Fluttershy asks.
"Not yet," Twilight says.
"Then why are you going on a date?" Fluttershy asks, looking very confused.
"She's looking to get laid!" Rainbow Dash says.
"Oh..." Fluttershy blushes a deep shade of crimson and looks at the ground. Rarity rolls her eyes.
"Wow, Twilight, you're kind of crazy! You're doing it all backwards!" Pinkie says, spinning her head upside down.
"Backwards?" Twilight asks.
"Yeah! You should date somepony you have special feelings for! If you don't have special feelings for anyone yet, why are you trying to go on a date?" Pinkie explains.
"Well, I do have – it's complicated. I just want to try it," Twilight says.
"Who you got lined up?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"Nopony yet. We were looking," Rarity says.
"What about Big Mac? He's hot. I was jus' lookin' for him," Dash says, slurring her words.
"Yeah, Big Mac! AJ can hook you up!" Pinkie says, her previous advice apparently forgotten.
"Ugh, Macintosh? If he's anything like his sister, I should think not," Rarity says.
"Whass wrong with AJ?" Rainbow Dash sways towards Rarity.
"Nothing, but Twilight needs somepony with class, sophistication," Rarity says.
"Um, maybe Rarity is right," Fluttershy says.
"I don't know. He seems nice, I guess." Twilight flashes back to her fantasy again. She had been very puzzled about Applejack's brother showing up there. It seemed out of place. But, even she has to admit...
"He's big and handsome. I bet he's good at smoochin'!" Pinkie says, finishing Twilight's thought for her.
"He's too quiet. Twilight needs someone she can converse with. And besides..." Rarity says.
"Yeah. That." Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes.
Twilight cocks an eyebrow and is surprised to see Fluttershy doing the same. She's about to ask what that means when Rainbow Dash drunkenly rambles on.
"Guess I'll have to find some other colt for her. You know, since you can't find a stallion to save your life." Rainbow Dash grins right at Rarity.
"Ridiculous! Gentlecolts are constantly clamoring for my affections. Why, this very evening I've been asked out several times. I could find Twilight and myself a pair of dates in a moment!" Rarity says, stamping a hoof.
"Then do it!" Dash yells, wobbling on her hooves again.
"Very well, I shall!" Rarity says.
"I hope they like paper!" Pinkie says, grinning.
"What?" everyone says.
"Because Twilight is such a bookworm! Wait, what?" Pinkie says. Everyone pauses, looking at her. After a moment of staring, Rainbow Dash snorts and laughs quietly.
"That was terrible," Twilight says.
"Indeed," Rarity says.
"It doesn't even make any sense," Fluttershy says.
"Hmm, almost right. I'll keep working on that one," Pinkie mutters.
"Ugh, I'm getting food." Twilight gets up.
"Going to Applejack's cart? I bet Big Mac is there!" Dash says.
"You should go smooch him RIGHT NOW!" Pinkie says, hopping on the table.
Twilight heaves a groaning sigh. "Yes, I'm probably going to Applejack's cart. No, I'm not going to smooch him right now." She rolls her eyes, walking away through the crowd.
"I'm coming too. I'm... hungry." Fluttershy lifts off and joins Twilight.
"Hurry back!" Rarity says as Pinkie and Rainbow Dash take the empty spots on the ground.
• • •
Twilight and Fluttershy are standing in a thinning crowd of ponies, all waiting in line for the Sweet Apple Acres stall. The two are finally near enough to hear Applejack as she takes orders and money. They haven't spoken a word.
Twilight is pondering what Pinkie said. She thinks she understands what Rarity's been saying, but she can't help but wonder if she's doing this right. Rarity's books always made love sound like an instant thing, something that just happens when you meet the right pony. Twilight felt something like that when she met Luna at the Solstice.
That was love, or at least an early form of it. Infatuation? More than just a crush. They hadn't talked much, but Twilight had stared at the Moon Goddess all night, aching to be nearer to her. The night had gone by in a blur, Twilight scheming every possible excuse to stay later and later, looking for any kind of opening.
And now here she is, trying to force herself to feel excited about dating regular old Ponyville ponies. How can they compare? Luna is everything Twilight had never thought to dream of.
Should I just wait for that love-at-first-sight feeling to strike again? Is that the only way to feel love?
"Twilight?" Fluttershy says for the third time.
"Huh?" Twilight says, coming back to reality.
"Sorry. You were thinking about something. Sorry to interrupt," Fluttershy says.
"It's fine. What is it?" Twilight says.
"Why are you looking for a date? If you don't mind me asking, that is."
"It's a long story."
"We've been standing in line a long time."
"It's kind of private."
"...You mind me asking, then." Fluttershy shrinks away from Twilight.
"I don't mean like that, it's just – I'll tell you later."
"Okay." The yellow pegasus looks better and stands upright again. "You don't like Applejack's brother... that way. Do you?" she asks.
"I don't really know him. He seems nice. Do you know him?"
"Oh, he is nice. He's very kind and quiet and gentle."
"So you've talked with him?"
"No."
Twilight just stares at Fluttershy. The pegasus avoids eye contact, swinging one hoof through the grass. Before Twilight can say anything, they are at the front of the line.
"Hey there! I was wonderin' when you guys were gonna come support my business," Applejack says. She looks a little tired, but happy. The cart is mostly empty now, and two ponies Twilight doesn't immediately recognize are taking orders from other customers.
"It doesn't look like you need the help. What's left?" Twilight asks.
"Not much... just a few fritters and cakes. And regular old apples, of course," Applejack says. Twilight looks at the few small apple cakes left and feels her stomach rumble.
"I'll have one of those. Fluttershy?" She turns to her friend.
"Umm... Applejack, why isn't your brother here?" Fluttershy asks.
"The big lug got sick. Bad timing, too," Applejack says.
Twilight remembers that she hadn't seen Mac helping with Winter Wrap Up the day before. She takes another look at the ponies working the stand – one is a mare with green pigtails, and the other is a yellow stallion with a vest and hat. Twilight recognizes him now, but can't remember from where.
"At least you have other helpers," she says.
"Yeah, we was real lucky havin' some cousins in town with Big Mac down for the count," Applejack says.
"Maybe I can make your brother some soup tomorrow... if he isn't feeling better," Fluttershy says.
"Great idea! I'll come by and pick it up. Been forever since I stopped by your cottage," Applejack says.
"Oh... Well I thought maybe I should come to your farm and check him out... I mean, look at him... I mean, check on him. Because he's sick." Fluttershy looks away.
"That'd work too. Drop on by anytime," Applejack says.
"Are your cousins enjoying the festival?" Twilight asks.
"Well, they been mostly working. Hey, why don't you two show these two around? They could use a break, and we're slowin down here," Applejack says. Twilight and Fluttershy nod, and Twilight reaches for some bits tucked into a pocket on her dress.
"Oh, none of that now, that cake's on the house. You just show my cousins a good time now, y'hear?" Applejack says.
"Of course. Thanks, Applejack." Twilight levitates her snack along with her as she and Fluttershy leave the line to wait by the cart. Her mouth waters and she tucks into the cake right away, ignoring everything around her for a moment. She moans at how delicious it is, feeling the food drop into her growling stomach. After the first few bites, something occurs to her.
"You didn't order anything?" she asks Fluttershy.
"No, I'm fine," Fluttershy says.
Twilight just looks at her, not sure why the yellow pegasus stood in line all that time. She finishes the cake, just in time to have her mouth full when Applejack forces her cousins out from behind the stand.
"You both done fine work. No need to keep you cooped up here all night," she yells at them, then turns to Twilight. "You might not remember Apple Fritter, you two met back when you first moved here. But you sure as hay should remember Braeburn."
Applejack's cousins greet them loudly, bowing a little. Fluttershy mutters something back and Twilight struggles to choke down her food as quickly as possible, nodding at them.
"And these two are Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy. They're good friends of the family. Now go have fun already!" Applejack says, returning to her duties selling food.
"Well ain't you just the cutest little filly ever!" The mare steps up to Fluttershy. "How do you get your mane like that?"
Fluttershy blushes and mutters something Twilight can't hear, leading them away from the cart, out into the festival. Twilight falls in behind them, Braeburn at her side.
"Well howdy there, filly. Been a long while since we last met," Braeburn says to her. At the sound of his voice something clicks in her head.
"Hey! I remember you! You're from –"
"Aaaaaaaaaaappleloosa!" he says loudly. This draws some stares from ponies nearby.
"Yes, that. What brings you to town?"
"Just here for a few days to see my cousin's spring planting techniques. Figured I could lend a hand, too, seein' as Mac's down and out."
"I hope he's alright."
"Aw, he's fine, just a stomach bug or two. Big guy'll shrug it right off. So what do you do here in Ponyville?"
"Me? I'm just the librarian."
"Is that right? You must be a different Twilight Sparkle then what I'm thinkin', cause the way AJ tells it she's more'n a little famous. And way more than just a librarian."
"Haha no – I mean, yes, that is me," Twilight says. "Wait, Applejack talks about me?"
"In every letter!"
"Huh." Twilight chews on that one. Why shouldn't Applejack talk about her? Twilight is constantly reporting the details of all her friends' lives to the Princess, after all.
"Anyway, can't thank you and your friends enough for helpin' us sort out that mess with the buffalo," Braeburn says.
"It was nothing. How's everything going out there?"
"Just swell. Orchards growin', new crops startin' all the time, more ponies moving in. Why we just might start a new settlement even further west. Course, then Appleloosa won't be the farthest western border of Equestria."
"You're going to move even farther out?" she says. Twilight remembers the train ride to Appleloosa taking almost a day, and she can't fathom why anyone would want to be farther from the heart of Equestria.
"Well, not me personally. I'd kinda like to. Striking new ground, being on the frontier, it's excitin' stuff. But I can't just pull up stakes and move again," he says, bowing his head a little as they walk.
"What's further west than Appleloosa?" Twilight asks.
"Don't rightly know. But we sure as hay are gonna find out."
Twilight thinks back to an atlas she read a few months ago. There wasn't much about the lands outside Equestria. She realizes with just a bit of horror how little she can recall on the subject, and fights the urge to excuse herself and rush home for some studying.
"Course, it'll be other ponies doing the finding out. Like I was sayin', I got a stake in Appleloosa. I love the place, and it wouldn't do to just pick up and move all over again. But I gotta say, I'm a little sore about missin' all the excitement. Explorin', mappin', meetin' new animals," Braeburn continues.
"I never thought about it like that. All kinds of stuff we don't know, just out there," Twilight says, her imagination suddenly soaring, begging her to go read a few books to fuel it.
"Exactly. Hey, a proper hoedown!" Braeburn rears a little and kicks his forelegs in excitement. They've come nearer to the band, and ponies are dancing in the grass in front of Ponyville's town hall. Twilight winces, her flights of fancy disappearing. She tries to make eye contact with Fluttershy, but her friend is, against all odds, deeply involved in conversation with Apple Fritter.
"Think the most famous unicorn in Ponyville would honor little ole' me with a dance?" Braeburn says.
"Well, I don't know if – wait, you mean me, don't you?" Twilight panics just a little.
"Yes, you, come on!" He stomps a little to the music, grinning.
Twilight is about to protest, but nothing comes to mind. Why shouldn't she dance? She does it all the time with her friends. It's a normal, fun thing ponies do, and she's trying to learn about normal things ponies do, after all...
"Ain't no need to be so nervous. It's just dancin'. It's fun!" he says, smiling at her.
"Nervous? Who said I was nervous?" Twilight says, laughing a little nervously.
"Well yer just standin' there hemmin' and hawin'. You're either scared or you don't much like my looks," he says, grinning.
"Well I'm not nervous," she says.
"Then I guess you just aren't into dashing young stallions," he says, still grinning.
"Oh, I love them. I wish one would ask me to dance," she says with a smiling eye roll.
"Ha! Sure you wouldn't be too scared to accept?"
She tries to fake a glare at him but can't hold it; she's smiling too much.
Scared, he says. I'll show him!
She is a little nervous, of course, but this is a golden opportunity.
"I'm more into modest guys," she says, extending a foreleg out to him. "But I guess you'll do."
He flashes her a quite dashing smile, like he expected this all along. He takes her hoof, and leads her out into the chaos of the dance floor.
Before long, they're surrounded. Everywhere she looks, it's faces of ponies, some she knows from around town, and some she doesn't recognize. All of them are happy, flailing and jumping and stepping to the beat. Braeburn is hopping around, stomping his hooves in some kind of square dance pattern, his hat bouncing on his head, not a care in the world.
Twilight sways back and forth, shuffling her hooves a little, the timeless dance of the overly self-conscious. She glances around her, surprised to see nopony looking at her. Every last one of them is lost in their own dancing, with their partner or their friends or even just alone, eyes closed and heart soaring.
Except Braeburn. He's looking right at her, grinning so widely he rivals Pinkie Pie.
"C'mon Twilight! Live it up! This ain't a mild west dance! Yeeeeehaw!" he yells, jumping around.
Twilight smiles, and her hooves start moving more rapidly all on their own. She starts shaking her head from side to side, and before long her rump is doing the same.
"Aw yeah, that's more like it!" Braeburn says, grabbing his hat and flapping it around in the air.
Twilight dances. She tries to think about this – she'd often wondered before how it was so easy when it was just her with friends, but so difficult in public. She starts to analyze it in her head, to puzzle it out, but then it just... goes. It goes away, the constant monologue in her head dies down, and suddenly she's just dancing.
Her heart pounds, and the only thing in her mind is the anticipation of the next beat. She hops and steps and hops and steps, smiling the whole time, her mane and tail darting back and forth. She's hemmed in on all sides by dancing ponies, and she hardly notices. Braeburn is stomping his hooves in front of her, his mane tossing with each stomp. It's orange, like Applejack, with lighter highlights, and the hair looks thick and rough. Twilight wonders if it actually feels rough or just looks that way.
The music picks up and ponies all around her are cheering, howling, screaming in glee. Twilight feels a rough bump on her flank and turns to see Rainbow Dash darting around, jumping and spinning, using her wings to add a whole new dimension to dancing. Rainbow Dash comes up to her again and hugs Twilight. She yells something that Twilight can't hear at all. She's so happy. She starts to dance next to Twilight, then recognizes Braeburn. They both have a moment of pure joy and she hugs him too, almost knocking him over, before spinning off into the crowd.
Pinkie Pie bounces past in Rainbow's wake, sees them, and re-enacts Dash's performance almost exactly.
"Wheeeeeee!" she yells, jumping away, hugging random ponies.
"Come on!" Braeburn nods towards Pinkie Pie and takes off galloping, following her. Twilight freezes, but only for a moment, too afraid of dancing alone to think it through. She runs after him.
She immediately bumps into someone. She yells "Sorry!" as she runs by, dodging a pony shaking his legs in the air. Braeburn is ahead of her, and she's just keeping up. She can barely make out Pinkie and Rainbow Dash ahead of him, tearing a path through the dance.
They run through the crowd together, weaving and dodging and tripping over everyone else there. Groups of friends are bunched together in little dancing circles, and Braeburn plows straight through every one. Twilight's heart is pounding, she feels herself sweating all over as they run after her friends.
"Excuse us!" she yells, almost knocking a mare over.
"Sorry!" she yells, not looking back, smiling.
"Woooooooo!" Braeburn yells, jumping over a stallion that ducked at his approach.
Finally he stops, right in front of the steps of town hall. The band is in front of them, ponies drumming and wailing and fiddling their hearts out. Pinkie and Dash are dancing together, and they cheer when they see Twilight and Braeburn.
Twilight stares at the band in disbelief. They're right there. She could reach up and touch one of the guitarists. She's never done anything like this before. The music is deafening, she can feel the speakers vibrating her whole body, sound waves pulsing through her. Pinkie Pie crashes into her, hugging her again. She screams something right into Twilight's ear and Twilight has no idea what it is. Pinkie quickly lets go and goes back to dancing, pumping her hooves in the air and whooping.
Twilight feels like her chest is filled with helium, like she's just going to float up into the clouds with all the pegasus ponies. Her mouth aches from smiling so much. She keeps dancing, her eyes watering enough to make tears when she blinks. Braeburn moves closer to her, grabbing her arms with his, and they spin around each other on their hind legs, laughing and smiling and jumping.
• • •
"So they don't sing at all?" Twilight asks, sipping a cup of water.
"Not even a peep. We used to call 'em mute birds, but then the fillies and colts started calling them dancing birds, and that stuck," Braeburn says.
"Huh. You know, The Audobarn Society's Guide To Equestrian Birds doesn't say anything about that. There's a just a picture and a sentence or two about plumage."
"Naw, Sand Shrikes are the dancin-est little birds you'll ever see. They do it every spring, just going' nuts all over the town. Course, when they aren't busy stickin' scorpions on cactus spines, that is."
"Eww," Twilight says.
They're sitting in the grass on the edge of what was the dance floor – the band is packing up, and ponies are drifting off in small groups, the noise slowly dying down. Twilight's not sure when Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie left or where they went. Her limbs ache, and she can smell sweat from herself and dozens of others soaked into her dress.
"Wait, really? They impale scorpions?" she asks.
"Mmm-hmm. That's how they eat 'em."
Twilight pictures this for a moment. "That's a fascinating adaptation," she says.
"A fasci-what now?" Braeburn says.
Twilight is about to change the subject when Rarity walks up to them, Fluttershy in tow.
"Twilight! And Braeburn! So good to see you again. Together," Rarity says, shooting Twilight a saucy smile.
"Well, howdy! More of my cousin's friends. Rarity, right?" Braeburn bows a little at each mare, doffing his hat. Fluttershy and Rarity curtsy back at him.
"I'm terribly sorry to interrupt," another look at Twilight, "but Applejack asked me to keep a lookout for you, Braeburn. She said she wanted you to help pack up her cart."
"Oh, shoot! Lost track of time. I better get over there." He gets up, turning to Twilight. "Sorry I gotta run off on you like this. Thanks for showin' me such a good time."
"It's okay." She pauses, looking him right in the eye, smiling. "I had fun, too."
"I'm glad," he says. Neither of them moves, each just looking at the other.
Rarity clears her throat loudly.
"Right, the cart. Y'all have a good night!" he says, trotting away. Twilight stands up, brushing grass off her dress with magic. Rarity is just staring at her, grinning.
"What?" Twilight asks.
"Did you have a good time with Braeburn?" Rarity asks.
"...We saw you dancing. You looked very... happy," Fluttershy says.
Twilight looks back and forth between them. Rarity is grinning at her, Fluttershy is trying not to grin.
"What? We were dancing. Just dancing. Fun! Normal, regular party fun," Twilight says.
"Is he... attached?" Rarity asks.
"Attached? To wha– oh. Ohhhhhhhh." Twilight fidgets with her hooves. "I didn't ask."
Rarity sighs. "Ah, Twilight, you have so much to learn. Lucky for you that I'm around," she says, levitating a comb from some fold of her dress. She walks up to Twilight and begins brushing her mane. Twilight is about to ask why, but she realizes that her hair was probably a mess from all the dancing. Instead, she just sighs.
"I'm seeing Applejack tomorrow. I could ask her about it then," Fluttershy offers.
"Perfect! Who would've thought? Fluttershy, a good wingmare!" Rarity says.
"No, that's okay. I mean, he's Applejack's family. Wouldn't that be kind of, I don't know, weird?" Twilight asks.
"It might be. It might not be. We'll find out when Fluttershy asks," Rarity says.
"Why don't I just talk to Applejack about it?" Twilight says.
"Oh, no!" Fluttershy and Rarity say in unison.
"That's so... brave," Fluttershy says.
"Perhaps not the best choice of words. But indeed, far too direct," Rarity says.
"Never mind. Fluttershy, you don't have to ask. Really, it's fine. We were just dancing," Twilight says.
Both her friends cock an eyebrow at her.
"Really! Just forget it, he lives in Appleloosa and he's Applejack's cousin and I don't have those kinds of feelings for him anyway," Twilight says.
"...oh," Fluttershy says.
"If you say so," Rarity says, in her most disingenuous tone possible. "I suppose it's for the best, actually, since you'll be busy tomorrow night."
"I will?" Twilight asks.
"Of course! We'll be going on our first double date!"
Twilight splutters, making some noises that sound almost like words.
"Oh relax, it's just a fun, casual thing. The most handsome pony approached me earlier and asked if I was available tomorrow, and I set the whole thing up right there. And don't worry – his friend sounds quite dashing as well. A real stallion for you, Twilight."
"Do you know them?" Twilight asks.
"Well, no, but we'll get to know them tomorrow, that's the whole point. There! Fabulous again!" Rarity puts her comb away, marveling at her work.
"I hope you two have fun on your... date," Fluttershy says, struggling with the last word.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, dear, I should have asked if he could bring another friend for you," Rarity says.
"Oh, no! No, that's okay. I'm fine," Fluttershy says.
Twilight almost asks Fluttershy if she's ever dated anyone, but holds back. It's late, and she needs to get home to check on Spike. She makes a mental note to corner the shy pegasus some other time.
"But, um... Rarity?" Fluttershy says.
"Yes?"
"Can I stay at the Boutique tonight? It's a long walk home for me, and it's so dark..."
"Of course, dear. I'm missing my beauty sleep as well." Rarity stifles a dainty yawn. "I suppose this is goodnight, Twilight. Make sure you come by nice and early tomorrow so we can get ready!"
They quickly say their goodbyes and Twilight watches her two friends walk off. She can see them entering Rarity's boutique. But there's only one bed! Whatever shall we do? Fluttershy nuzzles Rarity suddenly. Oh Rarity, she says, breathing heavily, it's fine. I'd love to share a bed with you. Well why didn't you just say so, darling? And then they're kissing, hesitantly, Fluttershy blushing, Rarity tenderly stroking her friend's hair, and then they're in bed rolling around together and...
Twilight shakes her head, and it's just her standing alone at a fading party. She can still see Rarity and Fluttershy walking away together, chatting about something. She looks up at the moon, wondering if Luna knows just what Twilight sees in her head sometimes, wondering if the Princess would want to know. Twilight shakes her head again, smiling as she turns and trots home to the library.
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 4 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:42:08+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:42:08+00:00
| 23,325 |
"Twilight. Darling. You know I love you, but you must. Stop. Flinching."
Twilight tenses up every muscle in her neck, willing her head to hold still.
"No – no! You've just made it worse. Relax your eyes," she hears Rarity say.
"My what?"
"Your eyes, Twilight! You've got them all... scrunched close. How am I supposed to – there, that's much better! Almost finished."
Twilight frowns, stretching her eyelids as far as she can without actually opening them. She feels the light strokes of a brush across the thin skin of her left eyelid, leaving a cold trail of something. Eye makeup. Whatever it's called.
Eye shadow? It's eye shadow, isn't it?
She doesn't usually wear makeup.
She sits with her eyes closed, stuck in the awkward thoughtlessness of being worked on by somepony else. She's gotten used to receiving makeovers from Rarity by now. For the most part. But this one has been dragging on far longer than usual.
"So... what kind of stallions are you going out with?"
Twilight feels her ear turn towards Fluttershy, making up for her blindness.
"That's a good question, actually," Twilight says. "You haven't told me anything about these guys."
"Well, I don't honestly know much about them. I only met the one. And I only met him just last night. They're both new in town, I know that much," Rarity says. "Besides, what kind of question is that? What kind are they? They're stallions, for goodness' sake. Big, handsome, stallions."
"You don't even know what they do?" Twilight starts to cock an eyebrow.
"Ah! No moving!"
Twilight feels Rarity's hooves yank her head back into place. She can't help an apology creeping onto her face.
"Sorry," Rarity says. "I'm almost done, I swear. You look just amazing, Twilight."
"Mmmm," Fluttershy says from behind them, nodding with her voice.
Twilight sits in silence, letting the seconds creep by. She can feel Rarity breathing just inches from her. She starts to wonder what kind of face Rarity is making – whether it's that cute little frown she gets when she's concentrating, or if it's already turned into that triumphant smirk that comes out when her newest masterpiece is nearing completion.
"So what kind are they?" Fluttershy asks. Twilight hears her pausing, probably drinking from the juice box she'd brought with her for some reason. "What type of pony, I mean."
"Oh!" Rarity says. "How silly of me. My date is an earth pony, but I'm not sure about Twilight's. I assume he is one as well."
"Oh." Twilight can hear Fluttershy's slight blush. "You're going to go on a date with... earth ponies?"
"Well why not? Don't tell me you'll only ever date a pegasus," Rarity says.
"No!" Fluttershy says very urgently. Twilight raises her eyebrows but immediately flinches them back in place. Then she realizes Rarity has paused.
She probably just gave Fluttershy the exact same look.
"I mean..." Fluttershy backpedals frantically. "I mean, I don't know. Most pegasus stallions I meet are really... um..."
"Loud?" Rarity says.
"A little," Fluttershy says.
"Boastful to the point of arrogance?"
"Maybe."
"Overly competitive?"
"Mmm..."
Twilight grimaces, eliciting some annoyed tut-tutting from Rarity.
"You two are talking about pegasus ponies in general, right?" Twilight asks. "Not just Rainbow Dash?"
Fluttershy snorts loudly, almost drowning out Rarity's giggle.
"Yes, well," Rarity says. "She is sort of the quintessential pegasus, is she not?"
"That's not very nice," Twilight says. "Are you saying Fluttershy is... I don't know, not a good pegasus?"
"Please, Twilight. Nothing of the sort. Just generalizing a bit."
"It sounds more like stereotyping."
"I was saying that Fluttershy is a wonderful pony, and all the more so for breaking the mold."
A moment of silence follows. Again, Twilight can hear Fluttershy's blush.
"Besides, you can't deny that there are differences," Rarity says.
"But it's not nice to assume too much just on type. Especially personality-wise. Right?"
"Oh, of course not. You know I know that, Twilight. After all, it's not as if unicorns are all snooty, stuck-up, class-obsessed prima donnas who abhor dirt and physical labor. How silly is that?" Rarity says.
"Uhhh..." Twilight and Fluttershy say in unison.
"There! Finished! Open your eyes!" Rarity says with undisguised excitement.
Twilight does. And then opens them wider, shocked at what she's seeing in the mirror.
"Wow!" she gasps out. "I look... good."
Rarity giggles quite smugly. "Indeed you do." She leans in close to Twilight's shoulder, making eye contact through the mirror. "Some of my best work, if I may say so."
Twilight mutters something affirmative. She's a little lost, just staring at herself. It's strange – she doesn't really look different. It's still her, same mane style, same face, same eyes, but... better, somehow.
"I look really good," Twilight says, far too astonished to be mistaken for bragging. She turns to Rarity, just on the edge of hugging her. "I don't know how you do it."
"Yes, well... don't thank me. There's only so much that gilding a lily can do," Rarity says.
"Huh?"
But Rarity darts away and busies herself preparing to make up her own face. Twilight shrugs it off and goes back to being amazed at how good she looks.
I'm definitely getting Rarity to help me out before my first Luna date.
Twilight sighs, watching a much-prettier-than-usual version of herself in the mirror. She never once in her life really felt beautiful, before she met Rarity. She turns and watches the elegant white unicorn daintily going through her own makeup routine, and idly wonders why Rarity even bothers.
If anypony didn't need it...
She smiles quietly. Then she frowns when she remembers the conversation they were having.
"Wait... so what do they do?" she asks.
"Hmmm?" Rarity doesn't even look over.
"Our dates?"
"Oh! Oh yes, of course." Rarity blinks a few times. "Something about farm work, naturally. Contracting or some such. It sounded a little dull. I wasn't listening too closely to that part."
"Farming, huh?" Twilight says. "Both earth ponies, then."
"Now who's generalizing?"
Twilight gives her a look, and Rarity returns fire with a sidelong clever smile.
"I thought you only liked unicorns?" Fluttershy pipes up from behind them.
"Did I say something wrong? Why are all my friends making me out to be some sort of racist?" Rarity rolls her eyes, somehow still expertly applying her own eye shadow.
"No... no, I'm sorry. It's just that you always used to talk about –" Fluttershy starts to say.
"There's nothing wrong with mixing it up a little," Rarity cuts her off. "Lots of ponies do it. It's becoming quite fashionable, really. Besides – you know what they say about earth ponies."
Rarity makes a sneaky smile and bounces her eyebrows at Twilight, just once. Fluttershy recoils into her bangs and furiously sucks at her juice box.
"I do?" Twilight cocks an eyebrow.
"Although I must admit, I do have a certain affinity towards the idea of a unicorn mate. Not just for aesthetics, mind you. There's a certain..."
Rarity stops gluing fake eyelashes on. She stares off into space quite thoughtfully for a moment, then turns to Twilight. Twilight stares down as Rarity rests a hoof tenderly on her shoulder, then looks up and freezes in beautiful, blue headlights.
"There's just a certain something. Between us unicorns. Some things other ponies wouldn't understand."
Twilight holds her breath, hearing her heart picking up in her ears. She's caught in Rarity's gaze, unable to look away.
Thankfully, Rarity does it for her. Twilight lets her breath out and follows Rarity's eyes. Fluttershy is pouting a little on her seat, looking away.
"Oh, Fluttershy!" Rarity overdramatically leaves her makeup and settles down, hugging and cuddling against the yellow pegasus. "Don't worry about that latecomer. You'll always be my number one mare."
Fluttershy nestles into Rarity's arms with a smile, contentedly sipping her juice. Twilight just watches them with a dopey smile of her own, her heart thoroughly warmed. It's something else she's been learning lately – how strong a friendship can get over time.
And those two have been friends for...
She doesn't even know, really. Years?
How much longer until I graduate to cuddling like that?
She stares as Rarity and Fluttershy share a quite tender nuzzle, suddenly very aware of the feeling of make up on her face. For some reason she can't even begin to untangle, she tears her eyes away.
"Sorry, Twilight," Rarity says. "Spa and tea party sisterhood. It is quite sacred."
"I know." Twilight rolls her eyes, still smiling.
"I think she's at least an honorary member by now," Fluttershy whispers.
"Of course she is!" Rarity pats a hoof on the nest of cushions, beckoning Twilight over.
Twilight gets up and joins them, feeling just a little cheesy, but happy to be included. She sinks into the plush cushions next to Rarity, not quite joining their snuggle fest.
"Fluttershy, when did you move to Ponyville?" she asks.
"Hmm?" Fluttershy looks over with a loud slurp at her straw. "Just a few years before you."
"And we've been the best of friends ever since she did." Rarity nuzzles her one last time. Then she puts on a look of grave concern. "I'm so sorry again that I didn't find a date for you tonight as well."
"Oh, no..." Fluttershy cringes obviously, crushing her empty box in her hooves. "No, that's okay."
"So rude and selfish of me. Setting myself and Twilight up with two dashing earth pony stallions, and leaving you out in the cold."
"Dashing?" Twilight cuts in. "I don't even know if they are. This is so strange – it's my first date, and it's a blind date. It's so..."
"Exciting, isn't it?" Rarity nudges Twilight with a hoof. "Like unwrapping a present. Who knows what manner of handsome hunk you'll be presented with?"
Twilight looks down at the cushion, feeling a familiar wave of nervous awkwardness wash over her.
What if he's not handsome? What if he is? Does it even really matter?
She tries to picture her date, or at least what she hopes her date will be. Nothing really comes. She can see herself and Rarity out for dinner, chatting and laughing and having a great time.
But it won't be like that... we'll be busy getting to know someone new. Right?
Maybe he'll be nice. Maybe he'll be interesting.
Too scared to accept?
She smiles and remembers a pair of green eyes. Just like Applejack's.
"...and mine has the most darling little stripe of white running down his snout. A real natural set of colors. His family must be from Trottingham."
"Huh?" Twilight realizes that Rarity has been droning on.
"Of course I didn't see yours, but he's most likely similar. I must say, there's something quite appealing about the more rustic colors one finds with earth ponies sometimes. Subtle... subdued. Understated. It really accents their earthy charm."
Rarity giggles smugly while lightly elbowing Fluttershy. Twilight just raises an eyebrow while Fluttershy does her best to not react at all.
"Oh, will you listen to me go on? I really am becoming my mother. Ugh," Rarity says to Twilight, making a show of shuddering. She turns back to Fluttershy. "Speaking of big, handsome earth ponies... did you stop by Sweet Apple Acres today?"
Fluttershy's eyes pop open wide. "Um... yes," she says.
"Wonderful! Tell me everything. Did you see him?" Rarity scoots closer to Fluttershy somehow.
Twilight rolls her eyes, despite what she was thinking a moment ago.
"No... I just talked to Applejack," Fluttershy mutters, hanging her head low. "He was sleeping."
"Sleeping?" Twilight says. "In the middle of the day? I figured he would be out working with Applejack."
Both her friends turn to her with blank faces.
"Working? Darling, I thought you knew that he's been... Ah!" Rarity jumps in place.
"He was napping!" Fluttershy blurts out, nodding and grinning unnaturally. "Because... he was working so hard! I mean Braeburn." Fluttershy narrows her eyes at Rarity.
"Oh?" Rarity blinks a few times. "Oh! Oh yes, yes indeed. Braeburn." She looks back and forth a few times. "Oh! Braeburn! Your other hot prospect." She bounces her eyebrows at Twilight.
Twilight forgets her confusion long enough to heave a long, eye-rolling sigh.
"Uh... did you speak with Braeburn? When he woke up, that is," Rarity asks Fluttershy.
"A little bit. He's kind of loud. But he's nice," Fluttershy says.
"Did you ask Applejack if he's... available?" Rarity says while shooting Twilight a knowing look.
"Tell me you didn't," Twilight says.
"Um... I... didn't?" Fluttershy says with a big, fake smile.
"Good girl! And...?" Rarity practically squirms on her seat. Twilight just puts a hoof to her forehead and shakes her head.
"She thought I liked him. I told her I didn't, and she said she believed me, but she didn't believe me..."
"Ha! Oh – sorry, Fluttershy, that's just so silly of her, considering... um... something."
Twilight stares at them both, squinting a little.
What in the world...?
"But he is single. I think," Fluttershy says.
Twilight's thoughts derail completely, and she perks up more than she would've thought possible.
"Aha! I saw that!" Rarity crows in triumph.
She feels herself turn bright red as she tries to pretend that Rarity saw nothing.
"So you do like him. I thought so – it looked like you two were really hitting it off, as it were."
"No! No... come on. I mean, he's nice and all," Twilight says.
"He is nice. Quite the charming gentlecolt," Rarity says.
"You don't like earth ponies... like that?" Fluttershy asks.
"No! I... well... I don't know," Twilight says.
"Well what kind do you prefer?" Rarity asks, looking strangely concerned.
"Uhhh..."
Alicorns? Of the royal variety?
She gets a rather naughty smile and opens her mouth to say it, but stops short when she sees Fluttershy.
"Um... I've never really thought about it. It's more about the pony, isn't it? You know, who they really are? Inside?" she says instead.
"Oh, yes, naturally. That is what's really important, after all," Rarity says, looking a little uncomfortable. Fluttershy just nods a few times in approval.
"And Braeburn – he does seem nice. But I don't really know him," Twilight adds.
"Remember when he stayed with us in Appleloosa?" Fluttershy joins in. "That was nice of him."
"Yes, during that silly battle," Rarity scoffs. "What a bunch of brutish nonsense."
"Rainbow Dash said he was just being a big chicken," Twilight remembers.
"Well of course she said that." Rarity glares. "Applejack had to practically tie her down to keep her from running off. What was it Applejack said about him?"
"She said he's like me. Wouldn't hurt a fly," Fluttershy says.
"Yeah..." Twilight trails off, slowly recalling the whole thing.
Gentlecolt to the core. That's what she said – runs in the family.
The males, anyway. Applejack had been quick to point out that she had beaten up Braeburn and Big Mac, on several occasions. When they were all foals, of course.
"Huh," Twilight says.
"I think that speaks very highly of him, honestly," Rarity says with her snout in the air. "I should think you would understand, Twilight. With your skills you could have turned the tide of that whole thing. But you refrained."
Twilight nods very seriously. "Magic is never to be used for violence. Only in the most dire cases of self-defense would it ever be excusable," she recites.
Twilight and Rarity nod in unison, at nothing in particular.
"...Or maybe he is just like me. A big chicken, I mean," Fluttershy says.
"Oh, stop that. That's mean. To both of you," Rarity says as she strokes a bit of Fluttershy's mane. "Besides, unless our good friend here is planning on traveling to Appleloosa anytime soon, this is all a moot point. We have some other males that we shall dazzle with our beauty and poise!"
Rarity hops up from the cushions and goes back to her makeup with a flourish, humming tunelessly.
Huh... beauty and poise.
Twilight feels eyes on her and turns to see Fluttershy giving her a weird look. She turns back and realizes that she had been staring at Rarity, letting her eyes linger while the white unicorn delicately applied eyeliner.
I... wait... huh?
Again, her eyes kind of linger on their own – Rarity is levitating a small mirror close to her face, concentrating on the detail work, and Twilight unconsciously strains to catch a better glimpse of her eyes in the reflection. There's something fascinating about the...
Rarity meets her stare in the mirror. Twilight freezes again and almost gulps loudly. Rarity puts the mirror down and turns around.
"I hope I'm not... oh, this is silly." Rarity hems and haws, chewing her lip and glancing away. "You must be so nervous. I'm sorry, I'm just so excited about tonight. You do want to go out with me, don't you Twilight?"
"Huh?" Twilight jolts, right on the edge of breaking out into cold sweat.
"Tonight. With our dates. I don't want to pressure you into anything, I just..."
"No! I mean, yes! Yes, this is a good idea! I'm excited," Twilight nods furiously.
"Good! Good, I just want you to have fun tonight." Rarity goes right back to her mirror.
Twilight quietly lets out a breath. Again, she feels someone's stare and turns to see Fluttershy, this time cocking an eyebrow at her. Fluttershy raises her juice box, not looking away, and goes to sip at the straw.
"Hmm? Oh." The box is empty. Fluttershy deflates a little.
Twilight stares down at her hooves, feeling a weird mix of feelings she can't put a hoof on.
What is going on with me?
"Maybe I am a little nervous," she says out loud.
"I'm nervous and I'm not even going," Fluttershy says.
"That's perfectly natural – for Twilight, anyway," Rarity says, not looking over from powdering her snout. "But darling, I'll be there with you. You have nothing to worry about. We're going to have a lovely time!"
Twilight smiles a little, feeling some confidence well up out of nowhere.
"Maybe your date will be really nice," Fluttershy says.
Twilight smirks, snorting something just on the edge of a chuckle.
Maybe he'll be a tall, dark, moon goddess.
"Maybe he'll be well-read. Intelligent. Wouldn't that be interesting?" Rarity suggests.
"Yeah..." Twilight trails off.
Maybe he'll be...
She sees a dashing young stallion in a cowboy hat, lasso in his teeth. His open vest ruffles in the wind, back-lit by an adventurous desert moon.
...interesting?
She shakes her head, coming back to Rarity's Boutique. Fluttershy is still giving her a suspicious look, so she pretends to casually look at nothing and finds herself watching Rarity again.
Or maybe he'll just have poise.
• • •
It's dark out, again, and again Twilight is looking up at the moon. She almost wishes Luna had been watching her tonight – it would save Twilight the trouble of writing about it.
She walks with Rarity, slowly ambling down one of Ponyville's side streets. Neither of them has said a word since they ditched their dates. Twilight can still see the stunned looks on their smug faces as Rarity very pointedly bid them goodnight.
They are alone – most of the houses they pass don't even have any lights on. It was already late when they met the two stallions for dinner, and the meal stretched on and on.
They keep walking. Their hooves make soft thuds on the grass, and crickets chirp all around them. At long last, Rarity breaks their silence.
"I'm sorry," she says.
"It's not your fault. You didn't know," Twilight says, smiling.
"I didn't. He seemed perfectly normal last night, but this was just horrid. I feel awful, dragging you along for such a disaster."
Twilight laughs a little. "Rarity, it's fine. This is all about learning, right? Well I learned a lot tonight."
Rarity sighs. "Learned a lot about what can go wrong, perhaps. I swear I haven't met anyone so boorish since the Gala."
"This is a lot like the Gala. I mean, just because everything went wrong doesn't mean we didn't have some fun," Twilight says. Rarity just keeps walking, looking at her hooves. Twilight is trying to think of something else that might cheer her up, but Rarity speaks again before she can.
"It was funny when you started making up words and he pretended to know what they all meant," Rarity says, smiling weakly.
Twilight turns away, trying to hide her frown. She isn't exactly proud of having done that, but...
It was kind of funny.
She remembers being so mad at him. He had asked her what she did in town, and they talked about the library, and then he mentioned that new history of Canterlot that just came out...
SUCH a good read!
For just a few minutes, she had thought that maybe, just maybe, he was nice and interesting and she might like him. But it had quickly become obvious that he hadn't even read it.
Or any book, for that matter.
She wearily shakes her head at the memory of his awful attempts at posturing. Then she shakes her head more as she remembers the obnoxious bragging, the chauvinistic comments, the clumsy joke about her haircut...
Maybe Fluttershy was right about pegasus stallions – no, come on, don't think like that. He's just one jerk.
She snaps herself out of it and looks over. Rarity is still walking beside her, frowning. Probably going over her own memories of the evening. She looked so happy earlier, before. Practically glowing.
"It was amazing when your date finally realized you were making fun of him. That face he made was priceless," Twilight says, forcing a smile.
"It didn't stop him from making that... lewd proposition," Rarity says.
They both pause, looking at the stars as they walk.
"Yeah, they were pretty awful. I wouldn't have agreed to that even if I had liked them," Twilight says. "Is that normal? Do all stallions expect that on a first date? It seems too fast."
"It is much too fast, and not acceptable at all."
"Okay then. Good to know."
"It's not even too fast. Most ponies would never agree to that kind of group activity."
"Oh," Twilight says, looking away.
"I mean, can you imagine? Us, making love to those dolts, all in the same room? In the same bed?"
"Yeah, that would be, uhhh... bad. With them," Twilight says, forcing images out of her head.
Rarity says nothing. She's back to watching her own hooves, almost dragging them on the wet grass. She looks completely miserable.
"You look really good tonight. Your hair is very pretty. You should wear it like that more often," Twilight says. Rarity is wearing her hair up for once, pulled back on top of her head in a pile of loose coils.
"Thank you, dear," Rarity says. "I'm just so, so sorry. I know you haven't dated before, and I wanted this to be special for you. For us. I feel like I've gone and put you off the whole idea."
"Don't be silly. I've got Luna to look forward to, after all," Twilight says. A slow smile spreads across her face, her head filled with long, imaginary nights spent talking with an all-knowing goddess.
Rarity slowly smiles as well, her posture recovering. "I so envy you, you know. I used to be so sure I had my dream stallion figured out. And then the Gala happened and... well it happened, anyway," Rarity says, sinking back into a frown.
Twilight's chest aches a little at the sight of it, far eclipsing how disappointed she was by their dates. Sure, they were rude idiots, but she'll never see them again. But for some reason, Rarity looks heart-broken.
"That was a while ago. You're still upset about it?" Twilight asks.
"Not really," Rarity sighs. "I just feel like I don't know where I am any more. I was starting to give up hope that I would ever find my one-in-a-million, true love gentlecolt. But then you came along with your new mission and I felt it again. All those hopes I had pinned on that stupid Prince. I just know there's someone out there, somewhere, who can live up to them."
"Well, I envy you, too. I'm so lost unless I'm thinking about Luna. I couldn't even tell you if I like mares or stallions. But you're so sure of what you want."
"Hmm... I suppose so, in a general sense. I'm not so sure of the details these days," Rarity says. They stop walking. Carousel Boutique looms in front of them, almost glittering in the starlight.
"Well, this is me. I feel awful just calling it a night, after such a disappointing dinner," Rarity says.
Suddenly it feels like the night was very short. Twilight tries to think of a polite way to invite herself in. She stares at Rarity's expertly styled mane, the elegant curls layered on each other perfectly, a few delicate tendrils hanging down around her friend's face. It's a beautiful frame for a sad, lonely painting – her friend heaves a resigned sigh, still staring at the grass.
Poor Rarity...
"Are you going right to bed?" Twilight says. "I'm not really tired."
"I suppose I am rather 'up' myself. Do you want to come in? I still have these chocolates the rude one gave me. We could at least make a night out of those," Rarity says, levitating the ribbon-wrapped box from out of her purse.
"That sounds nice," Twilight says.
Rarity unlocks the door of her boutique and leads Twilight through the lower floor. Twilight glances around at the dark store, not recognizing anything. Moonlight pours in through the large windows and makes strange shadows across and around the dress forms, unnerving her a little. She's relieved when they finally make their way upstairs and into Rarity's private room.
Rarity uses her magic to quickly light a few candles, and gestures towards her extravagant canopy bed.
"Just make yourself comfortable. I'll be a moment."
Twilight flops down on the bed, sighing. It's plush and soft, and she sinks deep into the blankets. She turns to see Rarity taking off her outfit, her horn glowing, the laces on her back undoing themselves. She stares as the silky cloth slides off of her friend's body, then jerks her eyes back to the blanket, feeling embarrassed.
They usually don't wear anything at all. Why should she feel strange watching Rarity undress?
Suddenly her own saddle feels heavy and chafes at her back. She shucks it off, tossing it on the floor next to the bed. By the time Twilight is disrobed, Rarity is gracefully settling near her on the bed, wearing a fluffy pink bathrobe Twilight has seen before.
"Is that...?" Twilight starts to ask. Rarity is pouring them each a glass of dark red wine, and she levitates a glass over to Twilight.
"Just a simple little Marelot. One of my favorites. It's divine with chocolate," she says as she sets the box of chocolates between them.
Twilight grasps the glass with her magic and takes a small sip. It's sweet, with just a little bite of alcohol in the taste, and leaves a pleasant burning on her tongue.
"Mmmmm," she moans.
"Oh you must try them together. Trust me." Rarity smiles at her, biting into one of the chocolates and moaning a little herself.
Twilight floats a chocolate up to her mouth and bites into it, the taste mixing with the lingering burn of the wine. "Mmm!" she moans again. "Wow."
"Isn't it lovely? He may have been an oaf, but it seems he had a good eye for chocolate."
"Mmmmmhmm." Twilight is barely listening as she downs another wine-and-chocolate combo. But then something snaps her to attention.
"Mmmmm," Rarity moans loudly as she sips some wine, mixing it with chocolate in her mouth.
Twilight's ears twitch and burn. She freezes, still holding the glass up to her lips, sneaking a peek to the side as Rarity chews.
Rarity moans again, a little quieter. But it's still... something. Not dainty or theatrical, like Rarity usually sounds. It pools in Twilight's ears, running hot down her neck and between her shoulders.
That's probably what she sounds like when she's...
"My, that really is lovely," Rarity says.
"Heh, uh... yes. Yes it is," Twilight averts her eyes, trying to focus on her own glass.
They spend a few moments just enjoying dessert, contentedly chewing and sipping. The only sounds are the crinkle of chocolate wrappers and the occasional muffled moan. Twilight silently gives thanks for having food and drink to ward off awkward silence. Her mind is strangely blank, buzzing with some kind of tension.
Finally, Rarity refills her glass and turns to Twilight.
"Can I ask you something?" she says.
"Mmm?" Twilight says, her mouth full of chocolate.
"Why did you come to me first? For advice. About dating," Rarity says.
Twilight swallows and clears her throat. "I asked Rainbow Dash, too," she says.
Rarity pauses, considering this. Before she can say anything Twilight continues.
"But you're right, I was going to ask you before anyone else."
"Why? You think I'm... experienced, don't you?" Rarity says.
Twilight thinks for a moment. Was that really the reason?
Right? I mean, I didn't even really think of that until after.
But that's still why. Somehow.
Of course it was. Wasn't it? Why else would I go right to...?
She looks up and gets lost for just a second in the pale curve of Rarity's neck disappearing into her elegantly styled mane. Her eyes wander over, and she panics a little when she realizes Rarity is staring at her, still waiting for a response. Rarity raises her eyebrows.
"Well, you do seem to know more about romance than any of our other friends," Twilight says quickly, trying to fill the silence. "And you're the only one I've heard really talk about it before. I guess I did just assume. Is that bad? I didn't mean it in a bad way."
Rarity takes another drink, frowning. She doesn't seem to notice the slight blush Twilight can feel on her own cheeks.
"Everyone assumes that about me. Because of my looks, I suppose," Rarity says.
"I didn't mean to offend you," Twilight says.
"You didn't. I know you mean well, Twilight." Rarity drinks again, not quite frowning any more.
"Was I wrong? I never really asked about you."
"As a matter of fact, you were wrong. I've never dated much, and when I did it almost always went like tonight. And I can't tell you anything about making love because I've never done it."
Twilight snaps her head up from her wine glass. "Really?" she says. "I mean... really?" she asks again, much quieter.
"Really." Rarity gulps down more wine. "You keep looking up to me for advice, and I want so badly to help you. But all I know of love are my silly dreams and my silly romance books and too many dates with dumb colts more interested in my rump than anything else." Rarity glumly swirls what little wine is left in her glass.
"But isn't it normal to have done it... by our age? I thought I was strange."
"I suppose it is. But you know I won't ever settle for anything but the best. And I just haven't found the best yet." Rarity sighs, eyes downcast. Twilight is suddenly gripped with the desire to reach out and stroke her mane, touch her, feel her, comfort her somehow.
DO something!
Kiss her!
WHAT?
Twilight almost jolts in place. She's not entirely sure where that came from.
What am I...? Just say something! Make her feel better!
"You know, that's not actually why I came to you first," Twilight says.
"Oh?" Rarity perks up.
Twilight draws her hoof along the rim of her glass, choosing her words.
Because after Princess Luna, you're the most beautiful...
Do NOT say that.
Most refined? Approachable? Loveliest mare in Ponyville?
What is wrong with me?
I want to run my hooves through your hair while you run your tongue down my...
Twilight closes her eyes for a second, hard.
"I guess I just feel comfortable with you," she says. "Talking with you. I knew we could talk about this and it wouldn't feel awkward. You've always given me such good advice before, and... what you think is really important to me."
There. That sounded pretty good.
"Oh Twilight!" Rarity smiles at her, her eyes shining. She scoots over on the bed and nuzzles Twilight's neck. Her silky mane brushes against Twilight's snout, and Twilight takes in a sharp breath of surprise, inhaling the scent of some kind of fresh fruit. Probably just fancy, expensive shampoo.
"If you were a stallion, I'd kiss you! None of them ever seem to care about what I think," Rarity says. She's sitting right next to Twilight now, and Twilight can feel her fuzzy bathrobe rubbing against her body. Her heartbeat picks up a little. There's something exciting and terrifying about how close she is, the feel of Rarity's warm body against her.
"Heh... well if I was a stallion I'd take you on a nice date. And I wouldn't make any lewd proposals," Twilight says.
"That's a shame. There's a time and a place for everything." Rarity finishes her glass.
Twilight is amazed to find her mind racing, wondering when and where exactly one should make a lewd proposal.
"Thank you, Twilight. I must admit I was quite put out earlier. You've made me feel ever so much better," Rarity says, refilling her glass yet again. "I'll stop being so gloomy and serious now. We should be having fun! Like one of your slumber parties."
"Well it's just the two of us. This feels more like a date than a party. It's better than earlier, anyway," Twilight says.
"Ha! Well you know I treat my mares right," Rarity boasts, sipping more wine.
"But it can't be a date, because we would be... I don't know, kissing I guess. Heh heh. None of that at slumber parties with friends, right?" Twilight says, folding her ears back and blushing a little.
"Well I wouldn't be so sure of that," Rarity says matter-of-factly.
"Huh?" Twilight's ears perk back up, and her heart skips a beat.
"When I was a filly, I swear every sleepover would end up with my friends and I talking about colts and playing 'spin the bottle' and practicing kissing with each other. Frankly, I'm surprised it wasn't in your book."
"Oh." It was in the book, but at the time Twilight had been too embarrassed to do anything but skip over that chapter. She hadn't believed it to be true, in fact. Why would someone just kiss their own friends?
"So you – with other fillies?" she asks.
"Of course. Plenty of times. It's funny, looking back. I think I kissed my friends more than I've kissed anyone else."
"Well, that's... interesting," Twilight says.
"You never did? Oh, of course you didn't. It's just a silly thing fillies do with their friends sometimes. We all grow out of it."
"Oh," Twilight says. Her face feels hot, and then there are words coming out of her mouth, all on their own. "Because I thought maybe... I mean... since I never got to try."
She freezes again, completely astonished.
What? WHAT?
Rarity stares at her, half-listening, looking a little dazed. Then it hits her, and her eyes go wide.
"Haha, Twilight! How very forward of you!" Rarity smiles, downing the rest of her wine in one gulp.
"Sorry! Sorry, forget I said anything." Twilight turns away, right on the edge of panic.
"No no, this is a good idea," Rarity says, floating both their glasses to a nightstand.
"It is?" Twilight's heart just about stops.
"Of course it is. Just a little fun. I've done this dozens of times. And if it will help you, all the better. Now come here." Rarity shifts her weight, turning her body a few degrees so they face each other head on. Twilight tenses up, trying not to stare too intensely at her friend.
"Um – oh! Hey," Twilight says as Rarity puts her hooves on Twilight's shoulders. She glances away.
"I'll be the male first, and then you can try. There's really not much to it." Rarity scoots closer. Twilight can feel her friend's breath on her cheek, smell the sweet sting of wine. Their horns are almost touching.
"First you take your lover in your arms, like so. Then you look them right in the eye and hold that for a moment, that's critical. Twilight?"
Twilight turns her head, and their eyes meet. Rarity looks at her, into her, for what feels like forever. Her big blue eyes are so soft, lids half-closed, just staring. Twilight's heartbeat is roaring in her ears.
"Then you just..." Rarity closes her eyes and leans forward. Twilight's eyes shoot open wide as their lips touch. She quickly closes her eyes and opens her mouth just a little, feeling Rarity do the same. She shudders as Rarity's tongue lightly caresses the edge of her lips, barely poking into her mouth. Rarity's hooves caress her withers, holding her in the kiss.
Rarity breaks the kiss, and her forelegs slide away. Twilight opens her eyes, trying hard to keep from panting.
"There! A classic kiss. Simple, really." Rarity smiles at Twilight.
"Wow," Twilight whispers out. Her head is buzzing. Her horn tingles.
My first kiss!
With a not-moon-goddess, anyway. It was so different from Luna. Luna's kiss was overwhelming, otherworldly. It's hard to even remember what it really felt like. Dreamlike.
Kissing Rarity was the complete opposite. It felt hot, wet, real, flesh against flesh and saliva mingling. It was amazing.
"Twilight?" Rarity says.
"Huh?" Twilight shakes her head, coming back to her senses.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. Yes! I'm fine. I'm very fine. That was... that was really something."
"Yes, well, I do have that effect on ponies," Rarity says, giggling. "I believe it's your turn now."
"My turn?"
"To kiss me."
Twilight's ears droop as her eyes go wide. Her stomach suddenly goes weightless, floating around inside her chest.
Pull it together! This is fine. It's all fine. Just practice.
Right. Practice.
"Right... Right! Okay. So, I just..." Twilight scoots forward, placing her trembling hooves on Rarity's shoulders. One hoof darts higher on its own, caressing some of Rarity's mane. It feels smooth and soft, she just wants to bury her face in it.
"Stroking the mane! Very nice, Twilight," Rarity says.
Twilight blushes. She's holding Rarity now, their snouts almost touching. They stare into each other's eyes. Twilight freezes up, completely lost in the moment.
"Good, good. Now the kiss." Rarity closes her eyes and purses her lips.
Twilight tries to move her neck and finds herself stuck in place somehow. Her hooves tense around Rarity's shoulders, feeling the fine hairs of her white coat. Rarity waits, completely still. Twilight forces one of her hooves to move and it takes off, stroking at the back of Rarity's head, running through her friend's glorious purple mane.
Rarity pops one eye open.
"Is something wrong?" she says.
"No! No, nothing," Twilight says, neck still frozen. "I'm a little nervous, I guess."
"Darling, please. This is just you and me. You have nothing to worry about." Rarity resumes her kissing pose.
"Could you... do me a favor?" Twilight asks, wincing.
"Anything, Twilight," Rarity says, not opening her eyes.
"Wouldyoumindputtingyourhairdown?" Twilight says.
What? Are you crazy? She's going to figure out –
What, exactly? Figure out what?
This is PRACTICE. Just practice.
Rarity slowly opens her eyes, smiling. She looks right at Twilight, not moving her gaze at all as she magically floats the pins out of her hair. The coils of mane fall around her face in a mess, and she whips her head side to side. Her mane dances around her, some of the hair even whipping Twilight in the face. Twilight bites her lower lip to keep a squeal in. Rarity stops and bats her eyes at Twilight.
"Is that bet– mmmfff!"
Twilight lurches forward, hungrily pressing their lips together. She forces her tongue into Rarity's mouth, holding her arms tight around her friend's neck, squeezing closer.
"Mmmm?!" Rarity makes some alarmed noises. Her whole body tenses up.
Twilight ignores it, caressing Rarity's tongue with her own. She moves a hoof into Rarity's long locks of hair, stroking it as she presses their snouts together hard. She feels Rarity's muscles slowly relax, feels Rarity's tongue start to respond in kind. They hold the kiss for long seconds, massaging their tongues together.
Finally Twilight breaks the kiss and releases Rarity. They're both blushing and panting, looking down at their hooves.
"Well! Twilight. That was..."
"Sorry! Sorry, I just... got caught up. In the kissing."
"I should say so."
Twilight fumbles with her hooves, unsure of what to say.
"That was excellent. Especially for such a beginner," Rarity says.
"Oh?" Twilight dares to look her friend in the eye.
"Indeed. Very passionate. Although I must say it was a bit rough for me. I usually prefer mine to be more gentle."
"Oh."
They both sit in silence. Twilight stares at Rarity's mane, trying to resist just leaning over and smelling it.
"Well?" Rarity says.
"What?" Twilight winces again.
"You may try again. If you would like. For the practice," Rarity says, looking far too composed.
Twilight feels butterflies in her chest. She starts to move forward but halts.
Just practice just practice it's okay everything's okay.
Rarity flashes her a coy smile, her hair waving. Her eyes send shivers up Twilight's back and neck.
Do it do it she wants you to do it!
Twilight leans forward, nuzzling Rarity's neck, moaning a little as Rarity's dangling locks slide over her face. She wraps her arms around her friend's shoulders again, hugging her close. She breathes deep and feels strands of hair cling to her nose, taking in that same, sweet, fruity smell from before.
Twilight feels Rarity slide her arms up onto her back, one hoof stroking her mane, the other resting on her withers. She kisses Rarity's neck, relishing the feel of warm, supple skin under her soft coat.
"Ah!" Rarity gasps. Twilight feels her friend's chest shift with the sharp intake of breath.
Twilight kisses Rarity's neck again and again, moving up and down. Her face is surrounded by Rarity's soft, thick hair, and it's driving her crazy. She feels that pressure again, building in her whole body, concentrated between her legs. She moves up, planting a kiss on the base of Rarity's ear. Then, completely on impulse, she gently bites the ear, nibbling on the warm rubbery flesh.
"Oh, Twilight, that's lovely," Rarity moans. Twilight feels light kisses on her own neck. Rarity darts her tongue out with each kiss, leaving a trail of wet spots up Twilight's neck. Twilight shudders, feeling heat flushing all over her neck and forehead.
Suddenly Rarity takes Twilight's face in her hooves and pulls her up, face to face. They kiss immediately, each fighting to slide their tongue into the other's mouth, mashing them back and forth. They break away and freeze, staring at each other.
"That... was much... better," Rarity says between heavy breaths.
"It feels... so... good," Twilight says.
"It's been so long... since I've done anything like this," Rarity says.
They slide their arms off each other, just sitting again, catching their breath. Twilight notices now the growing wetness between her legs. She looks at Rarity. Her friend is pretty disheveled, hair a wavy but attractive mess, face flushed.
KISS HER MORE
WHAT is going on here? I can't, I... what about Luna?
She wants you to do this!
But I don't love... not like that!
But I want her. I WANT her. Right NOW.
Twilight pants even faster, lust coursing through every vein.
"Twilight, you look positively ravenous. You look... haha... you look like you're going to pounce on me at any second," Rarity says.
She feels a sudden burst of courage. That pressure is coiling up inside her, demanding, driving.
"Well, maybe I am. Is that – I mean, is that... do you...?" Twilight scoots forward, resting her hooves on Rarity's.
"Um..." Rarity looks away, biting her lip. "You know I'm not like... that."
Twilight's heart sinks. She starts to stammer, trying to think of something, anything, to change her friend's mind. Rarity raises her head and their eyes meet again – she freezes Twilight with a determined look.
"Usually," she says.
She grins and dives forward, and Twilight is lost again in warm, wet pleasure. Twilight rolls to her side, pulling Rarity with her, locking together belly to belly. They hold a long kiss. Twilight runs her hooves through Rarity's hair, pressing her body against her friend as hard as she can. The furry trim of Rarity's bathrobe tickles her skin. She can feel the heat of their loins mingling between them, increasing as Rarity squeezes harder against her, pulling at Twilight's hips with her hooves.
Rarity begins feverishly kissing up and down Twilight's neck, occasionally dipping down onto her shoulders and chest. Twilight moans and pushes her face into Rarity's mane, kissing the top of her head and the base of her horn, gently rocking her hips against her friend. Her hooves move around almost frantically, rubbing all over Rarity's back and neck, and without even thinking she starts sliding the bathrobe down Rarity's shoulders.
"Twilight... I... I..." Rarity cradles Twilight's face in her hooves, looking at her with watery eyes. She nuzzles Twilight's face with her own. Twilight feels her legs part as Rarity slides her own leg between them, rubbing their crotches together. She can feel wetness, not her own, running onto her leg, and she squeezes Rarity tightly with her arms and thighs, chewing on her ear.
They lie like that for what must only be minutes but feels like hours, eagerly pawing and kissing and grinding against each other. Twilight is tingling all over, slowly going mad, every moment of delicious friction winding that pressure between her legs tighter, until she just can't take it any more.
"Rarity!" she says, pulling her head back so they can look at each other.
"...Yes?" Rarity says, chest heaving.
"Would it be okay if I... looked at you?" Twilight says, gripping Rarity's bathrobe in her hooves. Rarity looks shocked for just a moment, but it slowly melts into a smoky gaze.
"You wish to gaze upon my... most private beauty?"
Twilight forces herself not to roll her eyes. "I've never seen anyone else's," she says.
Rarity leaves their embrace and sits up, magicking her bathrobe off and tossing it onto the floor.
"Very well. But please be respectful. My body is a temple, Twilight."
She poses calmly, her nose up in the air, eyes closed, forelegs folded. She straightens her hind legs, lifting her rump. Then she raises her tail, swishing it invitingly over her haunches.
Twilight moves over and sits behind Rarity, staring directly at her exposed sex. Her eyes slowly slide over the bounty before her, taking in her friend's finely-toned flanks, her nether lips, shining with moisture, the pert little anus just under the tail base. Rarity swishes her tail again, brushing Twilight's snout.
"I trust you are impressed?" Rarity says, smiling at Twilight over her shoulder.
Twilight just mumbles some vague noises. She leans closer, nose almost touching Rarity's folds, and sniffs gingerly. The tangy smell of her friend's arousal overwhelms her and she shudders, mouth watering.
Kiss her kiss her KISS HER DO IT
She closes her eyes and gently presses her lips against her friend's most private place, sticking her tongue out a little.
"Twilight!" Rarity's whole body jumps and she slams her rump down, curling her tail around defensively.
"Sorry! I'm sorry!" Twilight yells. The taste was just like the smell – her body is screaming for more. "Too far?" she asks.
Rarity sighs, slowly lifting her haunches again. "...No. It felt amazing. You... you startled me," she says reluctantly.
Twilight stares again. The taste lingers on her tongue. Somewhere, in the back of her head, a small voice is trying very hard to observe the details, to note the pink inner folds starting to poke out, parting Rarity's opening just slightly.
Twilight barely hears it. Her head is buzzing with lust, and all she can think about is touching her, tasting her, making her moan.
She closes her eyes and plants a kiss on one of Rarity's haunches, relishing the twitch of the muscle and the small gasp her friend gives. She moves all over Rarity's rump, kissing the firm flesh, then runs her tongue up the inside of both thighs. Rarity's tail swishes back and forth, whipping Twilight's horn, and the feel of the silky hair over Twilight's hard point makes her hips shudder.
"That's much better," Rarity's voice floats to Twilight out of nowhere. Her whole world is the flesh in front of her. Twilight reaches her hoof down between her legs and moans as she starts rubbing herself off, just as she's been practicing.
She pushes her snout into Rarity's mound, running her tongue up and down over the lips. Rarity's wetness soaks into her nose, her mouth, her tongue.
"Mmmm." Twilight's moan is muffled, her mouth full. Her eyes squeeze shut, hard.
This is AMAZING. She's so...
Delicious? That can't be right – there's no word Twilight can think of for it.
"Ah! Oh! Twilight!" Rarity says. She lays her head down and flexes her hips up, giving Twilight better access. Twilight licks between Rarity's lips, pushing her tongue in just slightly, savoring the slick, velvety insides of her friend.
"Mmmm!" Twilight moans louder, pushing her hoof down on her own clit, rubbing the small nub in little circles. She's learned to love that sensation when alone, and adding the taste of Rarity to it is pushing her over the edge quickly. She starts panting, she knows she's close to climaxing. It's so easy to come by touching that spot. She's started to think of it is an instant pleasure button.
Of course!
She stops licking, eliciting a disappointed moan from Rarity. She examines Rarity's folds, looking down, where the slit ends. She pushes her snout in again and searches with her tongue, moving down, away from the hole, feeling for...
"AH! THERE! There! RIGHT there!" Rarity's whole body shakes and she pounds the bed with her hoof. Her usual affected accent is gone, she's almost screaming in a voice Twilight has only heard before when Rarity was angry.
Twilight tickles Rarity's nub with her tongue. The hard little piece of flesh feels almost like her own, maybe a little bigger. She rubs her tongue back and forth over it. Then she sucks at it, trying to take it into her lips.
"Ah! Aaaah! AAAAAAHHH!" Rarity screams, reaching a high pitch that rings in Twilight's ears.
Twilight's knees buckle as her hips spasm. She's right on the edge, twitching, shuddering, just barely holding her balance with her spare hoof. The other is furiously rubbing at her crotch.
She can't quite get her lips around Rarity's nub. Rarity's tight folds keep getting in the way, frustrating her. She wants to bring a hoof up, to part the lips and dive right in, but hers are occupied. She pushes on with her tongue, clumsily dragging it all over Rarity's most sensitive spot.
"Oh! Oh! Oh Twilight... Twilight, Twi..." Rarity gasps out, rocking her hips gently. Twilight feels herself edging closer, rising higher with every sound of pleasure Rarity makes, and the sound of her own name being moaned out is even better. She flicks her tongue furiously all over the lips protecting Rarity's clit when another bright idea comes to her.
She concentrates on her own horn, feeling the magic ebb to life. It's difficult to focus, her mind is fuzzy, drunk with her friend's scent and sounds. She stops licking for a moment and, with a telekinetic hand, parts the delicate lips in front of her.
Rarity is fully exposed now. Twilight can see every wet inch of her. She smiles and dives in again, running her tongue quickly up and down the exposed slit before taking the clitoris in her mouth, sucking greedily.
Rarity yells out some very un-ladylike things, her legs and hips shaking. Twilight presses hard on her own spot, her hoof dripping onto the bed.
"Hng – uh – wha – Aaaaaaaaahhh!" Rarity grunts nonsense and then cries out, a long, piercing scream that winds down into a squeal. Twilight feels the muscles of Rarity's sex spasm and clench. Something hot and thick squirts onto her snout.
"Augh!" Twilight grunts as she comes, her eyes rolling back into her head, everything forgotten but the waves of pleasure racking her entire body. They both collapse, gasping for breath.
Twilight lies there, panting, drenched in sweat. Her tail flicks around every now and then. She has no idea how much time passes, just lying there, mind completely blank, hot pleasure tingling in every cell of her body. It's very nearly the most intense thing she's ever felt. Distantly, it reminds her of when she lost control of her magic, many years ago.
Suddenly she feels hooves and arms wrapping around her from behind. Rarity is snuggling against her, nuzzling her neck, cooing softly.
"Hi." Twilight smiles lazily, turning her head towards Rarity.
"Ha ha, good eve– oh!" Rarity freezes as she sees Twilight's face. She smiles uneasily and levitates a towel from the side of the bed. She quickly wipes Twilight's snout off.
"My, how embarrassing!" she titters, tossing the towel to the same fate as her bathrobe.
"What was that?" Twilight asks.
"Nothing! Nothing at all." Rarity goes back to nuzzling her, sighing contentedly.
Twilight decides she's too tired to push for answers. She relaxes in Rarity's arms, finally catching her breath, her sweat cooling against her coat.
"That was simply marvelous. I would offer to... service you, but it looks like you've learned to take care of yourself," Rarity whispers in her ear.
"Well, I had excellent stimulation. Way better than those books," Twilight says. They both giggle.
"We don't have to... tell anyone about this? Just some fun. Between friends. Our little secret. Right?" Rarity says.
"Of course. If that's what makes you comfortable," Twilight says, dazed and floating.
"Not even Luna? I know how you are with those letters."
"But... that was my first time. Having sex. I feel like I should tell her."
"Haha... Twilight. That wasn't really sex. I mean, I suppose, in a manner of speaking, yes, it was technically sex. But we're just friends."
Twilight comes down hard and fast from floating in afterglow, trying to process what Rarity is saying.
"Not... sex? Rarity we just... I mean, I just... that was pretty sexy," she says.
"Yes, but like you said – just some fun between friends," Rarity says.
"I didn't say that, you said that."
"And you agreed."
Twilight ponders this for a moment.
Wait... what DID just happen?
Is this love? Do I love Rarity? No, I can't, I love...
Luna! Oh Princess what have I... wait, hold on...
This is exactly what she asked me to do!
Ha! Haha! I did it!
But it doesn't count if I can't tell her...
"Well?" Rarity says.
"Huh?" Twilight says.
"You were just staring off into space."
"Sorry, I..." Twilight squeezes Rarity's hooves tightly against her chest.
She knows about me and Luna. Can't she understand?
"What are you so worried about? Luna isn't going to tell anyone," Twilight says.
"Twilight, this is very private. I know I can trust you, but I am not comfortable with other ponies knowing about my sex life. I'm sorry."
But I have to tell her...
I have to betray Rarity?
Never!
Twilight turns to look over her shoulder, giving Rarity a determined smile. "Alright... this one's just between us," she says.
"Promise me," Rarity says, looking deadly serious.
Twilight kisses her gently on the nose. "I promise. You want me to Pinkie Pie swear?"
"Don't be facetious," Rarity snaps. Twilight frowns, shrinking away from Rarity.
"Sorry." Rarity's face softens instantly. She pulls Twilight close again. "I just... I don't want anypony getting the wrong idea. This was special, Twilight. For a lot of reasons. I want it to be just for us," Rarity says. She pulls the sheets over them.
Just for us?
Twilight's never really been held like this by another pony – not as an adult, anyway. It's warm and wonderful, snuggled with her back against Rarity, feeling someone else's heartbeat, their breath on her shoulder.
This IS special.
Rarity nuzzles against her. Twilight can feel her satisfied sighs of breath. She can even feel her smiling.
Never...
"What if I just tell Celestia?" Twilight says with a cheeky grin.
"Ha! You wouldn't dare," Rarity scoffs.
"You're right," Twilight mutters. She pulls Rarity's forelegs even tighter around her and snuggles in close, heaving a contented sigh of her own.
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 5 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:42:23+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:42:23+00:00
| 23,101 |
Celestia's sun has just set. The last bit of pinkish light is fading over the horizon, and ponies everywhere are lighting lamps outside their homes and closing up shops.
Twilight feels like she's been floating in clouds all day. She trots down one of Ponyville's roads, humming tunelessly, smiling. Everything is wonderful – every meal a feast, every pony her friend, every book the best she's ever read. She'd dragged herself home early that morning – Haha yes Spike, Rarity and I just had a little sleepover, yes I know you wish you had been there – and collapsed in bed for hours. She woke up feeling like a new pony.
The previous night has been replaying in her head over and over again. She never imagined it would all feel so good. And she hadn't even had anything done to her, really. It made the solo act look like the pale imitation it was, something lame and hobbled. A last resort. Maybe it didn't get her any closer to Luna, exactly, but it's obviously worth learning about.
Luna!
A giddy thrill rises through her chest for the hundredth time that day. What it must be like to do... that... with the Princess of the Night! Twilight sighs and looks dreamily up at the sky. Last night plays in her head again but it's the Princess in place of Rarity, swishing her mane in Twilight's face, lifting her haunches, inviting her to...
Rope it in, you silly filly. Until you get home, anyway.
That particular scene has quickly taken top place in her mental list of fantasies, jockeying for first with the actual memories of the previous night. She's already trying to decide which one to focus on later, when she gets home. Well, why not... both?
Why not... lying in bed, moonlight pouring in the window. Luna is snuggling Twilight in her forelegs, kissing her head and cheek. She looks down and Rarity is nuzzling her thighs, licking gently at her...
She shakes her head.
Public! Walking in public. Plenty of time for that later.
She finally arrives at her destination: a slightly grubby fried food stand, one of the only places in Ponyville open all night. Of course, there's a line at the window, and she happily waits.
She remembers the look Spike had given her when she announced where she was going. She snickers quietly to herself. He had asked her if she was alright, said she was acting way too "chill." She laughs again. Chill.
Why shouldn't they get a bunch of greasy take out? Who cares what day of the week it is, or how late? Sex is a thing, and it is amazing, and life is wonderful.
She reaches the front of the line, and abandons all restraint. A deluxe fried daffodil sandwich, please. Extra cheese. Like, way extra. Several sandwiches' worth of cheese. And a large order of hay fries – extra crispy, just the way Spike likes them. And smoothies! Smoothies for all!
She stands nearby, waiting for her order. The stars are coming out. She can't wait to get home with her food, can't wait to see the look on Spike's face. She really should treat him to stuff like this more often. He can stay up late tonight, she decides. And then she can settle in for some good reading, all night.
It sounds just perfect.
Unless Rarity's not busy...
She gets a devious smile, hearing Rarity's moaning breath in her ears. They hadn't talked much in the morning. Rarity seemed eager to get to work, just a little...
Cold?
No, just busy. Brusque. She gets like that. When she's busy.
Just for us...
She can almost feel her friend's embrace, sighing as she remembers falling asleep in another pony's arms. She tries to picture herself nestled against Princess Luna, feeling her heavenly breath against the back of her neck... and feels strangely guilty.
How could you?
What? How could I... do what?
Cheat on her like that!
Which one?
It's fine. Rarity's my friend. Just my friend. Luna asked me to do this.
She stares down at her hooves, still feeling a weirdly sourceless pang of remorse.
She asked you to do this. And it felt AMAZING.
The pang disappears. Her sneaky smile returns.
I can't wait to do that again! It felt so GOOD...
"Well hey there!"
She jumps and turns to see a yellow stallion beaming at her.
"Braeburn?"
"Evenin' Twilight."
He looks tired but fresh, like he just showered up after a long day. In fact, that must be it. His mane is still wet.
"Hi! I didn't know you were still around," she says.
"Train leaves first thing tomorrow," he says.
"Oh. So what are you up to?"
"Just thought I'd pick up some food 'fore I ship outta town. AJ and Big Mac keep sayin' this stand here makes the best darn hay fries in Equestria. Thought I'd see for myself."
"You walked all the way out here alone?"
"Yeah, well, the family's mostly fussin' over Mac still. AJ almost walked out with me but she passed. I don't much blame her, we put in a lotta work today."
"Is Macintosh okay?"
"Aw, of course he is. 'Scuse me for a moment? I'm powerful hungry." Braeburn walks away and gets in line.
Twilight puzzles over this new development.
I wonder what it would be like to...
She blinks a few times, a little shaken by where she knows her mind was about to wander.
Well why not? I mean...
Step one: Find a nice stallion.
And what do we have here?
She stares at Braeburn as he waits in line, trying to not be too obvious about it. He is kind of dashing. It wasn't something she'd really considered, least of all back when they first met. But she does find him kind of cute, now that she is thinking about it, with his jaunty cowboy hat and flowing locks. He seems nice enough. He is part of the Apple family, after all.
Step two?
Flirt with him! But how?
Okay, just... just talk. I can do this. Twilight Sparkle, we are go for step two.
Braeburn places his order and joins her. He smiles at her as he walks over, sending warm fuzzy feelings through her chest. They trigger a swell of nervousness in their wake. It's almost as frightening as it is thrilling.
Okay, he IS cute.
She smiles back, hoping to return the effect.
"Hoo boy, doesn't that smell just make your stomach growl?" he says.
"What's the matter, you don't have hay fries in Appleloosa?" Twilight asks.
"Not to speak of. You come here often?" he says.
"Not really. Not here. It is good, though." Twilight tries to downplay how often she does order out, hopefully veering the conversation away from any mention of cooking.
"It looks good. I tell ya, I do miss the late night eatery. Seems like everything in Appleloosa closes at six sharp."
"Well, it's not like Ponyville is a bustling metropolis. This is pretty much the only option at night. I miss that about Canterlot sometimes."
"You've been to Canterlot?!" He gawks at her.
Twilight folds her ears down a little. She usually tries not to drop that bit of info, out of fear of bragging. It just slipped out. "...I grew up there," she says.
"Doesn't that beat all. Must really be somethin'. AJ told me a few bits about it, but I can't imagine what the real thing is like."
"Where are you from? Before Appleloosa, I mean."
"My pa's farm outside Fillydelphia. Way out, deep in the sticks. Never spent any time in a city, honestly. Ponyville's one of the bigger places I've seen."
A gruff pony at the stand calls out both their numbers. They pay for their food, and Twilight levitates several paper bags into a satchel on her back.
"That's, uh... you must have quite an appetite for such a little filly," Braeburn says, looking at her order compared to his one bag. He winces at his own sentence. "I mean...! Uh... that is to say..." he stammers.
Aww, he's nervous, too!
"I'm bringing some home for Spike. You remember my dragon?" she says.
"The little purple fella?"
"That's the one."
"He's your... pet, or somethin', right?"
"Assistant."
"Huh." Braeburn just stands there. Clearly, magical dragon assistants are something beyond his realm of experience.
"Are you going to walk those fries all the way back to Sweet Apple Acres?" Twilight asks.
"I guess so." Braeburn looks around. There aren't any tables or anywhere to sit nearby. "Thought I might just go sit in the park or something."
"Why don't you come back to the library with me?"
Braeburn smiles again, an honest, foalish kind of grin. "That sounds nice. Thank ya kindly, Twilight."
Well, that was easy.
For some reason she had thought flirting with guys would be awkward and difficult.
Is that really what's happening here? Flirting?
She can't really tell. It's not at all like those dumb romance novels, or that awful date. They're just talking. It all seems so natural. Like she's just hanging out with one of her friends.
She leads the way. Braeburn keeps stride with her, holding a brown paper bag in his mouth, the bottom of the bag slowly getting dark with grease.
"So... you were working at Sweet Apple Acres today?"
"Hmmf bmmmg," Braeburn says around the bag. Twilight opens her satchel with her magic and takes his food, stuffing it on top of her own.
"Thanks." He flexes his mouth, sticking his tongue out. "I'm mighty jealous of you unicorns sometimes. Carrying everything in your mouth isn't the tastiest thing to do."
"Well, there are lots of things earth ponies can do that I... hey!" She feels her bag being pulled away, sliding over her head before she can react. Braeburn has the strap in his teeth, and he expertly slings it over his back in one smooth motion. Twilight just stares at him, a little shocked by the sudden invasion of personal space. Braeburn notices her stare and smiles sheepishly.
"What kind of colt would I be if I let a pretty filly like you carry her own bag?" he says.
"That's a little old fashioned," she says, still not sure if she liked that.
"Well, you know the Apple family."
She fires up her horn, floating the bag off his shoulders and back onto her own. "Thanks, but I can carry it. I'm not big on that traditional mushy romance stuff."
"I was just mindin' manners. Who said anything about romance?" He cocks an eyebrow at her.
She blushes.
Darn, he got me... no, wait – he called me pretty before!
She looks at him and indeed, he's grinning at her, like he's read her mind.
"Sorry. It was a nice gesture." She pauses, not sure if she should divulge the next part. "I'm a little wary of stallions right now, I guess. I had a really awful date last night."
"Awful date? You, uh, are you... seeing someone?" Braeburn asks.
"Not him, that's for sure," she says. She sees Braeburn sigh and relax a little. She can tell he's trying to hide it, but she notices, and it gives her a little thrill.
Hey, this IS kind of fun!
"He didn't try anything... untoward, did he?" Braeburn says.
"No, not really. He said some untoward things. Definitely not old fashioned."
Braeburn snorts and glares.
"Not that it's really any of your business," Twilight says with a wry smile.
"No, I know. But..." he trails off, snorting again. "Makes me madder than a rattlesnake in an apple barrel. Colts not treatin' fillies with respect. Ain't right."
Twilight smiles harder. Coming from anypony else those words would make her eyes roll right out of her head. As if all mares need a male to protect them! But for some reason she finds it adorable this time.
"...You're cute," she says quietly.
"Huh?"
"And we're here!" she says before Braeburn can sort out her last words.
"You live in a tree?" Braeburn stares openly.
"Welcome to the Ponyville Library!" Twilight opens the door, leading him inside.
• • •
Twilight chews absent-mindedly at what's left of her sandwich. It's cold, and the cheese has congealed into a solid, plastic-y chunk.
Might have overdone it on the cheese.
She drops the last bit of food back in the bag and pushes it away, turning back to the mess of papers in front of her.
Braeburn is still talking. She's only half-listening at this point, reviewing her notes. He certainly does go on. Not that that's a bad thing. All she has to do is push him along with a question now and then and he's off, ranging far and wide.
By now Twilight has enough notes to send revisions to four flora and fauna associations in Canterlot, as well as a rough outline for what could become a definitive history of Appleloosa and the Westward Expansion. Not to mention a good start on known buffalo tribes, with notes on customs and language.
It's like being in school again. Except this stuff is new, as far as she knows. She could get books published from Braeburn's ramblings. Unfortunately, it had taken her a while to get him going. He had been all too eager to ask her about Canterlot, the incident with Nightmare Moon, all about her. She had let Spike explain most of that. Before the little guy fell asleep, anyway.
"...So anyway, that's how my second cousin started the Sierra Neighvada gold rush," Braeburn says.
"You mean Cortland?" Twilight asks.
"That's the one."
She checks her sketched out Apple family tree. The name is correctly placed. Sorting that particular puzzle out has been a delightful challenge. She knew Applejack's family was prolific, but still.
"Twilight?"
"Mmm-hmm?" She doesn't even look up.
"You... uh... I ain't boring you or nothin', am I?"
She looks at him, still levitating several stacks of paper. "What?" she says.
"I've never seen someone take notes on what I was saying," he says. He looks a little confused, like he hadn't noticed before.
"You talk almost as much as Pinkie Pie. Except what you say isn't complete nonsense."
"Pinkie Pie... your friend who did the song and dance number?"
"Yes." Twilight groans at that memory.
"Oh." Braeburn drops his eyes, looking disappointed. Twilight winces and puts the papers down. He speaks again before she can think of anything to say.
"I know I got a bit of a motormouth. Folks are always tellin' me to can it in. Shoot, every day I've been in Ponyville, AJ's asked me why I can't be more like Big Mac." He looks at the papers all around Twilight. "Yer really that interested in what I'm jawin' on about?"
"Sure I am. It's interesting stuff," she says.
"Huh. Doesn't that just take the apple cake. Not sure anyone's ever told me that before." Braeburn stares into space, chewing it over.
Twilight looks around the library. Between her notes and the leftovers from their take out, the place is a bit of a mess. Spike is passed out on a thick cushion, snoring every now and then. She refuses to look at the clock. It's been hours, easily. If she doesn't know what time it is, they don't have to bring it up, and he won't have to leave, before...
She sweeps her papers to the side, consciously trying to disengage from study/interview mode. She'd fallen into it as they talked, knowing it was happening but mostly powerless to resist. The whole time, in the back of her mind, a voice was reminding her that Braeburn could probably help her with a different kind of research. She steels herself and hits him with what she hopes is a seductive smile.
"Oh shoot, look at the time. I gotta be on that darn train at six," Braeburn says.
Nooooooooo!
"Oh... leaving so soon?" she says, still smiling.
Is it working? This is how Rarity does it, right?
She has no idea what she looks like, and figures she probably just looks goofy.
"Well, it is after midnight. I'm mighty sorry to keep you up so late," Braeburn says, standing up. Twilight gets up as well, sidling nearer to him.
"No, it's no problem, this was fun. I was really glad to have you over," she says, staring into his eyes.
Come on, take the hint already. Am I hinting enough? How do I hint more?
"I'd love to have you out to Appleloosa again some time," he says, smiling too. Is he nervous?
He looks nervous again.
Is that good?
"Well, it's not exactly close," she says. "Is that it? This is goodbye?" She steps closer to him.
"'Fraid so. For a while, anyway."
"But I don't know when I'll see you again."
She fixes his eyes with her own, and he freezes.
Aha! That's how it's done!
His smile fades, she can see the gears turning in his head. He shifts on his hooves. Suddenly he looks determined. He looks her right in the eye, leans forward...
This is it!
...and halts, pulling back. He grins, blushing a little.
Oh, for Celestia's sake!
Without thinking, she darts forward and quickly kisses him on the lips. His jaw drops, and he stares at her in surprise. She's surprised, too.
What was that? I did that? Who is this crazy mare, whose body I'm stuck in?
"Shucks, Twilight. That was, uh, I mean... not, uh..." Braeburn stammers.
"Not old fashioned?" she says.
"Yeah, I suppose." He chuckles.
"Well you chickened out," she says.
"What?!"
"You wanted to kiss me but you chickened out," she says smugly.
"An Apple stallion don't chicken out from anything!" Braeburn scoffs.
"Chickened. Out." She emphasizes both words.
"I'll show you chickened out..."
He lunges forward, locking lips with her, and a heady rush of adrenaline courses through her body. He slides his tongue against hers. It's bigger and rougher than Rarity's, and he moves it around clumsily, compared to her friend. The brim of his hat nudges against her horn, rubbing the fluting, and her haunches twitch at the contact.
Something makes a grumbling noise to her left. They both jump and break away from each other. Spike is rolling on his cushion, making weird snorting noises.
"Rar... Rarity... mmm," the little dragon mutters, not opening his eyes. Braeburn looks at Twilight with a cocked eyebrow.
"Rarity? Ain't she another friend of yours?" he whispers.
"Long story," she says quietly.
She looks back and forth from Spike to Braeburn.
Well, this isn't gonna work.
Braeburn is just standing there with hope in his eyes. She swears she can feel how badly he wants her. It's a strange new feeling – she had done her best to ignore male attention in the past. But here, now, it's exciting her.
Just go for it. Do it. This is your chance!
"Come with me," she says. She walks past him, watching him over her shoulder. His face is a mask of dumb shock, mouth hanging open. He obeys her silently. She leads him up the stairs. Both of them tread softly on the wooden steps. He's probably staring at her flanks. But that's okay.
They enter her bedroom. She closes the door softly, and turns on a few lights with her magic. Just a few. Not all.
"Gosh, you don't have enough books downstairs?" Braeburn is gawking at the shelves all around him.
"This is my private collection," she says. She nods towards another, smaller set of stairs. They climb up into her bedroom proper. Between the starlight filtering in through the window and the lamps downstairs, the room is bathed in dim light. Twilight breathes a sigh of relief that Spike cleaned up and made the bed earlier.
"So... uh... this is a pretty fancy place you got here." Braeburn shifts on his hooves, looking deeply uncomfortable.
She magicks his hat off, floating it over to a dresser. She walks up to him and quickly kisses him on the cheek, brushing her snout through his mane. The hair, like his tongue, is rougher than Rarity's, and it tickles her nose.
She smiles at him, again with a look that she hopes is enticing. He stares back, smiling... uneasily? Is she doing something wrong here? She can still feel his desire, see it in his eyes. What's holding him back?
"Something wrong?" she asks.
"No! No... I mean... you sure this ain't a little... fast?" he says.
She can't help a voice in her head making an awww noise. He's straight out of one of Rarity's books.
Fortunately for him, I'm not.
"Maybe it is. But we won't see each other again for... I don't even know. It's now or possibly never," she lies. It wouldn't be all that hard to go out to Appleloosa again.
"I don't wanna be takin' advantage of anypony," he says, stepping closer to her.
"You're not. I want this." She steps in too, their lips almost touching. His face changes completely, all apprehension gone. He grins eagerly at her and then she closes her eyes out of instinct as he closes in. He kisses her hungrily, pushing her back onto her rump.
He's more aggressive than Rarity. And he doesn't smell as nice. But it's still exhilarating. Twilight wonders how doing the same thing can feel so different. Braeburn is holding her tightly in his arms, clumsily rubbing his tongue along hers, not letting her tongue in at all.
She's waiting for an opening, but every kiss leads to a new kiss. He keeps chaining them together, pausing only to press his mouth into her again, almost stern. She goes along with it for a while. It's not bad, but that pressure is starting to wind up in her again, and she's eager to act.
She pushes his chest with her hooves, breaking his latest kiss. A thin strand of saliva connects their lips, and Braeburn bashfully wipes his mouth with a hoof, breathing heavily. He looks like he's about to apologize for the spit, so Twilight starts kissing his cheek, brushing her face into his thick strands of mane, savoring the feeling. She moves down, kissing along his neck, and he moans, hugging her tightly with his forelegs.
She feels him nuzzling the side of her head, feels his lips searching for something before they close around the edge of her ear. His teeth clamp around the cartilage and she gasps.
Wow, that is lovely!
She lets him chew on her ear while she nuzzles his neck. Every nerve in her body is tingling, and every small hair of his coat brushing against her is heaven. She feels that lustful blur start to overtake her thoughts again, her efforts to observe and analyze slowly fading away.
He releases her ear, and she shudders as she feels his hot breath drawing away. She grabs the collar of his vest with magic and, with a sly grin, drags him over to her bed. He sits on the edge, looking at her with something like wonder. She props her hooves up on his knees then leans into him, kissing him while she unbuttons his vest and slides it off his arms.
She doesn't use magic on purpose – she drags her hooves over his broad chest and thick arms, feeling the firm muscles there. She drops the vest over the side of the bed and pushes him down, lying on top of him. She rests her arms on him, their noses inches away.
She stares into his bright green eyes. He lies there, panting, nostrils flaring, focused entirely on her, waiting. She feels amazing, beautiful, powerful. She knows he's complete putty in her hooves, he'd do anything for her right now, and she's never felt anything like it.
She leans forward to kiss him and pulls back at the last second. He tries to raise his head but can't get high enough with her arms pinning his chest. She giggles, but he wraps his arms around her back and rolls over, pinning her under him.
Maybe I was getting a little ahead of myself there...
He looks down at her with a smug grin and kisses her hard, pressing her head into the blankets. Her arms are pinned between their chests. She can't really move, all she can do is squirm and flick her tail and kick her legs a little as he kisses her again and again, then runs his tongue up her neck. She moans and feels herself getting wetter every second.
She can feel him too, something hard and hot resting on her belly. She thinks it feels big, but it grows as she squirms against it, sliding along her coat, pulsing with his heartbeat.
Oh dear Princess, that thing is supposed to go inside me?
He bucks his hips against her, grinding their bodies together, and it grows even more.
She finally squeezes her arms out from under his chest and wraps them in his mane, pulling him down. It's so thick, it's amazing, it feels like rope bunched up in her hooves. She rubs her face in it and bites on a hunk of light brown hair, her whole body shuddering under his delightful weight. He replies by nibbling on her neck, choking out a moan while she pulls his hair. She suddenly feels sticky wetness rubbing into her coat high on her belly.
He sits up, snorting and stomping one hoof. His eyes are wild, almost feral, and he motions up with his snout, like he wants her to do something.
Is this it? Am I supposed to just turn around now?
She looks down and can barely see his exposed self. It's hard to make out detail in the dim light.
"Wait." She props her hooves against his chest, holding him.
Braeburn shakes his head, the feral intensity fading away a bit. "What?" he pants out.
"Can I see it? It's my first time."
"What?"
"Just hold on one second." She lights up her horn, turning on a lamp next to the bed. Braeburn squints in the new light.
"Wait wait wait." Braeburn doesn't move, her hips are still pinned to the bed. "You've never done this before?"
"No." She smiles at him. Not with a stallion, she doesn't say.
"But you're so... so..." He hangs on the last word, then changes his mind. "Really?"
"What were you going to say?"
"Uh... enthusiastic? Good? I'm just surprised, is all. In a good way, mind you."
"You've done this before?" she asks him.
Of course he has, why did you say that?
"Uhhh... well, yeah," Braeburn says, glancing away from her. She suddenly remembers the question Rarity had brought up before.
"Oh! Oh gosh, I'm not... coming between you and anyone. Am I?"
"No, no, nothin' like that. We split up," Braeburn says.
"Oh. I'm sorry," she says, automatically.
"It's fine. She didn't much like the idea of movin' out into a desert, is all."
They both pause, averting their eyes.
Wait a minute... this was really hot a second ago.
Did I kill the mood?
Do something, quick, before it gets awkward!
She grabs his face and kisses him quickly, softly biting his lower lip as she pulls away. She instantly feels him twitch against her belly, and when she opens her eyes that wild intensity is creeping back onto his face.
"Her loss," Twilight says.
"Wow," he says, grinning madly. "You are quite the filly."
She grins back and her horn glows, pulling him up into the air.
"Whoa. Whoa now!" He flails his limbs around helplessly before she puts him down, sitting at the head of her bed. She pulls his head and chest up and spreads his back legs, holding him in a somewhat awkward position.
And there it finally is. For all the suggestive positions in Dash's magazines, they never actually showed genitals. Now the mystery organ is right in front of her, and she scoots closer, eyes fixed on it. She moves her head side to side, contemplating it from different angles.
Her eyes rest on a heavy pair of balls, pulled tight against his body. Then her gaze climbs up the shaft. There are obvious veins pulsing against the skin, she wasn't expecting that. She examines the flat head, gasping a little at how much it flares out, wondering what that will feel like going in.
"Why is it wet?" she asks. The head is slick with something.
"It does that. When you're ready to... uh... do the deed."
"Huh," she says, a hoof to her chin. Rarity's books had all shied away from that kind of detail. She reaches a hoof out and tentatively pokes it. It wobbles like a stick on a spring, quivering. Braeburn's whole body twitches at the contact, she can feel it in her horn.
"You uh... you gonna start takin' notes?" he says, chuckling.
Twilight ignores him. She runs her hoof up its length. It's all smooth skin, no hair at all, just like Rarity's... well, just like other private parts. Braeburn grunts and his cock visibly swells. This piques Twilight's interest and she starts stroking him vigorously, using a hoof on either side, fishing for reactions.
Braeburn doesn't disappoint. He gasps, and his organ pulses under her touch.
"Er, uh... Twilight?" he says.
"Mmhmm?" She doesn't look up, too focused on her experiments.
"Think you could let me go?" He chuckles again.
"Oh! Sorry." She releases her magic and he relaxes a little, holding his sitting position. He reaches a hoof up and strokes her hair. She keeps massaging him, fascinated by the feel of it, but his reactions lessen, and her new toy stops pulsing so much.
Well, that won't do. Got to add more stimulation...
She leans forward and runs her tongue up his shaft, stopping just below the head.
"Oh goddess!" he says. His whole body jerks.
Now that's more like it!
She laps at him with her tongue, feeling Braeburn press his hooves against the back of her head. He's shaking all over. She keeps licking. It's such a simple action, but it's obviously driving him crazy.
What next? She wavers between going higher or lower and randomly settles on higher. She stops licking and looks at it. That sticky substance gives her pause, so she rubs her hoof on it first and licks that. It's thick and salty, not good, but not too offensive either. She gives his head a swift lick, running her tongue across the top.
"Oh you've gotta be kidding me!" Braeburn says. She looks up and he's looking down at her, jaw hanging open.
"What?" she says innocently. "Does that feel good?" she asks, knowing the answer.
"This is heaven. I am dead, and this is heaveeeooooohhhhhmyyyyygodddddddd!" Braeburn says, trailing off into a moan as Twilight goes to work on his head. She licks it clean, then takes it into her mouth, sucking on it. Braeburn grunts again, squeezing his hooves against her head.
She looks up at him and their eyes meet.
Long, loving eye contact, and me with his cock in my mouth. Isn't this just romantic...
Braeburn seems to think so. He's sweating and shuddering, his face contorting, it almost looks like he's in pain.
She feels the head twitching in her mouth, feels his breathing pick up. Is he going to finish already? This is too easy. It's like he has a huge, easily found clitoris.
"Stop! Stop stop oh god stop!" he gasps out.
"Mmm?"
He grunts and pulls her head away. She watches a thick thread of saliva stretch and break, then fall glistening along his shaft.
"What's wrong?" she asks.
"I've never... done that..." he says between breaths.
"What, not old fashioned enough?" she says, smiling. He grabs her shoulders and pushes her back, leaning into her.
"Shush. I need you. I need to take you right now." Intense again, his eyes burning. It thrills her. She feels sudden heat in her loins and her heart thumping in her chest. He moves around and mounts her from behind instantly, strong and sure. She sighs as his weight pushes her down. Her tail lifts on its own, pure instinct, and she feels the tip of him pressing against her lips, moistening against her slick crotch.
She feels him nuzzling into her mane and turns to look at him over her shoulder.
"Just... start slow, okay?" she says. Her voice wavers a little more than she would like.
"Of course."
He kisses her ear and pushes slowly. Twilight gasps as he enters her, the head spreading her apart. He pauses, then forges ahead, sliding in another inch or two. It hurts a little, but in a good way, like stretching a muscle. She moans as he stops, then pulls back, leaving just the head inside her.
Wow, this is GREAT!
She feels full, feels a deep instinct sighing in satisfaction, but screaming for more. She squeezes with her crotch muscles, bearing down on him. His head twitches inside her, god it feels good, and he snorts, loudly, right in her ear. He starts to push again and she relaxes, her body inviting him in.
He makes a few slow, short strokes, plunging in and out. She moans loudly and wiggles her hips, brushing her tail against his stomach.
More, come on, I'm ready, I want it!
He thrusts deeper, she feels that delightful stretching deep inside her, it's so...
"Ow!" She cringes, her whole body tightening.
"Ow?" He pauses.
She flexes against him, wriggling her hips around.
Just a little tight... and... there. Better.
"Keep going!" she says through panting breaths.
He grunts and thrusts again, harder and deeper.
"Ow!" She digs her hooves into the bed, gritting her teeth.
...Better?
"You okay?" He stops again, quivering inside her.
Passages from anatomy texts run through her brain, mixed with the steamy pages of Rarity's novels.
I can do this. It gets better.
"I'm fine... keep going!" she pleads. She writhes against him, moaning to spur him on.
He pulls back and thrusts, diving in almost to the hilt now.
"Ow!" It feels like she's being fucked by a glass shard. She feels a sharp tearing in one spot, a few inches in, and everything past that is pain. He keeps thrusting, working it in deeper with each stroke.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!" She can't stop gasping in pain with each stroke. She pushes her head down, closing her eyes tightly, and bites the fabric of her sheets.
It's fine, I can do this.
It's supposed to hurt the first time, right?
It still feels a little bit good... I think... maybe.
He slams in all the way, his hips making a dull slap against her rump. She squeals in pain, squeezing tears out of her eyes. Is it over yet?
He pulls back, all the way to the head, and rams it home again. He starts thrusting wildly, picking up speed. Twilight screams through gritted teeth, muffling it with the bed, oh god what if I wake up Spike...
I can't do this.
"Owwww ahhhh Braeburn!" She turns, looking at him over her shoulder again. He's far away, eyes rolling back, mouth hanging open.
"Braeburn!" Twilight gasps out, glaring at him. His eyes focus a little, but he keeps going. Twilight feels panic rising in her chest and breaks out into cold sweat. She was in heaven seconds ago. Now all her nervous fear comes flooding back in.
If he doesn't stop I swear I'll magic his rump across the room...
"BRAEBURN! Stop!" she yells. He halts instantly, his eyes focusing again. She can feel tears running down her cheeks. His chest is heaving, sweat trickling down his temples. He stares at her, his face screwed up in dumb confusion.
"It hurts. A lot," she says.
"What if I just go real slow?" He flexes his hips, pushing just a little further into her.
She gasps in pain, wincing. It was fine there before, but the pain has spread.
"Oh!" His eyes shoot open wide, and he pulls out of her. She drops her rump and lets out a tense breath. Relief washes over her, but a sore ache remains between her legs. He stands over her, nervously grimacing.
"Gosh, Twilight, I... I didn't mean to..." He raises a hoof, obviously wanting to touch her but unable to bring himself to do it. "You okay?"
"I'm fine." She squeezes her legs closed, sighing slowly as the sharp ache fades to a dull one.
Fine, except that we aren't having sex right now.
Step 5a. Fail completely at a basic biological function that everypony else pulls off without a hitch.
The books never mentioned this part, either.
She curls her limbs against her body, feeling very small and cold without the cover of blankets. She glances up and Braeburn is still hovering over her, looking away, completely mortified.
Hold me, you idiot!
She rolls onto her side as she lights her horn up, dragging Braeburn into spooning against her back.
"Whoa!" He stiffens up. "Twilight, we don't haveta –"
"I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry," she says.
"Sor– you... wha? I'm the one who's sorry." He loosens up and snuggles against her back, hanging a foreleg over her shoulders. He nuzzles against her gently.
She takes some deep breaths, feeling the last of the adrenaline in her veins ebbing away. He starts to lean his chin on her shoulder, to move in close, and she turns away. She can feel water welling up in her eyes, and she hides them against the mattress.
"It's fine, Twilight. Nothin' to be ashamed of," he whispers in her ear.
"I really want to. But it hurts," she says.
"Shucks, Twilight, you did fine. It's your first time, and y'all are little for a mare... heck you showed me some things I ain't never done before." He kisses her cheek.
"Are you still... I mean, I can still do you. Would that be okay?" she says.
"Don't you worry about me. You just relax now." He starts kissing her neck, and she sighs, happy to feel pleasure again.
She turns to look at him over her shoulder. "But aren't you still... erect? I don't want to just leave you –"
He silences her with a kiss.
"Relax," he whispers. He pulls with his arms, rolling her onto her back. She lets him get on top of her – he's proven himself trustworthy. He gives her a long kiss, barely using his tongue. Then he starts kissing all over her face, moving slowly. He kisses her closed eyes, then follows the trail of her tears, then moves down her neck. He kisses gently, brushing his lips along her coat. She feels that now familiar pressure return, eclipsing the pain.
He moves down further still, kissing up and down her chest and sides. Twilight sighs and smiles. It tickles a little. She runs her hooves through his mane again, following his head around. He moves down her belly, and that really tickles. She can't help but giggle as his wet lips caress her stomach.
"You know, in the old days, when a pony got hurt. You know what they would do?" he says, looking up at her. Twilight just looks at him with her eyebrows raised, waiting. He plants a few kisses up the inside of her thigh.
"They would find where it hurt..." he says, moving to her other thigh, nibbling gently. Twilight sighs, somehow feeling wet again.
"And then..."
He drags his tongue up her nether lips, and she gasps. He laps at her slowly, softly. She tightens her hooves around his hair, biting her lip.
THIS is what I was doing to Rarity?!
He keeps stroking upwards, moving from side to side and then diving down the divide, parting her slightly. She closes her legs around his head and squeezes a little, holding in a moan.
"Oh Braeburn," she mutters. Her eyelids droop. The aching fades away – the pleasure is too strong. It feels like he's massaging a strained muscle. She can feel her own flesh relax and loosen, warm relief flowing through her.
He's kissing her folds now, and she squeezes her legs harder. He goes back to licking, moving around in a circle.
"Ah!" she cries out, in joy this time. It aches, somewhere far back in her mind, but it doesn't matter.
"More!" she pants out. He lifts his head.
"It doesn't hurt?"
"Please!" She pushes his head down and he takes the hint, probing into her with his tongue.
This is the BEST.
It's incredible. It's the best thing... just... THE best thing. She can't even think of words, so she stops trying, just letting the pleasure wash over her. His rough tongue is massaging inside of her now, and it's just...
"It's so good!" she moans out.
He glances up at her, smiling like a maniac. Then he dives back in, running his tongue up and down her lips before sticking it between them. He twirls the tip of his tongue around her hole, and her whole body convulses. She moans again, louder, writhing her hips around.
"A little higher," she begs.
"What?"
"Higher!" She pulls his hair, rubbing his snout into the top of her mound. He starts licking obediently, flicking his tongue over that magic button above the slit.
"OH!" she screams, arching her back. Her eyes go wide. She's crushing his head with her thighs.
She was wrong before: This is the best thing.
"Don't stop! Don't stop don't stooooooohhhhhhh..."
He does what she says, rubbing with his tongue as hard as he can. Twilight is sweating all over, gasping for breath. She starts bucking her hips up, rubbing her folds against his chin. It interrupts his licking a little. She doesn't care, there's something inside her pushing, demanding, her hips are moving on their own. He soldiers on, pressing with his tongue.
She relaxes her thighs and yanks his head up, pulling his whole body.
"Whoa!" Braeburn says, wide-eyed. They're face to face now.
"Take me." She looks him right in the eye, panting.
"You sure?"
"Please!" She kisses him desperately. She can taste herself on his lips, it doesn't matter.
He starts panting. She can feel him against her belly again, rock-hard.
"Like this. Right now." She wiggles her hips under him. His face twists up in utter pleasure as he lowers his body onto her, stomach to stomach. He slides into her much more easily this time – she feels bigger somehow. He certainly isn't smaller. He presses in slowly, gingerly, stopping every inch. She feels a miniature version of the tearing pain from before, and winces.
"You okay?" he asks.
"I'm fine."
She is fine. The pain is nothing now, a distant echo. She just wants to feel him inside her, right now.
"Keep going," she says. She kisses his nose. He does.
He slides in to the hilt, and they pause for a moment, bodies pressed together. She closes her eyes and she can feel his breath in his chest, his heartbeat, the eager twitch in his cock as she nuzzles his snout, every motion he makes. He pulls back, and she clenches around him, feeling empty. He slides back in, and it is pure bliss. He strokes slowly and carefully, moving his whole length in and out.
He keeps that gentle rhythm for a few moments. Twilight opens her eyes, and he's looking down at her, watching intently. He looks almost worried.
"Braeburn." She strokes his mane and raises her head. "I'm fine," she whispers into his ear. "Take me."
He snorts and immediately speeds up, pumping into her.
"Augh!" Twilight cries out, hugging her arms tight around his neck. She stares up at the ceiling, then out the window, at the starry sky. It's not quite the soaring heights of ecstasy she felt when he went down on her, but it's still good. She moans into his ear with each stroke. He grunts each time he rams home, their stomachs making a dull slap as they connect.
She feels him inside her, twitching more, pulsing, alive. It can't be long now. He's been hard this whole time.
She whispers into his ear again. "Braeburn?"
He grunts.
"Don't... don't do it inside me, okay?"
He grunts again. She can't tell if he's agreeing or even listening.
"Braeburn..."
"AAH!" He neighs loudly and pulls out of her at the last second. She feels hot, sticky spurts landing on her belly. He holds himself over her awkwardly as he comes, his hind legs shaking. Finally, he spends himself, and falls to his side, groaning in pleasure.
She lies there for a minute or more, catching her breath. Then she looks down, assessing the damage. There's a mess of white streaks up her belly. Strangely, she doesn't fret over it at all – perfectly natural, if a bit messy. She levitates some tissues over from the side of the bed and cleans herself quickly. She sits up, looking further down.
Rarity's books were always talking about a girl's flower. Twilight hadn't seen the connection until now. It never looked like that before. She's really blossomed, with petals and everything.
"Huh," she says quietly. She starts to chew this over when she notices a red streak leaking out of her.
Is that...?
Curiosity turns to concern and then disgust as she sees the mess on her bed sheets. It's just a trickle now, but she must have really bled earlier. There are nasty-looking stains on her sheets in a circle around her rump.
But that meant he licked her while she was...
Eww!
And then she kissed him...
EWW!
She shudders a little. Credit where it's due, though – he must be braver than she thought before. She stares at the ugly mess. She can't remember the last time she did her own laundry, but she would need some kind of excuse. Spike can't see this. Nopony should see this. She doesn't even want to see it.
And her favorite sheets, too. The ones covered in stars and moons.
She hops off the bed, feeling sore between the legs. She rips the sheets off with one quick pull of magic, rolling Braeburn off the bed. He yelps and lands with a thud.
"Sorry," she says, half-heartedly. She's busy scanning the bed, but nothing soaked through.
"What are you... oh." He stands up and sees the sheets. She drops them in a pile and blushes.
"Guess you weren't kiddin' about being a virgin," he says, laughing a little.
"It's not funny," Twilight says, digging around her closet for more blankets.
"Relax, Twilight. You just wash 'em. It's no big deal."
"I might just burn them."
"Hey! Hey now." He climbs onto the bare bed and beckons her. She levitates some more blankets over and pouts at him. He pats the bed next to him, smiling. She grudgingly climbs on next to him, and he immediately hugs her.
She resists at first, but he kisses her nose and she starts to relax.
"For your first time, that was really somethin'. Best lovemakin' I've ever had," he says.
Twilight rolls her eyes. "You're just saying that," she says.
"I mean it." He stares deep into her eyes. His eyes are green, a little lighter than Applejack's but the resemblance is startling. She flashes back, over a year ago, to a night when she was hanging off the edge of a cliff, and a pair of green eyes showed her what trust and honesty really meant. Again, the resemblance is startling.
"You weren't so bad yourself. When you... when you licked me," she sighs. "Oh, it was so good!"
"Well shucks, you gave me the idea." He smiles at her.
She smiles back and they kiss, sinking together into the bed. She hugs him close and snuggles her snout against his chest. He holds her in his strong forelegs, running his snout through her mane.
I think this part might actually be the best thing.
She's suddenly very sleepy. She can feel herself drifting off.
"Goodnight Braeburn," she says, pulling the blankets over them with magic.
"Goodnight," he yawns, "...Twilight."
She smiles as sleep takes her.
• • •
"What time is it?!"
Twilight jolts awake. There is movement next to her, and then the bed feels empty.
"Whurbluh huh?" Twilight mutters, her eyes creaking open.
"My train... aw hayseed and a half! Fritter's gonna tan my hide!"
"Oh!" Twilight snaps to attention, lighting a bedside lamp with her horn. Braeburn is on the floor, tangled up in his own vest.
She steals a quick look at the clock on her nightstand and does some math in her head. "You might make it if you run," she says.
"Alright I can do this... Ooof!" Braeburn trips over the pile of sheets on the floor, landing on his chin. He half runs, half crawls to the door. Twilight grabs his hat in her mouth and follows.
He runs downstairs and through the library, dodging around piles of books and paper. He throws the front door open, but stops and turns to Twilight. She floats his hat into place with a glow of her horn.
"Sorry, I gotta –" he says.
"It's fine," she interrupts.
"Write me?"
"I will." She gives him a quick kiss. "Goodbye."
"So long," he says. He hesitates, then kisses her back. He pulls away and looks at her longingly, then kisses her again. She starts to enjoy it but then pushes him towards the door.
"Go, you dumb foal!" she says with a smile.
He smiles back at her one last time and gallops out the door into the early morning light. She watches him go, standing at her open door. After a few seconds he disappears around the corner. Twilight doesn't move.
And... that's it. He's gone.
She wonders if she'll ever see him again. He's a good guy. She'll definitely write to him.
Well... right after I write to Luna, that is.
She snorts quietly. A triumphant smile rises up as she realizes that she truly is one step closer now.
Yes! Can't wait can't wait cannot wait!
She jolts on her hooves.
What about Rarity?
We're just friends.
What about Braeburn?
Are you kidding? He lives hundreds of miles away.
But...
No, that was just... a fling. One of those things normal, sociable ponies do sometimes. Right?
Princess Luna. Eye on the prize. Beautiful, perfect, night-goddess Luna.
She wouldn't ask me to do something... wrong.
She frowns and stares out at Ponyville slowly waking up, looking for anything else to think about. She's almost never awake this early. Do her friends actually wake up in the morning? Some of them have real jobs, after all. Applejack must be awake. That farm pony is probably up with Celestia every day.
Twilight spends long seconds just staring at the town. It looks deserted. Birds are singing loudly all around her. The sun is still under the horizon, but there is pale blue light, much different from sunset. A cool breeze blows in through the doorway.
She closes the door. She doesn't feel sleepy in the least. She starts walking back up to her room when a small snore grabs her attention.
Spike is lying on the same floor cushion, one arm hanging off the side. She smiles as she watches him sleep, his little chest rising and falling. She grabs him with her magic, lifting his whole body up slowly and moving him over to a huge, plush reading chair.
"Zzzmmm... huh? Twilight?" Spike opens one eye, stirring as he sinks into the chair.
"Shhhh." She grabs a blanket from a closet nearby and tucks it around her number one assistant. He instantly snuggles into it and starts snoring again.
"There you go," she says. She watches him for a few seconds more before retreating back to her room.
She settles in at her desk, preparing some paper and a quill. She looks over both shoulders quickly before levitating a box out from under her bed. She ignores the books and magazines, pulling some papers out from the side. She quickly leafs through the pile, finding her list. Chewing the tip of her quill, she looks it over.
Twilight's Plan to GET LUNA
Phase One
1. Find nice stallion.
2. Flirt with him – learn how to flirt.
3. Go on some dates. (Requires more research conc. How to date? Where to go?)
4. Fall in love? (See notes page seven and eight)
5. Have sex? (NOTE really?)(ALSO NOTE seriously?)
6. End the relationship (Eye on the prize!)
7. Doesn't that sound a bit shallow? (That's not even a step what are you writing go to sleep)
8. Find statistics on average length of relationships, usual causes for breaking up
9. (Wordless scribbles, heart shape with "TS + L" written inside)
10. GO TO SLEEP CHEERILEE IS BRINGING THE FIELD TRIP TOMORROW
Well, that takes care of one, two, three, five... and probably six, too. Not that her little tryst with Braeburn could really be called a relationship. Could it? Numbers seven and ten are irrelevant now. Number eight was a dead end. She had already checked, and apparently the pony academics of Equestria hadn't found time to do such research. All she could find was anecdotes and guessing. Not good enough. She updates her list.
Twilight's Plan to GET LUNA
Phase One
1. Find nice stallion.
2. Flirt with him – learn how to flirt.
3. Go on some dates. (Requires more research conc. How to date? Where to go?)
4. Fall in love? (See notes page seven and eight)
5. Have sex? (NOTE really?)(ALSO NOTE seriously?)
6. End the relationship (Eye on the prize!)
7. Doesn't that sound a bit shallow? (That's not even a step what are you writing go to sleep)
8. Find statistics on average length of relationships, usual causes for breaking up
9. (wordless scribbles, heart shape with "TS + L" written inside)
10. GO TO SLEEP CHEERILEE IS BRINGING THE FIELD TRIP TOMORROW
Yeah, that looks about right.
Unfortunately, pages seven and eight of her notes are just line after line of her own increasingly angry complaints about romance novels.
So... phase two? She's made love to a mare already, but...
This was special. Just for us.
She can't tell Luna about that.
I'll just have to do it again.
She sets about writing.
Phase Two
1. Find a mare (one who doesn't mind me telling Luna) and go on a date.
2. Have some sex!
3. Tell Luna about said sex.
4. Get some Luna (Yes yes yes!)
She pauses. Is that it? What about love? Well, she loves Luna. But the Princess had made her mission clear...
Twilight floats another paper out from the pile, a blue envelope that glitters slightly as it moves. She holds it to her snout and inhales, her head spinning a little. It smells of evening primrose – she had described it to Fluttershy, who had eventually identified it for her.
It was just sitting on her desk one morning. The letter inside was short, to the point, and made Twilight's heart flutter.
My eager student,
I'm so happy to hear of your findings. I look forward to the night you can show me what you've learned.
Try to not overthink this, my Twilight. Let your emotions and sensations guide you. Do not be afraid to look for love anywhere, even amongst your friends. Is not true friendship just a form of love, after all?
Find love, make love, and be merry. You've taken your first steps into a larger world.
Your Midnight Princess
L
Beneath the initials there is a stain of lipstick on the paper. Twilight rubs the letter against her cheek and shudders, immediately feeling embarrassed for doing such a thing. She puts her notes and the letter away, then draws up a blank piece of paper.
Dearest Princess Luna,
I made love! It was amazing! We had a few... difficulties, but it worked out in the end. I never thought anything could feel so good! My stallion was sweet and kind, and I was so lucky to have found him. It was pure chance, really – we just sort of fell in together. Much less awkward than the formal date I went on.
She pauses. She wants to explain her time with Rarity. It had been... different. Better? She's not sure. Twilight has so many questions. But she can't. She sighs, and continues.
Unfortunately, he lives far away, so it looks like our night together was a one-time thing. I admit, I don't think I love him. I think my crush on you is still keeping me from really falling in love. Sorry? I'll keep trying. Is it possible to be in love with more than one pony at once?
I suppose I'll find out. I'm going to try to find a mare now. I'm really excited about this. I don't know if my love for you makes me think of mares more often, or if I think of you because I like mares. It's a silly question. You are in a class of your own.
Your Eager Student,
Twilight Sparkle
It pains her to lie to the Princess, but it has to be done. She is excited, though. At least that part is honest. She folds the letter into an envelope and focuses on it. Again, the magic flows through her deliciously, touching her mind with just a glimpse of the majesty of a goddess. When she opens her eyes, the letter is gone, and she sighs in the warm afterglow of the spell.
Her mission accomplished for now, sleepiness sneaks back into her eyes. She collapses into bed. It was neat to see dawn for once, but it isn't something she feels the need to hang around for. She is asleep in moments, snoring loudly.
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 6 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:42:39+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:42:39+00:00
| 19,411 |
It was on almost this exact spot that Rainbow Dash landed in front of her, the morning after her mission began. That was weeks ago. The whole world is different now.
She trots on, making her way to Carousel Boutique again. Unlike that day weeks ago, nopony stops her, and she is at Rarity's home in just a few short minutes. A "Closed" sign hangs on the door. Twilight goes to knock, but her hoof freezes in mid-air. This is the first time they've really seen each other since that date.
This isn't going to be weird, is it?
We're still just friends, after all.
But... does Rarity think about that night, like I do? Does she want to try it again sometime?
Twilight smiles as some choice memories flash through her eyes.
That would be okay. Very okay.
She knocks on the door.
"Come in! It's open!" Rarity's voice calls out from inside.
Twilight lets herself in. The shop looks strangely empty. The dress forms are bare, the sewing table is clear, and Rarity is sitting at a design table sipping at a glass more full of ice than beverage.
"Twilight! I knew you would be early. So good to see you again." Rarity smiles warmly at her. "Come sit down! Can I get you anything while we wait?"
"No, that's okay. You look... not busy. For once," Twilight says as she settles onto a cushion next to her friend.
"Well, everypony needs a day off now and then. And I'm so glad we could set this up – it takes ages to get everyone's schedule together like this. Oh, this is going to be just fabulous!" Rarity says.
"You even got Applejack to take today off?" Twilight says.
"Ugh, I know. She was the last hold out, and it took forever to convince her. She can be so recalcitrant sometimes."
"I don't think she's ever even been to the spa."
"Yes, well, it would take an emergency for Applejack to do something so clean. That or my silver tongue." Rarity laughs smugly.
I bet your tongue could convince a lot of ponies to do a lot of things.
She starts to picture Rarity and Applejack in a very compromising position, but forces it back.
Rope it in, girl... just a day at the spa.
Everyone else will be here any minute now. Rarity is acting perfectly normal. Like nothing happened.
"Speaking of Applejack..." Rarity says with a glint in her eye. "She mentioned something peculiar while I was persuading her to join us today."
"Oh?" Twilight immediately knows what's coming but does her best to fake an innocent look.
"Oh yes. Apparently her cousin Braeburn almost missed his train back to Appleloosa – he disappeared the night before, and gave the whole Apple family a dreadful fright. Applejack said he had some story about getting lost while going out for food, but we both agreed it was an obvious ruse. Most peculiar."
"Yeah, that's uh... strange."
"You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"
"Um..." Twilight bites her lip.
"Ha! I knew it! So what happened? Oh, tell me everything!"
"He might have... kind of... stayed at my place," Twilight trails off, channeling Fluttershy. Rarity's jaw drops and she gasps in excitement. She looks like she's about to ask a thousand questions when there is another knock at the door.
"Oh, for heaven's sake... come in!" Rarity yells, looking a little annoyed.
"Alright, I hope y'all are ready to get this frou-frou nonsense over with," Applejack says as she enters the boutique. Her eyes perk up when she sees Twilight. "Well wallop my withers, Twilight! I was hopin' you would be here early. I have somethin' for you."
"For me? What is it?" Twilight says. Applejack rummages around in her saddlebag for a moment and produces a small, plain envelope. She drops it on the table in front of Twilight.
"Came with the usual mail from Appleloosa, with instructions to pass it on to you." Applejack winks at Twilight.
"Oh. Uh... thanks." Twilight slides it closer to herself, but leaves it on the table. Both her friends are staring at her.
"Well?" Rarity says.
"I'll read it later," Twilight says.
"What? I been waitin' all day to hear what that says. I mean, I'm pretty sure I know what it says, but still." Applejack nudges Twilight with her elbow, cocking an eyebrow.
"It's probably nothing. I don't even know who it's from," Twilight lies.
Both her friends scoff loudly.
"Come now, Twilight, this is positively thrilling. You must open it!" Rarity says.
"Yeah, what she said," Applejack says.
"Fine, fine." Twilight tears the envelope open with her teeth and starts reading the letter within. Of course, it's from Braeburn. She barely hears her friends as she reads.
"So... he was with her, wasn't he?" Applejack says to Rarity.
"Of course he was," Rarity says.
"Ha! Knew it," Applejack says.
Twilight's eyes get wider and wider as she scans the words. Phrases like "been thinking of you every moment" and "can't wait to see you again" and, "loveliest mare in all Equestria" jump out at her. She blushes deeply and folds up the letter, hiding it on the table under her hooves.
Oh dear Princess, is he in love with me? Aww... I think he's in love with me!
This is it! I found love! But wait... he loves me. I don't love him back. Shoot. Does that count?
This is bad.
That was just a one-night stand, wasn't it? She can't get bogged down with Braeburn, nice as he is. She needs to find a mare so she can be with Luna. But what about him? How's he going to take that?
What do I do? What can I do?
Twilight comes out of her thoughts to see both her friends staring at her again, barely containing their laughter.
"So... did he go all the way and propose, or only declare his undying love?" Rarity says.
"Wait, wait, she doesn't know who it's from, remember? So who is it, Twilight?" Applejack says, snorting into her hoof.
"It's, uh... it's private," Twilight says, sticking her nose up in the air. Rarity and Applejack share a laugh.
"Shoot, Twilight, you and Braeburn... I never woulda thought that. I guess you're quite the catch for that goofball." Applejack punches Twilight's shoulder lightly.
"Hey! He's not a goofball. He's sweet," Twilight says. Rarity and Applejack laugh again, and Twilight folds her ears down, feeling her blush grow more intense.
"Aw, relax, we're just horsin' around. He's a good colt. I don't know what you two are thinkin' what with the long distance and all, but hey – like Granny always says, the heart wants what the heart wants," Applejack says.
"Indeed, they are quite adorable together," Rarity says.
"Actually..." Twilight says.
Oh Goddess, how am I going to break this to Applejack?
What if she gets mad?
"Is something wrong? It is from Braeburn, is it not?" Rarity asks.
"Yes, it is," Twilight says.
"What, is he comin' on too strong? You look kinda spooked," Applejack says.
"He says he wants to come out to Ponyville to see me again," Twilight says, looking downcast.
"You don't fancy him?" Applejack says.
"I like him. But not like that, no. I mean, this is a love letter. Like, romantic love."
"Oh my. He really is confessing his love for you?" Rarity says.
"In so many words, yes," Twilight says, staring glumly at the letter.
"Well, if you aren't interested... that's a shame, but it is what it is," Applejack says, looking a little disappointed but not angry. Twilight lets out a long breath of relief. "Can't force somethin' that ain't there. I guess you write him back and break the bad news, and I'll write him somethin' to help it along."
"Really? You aren't upset with me?" Twilight asks.
"Shucks Twilight, I know Braeburn. This wouldn't be the first time he fell a little too hard and fast for a girl. Besides, it ain't like you led him on or anything. Heck, I doubt you'd even know how." Applejack snorts and smiles.
She knows!
No, that's stupid, she doesn't know.
Just play it cool.
She puts on a fake smile for Applejack.
"It is a shame, really, Twilight," Rarity says. "He would've been the perfect stallion for you to try out. I suppose we shall have to keep looking."
"Try out? Whaddya mean, try out?" Applejack says.
Twilight's heart plummets into her stomach.
Et tu, Rarity?
"Oh!" Rarity's eyes go wide. "I meant, um, that is to say..."
"It's fine, Rarity. I was going to tell everyone today," Twilight cuts her off. That had been her plan, anyway. It had never crossed her mind that her tryst with Braeburn would last after his train left.
"Tell everyone? About what?" Applejack says.
Twilight takes a deep breath.
Applejack is your friend. It's going to be fine.
She'll understand. Right?
"I'm in love with Princess Luna," Twilight says.
Applejack freezes, her face completely blank. "Excuse me?"
"I'm in love with Luna, and she asked me to try some dating before we could be together," Twilight says. It feels good, putting it out in the open. She could swear her lungs actually loosen up and grow in size.
"Oh, so you two are really in love now? When did that happen?" Rarity says.
"Wait a sec. She wants you to date... other ponies..." Applejack squints at Twilight, "so you can date her?"
"Yes, that is the plan," Rarity says.
"Well that ain't right. If that's the case, I'm glad you aren't gettin' Braeburn mixed up in this," Applejack says.
Just lie. Just make something up and move on.
Wait, are you crazy? Lie, to Applejack?
That might be the logical thing to do, but...
"Umm, Applejack," Twilight hears herself say, horrified, "I might have... kind of... uh..."
Rarity interrupts her with a gasp. "You did not!" she says, smiling.
"Whoa whoa whoa." Applejack stumbles back a few steps. "Are you sayin' you two...?"
"Congratulations, Twilight!" Rarity gushes. Twilight winces.
"Don't congratulate her!" Applejack yells. She turns to Twilight. "What were you doin' messin' around with my cousin if you're in love with some crazy magic moon mare?"
"I'm sorry! I didn't think he would fall in love with me! I thought it was just a one-night thing," Twilight blurts out.
"A one-night thing, huh?" Applejack snorts angrily. "Did you tell him that?"
"...No," Twilight says.
"Why of all the low down, schemin' –" Applejack stomps a hoof.
"I'm really sorry! It just kind of happened, there wasn't time to discuss it," Twilight says.
"Wasn't time to...? What are you – how do you..." Applejack splutters before giving up on words and just grunting in anger.
"Now, Applejack, calm down," Rarity says. "I'm sure Twilight didn't mean to hurt anypony."
"You stay outta this!" Applejack barks.
"I beg your pardon?" Rarity gives Applejack a look that would fell a lesser pony.
"This ain't none of your business." She waves Rarity off with a hoof. "Twilight, you're gonna make this right. Today. You write him a letter just as soon as we're done with this girly nonsense and you tell him everything."
"Applejack! I am Twilight's adviser in love, and I can assure you this is very much my business," Rarity says.
"I'll tell you what's your business and what ain't, you –" Applejack says.
"Girls!" Twilight yells. Both of them look at her. "Don't argue. Please. Rarity, AJ's right. I really messed this up." Twilight stares down at the letter. She can feel Applejack glaring at her. "I just want to fix this now."
"Fix it? This ain't one of your science doohickeys, Twilight," Applejack says.
"Well, you said write him a letter. Will he be okay? I really don't want to hurt him. Is there any way I can do this without hurting him?" Twilight looks desperately at both her friends.
"Little late for that," Applejack says.
Rarity nods. "Sadly, that appears to be so. If he's really fallen in love with you, that is."
Twilight tears the paper out from the envelope and gives it another quick read. She frowns deeper and deeper as she reads it, and by the end she is slumped down into her cushion. Her stomach does a few loops as she looks pleadingly up at Applejack.
"I'm really sorry. To you and him. I didn't want this," Twilight says. She feels stinging in her eyes, fighting to not blink.
Applejack just glares at her, but after a few seconds she can't hold it any longer. She heaves a long sigh and sits, folding her arms underneath her.
"Twilight, you... I'm just surprised, is all." Applejack looks away wistfully. "You're one of my best gals. I guess I expected better from you."
Twilight winces, feeling like she's been kicked in the gut.
"You must understand that she didn't mean to," Rarity speaks up. "She's new at this, after all. She's never dated before."
"I ain't never dated before, and you wouldn't catch me doin' that!" Applejack yells.
"Really? You haven't dated?" Twilight asks.
"That ain't the point right now." Applejack glares her down again. "You promise me you're gonna make this right? As best you can, anyhow?"
"Of course! I promise," Twilight says. Applejack makes a gross hawking noise in her throat and spits on her hoof, offering it to Twilight.
"Ew! Must you really?" Rarity says.
"Yes indeed." Applejack doesn't take her eyes off Twilight. Twilight recoils a bit from the spit-covered hoof, but her resolve takes over. She has to make this right. She reaches for Applejacks's hoof.
"Naw, you gotta spit too. Don't you know anything?"
Twilight looks dumbly at her hoof. She purses her lips and tries spitting, but just makes sputtering noises. Barely anything comes out. She takes a deep breath and tries again, dripping a wad of saliva down her chin. She wipes it off on her hoof and quickly presses it to Applejack's, grinning in embarrassment.
"I guess that'll do." Applejack wipes her hoof on her own coat and pointedly looks away from Twilight.
She's still mad at me.
Is she going to hate me now? Am I going to lose a friend over this? Luna can't be worth losing Applejack.
I have to say something.
Twilight is just forming a sentence in her head when there is another knock on the door.
"It's open!" Rarity says.
The door bursts open and Rainbow Dash pounces into the room. "What's up, ladies?" She poses, flaring her wings out.
Pinkie Pie comes bouncing in after her, followed by Fluttershy. They all exchange the usual greetings before Pinkie Pie's head starts shaking around. Her eyes go wide, and she gasps, staring at Twilight.
"Everyone! I think something big happened to Twilight!" Pinkie Pie yells.
"Is this another one of your weird predictions?" Rainbow Dash says.
"No! This one already happened! It's – hmm..." Pinkie Pie grabs her own head, feeling the vibrations running through her poofy hair.
"Oh no..." Twilight groans and hides her eyes.
"Ooooh! Wow! Twilight had some –" Pinkie Pie pauses as the head shaking goes away. Then she grins at Twilight, waggling her eyebrows. "Hee hee, Twilight, you got laid!"
"Whoa! Really?" Rainbow Dash says.
"Oh... you mean...?" Fluttershy looks shocked.
Rarity and Twilight look to Applejack. Applejack sighs again, rolling her eyes.
"Cat's outta the bag now. Go ahead and tell 'em," she says.
"Wait, REALLY really? Pinkie is right?" Rainbow Dash says.
"How do you do that?" Twilight glares at Pinkie Pie. "And why isn't it ever something good?"
"What, it wasn't good?" Rarity asks.
Twilight folds her ears back and mumbles her answer. "No, it was," she says.
"Who was it? Come on, tell us!" Rainbow Dash says.
Twilight looks at Applejack. Her friend is still glaring at her, but she doesn't say anything.
"Twilight?" Fluttershy says. "If you don't mind me asking... it was Braeburn, wasn't it?"
"Ha! Twilight and Braeburn! You are too much sometimes, Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash laughs.
"Actually, it was Braeburn," Rarity says. Rainbow Dash drops her jaw, staring at Twilight.
"Wow... I wonder what that was like?" Rainbow Dash stares off into space, then grins wickedly. She sits down on the floor, pretending to read a book. "Hmmm yes, reading... I'm Twilight! Hey there, Braeburn!" Rainbow Dash says, looking at Pinkie. Pinkie catches on quickly and giggles.
"I'm Braeburn! Aaaaaaapplelooooooosa! Watcha readin' cutie?" Pinkie bounces over to Rainbow Dash.
"Egghead's Guide to Sensual Steamy Sexin'," Rainbow Dash says in a snooty tone, pretending to close the book.
"Sounds fun! Let's do it!" Pinkie mounts Rainbow Dash like a stallion, ramming her hips into Dash's flanks. Fluttershy squeaks and covers her eyes.
"Oh yes! Books! Science! Sarcasm!" Rainbow Dash yells.
"Apples! Desert! More apples!" Pinkie Pie yells with each thrust.
"Nnnnnnnahhhhh Princess Celestia!" Dash yells out, writhing in fake pleasure.
"Woooooo Appleloosa!" Pinkie slams Rainbow Dash one last time and they both collapse in a pile, laughing.
Twilight and Rarity just glare at them, unamused. Applejack's face is a mask of confused horror. Fluttershy is quivering, peeking out from under her hooves.
"Are you two quite finished?" Rarity says.
"Yes we finished! Weren't you listening?" Pinkie says, causing Dash and Pinkie to laugh even harder.
"Alright, I've had just about enough o' this. Let's do what we're doin', my time's a wastin'." Applejack gets up and walks out the door, leaving it open behind her.
"What's her deal?" Rainbow Dash asks, still tangled with Pinkie Pie on the floor.
"We'll explain on the way," Rarity says, also getting up. Twilight slowly gets up as well. Her legs feel heavy. She can't help but hang her head as her friends make their way outside.
"There there, Twilight. She'll come around. Just give her some time," Rarity says, patting her shoulder.
"And Braeburn?" Twilight says, not looking up.
"Well, you said you wanted to learn about love. Sometimes breaking a heart is part of that. I've broken a few myself, I should think."
Twilight looks up at her. "And you're okay with that?"
"Of course not, it feels just awful," Rarity says.
"Oh," Twilight says. For some reason she feels a little better. Only a little.
• • •
Steam washes over her head. Her hooves are resting in a pool of cold water, fed by a waterfall running down the wall next to her. Cool mist and hot vapor rise all around her, mixing in the air.
Twilight sighs, stretching her back. Her friends are all in the sauna with her, all of them sharing her look of bliss. Normally she can't stand the smothering heat of a sauna for more than a few minutes, but this room is different. Somehow, every time she starts to overheat a cooling mist washes over her. As soon as she's bored of that, the steam returns. It's like the room is reading her thoughts.
She sighs again and sits. It feels like she's melting into the water, completely relaxed. Twilight closes her eyes and listens to running water and the hiss of steam.
"Rarity?" Applejack breaks the calm, and they all look at her.
"Mmhmm?" Rarity looks lazily at Applejack. Her hair is wrapped up in a ridiculously big towel.
"We been here for a few hours now," Applejack says.
"Mmm," Rarity says.
"And I been through some girly shenanigans," Applejack says.
"Yes, well that is the point."
"I was gonna give you a hard time about dragging me here."
"Of course."
"But this? This is nice."
All of Twilight's friends voice some kind of agreement, but they quickly quiet down again. Twilight steals a look at Applejack, who is right next to her and uncomfortably close. It's a small room for six ponies to be in.
That was the most her friend has spoken since they arrived. On their way over, the whole group had been brought up to speed on Twilight's mission, for lack of a better word. Applejack had pointedly stayed out of the conversation, and she's been sullen and quiet since then.
Maybe it's just regular grumpiness about going to the spa. Maybe she isn't still mad at me.
"What?" Applejack says suddenly.
"I didn't say anything," Twilight quickly looks at her hooves.
"Well yer just starin' at me. What is it?" Applejack says.
No, she's still mad at me. I've got to do something.
"I just feel so bad about Braeburn," Twilight says.
"Let it rest, Twi. Nothin' more to say about it."
"You're not mad at me?"
"Of course I am."
Twilight is at a loss. Applejack lightly punches her on the shoulder.
"Relax, Twilight. You're still my gal. But that doesn't mean I can't be sore at ya when you do somethin' bone-headed."
"Geez, lighten up, AJ. She said she was sorry, didn't she?" Rainbow Dash says.
"That ain't the point. What she did was plain ole' dishonest, and I hope she never pulls somethin' like that ever again." Applejack glares at Twilight, who nods weakly. "And that's beside how much my poor cousin's gonna be broken up about this."
"So what? How he carries it is up to him," Rainbow Dash says.
"Is that right?" Applejack says.
"Sure." Rainbow Dash shrugs her shoulders.
"Rainbow Dash, that sounds very... um..." Fluttershy fails to find the word she wants.
"Dasheriffic?" Pinkie Pie says.
Applejack snorts. "Dasheriffic sounds about right," she says.
"She has a point, you know. Braeburn is a grown stallion, I'm sure he can take care of himself," Rarity says.
"Alright!" Applejack yells. "Remember that time we went to the spa and I was actually startin' to enjoy it, despite myself? How's about we talk about somethin' else? Ain't nothin' more to discuss on this matter."
The circle of friends goes silent. Twilight frowns and keeps staring at Applejack.
Do they sell "Sorry I seduced your cousin and broke his heart" cards?
"Something else, huh?" Rainbow Dash arches her eyebrows and gets a mischievous look on her face. "So... Twilight. You've had a guy now." Dash glances at Applejack, who just narrows her eyes. "You ready to try out the other side?"
Twilight hedges on changing the subject – are they really just going to move on?
Well, Applejack did say she didn't want to talk about it anymore...
"Yes, that's still the plan," Twilight says.
"Oh my!" Fluttershy gasps. "Are you really going to date a girl?"
"Hold up now!" Applejack says. "You tellin' me after all that you're just gonna go gay?"
"She's just trying it out, Applejack," Rarity says.
"How do you even know you like mares? You ever been with one?" Applejack says to Twilight.
"Honestly? I... uh..." Twilight unconsciously looks at Rarity, who is staring at her in muted horror. She changes tack. "I haven't tried it yet. But I fantasize about it. A lot. Way more than being with guys. I was starting to think I was like that," she says. Rarity relaxes.
"Oh. Well that... uh... huh. So... you and Braeburn was just, like a... I don't know..." Applejack looks puzzled.
"But you still enjoyed being with him, did you not?" Rarity asks.
"Well, yeah," Twilight says.
"So you think you like both?" Rainbow Dash says.
"Don't be stupid, you can't do that," Applejack says.
"Sure you can! I do!" Rainbow Dash says.
"You do?" Applejack says.
"Yeah, I'm a player," Rainbow Dash says smugly.
"Well I knew you were into mares but..." Applejack looks even more puzzled. "I never thought that was a thing before. Liking both, I mean. Y'all knew about this?"
Everyone else nods.
"I've known since we were friends in Cloudsdale," Fluttershy says.
"Don't worry Applejack, I just found out," Twilight says. "And I think I might be like Dash. I was starting to think I only liked mares until Braeburn. Now I don't know what to think. I still think about mares all the time. What if I'm... I don't know, mostly gay? What's that called?"
"It's probably called, 'being mostly gay'!" Pinkie Pie says.
"If you're looking for a formal term, nothing comes to my mind," Rarity says.
"Hmm." Twilight rests her chin on a hoof, thinking.
"Oh!" Pinkie Pie bounces in the water. "Why don't you just use a number? Like, on a scale from one to ten, I like stallions THIS much," Pinkie Pie says.
"Pinkie, that's brilliant!" Twilight's mind races. "Although it really should be one through nine."
"Aw! Why not ten?" Pinkie says.
"Because if it's one through ten then two of the numbers will express a perfect median, which is redundant, not to mention inefficient, and..." Twilight trails off as she realizes everyone is staring at her. "Sorry. So... one through nine, with one being into mares, and nine being completely into stallions."
"One should stand for straight," Rainbow Dash says.
"Why?" Twilight says.
"Because it looks like a dick," Dash says. Rarity groans.
"So does nine!" Pinkie says.
"What?" several of them say in unison.
"You just have to turn it a little." Pinkie cranes her head to the side.
"Anyway! One through nine, with one being completely gay, and nine being completely straight," Twilight repeats. "I guess I would be a three, or a four maybe. Oh, this is perfect! It's so exact."
"How do you know? If you haven't tried it yet, I mean?" Fluttershy says. Again, Twilight can't help but look at Rarity, who freezes momentarily.
"You're right, this is just a rough estimate. I'll have to recalibrate once I have more evidence to go on," Twilight says.
"Neat! We should call it the Twilight Scale! Oh, but I helped – the Twilight and Pinkie Scale!" Pinkie Pie says.
"Ha ha, no," Twilight says. "I mean, I'd rather not have my name on it. Let's just call it the scale. What about you girls? If you don't mind me asking, that is." Twilight looks to her right. Fluttershy is next to her, opposite Applejack.
"Who, me?" Fluttershy shrinks a little, but only a little. "I don't know. I've never done anything like that with anypony. I don't really know what to say."
"What, you never think about love?" Rarity says, cocking a knowing eyebrow at Fluttershy.
"I guess I do. I do want to find somepony. Someday. And when I dream about love, it's always a stallion."
"Of course it is!" Rainbow Dash says, smiling. "Back in Cloudsdale, when we were fillies, Fluttershy had a crush on, like, EVERY stallion..."
"Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy yells. Dash just laughs quietly.
"So you're a nine. That's fine, I would guess that most ponies are. Perfectly normal," Twilight says.
"Oh... normal? Um... thanks," Fluttershy says.
"What about you, Rarity?" Twilight looks to the next pony in the circle.
"Easy. I'm a nine. But you probably all knew that already," Rarity says. Now Twilight cocks a knowing eyebrow, but Rarity ignores it.
"Oh... kay... Pinkie Pie?" Twilight says.
"Hmm." Pinkie Pie scratches her head. "I don't know! Depends on the day of the week, I guess!"
"Huh. So... a five?" Twilight says.
"Naw," Pinkie says.
Twilight just gives her a confused look. "...Moving on. Dash, you're comfortable being a five?" Twilight says.
"Oh yeah. A five. I like that! This scale is really something, Pinkie." Dash nudges Pinkie Pie.
"And that just leaves you, Applejack," Twilight says.
"I think I mind you askin', after all," Applejack says. All four of her other friends make disappointed noises.
"Come on, AJ! This is neat. We never talk about this stuff," Rainbow Dash says.
"Fine, fine. I guess I'm into stallions," Applejack says.
"But you said you haven't really dated anypony," Twilight says.
"So? Doesn't mean I don't think about it. I guess I'm more like Fluttershy than I thought," Applejack says.
"You fantasize about love?" Rarity says.
"Well, not love so much, honestly. I'm a busy mare, I got a farm to run. Never really gave much thought to findin' a mate."
"Wait, so...?" Rainbow Dash says, listening closely.
"I put in some long hours buckin' and plantin'. The mind does wander sometimes. There's a lot of days I find myself achin' for a good stallion. I just wouldn't know where to find 'em."
"...Aching?" Rarity says.
"Yeah, you know. It ain't really my head or my heart talkin'. Sometimes the rest of me is just screamin' for a nice big bundle of handsome who could really lay it down, if you know what I mean." Applejack splashes a hoof through the water.
"Whoa." Rainbow Dash grins.
"Oh... wow..." Fluttershy covers her smile with a hoof and looks away.
"Wow, Applejack. I never thought you... uh... thought about that." Twilight can't help smiling a little herself as some interesting images flash through her head.
"Hey, well, ain't nothin' to be ashamed of. That's just the equine condition."
"Indeed. So you're a nine, then?" Twilight says.
"Looks that way. I don't ever think about buckin' with a mare, so yeah."
Twilight chews this over. None of her friends said anything less than five – that leaves herself as the one most interested in mares. Is that weird? How common is it, really? How come nopony has written a book about this? Well, that's obvious, actually – it's not exactly easy to get this kind of information. These are her closest friends, and they're only just now talking about this for the first time.
"So, all you nines," Rainbow Dash asks, "You've never thought about being with a girl, even once?"
"Eep!" Fluttershy blushes. "Sorry, sorry..." She pauses, taking a deep breath. Twilight swears she can see Fluttershy silently mouthing the word assertive a few times. "Maybe just once. Or twice. I read about it in a book once..."
"Fluttershy!" Rarity gushes. "How bold of you to admit. I must confess that I've read about it as well, but that's as far as I'm willing to go. Personally, I'm all about the dashing gentlecolts."
Twilight gives Rarity a confused look, but is surprised to notice Rainbow Dash glaring at her as well. Nopony else seems to notice.
"Well, I ain't never thought of that kind of stuff. Never really crossed my mind. Guess I actually have somethin' in common with Rarity, for once." Applejack chuckles. Twilight is glad to see her smiling.
"Ha! I can't imagine we would be interested in anyone similar. How droll. At any rate..." Rarity gets up out of the shallow pool of water. "Would you girls like to continue this later? I think we've been in the sauna long enough. I could use some ice water."
They all murmur some kind of agreement. Twilight is the first out the door – the steam was starting to get to her, after all. She lets herself out into the spa's large main room, and freezes, still holding the door.
There are ponies on massage tables or in tubs of mud and water all over the room. Everypony stops talking and looks at Twilight as she walks out. Everypony. Both of the spa sisters blush and look away as their eyes meet Twilight's. Every customer is looking at her with a mixture of shock and awe.
She can't recall the names of most of them – just mares she's seen around town. But near the sauna, sitting on cushions getting hoof cleanings, are three she recognizes. The mare with the puffy orange mane is Carrot Top, next to her is the one with the really pretty mane – Bon-Bon, is it? Twilight is pretty sure her name is Bon-Bon – and next to her is Cheerilee, gawking in awe at Twilight.
"Oh! Twilight!" Cheerilee, like the spa sisters, goes red in the face and looks away as Twilight looks at her, but she quickly pulls it together and looks back. "Hi," she manages to say.
"We were all wondering just who was in there," Carrot Top says.
By now the rest of Twilight's friends have made their way out of the sauna, each one freezing like Twilight as they realize the whole room is looking at them.
"Whoa! They could –" Rainbow Dash says.
"Hear us?" Pinkie Pie finishes.
"Oh hayseed," Applejack says. Fluttershy dives behind Rarity, hiding.
"Perhaps we should... uh... call it a day?" Twilight says, backing towards the exit.
"Quite," Rarity says. They all turn and make for the door, trying to ignore the tittering and hushed talking that flairs up the moment their backs are turned.
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 7 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:42:59+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:42:59+00:00
| 16,390 |
Twilight wills the magic in her horn to life, lifting another box and floating it out into the library. She lifts two at the same time, then goes for three. It's still easy. Her magic has been steadily improving, even after leaving Celestia's tutelage. Unfortunately, the door is quite small, so three at a time looks to be the limit for now.
It's a shame. She's been looking for something to take her mind off the letter to Braeburn. Despite her promise to Applejack, she still hasn't sent it. She was up all last night agonizing over it, writing it and re-writing it. Even after hours of frustration, she couldn't bring herself to finish it.
"I can't believe it! My own room!" Spike says, slowly dragging a box that Twilight could easily lift. "I don't think I've ever had my own room before!"
"Well, you are getting awfully grown up. Look at those spines!" Twilight says. Spike looks exactly as he has for the past year. He stops dragging the box and runs a claw through his spines.
"Maybe soon I'll be big enough to impress Rarity." He poses, flexing his adorable little muscles. "What's that, Rarity? Oh yeah, you know, big awesome dragon muscles, no big deal. What's that? Why yes, I'd love to be your date to the Gala this year!"
Twilight giggles, shaking the boxes she's levitating. "Keep it together, Romeo. We've got a lot more stuff to move if you want to move in by tonight."
"Right! Right." Spike goes back to dragging his box, giving it his all. The box crawls across the floor. Twilight's never seen the little dragon work so hard.
Her reasons for suggesting this were pretty selfish at first. Between her night with Braeburn and her... solo explorations, Twilight had come to the conclusion that she needed a little more privacy. It wouldn't do to have Spike in a little basket at the foot of the bed while trying to make love to Luna, after all.
Then she had remembered that there were whole rooms in the library just full of junk she'd barely even looked at, gathering dust. Once all this junk had been shoved in the basement, this particular room would be Spike's.
"You think we could have a party once it's ready?" Spike says.
"What, like a housewarming party?" Twilight says.
"Yeah! We can invite all our friends... and Rarity! To Spike's Spectacular Roomwarming Party!"
"You should get Pinkie Pie on that." Twilight smiles, then something occurs to her.
No, he's just a kid, I shouldn't ask him.
But he is always talking about Rarity. Just what is going on in that little dragon brain of his?
"Spike, can I ask you something?" Twilight says.
"Sure, Twilight."
"Why do you love Rarity?"
"Aw geez, Twilight, come on. You're just gonna make fun of me again."
"I won't this time, I promise. Really. I mean... you know she's a unicorn, right? And you're a dragon? Don't you think that's a little strange?"
Spike stops his work and pauses, staring into space. "That's okay," he says.
"That's okay?" Twilight raises an eyebrow at him.
"Yeah, I don't care. She's amazing. I don't care if it's strange."
"Oh... kay... well why her?"
"Oh, that's easy! She's beautiful, and smart, and gorgeous, and talented, and pretty..." Spike counts his words on his claws, rambling on.
Maybe this is normal for dragons.
I really wouldn't know.
Or maybe I damaged his brain by raising him around ponies.
She frowns at that thought.
"...and kind, and generous of course." Spike finishes his list.
Ha, he's so adorable. So childish. I ask him why he loves her and he just lists a bunch of generic good adjectives.
"She's a little older than you, too. Don't you think that's strange?" she says.
"I told you, I don't care. Every time I see her it's like... she's just so perfect. She's so amazing. I just want to make everything nice for her and be with her forever. I want to make her happy." Spike is staring dreamily into space. He snaps back to reality. "You really aren't gonna make fun of me?" He glares at Twilight.
For once, Twilight can't think of a sarcastic quip. "No, Spike. That was actually really sweet."
"You won't tell Rarity what I said, will you?" Spike says, suddenly looking terrified.
"Of course not. Although she would probably like what you just said."
"Really?"
"Sure. I wasn't kidding, that was sweet. You really are a little Romeo sometimes."
Spike puffs his chest out for a moment, beaming. Then he stops, looking confused. "Well what about you, Twilight? I never hear you talk about anyone you like," he asks.
"Whoa. Really? You want to hear about who I like?"
"Why not? I always talk about Rarity. Besides, I don't think you have anyone like that. Other than your books, maybe." Spike snorts.
"Ha ha ha," Twilight deadpans. "Well, for your information, my little assistant..."
Spike's jaw drops. Twilight hedges on whether she should tell him or not.
Well, why not?
He seems to get this stuff a little bit.
I tell him everything else. This is bonding!
"I do have a crush on somepony. I think I might even love her," Twilight says.
"Her?" Spike says.
Whoops! Too much? No, go with it, he has to find out sometime!
"Uhhh... yes, Spike, her. Sometimes, two ponies love each other who are the same gender, and..." she starts to explain, feeling heat in her ears.
"Yeah, I know all about that stuff, Twilight."
"What?!" Twilight's jaw drops. "How do you know all about... that stuff?"
"Pinkie Pie told me."
"Oh."
Going to have to have a talk with Pinkie.
"You don't think that's strange?" she says.
"I'm a dragon who likes a pony. Whatever." Spike shrugs. "So who is it? Is it one of your friends?"
Twilight gets a wicked grin. "No, it's Princess Luna."
"Whoa!" Spike does a double take. "The Princess? And you make fun of me for liking Rarity!"
"Yeah, I guess that's not really fair."
"So why do you like Princess Luna?"
"Oh, that's easy! She's beautiful, and powerful, and lovely, and mysterious, and..." Twilight trails off.
Now who's being childish?
You can't come up with anything better than that?
Can't I?
Twilight's mind races.
Why do I love Luna? Every time I think about her I get all excited and light-headed. And she's beautiful... and stuff... and... I sound exactly like Spike. And I laugh at him when he talks about Rarity.
Well, what else is there to it?
Have I done anything with Luna?
We talked in Canterlot... ugh, I was so drunk I can't even remember what we talked about. Do I even know her, really? Sure I do, she's the Moon Goddess... I know about her... I know her sister! She isn't anything like her sister... is she?
"You okay, Twilight?" Spike says.
"Huh?"
"You were doing that thing you do. You spaced out."
"Oh... I was just thinking, Spike."
"Thinking about Luuuuuuuuna?" Spike jeers.
"Heh heh... yes, actually," she says.
Maybe I really shouldn't make fun of Spike anymore.
"Come on, let's get this finished up." She goes back to floating boxes out of Spike's soon-to-be bedroom.
"Okay." He goes back to his Sisyphean box. "Hey... when my room's done, you think Rarity would hang out in here with me?"
Twilight actually drops the boxes she's holding, startling Spike.
"Heh... sorry. You, uh... you should ask her," Twilight says.
He couldn't have meant... no, that's all in your head.
For just a moment she had seen it clearly – Spike and Rarity lying in bed, basking in afterglow. Spike was smoking a cigar and wearing a glorious mustache while Rarity gazed lovingly at him.
He's just a kid.
What is wrong with me?
"Hey, do you hear that?" Spike says, pausing.
"Hear wha–" Twilight says, but Spike shushes her. Twilight perks her ears up, and then she does hear it.
"Oh no, not again," she groans.
"Whoa! Whoa! WhooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAA!" Rainbow Dash's voice grows louder and louder before a brilliant blur comes flying in through an open window. She crashes into a bookshelf, spilling the contents everywhere, then rebounds into a stack of boxes on the floor. When the dust clears, Rainbow Dash is sitting in the middle of a wasteland of mess, shaking her head. Twilight groans.
"Dash! We've talked about this before. The door is right there!" Twilight says.
"Eh. Doors are for chumps." She jumps to her feet, flicking dust out of her wings. "Besides, I'm getting better. Just gotta go a little slower next time."
"Yeah, this time you didn't mess up EVERY book in the library," Spike says.
"Heh... yeah, I'm working on it, Spike," Dash says.
"I guess we better start cleaning this up. Are you going to help?" Twilight asks.
"Nope! I need to talk to you about something. Let's go get some lunch," Dash says.
"It's almost dinnertime," Spike says.
"Like I said, lunch. Come on, Twilight, my treat."
Twilight feels her stomach growl. She can practically hear it echoing off the bookshelves around her. "That sounds nice, actually," she says.
"Oh! Oh! Let's go to Horsia's!" Spike says, hopping up and down.
"Hold up there little guy." Rainbow Dash waves a hoof. "Me and Twilight need some grown-up talk time."
"Grown-up talk... what do you mean?" Spike says.
"Uh... girly grown-up stuff. Makeup or something, I don't know," Dash says.
"Whaaaaaat? No fair," Spike says.
"It's fine, Spike. I'll bring something back for you. You just keep working on your new room, we'll clean up this other stuff when I get back."
Spike groans loudly and makes a big huffy show of getting back to work. Twilight giggles – she can tell by the wagging of his tail that he's still happy about the food.
"Here, Rainbow Dash, let me show you something," Twilight says as she opens the front door. "Oooooooh! Wow! What brilliant mind invented such a contraption?" She swings the door back and forth on its hinges, looking amazed.
"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up." Dash struts outside. Twilight follows, giving one last glance back at Spike.
• • •
Twilight picks at her salad absentmindedly. Most of it is still on her plate.
Guess I wasn't as hungry as I thought.
She's been watching Rainbow Dash wolf down her food for the past few minutes. It's almost impressive. The pegasus attacks her meal with the single-minded intensity of a vicious predator. As Twilight watches, she takes a momentary break and flags down the waiter, asking for another coffee.
How does she stay so skinny?
Twilight had caught herself staring at Rainbow as they walked over here – well, as Twilight walked. Rainbow Dash couldn't stay on the ground for more than a few moments. She kept fluttering up, spinning in lazy circles around Twilight, exuding energy.
She's got a great body.
Dash is definitely her most athletic friend – AJ might be stronger, more solid, but Rainbow Dash has the tight, firm muscles of a creature built for speed.
What would it be like to sleep with someone like that?
Twilight's head is about to take a few guesses as to that question when Rainbow Dash burps loudly.
"Well, that was attractive," Twilight says.
"'Scuse me." Dash gives her a meek look.
Twilight surveys the table now that Dash seems finished. Her side is a half-eaten salad. Dash's side is an empty plate with several empty side dishes, and a few cups of coffee. Dash gulps down the latest one, sighing with satisfaction.
"How do you do it?" Twilight asks. "That's a pegasus thing, isn't it?"
"What, all this?" Dash looks around at the aftermath of her lunch, as if she has no idea how it got there. "Flying burns a lot of calories, Sparkles. You never read that in one of your books?"
"I have read it, it's just weird to see it in action. You don't look like you eat the way you do."
"Yeah, no such thing as a chubby pegasus pony. Food, coffee, sugar, energy drinks, you name it – we gulp it down."
"Huh. Lucky I guess."
"What, are you worried? You look great. Especially for a girl who sits in a library all day. Or maybe that magic horn of yours burns the calories, too."
Does my horn burn calories? How do I not know this stuff?
"Thanks, I guess," Twilight says.
Wait a minute, did she just call me pretty? I think she did!
"So. Anyway," Dash says. "All that stuff you were talking about yesterday. The scale, who likes mares and who doesn't, that stuff."
"Yes?"
"That scale is really great, by the way. Clever. I dig it a lot."
"Well that one was mostly Pinkie Pie."
"Yeah. Ah, Pinkie..." Dash gets a faraway look for a second. "I wanted to ask you about... well, you. Since I'm supposed to be helping you find a mare."
"Right, right. Sticking to the plan."
"Eye on the prize, exactly," Dash says, then perks up, remembering something. "Oh, and the whole Braeburn thing. I wouldn't beat yourself up over it. So you had sex once – big deal. You two aren't married or anything. You gotta keep moving!"
Twilight suppresses a wince. She's been trying hard not to think about that, after her failure to write the letter. "Can we not talk about that?" she says.
"Perfect! That's the spirit! Just move on."
That's not really what I meant, but fine.
"Alright, so moving on... you sure you're really up for this? Dating a girl, I mean?" Dash asks.
"Oh yeah. Very sure."
"Really? How do you know?"
The sound of Rarity moaning her name plays in Twilight's ears. She sees Rainbow Dash, from her very first real sexual fantasy, writhing on a bed.
"I... uh... I guess I find mares attractive. Like Luna. And I think about them. Instead of stallions," Twilight says quietly.
"Ah, you do clop to mares! Good, I thought so."
"You thought so?" Twilight raises an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I had a feeling about you," Dash says.
"Huh," Twilight says, not sure how to take that.
"But you've never tried it?"
Twilight can almost feel Rarity's silky mane on her snout. She shakes her head. "No, no. I mean, not unless the one kiss with Luna counts."
"You sure?" Dash pins her with a very serious look. "Because I'm trying to help you out, Twi. You gotta be up front with me."
Up front? Of course...
If I had just been more up front with Braeburn...
But I promised Rarity!
What to do...
Compromise!
"Alright, fine. I have tried out a mare before. But you can't tell anypony, and I can't tell you who it was," Twilight says grudgingly.
"Lemme guess... Rarity?"
Twilight's jaw almost hits the table. She looks around nervously, expecting everypony in the restaurant to be looking at them. No one is listening. Hardly anyone is there.
"How did you...?" Twilight says.
"I knew she was gonna do that." Rainbow Dash pounds the table with a hoof.
Twilight's head spins. She hears Pinkie Pie's menacing "FOREVER!" somewhere in the back of her mind. How in all of Equestria did Rainbow Dash know...?
"Okay, what exactly happened with you and Rarity?" Twilight asks.
Dash looks away, fidgeting a little. "What do you mean?" she says.
"What do I mean? The weird comments, the looks, and now I find out you know about me and her. What is going on?" Twilight says.
Rainbow Dash opens her mouth to speak, but thinks better of it and just sits there.
"Dash. You were just telling me to be up front. Come on," Twilight says.
"She asked me not to tell anypony," Dash says.
Twilight feels her glare soften. "Yeah... she did that with me, too," she says.
They both pause, looking at the table.
"It's not like any of us are gonna judge her!" Dash says suddenly, throwing her hooves up in the air. "We're her friends! You and me are real open about this."
"I guess she tries to be more private about this stuff," Twilight says.
Rainbow Dash snorts. "Yeah, when it comes to her privates. She's more than happy to gab about ours."
"That's not really fair. I asked her to talk about my love life," Twilight says. Rainbow Dash just snorts again, crossing her arms and sulking.
Wow... There's whole dimensions to my friends I never knew about before.
She's seen Dash angry before, but not like this. She seems almost hurt.
They both sit for what feels like a long time.
"Dash," Twilight says finally, "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. I won't pry."
Rainbow Dash looks at her and softens a little when their eyes meet. She takes a deep breath. "Do you want to talk about it?" she says.
"I have to admit, I'm really curious now," Twilight says.
Rainbow Dash sits still for a few seconds more, then gets her usual determined look in her eyes.
"Okay then. But we better order some more food. It's a long story."
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 8 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-10-18T00:34:02+00:00
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2012-10-18T00:34:02+00:00
| 17,327 |
"Rainbow Dash?"
"Zzz huh wha–?" Rainbow Dash snorts and opens her creaky eyes.
"Rainbow Daaaaaaaaaash!"
Is that Rarity's voice waking her up? By now she's is used to being woken up by Pinkie Pie or Applejack. This is new.
She climbs up to the top of the small cloud she was using as a bed, scanning the ground groggily. There, far below, stands the little white unicorn. Rainbow Dash snorts and flops back down into the soft, white vapor.
"Dash! I know you're up there! Would you come down for a moment, please? I need to talk to you," Rarity's voice floats up from below.
Rainbow Dash lets out an angry sigh and rolls over. This was such a soft cloud, too. It even had a natural kind of bowl shape, perfect for napping. She stretches her wings and back, and smacks her tongue a few times for good measure.
"Dash!" Rarity's voice again, getting annoyed now.
"I'm comin', I'm comin'! Keep your bridle on." Dash rubs at her eyes with a hoof, rubbing out those little green crunchy things that always appear in the morning. What are those, anyway?
Should ask Twilight sometime.
She drops off the side of the cloud and glides down in a lazy circle. Rarity is standing on a small hill below, trying very hard to look nonchalant.
Rainbow Dash floats down near Rarity and hangs in the air above her. "What's up?" she says, stifling a yawn.
"So sorry to interrupt," Rarity says in that weird sing-song accent of hers. "You're not too busy to chat for a moment, are you?"
Rainbow Dash just gives her a deadpan look before yawning again. She stretches her back, losing altitude, and lands in the grass next to Rarity.
"I just wanted to ask –" Rarity begins, but Dash raises a hoof, silencing her. Rainbow Dash can feel Rarity's glare as she stretches some more, taking her time. She shrugs her shoulders, flares her wings out, then kicks out each leg one by one.
"Are you quite finished?" Rarity asks.
"Yeeeeeeeah," Dash says, rolling her neck back and forth.
"Good, good," Rarity says. She pauses, looking like she can't remember what she wanted to say. "How are you?"
"Sleepy," Dash says.
"Ah ha ha, of course," Rarity laughs diplomatically. "As long as I have you up, I just wanted to thank you again."
"...Again?" Dash blinks her eyes hard. What the hay is Rarity talking about now?
"Yes, again! Why, last week in Cloudsdale, you saved my life! And even after I was so awful to you. I don't think I could ever really repay you."
"Oh yeah, that," Rainbow Dash says, yawning again. "I already said, don't worry about it. No big deal." She looks around, becoming more alert. "You woke me up just to thank me again?"
"Well no, I wanted to do something special for you. I thought maybe I could take you out somewhere nice. My treat, naturally."
"What, you mean like a fancy restaurant or something?"
"Whatever you like! This is my gift to you, Rainbow Dash."
"Huh. Well that's cool." She sets to thinking.
A free night out, anywhere?
"How about that new pub? The one over on Stirrup Street?" Dash says.
Rarity makes a gagging noise for a moment, but quickly regains composure. "Eugh... The Basement? I've heard it's very... uh... low class," she says.
"Well I heard it was awesome! Let's go tonight."
"Tonight? There?" Rarity can't hide her look of horror now. "Wouldn't you like to make plans for something more extravagant? We could stop by the spa, take in a performance perhaps, dine at a real restaurant... and we could take some time to properly prepare. Make a real night of it."
"Prepare? I'm ready now." Dash flicks her wings again, working out the sleep. "Besides, I'm not really interested in all that other stuff. No offense."
"So – I offer to take you anywhere you like, and you want to go to..." Rarity halts, treading carefully over the next few words, "...a grungy pub. Tonight."
"Yeah, that sounds good," Rainbow Dash says. "You sure you can handle it?"
"Handle it? Of course I can handle it. This is my gift to Rainbow Dash, and if that's what Dash wants, then we'll go to the pub," Rarity says. "I need some time to get dressed. What say you to meeting at six?"
Rainbow Dash just snorts and laughs. "Six? For the pub? What are you, crazy? I'll stop by your place at ten."
"Ten?! As in, ten o'clock? In the post meridian?"
"Meridian?" Dash says.
"Evening," Rarity says.
Rainbow Dash just nods.
"That's a little late for getting started, isn't it?" Rarity says.
Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes, giving Rarity a look that wonders if this is a good idea or not.
"Ten it is! Ten is fine. That's plenty of time to get ready. I'll look extra fabulous, I suppose," Rarity says with a fake smile.
"Right, you do that. I'll catch you later." Rainbow Dash is already scanning the sky, planning her route after take off. She spreads her wings and coils her body for a leap...
"Rainbow Dash?" Rarity says.
"Huh?" She almost stumbles, but recovers with one strong flap of her wings. Rarity is giving her a really strange look.
"I don't know... I'm just happy I could do something for you, I suppose. I'm looking forward to it."
"Oh... kay... I'll see you tonight," Rainbow Dash says slowly, then springs into the air before Rarity can say any more. She barely hears whatever her friend says in parting – probably French or one of those weird fashion industry things she's always saying – as wind whips through her ears. The ground shrinks away at breakneck speed. In seconds she is alone in the sky, flying free.
• • •
Rainbow Dash pushes the door open and struts inside. It's a small room, and she feels a small tinge of...
low ceiling underground can't fly get out now
She pushes it away effortlessly, a practiced habit by now, and takes in The Basement.
"Aw man, this place is sick! Ponyville needed this kind of bar," Dash says, glancing behind her. Rarity is frozen in the doorway. She's looking her usual fabulous self, and she's put on a very casual-chic saddle for the night. Even Dash thinks she looks pretty good.
"It's rather dark, isn't it? And smoky," Rarity says, looking worried.
"Right? It's perfect." She's already nodding her head to the music, some kind of loud techno. The place is crowded – it's a Friday night, Dash remembers – so she has to flap her wings and float above the crowd to get a good look at the place.
Gilda would like –
She dismisses the thought instantly. Through the haze of smoke she can see the DJ penned into the corner by her spin table and speakers, right next to Equestria's most cramped dance floor.
"Whoa!" Dash lands and turns to Rarity, who has worked up the courage to actually step inside. "Did you know Vinyl Scratch was playing here?"
"Who?" Rarity says. Dash groans. "Is somepony going to show us to our table, or...?"
Dash groans again and rolls her eyes.
"Oh. This is THAT kind of place, isn't it?" Rarity says. Dash is about to say something, but clearly the look on her face has some effect on Rarity.
"I mean..." Rarity says, thinking. "It's cozy. It's got a sort of rakish charm, I suppose," she says, giving a weak smile.
Rainbow Dash starts making her way to the bar, staying on the ground to keep her head out of the smoke that clings to the ceiling. She can hear Rarity behind her, a trail of "Excuse me" and "Pardon me" following in her wake. They get to the bar and Dash squeezes in between other customers, pulling Rarity with her.
"So, just making sure. You're paying?" Dash yells over the music. Rarity says something but it's lost in the general hubbub of the place. Dash points to her ear and Rarity yells back.
"I said it was my treat!"
"Awesome!" Dash starts looking over the various bottles lined up behind the bar. Where to begin? Rarity says something but she misses it.
"What?" Dash yells.
"Do they have a wine list?" Rarity asks.
"Pffffft Hahaha!" Dash pounds the bar with a hoof. A few ponies around them are laughing as well, and Rarity gives them all a cutting look.
"Very well. Bartender?" Rarity calls out, batting her eyes. A gruff stallion behind the bar comes over to them instantly. Dash is a little amazed at the fast response for a place like this.
Well, with two hot fillies like us of course he's over here fast.
"Can you make a Cosmopolitan? Manehattan style?" Rarity asks.
"Sure thing," the bartender says.
"Oh man, a Cosmo? I love those! Make it two!" Dash yells.
They get their drinks – Rarity does pay, without any fuss – and cram themselves around a small table against a wall, crowded in on every other side. They clink glasses and Dash gulps down almost half her drink. Rarity timidly sips at hers, looking around warily.
"I didn't realize Ponyville had such establishments," Rarity says.
"What?" Dash yells.
"This place. I didn't know Ponyville had places like this," Rarity says, louder this time.
"What about The Red Bit?"
"That's hardly the same. I've heard they actually serve food there."
"You haven't been?" Dash gulps down more of her drink, barely tasting it.
"I don't actually go out much. Not for late nights, anyway." Rarity fiddles with her straw.
"You don't?" Dash says. "I mean, I never see you out on weekends. I guess I always thought you were at, like, I don't know, fancy restaurants or something."
"Dear, this is Ponyville. Not exactly the most bustling hub of culture. And with my work schedule..." She sips at her drink some more.
"Huh." Dash finishes her drink. "Well then this is your night to party! Let's go hit the floor." She flares her wings out, drawing glares from ponies sitting behind her. She pretends not to notice.
"Hit the... you mean dance? Ugh, it's so crowded. And I can smell the sweat from here. No, thank you."
"What? Come on! Have some fun!" Dash scans the small crowd, already picking out a cute girl to hit on. She almost never goes out really intending to try and pick up someone, but once the music is on and the drinks are flowing...
"You go ahead. I'll just hold our table," Rarity says.
"Really?"
Rarity nods.
Well, suit yourself. I'm gonna have some fun.
She jumps up and glides over everypony's head, feathers skimming the ceiling. When she lands next to the DJ's table, half the eyes in the bar are on her. She bumps hooves with Scratch quickly, letting her get back to work, then struts right out onto the floor. There's only room for about a dozen ponies – they're just teenagers really, barely old enough to drink. They were dancing, but they've slowed down in awe of Rainbow Dash.
Yeah, that's how it's done... all eyes on me.
One of the younger mares trots up to her. "You're Rainbow Dash, aren't you?" she says.
"The one and only." Dash winks at her.
"Oh... my... god!" The filly turns back to her friends and they huddle up, talking about her. Rainbow Dash. Her chest swells. She starts dancing without even thinking about it, with a confidence and ease that shine even brighter than usual.
She bumps the filly that was talking to her on purpose, hard. The young mare turns and squeals when she sees Dash beckoning her over. She hesitates, but her friends yell some encouragement, and Dash grabs her and pulls her closer.
They dance. Dash does her usual thing, just playing around. Her partner is clumsy, but enthusiastic.
Man, she's so young. Is this her first time out? Does she have any idea what she's doing?
The mare is following Rainbow Dash's lead completely, almost gawking at her. Dash rubs up against her partner here and there, and she can feel the poor girl tense up. She looks happy but she's probably freaking out inside. Rainbow Dash starts to get bored – there's no give and take here, just give.
I wish Pinkie Pie was here. Why didn't I invite her? What's she even up to tonight?
Her eyes wander and she sees Rarity at the other end of the bar, talking to... a colt?
Some guy is at our table!
He's not bad looking, but he definitely has a kind of punk look going on. Even from here Dash can see that the kid can't keep eye contact with Rarity – he keeps glancing all over her body, dragging his eyes over her flanks. Rainbow Dash snorts in amusement.
Gotta get in on this.
She waits out the rest of the song, humoring the younger mare. When the music pauses, her partner is just staring at her, breathless. Dash bumps her on the flank and winks at her again before taking off.
Yeah that's right leave 'em wanting more pick up on that again later...
She lands back in her seat with a graceless thud before she notices it's just Rarity at the table again.
"Aw... I missed him?" she says.
"Oh, you saw that?" Rarity smirks.
"Did you shoot him down? He was kind of cute."
"I suppose. And quite bold, for such a young buck. But not my type. And such an amateur."
Rainbow Dash laughs. "Yeah, I could tell. I'm shocked one of these foals actually had the balls to come up to you."
"Eugh... he had plenty of those, I should say. After his friends egged him on for a few minutes of course." Rarity looks around the bar, scanning faces. "They are all rather young, aren't they?"
"Right? Bunch of kids. Just out of school, probably." Dash perks up – a well-muscled stallion is eyeing Rarity from a few tables over. "What about that one? He's more our age."
"Who, him?" Rarity discreetly examines him, pretending to fuss with her mane. "Ooh, he's alright." She only looks for a second before turning and giving Dash a sour look. "Ugh, more our age – has it really gotten that bad?"
Dash rolls her eyes.
No way I'm getting dragged into a conversation about how we aren't young and beautiful anymore.
Gotta keep Rarity's theatrics under control.
"Let's go chat him up," Dash says.
"Oh, no, I couldn't." Rarity laughs. "Besides, if he can't show enough initiative to come talk to me, then I'm not interested."
"Well if you don't want him, I'm gonna go make a play," Dash says, flaring her wings out.
Should've got another drink, could use some more of those.
"I beg your pardon?" Rarity cocks an eyebrow.
"I said I'm gonna make a play. Go say 'Hi'. See what he's made of."
"...For yourself?"
"Well yeah, since you can't show some initiative." Dash grins.
Rarity ignores the jab and slowly, carefully forms her next sentence. "Forgive me for asking but... I thought you were, um... of the other persuasion?"
"You callin' me a filly fooler?" Dash glares at her, faking an angry tone.
"I didn't say that, Dash, I would never. There's nothing wrong with it, and I always thought..."
"You always thought, huh?"
"Well you were just dancing with a mare! And you were dancing very sensually, at that."
Ah, so she was watching. Might as well come clean.
"Relax, I was just messin' with you," she says, smiling.
"So you do... date mares?" Rarity says the last part quietly. Dash isn't sure why.
"Yeah. But I like guys, too."
"Ah." Rarity goes to take a drink, then does a double take. Rainbow Dash can't help but laugh – seeing Rarity's eyes almost bug out of her head is too much. Rarity sort of laughs along, trying to keep up.
"My, my, that's very modern of you," Rarity says. "I suppose you were just having a laugh at my expense before?"
Rainbow Dash nods. "Everyone just assumes, you know? Like, as far back as I can remember."
"I'm sorry, I really shouldn't have..."
Dash waves her hooves. "Don't worry. I used to have a real chip on my shoulder about it. I would make a big deal about liking guys and get all angry. But then I was like, 'Hey! I like mares too. This is me. Screw what they think.'"
Rarity puts a hoof to her chin, thinking. Dash smirks – why's she being so serious all of a sudden?
"It's difficult, isn't it? Everypony sees the way you look or the way you act, and they just assume so much sometimes. We're just being ourselves – it's not up to us to fit in to what they assume," Rarity says.
"What, we? What are you talking about?"
"Well, I don't like to brag..."
Dash snorts.
Rarity ignores her and continues, "But I do take care of myself. And I know I look, on my worst day, simply stunning. But I don't really do it for them, you understand? I do it for me."
"Them?"
"Other ponies." Rarity loses her perfect posture momentarily, gazing down into her drink. Rainbow Dash thinks she looks sad... real sad, not that overblown dramatic stuff Rarity usually shows. Before she can say anything Rarity is back to normal and speaks again. "You know what that colt said to me? The one that was here just now?"
"Aw, come on. That kid, he's just an amateur." Rainbow Dash laughs.
"Well I'm not going to repeat what that amateur said." Rarity pouts, and Dash can't help but laugh some more. It couldn't have been all that bad.
"Lighten up, Rarity. You can't tell me you don't like the attention."
"I would like it if they were really paying attention to me, instead of what they think I am."
Whatever Dash was going to say next, it vanishes from her mouth. Her smile fades away. Something in that sentence has frozen her completely, and for some reason she thinks of Gilda again. She closes her eyes and shakes her head, clearing the memories away.
"I'm sorry," Dash says.
"Excuse me?" Rarity blinks at her.
"I said I'm sorry. And you better hold on to that one, I don't say that a lot," Dash says.
Rarity keeps blinking, her mouth hanging open. "Did I miss something?"
Dash feels a little light-headed.
That was only one drink, right? Why did I say I was sorry?
"I guess I assumed some things about you, too," she says, not thinking at all, letting the words tumble out on their own.
"It's fine, my dear – I think we both know what it's like. And I want you to know that it doesn't matter to me how you are. I know there are many far more interesting things about you," Rarity says, putting a hoof on Dash's shoulder.
"Ha! Yeah, I'm pretty awesome."
"Well, you had the good sense to save my life. I suppose that is... awesome." Rarity giggles at the last word, and Dash can't help but join her.
Rarity goes to finish her drink, and Dash stares at her. This was the last thing she was expecting out of the night. Out of their circle of friends, she'd never had any kind of strong connection with Rarity, and she hadn't exactly been excited about going out on the town with her. And now...
"You know what we need?" Dash says.
"Hmm?" Rarity says through her straw.
"Shots. And this round is on me. Yo, bartender!" she yells. She floats away, bypassing the crowd completely, and comes back with two small glasses of something clear.
"On you? I thought I told you that tonight is my treat."
"You can pay for all the rest, but I'm buying you this one. I owe you. Trust me."
Rarity gives her a puzzled look. "Well, if you insist." She looks down at the shot glass. "Ugh, I haven't done this in ages. Shall we drink to you and your sonic rainboom?"
"No, no, this one's to us. The real us. Not what other ponies think."
Rarity smiles at her, and they say cheers together. Rainbow Dash downs the shot easily, relishing the burn in her throat. Rarity gags and makes all kinds of dainty coughs, but downs her drink as well.
"Well! That takes me back." Rarity looks around at the ponies crowded around them. "Ha! I feel as young as these foals!"
"Good!" Rainbow Dash speeds away to the bar again and comes back, this time with a tray of shots.
"Oh my. What's all this?" Rarity says.
"THIS is us drinking to me and my sonic rainboom."
"I don't know Rainbow Dash, I was planning on getting up early and getting some work done..."
"Can't hear you! I guess we better do these shots." Rainbow Dash grins wickedly and makes two lines of glasses.
"You really expect me to drink all that?" Rarity says.
"Sure, me and AJ do this all the time. Unless you think you can't keep up." Dash grins wider, setting the trap. Rarity narrows her eyes and glares down the line of drinks, planning her attack.
"Let's do this." Rarity activates her horn, floating the glasses up.
"That's more like it!" Dash grabs her glass and that sweet burning flows down her throat and coils in her stomach. She tears through the line of glasses, racing Rarity. She's finished far before the white unicorn. Rarity has to pause to cough between each drink.
Dash smirks and does a quick scan of the bar while Rarity catches up. That mare she was dancing with is sitting over by the dance floor, talking with her friends. She's an earth pony – what is it about earth ponies – and she keeps glancing over at Rainbow Dash. Their eyes meet and she looks away at first, then blushes and shoots a flirty look Dash's way.
Aw, hell yeah! This might finally be my night.
She grins back before turning to Rarity.
"There!" Rarity slams her final glass onto the table. "Ooh, my stars. That burns a little."
"Chasers! Good idea!" Dash flits back and forth to the bar again – that's right, her tab, the white unicorn – and then there are more drinks on the table.
Rarity sips eagerly at another Cosmopolitan and looks instantly relieved. "Ah! Much better. How nice of you to fetch the drinks, Rainbow. It's very, ha, chivalrous of you."
"Well, I got the means." She flaps her wings a few times.
"It seems you do." Rarity suddenly pouts. "Oh, wings! I do so miss mine. You know I always really envied you pegasus ponies before. I'm so glad I had the chance to see what it's like..."
"Yeah, it's pretty awesome. I mean, magic must be cool and all, but you can't beat flying."
Rarity just narrows her eyes.
"I'm sure Twilight wouldn't mind magicking you up another pair some time," Dash says, polishing off another drink. "Hey! Maybe she can make you some normal wings and you can try real flying."
"Real flying?"
"Yeah, you know, with speed!"
"Oh... so you would take me flying some time?"
"Sure, I could show you the ropes."
"Ha! The Best Young Flier in Equestria, showing me the ropes! What an honor."
Dash snorts into her drink. "You almost sound like that one filly. The little orange one, your sister's friend," she says.
"Scootaloo?"
"That's the one."
Well of course she does.
I am the Best Young Flier.
I should've worn that crown out tonight.
She gulps down more of her drink.
man this stuff is good I can't believe I don't always drink this of course I don't always have Rarity paying for
"It's just annoying!" Rarity leans far over the table, pounding a hoof. "I just want to be treated like a LADY! Why is that so hard?"
"I know, I know, it's like... why would you do that? Why would anyone do that?"
I had no idea she could be funny she's funny when she drops that dumb accent it's not even an accent is it it's just how stuck up ponies talk
"Careful!" Rarity says.
"Careful? Careful of what?"
"You're going to make a mess."
There is a sea of empty shot glasses on the table. Dash pounds a hoof on the flat wood, and they all clink together. They stare at each other for a moment and burst out laughing.
She's lived here all her life of course she has you know who else has?
"Why yes, I guess I have known Applejack a while now," Rarity says.
"Oh yeah? You got any dirt on her?"
"Well! Since you ask..."
Oh my God that story was amazing I will never ever ever forget that and I'm gonna give AJ such a hard time
"What about Fluttershy?"
"What ABOUT Fluttershy?"
"You grew up with her in Cloudsdale, didn't you?"
"Yeah."
"Well?"
"Hmm. How about... her first kiss?"
Rarity gasps, freezing completely, hanging on Dash's next words.
"A cloud."
Rarity claps her hooves to her mouth, laughing silently. "Oh that's mean! That's just mean, I shouldn't be laughing. That poor girl."
"I know, she..."
Where is everypony else this is so much fun we should find them right now and talk like this we should always talk like this
"I bet Twilight would be into that."
Dash laughs, dropping her glass from her mouth. It spills all over the table.
"And you said I was mean!"
"What? We all know it."
Do unicorns all do that thing I bet they do that is totally a unicorn thing
Dash grabs the filly she was dancing with before, practically tearing her out of the hooves of one of her friends. She's got that look of excited shock
I love that look that is the best
They're dancing now, rubbing close together, Dash nips at her ear and the filly turns bright red and leaves
That's right little girl had enough fine go back to your friends
Rarity is dancing with two stallions, two! That's not fair, she cuts in on one of them, they're all dancing together Rarity is jumping around like a maniac whooping her flanks off
Man look at her go I bet she can really get down if she would just pull that stick out of her...
"Dash! Dash I found you!"
"No, I found you!"
"Don't be silly!" Rarity sways on her hooves, bumping every pony nearby. "EXCUSE! ME!" She glares around her, then hugs Rainbow Dash.
How in Equestria does she smell like that I must smell like cigarettes dipped in vodka dipped in sweat by now
"This is MY table!" Rarity yells.
"Whoa, Rarity... maybe you should come down."
"Never! This is MY table, in MY bar, and I must SURVEY my HOLDINGS!"
"Ha, yeah!" Dash jumps up onto another table, spilling drinks everywhere. "This is my table!"
"We are queens of the night!"
"Uh, yeah! That too!"
"You! There!" Rarity points at a pony below her. "We will dance now!"
Are they asking us to leave who do they think they are oh the bar's closing
Dash steps outside and the cold night air slaps her in the face. She takes a deep breath and her eyes focus considerably, the spinning in her head slows down. The air is so crisp, so clean, it tastes like high altitude.
"I... am... absolutely famished," Rarity says next to her. Rainbow Dash's stomach gives a mighty growl.
They stand in line for hours and hours Dash could swear she had to leave the line to go to the bathroom like eight or nine times and then there is food and it's hot and salty and greasy and Rarity if you don't like the way I do ketchup then you can get your own order of hay fries alright fine fine I won't put any on this side hey is that the girl from the bar oh okay ignore me that's fine whatever I don't care I'm freakin' Rainbow Dash over here.
And then they're walking somewhere and it's cold but not too cold and it's so quiet.
Rarity stumbles on nothing and Dash catches her with a hoof on her shoulder.
"You alright there, girl?" Dash says.
"Yes, thank you. Sorry. So sorry. I don't usually do this," Rarity says.
"Really? You were quite the party pony tonight."
"Was I? Oh goodness, I hope nopony gets the wrong idea. I never do this. You don't think less of me, do you?" Rarity says, slurring less than before. The cold night air and the food appear to have sobered her up a little as well.
"Psssh, naw. Heck, I think I like you a lot more now."
"Oh, well thank you Dash. I like you too."
"You do, huh?"
"Well of course I do! You know, it's funny." Rarity turns to Dash as they walk, her eyes watering. "Before Twilight came here I didn't really know you. I could have sworn I would never have done anything like this with you, and I mean no offense by that. We just didn't really run into each other. She really brought us together."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Dash thinks. She had met Rarity before, of course, but they hadn't hung out much. She mostly knew her as Fluttershy's other friend.
"We should really thank her sometime."
"I think she knows."
"You're probably right. But still. I have you as a friend now because of her. And you're such a good friend, Dash."
"I am?"
"Indeed." Rarity nuzzles Rainbow Dash's neck, clumsily, almost falling into her. Dash's heart picks up some speed at the warmth pressed up against her. She had gotten her hopes up a little earlier in the bar, dancing with a filly who seemed to adore her. But that had apparently fallen apart at some point, Rainbow Dash can't exactly remember when or how. She had been resigned to yet another night alone...
Rarity is really pretty.
Everypony in Ponyville knows she's pretty. Not my usual type, but pretty.
"Ah! It looks like this is me," Rarity says. Dash looks up to see the door of Carousel Boutique.
That's where we were going? Man, when did that happen?
"I suppose this is goodnight. I had a wonderful time, Rainbow Dash," Rarity says.
"Yeah, that was a good time." Part of Rainbow Dash wants to hold back, but the rest of her dives right on ahead. As usual. "You, uh... you wanna make it even better?" she says, arching her eyebrows at Rarity.
"What do you mean?" Rarity says.
Dash leans in to kiss her and Rarity instinctively shrinks away and turns her head. What was going to be a full-on kiss ends up being just a quick peck on the cheek, and even that startles Rarity into falling on her rump. Rarity just stares up at her, her face blank. Not even confused, just totally blank, working hard to keep up with events.
"Dash!" she says after a few moments of shocked silence.
"What?"
"What do you think you are doing?" Rarity says, picking herself up.
"You said you thought I was really pretty earlier."
"I did?"
"Darling, it's such a shame you don't let me design for you more often. You have such an amazing figure," Rainbow Dash, says, mimicking Rarity's voice.
"Well it's true. But I don't remember that," Rarity says.
"I do. I think. You said something like that," Dash says.
"Well, that doesn't mean I want to... kiss you."
"Why not? You don't even want to try it?"
"No, I... I mean, I don't want to sound closed-minded, but... I just, I've never thought about it before."
"Well think about it now. Aren't you going to invite me in?" Rainbow Dash flicks her tail, feigning impatience. On the inside, she's shaking in her horseshoes.
"You're putting me on, aren't you?" Rarity says.
"No way. This is for real." Dash leans in close to her, their snouts almost touching.
Rarity stares at her for several long seconds. Dash is getting more nervous, and starting to get worried she might show it. Rarity is completely frozen, and Dash wants to scream at her to just say whatever it is she's thinking.
"Alright," Rarity says.
"Alright?"
"Please do come in," Rarity says. Rainbow Dash gets a triumphant look in her eye and Rarity glares at her. "But I'm not saying anything's going to happen like that, I just... you can come in."
"Good enough," Dash says, walking through as Rarity holds the front door for her.
This is it! Hoof in the door! She's curious. Just gotta work on her a bit, let her think it through.
Rarity leads them through the darkened boutique into the kitchen in the back. She turns the lights on and pours them both a cold glass of water.
"What, are we stopping the party? You don't have any booze?" Dash says.
"Alcohol is the last thing I want more of right now. Here." Rarity floats the glass over to her. Rainbow Dash drinks it in one go. It's so soothing – she's really glad Rarity offered it so she could pretend to want a harder drink. When she puts the empty glass down Rarity is sitting at her kitchen table, hoof to her chin. She looks like she does when she's sewing, really concentrating, oblivious to the rest of the world.
"Wow. I gotta give you props, Rarity."
"...Props?"
"You really are thinking about it, aren't you?"
"Well why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know, it just seems like most ponies don't."
"Hmm." Rarity looks at her, then down at the table, then back at her. She gets up, slowly and deliberately, and walks over to Rainbow Dash.
"So, I was think– mmm!" Dash starts to speak but finds herself silenced by a quick kiss – a pretty chaste one, really. It's over before Dash can react, and Rarity is standing in front of her, still wearing that look of concentration.
"You taste like that bar," Rarity says.
"So do you," Dash lies.
"That felt nice. I think," Rarity says.
"You think?"
"Well I... I don't honestly have much... to compare..." Rarity says. Dash leans in closer, forcing Rarity to shrink back until there's nowhere to go without picking her hooves up. She doesn't step back – Dash can't tell if it's because she's too nervous to move or because she wants what comes next, but she kisses her anyway.
Dash presses their lips together slowly, melting together. She smells amazing somehow, it's making Rainbow Dash's head spin... is it?
Is that it, or am I less sober than I thought?
She ignores any and all thought – Rarity's mouth feels hot and wet against hers, and she slips her tongue in. Rarity presses her hooves against Rainbow Dash's shoulders, pushing lightly but firmly, but Dash doesn't give an inch. She holds the kiss until she's had enough and breaks away, panting a little.
Rarity immediately looks away and stumbles backwards onto a floor cushion. She looks worried, and her tail is flicking around in agitation.
"You alright?" Rainbow Dash asks.
She better be alright.
That mouth – that feeling of their tongues flexing against each other...
Rarity doesn't say anything. She glances up at Rainbow Dash but can't meet her eyes.
"We don't have to do anything you don't want to. I can go," Dash says. She doesn't want to say it, but she feels like she's supposed to.
"No, it's just... I just..." Rarity presses her hooves to her head and closes her eyes, like she's trying to calm down. Finally she drops her hooves and glares straight at Rainbow Dash. "I'm not gay."
Dash's heart sinks. "Nopony said..."
"But that felt nice!" Rarity says, almost angry. "I think I quite liked that. I think."
Ha! She is into it! Looks like the Dash is getting lucky after all
Rainbow Dash stalks a little closer to Rarity, resisting the urge to lick her lips.
"But... but I'm not like that!" Rarity says to herself, sounding more and more frustrated.
Ugh, not this old song and dance. When is everypony around here just gonna loosen up a little?
Rainbow Dash stops and just watches Rarity for a moment.
I can help her.
She's so keyed up. So confused.
I can help her relax. I mean, it'll be fun for me too, but that's not the point – this is me doing my friend a solid.
Right?
Man she's got thick flanks I wanna just bite that right now
"Look, this has nothing to do with what you're like." Rainbow Dash settles down close next to Rarity, their sides touching. She puts a foreleg around her friend's withers. "This is just you and me. Something that feels good between you and me. Something fun." She leans in a little closer.
"...Fun?" Rarity says, shrinking away a little. Only a little.
"Yeah, fun. Just some fun. Between friends," Dash says. She nuzzles Rarity's cheek and is delighted to feel Rarity shiver in response.
"I suppose... that sounds... Dash, I don't know what to say," Rarity says and turns her head towards Rainbow Dash. Her eyes are huge and shimmering, she's waiting.
Is this it?
Is this her inviting me in?
Well, it better be
Rainbow Dash darts in and kisses her. She doesn't shrink back this time. Dash plunges her tongue forward and Rarity actually responds a little, rubbing it around Dash's tongue hesitantly.
Rainbow Dash shifts her weight and leans forward more, ending each kiss with a new, deeper kiss. She feels her wings unfurling, slowly straightening out, pushing into Rarity. Rarity overreacts, rolling over onto her side, and now Dash is looming over her, mouths still pressed together.
Why am I always the one playing the stallion?
She's holding Rarity in her arms now, cradling her as they make out. Was that a moan? Rarity just moaned!
Haha, Rainbow Dash is making a mare moan!
She breaks the kiss and revels in her victory, staring down at her prize. Rarity is completely breathless under her, lying passive.
"I never... imagined..." Rarity pants out.
Rainbow Dash ignores her words and starts kissing her neck, running her lips through Rarity's smooth, soft coat. The flesh underneath shifts and quivers with each kiss, it's amazing, Dash can feel her pulse through her skin. Her wings are straining against her joints, so stiff it hurts, every feather splayed out to the max.
"Oh! Oh... oh my! Oh my!" Rarity says. Suddenly Dash feels a hoof running through her mane and a small peck on her forehead. She stops kissing and looks up.
"Hey! Welcome to the party." She grins at Rarity.
"Ha! I did it!" Rarity's voice drips with relief. She leans forward and kisses Dash on the lips, slipping her just a bit of tongue. Dash stares back at her, pleasantly shocked.
"I kissed a mare!" Rarity says like a giddy schoolfilly. Rainbow Dash smiles and shakes her head, then goes back to work on Rarity's neck.
"I, Rarity, kissed Rainbow Dash!" she says.
"Mmhmm," Rainbow Dash says into her friend's neck.
"I kissed a mare!" she says again.
"Mmhmm." Dash rolls her eyes and moves higher, searching for where the jaw meets the neck, massaging the supple flesh with her lips.
"This is... this is... oh, this is so urbane! So scandalous!"
"Mmm... hmm." Dash moves lower again, nibbling lightly where the neck meets the shoulders. Rarity gives a short squeal and squirms against the cushion, sliding their bodies against each other. Dash feels her pulse quicken and her wings strain even more, practically throbbing.
"Oh, this is just like those rumors about Sapphire Shores. Have you heard those?"
When is she just gonna shut up already?
Rainbow Dash nips Rarity's neck, hard.
"Aah! Gently, please!" Rarity shrinks away and gives her a hurt look.
Rainbow Dash smiles and bites again, softer this time. Rarity coos softly and flexes her neck up, pressing it into Dash's snout.
Aw yeah... yeah, you like that don't you? That's how the Dash rolls, baby.
She runs her tongue up Rarity's neck and stops in front of her face. Rarity is staring in awe – not at Rainbow's face. Past her. What is she looking at?
"Your wings. They really are lovely." Like she's read Dash's mind, she reaches a hoof up and runs it through the feathers of one of
OH DEAR CELESTIA OF EQUESTRIA
Rainbow Dash's knees give out instantly and she collapses onto Rarity, twitching and moaning. Nobody's touched her wings since
Gilda
Nobody's touched her wings like this not like this ever she's so gentle oh god I hope I'm not dripping all over her I hope I don't gross her out that feels so good.
"Well well... you seem to be enjoying that," Rarity says as she massages the base of the feathers, rubbing between them and around them.
"Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh..." Rainbow Dash groans, muffling it against Rarity's neck. She clamps her teeth onto some part of Rarity, whatever is in front of her, she can't even think.
"Ow! Dash! I said gently."
She lets go and just presses her face into that smooth white coat, she wants to squeeze, bite, yell, something, Rarity is massaging both her wings now and she's going insane. She bucks her hips down, grinding herself against Rarity.
"Oh... oh my, Dash, you're very... um..." Rarity falters and drops her hooves for just a second.
"Don't stop," Rainbow Dash gasps out. She presses her whole body down on Rarity tightly, nuzzling her neck.
"Sorry!" Rarity's voice floats down to her from somewhere and she feels those hooves in her feathers again, starting at the base of each wing and working their way out.
Ohmygod she's not even a pegasus how does she know where to touch does she have any idea how good this feels?
Rainbow Dash moans loudly, squeezing her eyes shut so hard it almost hurts. She keeps rubbing her face all over Rarity's neck, the hooves caressing her feathers are working their way slowly up and down the bases of her secondaries, perfectly in unison.
She has no idea what Rarity is doing anymore, she's not even fully conscious of being on top of another pony. She's just writhing on top of something warm and firm and soft, trying to press herself into it. The thing, that beautiful thing, whatever it is, starts kissing her on the forehead, slowly at first. The kiss grows more bold each time and she's barely conscious of a muzzle drifting through her mane, a sniffing nose tickling along her forehead.
"Ow!" Rainbow Dash snaps closer to reality, her eyes going wide. One of Rarity's hooves pressed a feather just a little too far to the side, and the pain was intense, if momentary.
"Sorry! Sorry." Rarity drops her hooves and looks up at her, concern in her eyes.
"It's okay." Dash looks away – it's more than okay, her haunches are still quivering from that intense pulling at her wing's leading edge. The pain passed in less than a second, but she's still feeling the effects elsewhere. She feels her tail flicking around, feels complete, blistering heat in her loins. She grinds her hips against Rarity again – a firm thigh under a soft coat drags against her crotch. She shakes all over.
Sooooooo sensitive right now wow
"Dash you're... you're getting me all wet," Rarity says.
"Oh yeah?" Dash arches her eyebrows at her.
"No, I meant..." Rarity starts to say but trails off as Dash nuzzles the side of her face, whispering in her ear.
"Don't stop! Please."
Rainbow Dash feels the hooves against her wings again and she loses herself completely, just squeezing Rarity tight with her forelegs and moaning. That pressure against the muscles of her wings, that lovely, lovely, pressure, moving side to side, hard and then soft again, hitting every spot just right.
She feels lips and a tongue tentatively caressing her neck, brushing through the fine blue hairs of her coat, and then out of nowhere a deep, guttural moan is rising out of her throat and her thighs squeeze together like a vise and she can feel herself clenching and a powerful spasm rocks her whole body, spreading out from between her legs.
"aaaaaaaAAAHHH!" she yells out, winding up from a whisper and ending with a scream, right into Rarity's ear. A wave of the most intense pleasure courses through her body, her heart is going to explode, her wings are going to tear themselves off of her and go flying off by themselves. And then all her muscles go slack and she's just lying there.
Rainbow Dash pants heavily. Time passes. She's lying on something, and she feels it shift underneath her. She keeps panting, slowly coming down, her wings are drooping and folding in again.
Time keeps passing. Her breathing gets more regular. Feelings and thought start to come back, and she opens her eyes. Rarity is looking up at her, not smiling. She looks really disheveled... her mane is frizzed out in places, and her coat is sticky and matted with sweat. A little trail of what can only be drool is glistening on her neck.
Was that me? Huh...
"Are you alright?" Rarity asks.
What a dumb question.
She smiles deeply and can't contain the laughter that comes spilling out, weak, tired chuckles.
That was incredible I didn't even know that could happen that was sooooo good!
"Am I..." she interrupts herself with a chuckle. "Am I alright?! Rarity, that was amazing."
"Did you really...?"
"Heh heh... wing-gasm, I guess?" she says. Rarity's eyes go wide and she stiffens up. Rainbow Dash nuzzles into her neck again but Rarity just freezes in place. It's like snuggling up against a mannequin.
"Hey, relax," Rainbow Dash says. She kisses Rarity on the cheek and feels her friend loosen up just a little.
"That... that was...?" Rarity stammers out.
"Good? It was awesome!" Rainbow Dash rolls onto her side, pulling Rarity with her. She squeezes tight against the white unicorn with her forelegs, feeling her body relax into the embrace. The two of them just barely fit together on the floor cushion.
"I didn't expect you to... I didn't expect this," Rarity says, darting her eyes around, looking anywhere but at the filly hugging her.
"Me neither. But hey, let's make the most of it."
She kisses Rarity and it's like their first kiss – her partner doesn't really respond. She holds the kiss for too long, trying to coax some kind of reaction. She slides one of her hooves down, resting it right at the curve of Rarity's ample rump, and that gets something. Rarity's body twitches and she snaps back, breaking the kiss. They stare at each other for a moment before Rarity looks away, her cheeks flushing with color.
Poor girl... why so nervous? It's cool, the Dash is here to make it all better.
She slides her hoof onto the side of Rarity's hips, grinning at her. Rarity freezes again, Dash can feel her hooves tightening against her shoulders. She slides her hoof further down, caressing Rarity's lower belly, and she feels a tremble run through the flesh.
"Dash, what are you doing?"
"Making the most of it." She leans forward to kiss her again.
"Wait."
She feels hooves brace against her shoulders, holding her back. She leans back so she can really see Rarity's face. She looks... scared?
"Wait?" Rainbow Dash says. It's one of her least favorite words.
"Yes, wait. Just hold on. I need to... I don't know."
"Why wait?" Dash glares at her. "This is my – our night. And it's supposed to be your turn now."
"My turn?" The apprehension fades out of Rarity's face. Now she just looks indignant. "My turn?!"
"Yeah. You did me, now I do you."
Rarity's face does a weird roulette of different emotions, eventually settling on something not good. Rainbow Dash guesses it's somewhere between hurt and confused.
"I don't know if I'm alright with this," she says.
"What?" Now Rainbow Dash feels herself getting angry.
"I'm sorry, but I... this is all a bit sudden, isn't it?" Rarity says.
"Sudden? Who cares?"
"I care."
They both just glare at each other for a moment. Rainbow Dash still has her arms on Rarity but she has them extended far out, leaning away.
"I'm sorry," Rarity says. "I want my first time to be something really special. Something with a real connection..."
Your first time are you serious?
That thought is instantly pushed away by anger, rising up through her chest. She feels a torrent of curse words forming in her throat but just barely keeps it contained.
"Real connection? We didn't have a real connection? Earlier?" Rainbow Dash growls out.
"Maybe we did. But Dash I just... this is too fast for me right now. I'm sorry. Let's just take this slow."
Take it slow?! How do you take a drunken fling with a friend slow?
"Besides," Rarity continues, "I'm still not sure if I'm really into this whole gay thing."
WHAT
"What," Dash says flatly. It's not a question.
"I just feel really confused right now. I think I need some time to sort out my feelings."
Oh like I haven't heard that a thousand times before.
"Right, right, I get it," Dash spits out. She throws her hooves back and sits up, sulking. "You had your little bit of scandalous fun and now you're gonna run right back to stallions. I get it."
"What are you talking about?" Rarity says. Dash is impressed for just a second at how genuinely hurt Rarity sounds. She's way better at this than the others.
"Ooh, I'd like to take a trot on the wild side for five minutes! I know, I'll go make out with big, gay Rainbow Dash! Then it's right back to boring old hubby," Dash says.
"I don't have a... I didn't... hmph!" Rarity loses words for a moment. Then she gets a cruel glint in her eye. "And what, I'm supposed to believe this was something special for you? The moment I suggested we might not have sex, you're suddenly angry?"
"Hey, I got off! I'm just trying to return the favor!" Rainbow Dash flares her wings. She jumps off the cushion, hovering over the floor nearby.
"Of all the...! You just wanted to get into my flanks, didn't you? Just like all the others!" Rarity yells, tears welling up in her eyes.
All the others? Is she crying? Man, she's really good at this.
Rainbow Dash takes a deep breath and tries to get a handle on what's going on. Her head is spinning a little again. She takes stock:
Me: Angry and probably not getting any further.
Rarity: Glaring at me from the floor, is she really crying now no those are crocodile tears if I ever saw them you know she's good at those.
Who the hay does she think she is, trying to make me feel bad? Does she have any idea how many times I've been right here, doing this same thing?
"Screw this," Rainbow Dash says, fluttering over to a window.
"Are you leaving?" Rarity says, sitting up on the floor cushion.
"Yes." Dash looks back at her.
Ask me to stay beg me to stay please please oh please
"Fine," Rarity says, crossing her arms. "I suppose that saves me the trouble of asking you to leave."
Rainbow Dash scowls at her and slams the window open. She's about to zip outside when Rarity's soft voice stops her – it's not angry this time. Just sad.
"Thank you," Rarity says.
"What?" Dash turns to her, halfway out the window. Rarity isn't looking up at her.
"For saving my life," Rarity says.
Rainbow Dash feels something threatening to overtake her, some awful, sinking feeling in her stomach. She's afraid for a moment she's going to throw up.
I thought I had sobered up what is this
She flaps her wings and speeds out into the cold night air before it gets any worse. It feels good, so good, out and free again, skimming low over the rooftops of Ponyville. Freezing gusts of wind sting her eyes, that's why there are tears streaming down her cheeks, of course.
She banks sharply, setting course for home.
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 9 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:43:26+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:43:26+00:00
| 20,666 |
"So... that's the story of how Rarity tried to use me, too," Rainbow Dash says. She glares down at their table. It's crowded with a few more empty plates by now.
Twilight sips some coffee, trying to parse out all that she's just heard. "You just left?" she asks.
"Yup. Went home."
"Have you two talked about this at all?"
"Yeah, we ran into each other the next day. That's when she made me promise not to tell anyone."
Twilight mulls it over, when one word in particular catches up to her. "I don't think Rarity tried to use me," she says.
"No? Well what's with all the secrecy then?"
Twilight puts her coffee mug down and watches the brown liquid slosh around inside. "I don't know," she says. "But I really don't think that's what she was trying to do. In either case. Did she apologize?"
"Kind of."
"Kind of? What does that even mean?" Twilight says.
"Well she said sorry. But I don't think she meant it."
Twilight just sighs. "Did you apologize?" she says.
"For what? Don't tell me you're gonna take her side!" Rainbow Dash glares at her.
"I'm not taking anypony's side. I wasn't there." Twilight grabs her cup again and takes a deep pull from it. She doesn't want any more to drink, she just needed a second to collect her thoughts.
What an awful mess.
She feels bad for Rainbow Dash, but she's known the pegasus long enough to read between the lines a bit. She's missing a big piece of this story, but she can't just ask Rarity for her side. Then Rarity will know they both broke their promise to her.
What to do, what to do...
"It's not really a big deal," Rainbow Dash interrupts her pondering. "I think we're both pretty much over it. We get along fine now."
"No you don't."
"What are you talking about? Things are just like they were before. Between me and her, I mean."
Not good enough. This isn't right.
"I think you two need to talk about this," Twilight says. Rainbow Dash gives her a sour look.
"It's old news, Twi. She's moved on, I've moved on, don't worry about it."
Twilight just grimaces. Rainbow Dash and Rarity exist on opposite ends of her spectrum of friends – it just seemed natural before that the two of them didn't really spend time together unless it was through intermediary connections. Now that she knows the truth, Twilight feels a little stupid for not seeing it before.
Well, it isn't too obvious, she reasons. Of course her friends are going to butt heads sometimes – Twilight herself has had her own differences with some of them. Rarity and Applejack do it all the time. But with them it's loud and obvious. This was different – something quiet, festering under the surface. She might never have found out if Luna hadn't gotten her on this quest.
What to do...
"It's really fine, Twilight. I can see you getting all worried about it. It's not your problem," Rainbow Dash says.
"So you do think it's a problem?" Twilight says.
"I didn't say that," Rainbow Dash says.
"Yes you did, right now..."
"You know what I mean. Just don't worry about it. We're getting sidetracked, anyway."
"Sidetracked? What do you mean?"
"This isn't really what I wanted to talk to you about." Dash pokes at a bit of carrot left on one of her plates.
"It isn't?" Twilight says.
That whole thing was a sidetrack? What could possibly be the main topic here?
Twilight silently vows to come back to this, whether Dash wants to or not.
"We're supposed to be talking about you. And your thing."
"Oh. Right." Twilight finishes her coffee, trying to draw connections, some way to loop this back around to Rarity. "Well I still need to find a mare to date. Someone who doesn't mind me telling other ponies about it."
"Yeah, I figured. And you still want me to help you find one."
"If you don't mind."
Rainbow Dash leans forward and rests a hoof over Twilight's, cocking one eyebrow in a way that makes Twilight's eyes go wide.
"Well you're in luck. I'm free tonight," the rainbow pegasus says.
WHOA... whoa, whoa, wait a minute...
"Are you..." Twilight completely forgets her vow. "Did you just ask me out?"
"I did say I was gonna get you the hottest filly action around, didn't I?" Rainbow Dash flashes a smile at her. Twilight just smiles back, her mind reeling a bit. She thought she was used to Dash's bravado, but she feels a little weird now and... turned on?
She takes a long, hard look at Rainbow Dash. Her friend has that cocky smile she always gets, but there's the slightest hint of nervousness in her eyes. Twilight can't help but dart her eyes up to that wild, multi-colored mane and down over Dash's slim frame, tracing the curve of her neck and her firm, strong forelegs...
Yup, definitely turned on all of a sudden.
"I don't know about tonight," Twilight says, feeling her ears get warm. "But we could go on a date sometime. I'd like that."
"If by date, you mean you come over to my place and we get you one step closer to Luna." Rainbow Dash winks at her.
"Come on, Dash. You could at least take a girl out for dinner first," Twilight says. It's just a front – she's swooning on the inside. This is so refreshing, so direct, she can feel light, fluttery excitement in her chest with every breath.
"Okay, fine, we can be all romantic and stuff. What's wrong with tonight?" Rainbow Dash says.
"I've got a letter to write."
"Letter?" Dash's face says volumes about how lame that sounds.
"It's important. We could meet tomorrow night. How's that?"
"That'll work."
"Good. Hey, this is exciting!" Twilight giddily clops her hooves together. "My first real girl date!"
"How do you know we didn't have one just now?" Rainbow Dash cocks an eyebrow at her.
Twilight gasps a little. "Is that what this is? Are we on a date right now?" she asks.
"Naw, I'm just messin' with you. You're a real laugh sometimes, Twilight. Too easy!" Rainbow Dash chuckles.
Twilight smiles, but it fades away quickly as she remembers...
"What about Rarity?" she says.
"What about her?"
"I don't know. After this whole thing with Braeburn, I'm kind of scared. I don't want to hurt anybody."
"Hey, listen. She knows you're after Luna, right? And she knows you're looking for a mare to date."
Twilight just nods.
"Besides, she had her chance, and she decided she wanted to be all super secret. So now I get my shot at you. She didn't get upset when you did your thing with Braeburn, did she?"
"She actually congratulated me."
"See? She understands. No worries. I'll show you a good time, and by next week you'll be all up in Luna's business."
Ah, Luna's business...
Twilight starts to wander off in her head, but it doesn't quite come. Instead she sees Rainbow Dash in bed next to Fluttershy, doing some business of her own.
Well, I'm a little preoccupied at the moment.
Luna is far away and in the future – here and now is all about Rainbow Dash.
"You can still do that walk on clouds spell, right?" Dash asks.
"Oh, sure. Nothing to it."
"Cool. I'll pick you up around seven tomorrow?"
"Okay, seven it..." Twilight quickly changes her mind. "Actually, you don't need to pick me up."
"Yeah?" Dash gives her an amused look. "You gonna fly on up there yourself?"
"That's exactly what I had in mind."
• • •
Twilight trots around the basket of her hot-air balloon, checking the various ropes and weights hanging off of it. The lamp is burning bright, but the balloon itself is still heating up, so she has nothing to do for a few minutes but check it and re-check it and check it again.
"Twilight!" Rarity's voice jolts her out of her inspection. She turns to see her friend coming around from the front of the library. "Spike told me you were back here. And oh, the balloon! I haven't seen you use this thing in ages. Where are you flying off to?"
Twilight hesitates. Should she make something up? No, that's never a good idea. It should be fine – like Dash said, no worries. Right?
"I'm just going up to Rainbow Dash's house for the night," Twilight says, trying very hard to be nonchalant.
"For the night?" Rarity says. "You don't mean... for the night, as in...?"
Twilight stops checking her basket and looks her right in the eye. "That's sort of the plan, yes," she says. She can't quite figure out the face Rarity makes at that. Whatever it is, it's part surprised.
"Oh. I see," Rarity says.
"Is that alright?" Twilight asks.
"Of course it's alright. It's very expedient, I should say."
"Well, at the very least, she isn't going to mind me talking about it."
Rarity shifts her eyes around nervously. "Ha! Ha ha, yes... uh... very true. Ahem." She fake coughs into her hoof a few times. "Anyway... I wanted to ask you how you were doing. Otherwise."
"Otherwise?"
"Yes, I was going to ask what mares you were aiming for, but... what about Braeburn? Have you heard back from him yet?"
Twilight bows her head. "I only just sent the letter today."
"Today?!"
"I know, I know. It was hard to write."
"Well, as long as you actually did it. It's for the best, I think."
"Yeah..."
The lamp on the balloon burns loudly. The sack of cloth is slowly rising, filling out from within.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to get you down before your..." Rarity pauses, thinking. "Before your big date."
Twilight tries to look just curious – she doesn't consider herself to be good at this whole social masking thing, but she tries.
"Are you sure there isn't something you want to tell me about Rainbow Dash?"
"Whatever do you mean?" Rarity looks completely innocent.
Clearly she's better at this than me.
"Nothing. You just looked like you wanted to say something," Twilight lies.
"How about if I just say how happy I am for you?" Rarity says. Twilight doesn't know how to respond. She just feels warmth in her chest, like her heart is filling up. "You're well on your way to finding your heart's desire. I'm glad one of our friends is here for you for this next step."
Twilight looks at her friend. She really is beautiful – pink and orange light from dusk is filtering down through the leaves all around them, and Rarity looks just radiant. Twilight feels an aching urge to ask her about everything, promises be damned. She really is a great friend, but Twilight can't help but feel like the secrets between them are tainting it somehow. She doesn't want to feel sad for Rarity.
"Rarity..." Twilight knows she looks more concerned than she should, and tries hard to not sound condescending. "Are you okay?"
"Am I... I'm fine, dear. What are you talking about?" Rarity does look fine. Not a hair out of place, not a trace of bad emotion on her face. Twilight smiles at her.
"You've really been there for me lately. Just remember that I'm here for you, too. If you ever need to talk. Or anything," she says.
"I know, Twilight." Rarity points up at the nearly full balloon wafting above them. "Your balloon looks ready. I don't want to keep you."
So it is.
She takes one last look at Rarity, and in a sudden burst of impulse walks over to her. She darts in and kisses her once on the cheek before her friend can react.
"Wha... what was that?" Rarity's cheeks turn bright red and her eyes dart around. Twilight realizes she's checking to see if anypony saw them.
"Just a little secret. Between us," Twilight says as she climbs into the balloon's basket. The balloon is starting to strain at its anchoring lines, and Twilight starts untying them with her magic. Rarity is her usual composed self again.
"Good luck tonight!" Rarity calls up to her.
"You think I'll need it?"
"No. I'm sure everything will go swimmingly, and soon enough you'll be with your princess."
The balloon leaves the ground and drifts up into the darkening sky. Rarity is watching her ascend, smiling warmly at her. She smiles back and waves as she floats away. They hold eye contact for a long time, Rarity getting smaller and smaller as the seconds tick by.
"Oh, shoot!" Twilight snaps out of it as she realizes she's getting a little too high too quickly. She turns around and adjusts the flame with her magic. When she turns back around, the small speck of white that is her friend is walking away. She feels a small, irrational tinge of sadness.
Is not friendship just another form of love?
But it goes away the moment she looks up and around her.
It's breathtaking. Literally. The sun is almost finished slipping beneath the horizon, and all around her the clouds are glowing pink and orange. She's floating through something that looks like what would happen if you asked Pinkie Pie to paint a picture of the sky. Ponyville is far below her, rapidly sinking into darkness.
It's cold up here. She shivers in the wind and tightens a scarf around her neck. She closes her eyes and pushes gently with her magic, guiding the balloon towards her destination. It shouldn't take long.
She tries to clear her head, to think about nothing. She's been so tangled up in her own thoughts for the last few days. Finally finishing and sending the letter to Braeburn should have been a relief – that's over with, at least. But instead the whole thing just weighs heavier on her. How will he take it? Will he be alright?
Will I ever see him again?
And now this whole mess between Rainbow Dash and Rarity...
No, no, this isn't working.
It's not your problem – not everything is your problem. Give them a chance to work it out.
Try to get your mind off it, for tonight at least.
Tonight... Twilight was only half-joking when she told Rainbow Dash she wanted to actually go out somewhere, but her suggestion had been ignored. And here she is, going along with it. She couldn't say no. Everything about this is thrilling her, once she gets her mind off her troubles. Rarity and Braeburn had just fallen into her lap. This thing with Rainbow Dash is so deliberate, so different. She hasn't even gotten there yet and she's already a little giddy with anticipation.
She shivers as a strong blast of wind buffets her scarf around. She's not really that cold. She realized at some point today that she was nervous, and she's been wondering why. She's a little experienced now, after all – she was beginning to feel like she was getting a handle on sex.
But this is different, isn't it? Rainbow Dash is... well, she's a little intimidating, Twilight finally admits. This is somepony who really seems to know what she's doing and what she wants. Twilight doesn't want to embarrass herself, or disappoint anyone.
Just think of all you can learn from her.
Rainbow Dash seems so carefree and confident.
I could stand to be more like that.
Especially with recent events... how does Dash do it? What goes on in her brain when it comes to love?
Rainbow Dash's cloud house floats into view below her.
Never a better chance to find out.
She turns her balloon's flame down and feels the wind change character around her as she descends.
She guides the balloon with her magic, docking gently. A quick glow of her horn forms another glow of magic around her hooves, and a passing feeling of vertigo tells her the spell worked – she can walk on clouds, if only for the next three days. She hops out of the basket and sinks a little into the clouds forming Dash's front porch. It's soft and cool, like warm snow, and she stomps around for a second like a little foal, giggling.
She looks up at the cloud house. She's never been here before. The pink sky is fading into black, and stars are just starting to fade into view. The cloud house itself is impressive – the rainbows cascading down the sides are glowing with their own light, shining multi-colored shades onto the columns adorning the home. She walks up to the front door, smirking at the crest above it displaying a large picture of Dash's cutie mark.
Very modest, of course.
Twilight giggles. She knocks on the door, feeling that anticipation well up in her chest. She isn't sure what's going to happen tonight, but it'll definitely be interesting.
The door opens. Rainbow Dash shoots her a smile that makes that feeling swell higher in her chest and... other areas. She smiles back.
"Welcome to Rainbow Dash's Pimp Palace! Come on in," Dash says, beckoning her inside.
Twilight rolls her eyes and steps through the door into a spacious living room. She doesn't think she could ever get used to a cloud home. The contrast between the furniture and the soft, puffy cloud underneath it is too dissonant. She keeps thinking everything is suddenly going to plummet through the floor.
Trying to ignore that nagging thought, she looks around. It's kind of a mess, really. For all the stately grandeur outside, the interior looks like a college dorm room. Empty cans and old take-out boxes are littered everywhere, and worn, tattered Wonderbolt posters hang on the walls.
"So!" Rainbow Dash says. "Uh... this is my place. Just make yourself at home for a minute, I gotta finish up in here." She glides through an open doorway, into what must be a kitchen.
"Finish up?" Twilight says. Only now does she notice the smell. It's interesting, and it does make her mouth water, but Twilight isn't sure if she would call it good. She follows Dash through the door and finds herself flabbergasted at what she sees.
"Are you... cooking?" Twilight asks. The kitchen is an even sadder sight than the living room. Dirty dishes, some looking almost ancient, are everywhere. Rainbow Dash is hunched over a frying pan with an intense look on her face, a spatula in her mouth. She's jabbing at something in the pan like it needs to die, quickly. Twilight feels a naughty thrill at watching her from the doorway. Her eyes follow that bright shock of a tail as it flicks around her friend's backside.
With a satisfied smirk, Rainbow Dash spits out the spatula and turns to Twilight. Twilight jerks her eyes up. Why is she worried about getting caught staring? It doesn't seem like Dash would really mind.
"Yeah, I'm making dinner," Rainbow Dash says.
"Wow. I didn't know you could cook," Twilight says.
"I don't usually. But you said you wanted to do things kind of romantic and stuff. So I was like, hey, what's more romantic than a hoof-crafted dinner?"
"That is pretty..." Twilight steps up to the stove, peeking over Rainbow Dash's shoulder, and her face falls at what she sees, "...uhhh, romantic. What is it?"
"Eggplant Parmesan." Rainbow Dash strikes a smug pose.
"Is it supposed to be all black like that?"
"I think so. Hey, you put the bread crumbs on after you cook it, right?"
Twilight is pretty sure that sounds wrong, but she can't bring herself to say so.
"Don't look at me," Twilight says.
"What, you don't cook?" Dash says.
"I tried a few times. Spike made me promise not to do it again."
"Ha! I can imagine." Rainbow Dash picks up the spatula again and stirs the eggplant around. It sizzles delightfully, but it looks charred and brittle.
"No offense – this is sweet, really – but those don't look very... uh..." Twilight falters, searching for polite words. There aren't any.
"Yeah, I think they'll look better once I get 'em all bread crumbed. You should see the ones from before!" Dash laughs. Twilight just frowns at her, cocking a curious eyebrow. "I forgot to... uh... put oil in the pan. Didn't turn out well," Rainbow Dash says quietly.
Twilight tries to think of what eggplant Parmesan is supposed to look like and her stomach growls. She looks at the mess on Rainbow Dash's stove and realizes there's only one pan with some blackened clumps in it.
"You didn't make any sauce?" she asks.
Rainbow Dash slaps a hoof to her forehead. "Aw, man! I knew I forgot something."
Twilight's stomach growls again, louder, as if in protest. "What about pasta?" she asks.
"Oh, I got that. In here." Rainbow Dash reaches under the stove and opens the door of an oven. There's a pan inside covered in something that looks crunchy and brittle, like hay fries.
"You put spaghetti in the oven?" Twilight says.
"Yeah, I don't like boiled stuff. Why?"
"Uh..." Twilight trails off.
If you can't say anything nice...
Maybe it'll be good... maybe Dash is inventing new techniques or something. Stranger things have happened.
"There's drinks and stuff in the fridge." Rainbow Dash nods towards her icebox. "If you want anything while you wait."
Twilight walks over and opens it up. There's a six pack of beer and a whole slew of condiments, but little of anything else. She digs through the rack on the door and finds a can of apple juice that looks like it's been there for a long while. Twilight isn't sure how she can tell that – it's just a strong hunch.
"Can I get you anything?" Twilight asks.
"Mmm mmh," Rainbow Dash says through the spatula in her teeth, shaking her head. Twilight floats the can out and goes back to staring at what's supposed to be their dinner. Rainbow Dash is focused on her cooking with an intensity one normally sees with an artist creating their masterpiece.
"Can I help with something?" Twilight asks, sipping at her drink.
"Naw, I got this. You go relax. I'll be done in a jiffy." Rainbow Dash doesn't look up from her stove. Twilight shrugs and goes back to the living room.
She settles into a couch made of cloud – so, so soft – and sips some more apple juice. She looks around the room, trying to play garbage detective. Clearly the small pile of goggles by the door are from when Rainbow Dash comes home from work. The empty bottles and cans on the table next to the couch are different types and flavors than those on the coffee table – breakfast as opposed to dinner, probably. The flight suit and pillow on the floor in front of the couch probably mean that Dash sleeps down here occasionally.
Twilight starts wondering where they're supposed to eat this dinner. She quickly clears the coffee table with her magic, sorting the garbage onto the floor by type. By the time she's finished, Rainbow Dash walks in carrying a large tray. She sets it down on the coffee table triumphantly.
"Ta da! Oh, hey, thanks for clearing a landing zone for me," Dash says.
Twilight looks over their meal. There are just two plates, each with a nest of brittle pasta and a few black, ugly lumps of eggplant. The only other thing on the tray is a sad, lonely flower sticking out of an empty soda bottle. Her stomach should be growling, but it's been shocked into silence. Rainbow Dash drops herself onto the couch next to her.
"So... pretty great, huh?" Rainbow Dash says.
"Um..." Twilight sniffs carefully at her plate. Again, her mind is racing for something diplomatic to say, and coming up empty.
"Yeah, pretty great dinner we have here," Rainbow Dash says. Neither of them make a move to eat anything. After a few seconds Dash turns to Twilight.
"Aren't you gonna try it?" she asks.
"After you." Twilight grins politely.
"Hey, you're the guest. Go crazy."
Twilight stares at the... food.
"Gosh, I don't know if I can. I mean, please don't take this the wrong way, but it looks..."
"...Terrible?" Rainbow Dash finishes her sentence.
Twilight folds her ears down and winces a little. "Yeah," she says.
Rainbow Dash puts a hoof to her chin. She regards her handiwork as if it were some kind of puzzle.
"I'll try it if you try it," she says.
Twilight's fake smile fades into a real one. "That sounds fair," she says.
"Alright... three... two... one... go!" Rainbow Dash says. Twilight leans down and bites into one of the black chunks that used to be eggplant, and instantly gags. She doesn't even get it into her mouth to chew – it's an awful combination of bitter, flaky burnt and cold, mealy, uncooked bread crumbs.
"Bleugh!" Twilight recoils, trying to scrape the taste off her tongue with her teeth. She turns to see Rainbow Dash doing almost the same thing, coughing out bits of crunchy pasta.
"Rainbow Dash?" Twilight says.
"Yeah?"
"I think this is the worst food I've ever seen," Twilight says.
"...Yeah?"
"I'm not trying to be mean. I'm actually kind of amazed. It's like some kind of epic tragedy on a plate."
"Ha, yeah."
"If somepony asked me to write a story about Equestria's worst cook, I could not have come up with something this bad."
"...Yeah." Rainbow Dash chuckles quietly.
"You might be an even worse cook than me, and that's really saying something."
"Yeah, you're probably right."
"So wait..." Twilight raises her eyebrows. "Are you seriously admitting that you aren't the best at something?"
"Who, me?" Rainbow Dash smiles at her, that trademark cocky smile. "Well, I'm the best at so many things. I guess it's only fair for me to be bad at something." Her smile drops away, and she looks almost worried. "Look, I don't really know what I'm doing in the kitchen. I know that. I guess I just wanted to try and make this kinda special for you. Something you would like."
Twilight feels her heart melting a little, overpowering any hunger she felt before. "No, I get it," she says. "I get what you were going for. I think it's really sweet of you."
"Thanks," Rainbow Dash says. "But you're still hungry, huh?"
"You don't have anything else?"
"Not really." Rainbow Dash looks thoughtful again. "How 'bout we just order in?"
Twilight smiles at her again. "That sounds nice," she says.
• • •
One short wait and a long dinner later, Twilight sighs contentedly on the couch. She takes another swig of her beer. It's some kind of sarsaparilla, cool and with a bite of ginger. Twilight relishes the bubbles on her tongue, letting them tickle the roof of her mouth.
She looks down at the aftermath of their meal. Her plate still has a half-eaten slice of grass-and-mushroom pizza that she doesn't intend to finish. Dash's plate is littered with leftover crusts. Twilight hates it when ponies don't eat the crust.
Whatever. I was hungry, now I'm not, and it was good.
Rainbow Dash finishes off her beer and drops it gracelessly on the table.
"Ahh!" She wipes her mouth with a hoof. "That was great. Pegasus delivery, huh?" She nudges Twilight with an elbow.
"Yeah, that was fast." She frowns a little as some niggling thought comes to the fore of her mind. "How do you send the order in without unicorn magic?"
"Huh?"
"How do you order when there's no unicorns around?" Twilight asks again.
"Uhh... you don't?" Dash says, shrugging.
"Huh." Twilight mulls this over for a second. It's the small things she never thinks of – she wonders sometimes what life without magic would be like, but she never hits on little details like that.
"Yeah, I just go pick it up usually. You're pretty useful, Twi – maybe I should have you over more often." She winks at Twilight.
"Well as long as you practice cooking a little before next time." Twilight smiles cheekily.
"Ha ha ha." Dash rolls her eyes, then suddenly looks serious. "Yeah, I hadn't really tried that before."
"Really? You brought out an unpracticed stunt for our date?"
"It was Pinkie's idea."
"Oh?"
"But then I asked her for some recipes and she gave me a bunch of stuff for making cakes and candy. So then I asked AJ, but she... well, she wasn't too helpful. For once."
"Oh." Twilight sinks a little lower into the couch.
Rainbow Dash sits up a little, belting out a cheesy approximation of Applejack's accent. "How can you go out with 'er when she's just fixin' to leave you fer that dang princess?" Rainbow Dash spins a hoof beside her head, sticking her tongue out.
"Oh..." Twilight turns away and takes a deep pull of her beer.
"Don't worry about it, Twilight. She just doesn't get it."
"I'm not sure if I get it, honestly."
"Get what?"
"You. I don't know, you're so casual about this. Is this how you always do things? Just... doing it with different ponies? No real relationships?"
"What, you don't get that? I thought that was kind of your thing lately." Rainbow Dash gives her a curious look that makes Twilight feel embarrassed for some reason.
"That... that's different."
"How?"
"I don't know. I mean, yes, I did kind of do that... but I didn't really mean to. I don't think. And I do love Luna. I think."
"You think?" Dash looks skeptical now, and it raises some questions in Twilight's head that she'd rather not think about tonight. But, since they are talking about it... maybe Dash can help her.
"How do you know? If you're in love, I mean. Real, true love," she asks.
"Pfff, that's fairy-tale stuff, Twilight." Dash waves a dismissive hoof. "That's all just foal crushes."
Twilight frowns, creasing her brow in thought. "A lot of adult ponies seem to think it's real enough. You think they're wrong?"
"Maybe. I don't really know. Mushy romance stuff isn't really my bag, honestly."
"Well, what is your 'bag' then?"
"I don't know... going out with ponies is fun. And doing stuff feels good. As long as nopony gets hurt, what's the difference?"
"You don't ever think about something more serious?" Twilight asks.
Dash opens her mouth to speak, but thinks better of it. She grabs her bottle with a hoof and goes to drink, but realizes it's empty and just stares at the wall for a few moments. Twilight waits, letting her think, but soon loses her patience. She's just about to repeat her question when Dash speaks.
"I used to. When I was younger." She turns to Twilight, "I'm just not interested now, I guess."
"Really? You never want to settle down with somepony?"
"Yeah, sure, maybe one day. Later. If I meet someone good enough."
Twilight is at a loss for words. She can picture herself being with Luna, easily – for ever and ever and they both lived happily ever after. Before all this, she hadn't put any real thought into it, but there was still a weird, kind of abstract idea that of course she would find someone, someday. Everyone did, right?
"Hey." Dash's hoof touches her own, bringing her back. The blue pegasus must have noticed her slip into her own thoughts. "We're young, right? Live life to the max. Get all the kicks you can. Worry about that other stuff when it happens." Dash smacks her empty bottle against Twilight's with a loud clink.
"That sounds kind of lonely. Like you don't have someone special you really care about," Twilight says, wincing as it leaves her mouth.
Jeez, when did I get so sappy?
Rainbow Dash seems to share that thought. She just glares back at Twilight. "It's not like that. Just because I keep it casual doesn't mean I don't care. What, you don't care about Braeburn? Or Rarity?"
Ouch... got me there. This round goes to Rainbow Dash.
"Good point." She grabs her own bottle out of the air, winding down her magic. The beer left inside is warm by now. She just wanted something in her hooves to fiddle with. "This is all so confusing sometimes. I don't know what I'm supposed to feel."
Rainbow Dash touches her foreleg again and leaves her hoof there, looking tenderly into Twilight's eyes.
"It doesn't have to be confusing. Just take it as it comes, y'know?" Dash says. Twilight looks away – she feels her ears getting hot again, feels that rush of hormones start to kick in. She forces herself to meet Dash's eyes, and her busy mind slows down, grows quiet, and starts to melt away. She's been keeping some very insistent urges pushed to the back of her head, but they're starting to get louder...
Dash smiles, like she knows exactly what's going on in Twilight's head.
"Like you and me," she continues. "We know going into this it's just for fun. Doesn't mean I don't care about you." She rubs Twilight's leg, her firm hoof throwing a delightful chill up the foreleg and down Twilight's spine.
"I care about you, too," Twilight says, feeling a little dumb. Dash scoots over and leans in close, and Twilight just tries out what she thinks is a demure smile. She hinted and hinted with Braeburn, but had to get a little bold to make anything happen. She's pretty sure she won't have to do that tonight.
They're sitting close together now, Twilight can feel Dash's breath against her cheek and the light tickle of feathers against her side. She levitates her bottle to the coffee table and turns to Dash – her face is right there, so close their lips are almost touching.
Pinkie said rainbows were spicy... I wonder if Dash's mane...
Twilight giggles at her own absurd thought.
What is it with me and manes?
"What?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"Nothing, nothing." Twilight snickers. She can't hold it in.
Dash just smiles and leans in closer. That stops Twilight's giggle fit. Their noses touch. Twilight feels that strange, tight lightness in her chest. She can feel her friend's nostrils flaring, feel her hot breath mingling with her own. Twilight closes her eyes and goes to purse her lips...
"Hey! I almost forgot!"
Twilight opens her eyes and Dash is already off the couch and floating in front of her. She just sits there, her eyes wide, that demanding, pressing urge still winding up in her chest and lower down.
"What?" Twilight says, sounding far more annoyed than she meant to.
"I wanted to show you something. You like star-gazing, right?" Dash says, like they weren't just about to make out.
Twilight arches her eyebrows, her annoyance forgotten. Star-gazing? Science? That's maybe the only thing that could take her mind off sex right now.
"Yeah, I thought so." Rainbow Dash laughs. "Follow me." With just a few flaps of her wings, Rainbow Dash rises up and shoots through the cloud ceiling, punching a small hole through it.
Twilight just sits there, staring up. Is this some kind of joke?
First she teases me on the kiss and now on the science... is this whole date a prank or something? Is Pinkie hiding somewhere with a camera?
Twilight looks around suspiciously, but Dash comes floating back in through the hole in the ceiling and lands in front of her.
"Heh... sorry. I forgot you can't fly for a second. Since you're up here, and all." Rainbow Dash rubs the back of her neck with a hoof, looking down. Then she crouches down in front of Twilight, flaring her wings out straight.
"Hop on," she says.
"Hop on?"
"Yeah, go ahead. Watch the wings."
Rainbow Dash holds her pose, and Twilight gets up. She takes a second to think about how to go about this. She's never flown before. Not like this. Is Dash strong enough to hold her? Twilight's never seen her carry – oh wait, yes she has. During their trip to Cloudsdale, Rainbow Dash carried four ponies.
Stronger than she looks.
She smiles as she climbs onto Rainbow Dash from behind. Watch the wings, right? Dash's tail flags against her belly as she awkwardly climbs up, and Twilight feels delightfully lewd for a second, mounted on the back of her friend. Then she hoists herself up and wraps her forelegs around Dash's neck, taking care not to squeeze too hard.
"You ready?" Dash asks, glancing at her over her shoulder.
"I think so." Twilight barely says it before Dash takes off. She yelps and squeezes her eyes shut, the sudden acceleration waking up a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. She is vaguely aware of the tight muscles of Dash's back and shoulder flexing against her skin – much stronger than she looks, oh my – but the wind whipping through her mane and that feeling of insane speed cloud it out.
Then, as suddenly as it began, it's over.
Twilight forces her eyes open. She sees bright, vivid hues, her face enveloped by Dash's messy mane. She's about to sneak a deep breath of it when she remembers that they've stopped and realizes how tightly she's squeezing her friend.
She slides backwards, pausing as her hind legs find purchase. She's really mounting Dash now, just like a stallion would, and a weird, giddy little thrill passes through her hips. Then she looks up and Dash is looking at her over her shoulder, eyes half-lidded. Twilight freezes. Dash waggles her eyebrows and grins, then flicks her tail up into Twilight's face.
"Sorry!" Twilight backs off, feeling blood rush up into her cheeks and ears, she can hear her heart thumping like mad.
"Why?" Dash turns around, still grinning.
"Heh... I don't know... I..." Twilight starts to say.
"Later. Look." Dash gestures up with her hooves.
Twilight does look and is stunned. Utterly stunned. They are standing on the roof of Rainbow Dash's cloud house, and all of Luna's heavenly glory is spread out above them. It's so much more crisp, more clear, than it ever looks from the ground. Every star is a piercing, twinkling light against a deep, dark, beautiful blue sky. The moon shines down at them, a haunting waxing gibbous.
Twilight's heart soars and she half-sits, half-collapses into the soft vapor beneath her. Her arousal is far from forgotten. If anything, it's mingling with this new excitement, more intense than ever, her mind just as sensitive and overwhelmed as her flanks. She gawks up at the sky, her mouth hanging open.
"Yeah, I thought you might like this," Dash says, smirking.
"I... it... this... it's..." Twilight stammers, forgetting to even breath.
"Yeah, it's alright," Dash says, giving one of her hooves a bored look. She slumps down into the cloud next to Twilight, leaning against her.
"This is amazing," Twilight spits out as soon as she remembers to breathe. How did she never think of this before? She has a balloon, for Celestia's sake. She could have seen this every night if she had just thought of it.
They sit there together for some amount of time that Twilight can't comprehend. It doesn't matter. Nothing matters at all. She drinks in the stars, she can't possibly see all the beauty at once. Every shift of her eyes is like seeing the whole thing all over again. It's impossibly, indescribably beautiful. Normally she would be ticking off galaxies and constellations in her head, feeling a smug little thrill at every insignificant detail she had memorized.
Not tonight. She sees the forest. The trees are forgotten.
She tears her gaze away and turns to the pony next to her. Dash is looking up, too. She's smiling, clearly not as enthralled as Twilight, but smiling beautifully. Stars shine in her pink eyes. Her face is strong, proud, framed by that dazzling, wild mane, and Twilight feels a wild urge to just tackle her and make furious love right there.
Her whole body is burning, her heart straining at her ribs. She tenses up, ready to ravage her friend, when Dash turns to her and their eyes meet. It halts and surprises Twilight. The animal, feral drive to take her stops short.
"So..." Dash says. Words come back to Twilight, she feels obligated to respond in kind.
Does she have any idea what she just did?
I was about to fuck her silly!
Dear god did I just think that what is wrong with me?
Twilight shakes her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She's barely keeping that drive under control, she's not even sure why. This is why they're here, right? But something in Rainbow Dash's face makes her hold back. What is it...
Darn it, darn it, I can't think straight, she's looking at you say something!
"Dash... this is amazing!" she forces out. "I guess this romance stuff is kind of your bag, after all." She gives Dash her amateur's seductive smile.
"Ha! Yeah, I try." Dash leans into her and nuzzles right behind Twilight's ear. Her whole body quivers, shivers running up and down from her nose to her tail. She closes her eyes and bites her lip.
"You cold?" Dash asks, draping a wing over Twilight's body.
No but I will pretend to be cold.
"A little." Twilight leans into the blue pegasus, snuggling their sides close together. She nuzzles Rainbow Dash back, feeling that unique and beautiful mane against her face, it's slick and wiry and it tickles. Rainbow Dash nickers softly, extending her neck, offering it to Twilight.
Twilight declines the offer, instead raising her head and locking eyes with Rainbow Dash. They stare at each other, inching closer, both panting heavily. Something unspoken passes between them and they both attack at the same moment, pressing their lips together.
It's the most intense kiss Twilight's ever had, even more than when Luna kissed her, different in every way. It's burning and pushy and fierce. Their tongues fight for supremacy, pushing back and forth from one mouth to the other. Twilight feels pushing on her body and movement, somehow she's on her back now, their mouths are still locked together. She doesn't even moan or move her legs, everything is this kiss, this perfect, intense kiss.
It stops as suddenly as it began. Twilight opens her eyes. Rainbow Dash is looming over her, her wings blocking her view of the sky. Her eyes are eager, crazy, like Braeburn's were at the height of their passion.
"Is it cool if I'm on top?" Dash blurts out, her chest heaving.
"I don't care, anything." Twilight pulls her down into another kiss. She did kind of want to be on top, but it doesn't matter. They have all night.
Dash breaks the kiss quickly and starts furiously moving her mouth all over Twilight, kissing her face and neck and chest and shoulders. She darts around like a bird, sending waves of pleasure through Twilight from each little peck. It's perfect, exactly what she's yearning for right now. Twilight wraps her hooves in that brilliant mane and lets her go to work, offering herself completely. She cranes her head back and just revels in the pleasure, biting her tongue. She doesn't want to start calling out just yet – it's exciting to hold it in for some reason, to fight it a little.
Dash starts kissing harder, getting more sloppy. She moves down, rubbing her snout against Twilight's belly and sides, moaning and neighing softly. Twilight lowers her eyes and glances down her friend's body, resting her gaze on Dash's firm rump wiggling in the air, her tail lashing about. The colors of her tail shine and waver against the stars, and Twilight starts trembling, feeling deep quakes of longing shake through her whole body. She arches her back, inviting Dash to take her any way she wants. She cranes her head back again, taking in the stars.
Twilight just stares up, gasping. Dash moves her snout lower and lower, grazing at her lower belly, moving over her flat nipples... then moves up again, drawing a disappointed moan from Twilight's lips. Dash seems to ignore her, kissing and nibbling along her ribs. Twilight squeezes harder with her hooves, pushing her head down gently. Dash takes the hint and slides down again, but halts just above her crotch, rising back up.
Good goddess WHY... do I have to beg for it?
Twilight relaxes her hooves and tries to let Dash do her thing. She's getting intensely worked up, the pressure in her loins is incredible. Patience, she tries to think. All this teasing is making her wetter than ever.
This is how experienced lovers do it, right? Hold off a little, take it slow, let it build up...
"Ahhh!" she cries out, hearing her voice rise up into the night sky. It takes her completely by surprise. Rainbow Dash was nibbling at her belly, but she quickly moved down and bit the inside of Twilight's thigh, hard. She's not sure if it hurt or felt good or both. Dash is nibbling her thighs now, jumping from left to right, nipping and biting, the pinch of each sharp bite makes Twilight gasp.
She opens her eyes and...
The moon.
She freezes, staring at that white, waxy orb.
Can she see me?
Twilight shrinks suddenly, feeling her whole body tense up.
Did she hear that just now? Is she watching? Can she even do that?
Rainbow Dash is still enthusiastically kissing her body, moving back up to her ribs, running her hooves up and down Twilight's sides. It feels good, she wants it to feel good, but she can't shake the feeling of being watched.
She told me to do this... this is what she wanted. Right?
A wave of guilt washes over Twilight. It should be Luna between her legs, caressing her coat with her tongue.
That's silly this is amazing with Dash get it together.
"Twilight?" Dash is looking up at her, resting her chin on Twilight's chest. "You okay?" she asks.
Twilight bites her lip, glancing up at the moon again. It looks like a glaring eye now, almost sinister. She looks back down at Dash and finds relief in her intense pink irises.
"Can we go back inside?" Twilight asks quietly.
"You cold?"
"Yes. Yes, I'm cold. It's cold out here. Brrr."
Dash looks at her like she's joking, then smiles. She rolls off Twilight and stomps with her hooves, kicking a hole in the cloud beneath them. Twilight looks down and sees a bedroom, not quite as messy as the cloud house downstairs, lit only by dim starlight. It looks like a long drop, but Rainbow Dash gestures for her to go first. She slides off the edge, landing easily in the cushioning clouds of the floor.
Rainbow Dash follows, patching up the hole after her. Twilight doesn't bother to observe anything about the room – she can't see the moon through the windows, just more brilliant stars. There is a bed. There is Rainbow Dash. There is exactly one thing on her mind.
She plants a quick kiss on Dash's lips and dives onto the bed, turning and smiling at her new lover. Unexpectedly, Rainbow Dash slowly, almost hesitantly climbs in with her. She sits next to Twilight, folding her arms beneath her.
Twilight grins at her. What new game is this? More teasing? She leans forward and starts kissing Dash's face and ears. Dash responds with moans and a smile, but doesn't move from her sitting position.
"So... heh heh... uh... where were we?" Dash says.
"Oh, right about here, I think." Twilight rolls onto her back and parts her legs slightly, smiling innocently.
"Oh! Yeah..." Dash glances at Twilight's invitation and darts her eyes away, sweating. "Yup. Gonna make some love. Right now. Gonna give it to you like... like all hot and sexy and stuff."
Twilight props herself up on her elbows, staring at the blue mare in disbelief. "Dash, are you... nervous?" she asks.
"No!" Rainbow Dash snaps, looking away.
"Oh my god you are nervous!" Twilight fights hard to hold a laugh in.
"No way! Shut up!" Dash is rooted to the bed, fidgeting with her hooves nervously.
"I thought I would be the nervous one. I mean, you're so much more experienced than me..."
"Well, yeah... I..." Rainbow Dash shrinks, casting a guilty look down into the bed.
"Dash?" Twilight glares at her. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know!" Rainbow Dash throws her hooves up, on the edge of a major freak out.
"Are you worried about –" Twilight starts to say.
"I'm not worried, I'm not... grr!" Rainbow Dash cuts her off, stomping her front hooves into the bed a little. "I like you, Twilight!" she says angrily.
"Oh... kay..." Twilight backs off a little. "I like you, too."
"I mean we've been friends for, like, forever and I always thought you were kind of cute."
"...Thanks?" Twilight cocks an eyebrow.
"And when you started talking about trying out mares I was like, yeah! Finally!" Rainbow Dash looks like her old triumphant self for just a second before her eyes plummet back the the bed, shifting back and forth. "And now we're here and it's awesome but I feel all... like... I don't know!"
Care to expand on that with real words?
Twilight suppresses a sigh. She wants to help, but as often with Rainbow Dash, half the battle is figuring out what's even going on in the pegasus mare's head.
"We're just friends, right?" Rainbow Dash says, like a pony on the edge.
Twilight reaches out and puts a hoof on her friend's shoulder, hoping to calm her. "Of course we are. I'll always be your friend."
Rainbow Dash looks up, finally meeting her eyes again. "Always?" she asks.
"Always."
They lock eyes for a long moment. Twilight can see the life ebbing back into her friend's eyes. "We don't have to do anything, you know. It's fine," she says. She means it.
"No! No, I want to. Dear bucking Celestia, do I want to!" Rainbow Dash grabs Twilight's arm desperately. That buzz of arousal flares up in Twilight's head again, her netherlips twitch, she's wound up and craving any kind of release.
"Well let's do this, then." She shifts closer on the bed, planting a kiss on Dash's foreleg.
Can't think of anything that would cheer you up more...
"I... yeah. Okay. Okay." Dash takes a deep breath, but doesn't move otherwise.
"What's wrong now?" Twilight says, more rude than she wanted to. Her craving is making her brash, impatient.
"You think I'm some kind of expert. I don't wanna disappoint you. What if I don't get you off or something?" Rainbow Dash cries out.
"Are you serious?!" Twilight glares at her. Rainbow Dash winces. "You're Rainbow Dash!"
"...yeah?" Rainbow Dash says meekly.
"Yes! You're the fastest flyer in Equestria, and a future Wonderbolt!" Twilight says, gripping her friend's shoulders.
"Yeah? Hey, yeah!" Dash glows noticeably.
"And you're the hottest filly action in Ponyville."
"...yeah!" Rainbow Dash says slowly, like she's just realized.
"We haven't even gotten started and I'm the most turned on I've ever been. You. Are. Hot." Twilight pokes her in the chest, emphasizing the last three words.
Dash gets that cocky smile, that beautiful, arrogant, intense grin.
"Ha, yeah, of course I am! You're hot too, Twilight."
"Thanks. Now, are you gonna take me like the Rainbow Dash I've been dreaming about?" Twilight lies back again, turning her seductive smile up to eleven.
"Hell yeah!" Rainbow Dash glares with blazing intensity and charges in. She wraps her arms around Twilight's hips and yanks her up, turning her roughly on to her stomach.
"Oof!" Twilight feels a little of her breath get knocked out as Dash pulls her hind legs, propping her rump up in the air. She pants and tries to figure out what's going on, she's burning up all over, it feels like her whole groin is just melting, running down her legs. She feels teeth clamp around her tail, and then...
"AHH ohhhhhh..." Dash pulls her tail to the side, giving a little yank farther than she had to. Pain shoots through Twilight's mind and is chased by quivering pleasure. Her hips flex and writhe on their own. Twilight starts to think that it feels so good nothing's ever felt so good and she is immediately made a liar when Dash shoves her snout roughly into that moist, burning slit between her legs.
"Ah! Ah! YES!" Twilight cries out, she couldn't hold back if she tried. Dash laps at her frantically, then pushes her tongue deep inside. It slides in easily, Twilight's so wet it even makes an awful squelching noise. Dash wiggles her tongue inside Twilight's tight hole, squeezing her hooves around Twilight's thighs. Twilight moans loudly, her own tongue hanging out onto the bed. Dash pulls out and starts kissing and licking all over Twilight's thighs, then nips at her rump a few times, then clamps her teeth around Twilight's purple tail and yanks again, hard.
"OH!" Twilight's eyes go wide and she feels herself clenching, her tight, wet passage grasping eagerly at nothing.
Am I coming did I just was that like a mini-orgasm what is this
She moans loudly, rolling her eyes back. That came out of nowhere, she would think if she was capable of real thought. Instead she just moans louder and rides the waves of pleasure higher – it's like no orgasm she's had before. Instead of climaxing and then falling off, she's just plateaued on some new, more intense level of arousal.
Rainbow Dash is licking her up and down now, paying special attention to her swollen clit. Twilight is bucking her hips slightly with each stroke of her friend's tongue. She swishes her tail in Dash's face, unconsciously begging her to pull it again. Dash ignores it and moves her focus to just that lovely little button at the top of Twilight's mound, attacking it with her tongue.
Twilight feels her knees shaking and threatening to give out, if Dash wasn't propping her up she would've collapsed by now. She opens her eyes wide as that tongue, that frantic, aggressive, wonderful tongue hovers just around her clit. She wants to see it, she wants to watch what's happening, she flexes her neck every which way but it feels too good and she can't focus at all. She gives up and squeezes her eyes shut tight, rubbing her face into the bed sheets.
The tongue moves up now, Twilight can feel Dash's snout probing, searching, exploring her. She drags her tongue up Twilight's slit again but doesn't stop, going higher, right onto...
"WHOA!" Twilight's head shoots up. She yelps and instinctively curls her tail between her legs. For just a second that tongue had tickled her right under her tail, on her... that's so dirty, she starts to think...
"AHH!" Her tail is yanked to the side again and she feels Dash pin it there with a hoof. Dash's tongue dives right back into her tight anus, licking around it in little circles, and Twilight just about loses her mind.
"Dash! Dash! What are you... you... you ohhhhhhhh wow!" she gasps out, feeling every muscle in her hips starting to clench again. She never imagined this, never thought that part of her was something sexual. Dash yanks at her tail with her hoof, making Twilight yelp in shocked pleasure. She starts pushing her hips back, her body begging for more, she's so close again... again? More than once oh sweet Celestia this is amazing...
Dash reaches her other hoof up and presses it to Twilight's clitoris, and the whole world just explodes into stars.
Twilight has no idea what happens next. Or how long it happens. Or anything. She's barely cognizant of drooling and shaking and screaming out some things and it feels so, so, sooooo good.
She floats back up out of complete and utter oblivion as Dash takes her hoof away from her clit – was it there the whole time, what else did we just do – and feels Dash's tongue give one last lick and kiss to her swollen lips. Dash lets go of her tail and Twilight just collapses. She's breathing like she's dying, fighting for air, just collapsed on the bed with her rump still sticking up, trembling.
Strong hooves roll her over and she's on her back now, and Dash's beautiful face and beautiful mane are smiling down at her. Dash kisses her, hard...
Eww she was just... eww! Oh whatever...
Twilight tastes her own tangy moisture on her friend's tongue and it reminds her of Rarity for a moment, of that night they shared together not so long ago and then it's gone. Rainbow Dash slides herself onto Twilight, pressing their hips together. She can feel the heat between Dash's legs, burning, dripping heat, pressing into her own and then they touch and pleasure rocks her body violently, it's not over yet it's far from over this is just a new, more fantastic plateau.
Dash grunts like a stallion and bucks down into her, rubbing their swollen nubs together. They gasp in unison. Twilight shoots her eyes open and they share a moment, gazing into each others' eyes, it's beautiful and tender and Twilight feels so close to her, like a part of her, she could lie like this forever.
Then Dash gets a wicked look in her eyes and she grinds her hips again.
"Ah! Ahh! Ahhhhh! AH!" Twilight almost screams out.
Dash is bucking against her at a steady rhythm now, mashing their mounds together. Spasms shake through her wings, shedding feathers here and there. They fall around Twilight like dead leaves.
Twilight writhes against the bed, flexing her hips unevenly, jerking them. Somewhere in her head she wants to try and match Dash's rhythm, to move with her, be one with her, but she can't summon the coordination required.
Dash presses her hooves against Twilight's arms and slides them up, pinning them above her head. She leans her own head down and starts kissing Twilight, starting with her face and then moving up, nipping at her ears and licking her horn.
The wet tongue on her horn shoots chills right down into her brain. It's much more sensitive than she ever knew, like a second clit connected directly to her thoughts. She howls in delight, flexing her arms against Dash's, pushing up against her, pretending to fight. Then she gives up and just takes it, just takes it all for however long Rainbow Dash can give it.
Which isn't too much longer, apparently. Dash slows down a little. Twilight opens her eyes and Rainbow Dash is propped above her, smiling, hanging her mouth open. Her lips are trembling, she looks like she's about to peak.
"Harder please I'm so close..." Twilight moans out.
Dash's eyes snap down to her like she had forgotten there was another pony in the room. She bears down with her arms, crushing Twilight's hooves into the bed, and starts thrusting her hips like a girl possessed. Twilight feels their hot, engorged nubs flicking past each other and Dash is staring into her eyes and she's sweating all over, curls of white lather stand out against her blue coat and oh god this is it!
"aaaaaaAAAHHH YES!" Twilight screams out, jerking her hips violently.
"Unh! Unh! Oh fu... fu... Augh!" Dash grunts out with her last few strokes, then slumps down onto Twilight, her body shaking.
They lie like that, pressed together. Twilight can feel spasms and quakes running through Dash's mound, symptoms of the same post-lovemaking bliss that's running through her. Her inner walls are clenching over and over again on their own, it feels lovely, just lying there with a hot, heavy body on top of her. Dash shifts against her and some part of her brushes past Twilight's clitoris. She takes in a sharp breath, it hurt! It's beyond sensitive now, sore to the touch.
Dash slides off to her side and sinks into the bed, one foreleg draped lazily over Twilight's chest. Twilight doesn't move. They both slowly catch their breath. Twilight stares mutely at the ceiling. At first it looks solid, unmoving, but eventually she realizes that it's slowly drifting and shifting. She feels lips on her cheek. She turns her head as they leave.
Rainbow Dash is staring at her with a tired smile. "Hey," she croaks out.
"Mmm," Twilight moans back. She rolls onto her side and scoots closer to Dash, running a hoof up her blue chest.
"So... that was good, right?" Dash says.
Twilight sighs loudly. "That was great."
Rainbow Dash nods very seriously, looking satisfied. She reaches down and messes with the sheets – Twilight is vaguely aware of squirming around, letting her pull the blankets out from under them and then over top of them. She rolls over a little, ready for the forelegs she's sure are about to slide around her –
And then nothing.
She looks over and Rainbow Dash is lying in bed next to her. Just far enough away that their bodies aren't touching. Dash's eyes are closed, and a smug smile is creeping across her lips.
That's it?
Twilight lies there for a few seconds, curled up under the covers. Then she rolls over and slides her back into Dash's strong arms and legs.
"Hmm?" Rainbow Dash doesn't move, barely reacts except for the sound.
Twilight lies there uncomfortably, wondering if this part is less standard than she thought.
Come on, hold me darn it!
And then cyan blue limbs wrap around her. Rainbow Dash drags her snout through Twilight's mane and then rests her chin on Twilight's shoulder. Twilight lets out a pleased sigh. She can feel her friend's chest rising against her back. Dash's forelegs are wrapped around her, tucked under her own. It's perfect.
Rainbow Dash yawns loudly against the back of her head. It's immediately contagious, and Twilight can't help but yawn. She doesn't open her eyes again, her eyelids are too heavy. She quickly falls into a dreamless, satisfied sleep.
• • •
"Aw, yeah! Right there!"
Rainbow Dash squeezes Twilight's hooves with her own, panting. Twilight shifts her mental focus, shooting waves through the glow of her horn.
"There?" she asks.
"Ugh! Yeah, there, perfect... harder!" Rainbow Dash says.
Morning light pours in through the window. At some point in the night they had switched positions – Rainbow Dash is backed up against Twilight now, squirming in against her belly.
Twilight closes her eyes, throwing more oomph into her telekinesis. She can feel her friend's slick entrance in her horn – it's undeniably strange but amazing, like having a fifth hoof. A fifth, sensitive, shape-changing hoof. A magic extra hoof that is reaching deep inside her friend's opening and massaging inside her right now... Twilight opens her eyes again. She's breathing heavily, every moan and tremble Rainbow Dash gives pushes her a little higher, sends tingles through her horn.
She breathes deep of Dash's rainbow mane. Last night had been so sudden, so rough...
Sooooooo good...
She hadn't really had a chance to dig in to her friend's prismatic hair. She takes a big patch of it in her teeth. It doesn't taste spicy, it tastes of sweat and discount shampoo. She jerks her neck back, yanking on the hair.
"Owww yeah! Yeah!" Rainbow Dash growls, brushing her tail base back and forth across Twilight's belly. She can feel tight squeezing in her horn, Dash must be close, she's panting quickly now. Twilight concentrates harder – it's not easy when she's so aroused, but she manages.
Twilight grins around the hair in her teeth. She sends a tendril of magic out from the glow around Rainbow Dash's sex and presses it firmly against that dirty little second hole under her tail.
"Whoa! Whooooaaaaoohhhhhh..." Dash stiffens up for a second and then relaxes completely. A few seconds later Twilight can feel her clenching up one last time and then releasing in a wave of moaning and shaking. Dash sighs and hugs Twilight's forearms to her chest. Twilight keeps working at her with her magic, relishing the squeezing of her friend's walls against her mind's hoof.
"I came," Dash moans out a little shakily.
"Good." Twilight spits the multi-colored mane out of her mouth and makes her horn glow harder.
"Okay, okay, you can stop now." Dash laughs, her voice is high-pitched.
"Hmm... no, I think you need more." Twilight smiles deviously.
"C'mon, Twi, it hurts!" Dash laughs more, squeezing at Twilight's hooves.
"Oh, alright." Twilight rolls her eyes and fakes a severely disappointed tone. She turns off her horn and Dash unwinds, melting in Twilight's arms.
They lie together for a few minutes. Twilight nibbles idly at the back of Dash's neck, not really thinking. She's concentrating on the rising and falling of that blue chest, slowly evening out and becoming normal.
Suddenly, Dash gets up and rolls off the bed.
"'Scuse me," she says, trotting off to another room.
Twilight watches her go, her eyes following those blue flanks. She pouts a little when Dash closes a door behind her. The sound of a running shower comes from the other room.
I guess she's just cleaning up.
She looks around a little, paying attention to Dash's room for the first time. It's a pretty simple affair – posters of racing pegasus ponies, stacks of magazines, trophies and medals hung up all over the place.
She thinks about Dash some more. Round two only whetted her appetite, and she feels just a bit of craving hunger wound up in her hips. She starts to imagine Rainbow Dash with a wet mane plastered to her face, standing in a steaming hot shower...
She's just working up the courage to see about joining her friend when the door opens and the mare in question trots back in, a towel on her back. She shakes herself off like a dog, spraying water everywhere.
That was quick... well, she is always bragging about how fast she is...
Twilight giggles, thinking about their more recent lovemaking.
"What?" Dash looks at her, shaking drops of water out of her wings.
"Nothing." Twilight traces a circle on the bed with her hoof. "So... what are you up to today?"
"I gotta go to work."
"Oh?"
"Yeah, thought I might show up on time for once. Surprise everypony, y'know?"
It is pretty early. Then again, they did go to bed kind of early... she giggles again, then stops short.
"Wait... are you going now?" Twilight asks.
"In a few minutes, yeah," Dash says, dropping the towel on the floor. She walks over to a pile of laundry and other junk and starts digging around for something.
"Oh." Twilight droops her ears. The lingering heat in her loins disappears. "I was kind of thinking we could go get breakfast or something."
"Nah, I really gotta get going. Sorry." Dash pulls a pair of goggles out of the pile. How many of those does she own?
"You don't wanna take the day off?" Twilight tries to turn on the seductive smile. Dash doesn't even look over.
"I shouldn't. Really... we got a big move today. Huge storm this weekend. You heard, right? They're gonna need me out there."
Twilight frowns a little.
Isn't Dash always taking days off?
No, stop it, you're being silly.
She has to go to work. Get over yourself.
"That's okay, right? I mean, I'm sorry I gotta jet on you like this," Rainbow Dash says, adjusting her goggles on her head.
"No, it's fine. I understand," Twilight says.
"Cool." Dash walks over to the bed and nuzzles her one last time. "I'll see you later, yeah? You can take your balloon home."
"Yeah..." Twilight looks down at her hooves. "Yeah, I can do that."
They say quick goodbyes and Rainbow Dash graciously offers her a breakfast of cold pizza as they leave. Twilight declines the offer. A short ride through the clouds later and she's opening the door of her library.
She feels exhausted... completely spent. And gross. About halfway home she had realized how sweaty and smelly she felt from the night before.
"Spike?" she yells, then winces as she realizes he's probably asleep. It's still early, and he's probably taking his night alone as an opportunity to sleep in. The library is silent, empty. Twilight almost knocks on the door of Spike's new room, just to check on him, but she thinks better of it.
She goes upstairs instead and treats herself to a long, hot bath. It does wonders for her mood, and she spends long minutes letting the hot water seep into her joints, trying hard to think about nothing. It doesn't work, of course – a cocky, arrogant smile keeps flashing in her mind.
She shakes her head, feeling stupid. Luna's smile is prettier, anyway. She remembers the night Luna came to her. It feels like a long time ago, but she can still see Luna's playful, mischievous little smirk.
Hey! Hey, I did it! This is it!
She practically jumps out of the bath, toweling herself off as quickly as possible. She walks back to her room and goes to brush her mane a little, when something on her neck catches her eye. It isn't quite as bad as when she woke up to find her horn full of poison joke, but it's a similar shock.
Her neck is marked with a few dark, ugly bruises. Souvenirs, courtesy of Rainbow Dash. Part of her mind is chuckling but the rest of her is horrified. They're very obvious – everypony she runs into is going to know exactly what she's been doing. She cringes and then doubles her cringe as something else occurs to her.
She turns around and shoves her backside up to the mirror awkwardly. It's hard to see clearly, but there are a few obvious marks on her thighs and even one high up on her rump. And... oh dear Princess why... one big bite mark on her inner thigh, right next to her most private spot.
She slams her rump down and sees a very embarrassed unicorn in the mirror staring back at her.
I could just not go outside for a few days.
I could probably get away with that. Oh horse apples, what about Spike? Rainbow Dash, why do you have to be so rough?
You weren't complaining last night...
She glares at herself, remembering why she came out here. This would have to be dealt with later. She's on a mission.
She digs out a quill and blank paper and sets to work.
Dearest Princess Luna,
I've known the touch of two lovers, one stallion and one mare. Both were lovely, but I think I know where my inclinations truly lie now. I've learned much about love – enough to know how badly I want you.
You were right to set me on this path. I had no idea what love was, what it could feel like, what it could do to a pony. I've even seen a little of the dark side of romance. There is great risk of hurting someone if you aren't careful. I understand that now, and I think I understand why you asked me to do this.
But I have learned, and I'm ready. I'm yours, whenever you come to take me.
Your Eager Student,
Twilight Sparkle
She hastily wraps it up in an envelope and casts a spell on it, excitement pounding in her chest. She can hardly focus, and the awesome feeling of touching Luna's mind shoots through her and is gone almost instantly.
The envelope vanishes in a flash of light. Twilight sits, looking around, waiting impatiently. Birdsong drifts in through the windows. She starts to mindlessly tap a hoof on the floor.
You didn't really think she was going to show up instantly, did you?
She sighs, wondering what she's doing. Luna hasn't even had time to read it yet. She's probably asleep, honestly. Does she sleep? Like a normal pony, anyway?
Twilight trudges over to her bed and flops onto it, sighing heavily. She imagines Luna there with her, cuddling her, whispering sweet words in her ear. Luna wouldn't usher her out in the morning, pretending nothing happened. Luna wouldn't rush off to catch some stupid train. Luna wouldn't leave her to go home alone with nothing but cold, stiff leftovers. Right?
Would she?
Twilight frowns and feels strangely scared, alone. Her bed feels larger than ever, cold and empty. She scoots herself under the covers like one of Fluttershy's animals cowering under a hawk's shadow. She hugs a pillow tightly to her chest.
How can you think those things... all three of them care about you!
She knows the feelings are foalish, but they grip her anyway, and she just feels worse for letting it happen.
I can't believe I just sent that letter.
She hadn't even proofread it, just scribbled it out and sent it off frantically. She can't send another one so soon... it would look strange.
She spends a long time staring into space, squeezing her pillow. One of her ears twitches.
What am I doing?
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 10 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:43:51+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:43:51+00:00
| 19,117 |
Twilight runs a brush through her mane, tugging at a small tangle somewhere in the back. She watches her own face in the mirror as she works at the knot. She's scowling more than she would've thought – this knot just won't come out! She tugs again, hard, and the brush breaks free, gliding smoothly through on further strokes.
Ahh... much better.
She's wearing a nice saddle. Rarity made it for her, of course, for some forgotten occasion. No, this one was just because... Twilight remembers now. Just a design she was trying out, and it happened to be Twilight's size. That was what Rarity said, anyway. She smiles at herself – it's not often that Twilight really thinks about how she looks, even rarer when she thinks to feel pretty. But she's looking pretty good tonight.
Mental Note, Subject: Sex. Sex can be a bit of a confidence booster, apparently.
She spies a faded bruise on her neck. It's almost gone, but still visible if a pony was really paying attention. She frowns and opens a drawer, trying to decide between a scarf or a collar...
"I was wondering if you could help me with something?"
"Of course, darling, anything – oh! Oh my." Rarity drops what she's doing the moment she turns to Twilight, staring at her neck.
"...Yeah. That."
"Rainbow Dash?" Rarity glares over the frame of her glasses. Twilight just sighs and nods.
"Ah, the marks of love. Well, maybe not love, as it were. Not to worry, Twilight, I have just the thing." Rarity starts opening drawers and digging through an endless variety of garments, tut-tutting all the while. Twilight doesn't watch too closely – she's too busy wallowing in embarrassment.
"Here we are! A wide variety of scarves and collars. A lady must have discretion about her indiscretions, after all." Rarity giggles smugly as she offers a pile of cloth to Twilight.
"Oh, thank you, Rarity! That's perfect. But... um... I have a few others..." Twilight glances back at her own rump. Rarity gives her a blank stare and then turns a little red.
"Oh... well, uh... ahem... I see things really did go swimmingly, then?" Rarity shoots Twilight a very amused smile. Twilight replies with her most unamused stare.
"You're in luck, dear. Long, flowing skirts are in this season."
Twilight checks herself out in the mirror. She shakes her rump a little, sending waves through the long pleats of fabric hanging off the back of her saddle. Then she ties a cute little silk scarf around her neck. Nopony will be the wiser.
I could get used to this.
Usually she doesn't wear clothes, but she's been wearing some kind of covering for the last few days straight. She levitates a pair of earrings up and starts fastening them in place.
The door of her bedroom swings open and Spike barges right in. Twilight frowns for just a second at his lack of knocking, but she just keeps putting on her earrings.
"Hey Twilight. Whatchya doing in... you're all dressed up?" He freezes. "Is everyone dressing up tonight? I didn't know this was all formal."
"It's not. I don't know about the others. I just felt like it," she lies.
"You think Rarity will be dressed up?"
Twilight smirks. "Of course she will."
"Aww..." Spike sulks, kicking the floor with a foot. "Why can't I go?"
"Sorry, Spike. This is a girl's night out." She finishes with her earrings and turns away from the mirror. "Besides, we might stay out kind of late."
"Awwwww!" Spike crams his claws into his little pocket flaps, sulking even harder. "I wanna stay up late."
Twilight rolls her eyes. "You would just fall asleep. And then I would have to carry you home."
"Would not!"
"Besides, you're in charge until I get back. You can stay up if you really want to."
"In... charge?"
"Yup. You are my number one assistant, after all. That means when I'm gone, you are officially the librarian."
Spike's eyes go wide, twinkling with possibilities. "Hey, yeah... I'm the man of the house!" He strikes a tough little pose. Twilight giggles at him.
"Don't stay up too late," she says, knowing he won't. Her ear twitches – someone is knocking on the library's front door. Spike looks like he heard it, too.
"Can you get that?" Twilight says. Spike hurries off, and Twilight starts searching around her room for a purse.
Who could that be?
One of my friends stopping by on the way?
It's still way too early, isn't it? And it's way too late to be a customer... it's probably Rarity, come to fuss over my outfit.
"Uh... Twilight?" Spike opens her door again, sounding a little hesitant. "Braeburn is here to see you."
Twilight jumps in place, turning on Spike. "Wha... how... Braeburn?" she says.
"Yeah, he's downstairs. He said he wanted to talk to you alone, but... I don't know, something's up. He's acting funny." Spike crosses his arms.
"Funny? Like... how?"
"I don't know. He wasn't smiling. He's always smiling." Spike looks perplexed.
Twilight gulps loudly.
Maybe I can just teleport out the window.
No, that's stupid.
"Alright... um... bring him up here, I guess."
"...Okay." Spike gives her a confused look and goes back downstairs.
Why is he here?
Oh no, what if he's mad at me?
Okay, okay, calm down... calm. Twilight Sparkle is calm. She makes one quick glance at the mirror to make sure that her love bites are, in fact, covered up. They are. She sighs in relief.
And then Spike walks back in with her one and only stallion.
"Howdy," Braeburn says. His eyes cut into hers. She can't figure out the look he's giving her, all that registers is that he's not smiling. Is he angry?
Why oh why am I so bad at reading faces?
Braeburn looks down at the little dragon by his side. "Beggin' yer pardon, Spike." He nods towards the door. "If you don't mind," he says.
Spike looks at Twilight and raises an eyebrow. She nods back at him. He scuttles off, closing her bedroom door behind him.
Heavy silence hangs in the air between them. Neither moves for a few seconds. Twilight can feel a light sheen of sweat forming under her bangs. Braeburn just stares at her. He looks determined, unwavering.
"You look nice. You goin' out?" he says suddenly. Still not smiling.
"Yes. With my friends," she says. His face does a weird turn – he always, always looked so cheerful before. Twilight is starting to figure out that he looks sad, somewhere under that hard resolve, and it almost hurts to notice.
"I didn't know you were coming back to Ponyville," Twilight says.
"It's just for the weekend."
"You could've told me you were coming to visit." Twilight smiles nervously.
"Sorry. I took the next train after I got your letter. Didn't think to send one back 'til I was already halfway here."
"Oh. So... you got that." Twilight winces.
"I most certainly did."
Twilight looks down at her hooves.
Then why are you here?
"I s'pose I just wanted to hear it straight from you," he says, like he heard her thoughts.
"Why?" she asks. She really doesn't understand – this was hard enough to write out.
Braeburn glares at her a little, but it fades away quickly and he sighs. "I jus' couldn't believe it, I guess." He steps a little closer to her. "I mean, that night together. I thought we really had somethin'."
She hangs her head. "Braeburn... I'm so, so sorry."
"Sorry? That's it?" That anger in his voice flares up and fades just as quickly. "You... you... all that, and then... one letter and that's it. Sorry."
She doesn't look up, but she can feel his glare on her, hear his hooves on the wood as he inches closer.
"What happened?" he asks.
"I explained in the letter."
Braeburn snorts and glares at her again. "Is that right?" he says. Now she does look up, in time to see him take his hat off and pull a very familiar-looking piece of paper from inside it.
No, that can't be... it is... oh no...
"Dear Braeburn," he reads. "Your letter was very touching. I'm sorry I have to tell you this, but I can't accept..."
"Braeburn, stop." Twilight winces again, putting a hoof to her forehead. He ignores her and keeps reading.
"...can't accept your love. There's someone else. Unfortunately, I can't explain..."
"Stop it!" Twilight feels tears welling up, she can't tell if it's in anger or sadness. She crushes her eyelids shut, shaking her head. It feels like someone's tightening a sharp coil of wire around her heart.
"...more than that. I'm sorry that I misled you. I should've told you before we..."
"Braeburn!" she almost screams. He stops mid-breath, shocked by the anger and pain in her voice. "Stop it. Please!"
The letter falls from his hooves and floats to the floor. A long, painful moment passes. Braeburn's mouth moves, forming silent words, but before he can put them in order there is the sound of stubby claws running up stairs and the door slams open.
"Twilight!" Spike jumps in raring for a fight, all his spines standing on end. He immediately deflates when he sees them standing far apart from each other.
"Uh... everything okay?" he says, confused.
"Go to your room!" Twilight snaps at him.
"But..."
"Now!"
Spike hangs his jaw open and slowly backs away. The door closes quietly behind him.
Great... just great.
She turns back to Braeburn and now he's just staring at his hooves. His face looks almost as hurt as Spike's did.
"I..." she starts to say, but her voice cracks and croaks. She clears her throat and tries again. "I'm sorry. I really am," she says. His head snaps up and his face is all steely resolve again.
"Is it true? What you wrote? There's someone else?" he asks.
Twilight can't meet his eyes. "...Yes," she says.
"Does he know about us?"
He?
"Who?" Twilight asks.
Braeburn blinks his eyes in disbelief. "Who?!" he says.
"Oh! Uh..." Twilight fidgets around with her hooves.
"I guess that's a no?" Braeburn says, looking down his snout at her. She briefly considers playing along for the sake of keeping things simple.
That is insane! Just tell him! No more lies!
"She knows, actually," Twilight says.
Braeburn starts to say something and then his eyes practically bug out. "She?" He sits down on his rump and stammers.
"Yes, she. And we... we talked about it. She said it was okay."
Twilight can see the race between his head and his facial expression. "She? You... you? She? Okay?"
Yeah, that was my reaction at first, too.
"I know it sounds strange..." she starts to say.
"It's... okay?! That's a load o' horse apples. That's crazy!" he snaps.
Something about his eyes on her starts to hurt, and Twilight slides back out of instinct. She can feel tiny tremors of panic in her chest.
Do something! Explain!
"Look, I... I wanted to try a stallion," she says. His eyes go wide and then he glares at her slowly, really glares, and that feeling of his gaze being painful on her doubles.
"Wait! Wait, that sounded awful..." she says.
"Yeah." He narrows his eyes. "Yeah, it kinda did."
"I can explain!" Twilight says, desperation creeping into her voice. Braeburn sighs and shakes his head slowly. He stands up and starts to walk away.
Twilight blinks twice. "Where are you going?" she yells.
He doesn't answer. She hears his heavy hooves thud down the short staircase to her bedroom door, and then she is alone.
"Hey! Braeburn, wait!" She rushes downstairs. Spike is nowhere to be seen – his door is closed. Braeburn is already halfway through the library's main room when she catches up to him. She grabs at his vest with a hoof and he turns on her, batting her arm away with his own.
"That's all I am to you?! Just a... a..." He fails to find words and snorts instead. Twilight stares in shock. His face is twisted up in anger, it's painful to even look at. He steps back, growling and stomping a front hoof. Twilight just sits there, gawking at something she never thought she would see. She didn't think it even existed.
And then he freezes. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, letting it out over several stretched-out seconds. When he opens his eyes again the sight of them just about breaks Twilight's heart.
"Did I hurt your arm?" he asks.
"What? Oh..." Twilight holds up her foreleg, faintly remembering that he pushed her away. "No, it's fine."
He lets out a breath and nods at her. "I should go," he says, and turns back towards the door. Twilight's brain scrambles for language.
I can fix this, somehow... right? This can't be the only way.
"You don't have to go," she says, stretching a hoof out to him. "We can talk about this. I care about you."
Braeburn freezes. His body doesn't move but his ears twitch back towards her.
"I probably shouldn't say that. But it's true. I care about you. But I don't love you. I'm sorry... I'm so, so, sorry..." she says. Braeburn bows his head slowly.
"I never wanted to hurt you. But I didn't think about what I was doing... what we were doing... and..." She feels like she's choking again, it's getting hard to talk. "I really messed this up..."
Braeburn turns around, looking strangely calm. "There's nothin' more to say. I love you. I would give everythin' to have you for myself. But..." He closes his eyes hard, like he's trying to force back tears. He succeeds. He gives one manly sniff and turns for the door again, but pauses halfway. "This ain't right. It just ain't right."
She doesn't say anything. She's not sure if she even could at this point.
"I wish you both the best," he says, opening the door.
"...Goodbye?" Twilight says.
"So long." He looks back at her one last time. The door closes.
Twilight slumps down onto the floor. She's supposed to be meeting her friends soon, she remembers faintly. She wipes at her face with her hooves. The tears threatening to spill out before are leaking out of her slowly now, and she wipes furiously at them.
Stupid... awful... stupid, stupid, stupid...
Just... just get a grip. It's over. It's over, it's done, I can move on. Move on to...
Luna!
Sour resentment rises up in her throat. It's been a few days since she sent that letter.
I'm going through all this... I did that to poor Braeburn... and she hasn't even replied?
Braeburn...
He didn't deserve that... did you see his face when he left? I broke his heart.
It echoes through her mind.
I used him. I broke his heart. I... me. I did that. Luna... why?
Don't blame this on her. She didn't ask you to do that. She asked you to find love.
And I broke his heart instead.
She sinks lower onto the floor and then the real tears come.
• • •
Twilight stares down at her drink. She hasn't touched it, just as she barely touched her dinner or any of the many, many plates of nachos Pinkie keeps ordering.
She snaps her eyes up from the shimmering liquid and tries to engage a little. She's out with her friends, after all. She had been excited for tonight. They're supposed to be having fun.
They're at that nice pub, the one she likes. The place isn't too crowded. In fact, it's pretty perfectly cozy. Small groups of friends are at almost every table, talking and laughing and having a great time.
Her and her friends have a big table in the corner all to themselves.
It's not like the other tables.
Twilight glances around. Rainbow Dash and Applejack are next to each other, pounding down shots joylessly. They had pretended to make a competition out of it at first, but now they're just tossing back drinks like old, bitter alcoholics. Dash is glaring at Rarity. Rarity is studiously ignoring the attention, pretending to be engrossed in conversation with Fluttershy. Fluttershy isn't listening. She keeps nervously glancing at Rainbow Dash and Applejack.
Pinkie Pie is, of course, obliviously chomping down nachos.
Twilight turns her gaze back around to Applejack and jumps a little on her cushion – Applejack is staring right at her. She freezes and stares back. Applejack cocks an eyebrow at her and glares like that. She finishes her drink, not taking her eyes off Twilight.
"Umm... everything alright, AJ?" Twilight fakes a smile.
"Just peachy." Applejack wipes her mouth with a foreleg, hiccupping. It's the first thing she's said to Twilight all evening.
Oh god she knows... well of course she knows, where else would he be staying?
"You run into my cousin yet? He's in town for the weekend." Applejack scowls at her. This grabs the attention of everyone else at the table – Rarity's smoke screen of gossip stops dead. All eyes turn to Twilight.
"Um... yes, he stopped by the library."
"Oh yeah? You two have a nice talk?" Applejack says.
"Braeburn is here? In Ponyville?" Rarity gasps out.
"Butt out!" Applejack barks at Rarity.
"Excuse me? You brought it up!" Rarity fumes back at her.
"I ain't talkin' to you."
"Well you are talking at the table in front of all of us," Rarity says.
"Yeah!" Rainbow Dash cuts in. "Rarity would never bring up stuff like that in front of everypony," she says, narrowing her eyes at Rarity. Rarity gives her a weird look and then falters, shifting uncomfortably on her cushion.
Silence rules their table for a long, awkward moment.
"Well?" Applejack growls at Twilight.
"Well what?" Twilight says.
"Did you stomp all over his heart real thorough like, or just a little?" Applejack scowls.
Twilight feels a little surge of anger in her throat but quells it. "That's not fair. It hurt for me, too," she says.
Applejack just snorts at her. "Didn't stop you from movin' right along on yer little ruttin' quest." She turns her glare on Rainbow Dash. Dash is sucking greedily at her drink, but slams it down when she feels Applejack's eyes.
"...What?" the blue pegasus says.
"That was different! We talked about it. I learned my lesson," Twilight says.
"Well la-dee-frickin'-da for you." Applejack waves her hooves around, jostling Rainbow Dash. "So who's next? You gonna screw yer way through the rest of your friends or just hunt out another stallion to play with?"
The whole table is stunned into silence. Rarity looks down at the floor. Pinkie Pie hangs her mouth wide open, melted cheese and bits of nacho dripping out.
"Applejack..." Twilight feels that anger again, like bile in the back of her throat. "I didn't mean to hurt him. You know that."
Applejack just scowls even harder at her and works her jaw, racing to come up with a comeback.
"Girls!" Pinkie Pie shouts suddenly, full of uneasy cheer. "What's with all the angry, meany faces? We should be having fun, happy party faces!"
"She's right," Rarity adds. "Let's just calm down and try to enjoy ourselves."
"Good idea, Rarity." Rainbow Dash perks up. "Hey, I don't know how to enjoy myself. Do you know anything about how to enjoy me?"
Rarity gives her the most indignant glare possible.
"Dashie!" Pinkie Pie says. "No no no, that's all wrong. I said LESS meany faces!"
"Dash, what the hay are you on about?" Applejack blinks at Rainbow Dash.
"Nothing. She is on about nothing," Rarity says, not taking her eyes off Dash.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Rainbow Dash crunches down a mouthful of nachos, then stares directly at Rarity. "It was nothing."
Rarity looks for just a second like she's about to blow up at Rainbow Dash, but she catches herself and slides back into a haughty, faux-calm expression.
"Can all of you stop arguing please?" Fluttershy says, almost resting her chin on the table.
"Who's arguin'? Nopony's arguin'!" Applejack yells at her.
"Oh." Fluttershy shrinks into her bangs. "I'm sorry. I don't know what's going on."
"There, there, Fluttershy." Pinkie Pie slides over to Fluttershy and wraps the yellow mare in her arms, stroking her hair. "Let's just wait this out until these meany angry party poopers turn those frowns upside down."
"Well I hope yer happy," Applejack says to Twilight. "You've even gone and upset poor little Fluttershy."
"Yeah. I did that," Twilight says, rolling her eyes.
"Well she's probably scared you're gonna try and take advantage of her," Applejack says.
"What is your problem?" Twilight yells.
"Yeah, AJ, lay off a little," Dash says.
"You lay off!" Applejack says at Rainbow Dash.
"Okay, okay, jeez." Rainbow Dash throws her hooves up.
"Nice effort, Dash," Rarity says. "Good to see you still take off at the first sign of resistance."
"Oh yeah?" Rainbow Dash flares her wings up. "Well my hoof is gonna resist your ass if you don't..."
"ENOUGH!"
Everyone freezes and stares at Twilight. She slides her hooves down from where she pounded the table. She hit much harder than she meant to – a few empty glasses tumbled over.
"You two!" She points at Rarity and Rainbow Dash. "Just... enough! Give it a rest. I can't take it right now. And you!" She turns to Applejack. "I'm sorry! I don't know what else you want from me, but I'm sorry!"
Applejack gives her a confused look. "Hold up just an apple-pickin' minute. What is up with those two?" She scratches her head.
"Uh... yes, Twilight, what are you talking about?" Rarity says. Twilight feels Rarity's hoof nudge her under the table, stomping at her, begging her to make up something.
"You know what? She's right." Rainbow Dash stands up. "Enough! I've had enough of this hush-hush crap. Me and Rarity had sex."
"Gasp!" Pinkie Pie says, arms still wrapped around Fluttershy.
"What?!" Applejack yells.
Twilight slaps a hoof to her forehead.
"Don't be ridiculous." Rarity looks completely unfazed. "That's the most preposterous thing I've ever heard. Where do you get these spurious notions?"
"And she had sex with Twilight, too," Rainbow Dash says.
"AAAH!" Rarity panics completely.
"Double gasp!" Pinkie Pie says, squeezing her friend harder.
"Twilight!" Rarity looks like she's about to cry. She tries to hide under her own hooves, but gives up and just looks around her in fear. "You... we... you told... why?"
Twilight can't take the sight of Rarity, so she just hides her face in her hooves. "Oh no..." she mutters, shaking her head.
"What?!" Applejack yells. "What?! What?! When... you..." She blinks her eyes rapidly. "So you're tellin' me that you two... and you two... AND you two?" She points at each couple in turn. Even Dash looks a little ashamed.
"I can't believe this!" Applejack yells, almost quivering with fury. "All my friends are just... havin' dirty, sexy... doin' it with each other behind my back this whole time. Anything else I don't know?" She glares at all of them.
"Uhhhh..." Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash say in unison, trying hard not to look at each other.
Applejack just stares at them, wide-eyed.
"...gasp?" Fluttershy says quietly.
"This is crazy! Y'all are crazy!" Applejack yells.
"I haven't done it with anyone," Fluttershy says.
"Thanks, Fluttershy. Hey, there's an idea! Why don't I take Fluttershy here and we'll go have some fun? I bet y'all would like that, wouldn't you?" Applejack says, her voice dripping contempt.
*pomf*
Rainbow Dash's wings shoot straight out, pushing into Applejack.
"Heh... heh heh..." She blushes and tries folding them down with her hooves.
"That does it!" Applejack springs up, bumping the table and making even more of a mess. "Since you bunch are havin' sooooo much fun without me!" She walks away from their table, swaying uneasily.
"What are you doing?" Twilight says.
"Getting' some for my own self. And you just stay outta my way, you hussy!"
Twilight looks to the rest of her friends. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy are wrapped together like mother and foal, gawking. Rarity is trembling and mumbling to herself, stomping her hooves in agitation. Rainbow Dash is staring slack-jawed at Applejack as she approaches another table.
"Help me!" Twilight says to Dash.
"What?"
"Help me with her!"
"No way, I wanna see this!"
Twilight groans in disgust and follows Applejack to another table. Three older stallions are sitting there, quietly nursing beers. Applejack trots right up to the closest one and gives him a come hither look.
Wow that is way better then my seductive smile. How is she so good at that?
"Well howdy there, handsome," Applejack says, stopping their conversation cold. All three of them stare at her, and her target smiles nervously. "Stud like you wouldn't wanna be goin' home alone tonight, would you?"
"Uh... heh... sorry ma'am but I'm married."
"Oh. Well what about your..."
"Married. Happily!" the second stallion says. The third stallion smiles and raises his arm but his friends both block his mouth with their hooves.
"Don't listen to him. He's VERY married," the first one says.
"Aw, come on, guys!" the third one whines.
"Sorry to bother you gentlemen, then. You have a good night." Applejack curtsies and trots on to the next table. Twilight just stands there for a few seconds trying to get a handle on what she just saw.
"Uh... is that your friend?" the first stallion says.
"Wha..." Twilight tears herself back to reality. "Yes."
"I think she's had a bit much. Maybe you should take her home?"
"Believe me, I'm trying." Twilight hurries over to the next table, this one with three younger guys.
"Applejack, stop right..." Twilight starts to say.
"Shut up!" Applejack hisses at her. "I'm workin' my mojo here!" She turns back to the young bucks. "Whatsa matter, gentlecolts? You can't talk to a pretty mare?"
The three of them look at their hooves or each other, but none of them will meet Applejack's eye. She waits for a few seconds, looking less and less inviting, then turns to walk away.
"...slut," one of the bucks says as soon as her back is turned. Twilight winces.
"Excuse me?!" Applejack is back at their table in an instant, pounding her hooves on the wood. "Which one o' you low-down snakes said that?!" She glares around at them, but again they just look away. "Ain't one of you yellow little colts got the balls to say somethin' to my face?"
Silence. The whole bar is watching this spectacle now. Twilight is frozen in horror.
"Fine!" Applejack slams her hooves down again, cracking the table, then sweeps her foreleg across it, sending bottles and glasses clattering across the floor. She turns and walks away, nose in the air, twitching her rump right at them. "Y'all ain't stallion enough for this piece, anyhow!"
Twilight steps in front of her, holding her hooves up.
"Applejack, listen to – oof!"
Applejack pushes her aside effortlessly and prowls up to the bar.
"Barkeep!" she yells. "A double of whiskey, if you please."
"I think you've had enough, ma'am," the bartender says, not moving.
"Dagnabbit, I say I ain't had near enough. And the customer's always right! Now pour!"
"Young lady," he says, obviously containing a great store of anger. "You gonna pay for the mess you're making?"
"We'll take care of that later. Right now I need you to take care of me." Applejack pounds the bar. "Whiskey! Chop chop!"
"Ma'am..."
"My NAME is APPLEJACK, and I would like a drink now. PLEASE."
The bartender scrunches his face up like things are about to get ugly, but then Applejack floats up into the air, surrounded by a purple glow.
"What the...?" Applejack flails her limbs around for a second before they go stiff at her sides, like she's being held by an invisible hand. Twilight turns her around in the air so she can see what's going on. Applejack growls as soon as she sees Twilight and her glowing horn.
"Let me go!"
"No. You're out of control. You need to calm down," Twilight says.
"You... you...!"
And then all hell breaks loose out of Applejack's mouth. Everyone in the bar who wasn't already staring drops what they're doing and gawks at the floating earth pony. Glasses and plates shake. Empty chairs skitter across the floor. Miles away, Celestia feels burning in her ears and stirs in bed, frowning in her sleep.
Applejack's epic tirade of obscenities almost causes Twilight to lose focus on her magic. Almost. Instead she reaches a telekinetic hoof up and closes Applejack's snout.
Everyone sighs in relief.
Twilight isn't sure what to do now. Applejack is still floating and giving her a look of pure, animal hate.
"Twilight?"
She turns at Rarity's voice. Rarity has obviously recovered a bit. "Take her outside. We'll settle things up here," the white unicorn says.
"Are you sure?" Twilight asks.
"Don't worry, we got it," Rainbow Dash says. "We'll be right down."
Twilight walks out, apologizing profusely to everyone around her. She makes her way down a dark staircase, floating Applejack along behind her, and smiles for the first time in some hours as the cool night air hits her.
She stops right outside the door to the pub. It's late enough that she's alone with her captive.
What now? Wait for the others?
No... we need to talk some things out. Just me and AJ.
"I'm going to put you down now. You aren't going to hit me or anything, are you?" Twilight asks. Applejack doesn't move, of course.
Gosh, how bad is this? I never thought I would have to say that...
Twilight gently lowers her to the ground and releases her, grunting at the sudden lack of effort. She tenses up on her hooves, but Applejack just stares at her and paces back and forth, snorting and whipping her tail around. Her eyes are shining, burning with anger like Twilight's never seen before. They're...
They're beautiful. She's... she's gorgeous right now... No! Not the time! What is wrong with me?
Focus, Twilight. You need to fix this. Here and now.
"Well?" Applejack spits out, her nostrils flaring.
"Let's talk," Twilight says.
"Yes. Let's do that." Applejack sits on her rump in front of Twilight.
Okay. Delicate situation. Keep it cool. Let's work this out.
"I'm sorry for what I did to Braeburn. Really, I am," she says.
Applejack looks away, like she's loath to give up any of her anger. After a few seconds, she grudgingly speaks.
"Yeah, I know."
Okay... good start, good start...
"Are you angry about me and Dash? Or me and Rarity?" Twilight says.
"I suppose not. Y'all got the right to make your own decisions."
"So what's wrong? Don't tell me you feel left out?"
Applejack snorts louder than ever. "If you're serious with that, then you can go buck yourself." She looks at Twilight like you would look at a crazy pony.
Calm... Twilight Sparkle is calm. Reasonable. Twilight Sparkle doesn't get angry.
"What is it then? Really, Applejack. Talk to me."
"Talk to you? Talk to you..." AJ splutters, stomping her hooves again. "You drag me down here with your stupid magic and now it's all, ooh, let's talk."
Calm! Calm, I said! Not angry. Not irrational.
"You weren't acting like yourself. You're drunk, and angry. I was trying to help you."
"You're one to talk. You can run off and do whatever or whoever, but if I'm lookin' for some sugar, it's wrong. Is that it?" Applejack growls.
Not angry! No anger here, nope. Calm. Calm, darnit!
"Applejack, I would love for you to find someone. But not like that."
"So what, I should be more like you? Right, I'll just betray my own friends. That's much better."
"Ugh! I... you... arg!"
CALM
Twilight takes a deep breath and counts to five. She's gone up against Applejack and her stubborn attitude in the past, but this is something else entirely. She focuses like she does with her magic, giving up her body to her rational mind. Her anger ebbs away to a dull background noise.
"Why are you so mad at me?" she asks.
Applejack rolls her eyes. "What, I gotta spell it out for you? I thought you were the smart one."
"I appreciate that, but apparently you do have to spell it out for me. I don't understand. Is it Braeburn still? I'm sorry. I really am. I feel awful about the whole thing. I learned my lesson."
"You didn't learn a darn thing."
Calm... remember, calm...
"No, I did, Applejack. I'll never hurt someone like that again."
"But you're still lettin' that dang Princess run you around."
Twilight steps back, taken by surprise. "What?" she says.
"Luna. She's got you doin' all this crazy stuff. For what?"
"I love her!"
"Then yer a fool." Applejack looks at her, almost with pity. "She doesn't love you."
YOU BITCH WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE
"What?!" Twilight balks. The hairs on her neck stand on end, and she feels herself tense up in an attack stance. "That's stupid. You don't know what you're talking about!"
"If she loved you, she wouldn't be sendin' you around to mess with other ponies. She's playin' with you."
"You don't know that. You don't know her! You weren't there!"
"Maybe so. But I ain't wrong."
"You... you..." Twilight quivers with rage, her thoughts a torrent of nasty words. "You're awful! You're just jealous!"
What are you even saying? That's stupid!
"Jealous?" Applejack looks genuinely perplexed.
"Yes! That's the only way this makes sense. She loves me, and you must be jealous because you don't have anyone!"
"I ain't nothin' of the sort!" Applejack yells. "That stupid Luna has got you so twisted up and turned around you don't even know what's right anymore!"
"You take that back!" Twilight digs her hooves into the ground, her heart thumping in her chest.
"Make me!" Applejack looms larger somehow, digging her own hooves into the dirt.
"Uh..." Twilight's anger falters suddenly. She drops her head and folds her ears back, her knees start shaking a little.
"Yeah, that's what I thought." Applejack shakes her head and turns away. "You're sad, Twilight. I feel bad for you."
Anger burns up through her chest again, not as intense as before but sharper. Uglier.
"You don't understand. You're just a dumb... earth pony... hick!"
Twilight's eyes go wide the moment the sounds leave her lips. Her stomach flops around a few times.
Did I just... say that?
Applejack leans in nearer, getting dangerously close. Twilight cowers, she's afraid for a moment that Applejack really is going to hit her, but instead the orange mare just spits on the ground right at Twilight's hooves.
"Goodbye." Applejack turns and stomps away. Twilight immediately feels a sickening wave of remorse wash over her.
Shoot shoot darn shoot stop her!
"Wait!" she cries.
Applejack keeps walking. Twilight wants to give chase but her hooves won't move.
Stupid stupid why did I say that I can't do this not twice in one day what is happening...
"I'm sorry!" she cries out. The words fall dead in front of her. Applejack trots down the street and disappears around a corner.
Twilight flops down in the dirt right where she's standing. Her eyes burn but nothing comes out. She feels empty. Hollow. She spends some time just looking at her own hooves in the hard, packed down earth.
She doesn't love you.
I lost my temper. I lost my temper and now I've lost my friend and why?
She's playing with you.
No!
That's crazy. She asked me to do all this because she loves me. So we can be together.
Right?
So twisted up and turned around
Well I am all that. Applejack was right... about that... about only that, and nothing else.
Sure...
No! Luna wouldn't do that! She wouldn't! She cares about me!
"Are you okay?"
"Aah!"
Twilight jumps up on her hooves, startling the fuchsia-colored mare next to her. She hadn't even heard anypony walk up.
"Oh! Excuse me, I didn't mean to startle you," Cheerilee says.
"Sorry..." Twilight sees the group of ponies now, standing near the door to the bar. They must be Cheerilee's friends... yup, that's Bon-Bon, and Bon-Bon's girlfriend, and a few other mares. All of them are staring at Twilight, looks of morbid sympathy, the way you would look at a carriage accident.
Twilight shrinks back on her haunches.
Maybe if I just don't look at them I can be invisible.
Maybe I should close my eyes and use my horn and zap myself home. Or to the Everfree Forest. Or to the moon.
Cheerilee goes to her friends and says some things that Twilight doesn't hear. They go upstairs to the bar, but Cheerilee stays behind. She walks over to Twilight and sits down in the dirt next to her. Twilight turns her face away like a sulky teenager.
"You look awful," Cheerilee says, then catches herself. "I mean, you look like something awful happened."
Twilight sniffs and forces herself to meet the teacher's eyes. She opens her mouth, but nothing comes out.
"Alright, Twilight, it's alright. You don't have to talk about it. I'm sure everything will be fine." Cheerilee puts a hoof softly on Twilight's shoulder. Twilight gets the urge to just hug the older mare immediately and bawl her eyes out...
Don't do that, what is wrong with you? You hardly know her this is awkward enough as it is.
But she just sits there.
"Is there any way I can help? Do you need to find one of your friends, or go somewhere?" Cheerilee looks at her warmly, pleadingly. Twilight thinks of Fluttershy with her animals.
"...no," Twilight chokes out. Now, of all times, the tears start to come back.
"It's okay Twilight. Don't hold it in. I'm here for you."
Twilight feels forelegs wrap around her shoulders and everything goes blurry as her eyes water up.
Darn it darn it why does she have to see me like this? What is wrong with me? When did I become such a mess?
Mental Note, Subject: Love. Love can make you into a total emotional wreck, apparently.
Twilight chokes out a sobbing laugh, then takes a deep breath.
Get it together. No reason to make Cheerilee all worried.
She clears her throat, wiping at her eyes. "I'm fine," she says, sliding out of Cheerilee's embrace.
"Really?"
"I'll be okay. Thank you, though." She puts on a mask of normalcy. It must not be very good, because Cheerilee stares at her the way those other mares were looking.
"Are you sure?"
The look Cheerilee is giving her almost makes her annoyed. Yes, darn it, I'm fine. I am Twilight Sparkle. I am NOT a crying little lovesick filly straight out of one of Rarity's dumb novels. I can deal with this.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, Twilight. I want to help."
Embarrassed... yeah, that's the word, alright. Crying in an alleyway being pitied by the local schoolteacher.
At least this day can't get much worse.
As if on cue, two more ponies round the corner, headed for the bar. One of them is a big red stallion, and the other...
"Oh no," Twilight groans.
The two stallions stop short right in front of Twilight and Cheerilee. Braeburn looks terrible – his hat is crooked and his head is bowed, snout almost touching the ground. They both stink of some kind of horrendous alcohol.
"Um... hi?" Cheerilee says.
Braeburn looks up and jolts the moment he sees Twilight. He immediately stands up straight, puffing his chest out. The gloom in his face hides behind a haughty, drunk glare.
"You okay?" Twilight squeaks out, feeling stupid the moment she says it.
"Okay? I'm fine. Juuuuust fine. Fine all on my lonesome, thank ya kindly," he slurs, making Twilight wince at the ugly anger in his voice. He seems to realize it, too, because he immediately looks apologetic. "Uh... I mean..."
"Ahem!" Big Mac clears his throat like a slow rumble of thunder, stopping everyone's thoughts. "Say, cuz, why don't you go on up and get us some seats. I gotta trade some words with these fillies here."
Braeburn stares right at Twilight.
"Right," he says, and goes up to the bar, not looking back. Twilight's eyes follow him until he's gone, then she snaps back. She's surprised to see Big Mac looking at Cheerilee instead of her.
"Mac," Cheerilee says, smiling.
"Cheerilee." He nods at her.
"...How have you been?" she asks.
"Oh, you know." He glances over at Twilight, but only for a second. "Been a while," he says to Cheerilee.
"Yes. Yes it has," she says.
A weird little moment passes, Twilight staring at these two ponies staring at each other.
Big Mac tilts his head at Twilight. "Uh... sorry, but... you mind?"
Cheerilee looks back and forth between Mac and Twilight.
"Right, sorry." She says to Big Mac, then turns to Twilight. "I'll see you upstairs?"
Twilight clears her throat again, trying to regain those elusive last bits of her composure. "Sure," she says without thinking.
"Good." Cheerilee smiles at her and then she goes into the bar and she's gone, and it's just Twilight standing on a dark street with a stallion almost twice her size. Twilight looks up at him and feels those bits of her composure threatening to run off again. He's not smiling. He's just looking down at her with that same laconic face he always has.
"Uh..." Twilight can't even bring herself to greet him properly.
"So..." He talks slowly, like nothing in the world matters. "I happened to pass by my little sis just now. I'm guessin' you two had it out."
Is he glaring at me?
I can't even tell, everyone's been glaring at me today. Oh no, he's probably about to give me some kind of vicious tongue lashing.
Not that I would really mind a tongue lashing from him. Oh, for pony's sake, really?! Now?! What is wrong with me?
If Big Mac has any idea what she's thinking, he doesn't show it. He just keeps on with his slow drawl.
"And on top o' that, I got my cousin here just to see you. And now he's cursin' yer name... when he ain't moanin' about how he loves you, that is. Sounds like you might be havin' one o' those interestin' days."
"I'm sorry!" she blurts out. It's almost a reflex by now.
"Sorry?" he says.
"Aren't you mad at me?" Twilight says.
"Ha!" Big Mac's laugh sends a shock of startled fear through her chest. She swears she heard the windows shake in the houses around them. "Now why would I be mad?" he says.
Wait a minute... someone ISN'T mad at me? This can't be right.
"Mac, I... I really hurt Braeburn. Didn't I?"
Big Mac takes a thoughtful look around, and his drawl gets just a little somber.
"Yeah, that's the truth. He's mighty heart-broke at the moment." Mac looks down at her, but instead of the anger she expected she sees a wry smile. "But he'll be fine. There's a good lot you don't know about my cousin. It wouldn't be proper for me to divulge, but he's been through far worse than what you done to him. An' he's still standin'."
Twilight cocks an eyebrow at him. She's not sure how to take that. He's being so nice to her that it's putting her on edge. On top of that, she's never heard Applejack's brother talk this much at once. She doesn't even think to respond.
"Shoot, Twilight, you ask me, that boy needs a good fling or two. You almost did 'im a favor."
Twilight gulps nervously. "Did he tell you about... me and him?"
"Naw, he ain't said much. But I can put two and two together, contrary to what some may think."
"Oh." Twilight can't help but feel a little bad. She hadn't even realized until just now, but she had always assumed Mac was a little... well, maybe not slow, but somehow beneath herself.
Wait, did he even mean me? No, he's still smiling...
"Don't you worry none about him. I'm takin' him out – have some drinks, blow off some steam, maybe find 'im a mare that'll take his mind off you for a minute. Give him some time, he'll be right as rain."
"I hope so. He's a good guy." Miraculously, Twilight feels a little bit better.
"Indeed he is. Now, you and my sis..."
Twilight gulps nervously.
Nope, not feeling better anymore.
"...I don't know the details. I don't think I should. But she's had her tail in a twist over you for a fair little while now. You two were bound to have it out sometime. At least now it's done with."
"I don't know Mac... I said some awful things. I've never had such a terrible fight with one of my friends. She was... I think she hates me now."
"That's a bunch of hogwash. She don't hate you. She had some drink in 'er, and she has a mean temper sometimes. I know that, believe you me." He rolls his eyes. "But Twilight, you're a friend of the family. AJ's your friend. And some harsh words ain't near strong enough to break that. Why, you come by the farm tomorrow an' I bet my collar she'll be fallin' all over herself to apologize."
"Really?" Twilight asks, almost sarcastic.
"I mean it. Heck, she's probably frettin' over it right about now. It's a long walk back to Sweet Apple Acres. Just you and yer thoughts." Mac looks away ruefully for a second. "You said some awful things, huh?"
Twilight just nods glumly.
"I doubt you meant a word of any of it," he says.
Twilight looks up at him – her surprise is all the answer he needs.
"Eeeeeyup. " He smiles warmly at her. "Way I hear it, mean just ain't something Twilight Sparkle can pull off. Unlike my sis – she's got a way to her. And it's the ones she loves most that set her off."
Twilight starts to respond, but finds herself speechless – put there by Big Mac, of all ponies.
Talk about role reversal.
But she gets it. She really does feel a little better now.
"Should I go talk to her now?" she asks.
"Ah – hmm." Big Mac starts a little and grimaces. "Maybe give her the night. To sleep it off, at least."
"That sounds like a good idea, actually."
"I'm glad you think so. Now..." He glances up at the lit windows of the pub. "I say you take a few moments to compose yerself. And then you and your friends try to have a good time." He looks back down at her. "If you'll excuse me, I gotta spend the next hour agreein' with my cousin that one Twilight Sparkle is somehow the most purest angel in Equestria and the deadliest, most two-faced heartbreaker in Ponyville. All at the same time." He smiles and winks at her.
"Oh..." She looks down at the hem of her skirt bunched up on the ground, matted with dirt now.
"Don't worry. Like I said, boy just needs to blow off some steam." He turns and starts to walk towards the stairs.
"Wait... you two are hanging out here?"
"Well..." Mac puts a hoof to his chin. "If you and yer friends ain't movin' on, I'll figure out a way to take him somewhere else."
Twilight thinks about the drama that just played out in the pub, and decides that it would be a splendid place for Big Mac to hang out with Braeburn. Her friends should be out soon, anyway. What's taking them so long?
"You have a good night, Twilight." Mac opens the door to the pub.
"Mac?"
He turns back to her, paused in the doorway.
"Thanks." She smiles at him.
"Anytime."
And then she's alone again. But it's different this time.
I hope he's right.
Of course he's right. Big Mac knows his own cousin. And nopony knows Applejack better than her own brother. Right?
She sits in the dirt for a few minutes more, trying to think.
I can't believe I said those things to her. What is wrong with me?
No, give it a rest. It's going to be alright. First thing tomorrow I'm going right over to that farm and apologizing my dumb, stupid heart out.
This has definitely been one of those interesting days.
She twists up one corner of her mouth and heaves a long, deep sigh. The door to the pub opens. Rainbow Dash and Rarity come out.
"Where's AJ?" Dash says immediately.
"She went home. We had a fight. Out here," Twilight says.
"Oh, Twilight. You look just despondent. And your mane... and your skirt... here, let me help you." Rarity starts fussing with Twilight's saddle, brushing dirt off of her.
Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. "So what happened?" she asks.
"We yelled at each other... and..."
No, I can't do this anymore. Not tonight. Too much.
"...I don't want to talk about it right now," Twilight says.
"Aww..." Dash kicks at the ground.
"There, there, Twilight, that's perfectly understandable. This has been a bit of a disaster. Take all the time you need," Rarity says.
"Is everything alright up there?" Twilight nods to towards the pub's windows.
"Don't worry, we settled everything," Rarity says.
"Yeah, Rarity paid for all the stuff Applejack messed up. Crazy!" Dash says.
Twilight stares at Rarity in amazement as the classy unicorn finishes mussing around with Twilight's clothes.
"There! Fabulous again. Sort of. For now," Rarity says. Twilight only looks a little disheveled.
"You paid for everything?" Twilight says.
"Well, one of us has to be reliable." Rarity casts a sidelong glare at Rainbow Dash.
"You tryin' to say somethin'?" Dash scowls back at her.
"I am not trying. I did, in fact, say something. But I am done talking to you for the night," Rarity says, turning up her nose.
"I don't get what you're so pissed off about. I wasn't the one being all secret and stuff," Rainbow Dash says.
"Twilight, since I am not talking to this most churlish pegasus, would you please inform her that she is..."
No! Enough! No, no...
"No, no, no!" Twilight yells out, pounding her front hooves. Both her friends pause and stare at her. She's reached the ends of her reserves of sadness and anger. All that's left is annoyed and bossy.
"What is wrong with you two? It's not enough that I'm screwing up everything all the time? You two have to be at each others' throats?"
They both glance at each other and then back to Twilight, totally taken aback.
"You are friends! We are all friends! We are going to be friends and like each other and be happy!" Twilight yells.
Rainbow Dash and Rarity look at each other again, but they glare and turn away.
"Well I'm not gonna just pretend like nothing happened. I'm not like her." Rainbow Dash crosses her arms.
"I don't have the faintest idea what you are talking about," Rarity says venomously.
"You're mental! We had sex!" Rainbow Dash says.
"You and I did not have sex," Rarity says.
"Rarity, it's okay. We can talk about this," Twilight says, a little calmer.
"There's nothing to talk about," Rarity says.
"Rarity!" Dash says, stomping a hoof. "There's only the three of us here. And you did it with both of us. We all did it with all of us! It's no big deal."
"It IS a big deal!" Rarity is hysterical, almost out of nowhere. "Just because you think it isn't doesn't make you right! It IS a big deal! And it doesn't even matter, I'm not like that. I don't like mares."
"Right. Sure." Rainbow Dash waves her hoof in a circle to the side of her head and whistles, crossing her eyes.
"Dash!" Twilight scolds her, and Rainbow Dash stops. Twilight turns to Rarity. "It doesn't matter? You and me...?"
Rarity gets a deer-in-headlights look and then fidgets nervously, darting her eyes around. "Twilight, I'm sorry, I... I didn't mean it like that. Of course you matter to me. But... I don't mean..." Rarity bites her lip and presses her hooves to the sides of her head. Dash gives Twilight a worried look, and Twilight motions for her to stay quiet.
"I like you, of course I do, both of you mean so much to me..." Rarity squirms uncomfortably, looking at the ground. "But that doesn't mean I'm... I... I just get these feelings sometimes, and I don't even know where it comes from. It's not me! I don't know, I don't know... what is wrong with me..." Rarity trails off, on the edge of crying.
Rainbow Dash looks at Twilight again. She's frowning, full of sympathy, for once. She nods towards Rarity, and Twilight edges over and drapes a foreleg over the conflicted unicorn's shoulders.
"Shh, Rarity. It's fine. Nothing's wrong with you." She pats Rarity with her hoof.
"Am I gay?" Rarity looks up at them, almost sobbing. One of her eyes twitches. "I don't know how to be like that. I don't know if I can handle it. What will everypony think? Oh, the rumors, the gossip, the looks!" She puts one hoof to her forehead, pretending to swoon.
"Eh, it's not so bad." Rainbow Dash shrugs. "Besides, you aren't gay."
"I'm not?" Rarity gasps.
"Naw, you like guys, right?"
Rarity sniffs. "I suppose so, yes. Not that I would really know." She casts a wistful look at the ground.
"Alright then, it's simple. You're like Twilight. I mean, like, the opposite. Remember that scale?"
"Scale...?" Rarity blinks her eyes.
"You said you were a nine," Twilight says.
"I am a nine," Rarity says.
"What?!" Rainbow Dash says.
"I want to find my true love. And my true love is a stallion. I'm a nine," Rarity lifts her nose into the air.
"Rarity, you had sex with both of us," Twilight says.
"I did NOT have sex with Rainbow Dash!" Rarity fumes, throwing off Twilight's foreleg.
"Fine, fine..." Rainbow Dash says, "We didn't technically have, like, official sex. But still... I mean, come on!"
Rarity fidgets in place for a few seconds, glancing back and forth at Twilight and Dash.
"Rarity, she's right," Twilight says. "You shouldn't deny a part of yourself like that. Even if it's a little different from what you're usually like. It's not healthy."
Rarity heaves a deep, grudging sigh. "Fine..." she says, not looking up. "You're right. I suppose there must be a part of me that does..." she sighs again, "...like mares."
Rainbow Dash and Twilight exchange a questioning look.
"Is it really all that bad?" Twilight says to Rarity.
"No!" Rarity looks just a little panicked again. "No, no, please don't think that of me! There's nothing wrong with being that way. I would never judge you girls."
"Then why are you so broken up about it?" Dash says.
"I don't know." Rarity looks puzzled. "I've just never thought of myself like that. This can be so difficult to sort through sometimes. We can't all have it as easy as you, Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow Dash puffs her chest out, smiling. "Yeah, I'm pretty great," she says.
Twilight rolls her eyes. She sees Rarity doing the same, and they share a smile. Rarity looks worlds better – all the conflict twisted up in her face is fading away.
"I... I'm so sorry about before. To both of you," Rarity says. "I was so confused and ashamed, and all for nothing. I made a complete mule of myself. Can you ever forgive me?"
"Hey, you finally just admitted it. We're cool." Dash shrugs.
"Twilight?" Rarity looks at her.
"As long as you can forgive me for telling Dash our little secret."
"Oh, she told me about that." Rarity waves a dismissive hoof. "Upstairs, after you left. She had it figured out already. I'm not surprised, really. It had to be that. I knew you would never break your promise." Rarity smiles at her.
"Well, alright then. Good. Now, that just leaves Rainbow Dash," Twilight says. The two unicorns turn on her.
"...What?" Rainbow Dash gives them a blank look.
"Don't you have something to say to Rarity?" Twilight says.
"Uhhh..." Dash looks like she really doesn't know. "I guess I'm sorry that I told... well, everyone... about you. Before you were ready?"
Twilight gives Dash what she hopes is a very stern look. Rainbow Dash scratches her head and shrugs.
"Hint?" she says.
"I may be a little more open than I realized. When it comes to physical love," Rarity says, suddenly glaring at Dash a little. "But that doesn't mean I don't want to be treated like a lady."
"Right, yeah..." Rainbow Dash rubs the back of her neck. "Uh... I might've, maybe come on a little strong. That night."
"I forgive you," Rarity says instantly, extending a hoof. "Friends?"
"Sure thing." Rainbow and Rarity bump hooves and shake, and Twilight breathes a sigh of relief.
There... finally something's going right today.
"Great!" Twilight clops her hooves together. "I'm so glad that's settled. Now hug!"
"What?" both her friends say in unison.
"Hug! Like good friends. No hard feelings!" Twilight says.
"Um..." Rarity leans back.
"Do we have to?" Dash says.
"I said hug!" Twilight stomps a hoof, glaring at them. Rainbow Dash and Rarity look at each other and back to Twilight, wide-eyed. They each put one foreleg around the other awkwardly and grin, not taking their eyes off Twilight.
"Perfect!" Twilight smiles in smug triumph. Rainbow Dash and Rarity immediately back away from each other.
"Hey... wait a minute." Twilight's head is a lot clearer now. "You left the other two up there?"
Dash suddenly gets a sneaky smile. "Well, yeah, uh... we didn't want to cramp Fluttershy's style."
Rarity stifles a laugh. "Oh, Rainbow Dash, stop it! You're terrible."
"...What?" Twilight says.
"She wanted to talk to Big Mac." Dash waggles her eyebrows. Twilight raises her own.
"Oh, the poor dear. I don't know if she really will. She's just going to sit there all night thinking about it, I know it," Rarity says.
"What about Pinkie?" Twilight asks.
"She called dibs on Braeburn the moment he walked in," Dash says.
"What?!" Twilight almost falls over.
"Yes... it was a bit strange..." Rarity says.
"Don't tell me you're upset? I mean, you don't want him," Dash says.
"Yeah, but..." Twilight pauses.
Am I upset? How stupid would that be?
Twilight just shakes her head. "I have to go home. This night has been too much." She turns to leave.
"What about you and Applejack?" Rarity asks.
"I'll see her in the morning. It'll be okay. I think. I hope." Twilight hangs her head. She gasps a little as she feels Rarity's mane against her face, and then her friend is nuzzling her tenderly. It's short as it is sweet, and Rainbow Dash chucks Twilight lightly on the shoulder as soon as there's an opening.
"I'll talk to her," Dash says. "We'll smooth it out. It's cool."
"Indeed, Twilight," Rarity chimes in. "Tonight was a bit ugly. But I think everything will be just fine."
A little bit of moisture creeps out of Twilight's eyes somehow.
I guess I must still have happy tears left.
"Thanks, girls. You're the best."
• • •
The library is dark when she gets home. She lets herself in and creeps less-than-quietly upstairs to her room.
She goes to her mirror and starts taking her earrings off. She's a complete mess. Her mane is tangled, her eyes are puffy, and her hooves and skirt are still dusty from the road. She heaves a long, tired sigh.
There's an envelope resting on the wood in front of her mirror.
That wasn't there before.
An earring clatters to the floor. She's so excited she can hardly grasp the paper with her magic. She goes to tear it open and nearly rips it in half, letter and all.
This is it this is it this is it!
Twilight's heart pounds as she holds the paper up, reading it by the glow of her horn.
My Eager Student,
I'm impressed with your studies. You've come so far in such a short time. Making up for lost days, no doubt. I do sometimes wish you would share more detail with me. Nothing too much – the best parts are better left to tell in person, I think. But you haven't even told me their names. Are you really in such a hurry?
Which brings me to this. You say that you are ready. Sadly, I must disagree. Knowing a lover's touch is a fine start. Knowing several lovers is even better. But you do not yet understand the true nature of love. You must experience a more serious relationship, my Twilight. Love changes with time in ways no being can predict. It is a special and enigmatic form of love, and your education cannot be considered complete without it.
It pains me to keep you waiting. But know that it is necessary.
Your Midnight Princess,
L
Her eyes scan the paper over and over again. The sound of her heartbeat thuds in her ears. Her jaw hangs open. Nothing runs through her mind. Nothing. She just takes in the words on the paper over and over again, her mind refusing to put the pieces together.
She shakes her head. This can't be right. Something's gone wrong. I missed something. Read it again.
Disagree?
A serious relationship?
Necessary?
How can she ask me to do that, after all I've done for her?
Isn't it enough? Aren't I good enough? I can learn! I can learn from her! Oh dear sun in the sky I just want to learn from her...
She doesn't love you.
"No..." she whimpers, feeling like she's been kicked in the gut. She can't breathe.
She's playin' with you.
That is not true! It's not true, it's not true, it's not!
If she loved you...
"No!" Twilight yells out loud and throws the letter with all her might. It catches air and flutters to the floor a few inches from her. She watches it land silently.
Pathetic.
She dives onto her bed, still wearing her clothes and one earring. She doesn't cry or sob or anything. She's utterly spent.
I can't do this.
How am I supposed to have a relationship? How can I find someone? Do I just dump them the moment Luna thinks I'm ready?
I can't. I didn't even mean to do that to Braeburn. I can't do it on purpose.
But... but... Luna!
She squeezes her eyes shut and buries her head in a pillow.
I can't just give up. I'll figure this out.
Just go to sleep.
Everything will be okay in the morning.
She is amazed to find that she feels tired. Her whole body aches.
What a night...
Her eyes creak shut. Alone, in the darkness of her own thoughts, she starts to drift down and away. Warm, drowsy relief washes over her. She yearns for sleep, to not think about anything until morning light.
Someone knocks on her door. She sits up in bed.
"...Spike?"
Her door opens and a second later Spike's little green eyes are poking above the top of her staircase.
"Twilight? You awake?"
Well, I am now...
"Sure. What are you doing up?" she says.
"I can't sleep." He fumbles his claws together, looking extraordinarily bashful. "Is it okay if I...?" He reaches behind him and drags his old basket bed up the last step.
Twilight feels her lips curl up into an exhausted smile. "Not so grown up after all, huh?" she says.
"Aw, c'mon Twilight!" He looks really upset. "The library's so quiet when you're gone! And that stupid owl just stares at me all creepy."
"Spike! Owloysius isn't stupid," Twilight scolds him.
"Well he's still a little creepy."
Twilight sees her owl in her head, twisting his neck around like Pinkie and staring at her. Just staring.
"...Yeah, he is a little creepy," she says. "Come on in."
Spike drags his basket over, wagging his little tail, and lays it down at the foot of her bed. Right where he always used to sleep. She hears him snuggle into his sheets, just like she always used to hear right before falling asleep herself. She scootches to the foot of her bed and peeks her head over the side. Spike is lying below her, eyes wide open. They stare at each other for a moment.
"Hey," Twilight says.
"...Hey?" Spike says.
"I'm really sorry about earlier. When I yelled at you."
"Aw, that's okay." Spike waves a claw. They stare at each other again for a moment, and Spike suddenly looks away, frowning. "I shouldn't have barged in on you two like that."
"Were you listening?" she asks.
"I was trying not to. But I heard you yelling."
At least he didn't do that the first time we were up here yelling...
Twilight shakes her head, desperately trying to not picture that.
"Thanks, Spike," she says.
"Thanks?"
"Yeah."
Another pause. Spike looks like he's thinking, like he's unsure about something.
"Are you wondering what happened with me and Braeburn?" she says.
Spike nods. "He was so cool the first time he came over. But tonight he was..."
Twilight makes a hushing motion with her hoof. "It's complicated. I'll explain in the morning."
"Oh. Okay." Spike accepts that so easily.
Weird.
"Were you worried about me? When you heard me yelling?" she asks.
"I guess so." He yawns and rolls over. "I don't know why. I mean, you're Twilight Sparkle. You're the most magical unicorn in Equestria. And Braeburn's not a bad guy."
"But you still came running up here."
"Yeah..." Spike looks confused. "I dunno. Maybe it's stupid. But you're my family. That's what you do for your family. Right?"
Twilight's heart swells a little. She feels a lump in her throat. She pretends to cough. Spike doesn't seem to notice. He's rapidly falling asleep. Like he always does.
"Family, huh?" Twilight says, once she thinks she can talk without croaking.
"Mm-hmm," Spike says, closing his eyes.
"I never had any little brothers or sisters," Twilight says.
"Yeah, I know," Spike mumbles.
"You're a good little dragon, you know that?" she says, rubbing the spines on his head with a hoof. He just mumbles some drowsy nonsense.
She sits there watching him until she's sure he is asleep. It doesn't take long.
Mental Note, Subject: Friendship. Friends can make even the worst nights bearable.
No, wait. That's wrong. Well, it's not wrong. But this is different.
Mental Note, Subject: Family. Family can make even the worst nights bearable.
Much better. She smiles and flops back onto her sheets. She falls asleep almost instantly.
|
SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 11 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:44:22+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:44:22+00:00
| 16,885 |
Twilight.
Twilight mutters, groggy and annoyed.
Wake up, Twilight...
No, no I'm fine, thank you.
Twilight Sparkle.
It's too bright out to wake up.
Wake up, my Twilight.
Waking up is stupid.
Perhaps.
Perhaps?
That word jolts her into consciousness. Twilight's eyes shoot open and she sits up, looking around.
Her room is empty. Morning light is beating down on her through the window. Spike is snoring quietly in his basket.
That was Luna's voice in my ear.
I thought that was a dream. Wasn't it?
She's not here, after all...
Twilight scans around her room one last time, ears perked up and alert. No Luna. Her surge of adrenaline from waking up starts to wear off, and the awful, awful feeling of being awake starts to replace it.
She groans and drags herself out of bed.
Ugh, I slept in my clothes? What was I thinking?
She feels exhausted, like she hasn't slept at all. The letter from last night – Luna's reply – is sitting on the floor, and Twilight quickly sweeps it up and hides it away in a drawer. She undresses with all the grace of a prisoner being strip-searched and starts to go about a morning routine mechanically, with no joy whatsoever.
Put saddle away.
Put earrings away.
Realize one earring is on the floor somewhere.
Find earring.
Put earrings away.
Brush teeth.
Wash face.
About halfway through she realizes her head is pounding with throbbing pain.
How do I feel so hungover?! I didn't drink anything.
She sighs as she towels off. Her brain is slowly, grudgingly gearing up to full capacity. She quickly brushes her mane and tail and makes her way downstairs, leaving Spike to his sleep. It's early, and she doesn't feel like talking to anyone.
Boil water.
Make coffee.
The smell alone invigorates her, and she sighs again, this time in anticipation.
At least I can make my own coffee. Making terrible instant coffee counts as cooking, right?
She drops onto a floor cushion in the library's kitchen and sips at a mug of awful coffee, loving every second of it.
Thoughts start to form.
What was I dreaming about?
Luna, obviously. She can't remember anything else. In her mind she was awake at night one moment and then awake in the morning the next.
I wasn't dreaming?
Then what? I wasn't just hearing Luna's voice in my head, was I?
Maybe she was really talking to you.
That's silly. Isn't it? Can she do that? Is she even awake now?
She probably just went to bed.
Twilight looks around cautiously, expecting Luna to appear at any moment. That feeling of being watched, so intense that night under the moon, has been plaguing her at random times.
It's her! Who else would it be?
That's silly. You're being silly. Even if Luna could do that, she wouldn't.
Why would she be watching me?
Twilight dismisses the entire train of thought, finishing her coffee in one last gulp. There are other things to do.
She writes a note for Spike and quietly leaves the library.
• • •
It's hot out. The walk out to Sweet Apple Acres seems like nothing when she's walking with her friends, talking about whatever. But alone?
She's sweating by the time she gets there. It still feels like spring just started to Twilight, but apparently the weather disagrees. She stops and rests for a second once the farmhouse is in view. Her head darts around unconsciously and she realizes that she's looking for a puddle or pond or anything to drink from. She gags a little at the thought of actually drinking some muddy standing water, thirst notwithstanding.
The fresh air and sunlight have cleared her head. Unfortunately, the heat and the walking have kept her from thinking too much. She has no plan in mind for the conversation about to happen.
In the distance, a large red pony walks out the front door of the farmhouse. The sun is already high in the sky. He's probably been working for hours. Her breath has long since caught up to her. She starts walking again.
By the time she gets closer, Mac is making his way back from the hay barn. He's obviously seen her coming. He's waiting right by the front porch, chewing on a long blade of grass. She wonders how his face does that – he's not really smiling, but it feels like he is.
"Mornin', Twilight," he drawls out.
"Hi." She sits down in front of him, wiping sweat from her face with a foreleg.
"So... which one are you here to see?"
That idea hadn't even occurred to her. She glances towards the farmhouse and instantly feels silly. She had half-expected Braeburn to be staring back at her out a window.
I don't think he wants to talk to me.
"Your sister," she says.
"Weeeeeell..." Mac shifts the grass around in his mouth. "I believe lil' Apple Bloom is playin' somewheres in the orchard with her friends."
"Mac." Twilight narrows her eyes.
Mac just chuckles. "She's plowin'. Follow me."
He leads her around the farmhouse to one of the vegetable fields. A breeze surges up, and Twilight sighs loudly.
"Mighty hot today," Mac says as they walk. "Fer bein' so early in the year, that is."
"Mmhmm." Twilight nods. She's walking right behind Mac, and her eyes wander on their own over his thick legs and rump, and the short, straw-like swatch of his tail. Long tails are the only nod to modesty that most ponies bother with, but Big Mac's tail leaves little to the imagination. Twilight's eyes linger and then start to slide down...
Stop, that is so rude! God, I never used to be this bad. Is this just how I am now?
She shakes her head and tries to look anywhere but at the big red workhorse. They're walking through a freshly-plowed field now, and Twilight's hooves sink with each step into the dark, rich soil. Applejack is pulling a plow just ahead of them, trying to finish off the field.
"Trying" being the operative word there. Applejack looks awful. She's pale and bedraggled, and she's straining at the plow like it weighs hundreds of pounds. She's scowling and grunting as she pulls, but her hooves slide through the dirt more than the plow moves.
"Sis?" Mac says as they draw nearer.
"I done told ya not to interrupt –" Applejack barks as she turns to them, but freezes when she sees Twilight. Her face jumps instantly from annoyed to embarrassed. "Oh. Hey."
"Hi," Twilight says, stopping near her friend. "Do you have a minute?"
"Uhhh..." Applejack looks at the dirt. "Well... Ah dunno. I gotta get these fields plowed an' planted, lickety split." Applejack's voice is harsh, like her throat is full of gravel.
"I got it for a while, AJ," Mac says.
"Yer suppose to be doin' the east field!" Applejack says.
"I got it covered. Both of 'em," he says.
Applejack sighs. "Alright then. Seein' as she walked out all this way, I'll let this one slide." She shucks her collar off, dropping it into the dirt. "But don't do too much o' my side. I'll be back in a minute, workin' hard."
Big Mac snorts loudly. "If by workin' hard, you mean sneakin' off into the bushes every few minutes to dry heave fer a while," he says.
Applejack gives him a look so nasty that Twilight winces in its wake.
Big Mac is unfazed. "Go on now," he says, sounding almost bored. Applejack looks like she's about to say something, but thinks better of it and turns to Twilight.
"C'mon, Twilight." Applejack nods her head towards the orchard. "Let's take a walk."
Applejack leads her out of the field and through a wild patch of weeds and rocks, dry and dusty in the sun. Her friend walks with heavy hooves, almost dragging them through the dirt, and her posture is slumped and tired.
Very strange for Applejack.
She must really feel awful.
Not that I don't feel kind of awful, too.
The sun is pulling her headache back from the depths of her skull, and she's relieved when they reach the edge of the orchard. Everything is better the instant they walk under the cool shade of the trees, rows upon rows of them forming an unbroken canopy of leaves.
They walk silently. The trees are covered in bright, waxy, newborn leaves. Birds sing in the distance. The breeze makes a shifting, dappled show of light breaking through the canopy. Everything around them is cool and calm and beautiful. Peaceful.
Did AJ plan this? This is perfect.
"So..." Twilight says after a few moments of walking.
"Save it," Applejack says. "I got a place in mind we can sit for a spell. Just up ahead."
They keep walking. Twilight swears she can faintly hear Scootaloo's voice in the distance, echoing off the trees. It fades away, and the silence between them starts to get to Twilight.
"I just wanted to say sorry. First of all," she spits out.
Applejack snorts loudly, giving a weak smile. "Jeez, Twilight. I know."
"You know?"
"If I gotta hear you say sorry one more time, I'll... I dunno, just can it for now. Gimme a second to clear my head, here."
Twilight rolls her eyes.
Alright, alright...
They keep walking, tracing a meandering path through the rows of trunks. Suddenly, Applejack pauses, her eyes bugging out a little. She dashes over to the nearest tree and leans a foreleg against it, bowing her head to the ground.
"Are you okay?" Twilight asks.
Applejack waves her away, breathing heavily. Her chest heaves and she makes a disgusting gagging noise.
"Oh! Oh... um..." Twilight walks nearer to her, thinking she should at least hold her friend's mane back.
"I'm fine, I'm fine!" Applejack growls.
Right, of course you are... she must hate me seeing her like this.
Twilight turns around, trying to let Applejack keep at least some shred of dignity. She waits for what feels like a long time. Twilight tries to focus on how pretty the orchard is, but she can hear Applejack panting and gagging behind her. She's tensed up, waiting for the awful sound of vomiting. It doesn't come.
"Alright," Applejack's voice comes from behind her.
Twilight turns to see Applejack standing upright again, sweating. She's fanning herself with her hat.
"I got this. Let's go." She replaces her hat and pushes on. Twilight follows.
Before long they come to a break in the canopy. It's a stream, winding its way through the orchard. The water is calm and silent – without looking closely, one would think there wasn't a current at all. Applejack hangs her hat on the knob of a nearby tree and canters right up to the bank, dipping her snout greedily into the stream. She loudly laps up water for a few seconds, then plunges her whole head in.
"Ahhhh!" Applejack pulls her head up and shakes like a dog. She turns to Twilight. "You ain't thirsty?"
Twilight sits down in the shade of the trees. The water is clear enough to see the mud and branches below, and clumps of leaves and foam line the banks.
"No, I'm fine," Twilight says, feeling dry cracks in her mouth.
"Suit yerself." Applejack walks over to her and sits down nearby, facing Twilight. Applejack examines the plants around them, looking like she's deep in thought. Then she sniffs at a particularly thick clump of grass and bites it, tearing a green hunk off. She closes her eyes and sighs as she chews.
"You eat grass off the ground?" Twilight says.
"Course I do. You don't?" Applejack says through a full mouth.
"Isn't that kind of dirty?"
Applejack just shrugs and bites another hunk of grass.
Eww... that's... well... huh.
Twilight sits while Applejack grazes a little while longer. Slowly, her friend looks less pale, more alive and alert. It's strange to see her without her hat on, stranger still with her wet mane hanging low around her face. Twilight is struck again by how pretty she is. She looks away just as Applejack finally talks.
"Alright." She clears her throat. "I'm sorry."
"Wha?" Twilight gasps.
"Yeah, yeah..." Applejack holds a hoof up. "For some things. Not for others. Lemme explain."
Twilight raises an eyebrow but doesn't move. Applejack sighs and collects her thoughts.
"Alright, let's start at the beginning. My cousin," she says. Twilight looks away momentarily.
"I don't know if I should be tellin' you what I'm about to. But..." Applejack frowns at the ground, then looks back to Twilight. "Before he moved out to Appleloosa, he was datin' this girl for... I dunno, must've been at least a year or two. They were all starry-eyed fer each other, sayin' they were gonna get married an' all that nonsense."
"He mentioned her once," Twilight speaks up.
"Yeah, I thought he might. Thing is, he'd been dreamin' of the frontier all his life. And then he gets the chance to move out and get in on the foundin' of Appleloosa. He was excited fit to bust his britches."
"But?" Twilight says.
"But his girl... she hated the idea of leavin' home. Granted, I understand. I don't think I ever could do the same." Applejack casts a longing gaze back in the direction of the farmhouse. "So Braeburn asked her to go with him, and she couldn't just buck up and let 'im have it straight. She gave him yes an' then no and then yes, all hemmin' and hawin', and they had some crazy scrapes. We was hearin' about it for months. Every time I seen him back then, he was all tore up."
Twilight nods, thinking of the night before. She has a good idea what that looked like.
"An' you gotta understand, Twilight, this was everything to him. He loved her somethin' fierce, but this was his life's dream. After a while, she asked him to stay and give up the whole thing. For her. He came and talked to me an' Mac about it, and we told him it wasn't gonna work. Well, I said that, anyway. Mac was more equivocatin' like. But Braeburn said he could never just drop her."
Applejack pauses, examining another clump of grass.
"So what happened?" Twilight says.
"She dumped him. Right as he was about to give in and forget all about Appleloosa."
Twilight's mouth hangs open.
"Mind you, I think she finally did him a kindness with that one. But he was just broke. Just... broke. I never met the mare, but I ain't her biggest fan, if you catch my drift. If she was gonna do that all along, she shoulda done it in the first place."
"You don't think she planned to do that? I mean, I'm sure it was hard for her, too."
Applejack frowns a little. "I thought you might be the one to see her side of it," she says. Twilight frowns back.
"You're right though." Applejack's face softens. She furrows her brow. "This love stuff is funny business. Ponies are always talkin' like it's the simplest thing in the world, but it might just be the farthest from it."
"You can say that again." Twilight sighs.
"Anyways..." Applejack continues. "Maybe it ain't exactly fair of me. But I couldn't help thinkin' it was rotten, the way she did Braeburn. Somethin' like that, you gotta be straight up with it. Take a stand, whichever way."
"Yeah, I... that makes sense," Twilight says.
"So... now you and Braeburn do your little thing. And I..." Applejack falters. Twilight holds back, letting Applejack come around to it. They lock eyes.
"I know you didn't mean to hurt him. I know it was just kind of a misunderstandin'. And I know you feel awful about it," Applejack says. "But I couldn't stand seein' him get played around again, and I just kinda held on to it. An' that really ain't fair. I'm sorry. And don't you dare say yer sorry, you said it enough."
Twilight smiles. Her chest feels warm, like a cozy little fire is raging in her heart. "I wasn't expecting this to go so well. I mean, I hoped, but..."
"Yeah, well..." Applejack rubs the back of her neck. "Me an' Mac talked this over a bit. And Dash stopped by last night, too. And I really did make a bit of an ass of myself."
Twilight lets out an amused snort. "You weren't the only one," she says.
"Well I was surely the instigatin' party. Thanks, by the way. For keepin' me from doin' something silly." Applejack looks bashful for once.
"Anytime. As long as I don't have to physically restrain you again." Twilight giggles.
"Hmph. Physical? I don't think magic mumbo jumbo counts." Applejack smiles
"Embarrassed that an egghead like me reigned you in?" Twilight says.
"Yeah, whatever, bonehead... don't go gettin' too amused like yet, I got more to say."
Twilight's smile fades. Another pause sits between them as Applejack collects her thoughts. Twilight knows what's coming. "Luna?"
Applejack nods. "I still don't think you should be lettin' her mess with you like this. It ain't right," she says.
"She's not messing with me," Twilight says.
Twilight must have looked sterner than she realized – Applejack halts her next sentence and gives a resigned sigh.
"You really love her?" Applejack says.
Twilight opens her mouth to speak but just nods back, weaker than she meant to.
"And you trust her?" Applejack says.
"You really think she doesn't love me?" Twilight says.
"From where I'm standin', it doesn't look good."
"I admit it's a little... unorthodox," Twilight says.
Applejack shakes her head. "It just about killed me seein' Braeburn get jerked around. I don't know if I could handle seein' you go through somethin' like that."
I'm going through it right now. Just tell her.
No, she's wrong. Everything's fine.
Letter.
Ugh, stop it. Deal with that later.
"Twilight?" Applejack says.
"Huh?"
Applejack is looking at her with the utmost sympathy. "It's your business, I know. I'm just worried, is all. I'm sorry it came out all angry like, but I am. I don't want her hurtin' you," Applejack says.
Twilight smiles. Luna would never hurt her.
Letter.
Stop being silly. Don't make Applejack worried.
"I appreciate that, AJ. I really do. But I know Luna cares about me."
"Yeah, she might. Doesn't mean you won't end up out in the cold on this one."
"If that happens, it'll be nopony's fault but my own," Twilight says, suddenly a little annoyed.
Applejack snorts again. "Maybe so. But if she does hurt you, I'll... why I'll find her and... I don't know, do somethin' mean, I suppose."
Twilight bursts out laughing, a loud, tension-relieving spill of mirth. She had very clearly pictured Applejack giving Princess Luna a stern talking-to. Applejack smirks back at her.
"You just be careful, y'hear? That way I don't have to dirty my hooves up beatin' on royalty." Applejack stands up, brushing dirt off herself.
Tell her about the letter.
Don't! I haven't even figured out what that all means. Save it. Read it again without being exhausted.
"Hey." Applejack's voice breaks her out of her thoughts. Twilight is still sitting, and she looks up at Applejack as the orange mare walks over and nuzzles the side of her face. Twilight blushes a little.
"I might think what yer doin' is dumb..." Applejack says. Twilight frowns a little. Applejack rests a hoof on her shoulder. "But you are my friend. If all goes well, and I hope it does, I really do, I'll be the first to congratulate you. If it don't, I won't say 'I told you so' or any nonsense. I'll come find you wherever you're cryin' and offer my shoulder."
Twilight doesn't know right away how to respond, but she feels warm all over and a smile creeps onto her lips. Applejack pulls her up on to her hooves.
"Now c'mon. I don't know about you, but I could use a quick swim," Applejack says.
Applejack pulls the ties out of her mane and tail with her teeth and drops them on the ground. She shakes her hair out into a wild mess and trots quickly into the water, not missing a beat. Twilight watches from the bank but doesn't move.
So... that's it? She isn't mad at me anymore?
It looks that way. She watches her friend swim around in a little circle, smiling the whole time. Twilight sighs in relief. It's fixed.
Of course it is. This is Applejack, after all. The most dependable of ponies.
Applejack dives under and shoots back up, gasping and shaking water out of her mane. She looks around and sees Twilight staring at her from the shore.
"C'mon, Twi! It's nice and cool," Applejack yells.
Twilight looks at the slime and leaves floating on the water along the edges.
Well, I'm not going to trot through that.
She looks around for a cleaner entrance and finds none. She walks slowly up to edge of the stream and dips the tip of a hoof in. When she pulls it back there is a smear of green algae stuck to it.
"Bleh..." Twilight sticks her tongue out.
"You been hangin' out with Rarity too much, girl. It's plenty clean out here." Applejack chuckles, dog paddling through clear water.
Twilight feels sweaty and gross, definitely. The water further out is tantalizing. But the barrier between them is off-putting.
Maybe she's right... oh, to hay with it...
Twilight tenses up, wiggling her rump as her hind legs find purchase. She coils back and takes a mighty leap, splashing into the water about a foot out. She lands directly in a patch of green slime.
"Ack!" Twilight flails and splashes about, stumbling further out into the water. She spits as she feels water landing in her mouth, then her stomach lurches as her hooves find nothing beneath them. Her head falls under, and she resurfaces instantly, gasping and choking. Applejack is laughing at her.
"Jeez, Twilight. You alright?" she says, smiling.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Twilight says, grimacing.
"Take it easy. Yer out in the clean part now," Applejack says, floating lazily on her back.
Twilight takes a deep breath, her panic fading. Her hooves find the stream bed and sink into soft, squishy mud. It feels good, like one of the spa's treatments, and she stomps her hooves quickly like a little foal, grinning. The water is shockingly cold at first but after a few seconds it's just perfect. Twilight sighs loudly.
"I come out here all the time," Applejack says, pausing to lap up some of the water she's floating in. "Nothin' like a quick dip after a long day. Or a hard night."
Twilight watches her friend float, her mane and tail fanning out into the water. She remembers how thirsty she is and inspects the water around her.
Well... it looks clean enough out here.
She dips her muzzle and sips, feeling instant relief. It's crisp and just a little sweet. She drinks more, lapping up water like ponies used to do, ages ago. Something about it just feels right. And then a splash of water smacks her in the face.
"Well lookit you." Applejack splashes more water at her. "A regular country mare, ain't you?"
Twilight smiles and splashes back with a surge of magic, upsetting Applejack's floating. Applejack spins and plops her hooves into the mud, smiling wickedly. They splash water back and forth, giggling like fillies. After a while of mindless fun, Twilight lifts a ball of water in a glow of magic and releases it right over Applejack, raining water down on her.
"Alright, aright. You got the fancy magic and stuff, I know." Applejack wades back towards the shore, smiling and lashing her tail at Twilight as she rises out of the water. Twilight follows. When she reaches the detritus at the edge she pushes it aside with a surge of her horn.
Why didn't I think of that before?
They clamber up the bank and back to the shade of the orchard. Applejack immediately drops and starts rolling around in the grass, snorting and nickering. Twilight just cocks an eyebrow at her.
"What are you doing?" she says.
"Rollin' in the grass. What does it look like?" Applejack says. She stops rolling and looks at Twilight. "You never just roll in the grass?"
"What, like on purpose?" Twilight says.
"Yeah."
"...No. I always see Pinkie Pie doing that, but I kind of thought that was one of her things."
"Pfft. Unicorns." Applejack rolls her eyes and goes back to rubbing her coat in the grass and dirt.
Pfft?! Unicorns?! We'll see about that...
Twilight flops down onto her back. The grass tickles her coat, and the grainy dirt scratches against her pretty pleasantly. She shifts and rolls, and after a few moments of feeling stupid she has to admit that it feels good. She sighs and nickers a little herself, stopping on her back. Her legs wiggle in the air as she rubs her back on a small root. It's pressing delightfully on a sore spot next to her spine, and she moans a little as the tension works itself out.
"See? Ain't it nice?" Applejack stops rolling and rests on her side, watching Twilight.
"...Yes. It is, actually." Twilight flops onto her side as well, facing Applejack.
Applejack sniffs through the grass around her head and eats some more. Twilight's stomach growls. There's a thick tuft of grass right by her snout, and it smells amazing. She runs her nose through it.
What are you doing? It hasn't even been washed. Other ponies have probably stepped all over it.
Something voiceless inside her urges her to eat it. She watches Applejack for a moment longer. It feels right. It feels natural. It feels like it would be wrong to leave Applejack doing it alone.
Let us break bread together...
Twilight gets an adventurous thrill and clamps her teeth around the grass. She tears it off in her mouth and chews thoughtfully. For being relatively tasteless, it's very satisfying.
They graze together silently for a few minutes. An odd feeling of complete contentment slowly washes over Twilight. Her worries about Luna seem distant, irrelevant. She watches Applejack, her golden mane tangled and spread out. Twilight can't think of a time she's looked so... she searches for words. Naked seems appropriate, but then again they're almost always naked. Whatever it is, she's achingly beautiful.
Until you notice the dirt in her mane.
"This is really nice," Twilight says.
"Simple livin'," Applejack says.
"But we got dirty again rolling around like that."
"Eh. That's what baths are for." Applejack shrugs.
"AJ, there's twigs and stuff in your mane."
"So?"
"How about I brush it for you?" Twilight says. She wants desperately to see that mane in its full potential glory.
"Brush it? What for?"
"Pfft. Earth ponies." Twilight rolls her eyes.
"Fine, fine. Go crazy." Applejack sits up. "But only 'cuz it's you. You let Rarity get word o' this and I'll never brush it again, just on principle."
"That would be a shame." Twilight giggles and focuses her magic, picturing the brush resting on her desk back at the library. In a small flash it is floating in front of her. Applejack's eyes go wide.
"Well I'll be. You really are amazin' sometimes, Twi."
"Thanks." Twilight blushes as she scoots closer to Applejack. "For everything. I don't think I could ever be as good a friend as you've been to me."
Applejack snorts out a sarcastic laugh. "Big words from a girl that was cussed out by yours truly last night."
"I mean it." Twilight takes some of AJ's mane in a magic hold and starts brushing. It's smooth and fine, like corn silk. It feels lovely. She searches out the twigs and bits of leaves tangled up in the beautiful hair and brushes them out, sticking her tongue out to the side a little. Applejack grunts as she does so, obviously too proud to acknowledge pain any further.
"You said before that you've never dated anyone," Twilight says.
"Yeah, I did," Applejack says, more than a little wistfully. "So?"
"I don't know, I'm just surprised. You're really pretty." Twilight holds a tress of blonde mane in her hooves, steadying it for the brush. "Nopony's ever asked you out?"
"Shucks, Twilight." Twilight can't see her face but she's positive that AJ is blushing a little, and it makes her smile.
"I s'ppose I haven't exactly made myself too available." Applejack taps a foreleg on the ground, thinking. "Should probably do somethin' about that at some point."
"Not even when you were younger?" Twilight says.
Applejack snorts loudly. "I did kiss a colt once."
"Really?" Twilight stops brushing. "Do I know him?"
Applejack chuckles. "Actually, you do. Guess you could say we both know him."
Twilight goes down the very short list of stallions she knows and comes up with nothing. "What do you mean?"
"It was Braeburn, you dummy," Applejack says, glaring over her shoulder. Twilight almost drops her brush.
"But he's your... eww!" Twilight says.
"Hold up now, listen..." Applejack shrinks down, pawing at the back of her neck with a hoof.
"You kissed your... eww! What did he do?"
"He told me I had cooties and ran away."
"Oh?" Twilight perks up.
"We was just little foals. I didn't know what I was doin'. But that's all the sugar I've ever got, sad to say."
"Oh." Twilight breathes a sigh of relief. Instantly, Applejack turns and punches her softly on the chest.
"An' if you EVER tell anypony about that, I'll..."
"Don't worry! Safe with me." Twilight grins. Applejack nods and turns around, letting Twilight get back to work. Twilight dives back into Applejack's mane with unrestrained gusto, running her hooves through the hair.
"It's just hard to believe. I would think guys would be falling all over you," Twilight says. Applejack flicks her tail and gives Twilight a smoky look over her shoulder.
"Now I'd swear you sound like you're anglin' to get into my flanks, Twilight."
This time Twilight does drop the brush.
"Uh... well... I mean, I know you don't..." She blushes and stammers.
I wasn't... was I?
Applejack watches her mumble and gives her a long, confused look.
"I was just kiddin', Twi," she says.
"Right! Right. Joking. Haha." Twilight picks up the brush and just holds it above Applejack's mane. Applejack raises an eyebrow.
"Don't tell me you really were?" she says.
"Of course not," Twilight says very loudly. "You aren't into girls."
"What if I was? You know, one o' those hypotheticals. Would you ask me out?" Applejack says.
No way... no way, no way!
Twilight feels those familiar butterflies in her chest. This is crazy. Okay, okay... play it cool. Don't assume anything. Just see where this goes. What would Rarity do? No, no... what would Rainbow Dash do?
She looks Applejack right in those fiery green eyes.
What's the honest answer?
"Sure I would. You're lovely," Twilight says.
Applejack leans back a bit, raising her eyebrows high.
"Whoa. Really?" she says.
Twilight folds her ears back, then wonders why she should be nervous. This is all just hypothetical, after all. A mental exercise. Academic.
"Yes. I would," Twilight says.
"What about Luna?" Applejack says.
Right, that... I really am terrible, aren't I?
Well, she did ask you to go sleep with other ponies.
"I don't think she would mind," Twilight says. Somehow, acting completely independently, one of her hooves slides up onto Applejack's shoulder and rests there.
"Hold on now!" Applejack jolts at the touch and leans away, sliding out from Twilight's hoof. "Sorry, sorry... I, uh... didn't mean to tease you or nothin'. I was honestly just curious."
"Oh," Twilight says, yanking her arm back. Her chest butterflies die mid-flight and plummet down into her stomach.
I guess it really was academic.
That's fine. That's fine. Everything's fine.
"Umm..." Applejack's cheeks turn a pale shade of red and she pointedly looks at the trees around them. "My fault. I didn't think you... I don't know. I'm bad at this."
"Really? You could've fooled me," Twilight says with the tiniest sharp edge in her voice.
"Sorry." Applejack looks mortified, a rare sight for Twilight. "Not that you aren't a great gal. And mighty purdy, to boot. But I'm pretty sure my cellar door don't swing that way."
"Right." Twilight calms down. "Well, that's too bad." She waggles her eyebrows.
"Wow!" Applejack slaps her shoulder. "Ain't you just a saucy little fox. Boy, if somepony told me a year ago you'd be breakin' hearts and givin' it to mares, I woulda called 'em crazy fer sure."
Something about this sentence reminds Twilight to be embarrassed about what just happened. She had wanted Applejack, maybe more than she even realized. She folds her forelegs under her body and looks away, feeling deeply ashamed for some reason.
This is getting totally out of hoof. What's happening to me?
"If it makes you feel any better..." Applejack touches Twilight's foreleg. "This ain't the first time I've had this conversation."
Twilight's eyes practically bug out.
"Yup." Applejack looks up at the leaves all around them. "Back when Rainbow Dash moved here, boy, she... well, she was after me, that's for sure. 'Cept I didn't see it at first. I even played into it a bit. I mean, I thought she was just goofin' around. And then one day she came out with it. I did not know how to handle that. Awkward as all get out."
"Wow." Twilight's embarrassment is forgotten.
"Yup. I felt pretty bad at first, but it worked out. You know we're best gals now. Heck, if I ever did go over to your side, I'd pretty much have to let her have first shot at me."
Twilight snickers. "I didn't know I was edging in on Dash's territory," she says.
"Ha!" Applejack chuckles loudly. "I like to think you've been edgin' in on my girl, you hussy." She winks.
Twilight gives her a playful shove and they both laugh, ending in a mutual sigh.
"It's a thin line sometimes. Between love and friends," Applejack says, suddenly very serious. "I think, anyway."
"Well, for what it's worth, I know I love you girls," Twilight says. "Whatever else might happen."
"Right back at ya, Twi." Applejack stands up and gives her a quick hug. She goes to retrieve her hat and starts looking around in the grass for her hair ties.
"Sorry. About before. When I..." Twilight starts to say.
Wait... what exactly am I sorry for this time?
"I guess that was a little sneaky of me. Offering to brush your mane." Twilight blushes again.
"Yeah, well..." Applejack finds her ties and starts fixing her tail with her hooves. "Don't worry about it. I guess it's nice to know somepony out there wants a piece of me."
"You've never thought about giving it a shot? You and Dash, I mean," Twilight says.
Applejack uses her teeth to tie off her mane, looking thoughtful all the while.
"I have. Sort of. I don't know, I love her to bits and all. If she was a guy, I'd be up in that right away." She finds her hat and sticks it back on her still-messy mane. "But I just can't get worked up over mares. I think about doin' it with stallions, and that gets me goin', no question. It's a shame, really. Be mighty convenient if I could just do it with Rainbow Dash."
Yes, she is pretty convenient. Helped me out. Kind of.
What an awful thought. That kind of thought is what got me in trouble with Braeburn.
But Dash wanted it that way.
Did she? It certainly seemed like it. Maybe she thinks of me as... convenient.
"What? Somethin' I said?" Applejack gives her a concerned look.
"No, no. Just thinking." Twilight stands up, brushing dirt and grass off her coat.
"Mmm. Anyways, I used to think that. But with recent events, I s'pose I'd have to give you a shot, too. I hear you're quite the lay." Applejack grins at her.
Who, me? Twilight Sparkle?! Twilight Sparkle is good in bed?!
Twilight's feelings flip completely as the rest of the sentence sinks in.
Wait a minute, who talked? Well it couldn't have been Braeburn...
"...Rainbow Dash." Twilight scowls.
"Would not shut up about it." Applejack rolls her eyes.
Twilight has no idea how to feel about that. It's starting to worry her how often that's been happening.
"I wouldn't worry too much. She blabbed to me and Pinkie, but I don't think she'll go tellin' anypony else," Applejack says.
That line brings something up from the back of Twilight's head.
"Um, I know this isn't my business... at all. But," Twilight falters. "Did Braeburn come back alone last night?" she spits out. Applejack gives her a long, curious look before answering.
"Honestly, I don't know. An' I ain't about to ask him, even if I could. He hopped on the first train out this mornin'."
"Oh." Twilight sinks her head.
"You know somethin' I don't?"
"I heard Pinkie was going after him last night."
"Oh!" Applejack's eyes go wide for a second, obviously picturing the possibilities there. She shakes her head. "Well that's between them two. Not somethin' I'm gonna think about too hard right now. And neither should you."
"Agreed." Twilight nods.
"Speakin' of... seein' as he ain't around, and we're back on civil terms and all. You should stay for lunch. Feels like it's been a while since we had you over to the farmhouse."
"That sounds nice," Twilight says. They set off through the orchard again. Twilight feels light as a cloud, all her tiredness and headaches gone.
Whatever just happened, it was good.
Even if Applejack didn't want to do anything...
Maybe so. But that's fine, she thinks. It really is. They walk together through acres of sweet apple trees. Applejack is at her side, and somehow it doesn't feel awkward at all.
• • •
This is impossible.
She's sitting at her desk, tapping a quill on the paper in front of her. There's just one line written in bold.
THE NEW PLAN
It's the only thing she's put on the paper for some time.
She sighs and looks out the window for the hundredth time. The moon hangs low in the sky, only recently risen. It's shrunken down to a sliver of a crescent, barely noticeable. The night is all the darker.
She taps her quill faster on the paper in front of her.
Maybe Applejack really was right.
But then why go through all this?
She's read the letter several times over, with a much clearer head than the previous night. Unfortunately, it's just as discouraging as it was before. There was no hidden layer of meaning she missed in her haste, she's fairly certain.
Luna wants me to have a relationship with someone else.
She wants me to love someone else.
I can't! Even if I did somehow, I still want Luna.
I would just end up hurting them.
Maybe she wants to wait until my relationship ends on its own?
That's crazy. How can I go into a relationship hoping it fails? Waiting for it to end? It wouldn't work.
Then what am I going to do?
"Ugh!" Twilight grunts and drops the quill, resting her chin on the desk. "What am I going to do?" she whines.
Don't you love her? Wouldn't you do anything for her?
Apparently not. She hadn't realized before what this little assignment of hers meant, exactly. Now it's all too clear. In order to get Luna, Twilight will have to break another heart. On purpose.
This can't be right. I'm just misunderstanding her. There has to be another way.
Twilight sighs.
I'll just write back asking for more specific instructions. In person, maybe.
She grins, wondering how much Luna could teach her, pony to pony. The room suddenly feels very warm.
Yes, great. Go ahead. Sexual fantasies are the solution to every problem, you dirty filly.
Well why not? It's not like I was getting anywhere anyway. I've been sitting here since it was still light out and...
That's funny, the room's all bright again. Where is that coming from?
"My most faithful student."
"Aah!" Twilight jumps and turns around to see the Princess, the other Princess, standing in her bedroom.
"P-Princess Celestia?!" Twilight is too shocked to bow or move or anything. Celestia is standing across from her, regal and radiant as always, shining with her own divine light. She drowns the room in color, her prismatic mane shimmering.
"Twilight." She smiles down at her. "I'm sorry to startle you."
"Oh it's... it's fine! It's fine." Twilight fights hard to contain her trembling and a ridiculous, fan-girl grin.
"It's so much easier to sneak out of the palace by just teleporting. I hope you can understand."
"Of course! Of course it is. I understand. Completely." Twilight nods frantically.
"It's been so long since we last spoke. I've missed you." Celestia sits down with a motherly smile. Twilight's heart just about stops.
"I... I've missed you, too," she stammers out. Her hooves feel glued to the floor for a moment, and then something snaps and she's rushing over to her mentor. The goddess towers over her, and Twilight nuzzles into her chest. Celestia nuzzles her back, her ever-moving mane sending tingles through Twilight's skin where it brushes against her. The moment lasts forever and no time at all, and the warmth lingers after Celestia pulls away. Twilight looks up into her large, shining eyes.
"Sit." Celestia nods towards Twilight's bed. Twilight climbs up obediently and sits. With the Princess resting on the floor still, their eyes are almost level. A weird, uncomfortable dread creeps over Twilight when she tries to look the Princess straight in the eye, so she nervously glances around instead.
"Unfortunately, I can't stay long. But I wanted to check on you," Celestia says.
"...Check on me?" Twilight says.
Celestia glances around the room, like she hasn't heard Twilight. "Where is Spike?" she asks.
"Oh. He's downstairs. In his room, probably," Twilight says.
"His room?" Celestia raises a perfect eyebrow.
"He has his own."
"Does he now?" Celestia smirks just a bit playfully. "I hope you two are still getting along."
"Oh gosh, nothing like that!" Twilight forces a fake laugh. "He's just... getting a little grown up, I guess."
Celestia smiles knowingly at her. "I'm glad to hear it. I can't wait to see what a fine young dragon he turns out to be." Celestia turns away, looking out the window. Longingly? There's something a little sad in her eyes, and Twilight is about to ask her about it when the goddess speaks again.
"I used to say the same thing about you, you know." She turns back to Twilight and it's almost like trying to stare at the sun. "It saddens me sometimes that I don't have you in Canterlot with me, but I'm so proud of you."
Twilight feels a ridiculous blush creep over her. "...Thank you?" she says. The Princess gives a short giggle, like heavenly music.
"Oh, Twilight. You've come so far. And made so many friends. And you still get uncomfortable when you're complimented. Between you and me, that's probably a good thing."
Well, I get uncomfortable when YOU compliment me, anyway.
Twilight forces a smile for the Princess.
"My sister and I have been talking about you quite a bit, you know," Celestia says.
Twilight's heart threatens to leap up into her throat. "Di... uh... you have?" she says.
"Indeed. She's taken quite an interest in you. And I hear you've taken quite an interest in her."
Twilight's mouth hangs open, frozen in horror.
"And now I hear you've even started dating ponies?" Celestia gives her a look that Twilight can't even begin to comprehend through her nervousness. She fidgets in place.
"Uh... yes, actually. I have." Twilight shrinks away from her mentor. "Is that okay?"
"Ha! Twilight..." The Princess shakes her head, smiling. "It's marvelous. I'm so happy for you. How is it going?"
"How's it going?" Twilight asks.
Celestia just nods at her, waiting.
"Well... it's going..."
Twilight was about to say well, but her mouth feels like sandpaper.
How much does she know? How much does she want to know?
Obviously she knows what Luna knows. How could I have thought otherwise? Just talk to her. Maybe she can help.
"It's more complicated than I thought it would be. I have so many questions. I feel so lost right now. I just don't know what to do," Twilight pours out without thinking, sounding more forlorn than she meant to. Celestia sighs loudly and puts a gold-shod hoof on Twilight's withers. The touch calms her instantly, fills her with inner peace.
"Love is wonderful. But it can be troublesome sometimes, can't it?"
Twilight just nods glumly.
"Tell me all about it. I would love to help, if I can."
The regal hoof leaves Twilight's back, but the feeling of peace lingers. She takes a deep breath.
"Well... I've only dated a little so far. Nothing too serious. Most of it was with my friends, actually."
"Your friends?" Celestia cocks an eyebrow again.
Oh no, that's weird, isn't it?
"Ah! Umm... yes... with – is that okay?" Twilight shrinks again. Celestia gives her a look, and this time Twilight knows it's an amused look. That beautiful hoof pats her back again.
"Are you embarrassed because you've been dating your friends, or because your friends are mares?" Celestia asks.
"...the second one?" Twilight squeaks out.
"That's strange. I would be more concerned about the former."
"Really?" Twilight says.
Celestia nods at her very seriously. "The purest love is wherever you find it, Twilight. If you find it with a mare, then so be it. It might not be considered fashionable at the moment. But when you've lived as long as I have, that seems rather silly. I would fully support your choice of mate, whoever it may be."
"Oh," Twilight says.
"But dating your friends can be more delicate. True, friendship can blossom into love. But if it doesn't work out... well, love can be troublesome. Can't it?"
Twilight's smile fades, and she nods in understanding.
"I'll just say that I advise caution in the matter. It's generally safer to look outside your circle of friends."
"I tried that." Twilight heaves a heavy sigh. "I really messed it up, too."
"How so?" Celestia asks, concern in her voice.
Twilight looks at her, again feeling strange for not having to look up. It hits her again, how long it's been since she last spoke with the Princess. Celestia is waiting for Twilight, just sitting there, somehow being graceful even when she's just sitting still.
"Well..." Twilight begins, but has trouble getting going.
Just tell her.
Twilight looks into those shimmering eyes and feels strong, feels loved, feels whole and at peace and worthy. It's how she always feels when the Princess takes an interest in her insignificant problems. She steels herself with newfound resolve, and speaks.
Twilight tells her everything. A shortened version, naturally, without any naughty details, but she tells her. She had meant to only talk about Braeburn, but it just pours out of her, starting with Luna appearing on her balcony and going right up to her most recent dilemma.
The Princess sits quietly, patiently listening. She nods at just the right moments. She lays a comforting hoof on Twilight whenever the purple unicorn starts to tear up. She gives a hushed gasp when Twilight describes her fight with Applejack. She smiles warmly when Twilight tells of their making-up that very morning.
"...and that just about brings us up to now," Twilight finishes. Self-conscious unease hangs over her, waiting for Celestia's response.
"My, Twilight," Celestia says. "You've had quite the spring this year."
Twilight looks down at her bedsheets. "I'm sorry," she mutters.
"Sorry?" Celestia says.
"I've made mistakes. I hurt someone. I hurt my friends. And I didn't tell you about... about me and your sister. I'm sorry."
Twilight feels Celestia's hoof touch the side of her face and her chin lifts on its own. Celestia is a picture of generous sympathy.
"You've done nothing wrong, my student."
"I haven't?"
"No. You meant no harm. True, you made mistakes. But I think you've learned much. And that is what's important."
"I..." Twilight chokes and turns away, blinking moisture out of her eyes. "What do I do now?"
"What does your heart tell you to do?"
Twilight snorts sarcastically.
"My stupid heart keeps contradicting itself. And my brain isn't much better."
"And what is the contradiction?" Celestia says, recalling her teacher-like tone from many hours of tutoring Twilight.
"Your sister wants me to do something I can't do," Twilight says instantly.
"Then don't do it," Celestia says.
"But then we can't..." Twilight catches herself. "Then she won't accept me as her suitor."
"Is that really so bad? It sounds like you have a wealth of choices." Celestia smirks.
"But... but I love her," Twilight says quietly. Celestia says nothing, but her eyes urge Twilight to go on. "She seems like everything I could ever want. She's perfect. Like..."
Like you?
Twilight had almost said it, and she flashes back to her most embarrassing fantasy, one she's blocked out ever since. She cringes inside. It feels like she's just seen her own parents rutting.
"No one is perfect, Twilight. Even myself and my sister," Celestia says dispassionately, seemingly oblivious to Twilight's thoughts. "Have you spent much time with Luna?"
"Well... no..." Twilight pointedly looks away, more uncomfortable than ever. "But ever since the solstice it just feels right. Meant to be. My heart tells me she's the one."
"And that's what you think love is? Destined perfection?" Celestia says.
"Isn't that what true love is?" Twilight asks desperately. Celestia takes a long and patient pause before answering.
"It is, and it isn't. Love is complex, Twilight."
Twilight frowns.
I knew she would say something like that. Why can't anypony just give me a straight answer?!
"Does your sister feel anything like that for me?" she blurts out, finally giving voice to the question that's been slowly driving her mad. Celestia just looks at her for a long moment, and again Twilight can't even come close to reading her face.
"I wouldn't presume to speak for her," Celestia finally says. Twilight is just starting to turn that over in her head when a third voice makes her jump in place.
"Nor should you, sister."
They both turn their heads. A dark blue alicorn melts out of the shadows in the corner of Twilight's bedroom, walking slowly towards them. Twilight gasps at the sight of her.
"Luna?" Twilight can't believe her eyes. Luna is... different. She's not wearing a crown or horseshoes or anything. And she's smaller. She looks to be about Twilight's size, her combination of wings and horn the only immediate giveaway that she isn't a normal pony. Her face looks younger somehow, and that mystical presence, the overwhelming sense of magic that seemed to follow her everywhere before, is gone.
"Good evening, sister." Celestia bows slightly. "How pleasant of you to join us."
"Good evening, Celly," Luna says nonchalantly. Twilight's jaw drops.
...Celly?!
Luna stops walking and examines one of her own hooves as if it were the most boring thing in the world.
"Is it not a little past your bedtime?" she says, looking down her snout at Celestia. Celestia narrows her eyes just slightly, and her ever-present warm smile looks strained at the edges.
"Indeed it is. But I don't mind staying up for our student. I know you understand," Celestia says.
OUR student?!
Twilight looks back and forth between the monarchs, feeling very small.
"She really is something special, is she not?" Luna says, just barely glancing in Twilight's direction.
"I'm glad you think so. You owe her much, after all," Celestia says.
Luna responds with a curt glare. "That being the case, you wouldn't begrudge us some privacy? You've had her all to yourself for so long."
"Of course." Celestia bows again. She turns to Twilight. "I'll leave you two alone," she says.
"You don't have to. I mean... I don't mind..." Twilight says.
"I think it's for the best," Celestia says. They both glance at Luna, who is making a show of not watching.
"I'll write more. I promise," Twilight says.
"Don't trouble yourself. I'll always be here for you." Celestia nuzzles Twilight's face, and the warmth is overwhelming. As she starts to pull back, she pauses, their muzzles almost touching, and darts her eyes towards her sister.
"Caution, Twilight," she whispers. "Trust your heart, and your head."
"Huh?" Twilight feels her face make a stupid, confused expression against her will. It seems to amuse Celestia greatly. The Solar Princess smiles deeply, then turns to her sister.
"I shall see you at sunrise?" she says.
"As always." Luna rolls her eyes.
"Then I bid you both goodnight," Celestia says, closing her eyes. Her horn glows, and the room is filled with sunlight, forcing Twilight's eyes shut. When she opens them again, Celestia is gone. The room is dark, still, and cold.
"Ugh, I thought she'd never leave," Luna says, flaring her wings out. She seems more relaxed, and she trots up to Twilight's bed, sitting where Celestia just was. "Now it's just you and me."
"Wha..." Twilight pauses, trying to parse out what she just witnessed. "...Luna?"
"Yes?"
"If you don't mind me asking... are you and your sister... getting along?" Twilight asks.
"Of course we are. What a silly question." Luna smirks at her. Twilight, feeling courageous, gives her a patented look of Twilight Sparkle skepticism.
"I know it might look strange," Luna says. "Do not let it worry you. We have our little tiffs from time to time. It is important, actually."
"Important?"
"Indeed. We have to air our differences occasionally, or things just build up. And build up. And then we might do things we regret." Luna looks away, a shadow of sadness crossing her features. It passes quickly. "You understand."
Boy, do I ever.
Even without all the recent unpleasantness, her friends taught her that lesson long ago. But her curiosity about the sisters pulls her thoughts away.
"So you two are fighting now?" Twilight asks, feeling a bit rude but unable to help herself.
"A little. She does not exactly approve of this mission I've given you, you know."
Panic floods Twilight's senses. She shoots up onto her rump, scooting back on the bed.
"What?! She doesn't... what?!" Twilight says.
"Oh, relax." Luna gets up and begins pacing around Twilight's room, examining various things with a look of profound disinterest. "She will not come between us."
"She won't..." Twilight shakes her head in disbelief, still trying to absorb the first part.
"I've made sure of it. I pointed out to her that you are a grown mare and you need to make your own decisions. She agreed."
Twilight is frozen on her bed, mouth hanging open, hair standing on end.
This is really, really starting to get out of hoof.
"I went on to state that you need to learn about love at some point, and that you would find no better teacher than me." Luna walks slowly past Twilight, sticking one wing out so the feathers caress Twilight's side as she passes. The touch is hypnotic, mesmerizing, and Twilight melts down onto the bed. Stars glimmer in her mind. Luna snaps her wing away and Twilight shakes her head, feeling more calm.
"She might not agree with my methods..." Luna begins poking around Twilight's nightstand, carefully examining everything she finds. "But she is hardly one to talk. As I said, she will not come between us."
Twilight watches Luna going through her things and finds it hard to focus on the Princess' words. If it was any other pony pawing through her things like this, she would be pretty upset. She feels a little uneasy still, but her crazy longing for the alicorn before her is starting to eclipse all other emotions.
"At any rate." Luna walks slowly away, past the door to the balcony where this all began. She glances over her shoulder at Twilight. "It is good to see you again. You are looking lovely tonight."
Twilight tries to speak, thinking something appropriately suave will come out. Instead, she's horrified to hear a weak, nervous laugh squeak out from her lips. Luna giggles and goes back to examining the room. She somehow manages to look bored while doing so with an intensity that mystifies Twilight. It reminds her of Rarity's temperamental pet cat. After a few moments, Twilight feels like she can speak without embarrassing herself.
"You look different. You look almost normal," she says.
Luna turns and raises an eyebrow at her, daring her to expand on that.
"I mean... you're beautiful. Just different. I don't understand," Twilight adds.
"Everything is cycles, Twilight. It is nature's way."
Luna turns away and lowers her head, examining the bottom shelf of a large bookcase across the room. Her rump sticks up in the air, pointed straight at Twilight, and her tail flicks around, almost invitingly. Twilight forgets whatever conversation they were having. She can't help but stare and crane her neck forward, unconsciously desperate to catch a glimpse of temptation.
It's like she's doing it on purpose... ugh, I can almost see her! What am I doing?
Luna obliviously keeps perusing the spines of books before her. Her rump bobs in the air. Twilight leans closer, catching just a tantalizing glimpse here and there as that beautiful tail weaves around.
Stop it, stop it, sit down this is so rude! Oh, but she's RIGHT there!
Luna turns her head and catches Twilight with her eyes in the honeypot, so to speak. Twilight's breath rushes out of her and she blushes the hardest she ever has in her life.
"See anything you like?" Luna raises her eyebrows.
Oh god! She was doing it on purpose!
Twilight looks away, mortified. Luna's playful tittering draws her eyes back up.
"Why so shy? I know of your desire for me. You need not hide it." Luna walks closer to Twilight's bed, stalking towards her with a gleam in her eyes. Twilight's whole body prickles up with a sexual thrill at the mere sight of it. But even as her breath picks up, something tears at the back of her mind.
"Luna?" she says.
Luna stops walking, paused in the middle of the room. "Yes?"
"Do you love me?" Twilight asks.
"Of course, Twilight. I love all my subjects," Luna says, mockingly adopting Celestia's tone.
"That's not what I meant." Twilight scowls at her.
"I know."
Twilight sees her start to move, and then somehow Luna is sitting next to her on the bed, her wings pressing into Twilight's sides. Twilight gasps at the sudden presence and cringes away out of instinct.
Is she that fast or... magic or... what just happened?
"Relax, my Twilight." Luna rests a wing over Twilight's back and she melts into it, leaning against the strangely normal-sized alicorn. "You ask me of love. Let us talk, then."
Twilight can't find any words for a moment, she's lost in the feeling of Luna's embrace. She's imagined it countless times, and it's actually happening, here and now. She can feel Luna's warm body and perfect coat against herself. But it's not perfection – the question she just asked hangs heavy in her mind. Luna speaks again before she can repeat it.
"Last we spoke, you confessed a crush. A new word, for me. I do so like it. But when exactly did this crush become love?" Luna says.
Twilight's body tells her that the bed has dropped out from under her, the whole world is gone and she's falling. Her eyes say different, that she's trapped here in some kind of nightmare, her dreams just out of reach.
She's right.
When... when did that happen?
What's happening? What... what is... no!
This is true, dammit! This is the truest thing I've ever felt! I didn't do all that just for a silly crush, that would be stupid! This is love!
"Luna, I do love you," Twilight blurts out, turning to the Princess. Luna pulls her wing away.
"I am flattered, Twilight."
Twilight moves her mouth but nothing comes out. She's frozen, trying not to let time move forward. Luna sighs.
"Twilight, listen..."
"But... you..." Twilight stammers, feeling tears burning in her eyes. "All of this... for you!"
"Listen."
Thousands of years of regal authority, summed up in one voice. Twilight obeys without choice, shutting her mouth.
"I may have many lovers," Luna says. "But my love does not come easily. I see great potential in you, Twilight. You are a lovely mare, and I have great affection for you. I would gladly take you as a mate. But I do not declare love lightly. It must be proven over time."
Twilight's mind races to figure out if this is good or bad. As usual with Luna, she only comes up with questions.
"This is why I gave you your task. I want you to understand, before you commit. You read my last letter?" Luna says.
"Uh-huh." Twilight nods, feeling like she's been scolded.
"It's important to me that you do this. Only then will I accept you."
"Only then?" Twilight gulps.
"Indeed." Luna nods at her. "But you have done well so far. I expect this shouldn't be a problem for you."
Shouldn't be a problem? Is she insane?!
"Luna... I don't think I can do it."
"Oh?"
"How am I supposed to have a relationship without hurting someone?" Twilight says.
"Simple. Most relationships run their course naturally. I can wait. I'm not going anywhere."
Twilight balks at this.
This isn't working. Why doesn't she see what I'm trying to say?
"I don't know if I have enough room in my heart for you and somepony else," Twilight says.
Luna snorts mockingly.
"Yet you have room for your friends, do you not? Your little dragon? Your parents? My sister?"
Twilight chews on her lip, considering this.
"Just forget about me for a while," Luna says. "Put it aside."
How?
"I can't. I won't," Twilight says, suddenly very determined. She glares at Luna, trying to show resolve. Luna stares at her for a long time, then sighs, shaking her head.
"I was afraid of this," she says. "And I had such hopes for you, too."
Luna stands up and hops lightly off the bed. Twilight watches her in dumb shock. This wasn't how it played out in her head at all. This is supposed to be the part where Luna realizes how much Twilight loves her and finally accepts her.
"I'm sorry. I cannot make exceptions. Even for you," Luna says.
"There's no other way?" Twilight pleads.
Luna sternly shakes her head. "Perhaps in the future you'll be more ready. Even if not, you should still try to find love. For yourself, if nothing else." Luna backs away from the bed slowly.
Is she leaving? No, no, no, wait!
Twilight panics and pounces off the bed clumsily, stumbling in front of Luna.
"That's it? That's all? It's over?" Twilight says, still waiting for the final twist.
"I'm afraid so. Please believe me when I say I never wanted to hurt you." Luna backs away farther, edging towards a dark corner of the room.
"Don't go! I can try! I'll do it!" Twilight dives in front of Luna, begging her, all caution forgotten. Luna averts her eyes, like the sight of Twilight pains her.
"In your desperation, you shame yourself. Like many before you. I'm so sorry, Twilight."
Luna takes one last step back, reaching the shadows. She fades into them instantly, melting away from all sight.
"Wait!" Twilight almost screams. She dashes forward into the corner and slams her face into the wall painfully. There's nothing there. She gets up and looks around the room frantically. She runs to each corner and patch of darkness like a trapped animal, not thinking. She is alone.
She bursts through the doors to the balcony and stops outside, looking up. The moon is a tiny, silver crescent, barely visible. The sky is dark – even the stars seem far away, dim somehow. Her breathing is ragged, choking.
What just happened?
She's gone. She's gone. It's over.
What... just... happened?!
Twilight tries to replay the conversation in her head and cringes at every moment of it. Her chest aches, and she falls onto her rump, eyes fixed on nothing at all.
"Ow," she says out loud.
She's gone. It's over. I lost her.
Twilight doesn't even think to cry. She just sits there, staring into space.
She doesn't love me.
"Ow," she whimpers.
This must be that heartbreak thing I've been hearing so much about.
She flops down onto the wooden planks of the balcony and rolls onto her side, her mind blank. Every time thoughts start to come back, it hurts. She shuts them out. She feels numb.
That's the word. Numb. Twilight Sparkle, checking out. Done.
Numb, she thinks.
...
She breathes in. She breathes out.
...
Numb.
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SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 12 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:44:37+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:44:37+00:00
| 17,190 |
Twilight's eyes flit back and forth across the words in front of her.
The cosmos is interesting rather than perfect, and everything is not part of some greater plan, nor is all necessarily under control.
She's read it before, maybe hundreds of times. That line in particular had always stood out to her. She used to think it was strange, dropping that in the middle of an otherwise straightforward book. It used to grate on her. She had even written a short essay refuting it. She had just earned her cutie mark at the time.
Twilight tries not to think about it now. She goes back to reading, her mind somehow occupied, and not. The words run through her head without engaging anywhere. Every time she slows down, thought begins to creep in around the edges.
Luna
Nope. Luna who? What's a Luna?
Write her a letter.
Not happening.
Why would you write a letter to that horrible –
She reads more, hearing her own voice in her head.
She's so awful.
She reads another paragraph, glaring down at the paper.
She's so... NO, stop it.
"Books permit us to voyage through time, to tap the wisdom of our ancestors," she reads out loud, drowning everything else out. "I think the health of our civilization, the depth of our awareness about the underpinnings of our culture and our concern for the future can all be tested by how well we support our libraries."
She smiles as she reads. A smug, almost orgasmic pleasure washes over her, making her feel light-headed.
Ah, books... you'll never leave me.
She reaches the end of the page and sighs. She turns the page.
"Where we have strong emotions, we're liable to fool ourselves," she reads out loud. Her smile vanishes instantly.
I don't remember that line.
She groans and closes the book. Her head drops until her face is resting on the cover. She closes her eyes.
Luna.
Stop it. Just... just stop it.
...
Time passes. She shifts uncomfortably on her bed, pushing the rumpled sheets to the side. She doesn't open her eyes.
What time is it even?
The drapes are closed, but she's pretty sure sunlight was creeping through the last time she bothered looking.
When was the last time you ate?
Also unknown. She doesn't feel hungry, so it can't have been too long. Right?
Someone knocks on her bedroom door. She groans.
"I said no disturbances, Spike."
She doesn't open her eyes. The sound of her door opening floats up from downstairs. Hooves clop their way up wooden steps.
Hooves?
Twilight sits up and opens her eyes. Applejack and Rarity are standing in her room. Behind them, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy float up, skipping the stairs. They're all looking at her with weak smiles. The feeling of all four looking at her is too much, and she fights the urge to hide under her sheets.
"Actually, Twi, Spike asked us to come on over," Applejack says.
"Not that we weren't planning on it anyway," Rarity adds. "We haven't seen you for days."
"Yeah, ever since Luna dumped –" Rainbow Dash says. The other three turn on her and glare, cutting her off.
"...What?" Dash shrugs, hovering above them. Rarity tsks and shakes her head, then trots over to Twilight.
"Oh, you poor dear. Just look at you." Rarity strokes Twilight's mane. She puts a hoof on Twilight's shoulder and pulls, trying to lead her off the bed. Twilight doesn't move.
"I appreciate it, girls. I really do. But it was embarrassing enough having you all over after it happened. I'll be fine. I just want some time alone," Twilight says.
"No way, no how, Twilight," Applejack says, joining Rarity next to the bed. Together they pull Twilight to her hooves, and this time she goes along with it. They lead her over to her mirror and Rarity, naturally, starts brushing her bed-matted mane back into place. Twilight sighs heavily. She starts to look at herself in the mirror and jerks her eyes away.
Eww my eyes are all puffy still.
In the corner of her mirror she sees Fluttershy gliding around, opening every window. Twilight squints in the beams of sunlight bouncing off the mirror. Warm, fresh air floods into the room. Twilight notices all over again the stale, musty smell that had filled her bedroom just as it is leaving, replaced by the smell of newborn flowers and cut grass. Her head clears a little. Her posture straightens unconsciously.
Applejack leaves her side, leaving Rarity to her work. Twilight watches, again in the mirror, as Rainbow Dash and Applejack make her bed. It's not the neatest job ever done, but it's better than the mess it was before. Fluttershy starts picking up the books littered everywhere, stacking them into small piles. A stronger tug on her mane drags her eyes back to Rarity, completely absorbed in her grooming. Rainbow Dash lands next to Twilight and taps her chest with a foreleg.
"Look on the bright side, Twilight. You're back on the market. You can do waaayyyy better than some crazy moon jerk," Dash says.
"Dash!" Applejack scolds her from across the room. "Enough o' that. We talked plenty about that witch. Let it be."
"I'm just sayin'." Dash raises her hooves.
"Yes, we know, Rainbow Dash." Rarity narrows her eyes. "You have been 'just saying' every day."
"No, she's right," Twilight says. "I can do better than Luna. Easily. I run into ponies every day who are sooooo much better than an immortal magical moon goddess." Twilight rolls her eyes.
"Hey." Applejack walks over and joins them at the mirror. "I know you think yer bein' clever and all, but you ARE right. She ain't nothin' for you."
"I agree." Rarity stops her brushing. "She had the love of Twilight Sparkle, Element of Magic, and she turned you away. Hardly perfect."
"Yeah, what a dumb ass," Rainbow Dash says. "How did you even fall in love with a piece of manure like that anyway?"
Again, everyone glares at her. Fluttershy lands next to her just to join in on it.
"...What?" Dash says again, shrugging once more. Twilight sighs. She can see them all in the mirror, gathered around her.
"I've been thinking a lot about that, actually. How I fell so hard for her," Twilight says.
All four of her friends wince a little.
"That's kinda why we came over," Applejack says.
"We've been so worried about you," Fluttershy says.
"You need to get your mind off of her," Rarity says.
"Yeah, we want our friend back," Dash says.
This is quite the little gauntlet of friendship.
Against her will, a smile tugs at the corner of her mouth.
"Thanks. But I want to figure this out," she says.
"Okay, but you can't just stay cooped up in here, reading," Rainbow Dash says.
"We know you like doing that," Rarity adds. "But it's not healthy to do it all the time."
Twilight's head sinks. The warmth of having her friends here, all around her, feels undeniably good. But it pains her at the same time, having them be so concerned, so upset.
All on my account.
You should be happy. They're here because they love you.
I am happy. I am sad. Love is complex.
She looks into her own eyes in the mirror and something clicks together in her mind, something she can't quite consciously get her hoof on. It's one of those magical eureka moments, and she opens her mouth to speak, not thinking.
"You know, before I moved here, when I lived in Canterlot? I didn't really have any friends," Twilight says. Her voice is stronger than before. Her friends stare at her in surprise.
"I still find that hard to believe," Rarity says.
"Well, it's true," Twilight says.
"What about Spike?" Fluttershy asks.
"Oh... yeah." Twilight pushes away a small, guilty tremor of remorse. "I wasn't exactly nice to him. Back then. I treated him more like a servant."
"You don't do that now?" Rainbow Dash says, then speaks again before everyone can give her a look. "Kidding! I was kidding."
Twilight gives a weak little smirk. "You're right, though. I've been trying to be better with him. I wasn't good to him, and he didn't deserve it. I wasn't good to anypony," Twilight says.
Her friends say nothing. They listen patiently. Twilight takes her time.
"I... I didn't get along with the other fillies. When I was little. Some of them were mean, I guess. They called me a nerd, or egghead, or things like that."
Applejack and Rainbow Dash give each other a guilty look. Twilight ignores it.
"They weren't all mean. But for some reason I started acting like they all were. I just stayed inside and studied. It was easier," Twilight says. "I knew I was smarter than them. But I thought I was better than them, too. I guess I was kind of... bitter."
Twilight pauses. She's not even sure where she's going with this. She feels open, protected only by her friends around her. Strangely free.
"It only got worse when I got older. I would see other ponies with their friends and feel bad for them. Like they were wasting their time. And then ponies my age were dating, and that was even worse. I couldn't understand that at all. Just a bunch of gross, animal emotions. I thought I was above all that. Too smart to act so... so... foalish."
"I spent all my time in my room or in the library, studying. Alone. I was so, so lonely. I didn't understand why it hurt, back then. But I get it now. I was lonely. And I didn't... I thought I didn't want to fix it. I resented them, I think. The way they looked at me. The way I thought they thought of me. How happy everyone else seemed."
Her friends still listen patiently. Twilight tries not to look at their faces. She talks to herself, in the mirror.
"I cooped myself up. I felt so trapped sometimes. Like I was going to be alone like that forever. I pretended I liked it that way, but it was driving me crazy."
Her next words form in her mind and she understands now. Everything seems clear.
"I guess I thought Luna would understand. I guess... I... maybe... I don't know..."
She chokes up, and the image of herself in the mirror blurs into shapes with colors. A pink and yellow blur moves suddenly, and then Fluttershy is crushing her in a hug. She tries to speak, her mouth is smiling somehow, but her voice just croaks. She feels other hooves embracing her. One by one, her friends join in, until they're all holding her. She coughs out a sobbing laugh.
"This is so cheesy," Twilight says. "I love you girls. You're all too good for me."
"No, we're not," Fluttershy whispers into her coat.
Twilight sniffs loudly. "Where's Pinkie Pie?" she asks.
"Right here!"
They all look up at the mirror to see Pinkie Pie waving to them from inside. All five turn to where she should be standing and see nothing.
"I said, right here, you silly fillies!" Pinkie Pie says. They all turn, breaking their hug, and gasp to see Pinkie Pie standing next to them.
"How did you..." Applejack says.
"...do that?" Twilight finishes.
"Sorry I'm late! Aww, I missed the group hug!" Pinkie ignores their question and tackles Twilight to the ground, squeezing her so hard it almost hurts.
"Where have you been?" Rarity asks.
"Getting the party ready, of course." Pinkie stands up, leaving Twilight lying on the floor.
"...party?" Twilight cocks an eyebrow.
"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie practically leaps into the air. "We were all talking about what a heartbroken sad pants you were, and I thought to myself, Pinkie Pie, how can we cheer up poor old Twilight Sparkle? And then it hit me!"
"...A party," Twilight deadpans.
"Oooh, you are smart!" Pinkie Pie puts a hoof to her chin. "But then everyone else said you wouldn't want a whole party just because you were sad. They said you would just get embarrassed and say it was stupid."
Twilight closes her mouth. She had, in fact, been about to say those exact things.
"But then I had the best, bestest, best idea ever! This is a SECRET party!"
"Excuse me?" Twilight says.
"Everypony else will think it's just a regular old Pinkie Pie party spectacular. But really – SECRETLY – it's a party to cheer up Twilight Sparkle. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone!" Pinkie Pie gets a deadly serious look and glares at everypony there. "Right?"
They all nod anxiously.
"And bonus! I even invited all the hottest single ponies in Ponyville!" Pinkie shakes her eyebrows at Twilight and then makes a huge, exaggerated wink.
"Bonus, indeed," Rarity titters.
"Umm... thanks?" Twilight says, wearily standing up.
"Anything for my girl, Twilight." Pinkie Pie lays a foreleg over Twilight's shoulders. "Let's go to Sugarcube Corner. The party's already hopping!"
Twilight hesitates, holding her hooves firm on the floor.
"Whaddya say, sugar? I think you could use the time outside," Applejack says.
"Well of course she's going," Rarity says.
"Do I have to go?" Fluttershy says.
"Yes!" Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack say in unison.
"Oh... okay," Fluttershy says.
"Come on, everypony!" Pinkie Pie bounces over to the stairs, barely able to sit still any longer.
Twilight tries to force her hooves to move.
No... no, I'm a mess right now, what am I doing?
Hard determination wells up in her chest, almost anger.
What am I talking about? I've been moping up here for... for days now. I'm Twilight Sparkle, darn it!
"Yes!" She steps forward, crying out in joy. "Yes! I am going to a party!"
"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie cheers.
"I am going to have fun!" Twilight says.
"You go, girl," Fluttershy whispers.
"I'm gonna have fun and be happy and Luna can just... she can just... she can just deal with it!" She says it with some difficulty, but the words fill her with some kind of ridiculous high.
"Aww yeah!" Rainbow Dash flaps into the air, pumping her hooves. "Twilight's back in the saddle!"
"Woooo! Let's go!" Pinkie Pie tumbles down the stairs.
They follow, sweeping Twilight away in a tide of good cheer. Her chest is bursting, her mouth aches she's smiling so hard, she could swear her horn is even tingling. They pour through the library, a laughing torrent of mirth.
"What happened?" Spike looks up from a comic book. He's been waiting in the main room, trying not to eavesdrop too hard.
"Hop on, Spike!" Twilight pauses in front of him. "We're going to a party!"
Spike drops his comic in surprise and immediately smiles. He jumps onto Twilight's back like he always does and they set off.
• • •
I feel better.
This is better.
She looks all around Sugarcube Corner. Pinkie Pie has really outdone herself this time. It's packed – the party has even spilled outside, too big for the building to contain. The usual cheery decorations are everywhere, but they look better than ever to Twilight. The music is thumping, but it vibrates in her chest more intensely than ever before. She smiles, a big, dumb, goofy smile. It feels only appropriate considering the silly party hat she's wearing.
She's been dancing and talking and laughing for hours now. The sun set a while ago, and the party only got stronger. A pleasant kind of tiredness is creeping into Twilight's limbs. She takes a sip of her drink. It's just punch. She made sure to ask Pinkie which bowl was spiked and steered clear of it.
She idly scans the crowd, looking at nopony in particular. At the moment her friends are lost somewhere in the party. She smiles again. She's sitting alone, but she isn't lonely. Far from it.
REALLY far from it.
She smiles harder, dropping her eyelids to half-mast. Ponies she didn't know had actually come up to her and hit on her!
Three someponies!
All stallions, but still. That's never really happened before.
Not to me.
She drinks more of the sweet punch, almost sweet enough to be cloying. Her friends had encouraged her and acted like perfect wingmares. Twilight played along a little, but made it clear she wasn't interested. In as nice a way as possible, she hoped. None of the three seemed too broken up.
Probably wouldn't be a good idea to get involved right now.
Well, why not?
What's stopping me?
That would really show Luna, after all. I don't need her.
Applejack was right. I can do better. She isn't so great.
She just thinks she's so great. I can find someone better. For me.
Someone who won't lie to me.
She cuts her thoughts short before she can get angry. Or sad. She's not sure which one would win that fight, and she feels too good right now to want to find out.
But I do want someone, don't I? I am lonely. In a very specific kind of way.
Something had occurred to her a few times during her self-imposed solitude. Perhaps she had clung so hard to Luna because it was the first chance at a relationship that had come along. Perhaps she'd never really loved Luna. Perhaps she just wanted somepony to love.
That sounds so cheesy. I don't need anyone like that. What am I, lovesick?
This isn't about that. This is like friendship. It's natural. I shouldn't fight it.
Then who?
Excellent question. She finishes her drink, starting to slip into full-on pondering analysis mode.
But just then, Rainbow Dash swoops right past her.
Twilight's eyes follow the blue pegasus as she traces a circle around the large room, skimming the ceiling. She has glow sticks taped to her hooves, and her mane is pulled back behind a pink sweatband. Dash's keen eyes spot a landing zone and she dives, landing right next to the snack table. The party-goers near the table that were waiting for a spot glare at her, and she ignores them all.
"Hmm," Twilight says unconsciously. She can't take her eyes off her friend. She's got the same kind of sleek, toned build as Luna, with none of the haughty indifference. She's unique, strong, and beautiful.
And not bad in bed, either.
Twilight's smile broadens.
Am I doing this? I think I am.
She gets up and starts making her way over.
The wild Twilight Sparkle catches sight of her prey and stalks in for the kill.
By the time she gets there Rainbow Dash has claimed an enormous plate of snacks and is shoving her way to find somewhere to sit.
"Hey!" Twilight calls out to her. She levitates some floor cushions over to a wall where things are slightly less crowded. Dash nods at her, holding the plate in her teeth, and sits down.
"Thanks." Dash puts her plate down and dives in greedily.
"Anytime." Twilight sits next to her. Dash turns to her with her mouth full.
"Can't believe you didn't go for one of those guys earlier. You had 'em melting in your hooves."
"Heh. I don't know," Twilight says. "Thanks for trying to back me up. I didn't really know how to react."
"You did fine. Kinda."
"Kind of?"
"You shut them down so quick. I woulda kept 'em on the back burner. Just in case, y'know?"
"Well I'm not as into stallions as you. I wasn't really interested," Twilight says.
"So you're really going full on filly-fooler, huh?" Rainbow Dash cocks an eyebrow at her.
"I guess so. I wouldn't rule out guys for good, but... yeah, I guess so," Twilight says.
"Ha!" Dash elbows her gently. "That's what happens when you fly with the Dash. Never look back."
Twilight rolls her eyes, but it's more for show than anything else. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that," she says.
"Oh yeah?" Dash stops mid-bite.
Gosh I'm not nervous or anything... I mean, we had sex already. It was great. Why would I be?
Twilight feels unusually strong, confident. Recognizing the feelings just makes them stronger.
"Would you want to go out again sometime?" Twilight says, more nonchalantly than she ever could have thought possible. Dash gets a wicked grin.
"You wanna spend another night at my place?" She scoots closer to Twilight. Twilight blushes a little and looks at her hooves, but only for a second.
"That would be fun." She flashes a new, improved seductive smile, now with sexy eyes. "But I liked the date part, too. I think we could really have something, now that I'm not being all stupid over Luna. I like you."
Rainbow Dash looks surprised, even a little bashful. "Really?" she says.
"Yes." Twilight touches Dash's hoof. "Really."
"Wow..." Dash chuckles nervously, sliding her leg away from Twilight's touch. "That's... I like you too..."
Twilight's heart swells up, puffing her chest out.
"But..." Rainbow Dash says.
"But?" Twilight's chest deflates.
"I don't know, Twilight. I like to keep it casual. And we're really good friends and all... why don't we just keep it that way?"
Twilight's ears fold down, and she feels the smallest bitter pinprick of disappointment.
"Don't get me wrong! I really like you," Dash says, this time laying her hoof over Twilight's. "But I'm not looking for that. Not now. If you wanna just roll in the hay, that's one thing. But you sound like you want a girlfriend."
"I think I do," Twilight says.
"Yeah, I don't think I'd be good at that. Besides, I've got too many ponies waiting in line. Can't cage this pegasus pony!" She stomps her hooves and flares her wings.
"Oh." Twilight forces her smile to stay on. "You really have ponies waiting? Not just Pinkie Pie?"
"Heh, Pinkie... yeah..." Dash suddenly gets a far-away look. "She's... she's really something."
"Is she?"
"Yeah. Not gonna lie, it's still kinda weird. But I'm diggin' it."
"Oh. That's good." Twilight means it. She feels like she should be jealous, but she just feels happy. "I'm glad you two found each other."
"Don't make it sound so serious." Dash slaps her shoulder.
"It isn't?"
"Naw... I dunno. We'll see. I still gotta get my hooves on Big Mac. One of these days, I swear. AJ can't keep him off-limits forever." Dash pounds a determined hoof on her cushion. Twilight does a double take.
"What's all this now?" she asks.
"Oh, you didn't know about Mac?"
Twilight shakes her head.
"Jeez, Twilight, everypony knows about Mac."
"What?!"
"Ask AJ about it. Heh, yeah... do that." Dash looks deeply amused for a moment, then stands up. "Sorry I won't be your girlfriend. I'll still help you find somepony, if you want."
"Thanks. I'll think about it," Twilight says.
"Cool. I'mma go check on Fluttershy. Rock on." Dash takes off from a standstill, disappearing over the heads of other partying ponies. Twilight just stays on her cushion.
Well, that could've gone better.
It's fine. Rainbow Dash is right.
At least she'll still sleep with me. That could be fun.
But that's not really what I want.
Maybe it's just what I need.
Twilight sighs. Just as she thought she was starting to figure things out, she feels confused all over again. She tries to put it out of her mind. The party keeps on raging right in front of her.
Is that Mac?
Pinkie did say she was inviting all the hottest ponies. Mac is across the room from her, being chatted up by a very attractive young mare. He isn't talking much, but it looks like they're hitting it off.
Speaking of not ruling out guys...
Twilight snickers to herself. She can't see herself with Mac, for some reason. The same urge she felt for Rainbow Dash is nowhere to be found. But she definitely wouldn't mind trying him out just a little.
How is he single? He's older than us, too. What's going on there?
As if in answer to her thoughts, Applejack cuts in on her brother's conversation. Twilight can't hear them, but the younger mare leaves pretty quickly, casting a come hither look at Mac. Mac looks like he wants to excuse himself, but his sister keeps talking to him.
Is she angry at him? It definitely looks like she's chewing him out.
Quietly, anyway. Mac looks like he's only half-listening. Rarity practically sashays past the two, and Mac's eyes obviously follow her flanks. Applejack turns to see what he's looking at and now she really does look angry. She goes back to scolding him. He rolls his eyes.
Twilight wants to keep investigating this little mini-drama, but she can't help her eyes following Rarity as well. The white unicorn helps herself to another cup of punch and looks around the party, signaling her availability to any brave enough to try.
Hey... Rarity!
Of course! Rarity! She's so classy and dignified. She understands love! And she won't have to pretend she doesn't like mares anymore!
There's nothing standing between us!
Twilight thinks back to her first time, how new and wonderful everything seemed. How excited she was. It was lovely. It all just happened on its own.
If that's not love, that has to at least be a good shot at it.
She takes a longing look at her friend. That gorgeous, gorgeous mane. Her equally gorgeous tail. Her perfect body.
Rainbow who?
Twilight smiles, on the prowl again. She stalks right up to Rarity. That unbelievable confidence wells up inside her again.
"Oh, good evening, Twilight. You look like you've had a wonderful time." Rarity smiles warmly, pretending she hadn't noticed Twilight's approach.
"I have," she says, trying to act casual.
It's about to get a lot more wonderful.
"I'm glad. It's so good to see you feeling better," Rarity says.
"Do you want to sit with me for a second? I have to talk to you," Twilight says, nodding towards the cushions she set down.
"Oh? Oh, of course, Twilight. Is something the matter?"
"No... well, yes. Kind of," Twilight says as they sit down together. Rarity gives her a well-practiced look of sympathy.
"I know it hurts, dear, but it will be fine. Just give it time," Rarity says.
"Oh, I wasn't talking about me. I know that. I wanted to talk about you," she says.
"Pardon?"
"How are you doing? We haven't really talked since that night. With your... you know... your breakthrough."
"Oh. That. How nice of you to ask." Rarity quickly glances around them, confirming that nopony is listening in.
Discreet, as always.
"Are you alright? It's not still bothering you, is it?" Twilight asks.
"Ha! Quite to the contrary, darling." Rarity sips her drink, looking unperturbed.
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. I've decided it could really add depth to my image. As long as I play it carefully, of course. Evasive. Risqué. Just enough to fuel a few naughty rumors, but not enough to confirm any of them," Rarity says with a lascivious glint in her eye.
Twilight raises an eyebrow. "You want ponies spreading rumors about you?"
"All publicity is good publicity, Twilight. Besides, in the world of fashion those kinds of rumors are practically an asset. They'll know I'm truly sophisticated. Open-minded. Progressive. A real mare of the world."
"Huh." Twilight tries to recover from how taken aback she is. "I never thought you would embrace it this much."
"Well, I've yet to really embrace it." Rarity swirls her drink in her glass, looking a little nonplussed. "I do hope to find my true love at some point. I'm still waiting." She sighs.
"Even if your true love is a mare?" Twilight asks carefully.
"Mmm. I'm open to the idea, I suppose. I'll have to do a bit more dating before I can say for sure."
Twilight scoots closer to her, their coats almost touching. "That's kind of what I really wanted to talk to you about."
"Oh?" Rarity turns to her with a look that says she knows exactly where Twilight is going.
"We should go out sometime. Without two dumb stallions getting in the way," Twilight says.
"Oh." Rarity puts her glass down. "You want to date me?"
"Yes. Yes, I do," Twilight says, just a little exasperated. "I think we really have something special."
"As friends."
"Yes, but... you don't feel anything more than that?"
"Twilight..." Rarity smiles, but it's not the kind of smile Twilight was hoping for.
"I know you do," Twilight says.
"Of course I do, Twilight. You are ever so special to me. As a friend," Rarity says.
Twilight's face sinks. "You don't even want to give us a chance?" she asks.
"Dear, I'm not exactly saying that. But you're very vulnerable right now. I don't think this would be a good idea at the moment."
"What's wrong with now?"
"What's wrong? Well I would like to be sure you're really interested in me, not just filling a Luna-shaped hole in your heart. As much as I want you to feel better, I can't do that for you. It wouldn't end well."
Twilight scowls at her. "How could you say that? You don't think I like you for being you?"
Rarity puts a calming hoof on her shoulder. "I trust you, Twilight. I'm not exactly saying no. I just want you to take some time. And I mean it, I'm not brushing you off. I know Luna made you do some silly things. I hope you don't think it's too much to do this much for me."
Twilight looks down at her hooves, defeated.
She's right.
Of course she's right. This is where crazy confidence gets you, apparently.
"I'm sorry, Twilight. I want to be here for you. I think this is for the best." Rarity holds her arm around Twilight a little tighter.
"I understand." Twilight puts on as not a disappointed face as she can manage. "I would probably say the same thing."
"Time, darling. Time heals all wounds. You're going to be just fine. You'll see." Rarity nuzzles against her, touching their horns together for a moment. Strangely, Twilight feels nothing sexual in it. She feels warm, though. Loved. Rarity is good at that.
"Thanks. For being honest with me," Twilight says.
"I couldn't think to act otherwise. Now!" Rarity stands up, looking excited. "Would you like to walk past Macintosh with me? He'll stare at us, and it'll give Applejack an absolute fit. Just delightful." Rarity grins wickedly.
"What are you talking about?!" Twilight says, picking up her bewilderment where it left off with Dash.
"Oh, you don't know? Ah, of course you don't. I just assumed. So sorry."
"Are you going to tell me what's going on?"
"Oh, no no no, you should ask Applejack. That would be priceless."
Twilight groans in frustration.
"Coming?" Rarity says.
"No, you go ahead."
"Very well then. Ta!"
Rarity trots off gaily. Twilight starts to watch her but thinks better of it. She picks herself up off the cushion, feeling far more tired than when she sat down.
What now?
Who cares?
Just... whatever.
She makes her way over to the punch bowls.
Which one was the spiked one again? Oh, to hay with it.
She scoops herself another drink and trudges over to a table. She slumps down next to it, ignoring the two mares already sitting there. They both look at her in surprise. Twilight just glares down at her drink. They leave.
Good. Alone again. Nice and familiar.
Stop that. Quit being so pathetic.
Right. I'll just do that. No problem.
She gulps down some of her drink and gags loudly, almost spitting it out.
For pony's sake, what did she spike this with? Licorice?
"Bleugh!" She slides the cup away from her on the table. Drinking is the absolute last thing she wants to do right now, anyway. She sits there and glares at the cup as if it's offended her in some way, trying to put her feelings in order.
What now? The question still stands.
Rarity's right. I should just stay away from all this love stuff for a little while.
What, just give up?
No, take a break. A tactical withdrawal. Wait for another opportunity.
What if one never comes?
Then it doesn't. It's not like I really have another choice right now. Applejack is a no-go.
That just leaves... Fluttershy? Pinkie Pie?
She lets out a bitter chuckle.
Why am I so fixated on my own friends?
It makes sense. I know them. I trust them. Of course I'm drawn to them.
It's still a bad idea. I should have learned that lesson by now.
But that means I have to find somepony else. Where am I going to find somepony else?
Gee, if only there was some kind of fun gathering where single ponies could be found.
Twilight sighs. Her drive, all her reserves of confidence, all of it seems to be depleted. She feels exhausted.
I should just find Spike and go home.
"Twilight Sparkle! Hi."
Twilight's eyes snap up.
"Cheerilee?"
"Do you mind if I join you?" she asks.
Just go home, Twilight. This isn't your night.
"No, please do," Twilight says instead.
The pink mare sits down next to her. "I'm sorry to say this, but you look almost as put out as last time I saw you," Cheerilee says.
Twilight's head jogs through her memories quickly, trying to sort through all the bigger recent events. Then it hits her.
"Oh! I... I'm sorry, I kind of ditched you. That night. I didn't mean to."
"I figured. You looked like you had some other things going on. I understand." Cheerilee looks like she really does. Not a hint of sadness in her expression.
Twilight smiles back, but she has trouble finding more words. She feels absolutely worthless.
Why is she even sitting with me?
"So..." Cheerilee says.
"Sorry. You're right, I'm kind of a mess tonight, too," Twilight mumbles.
Cheerilee laughs a little, trying to break the tension. "I guess I'll ask again. Do you want to talk about it? Or maybe I can help you take your mind off it."
"I don't want to be a bother."
"Twilight, I'm a schoolteacher. Picking up messes is a big part of my job."
Twilight smiles weakly at her, but she can't bring herself to talk. Cheerilee suddenly looks very secretive, glancing over her shoulders quickly.
"Does it have something to do with your mission to try out mares?" she says quietly, leaning in closer to Twilight.
"How do you know about that?"
"My friends and I heard you talking in the spa. I mean... we didn't mean to. But you were a bit loud."
"Oh." Twilight's ears burn. "Right."
Cheerilee takes a long pull at her drink and looks away, like she's choosing her words. Hesitant.
"Have you... have you found anyone?" she asks after a short pause.
"Definitely not," Twilight says immediately, glaring down at her drink again.
"I see." Cheerilee rests her hooves on the table, examining them closely. "I suppose I'm sorry."
"You suppose?"
What the hay is that supposed to mean?
"Well, you... you really helped me realize some things. When I heard you talking that day. I've been meaning to ask you about it for a while, but I haven't gotten the chance."
"Oh?" Twilight barely looks up from the table.
"Some things I've been struggling with lately. Some things I didn't understand. About myself. And then you and your friends talked about that number scale and it just... it just made sense. It all made sense. Thanks to you," Cheerilee says.
Twilight Sparkle snorts sarcastically. "Don't worry about it, Cheerilee. You're making me blush over here," she says.
"You aren't used to this kind of thing by now? You're practically a town hero, you know."
This time Twilight really does blush.
Well, what can I say? Twilight Sparkle. Helping ponies everywhere.
"It's no big deal. I'm not better than anypony else," she says.
"You are, Twilight. To me. You really helped me." Cheerilee is staring at her intensely, and Twilight gets a little uncomfortable.
Her eyes are nice and all, but... what is going on? I don't remember the Ursa Minor going after the schoolhouse or anything.
"No... no problem," Twilight says, a little uneasily.
Cheerilee bites her lip, looking a little scared. "I... discovered, recently... that I like mares," she says, almost whispering it. "Because of you."
"...Thanks?" Twilight says, getting even more uncomfortable. Cheerilee gives her the kind of deadpan look that Twilight didn't think the schoolteacher was capable of.
"I like mares. Because of you." Cheerilee stares into her on that last word. Twilight's mind draws a total blank for a second, and then the slightest inkling of a suspicion leaks in.
Waaaaaaaaaaiiiiiiiit a minute...
Twilight blinks once. Then twice.
"I thought you would be a little quicker on the uptake," Cheerilee says, looking a bit annoyed.
"You like me?" Twilight says, loudly.
Cheerilee winces, looking around her. "Yes. I... Twilight." Cheerilee takes a deep breath, visibly relaxing. "I've had a thing for you for a while now."
Twilight just keeps blinking.
Wha... me? Why?
"Oh, it feels so good to finally just say it!" Cheerilee says, louder now, apparently forgetting her shame from before. "I have a thing for Twilight Sparkle. Ha!" She stares off into the party, beaming.
"Cheerilee, I... why didn't you say anything?" Twilight says, her senses slowly catching up to events.
"I don't know." She looks down at the table. "I didn't know what to do. I've never felt this way about a mare before. I didn't know if you were like that either, until recently. I... I didn't know what to say."
Their eyes meet for a long moment. Twilight sees her as if for the first time. Green. Bright green, shining eyes. They almost clash with her coat. Almost.
"Do you want to..." Twilight starts to say.
Wait.
"Yes?" Cheerilee leans closer, hanging on her words.
Wait! Don't do this to her! You're a disaster area! Run away, Cheerilee!
"I don't know," Twilight stops herself short.
"Oh." Cheerilee visibly shrinks.
You fool! What are you doing! Take her!
"No, no, not like that!" Twilight touches her hoof on the table. "I just had kind of a rough patch lately. I was about to give up on dating for a little while."
"Oh, I've been there." Cheerilee shakes her head. "Sometimes I get scared I really will end up being a single old school marm. But you can't give up, Twilight."
"Even if you really hurt someone? Or they hurt you?" Twilight asks.
Cheerilee lays her hoof over Twilight's. "I've been there, too. Too many times. But..." Cheerilee closes her eyes. Now Twilight is hanging on her words. Something is going on here, some weird form of magic she can't comprehend. She feels hypnotized. Cheerilee opens her eyes again.
"For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love," she says.
Twilight's jaw almost drops to the floor.
I KNOW I've heard that before somewhere...
It hits her almost physically when she realizes.
"You read Colt Sagan?" Twilight gasps out.
"Oh!" Cheerilee jolts in surprise, then smiles. "You read Colt Sagan? I just adore his work."
I've never met another pony who even HEARD of Colt Sagan.
Something deep and feral completely usurps Twilight's mind. Her heart rate picks up. Butterflies explode in her stomach. She can almost feel her mouth watering.
She wants this mare. Now.
"Do you wanna dance?" Twilight says, putting on her most seductive smile yet. It has a visible effect on Cheerilee.
"Oh... now?" She blushes somehow through that dark pink coat. Nothing has ever looked cuter to Twilight.
"Sure. Let's go." Twilight pulls at her hoof.
"You aren't worried about ponies seeing us?" Cheerilee says. "I mean... that's kind of silly to worry, isn't it?"
"I think so," Twilight says, full of certainty. "Besides, Lyra and Bon-Bon have been grinding on each other over there for like, an hour, and nopony's bothering them. Aren't they your friends?"
Cheerilee nods. "Bon-Bon is. Oh, I bet she's so embarrassed right now. She hates showing off in public like that."
"How do you feel about showing off in public?" Twilight raises an eyebrow at her.
"I could get used to it." Cheerilee looks at her with her eyes half-closed, just smoking. Twilight almost tackles her to the floor right then and there, but she holds back. She pulls Cheerilee up onto her hooves.
"Come on," Twilight says. They walk together towards a small crowd of ponies, dancing in a space where customer's tables usually sit. They meld into the crowd effortlessly, walking side by side.
Twilight pauses at first, remembering that she has no idea what she's doing. Cheerilee has no such qualms. She segues from walking to dancing effortlessly, wading into the rhythm. She's not particularly graceful – she dances with an easy, sloppy, fun bounce. It reminds Twilight of the way Pinkie dances. Not a care in the world.
This is the part where I get all awkward. This is the part where I...
Cheerilee is dancing right next to her, eyes closed, thick bangs bouncing around her face. She looks happy.
She looks perfect.
Twilight is dancing with her and she's not even sure when she started. Something strange is happening here. It didn't take her whole minutes to get comfortable. She didn't worry about the ponies around her watching. It didn't take a conscious effort to get her hooves moving.
It's like nothing Twilight's ever done. It's as natural as walking. As breathing. They move together with the beat, and when Cheerilee opens her eyes and looks at her it's almost too much. She moves up to Cheerilee's side and leans into her dance partner. Their bodies slide together. The soft curls of her mane press against Twilight's face. Her coat warms against Twilight's. Her rump pushes against Twilight's flanks, soft and firm. She's about the same size as Twilight, but thick.
Thick? That sounds so mean. Like I'm calling her fat. What other word is there?
Curvy? That's it. She's thick and curvy. Voluptuous.
That's probably how Pinkie's going to look in a few years.
She pushes her thoughts away. She leans her head against Cheerilee's, the sides of their heads touching, and they just sway together. Twilight closes her eyes.
She's so soft...
She opens her eyes occasionally. She's vaguely aware of seeing her friends here and there. Rainbow Dash nodding at her triumphantly from the ceiling. Rarity smiling at her from across the room, looking satisfied. Applejack giving her a cheeky smile and winking. Pinkie must be dancing somewhere, she can hear her whooping in the background. And Fluttershy must be... wait, where is Fluttershy?
Oh, whatever... she's her own mare. I'm busy.
She feels Cheerilee's tail curl around her own as they dance. She nickers quietly and flicks her ears. Cheerilee responds in kind. It's the best thing in the world.
• • •
"Well! That was... that was really fun, Twilight."
They're standing just outside Sugarcube Corner. The party is winding down. Spike is resting on Twilight's back, snoring loudly.
Twilight looks at her for a long time. She's completely exhausted. They're both practically worked up into a lather.
"Yeah... you know what? It was," Twilight says, smiling at her.
"I haven't done anything like that in a long time," Cheerilee says. Her eyes look at Twilight longingly.
Ugh, I'm sooooo tired... doesn't matter. Doesn't matter at all.
Her wild desire for Cheerilee has only grown stronger as the night wore on. That confidence is back, from wherever it goes to hide.
"So..." she says. "You wanna walk home with me?"
"Walk home?" Cheerilee gives her a pretty damn sexy look. "Is that all?"
Wow, she's good!
"Heh heh... uh... well..." Twilight stammers, her tail flicking around.
"I would love to," Cheerilee says, her smile turning innocent all of a sudden. "Some other time."
"Huh?" Twilight's tail drops.
"I have to work tomorrow. I really shouldn't."
"Oh."
She leans forward and kisses Twilight on the cheek, so quickly and lightly that it's almost painful.
"But I want to see you again. How's next Friday?"
"Good! Next Friday is good!" Twilight blurts out, feeling dumb.
"It's a date." Cheerilee turns to walk away, looking at Twilight over her shoulder. Twilight tries with all her might not to, but her eyes are glued to Cheerilee's flanks.
"Goodnight, Twilight," she says.
"Goodnight," Twilight manages to say. Cheerilee watches her as she walks away, flicking her tail. Twilight's eyes follow it unconsciously, powerless to resist. The fuschia mare gives her one last satisfied smile and turns away, trotting down the street.
"Wow." Twilight stands there for a few moments, just soaking in the night. She's already said goodnight to her friends. She mindlessly turns and starts to walk home.
THAT is how you cure heartbreak. Shoot, that is how you cure ANYTHING. I bet I could cure cancer if I could just figure out a way to bottle that flank...
She shakes her head, giggling at her own naughty thoughts. She feels giddy. The night is beautiful again.
I'm going to do this right. We're going on a date and I'm doing this right and treating her right and nopony's getting hurt.
Her heart beats faster just thinking about it.
Is this love? Have I finally found it?
Is it?
I don't know. I don't care. It's amazing.
She feels movement on her back. Spike stirs and shakes, then yelps and falls into the dirt.
"Spike?" She stops walking.
"ACK!" Spike coughs a few times, blinking awake, then burps a gout of green flame. A scroll appears out of the fire. Twilight snatches it out of the air with her magic.
"Aw, jeez." Spike coughs some more, wiping his tired eyes. "A letter? At night? This better be good."
Twilight ignores his grumbling and opens the scroll. It's strange – just a plain parchment, lacking the usual royal seal and formal letterhead. She reads by the light of her horn.
My Most Faithful Student,
I've been hesitant to contact you since I learned what happened. I don't want you to feel like I'm smothering you. Quite the opposite – you are an adult, and I know you can handle yourself. But I worry for you.
I wish to speak with you in person. Let me know what time would be convenient for me to stop by. Unfortunately I have commitments over the next few days, but sometime next week should be fine.
Please don't hold hatred in your heart towards my sister. I know it can be easy to do so at a time like this. And I know she can be inscrutable. I trust you'll understand.
HRH,
Princess Celestia
"Wow," Twilight says again.
"What is it?" Spike says, dusting himself off.
"It's from Celestia. But I've never seen something from her so... informal."
"Is everything okay?"
I guess so? Why is she sending this so late? Deal with it in the morning, I guess.
"I think so." Twilight rolls up the scroll, handing it to Spike. She crouches down so he can jump on her back more easily. He snuggles into her coat, trying to go back to sleep as quickly as possible.
"Did you have fun tonight, Spike?" she asks.
"...Yeah. Did you?" he mumbles.
"You could say that." Twilight giggles.
Spike doesn't respond. Twilight checks over her shoulder that he isn't going to fall off again. He looks fine. She trots down the street, headed home.
|
SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 13 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:44:51+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:44:51+00:00
| 19,339 |
It's the end of the market day – the square is emptying out, and ponies all along its edges are packing up their stalls. Restaurants are taking one last relaxed breath before the evening rush. Other ponies are going home to unwind before getting dinner or going out for the night.
Not Twilight Sparkle. She gets a look of smug determination.
Twilight Sparkle is on a mission.
"Oh! Applejack! Hi," she says.
Applejack turns to her with her eyes, her mouth still locked around part of her cart. She mumbles out some kind of greeting while pulling a wooden shelf and locking it into place.
"Looks like you did well today," Twilight says. The cart is almost empty. Only a few lonely specimens of vegetable remain.
"Boy howdy, did we ever! Folks can't get enough o' the Apple family's crop," Applejack says.
"I know I can't." Twilight giggles a little.
Applejack gives her a funny look for just a second. "...Yeah. Anyways... you got yer big date tonight?" she says.
"Yes! On my way right now!" Twilight poses confidently, shaking the saddlebags on her back.
"Well good luck to ya! You deserve a break already."
"Thanks, AJ. I should get going though, so you have a..." Twilight turns to walk away, when something jumps up out of the back of her mind. "Actually, can I ask you something real quick?" she says.
"Sure thing, sugarcube. What's eatin' you?" Applejack says as she throws a tarp over her folded-up cart.
"It's about your brother."
Applejack freezes mid-job and then throws the longest, most exasperated sigh Twilight has ever seen. She turns around, looking very tired all of a sudden.
"Please tell me you ain't about to ask 'bout sleepin' with him."
"What?!" Twilight does a double take. "I wasn't planning on it."
"Oh!" Applejack's demeanor changes entirely, back to proud farmer. "Really?"
"No, I swear."
"That's a nice change."
"Hey!" Twilight gets very annoyed very fast.
I thought we were done with all that.
"No, no, I meant... not you. It's just other mares are always... y'know what, never you mind." Applejack finishes packing up her cart, tightening a few ropes with her mouth.
"I was just a little curious about him. Rainbow Dash and Rarity said some things... I won't pry if it's private," Twilight says.
"Ugh, those two." Applejack snorts. "Don't pay them no heed. And it is a bit private, if you don't mind."
"Is he dating anyone?" Twilight pries, despite what she said a moment ago.
"Not lately. I seen to that."
"What? Why?"
Applejack just grunts. Twilight, more confused than ever, decides to push on.
"Dash said that you..." She hesitates, feeling rude. But her curiosity overrides it. "She said you wouldn't let her ask him out."
"For her own good!" Applejack stomps a hoof into the dirt, hard. "You know I love 'im, but that big lug ain't allowed nowhere near my friends until –"
Applejack halts mid-word, looking shocked at herself.
"Sorry, Twi, I don't really much wanna talk about this right now. You got your date and all with..." She narrows her eyes for just a second before catching herself. "With that lovely schoolteacher. You just have a good time tonight."
What's all this now?
Darn it, every question just leads to new questions!
Why am I the last to know everything?
"Y'know, Twilight, yer still new in town. Compared to the rest of us, I mean. Lot o' stuff went on that you missed," Applejack says, again somehow answering Twilight's thoughts.
Mind-reading must be another Apple family tradition.
"Is there anything I should know about Cheerilee?" Twilight asks, sitting down. She steels herself up for the worst, whatever it could be.
"What?! No, oh gosh no, nothin' like that." Applejack chuckles a little. "Cheerilee is... why, she really is lovely, far as I know. If I was you, I'd be on my best behavior. Girl like that's a keeper."
"Oh." Twilight suddenly feels a little pressure – not the good kind. The stress kind.
Best behavior?
"Well I'm glad Applejack approves, at least." Twilight meant it as a joke, but it sounds catty the moment it hits the air. Applejack's eyes confirm her fears.
"Look..." Applejack sighs again. "I suppose Ah should explain about Mac. Some other time." She hitches herself to her cart, sliding into a worn collar with practiced ease. "It ain't what you think. It's just... well, there's some history there, I guess. Don't you fret over it tonight."
"I'll try," Twilight says.
"I mean it." Applejack puts a hoof on her shoulder for a moment. "Now you go sweep that mare off her hooves like I know you will!"
Applejack sets off with her cart. Twilight smiles weakly as they say quick goodbyes.
Best... behavior?
She hadn't felt a single bit of nervousness all day. Until this very moment.
No, no, for once in your life don't over-think something! Cheerilee likes you, you like her, this is going to go well!
She nods at nothing in particular, looking determined again. She sets off towards the schoolhouse.
• • •
Huge, ornate doors open before her, pulled by the Royal Guard. Twilight suppresses the shaking of her hooves and tries to hold still. Look proper. The Princess is there, at the top of a staircase, looking down at her with all the love and warmth she's famous for.
"Twilight Sparkle. My most faithful student."
Twilight bows quickly, then almost runs to her mentor. She nuzzles against Celestia's leg as she always does. The monarch's usual audience always found this kind of familiarity distasteful. Twilight learned a long time ago not to care.
"I'm so glad you could make it. Are you sure it wasn't any trouble for you to come here? I had intended to come visit you, after all," Celestia says.
"No, I wanted to come. It's been a long time since I visited," Twilight says, fondly remembering the letter where Celestia had agreed with her suggestion.
"How are your parents?"
"Good. Like always."
"I'm glad." Celestia turns and walks down one of the palace's many marble halls, beckoning Twilight to follow. "I know they've missed you. As I have missed you."
Twilight falls in along the Princess, beaming at her. She's had dreams like this, talking with her, being at the center of her attention. Her recent sadness is a distant echo. A shade, banished by this beautiful light.
• • •
There's nopony waiting outside the schoolhouse when she gets there. Twilight pauses and scrunches her nose up. Cheerilee said she'd be waiting outside. She walks closer.
Surprisingly, Twilight hears voices from inside the schoolhouse. She catches glimpses of some kind of activity through the windows. Her curiosity doubled, she walks in without hesitation.
"Hey there Miss Twilight!" Apple Bloom looks up from a paper on her desk and waves. Twilight smiles and nods back at her.
A handful of students are scattered around the room, absorbed in their various projects. Cheerilee is at her desk at the head of the class, her head almost buried in papers. Her ears twitch at Apple Bloom's greeting. She looks up and sees Twilight, briefly panics and glances at the clock, then composes herself.
"Hi!" she says, not getting up.
"Hi." Twilight looks around her. "I thought the school day ended hours ago?"
"It did." Cheerilee suddenly looks very worried. "I'm really sorry. I swear I'll just be a few more minutes. Do you mind waiting?"
"No problem." Twilight smiles, trying to put the teacher at ease. She really doesn't mind. She idly walks around the edges of the classroom, taking it in. It smells of chalk and new books. Maps, charts, and posters line the walls. It gives her a kind of heady thrill just being here, reminding her of her childhood in Canterlot. Of the Princess.
A telescope is propped up on a shelf next to her, pointed out the window. It's a smaller, cheaper model than Twilight's own back at the library, but she fiddles with it anyway. It occupies her attention completely for a little while – just messing with the various knobs, getting a feel for how it's different from hers.
"...Twilight Sparkle."
Her ears swivel towards Cheerilee.
"Huh?"
"I said that's really something she should ask Twilight Sparkle." Cheerilee nods towards a unicorn filly standing near her desk. "If you don't mind, that is."
"Of course not!" Twilight smugly walks up to the teacher's desk, squeezing past Diamond Tiara. Diamond Tiara is grudgingly writing "I will not call other fillies lower-class ingrates" on the black board for the hundredth time, and she makes a special effort to get in Twilight's way.
Twilight hardly notices. She's giddy, thrilled at the chance to educate a young mind.
Why am I not a teacher? I bet this is great!
"So... what can I help you with?" She looks down at the young unicorn.
"How old were you when you did magic for the first time?" the filly asks.
Twilight is horrified to feel a slight tinge of disappointment. She'd been hoping to get the chance to lecture about something more complicated.
"I was a little younger than you, I suppose," she says, not betraying a trace of her thoughts. "It was right before I got my cutie mark."
"Aww..." The filly sinks as if struck. "But I've had my cutie mark for a whole year!"
She turns and practically shoves her flank into Twilight's face, startling the purple unicorn. A small pink flower adorns the young one's side.
"Usually a unicorn's magic has something to do with their special talent. Have you tried focusing your horn on flowers?" Twilight says.
"...not really," the filly says.
"What about just basic levitation?"
The filly sulks, staring at the floor.
"Have you read any beginner's guides? It's not like getting your mark, you know. It takes study. Practice."
The filly sulks even harder.
"Don't worry," Apple Bloom says from her desk. "Ah'm sure you'll figure it out soon enough."
The young unicorn glares at Apple Bloom.
"Hmph." She gathers up her saddlebag and trots out the door for home, nose up in the air. Apple Bloom glares back at her as she leaves, then goes back to her work like nothing happened.
Well what was all that about?
Twilight turns her attention to Cheerilee, still busily going through papers. She looks like she's grading them, obviously in a bit of a rush. Twilight looks out over the students' desks in front of her, again imagining herself as a teacher, a beacon of knowledge. It makes her smile, even as students are slowly filtering out.
"Miss Cheerileeeeeeeeee!" Snails brays out, walking up to the teacher's desk.
"Miss Cheerilee! Miss Cheerilee!" Snips waddles along after him.
Cheerilee freezes, her face hidden from the two behind a stack of papers. She makes an annoyed glare for just a moment, a perfect "what is it THIS time" face. Then she forces it away and shows them her usual matronly smile.
"Yes?" she says.
"Uhh... well..." Snails says.
"Is it okay if we turn in our project tomorrow?" Snips says.
Cheerilee sighs a little, looking like she's containing a vicious eye-roll. "I suppose Monday would be fine. But you'll lose points for being late," she says.
"What? Miss Cheerilee..." Snails whines.
"But we tried extra hard! Can't we just turn it in late this one time?" Snips offers.
"Now, boys, we've been over this many, many times. I'm sorry, but that's the rule," Cheerilee says, stern but not mean. Twilight nods in appreciation, eagerly spectating.
"Yes, Miss Cheerilee," the two colts say in unison. They leave to pack up and go home, hanging their heads.
"No exceptions, huh?" Twilight says to Cheerilee, not trying at all to contain her admiration.
"They've had plenty of time." This time the teacher does roll her eyes.
Diamond Tiara spits out a piece of chalk. "There. Can I go now?" she says.
Cheerilee scans the board quickly. "Did you clean the erasers? Last time they were barely done."
"Yes." The pink filly narrows her eyes. Cheerilee pokes an eraser, sending a cloud of chalk dust poofing out. She raises an eyebrow at Diamond Tiara.
"Ugh. I cleaned them. And I'm going to be late for my polo lesson. And if I'm late again you'll be hearing from my father," she says, stomping her little hoof.
"Right, of course, your father." Cheerilee rests her forehead on a hoof, looking very tired. "I suppose that's enough for today. You can go."
Diamond Tiara trots out the door, holding her snout up high. Twilight is surprised to notice that the only student left is Apple Bloom. Applejack's sister looks cautiously around the room, making sure she really is the last one to leave. She puts on her bags and carries her paper up to Cheerilee's desk.
"I made this for you, Miss Cheerilee," she says. It's a crude drawing of a fuchsia-colored blob with stubby legs. The words, "MIS CHEERILEE" are written across the top in crayon.
"It's lovely, Apple Bloom. Thank you," Cheerilee says, rolling the paper up and sticking it in a saddlebag.
"You aren't going to hang it up or anything?" Twilight asks. Apple Bloom looks at her in complete terror.
"No, I'll put it up at home," Cheerilee says. Apple Bloom relaxes.
"An' I brought you this, too." Apple Bloom pulls a plump red apple from her bag and puts it on Cheerilee's desk. "An' this one's from mah sis. An' this one's from Granny."
"Thank you very much, Apple Bloom. Tell them I appreciated it," Cheerilee says.
"What, nothing from Big Macintosh?" Twilight says.
"Hey, yeah!" Apple Bloom suddenly looks very thoughtful. "How come he never gives me nothin' for you? I thought you two were friends. Why, I'm gonna get on his case about this one."
"No! That's quite alright, Apple Bloom," Cheerilee says, smiling far too much. "I'm sure he's just busy."
"Well alright. Bye Miss Cheerilee! Bye Miss Twilight!" Apple Bloom trots out the door. The schoolhouse is quiet again, if a bit of a mess.
Twilight watches her go, then turns back to the teacher. She's surprised to see Cheerilee staring sadly after Apple Bloom. Twilight raises an eyebrow at her and starts to speak, but Cheerilee puts a hoof to her own lips, signaling for silence. She waits until the door closes completely and Apple Bloom is a good ways down the road.
"The other students used to make fun of her a lot. Called her a teacher's pet. When they weren't calling her a blank flank," Cheerilee says, looking forlorn. "There's only so much I can do without making it worse, you know?"
Cheerilee sighs and leans on her desk. Twilight feels the urge to reach out to her, but she hesitates for some reason, biting her lip. Bitter memories of her own come welling up.
"She's a very special girl. I love all my students. I really do, even the ones that make it difficult. But Apple Bloom is a really good kid." Cheerilee sweeps the apples into her bag and gathers her papers up.
"I know what you mean," Twilight says. "She's lucky to have you for a teacher."
Cheerilee pauses and smiles at Twilight, looking relieved. "I'm sorry I kept you waiting. It's just... Friday. All the students want their things taken care of before the weekend starts. There's a lot to sort through."
"We can meet some other time. If you're busy," Twilight says, hoping with all her might that her suggestion is ignored.
"Oh, no! No no, I need this. It's been quite a week. And I don't want to keep you waiting any longer." Cheerilee's eyes after that last sentence send Twilight's stomach floating up into her chest. Twilight reaches into her bag with magic, readying her surprise.
Best behavior, right?
"I brought you something, too." She levitates her gift out towards the teacher.
"Oh my... Twilight!" Cheerilee's eyes go wide, she's practically glowing. She takes the bunch of flowers in her hooves like an eager foal on Hearth's Warming Eve. "I... I can't even remember the last time somepony gave me flowers!"
"You like them?" Twilight says, blushing a little.
"They're beautiful." Cheerilee takes a deep breath of them, sighing in pleasure. "I love blue pansies. How did you know?"
"I didn't." Twilight thinks back to the flower shop. She was about to just randomly pick a bunch, but she wisely asked the pony behind the counter to help her choose.
"Do you mind if I try one now?" Cheerilee says.
"Of course not."
Cheerilee sniffs at a particularly choice-looking blossom and then crunches it down in one bite, closing her eyes and moaning a little. Twilight feels her face flush. A slight twitch dances through her tail as she watches Cheerilee's lips move with her chewing.
Is this... am I really that attracted to HER, or is watching somepony eating flowers sexier than I thought it would be?
Either way... definitely working some kind of magic. Cheerilee swallows and offers her the bouquet.
"Do you want one?"
"Maybe later. We have a dinner reservation, after all." Twilight lowers her eyelids, amazed at how smooth that sounded.
"Oh?" Cheerilee's eyes go even wider. "Really?"
"Yup." Twilight folds her ears back, floating back down to her usual self. "Is that okay? I know I didn't ask first or anything."
Cheerilee gives her a "don't be silly" smile and pecks her on the cheek quickly. Twilight catches the briefest whiff of something sweet in the other mare's mane. Her momentary nervousness vanishes.
"That sounds perfect. Don't tell me where we're going, I want to be surprised," Cheerilee says.
Oh, you'll be surprised.
"You ready?" Twilight says.
"As I'll ever be." Cheerilee gathers her saddlebags and they leave together, side by side.
• • •
"So... you wanted to talk?" Twilight asks.
Celestia nods, closing her eyes for a long time. "Leave us."
Guards and attendants obey instantly, backing away with their heads lowered. In seconds they are alone. The only sounds are the bubbling of the waterfalls around them and the occasional chirping of birds.
Celestia pauses for a long time. She looks very serious, collecting her thoughts. Twilight tries to be patient, tries not to show how completely she's hanging on the Princess' next words. She looks around them at the beauty of the Royal Gardens. She wonders again why she never spent more time here.
"I must have woken Spike," Celestia says suddenly. "When I sent that letter. I hope he wasn't too upset."
"He's fine," Twilight says, like the very idea of Spike being upset were ridiculous. "Is everything alright?"
"I had just spoken with my sister when I sent it. I felt I needed to say something. Perhaps that was brash."
"No! No, no. I appreciated it," Twilight says, not sure exactly what she was appreciating.
"I'm glad." Celestia closes her eyes for a long time. Twilight isn't sure if she's supposed to say something, so she just sits there. The Princess opens her eyes again and looks right at her.
"How are you?" Celestia asks.
"I'm... good?" Twilight asks, nervous suspicion creeping into her voice.
"I've worried for you," Celestia says. "Luna said you were upset with her."
Twilight narrows her eyes at the mention of that name.
"I'm okay. I'm fine. Really," she says.
"I thought you might say that." Celestia smiles again.
"My friends helped. They were really there for me."
"I knew they would be. I'm happy to hear it."
Another awkward pause.
Am I supposed to say something? What do I do? Just talk to her. She'll understand. She always understands.
"...It did hurt," Twilight says. "It still hurts. Sometimes."
Celestia bows her head, solemn and quiet.
"The pain of heartbreak can be devastating. I hoped that you would never know it. A fool's hope. But I hoped all the same."
"I'm fine." Twilight scoots closer to the Princess, smiling up at her. "I'm over it. I've moved on."
"Moved on?" Celestia raises her eyebrows.
"Yes. I have a date this Friday."
"Ha! Not two weeks hence, and you find another. I envy your youth, Twilight. Your heart is strong. Resilient." Celestia strokes Twilight's mane with a hoof. Twilight trembles in awe, overwhelmed by her compliments, by the very idea that the Princess could ever envy small, insignificant Twilight Sparkle.
• • •
"Twilight, I... I don't even know what to say. Just... wow."
Cheerilee darts her eyes around, oozing cautious excitement. They're sitting at a table covered in a cloth of the finest linen, adorned with luxurious china and candles. Elegant piano music floats through the room. A dark, lacquered wooden crest on the wall spells out one word in fancy, florid cursive.
Horsia's.
"I've never been here before," Cheerliee says.
"Me neither. But my friends said this was the most impressive restaurant in Ponyville. And... I wanted to impress you, I guess," Twilight says, fumbling with the napkin in front of her.
Right? That's what you do on dates. Right? Am I doing it right?
"Well, A+ on that front, Twilight." Cheerilee gives her a sultry look for a second. Twilight just about melts into her seat. Her date speaks again before she can recover.
"I mean... you know nopony can get a reservation here, right? That's all I've ever heard about this place," Cheerilee says. She leans closer to Twilight, almost whispering. "How did you do it?"
"Oh, it was nothing. I may have called in a favor from the mayor. And I might've even dropped the name of a Princess or two," Twilight says, trying to look innocent.
Cheerilee giggles, teasing the rim of her water glass. "Goodness. I had no idea I was going out with such a powerful mare."
I had no idea I WAS one. Look at me, all mare about town!
"I guess that's not actually true," Cheerilee continues. "Everypony talks about you, Twilight. You've done so many amazing things."
"Heh... uh... well... it's not..." Twilight gets the urge to hide under the table. "Sorry, I didn't mean to sound like that. I'm really nothing special."
"If you say so," Cheerilee says. Her eyes make her a liar. That melting feeling attacks Twilight again, and she fights to keep words coming.
"What about you?" She pauses for an awkward grin. "How long have you been teaching?"
"A few years now. It's been so good to be home," Cheerilee says.
"Home? Do you live with your family?" Twilight asks.
"No, I have my own place."
Is that right?
Twilight holds back a predatory eye waggle.
"I spent some time in Fillydelphia. When I went to college," Cheerilee says. "I loved it, but by the end I really just wanted to come back here. Maybe that's boring or something. I don't know."
"No, I get it," Twilight says. "I love Ponyville. I couldn't imagine living somewhere else now, and I've only been here a year and a half."
"But you moved here from Canterlot, right?" Cheerilee says. Twilight nods. "Doesn't it seem kind of... quiet? Small?"
"Maybe. I like it, though. Maybe it suits me."
Maybe it's more about the ponies you know than the places you're at.
"I guess this kind of high-society place reminds you of home?" Cheerilee says. "Gosh, I bet this place is nothing compared to what you've seen in Canterlot."
"Actually..." Twilight remembers the complete opulence behind the palace walls, but doesn't want to brag. She tries to dredge up something about the rest of Canterlot and comes up strangely empty.
"This isn't my usual kind of place, honestly." Twilight finally recognizes and accepts that nagging tickle in the back of her mind, her own discomfort at the formality all around them. "I didn't go out much before I moved here."
"I know how that feels." Cheerilee looks very tired for a moment. "I love my job, but sometimes I really feel married to it."
Not quite what I meant, but no reason to make her think any different...
Twilight shoves aside memories of many long years alone with her studies. Conversation is a thing, a thing she can do now with almost normal competence.
"I never knew teaching was such an intensive job. Are you there that late every day?" she asks.
"Almost. It's not... it's not always a job like that. It is what you make it, I guess." Cheerilee taps her front hooves together, thinking. "Lots of teachers get away with a normal work week. But if you want to do it right, you have to put time in."
"I really respect that," Twilight says. "You seem so passionate about it."
"My students are everything to me. I could never treat it like just a job," Cheerilee says, determination glinting in her eyes. Twilight can't think of anything to follow that. Cheerilee almost looks likes she wished she hadn't said it.
They both pause for a few moments – it's a weird kind of awkward pause. Twilight is used to being the one who doesn't really know what to say, but she can tell Cheerilee is doing the same thing. It feels odd.
"To be honest, this isn't really my usual kind of place, either," Cheerilee says suddenly. She does a double take the moment she's said it, grinning nervously. "Not that I don't appreciate it! I'm really happy you brought me here."
"No, I know what you mean, I really do. I should've warned you or something... I feel like we're kind of under-dressed." Twilight looks around at the crowd, noticing yet again that everypony else is in formal attire.
"Yes, I had that thought... I don't think it really matters, though. I'm with you, after all."
Twilight knows she was trying to say something else, but those words go right to her heart anyway. She just stares back at Cheerilee.
I've probably got some kind of dumb look on my face.
But she can't stop staring at her date's bright green eyes. Or her mane, her thick, lovely curls, that two-tone mop of pink and darker pink. Pink never seemed like such a beautiful color until now.
The waiter interrupts her reverie, dropping two silver plates before them without a word. He leaves silently, never breaking his snooty facade.
"This looks... uh... lovely!" Cheerilee says, sounding just a bit forced.
"It does look nice," Twilight says, staring at her plate.
"You don't like it?"
"I'm really hungry. I guess I thought I would get more than two bites' worth."
"Ha!" Cheerilee sighs in relief. "I'm so glad you said something. It's like there's an inverse relationship between price and quantity sometimes."
"It's really just outside certain thresholds. Probably more like a bell curve," Twilight says.
"Yes! Exactly."
"The service is kind of underwhelming, too." Twilight glares at their waiter. He's standing across the room, pointedly doing nothing.
"I know! It's like we're paying them to leave us alone." Cheerilee does a little halting double take again, clearly terrified of her own mouth. "Well I guess... I guess that's kind of the point, actually."
"Ugh, you're right. Sometimes I wonder at the things my friends tell me." Twilight shakes her head. "Next time we should do something more casual."
"Don't be so hard on yourself. This was really sweet. I never get to do things like this." Cheerilee reaches across the table and taps Twilight's foreleg lightly. "Besides, who said anything about a next time?"
"Huh?" Twilight sputters, fighting to change gears. "But – you..."
"Kidding." Cheerilee smiles at her mischievously. Her hoof touches Twilight's again, and stays there this time. Twilight breathes a sigh of relief.
She puts her other hoof over Cheerilee's, and they lock eyes for a long moment. Their food is almost forgotten. It doesn't matter. Twilight smiles, time is standing still, the whole universe turning on this moment with...
...her.
• • •
"So... tell me about this new love of yours, my student."
Twilight blushes. She feels caught somehow, like she shouldn't divulge. She laughs inside at how ridiculous that feeling is.
"Well, I don't know if it's love. I don't know her that well. This is my first real date."
"Your first real date?" Celestia looks amused.
"Well... something was always weird before. There was a blind date. And then Braeburn just kind of fell into my lap. I mean – ! Uh... we just kind of met. By chance. Is what I meant." Twilight blushes even harder. Celestia rolls her eyes and titters at her.
"You're adorable sometimes, Twilight." She sips at a cup of tea, reminding Twilight that her own cup is growing cold. "This date is something you have planned. You've taken the initiative. It's all truly in your hooves for the first time. And it's not one of your friends, for once. It's no wonder you're nervous."
Twilight gawks at the Princess for a moment. "...Yes, I guess I am nervous." She traces her eyes over the stone patterns on the floor. "Can you really read me that well?"
"Like a book, Twilight. I've watched you grow up, after all. Into a fine young mare."
Twilight stammers some nervous bits of words, almost breaking into a sweat. She gives up and just grins at Celestia.
"You have planned it, haven't you?" Celestia asks.
"Oh! Actually, I didn't. I tried, but... I didn't really know what to do. So I asked my friends."
"Of course you did."
"Of course I did!" Twilight says. "We had a meeting and everything. They gave me a few different possible plans."
"And which did you choose?"
"I thought it sounded good to keep it simple and traditional. But not too simple. Just a dinner together somewhere nice."
"That sounds lovely." Celestia finishes her tea, looking like she meant every word.
• • •
It's dark out again. The night is warm and alive, the streets filled with other ponies, families or couples or groups of friends out for the weekend. Twilight and Cheerilee walk together, side by side, so close their saddlebags bump together occasionally.
"This way." Cheerilee nods her head and turns down a side road. Twilight follows, her heart beating at a high tempo. That light, floating feeling of excitement is building in her chest, different somehow from her past dates.
Is it just that it's stronger? More anticipation? More confidence? What is it?
Maybe it's just a week of looking forward to this. Maybe it's just spending a week thinking about this moment, planning it, acting it out in my head and now I'm finally here and it's happening oh my god.
This is what a date with Luna would've felt like.
No! Bad thought. Twilight turns to Cheerilee, watching her loose curls bounce as she walks. After a few seconds Cheerilee feels her stare and blushes a little, smiling in a coy way that makes Twilight's heart flutter.
"So..." Twilight starts to talk. She feels very loud and notices for the first time that this side street they've turned down is dark and quiet. The light and bustle of the road behind them feels farther away than it is. They're almost alone.
"So. This is me." Cheerilee stops in front of a small townhouse nestled along the road.
"Oh, wow. I didn't know you lived so close." Twilight stops with her, the two of them under the single light above Cheerilee's door. The library is just further down the road, almost in sight.
"Would you..." Cheerilee trails off, looking all kinds of nervous. She's practically on the edges of her hooves. It's contagious – suddenly Twilight isn't feeling that impossible confidence. They hadn't actually talked about what was happening now. They had just waltzed off together out of the restaurant, high on each other's company.
This... this is what she wanted, too. Isn't it?
"Is something wrong?" Twilight hears herself say. Cheerilee looks at her with almost panic, then relaxes. She sighs and shakes her head.
"No, nothing's wrong. This has been wonderful. It's just..." Cheerilee bites her lip softly. "I don't know. I'm not really supposed to invite you in. Not on a first date. Right?"
"What, is that a rule or something?" Twilight says, frowning.
"You would think so." Cheerilee rubs one of her own forearms, staring at Twilight's hooves. "It's kind of silly, though, isn't it?"
"It's not that silly." Twilight hangs her head a little. "I rushed into some things recently. It didn't turn out so well. Maybe..." Twilight screams at herself silently for the words forming next. "Maybe we should just take it slow."
Cheerilee gives a long, guarded sigh. "Maybe."
She looks so disappointed... was I supposed to argue? Be pushy? I don't know!
"But it's just..." they both say, almost in unison. Their eyes meet and they both smile.
"You go first," Twilight says.
"This just feels so right," Cheerilee says, looking relieved. "I hope that doesn't scare you off or something. I know we're still getting to know each other."
"Scare me off?" Twilight scoffs, feeling that weird confidence seep back in. "I think it would take a lot more than that."
Cheerilee warms up, her whole body relaxing before Twilight's eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make this all awkward," she says. "I started over-thinking it, I guess. I panicked. I do that."
I might know what that's like. Just maybe.
Twilight shakes her head, then grins as a new tack occurs to her. "If it makes you feel any better, this is technically our second date," she lies. "Last week at the party was a fine first one, I thought."
"That's sneaky." Cheerilee throws her a sly smirk. "I like it."
"Oh?"
"Mmm. I've rationalized worse things," she says. Twilight raises an eyebrow as Cheerilee opens her front door. The fuchsia mare shoots Twilight an inviting look over her shoulder.
"Would you like to come in?" she says, with a comely swish of her tail.
Yes, ma'am!
Twilight follows her in, closing the door behind her. She finds herself in a cozy little living room. Cheerilee takes off her bags and lights a few lamps around the room, revealing...
Books! My one true weakness! How did she know?
Twilight bounds across the room, not even taking her saddlebags off. A collection of mismatched bookshelves lines one wall, and she dives in like a giddy little filly, scanning the shelves as quickly as she can.
Have that one... have that one... read that one... LOVED that one... huh, never heard of that one...
"This is a pretty good collection. I'm impressed," Twilight says.
"I'm sure it can't stand up to the library's catalog." She hears Cheerilee close behind her. "Besides, they're mostly for my job. I have to know what I'm teaching, after all."
Twilight throws her a skeptical glare. "You teach elementary students about Emily Nickerson? Isn't that a little... advanced?"
"Heh, umm... okay, some of them are for my job," Cheerilee says.
Twilight turns back to that shelf. It's organized in some manner she can't decipher right away, but she's pretty sure the entire shelf is volumes of poetry. And the next one, too.
"Do you... do you like her work?" Cheerilee asks.
"Well, she was an important figure in literary history. She really influenced the rise of the modernist Equestrian schools of poetry," Twilight says.
"That's all true, but do you like her work?"
"Uh... I guess so? I honestly haven't read much of it. I was always more of a non-fiction, science and magic kind of student."
Cheerilee's jaw drops so hard it makes an audible pop. "You don't read poetry?" she says.
"...A little? I don't dislike it. I was always busy with more practical studies." Twilight panics the moment she says it. "I mean...! Not that poetry isn't... uh..."
Cheerilee shakes her head, tsking loudly.
"Oh, sweetie, this just won't do." She steps closer to the shelves and scrunches up her snout in an endlessly cute way, picking out titles in front of her. "What about Marelow? Or Neightsume?"
"I know of them." Twilight smiles, trying to look less lost than she feels. Cheerilee looks at her with something like amused pity.
"Here." She grabs a book with her mouth and offers it to Twilight. Twilight takes it with her horn, levitating it in front of her.
"The Complete Neophyte's Guide to Powerful, Passionate Poems," she reads out loud. "I think the library has this, actually. I skimmed it once."
"Well that's a good start." Cheerilee offers a second book, her eyes bugging out a little when Twilight levitates that one as well. She pulls a few more out, smiling wider as Twilight handles them all effortlessly.
"Come over here." Cheerilee quickly fluffs up some floor cushions for them, making a little pile in the middle of the living room. Twilight slides her bag off and settles down in the soft nest of pillows, laying the books out on the floor. She gasps a little when she feels Cheerilee snuggle right up to her, pulling a blanket tightly over them.
"Alright, I just want to read you some of my favorites real quick," Cheerilee says, looking at Twilight very seriously. Her expression breaks a little once she's said it. "I mean... if that's okay? I hope I'm not boring you."
"No! No, I can't wait!" Twilight says.
"Really? You didn't want to...?"
"Plenty of time for that later." Twilight unleashes the seductive smile again, sweeping her tail over Cheerilee's. "I want to hear you read."
Cheerilee grins like she's containing a girlish squeal of joy. She opens one of the books, flipping through the pages like she knows exactly what she's looking for. She clears her throat.
And then she reads. Twilight's eyes trace the movement of her lips as she speaks, and the words sink into her smoothly.
"Pillows piled high, I sit awhile.
From the night table I lift my cup.
Each morning the same sweet favor
and routine. I'm slow to leave dreams,
and who can blame me? It's warm
in bed, and you might come back."
Cheerilee finishes and looks up at Twilight, eager to read her face.
"I've loved that one since I was a filly," she says.
"It's cute." Twilight smiles at her. She thinks of the many mornings she slept in since she moved to Ponyville, badgering Spike to bring her some coffee long after she should have been up and about.
Yeah, I've known that feeling. Except for the part about having someone to wait for.
Twilight suppresses a sigh.
Isn't that why I'm here?
"Another one?" Cheerilee says.
"Please!"
Cheerilee grabs another book and flips it open, again jumping right to the page she wants.
"Come slowly—Eden
Lips unused to Thee—
Bashful—sip thy Jessamines
As the fainting Bee"
Twilight's ears twitch, and she sees nothing but Cheerilee's lips as they move delicately around the words. A naughty thrill courses through her haunches, and she's not entirely sure why.
"Reaching late his flower,
Round her chamber hums—
Counts his nectars—
Enters—and is lost in Balms."
Ohhh... wow.
Again, Twilight wonders if it's the act itself or just the pony doing the act that's turning her on so much. Or the words? Or the rhythm?
This is the most confusing turned-on I've ever been.
"I didn't really get that one when I was younger," Cheerilee says.
"I would hope not," Twilight says. "It's a little... uh..."
Cheerilee giggles, staring at her with half-open eyes. "Racy?" she says.
"I think so?" Twilight leans in closer to her face. She can almost feel Cheerilee's breath on her muzzle. Her side rubs against the older mare, sending prickles all over her skin.
"Read me another one," Twilight purrs.
"Hmm..." Cheerilee paws through her books. "This one's just regular pretty. Not naughty."
"That's okay. As long as you're reading it."
"Through all the long night
Winter moon glows with bright love
Sleet, her silver tears."
Twilight tears her eyes away from her date and examines the cushion underneath her.
"Isn't that one just beautiful?" Cheerilee gushes.
"Yeah, it's... it's pretty." Twilight forces a smile.
"What? You don't like haiku?"
"No, it's good. It's beautiful."
• • •
They walk again through endless marble and alabaster halls, flush with tapestries and stained glass. They've been chatting for hours. Twilight can't remember a time she's felt so special.
Unbelievably, something steals her attention away from Celestia. They are approaching a large blue door, adorned with symbols of the phases of the moon. Two dark-coated guards in silver armor stand at attention.
Twilight stops in front of the door, staring at it for a long time. Her mind is blank. Or perhaps she's ignoring whatever thoughts are in there.
"My sister's chambers," Celestia says. Twilight snaps back to reality, noticing that Celestia has stopped with her.
"She can't show her face around the palace with me here?" Twilight says, unable to keep coldness from creeping into her voice.
"She is sleeping," Celestia says sternly. It sounds obvious now, and Twilight feels embarrassment cut into her stomach.
"Twilight?"
"Yes?" She looks up to see the Princess looking down at her, unsmiling.
"Are you angry?" Celestia asks.
"Huh?"
"It is a simple question. Are you angry with Luna?"
"...no."
"You're not very good at lying."
Twilight gets the sudden urge to closely examine the floor.
"I'm happy to see that's still true," Celestia says.
"Why shouldn't I be mad at her?" Twilight blurts out suddenly.
Celestia sits on her rump right there in the hallway. Her usual warm smile falls, her lips taking a solemn curve yet again.
"It is natural to feel anger. It is part of the grieving process. But you cannot hold onto it, Twilight. It would break my heart to see you poison yourself so."
Twilight feels torn, ripped between feeling foalish at herself and an ugly, adolescent kind of defiance. Part of her likes the anger. Savors it. Celestia speaks again as if she's read the mind of her troubled student.
"She does care for you. I know it's hard to believe, but she does," Celestia says.
"How am I honestly supposed to care about what she thinks?"
"Twilight!"
She can't remember a time when the Princess actually scolded her. She bows out of instinct, cringing.
"Twilight..." Celestia raises her chin with a hoof, shaking her head. "I know it hurt. I know." She nuzzles against Twilight, sending warmth coursing through Twilight's little body. Twilight's mind glazes over. All she can comprehend is the divine warmth enveloping her.
"Go on your date." The Princess beams down at her. "Find your heart's companion. Let her heal you."
Twilight smiles up at her, feeling tears leaking down her cheeks.
• • •
Twilight bites down on another light bundle of petals, crunching them off the stem. The feathery treat practically melts on her tongue. It oozes down her throat like syrup, dragging tickling sweetness along with it.
"Mmmmmmm!" she moans.
"I know!" Cheerilee says, sizing up another flower from the bunch. "These are great."
The blanket is lying in a heap next to them. At some point Cheerilee turned the knob on a battered old radiator on the other side of the room. It hissed to life, and now the room is as warm and cozy as it looks. It's even a little hot. Twilight feels like she's just on the edge of breaking into a sweat.
Or maybe it's just her.
Cheerilee is pressed up tight against her side, leaning into her. She's been reading poems for Twilight for a while now. It's not that Twilight never read poetry in the past. But she had always approached it academically. Just something she was supposed to know about.
This was different. She's been lulled into a state of complete, heady relaxation. Even the slow burn of rising arousal, usually so insistent, is just there. Background noise. Pleasurable, for sure, but nothing to rush over.
This is crazy. I should be nervous.
I don't even know if something's going to happen.
Of course something's going to happen, you idiot. Look at her!
Twilight does. Cheerilee is chomping down on another flower, giving Twilight what can only be construed as the most bedroom of eyes. She lowers her head to the bouquet and grips one of the stems in her teeth, deftly snapping it off just below the flower itself. Then she takes the bloom in her lips and holds it up, leaning right in front of Twilight. Twilight's eyes go wide when she realizes that it's being offered to her.
She moves closer and takes the flower in her mouth, feeling burning heat flow up into her ears and down her cheeks. Their lips brush against each other just so slightly, but Cheerilee jerks back, leaving Twilight with just a flower in her mouth. She chomps it down quickly, barely tasting it. Urges, familiar by now but stronger than ever, flood into her pleasure-addled brain.
And there it is. I was starting to wonder if something was wrong with me.
Her tail flicks around on its own, and she nickers softly. Twilight gets a mischievous grin as an idea comes to her.
That was sexy! I can do this!
She bends down to the bunch of flowers and grips one with her teeth, just below the blossom. Then she bears down, trying to snip it in two, but it just flattens and gets more tough, bending instead of breaking. Twilight fumbles with her lips and teeth, grunting, before she hears Cheerilee giggling at her.
Oh, whatever. Stick with what you're good at.
She focuses with her mind and the flower levitates in a cloud of light, dropping its stem easily. The blossom floats over to Cheerilee's face.
"Ha. Show off," Cheerilee says.
Twilight snorts at her. "Well I couldn't do it the oth– whoa!"
Her whole body jumps as Cheerilee wraps her lips around the treat. For just a second she felt those plump lips and a warm, strong tongue against her horn. It fills her brain with static and sends shivers all the way down to the tip of her tail.
"Ohhhhhh..." Twilight moans, her eyes unfocusing. She blinks hard and Cheerilee is holding up another flower for her. She licks her lips and darts forward for it, feeling a surge of adrenaline through a groggy haze.
Cheerilee jerks her head back just as Twilight's lips brush the flower. She giggles through her clenched teeth, craning her neck away, teasing. Twilight smirks and leans further, almost mindless. Cheerilee rolls onto her side and scoots away. She bats her eyes at Twilight from the ground.
Well how am I supposed to eat it now? Oh... Ohhhhhh... I get it.
Twilight climbs on top of her slowly, feeling their coats slide together as Cheerilee shifts underneath. Cheerilee is on her back now, and Twilight grazes her nose up the dark pink expanse of her chest, feeling it shift and sigh underneath her. She brushes her nose up Cheerilee's neck, smelling something faint and sweet she can't even begin to describe. She moves up, but just as the flower is in her grasp Cheerilee kicks her chin up, throwing it on the floor above her. Twilight leans over her further like a dog chasing a treat, then freezes completely.
Something hot and wet slides up her neck and along the bottom of her jaw, leaving just before hitting her chin. A shuddering moan shakes out from Twilight's lips. She looks down and Cheerilee is under her, gazing into her eyes with faux innocence. Twilight smirks, holding herself over her new lover – that's what it feels like, like Cheerilee is hers, a prize of some kind, laid out here for the taking. They lock eyes and hold there for long, agonizing, incredible seconds.
Something rings out in Twilight's mind – she just knows somehow, maybe it's a glimmer in Cheerilee's eyes, or a change in her breathing. It doesn't matter. She lowers herself slowly, their bodies pressing together inch by inch. She digs her arms into the cushions under Cheerilee, wrapping them around her back and squeezing. Their noses and hips press together at the same time. Cheerilee gasps, wrapping her legs around Twilight's back, gripping with her thighs.
And then Twilight kisses her. Their lips meld together, slowly and gently. Twilight dips her tongue into the other mare's mouth, searching, desperate to press together the way their bodies are. She feels Cheerilee's forelegs squeezing at her withers, hooves tugging at her mane. Cheerilee moans from deep in her throat, the vibrations shaking into Twilight's mouth.
She breaks the kiss. Cheerilee pecks her on the lips as she pulls back, eyes wide, almost with panic. Twilight hovers over her, both of them panting, flushed, minds completely blank.
"Wow," Cheerilee blurts out between breaths.
"Yeah." Twilight grins, wolfish, high on her own arousal. She feels Cheerilee's hooves tighten again, sees the schoolteacher close her eyes and open her mouth, presenting herself. Twilight dives in, greedily mashing their tongues together, pressing their muzzles as one, chewing on Cheerilee's lower lip. She squirms her hips against Cheerilee's rump, forcing out another deep, throaty moan. Twilight breaks the kiss early so she can hear it.
"...oooooohhhhhhhh!" Cheerilee's face is scrunched up in pleasure, deep creases forming around her eyes. She's loud, completely without abandon, and it drives a feral urge, rising up through Twilight's loins. Twilight nudges Cheerilee's face to the side with a rough push of her nose and starts nipping and kissing her dark pink neck.
"Ohhhhhhhhh!" Cheerilee pants out. "I haven't done this in so long..."
Twilight smiles against her neck, pushing her snout higher, closer to her real objective. She sniffs her way up until her nose hits...
Soft, thick, sooooo thick...
She buries her face in Cheerilee's mane, choking out a silent squeak. It feels just like in her fantasy, so long ago now. But there's one big difference.
She breathes deep. A faint smell fills her nostrils, something vague and untraceable.
Grass? Leaves? Maybe a little bit like flowers...
It's making her lose her mind, she has to know what it is! She inhales again, sticking her tongue out into the curls without even meaning to. Her whole body is aching with sensations, and she ignores all of it, focusing everything on this fragrance.
What is it what is it darn it!
Cheerilee is nuzzling against her head, breathing right into her ear. She clings to Twilight, pressing their faces together, rubbing against her like her life depended on it.
Cheerilee's body is so warm. She can't see, pink curls filling her vision. She searches with her mouth, kissing whatever lovely flesh it happens to meet. Twilight feels a tongue again, strong and slippery, tickling around the base of her ear.
"What kind of shampoo do you use?" Twilight blurts out, not opening her eyes.
"Hmm?" Cheerilee doesn't stop licking her ear.
"Or perfume. Are you wearing perfume?" Twilight asks.
"No."
Twilight can feel Cheerilee's smile against her ear. She breaks down completely and bites, suckling on a hunk of chewy, loose curls. It's so good she feels like crying.
"Twilight, are you... chewing on my hair?"
Abort! Abort!
She spits the hair out.
"Heh... uh... yes?" She can't see Cheerilee's face, she's still gripped in her arms, pinned close.
"Well don't stop," Cheerilee breathes into her ear.
Oh god ohhhaauughagh
Twilight attacks, just running her face through Cheerilee's mane over and over again. She kisses and licks at a neck and shoulder...
I'm probably slobbering all over her that's kind of gross.
She chews on that mane again, tasting the smell.
Dear Princess it's so much fun to play with it's got such mass to it.
Hairs tickle the inside of her nose as she breathes deep.
That's it! That's it, I HAVE to know!
"Seriously, what kind of shampoo do you use?" Twilight gasps out. She props herself up so they can see each others' faces. Cheerilee is sweating a little, and she looks taken aback at the question.
"Uh... nothing special. Does it taste funny?" Cheerilee says.
Twilight laughs, feeling her knees go weak. She collapses on top of Cheerilee again, nuzzling their noses together. They kiss some more, sharing pace perfectly, not rushing or frantic. Just savoring it. Twilight can feels something wet against her belly and realizes that she's probably ruined a few floor cushions by now. She breaks the kiss and holds there, their lips still touching.
"I can't remember what I use. That's so silly," Cheerilee whispers.
"Huh?"
"Shampoo." She looks amused, at least as much as Twilight can tell. They're so close, she's mostly a pink blur and big, light green eyes. Twilight's mind runs in five directions at once – her drive to solve the mystery is being overwhelmed by other parts of her body.
"But..." Cheerilee smiles hesitantly, squeezing her forelegs tighter around Twilight. "If you come upstairs with me, maybe I can show you."
Oh my. Ohhhhhhh goodness.
Twilight jumps up immediately. Cheerilee leads, and Twilight wordlessly follows. The older mare's big, round rump bobs right in front of Twilight's face. Unthinking, Twilight leans forward...
Heh, her tail tickles.
... and makes a little nibbling nip right at the back of Cheerilee's thigh. Cheerilee freezes instantly.
I did not just do that.
No, I did. I did? Oh gods above, I did.
Cheerilee gives her a mock-scolding look over her shoulder, her smile betraying her. She flicks her tail right in Twilight's snout and leads on.
I did do that. And it was okay!
They don't even pretend to look at shampoo. Twilight follows her up a dark and narrow stairway into a dark hallway and then to a slightly less dark bedroom. There is a bed, a cozy little bed just big enough for both of them, and Twilight feels herself being pulled into it without thinking.
She slides onto a downy comforter. They're each on their side, facing each other. She feels Cheerilee's hooves around her withers, they're snuggled together close, warm and beautiful and willing.
I can't believe this I just can't even...
As if to confirm with evidence, Twilight leans forward and closes her eyes...
Ohhhhh ye– oh?
...and feels hooves pushing back. Cheerilee leans back so their eyes can meet. Her hair is mussed up, random coils sticking out in strange directions. Her eyes glint in the glow of street lamps through the window.
"We're really doing this, aren't we?" Cheerilee says.
"I want you. I mean, I want to. You want to, ri–" Twilight is silenced by Cheerilee kissing her.
...huh.
Twilight holds the kiss, waiting for the teacher's tongue to advance, but it doesn't come. She gets impatient and forces her tongue deep into Cheerilee, drawing out another body-shaking moan. Her hips quiver, her pulse is racing now. Cheerilee tears her mouth away as soon as she can breathe again.
"I... I don't really... I'm not sure what to do," Cheerilee pants out.
"What do you mean?" Twilight says, just barely keeping herself under control long enough to talk. "You've been with stallions before, right?"
"Oh, tons of times..." Cheerilee smiles as if remembering, then her eyes go wide. "I mean, uh... a few." She grins bashfully.
"It's not that different." Twilight teases a hoof over Cheerilee's chest. "What do you want to do?"
Cheerilee bites her lip, her eyes wandering up Twilight's face and to her horn.
My... horn? But... that's my horn! That's a very private place!
Twilight almost snorts at that thought.
What, between my legs isn't private?
"I dated a unicorn, once," Cheerilee says, looking almost guilty. "I always wanted to play with one of those things."
"I haven't really done that before. Did he let you...?"
"No, he just wanted me to play with his lower horn." Cheerilee rolls her eyes.
"I don't have one of those."
"Yes, I can see that." Cheerilee flexes her hips into Twilight's, rubbing their smooth crotches together. They share a goofy smile for a moment. Then, with a weird sudden intensity, Cheerilee pushes at Twilight's shoulders, rolling her onto her back.
"Whoa!" Twilight gasps out.
Is she nervous or not? This is so...
Her heart pounds out of her chest. She feels Cheerilee mount on top of her, pinning her against the bed. She's trapped under this lovely mare, totally exposed.
Hot. HOT. That's what it is.
Wetness rubs into her coat just above her own mound, she can feel a wonderful slickness there every time Cheerilee's hips shift. Cheerilee climbs up a little, sniffing at Twilight's horn. Twilight holds her breath, seeing nothing but a pink chest and ribs in front of her eyes.
"Oh! Cheerilee, w–" Twilight's eyes go wide as she feels lips gently kiss the base of her horn.
Wait? What? Words?
The kisses work their way up, pressing lightly against the spiral fluting, until they reach the tip.
"Ahh...!" Twilight's breath catches in her throat as Cheerilee runs her tongue down, then up the length of her horn.
Oh my GODDESS.
Twilight squeezes her eyes shut, shuddering frantically. She feels hooves on either side of her head and she wraps her forelegs around them.
"Ohhhhhhhhhh..." Every joint and muscle in her body tenses up, then relaxes slowly. Cheerilee has her lips wrapped around the tip of Twilight's horn, sucking and playing her tongue over it. Her horn feels alive, tingling, more than tingling, sending chills right down through her head, shaking through her spine and into her hips. It's like her horn and clitoris are connected, transmitting pleasure up and down her whole body.
That tongue, that amazing tongue, starts working its way down. Twilight kicks her legs in the air, tapping her knees against Cheerilee's rump. She can feel Cheerilee's bouncy tail lashing against her thighs. She groans as the sucking on her horn gets harder, almost pulling her head up, stretching her neck.
Somewhere, distantly in the back of her head, she remembers how she had pictured this playing out – Twilight on top, making the schoolteacher squeal in pleasure. Maybe throwing out a few moves she learned from her time with Rainbow Dash.
And now here I –
"Guh!" She groans some nonsense, panting feebly as Cheerilee sucks hard on just the tip of her horn. It's like a whole night's worth of pleasure distilled and concentrated into the most sensitive place possible.
Holy hay in... in... hooves?
Hammer?
What is wrong with me?
She groans again and feels her thoughts slipping away, melting into a shuddering puddle.
It's so GOOD oh gahbluh aaaaa
"...aaaaaAAAH!" Twilight's hips buck up into the other mare as that hot, wet mouth moves down further, then back up to the tip. Cheerilee's lips are sealed tight around Twilight's horn. Twilight gasps and groans, utterly unable to speak. The older mare's mouth moves down and up and down and up again, smoothly, finding a slow rhythm.
"Ohhhhhh..." Twilight cries out softly, feeling her inner walls clench and shake. Her hips buck again on their own. Her eyes snap shut so hard it hurts, and she strains to keep her neck still. Cheerilee's mouth bobs up and down, faster, going further down her horn with each stroke until she's taking the whole thing in her mouth. Her lips brush against Twilight's head at the bottom of each movement.
How is she even doing that shouldn't she be gagging or choking or something?
Her thoughts are cut off as another wave of pleasure rolls out from her aching love, bouncing off her horn, rippling though her whole body. She shoots a hoof between Cheerilee's legs, pressing it against that burning wetness, feeling Cheerilee's lips part against her.
"Mmmm!" Cheerilee moans in delight, sucking even harder. She grinds her hips against Twilight's hoof, riding on it.
Twilight tries to rub with her hoof, but she can't summon the motor control. She just rests it there, sinking into the wet pleasure snaking around her horn. Her tongue lolls out, her chest shakes in ragged, gulping breaths. She feels something building in her body, some kind of lovely pressure throwing her high into the air and then –
"Ow!" Cheerilee jolts, her mouth leaving Twilight. Twilight drifts back up into thought.
"Wh... what..." she pants out.
"Sparks! Hot sparks." Cheerilee laughs a little. Twilight's eyes creak open and she can see more now, the room is lit up by the faint glow of her horn. She has just enough time to look up and see Cheerilee's determined eyes, her tongue sticking out to the side a little. Then she's licking up and down the sides of Twilight's horn, forcing Twilight's eyes to shut in reflex.
"Oh! Oh! Ch... Cheer... Ch..." Twilight stutters, clenching her teeth.
"Ah! Ah! Ah!" Cheerilee grunts out as she writhes against Twilight's hoof, working Twilight's horn with her tongue.
Twilight's mouth hangs open, all her limbs tense up, she's rising, rising high into the clouds and flying through beautiful pink curls and it feels like her whole being is stuffed into her horn and then...
A popping, shimmering sound rings out, and Cheerilee snaps her head back just in time for a fountain of hot, metallic sparks to shoot out of Twilight's glowing horn. A barely visible wave of energy ripples through the air with a quiet WHUMP, making the streetlights outside flicker.
"AH!" Twilight chokes out a short scream as she comes, an orgasm quaking down through her head, making her teeth chatter. Her back arches violently, her arms and legs flop against the bed. It's like nothing she's ever felt before, taking over her body.
"Oh my," Cheerilee says, breathless. All the hairs of her coat are standing on end. Her mane is poofed out like she's touched a live wire.
Twilight barely notices any of it. She sinks into the bed, motionless, just dead weight. Her lips quiver noiselessly. She's spent. Gone. Completely gone. Somewhere far away, in another world, she hears murmurs of a sweet voice and a warm body snuggling against hers.
• • •
They are approaching the outer grounds of the palace, where Twilight's chariot waits.
"Thank you again for sending a chariot for me," Twilight says as they walk.
"Whenever you need one. Never forget that you have a second home here, my student," Celestia says.
"Did you really mean what you said before? About finding love again? Healing?" Twilight asks.
"Have you ever known me to say something I did not mean?"
"Of course. Sorry."
They walk, Celestia raising an eyebrow at Twilight.
"It's just... my friends said I should be careful. They said this was kind of soon. After... you know," Twilight explains.
"They have a point."
"But you said... "
"You've been trying so hard to rush into love, Twilight. Perhaps my sister is to blame. Perhaps it's your own natural curiosity," Celestia says. "A date is not a marriage proposal. Try to take your time with this one. Get to know each other. You have years and years to find love, after all."
Twilight snorts quietly, feeling very relieved. "That makes so much sense, after everything else that's happened," she says.
"I'm glad you think so."
• • •
Twilight breathes deep, lying still. Sweat cools against her coat. The room is stuffy with the fading smell of recent sex. She sighs deeply.
So much for that plan.
"I've never, ever seen anything like that," Cheerilee says.
Twilight is still on her back, in bed. Cheerilee is lying next to her, cuddled up against her side. A thick, heavy blanket is cinched up to their shoulders.
"I've never felt anything like that," Twilight says, after a pause.
"Oh, you can talk again? That took long enough." Cheerilee graces Twilight's chin with a quick kiss.
"Sorry." Twilight slides her forelegs up, under the blanket, and hangs them over Cheerilee's shoulders, holding her close. "I really... just... wow. I think I owe you like, ten orgasms."
"Ha!" Cheerilee nuzzles against Twilight's face, smiling triumphantly. "Don't worry about it, Twilight. It was my pleasure."
Regardless... I'm going to do things to you that... gosh, I don't even know. I have to invent new kinds of sex so I can do them to you.
Twilight bites her tongue, trying to envision what she could possibly do to Cheerilee in return. Nothing comes to mind right away. Her body aches, satisfied. Tired.
Guess I'm all sexed out for the moment.
She rubs Cheerilee's back with her hooves and moves in for a kiss. Their lips meet like old friends, trading just a short greeting. Cheerilee rests her head on the pillow next to Twilight, and they idly stare at each other, letting time pass blissfully.
"Sorry if I didn't... you know. For you," Twilight says.
Cheerilee shushes her. "Next time. That was plenty for one night." Cheerilee sighs loudly, her eyes dreamy. "My first time with a mare."
"You were amazing. I can't believe you've never done this before."
"Well... I've done something like that before. You're right, it's not all that different."
Twilight's mind is back in form. She remembers to be curious. "So... you're kind of experienced, aren't you?" she says, arching an eyebrow.
"Well... the thing is..." Cheerilee shrinks away from her.
Twilight grabs her and hugs her close again. "I don't think that's bad. I think I like it, actually."
"Oh. Really?"
"Mmhmm. It's different. For me, I mean."
Cheerilee relaxes into Twilight's arms again. "Okay, you're right... I've had a few boyfriends. And a few flings here and there," she says.
Twilight's ears perk up. "Really? How many?"
"Uhhh..." Cheerilee shrinks again. Her eyes shift around.
"Sorry. Never mind." Twilight feels strange – the urge to keep Cheerilee comfortable is overpowering her urge to know.
"You really don't think that's...?" Cheerilee says.
"No, I'm just curious. About you," Twilight says. "You've dated a lot here in Ponyville?"
"Oh heavens, no. I've been a saint since I moved back. It's just, you know... college."
I really wouldn't know.
"Have you ever been with a stallion?" Cheerilee asks.
"Just once."
"Oh? Anypony I know?" Cheerilee smiles in a way that makes Twilight snicker.
"Probably not. It was Applejack's cousin. He doesn't live here."
Cheerilee's mouth makes an O of surprise. Her eyes light up. "Braeburn?
Twilight almost sits up in bed. "How did you...? You know him?"
"Not really. I met him once. At one of the Apple family reunions. He seemed nice."
Well that just raises MORE questions! What was she doing there?
Cheerilee sees the confusion on Twilight's face and goes on before Twilight can form her words.
"I was Mac's girlfriend at the time. He brought me along."
"You used to go out with Big Mac?!" Twilight gushes like a gossiping school filly.
"Big Mac." Cheerilee sighs. "You know he hates being called that?"
I... wha... what?!
Twilight just hangs her mouth open.
"He was my first boyfriend. We went to school together here, before... before I moved to Fillydelphia."
"That's crazy! Were you two serious?"
"Oh, definitely. He's such a gentlecolt. He was so good to me."
"Huh." Twilight chews that over.
Well, wait...
"What happened?" she asks.
Cheerilee gets a far away look for a second. Just as Twilight thinks she might not get an answer, Cheerilee speaks.
"I went to college. He stayed here. We stayed in touch at first but... we made some mistakes. We were younger. We were stupid, maybe. I don't know."
"I'm sorry." Twilight snuggles closer to her.
"I really wanted to be there for him, especially after... you know. After."
After?
"It was hard. For both of us," Cheerilee continues. "God, what am I saying? It was so much harder for them. All of them. I shouldn't pretend I know what it felt like."
Twilight feels the older mare shiver and press into her.
"What are you talking about?" Twilight asks.
Cheerilee looks at her, eyes wide in shock.
"You don't know?"
Apparently I don't know ANYTHING.
"...no?" Twilight says.
"You go to Sweet Apple Acres all the time, right? You never wondered why you've never met Applejack's parents?" Cheerilee says.
"Oh!" Twilight fumbles with her brain. Of course she knew, had realized at some point, that Applejack's family tree was conspicuously missing a very important pair of ponies. But...
"She's never talked about it," Twilight says. "None of my friends have talked about it, actually. I just know I've never seen them."
"I guess that makes sense." Cheerilee casts her eyes down at Twilight's neck. Twilight waits. Curiosity burns in her tongue, but she's terrified to voice it. Cheerilee shuts her eyes, sinking her head into the pillow.
"I'm sorry, I can't really..." Cheerilee looks at Twilight with pain in her eyes. "I should explain. But I don't know if I can."
Darn it, I want to know! Calm down. This isn't her story.
"That's okay. They weren't your parents. I'm sure Applejack would prefer telling me in her own way," Twilight says.
"It's not that. I was with Mac when it happened," Cheerilee says.
"Well that doesn't obligate you to share it or anything," Twilight says, creasing her brow.
"No, you don't understand," Cheerilee says, shifting her eyes away. "I was there."
Twilight blanks for a second, then bites her tongue.
"Oh." She feels queasy. "Oh... you don't want to talk about it."
Cheerilee shakes her head slowly. "Sorry. It was... it was bad." Her voice cracks on the last word. Her eyes start tearing up, and she crushes them closed.
Twilight, in a rare moment of emotional intuition, pulls Cheerilee close and holds her. They lie together, completely still. A weird cocktail of emotions washes over Twilight. Sad at the story she's catching glimpses of. Compassion for her date's pain. Joy at being here to comfort her. It's indescribable.
Cheerilee sniffs loudly and pulls back from their embrace. She's forcing a smile.
"Gosh, how did we end up talking about this?" She wipes her eyes.
"It's okay. I had no idea," Twilight says. Questions push at her lips. She tries to pick one that isn't guaranteed to make Cheerilee sad.
"Do you and Mac... do you get along now?" Twilight asks.
"Sure. Superficially, anyway. We haven't really talked. Not in a long time." Cheerilee props herself up on an elbow, running her other hoof over Twilight's side. "I wonder sometimes. About me and him. If I hadn't left."
Twilight isn't sure what to say. She wraps Cheerilee's hoof in her foreleg, trying to be patient.
"But then I wouldn't be here with you," Cheerilee says.
Twilight is still trying to swallow those words as Cheerilee wraps herself around Twilight's body, sighing. Suddenly it's very hard to remember all her questions. She feels Cheerilee's chest rise and fall against her own, feels the gentle pounding of her heartbeat thudding into her ribs.
Twilight holds her tight in the darkness. Warmth invades her chest. She feels like she's glowing with what can only be some kind of love. She feels closer to Cheerilee than ever, for sure, but hesitance gnaws at the back of her mind.
Maybe this is okay.
Maybe.
Maybe we could really have something.
Maybe this is real, and not just sex.
Maybe it IS love.
|
SleeplessBrony
|
1422
| 14 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
|
Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
|
mature
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2012-08-20T22:45:05+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:45:05+00:00
| 22,717 |
Twilight Sparkle stirs in an unfamiliar bed. Arms are wrapped around her. Her arms are wrapped around something. It's big and warm and soft, like the world's loveliest pillow. She nudges her face against it, whimpering a little.
The arms tighten around her body, cradling her.
Oh... oh that's nice.
Twilight sighs and smiles, digging her face into someone else's coat. Her mind isn't really processing this – it simply sits in a sleepy haze, letting instincts take over. She lies there, floating on the surface of sleep. Everything is warm and soft and safe.
A pair of lips press against her forehead. She wakes up a little.
"Morning, sleepy," Cheerilee whispers against her ear.
Twilight murmurs some nonsense, her smile turning deeper.
"Don't go anywhere. I'll get breakfast."
Movement. Twilight's forelegs are being tugged, dragged, and then they're empty. She doesn't get up or even open her eyes. She curls her arms and legs against herself, trying to make up for the sudden emptiness there.
She dozes. Twilight is stuck in limbo, eyelids fluttering against themselves. She's barely cognizant of hearing herself snore. It would be strange if she was thinking more clearly. Her hooves twitch here and there.
Time passes.
Her eyes snap open, forced awake by her body.
Stupid biological needs!
She stumbles down the hallway, to the bathroom. Once that's taken care of, she resists the rude urge to look through Cheerilee's medicine cabinet. When she creeps back into the bedroom it's still empty. She flops back onto the bed.
She closes her eyes. They open again on their own. Her mouth is dry, her tongue scratching against her own lips.
Stupid, stupid biological needs.
Remember when Spike learned what hibernation was? He fell in love with the idea immediately.
I could do with some of that.
She sighs again and sinks into the bed. Her eyes wander. Cheerilee's bedroom is small but cozy, like the rest of the house. A few old posters hang on the walls, concert listings for bands that Twilight's never heard of. A desk is next to the bed, covered in textbooks, stacks of paper, and a disorganized mess of school supplies.
Gosh, she leaves more books lying around than me.
She doesn't have a baby dragon to pick up after her, Twilight thinks with a smirk. A picture frame on the desk catches her eyes, a gaudy pink thing with the words "BEST FRIENDS 4 LIFE!!!" across the bottom in garish, glittering letters. The picture shows Cheerilee, younger than Twilight is now. Maybe high school age? She looks ridiculous, her hair a large, frizzy mess, her clothes bright and strange.
Are those leg warmers?
She's standing with her forelegs around what could only be a young Bon-Bon and another mare Twilight thinks she might know. There, yes, her cutie mark is a strawberry and a bunch of grapes. Twilight knows she's seen that pony around town, but the version of her in this picture is younger than she ever would have recognized. All three of them are grinning at the camera, happiness shining in their eyes.
Twilight thinks of her own friends. A weird pang of sappy sentiment wells up in her.
We should get a group picture done sometime. How have we not done that?
She makes a mental note to look into it later.
Hooves clop up the stairs outside. Twilight breathes deep and feels a momentary urge to pretend to be asleep.
That's silly. What's wrong with me now?
Before she can begin to puzzle out an answer, Cheerilee enters the room. She has a tray balanced on her back, and she walks over and sets it on her desk with the utilitarian grace of your typical earth pony. Twilight's eyes go wide.
No way! No way, this is amazing!
The tray is weighed down with coffee, orange juice, and plump bagels. The smell of the coffee alone is overwhelming. Twilight sits up, mouth watering and stomach growling.
"Wow, I heard that. I guess you're hungry, then?" Cheerilee says.
"Uh huh." Twilight nods dumbly, not taking her eyes off the food. Cheerilee climbs into bed with her and sets the tray between them. Twilight goes right for the coffee. She cradles it in her hooves, sniffing at the steam welling up from the glorious brown liquid. It's not too hot, so she guzzles a fair bit down, feeling more awake instantly.
Oh, caffeine. My one true love.
Cheerilee giggles at her. It's a beautiful sound, but it triggers a pang of self-consciousness in Twilight.
"...What?" Twilight says.
"Your face. I've never seen someone so excited about coffee," Cheerilee says between bites of a bagel.
"Oh." Twilight looks down at her drink. "I thought you were laughing at my bed head. Spike always cracks jokes about it."
Cheerilee snorts and pokes a hoof into Twilight's mane.
"Are you kidding? It's adorable," she says. "I won't laugh at yours if you don't laugh at mine."
Twilight smirks and looks at Cheerilee. The fuchsia mare doesn't look that different – her bouncy, loose curls are maybe just a little unruly now. And flatter on one side. Twilight holds a hoof up solemnly all the same.
"Deal," she says. Cheerilee nods seriously, sipping at a glass of juice.
They sit quietly, slowly enjoying breakfast. Twilight grabs a bagel and is shocked to feel how warm it is. It feels fresh from the oven.
"Did you make these?" Twilight asks.
"Oh, no. I just warmed them up," Cheerilee says.
"Mmmm," Twilight says through a full mouth. She recognizes the taste now. Sometimes she buys bread from the same store. Seconds pass. The only sound between them is chewing and sipping. An odd feeling creeps over Twilight, and it takes her a few bites of bagel and another gulp of coffee to put her hoof on it.
I'm... happy. Completely happy. This is like when I started making friends for the first time.
That's it. That's what this is.
You haven't even thanked her yet, you idiot.
"Hey." She turns to Cheerilee. "This is really great. I don't think anypony's ever brought me breakfast in bed."
"What, not even Spike?" Cheerilee says.
Twilight rolls her eyes. "He brings me coffee sometimes. After I yell at him for a while."
"Ha! Must be nice. I hope you don't work the little guy too hard."
Twilight winces a little, still smiling.
Well, maybe I do. Sometimes. No, he's fine. It's good for him. I think.
They pass a few more moments just chipping away at their food, chewing contentedly. Twilight's mind is gearing up to full speed, looking for something to occupy itself. It turns, as it so often does, to over-analyzing.
What now?
She ponders how to handle the morning after. She wants to make a good impression, but the means to do so are a mystery.
Are we just supposed to... I don't know, say goodbye? Go about our days?
Twilight wrinkles her nose up as she finishes her coffee. That doesn't feel right. It feels too early. She starts to wonder what Cheerilee is doing today, if she's busy or not.
Is that weird? Can this date just keep going? Please?
"So..." Cheerilee sets her glass down. "What are you up to today?"
Twilight silently squeals with glee.
Calm down. Play it cool.
"Not much. Probably just hanging around the library," she says.
Cheerilee raises her eyebrows with a bemused smile. "Really? No epic adventures? You're not going to vanquish a dragon or anything?"
"Well, it's not on the schedule. As far as I know." Twilight fakes a serious tone. "That's the thing about dragons actually – they hardly ever take the time to schedule things properly."
"How rude! Pesky dragons," Cheerilee says with a playful shake of her head.
"What about you?" Twilight says.
Cheerilee sighs. "I'm afraid it's work on the schedule for me. As usual," she says.
"What? On Saturday?"
"I have plans with my friends tomorrow. Which is when I usually do my lesson plans for the week. So I have to take care of it today."
"Oh." Twilight teases the rim of her coffee mug. "That's too bad. I was kind of hoping... we could... I don't know. Never mind."
"You too?" Cheerilee puts her hoof on Twilight's. "I didn't want to say anything. Three day rule, right?"
"Three what now?" Twilight says.
"Oh, you know. Don't call or anything for three days. So you don't seem... I don't know. Desperate, I guess."
Twilight scrunches her nose up again. "Ponies really do that? That's so arbitrary," she says.
"Really?" Cheerilee says, her eyes wide and excited. She catches herself quickly. "I mean... you think so?" she says again, much more normal this time.
"Sure," Twilight says, gawking a little at her own bluntness. It's just tumbling out, speeding right past her usual safeguards. "I want to see you more. Why would I wait for three days?"
Cheerilee breathes a deep sigh, staring dreamily at Twilight. Again, she catches herself before speaking.
"I guess it is kind of arbitrary," she says. "But I really do have to get my work done. Sorry. Maybe later tonight?"
That sounds good. More than good.
But part of her is screaming that it's not good enough – there's a small part of her brain demanding more time with this mare, somehow, any way it needs to happen. She hedges on dropping it at that. She's scared, scared of pushing things too far too fast.
Maybe stupid rules about three days aren't that stupid after all.
Whatever. Faint heart never won fair lady.
I think you already "won" her.
Whatever, whatever. Just do it!
"...Why don't you come over to my place? To do your work, I mean," Twilight says.
"Huh?"
"It's a library, right?" Twilight says. "You could bring your stuff over and maybe I could help you. Or something."
Cheerilee just stares at her, looking like she's holding back a smile.
"You want me to come over and... you don't mind me working?" she says.
"No, it'll be fun. I'll get out some of my books and you can do your thing... we'll be like study buddies!" Twilight gasps.
Cheerilee looks like she's turning it over in her head. She smiles, determined, like she's steeling herself up.
"...Okay. Okay!" she says. She kisses Twilight quickly on the cheek. "That sounds great, actually. It'll be a nice change. I need to get out more."
Yes! Study date! Excelsior!
"Just give me a little time to clean up around here and gather my things. I'll come over in a little while," Cheerilee says.
"Sounds good," Twilight says.
• • •
It was good. So, so good.
Twilight watches as Cheerilee packs up her saddlebags. They're sitting in the main room of the library. Twilight had come home that morning and badgered Spike into cleaning up the place with a frantic intensity normally reserved for crisis situations. Dragons, for example. Of the not-Spike variety. She can't figure out if it paid off or not. Cheerilee seems incapable of being anything but impressed and pleased.
Almost like the way she talks about her students.
They had spent hours talking. Twilight asked every question she could think of, following along as Cheerilee crafted her lessons, learning nuances she never would have prepared for. Cheerilee crafted every word and assignment with care, putting in something for every one of her students. It was beautiful to watch, a master at work at their own special calling. Twilight likes to think that she helped, even if she mostly just ordered Spike to find various reference books. It had been a most educational afternoon.
And then there was the silence! The glorious, wonderful silence. Long stretches of quiet, Cheerilee writing in one of her notebooks, Twilight deep in one of her own books. Just the two of them, sitting near each other, alone but not alone. Twilight had been afraid it would turn awkward, nervous that she would bother Cheerilee too much or not enough. Things had never even come close to such a turn. Everything was just... comfortable, somehow.
Not a single customer had interrupted them. It was a sunny, perfect spring day, now quickly turning into a warm, perfect spring night. Twilight gathers the last of Cheerilee's books up in a telekinetic grip and lowers them into the teacher's saddlebags, nestling them next to...
What's this now?
There's a small pink notebook in the bag, decorated with smiling flowers and hearts. It stands out next to everything else there – all textbooks and somber, single-color notebooks. Twilight floats it out of the bag, holding it up in the air.
"What's this one? Did one of your students forget it or something?" she asks.
Cheerilee turns to see what Twilight is asking about and panic flashes in her eyes. She snatches the book out of the air, pinning it to the floor beneath her hooves.
"That one! That's... uh... nothing. Ha! Just more lesson plans. Boring ones," she says, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.
Twilight raises an eyebrow. "You write lesson plans in... that?" Small, cartoonish flowers grin up at her from the notebook's cover. They look like Cheerilee's cutie mark.
Cheerilee looks down at the notebook. "Oh... oh this one. This is, uh... the other thing. The thing you said. One of my students gave it to me." She flashes an awkward smile at Twilight, then picks the notebook up in her mouth and crams it in the nearest saddlebag.
"I didn't mean to pry," Twilight says.
Cheerilee just looks at her. She opens her mouth, then closes it again, looking very worried. She waffles back and forth for a few seconds. Twilight silently snickers inside.
She's so cute. What could possibly be in there?
"Sorry," Cheerilee says, guarding the bag with her hooves. "I shouldn't fib. It's just kind of embarrassing."
"What, is it a list of crushes or something?" Twilight giggles.
"No... I... like to write. Sometimes. A little." Cheerilee casts her eyes down at the floor, creasing the bag between her hooves. Twilight gasps, smiling wider than Pinkie Pie.
"Oh my gosh you like to write?! What kinds of things? Can I see?" Twilight reaches for the notebook without thinking. Cheerilee jumps back, coiling her forelegs around the bag.
"NO! No, they're... they're not finished. Sorry," she says. Her face is almost as red as Big Macintosh. She closes the flap on the bag. Twilight steps back, trying to give her some space.
"So... what do you write? Stories, or..."
Isn't it obvious?
Twilight gasps again.
"Do you write poems?" she gushes.
Cheerilee grins carefully and nods.
"That's not embarrassing, it's neat!" Twilight says.
"...I write other things, too. Short stories. Mostly," Cheerilee says, shifting her eyes around.
"Can I read some? Please?" Twilight tries to smile the way she's seen Apple Bloom smile.
"Oh no, no I couldn't... they're not very good. In fact, they're all pretty bad."
"Please?"
"No. Sorry. It's private."
Twilight readies another assault, but pauses. Cheerilee looks completely mortified. Just... cringing. She's glaring down at her own hooves.
I didn't mean to upset her...
How strange.
We had sex last night, for pony's sake.
She wants to see, badly. But again, the desire to not upset this mare overrides her curiosity. Twilight creases her brow.
"Okay. I respect your privacy," she says very formally, her nose up in the air. Then she flashes Cheerilee a new variant of the seductive smile, persuasive edition. "But I'd still love to read your stuff sometime."
"Thanks. Maybe. Sometime." Cheerilee smiles uneasily, looking more calm.
"Anyway." Twilight looks around, trying to find a new direction. "Are you hungry?"
"Yes, actually. It is about dinner time, isn't it?" Cheerilee says.
"Mmm." Twilight glances through the doorway into the kitchen. Spike is still hard at work cleaning up from lunch and the various snacks Twilight made him prepare as the afternoon wore on.
"I guess I could have Spike make us something again," she says.
"Oh, give the poor little guy a break. Do you know that sandwich stand over by the park? Let's go there."
Twilight flashes back to a gold-coated stallion slinging her bag over his shoulders, smiling at her. She can almost smell the leather of his hat. She shakes her head before the memory goes any further.
"Good idea. Spike?" Twilight yells. She leaves Cheerilee in the main room and practically bounces into the kitchen.
The little dragon grumbles something over the sound of scrubbing.
"We're going out for dinner. Do you want me to bring anything back?" she says.
"You two have been hanging out all day and now you're getting dinner?" Spike stops scrubbing and glares up at her.
"I know!" Twilight balances on hoof edge, beaming.
"But that means I have to stay here and..." Spike looks down at the sink full of dishes.
"I know, I know, I'm sorry," Twilight says. "Please? This is going really well."
Spike heaves a weary sigh.
"Fine. Just get me some..."
"Hay fries. Extra crispy," Twilight says.
Spike nods and grumbles something that sounds vaguely like a thank you.
"Best assistant ever!" Twilight rubs her hoof on Spike's spines. "Don't worry, we'll be right back."
She trots back into the main room, the sounds of Spike's grumbles fading on her ears.
"You know what he wants?" Cheerilee asks.
"Same thing every time." Twilight rolls her eyes.
"He seems like such a good kid. You're really lucky," Cheerilee says as they step outside.
"Yeah... yeah, he is," Twilight says.
"How did you end up with him, anyway?" Cheerilee asks.
"That's a funny story, actually," Twilight begins. "When I was a little filly in Canterlot..."
They walk. Twilight talks. The sun is just starting to set. The streets of Ponyville are bustling, full of ponies enjoying a lazy Saturday. Cheerilee listens with fascination, nodding along as Twilight tells a tale of magic and tests and goddess monarchs. The story runs on longer than she meant it to. She always forgets just how much is tied together in this one story.
They reach the stand and spend a long time waiting in line, of course. Twilight asks Cheerilee how she got her cutie mark. Cheerilee's story is over before they've even ordered their food. Twilight is about to ask her more about teaching when they reach the front of the line.
Two sandwiches and an order of hay fries, please. Extra crispy.
They wait, idly pony-watching.
I've been here over a year and I still don't know so many faces.
It's not a big town. Cheerilee is nodding or waving at almost every other pony that walks by. All of them wave at Twilight as well, smiling in recognition. She waves back sheepishly. She's never felt so in the spotlight, under the public's eye.
"Order up!"
They split the bill and perch their brown paper bags on their backs.
"So... back to the library?" Twilight says.
"Let's take a walk," Cheerilee answers. She trots off into the park across the street, with Twilight in tow. Twilight follows mindlessly, taking in the scene. The park is gorgeous, bathed in fading orange light. Small groups and pairs of ponies are scattered around, enjoying the fresh air.
It IS quite the view, isn't it?
Twilight suppresses a snicker. She's walking just behind and to the side of Cheerilee. Her eyes keep wandering over the smooth curves of the fuchsia mare's rump. She tries to hide it at first, but then wonders why she should bother. Her eyes move up, and her hooves freeze.
Cheerilee is staring back at her over her shoulder. Her lips are pursed out in a kind of scolding grimace, but her eyes are shining with amusement.
Twilight clears her throat loudly. Cheerilee bumps her side lightly with her flank.
"Get a hold of yourself there, sweetie."
"I'm not sure if I can," Twilight says, lowering her eyebrows. Cheerilee gives her a smile that makes her ears heat up.
Wow, that... did not sound as nervous as it did in my head. That actually sounded kind of suave! How did that happen?
Cheerilee nods towards an empty picnic table just off the path. They sit down and unwrap their food. Twilight nibbles on her sandwich, paying more attention to the pony sitting next to her. Cheerilee eats quietly, leaving her sandwich on the table, grazing at it.
No wonder Applejack eats grass, earth ponies eat like that all the time.
Don't be rude.
It's bad enough that you're staring at her, you don't have to start stereotyping.
Cheerilee picks up on her stare and stares back, wiping her mouth with a hoof.
"What?" she says as soon as her mouth is empty.
"Uh... nothing, I guess."
"Nothing, huh?" Cheerilee smiles mischievously. "So you're just watching me eat?"
"Yup." Twilight grins.
"Okay then. I guess I'll just have to watch you eat."
Cheerilee leans forward, bugging her eyes out wide. She stares intensely at Twilight's sandwich, creasing her brow. Twilight keeps staring at her but Cheerilee doesn't move. Twilight shrugs and lifts her food into the air with magic. She floats it up to her mouth slowly, casting sideways glances at Cheerilee.
Her date is following the floating sandwich with her eyes, frowning in concentration. Twilight opens her mouth, but can't bring herself to actually take a bite. She falters and drops the sandwich, raising her eyebrows at Cheerilee. Her green eyes pierce into Twilight, unmoving. Twilight screws her face up in confusion before noticing the slightest hint of a smile forming on Cheerilee's lips. Then the stare cracks completely and Cheerilee is laughing quietly. Twilight can't help but laugh with her.
"Heh... you had me going for a second there," Twilight says.
"I know."
Twilight's eyes are torn away from Cheerilee by the sight of two very familiar ponies coming up the path near them.
"Oh my!" Rarity perks up the moment she catches sight of them. "Twilight! And Cheerilee! How nice to see you... together!"
"Hey girls." Twilight waves at the pair. Fluttershy nods back.
"Fluttershy and myself were just taking a lovely walk. Would you mind terribly if we joined you for a moment? I was just thinking of finding a place to sit," Rarity says, pausing on the path.
Twilight opens her mouth to say yes, but instead looks to Cheerilee, her eyebrows raised.
"Oh!" Rarity gasps. "Oh, where are my manners? How could we even think of interrupting?"
"No, it's fine. We're just having sandwiches." Cheerilee motions them over. "Please, sit! I feel like I haven't talked to you in ages."
"How gracious of you. Indeed, it's been months." Rarity settles in at the table with them, and Fluttershy silently follows suit.
"You two know each other?" Twilight says.
"Well, from afar, I suppose," Rarity says.
"Your friend was a few years behind me in school," Cheerilee says. "She made me a lovely costume for the school play that one year."
"Oh, those old things?" Rarity laughs. "Those were nothing. You should come by my boutique sometime. I'd love to fit you for something."
"Right, you have your own store now! We all knew you would," Cheerilee says.
"Oh, my own store... you make it sound so official! It's nothing major, just a venue for my creative side." Rarity grins smugly.
Twilight rolls her eyes. She's seen Rarity's ego being stroked plenty of times before, and it's always the same.
"This is my friend Fluttershy," she chimes in.
"Don't be silly, Twilight, of course I know her name," Cheerilee says.
"You do?" Twilight says.
"You do?" Fluttershy says, eyes wide.
"One of the famous Elements of Harmony and a supermodel? Honey, I think everypony knows your name," Cheerilee says.
"Oh?" Fluttershy says, then tries to hide further under her bangs. "Oh... that."
"Don't worry, I won't ask for an autograph or anything," Cheerilee says. "Besides, you helped me with that field trip last year."
"You remember that?" Fluttershy says.
"Field trip?" Twilight says.
"I brought my students on a hike through Whitetail Woods. Fluttershy was an excellent guide. She's much more knowledgeable than me when it comes to the local flora and fauna," Cheerilee says. "And she's pretty good with kids, too."
"Um... thanks. I try. I'm really more of an animal pony, though." Fluttershy reluctantly makes eye contact with the unfamiliar mare.
Good girl, Fluttershy! Responding to other ponies. Just like we talked about.
Twilight nods with pride. She's not sure if she should praise Fluttershy for this display right here, in front of others. Rarity talks again before she can make up her mind.
"Forgive me if this is a bit nosy. But I just have to ask... you two look smashing together, by the way," Rarity says.
Twilight looks away, happily embarrassed. She's surprised to see Cheerilee doing the same thing.
Rarity continues, "But I thought your big date was last night?"
Darn it Rarity, you and your hunger for gossip...
"It was. You told your friends about us already, huh?" Cheerilee taps Twilight's side with a hoof.
"Heh, well... uh..." Twilight feels her face heating up and her hooves fumbling around on their own. "The restaurant was Rarity's idea," she says. Rarity grins at them, waving a hoof. "And the flowers were Fluttershy's idea," Twilight says. Fluttershy nods, smiling from under her shield of hair.
"I guess I should thank you both, then." Cheerilee smiles warmly at them.
"Don't mention it. Twilight came to us for advice and we just had to help. She wanted so much to impress you, but she had no idea what to do. The poor dear." Rarity smiles wickedly.
"Ha ha!" Twilight barks out a loud, hollow laugh. "Thank you for that information, Rarity." Twilight puts on her biggest, fakest grin. She starts to wonder if she can kick Rarity with her magic without being noticed.
"That's cute," Cheerilee says. She puts her hoof over Twilight's, calming her. "Don't worry about it. I might have let a few things slip to some of my friends, too."
"Really? What did they say?" Twilight blurts out.
"'Twilight Sparkle?! The Twilight Sparkle?'" Cheerilee says in mock amazement. Twilight laughs nervously.
"Oh, she's so modest. Look how nervous you're making her," Rarity titters. "It's so lovely that you're dating one of my friends. To think, when I was a filly you and Macintosh were such an item," Rarity says, casting a subtle look at Fluttershy. Fluttershy perks up at the mention of the big red workhorse, but doesn't say anything.
"Oh my god, you remember that?" Cheerilee says.
"Of course I do! You two were the talk of the town back then," Rarity says. Fluttershy's eyes get wider and wider.
"Gosh, I didn't think so," Cheerilee says.
"Come now. Surely you're joking?" Rarity says. "I've always wanted to ask you about... well, about him."
Cheerilee cocks one eyebrow at Rarity in response.
"Oh no, no, not like that. Don't get me wrong, he's a lovely male specimen," Rarity says. A ghost of a blush plays across Fluttershy's cheeks. "But he's a bit rough around the edges for my tastes. And, well... I've heard some things. There are so many rumors, I thought you might be able to shed light on the situation."
Cheerilee casts her eyes down, frowning. "That was all after I left. I don't really know what happened," she says.
Twilight feels frozen in place, like she's watching a carriage accident unfold in slow motion.
Rarity will you please just shut up already?
"Surely you must know something about it?" Rarity asks.
"AHEM." Twilight glares at Rarity. "Certainly some lovely weather we're having, isn't it?"
"AHEM." Fluttershy glares at Twilight.
Twilight drops her jaw in shock.
"I mean... um... sorry," Fluttershy says.
"It's okay, Twilight," Cheerilee says, then turns to Rarity. "I don't know what to say, really. Like I said, I don't know what happened. I just heard things when I moved back here."
Twilight's own curiosity is hidden behind raging panic. Rarity opens her mouth to say more, but her words die on her lips. A shadow passes over them, trailing behind a multicolored blur, and all eyes shoot up to follow it. Twilight sighs in relief.
Rainbow Dash to the rescue...
"Hey, Rainbow Dash!" Twilight says very loudly. "We should get her down here and talk to her. About other things." She glares at Rarity. Rarity pouts back at her.
Pinkie Pie comes bouncing up the path, her eyes on the flying pegasus. Her eyes dart down and a smile explodes onto her face when she sees the four of them sitting.
"Hey guys! Rainbow Dash is doing a super duper brand new move from her tricktionary! You wanna watch with me?"
Before anyone can answer, Rainbow Dash is hovering over their picnic table.
"Yeah, you guys should come check it out! It's gonna be... oh! Hey Cheerilee." Rainbow Dash waves down at her.
"Hi, Rainbow Dash." Cheerilee smiles up at her.
"So I guess that date went well, huh? Figures. Twilight's such a nerd and all, of course she'd fall for a schoolteacher," Rainbow Dash says.
"Ha ha. That's hilarious," Twilight growls out. "Why don't you just show us that trick Pinkie's talking about?"
"You guys gonna watch? Awesome! You gotta come over to the creek, though. I need the open area."
Dash darts off through the air. Pinkie Pie bounces off in the direction of a stream nearby, a calm trickle of water that runs right through the middle of Ponyville. Rarity and Fluttershy follow together, trailed by Cheerilee and Twilight.
"All we need now is Applejack. Complete Harmony set," Cheerilee says.
"She's always working. Kind of like you," Twilight says.
"Mmm. So, which part of last night was Rainbow Dash's idea?" Cheerilee waggles her eyebrows.
"Oh! Heh... well we didn't do her idea. Yet." Twilight blushes a little, proud at letting that one slip out.
"Oh my! Now you've gone and gotten my hopes up," Cheerilee says.
Twilight knows she should counter with some kind of innuendo, but nothing comes. Something else is tickling her mind.
"Do you... do you think I'm a nerd?" she asks.
"Well, you are kind of a nerd," Cheerilee says.
"Oh."
"Sweetie, I love that about you. I'm one too, after all."
"Really?"
Cheerilee stops and raises a solemn hoof.
"Hello, everypony. My name is Cheerilee and I am a closet nerd."
"You do a much better job of hiding it than me."
"Years of practice. Besides, I'm of the opinion that you kind of have to be a nerd if you're going to be a good teacher."
Twilight's face goes blank as she swallows that one. It seems so obvious, and makes perfect sense. She never in a thousand years would have thought of it herself.
"Anyway," Cheerilee says. They've reached the edge of the water, a tamed set of terraces decorated with walkways and flowers. "I can't believe I get a private showing of a new trick from the famous Rainbow Dash!"
"Oh, it's not so special," Rarity says. "She'll most likely just crash or explode or something." The five of them are lined up on the stream bank now. Pinkie Pie is bouncing and shaking, looking up at the sky.
"That's not fair. Rainbow Dash is an excellent flier," Twilight says.
"Yes, but..." Fluttershy butts in. "She probably is going to crash or explode or something."
"Explode with awesome!" Pinkie Pie yells.
Five pairs of eyes crane up, following a rainbow contrail high above. Rainbow Dash paints a streak of color across an already colorful sky, shining in the glow of dusk. Other ponies around the park are looking up as well, oohing and aahing.
"You know, Twilight..." Cheerilee leans in close to her, speaking quietly. Just for her ears. "You really know how to show a girl a good time."
"Oh?"
Rainbow Dash is looping down, skimming above the treetops. She disappears somewhere upstream.
"Fancy dinner. Flowers. Studying. And now an air show. Not bad for a first date!" Cheerilee says.
"Second. Does this count as third now?" Twilight says.
"Maybe. Who cares?"
They can see Rainbow Dash again, streaking right above the stream. She's near top speed, blasting her way just above the surface of the water. She's kicking up huge waves of water in her wake, almost emptying the stream onto its banks.
"Wait a minute..." Twilight furrows her brow, piecing together her observations. Pinkie Pie is laughing so hard she falls over.
"Oh my..." Rarity says, backing away.
"...goodness!" Fluttershy shields herself with a wing.
The words You've gotta be kidding never have a chance to leave Twilight's mouth. Dash rockets past them, and for just a moment all Twilight can see is a wall of water, glowing with the rainbow colors of the blue pegasus pony's wake.
That really is quite pretty, actually.
And then gallons upon gallons of cold, muddy water crash down on them. Twilight realizes just too late that she probably could've shielded them with magic. But she didn't. She opens her eyes as soon as she can breathe again, shivering as the breeze cools her wet coat.
Rarity is squirming in place, stomping her hooves in the puddles all around them and making annoyed little gasps. Fluttershy's face is totally hidden behind her soaked tresses of mane. Pinkie Pie is rolling around in the mud, laughing so hard that she's gasping for breath.
"Hee hee... did you... did you girls like the trick? Ha ha! I helped Dashie think it up. I call it the Filly Splasher!" Pinkie Pie chokes out.
Twilight groans and gives Pinkie a stare of death, which goes completely ignored. She turns to see Cheerilee shaking water and mud out of her hair.
"I'm so, so sorry about this. My friends are... um..." Twilight searches for words, forgetting the mud caking onto her own coat.
"Two meanings. I get it," Cheerilee says, not looking at all perturbed.
"Huh?"
"Trick. They tricked us by saying they would show us a trick. Kind of clever, actually," Cheerilee says.
"You... you're not...?" Twilight says.
"We'll just have to get them back sometime." Cheerilee grins devilishly. Twilight just stares at her.
"Oh man!" Rainbow Dash comes to a hover above them, snorting into her hoof. "So, uh... what did you guys think of my new trick?"
"I thought it was great!" Pinkie Pie tries to bounce but slips in the mud, landing right on her face. She's up again in an instant, laughing her flanks off.
"Rainbow Dash!" Rarity barks. She's trying to walk without touching any mud, unsuccessfully. "That was most..." She slides around, barely keeping her balance. "Inappropriate!"
Dash watches Rarity slip in the mud with undisguised glee. Then she sees Fluttershy wringing water out of her mane and she can't contain herself anymore. Rainbow Dash explodes into laughter, barely keeping herself afloat.
"You really aren't upset?" Twilight says to Cheerilee.
"Oh, please. I deal with teenagers all day. Thick skin is a job requirement."
"Huh." Twilight starts to sit down, then looks at all the grass around them, now soaked and muddy. "Still, sorry. I swear my friends are actually... well no, this is pretty much what they're like."
"They certainly aren't boring." Cheerilee reaches over and wipes a particularly thick chunk of mud off Twilight's cheek. "I was worried about meeting your friends, actually. I was scared they might not like me or something."
"Scared? Of course they'll love you. I lo–" Twilight freezes.
And what exactly was I about to say next?
Cheerilee's eyes go wide, then she smiles and taps her hoof lightly against Twilight's chest.
"Whoa there, sweetie. One step at a time."
Twilight smiles bashfully, not feeling the patches of mud hardening into her coat.
"I like you," she says quietly. Cheerilee laughs once, loudly.
"I like you, too." They lock eyes for a long moment. "Come on. Let's go get cleaned up."
Twilight nods and does a quick check on her friends. Rainbow Dash is carrying Rarity to drier turf, rolling her eyes at the stream of indignant chatter coming from the unicorn. Pinkie Pie is wringing out Fluttershy's tail, apologizing even through the last of her giggles. Twilight bids them all a quick goodnight, then turns to walk away.
"Applejack?" She pauses mid-step. Applejack is standing on the path nearby, looking confused.
"What in the hay did I miss this time?" she says.
"Oh, you know," Twilight says. "The usual nonsense."
• • •
Twilight shuts the faucet off with a glow of her horn. Her bathtub is full almost to the brim with hot, steaming water. It looks tempting, but she turns away.
"Okay. That looks good," she says.
Cheerilee is standing in her bathroom behind her. "Thanks again. I'm such a mess right now." She stares at the tub, obviously aching to sink into the hot water.
"Don't mention it. Here, I'll get some more towels. Be right back!" Twilight trots back out into the library, humming tunelessly. She rummages around in a closet and starts yanking out plush towels, floating them together into a neat pile with her magic. She's so focused on her chore that Spike's voice startles her.
"Is she taking a bath here?" he says from a chair nearby, not looking up from his comic book.
"Huh?" Twilight barely looks over from the closet.
"Cheerilee. Doesn't she live right down the street?" Spike says, still not looking up.
"Huh. Yeah, I guess so. I don't know, I didn't really think about it. I offered and she said yes."
"Okay." Spike shrugs.
"Problem?" Twilight cocks an eyebrow at him. He still doesn't look over.
"Naw. Just asking."
Well, all right then.
Twilight tries to think back to the last time she bathed Spike.
Shoot, that was back when I moved here.
Right before he started acting all grown up and insisting he could do it himself. She eyes him as she walks by with her towels, trying to gauge his feelings. But the little dragon seems genuinely absorbed in his comic book. He doesn't look up at all.
All right then, indeed.
She walks back into the bathroom, floating the towels along with her.
"Here we go! Plenty of – oh." Twilight pauses. Cheerilee is already in the tub, up to her withers in the steamy water. Her mane is deflated, hanging loosely around her face in damp curls. She looks over as Twilight enters. Twilight feels her ears flatten out and her knees go a little wobbly. A hind leg shoots out on its own and pushes the door closed behind her.
"Thanks. You can leave them right there." Cheerilee nods at the floor next to the tub. Twilight sets the towels down, trying not to stare too intensely. She feels rude for some reason, like she's intruding.
"There you go. I'll just... uh... leave you to it. I guess." She starts to back towards the door.
"Actually, could you get my back?" Cheerilee leans forward against the edge of the tub, displaying her shoulder blades. "It's hard for us earth ponies."
Twilight freezes. It feels like her tail is stuck in a light socket. Cheerilee is staring at her over her shoulder, her eyes sending all kinds of chills through Twilight's spine. Twilight traces the pink form of Cheerilee's body with her stare, sliding her eyes over the curve where rump meets midsection. It's distorted in the water, blurry and shifting.
"Well?" Cheerilee raises her eyebrows and wiggles her backside, sending small waves through the water.
Oh sweet Celestia... thine grace is great on this day.
Twilight swallows hard and steps up to the tub. Cheerilee folds her forelegs on the far edge of the tub and rests her chin on them, waiting. A bar of soap sits in a small dish on the other edge. Twilight picks it up with a glow of her horn and rubs it up and down Cheerilee's back. She can feel the muscles tense up against her horn, and then relax as the touch of the hard bar becomes familiar. Twilight rubs until a good lather is worked up, then puts the soap down.
"Can I... should I use my hooves?" Twilight asks.
"Please do."
Ohhhhhh yeah... definitely gotta use the hooves for this one.
Twilight reaches out slowly, carefully. It's a tiny bathtub, really. She has no problem reaching Cheerilee. But she always uses magic for everything – actually using her hooves feels almost... unnatural.
Hey, she said it was fine.
Indeed, she did. Twilight presses her hooves into Cheerilee's back on either side of her spine. Cheerilee matches her touch with a sharp intake of breath – Twilight can feel her chest expand, feel her back raise against her hooves. Twilight rubs up, pressing her hooves into a soft coat, slick with water and soap. Her hooves sink into the supple muscle as she rubs down, tracing two ovals across Cheerilee's back. She rubs up and down, slowly, relishing every shift of flesh against her hooves.
"Ahhhhh... that's perfect," Cheerilee sighs.
Twilight licks her lips as she rubs more. A few drops of water crawl down her forehead. She's not sure if it's sweat or condensation from the steam. She tries to concentrate on the task at hand, staring at the ripples of dark skin that form in front of her hooves as she pushes. Her hooves move easily over Cheerilee's body, caressing out the small bits of mud left sticking in her coat.
"Don't forget my lower back." Cheerilee raises up on her haunches, making a splash of water as she exposes more of herself. Her dark pink back stretches out in front of Twilight, from the nape of her neck to just the top of her rump. Twilight feels her cheeks flush with color and becomes aware that her tail is flicking around wildly. She greedily moves her hooves lower, pressing down hard along the sides of the spine.
Cheerilee's tail bobs around, dragging the heavy wet hair instead of flicking. Her tail slides over the curves of her cheeks, leaving trails of water behind. Twilight is scrubbing hard with her hooves, but her eyes are fixed lower, staring at the glimpses she's getting of the teacher's exposed privates, tantalizing peeks blurred by hot water and wisps of steam.
Twilight's mind is racing almost as face as her pulse. She pictures just pushing Cheerilee forward, bending her over the rim of the tub, and then diving into those moist folds with her tongue. She bites her tongue instead. Her hooves falter a little, sliding down Cheerilee's sides and lower, onto the tops of her flanks.
"Oooooh, Twilight. That's not really my back, is it?" Cheerilee purrs.
"Heh. Uh... there's some mud here, too," Twilight lies.
"Are you saying I'm a dirty girl?" Cheerilee casts a smoking look over her shoulder.
"...What?" Twilight pauses, her head almost spinning with confused lust.
"Just say yes, sweetie."
"Uhhh... yes?"
"Well, do what you must. I won't stop you." Cheerilee turns her head away and wiggles her rump right at Twilight. Twilight shudders, losing control of her arms for a moment. They slide down into the water, brushing right past...
"Eeek!" Cheerilee's whole body shakes and she shrinks into the water, curling her tail around herself.
"What? What did I do?" Twilight's senses come back just a little.
"Heh... ahem. Sorry. My cutie mark. Kind of... uh... sensitive." Cheerilee turns to her and grins, her chest heaving a little.
"Oh." Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. "Sorry if I startled you. I didn't mean to touch you like... like that."
"No apology necessary." Cheerilee slides closer to Twilight, their faces close together. Twilight feels weirdly lost, nervous, like she used to back when this all began. She thinks back to Rarity's books for the first time in a while.
"But I read that... I've always read that the cutie mark is kind of... I don't know. Intimate? Special? You know... serious."
"That's adorable," Cheerilee says. "So you've never...?"
"No." Twilight fidgets uncomfortably.
I thought I was done being all nervous about this. Oh well...
"I mean... it's just getting rubbed on your flank, right? Does it feel different?"
Cheerilee gives her a quick kiss on the cheek and then leans back into the tub, drifting away from Twilight.
"Why don't you come on in and find out?"
Nervousness melts away. Twilight's eyes go wide for a second, then she grins like she's cornered her prey.
It's really the other way around. She's so...
Twilight's mind races for words as she climbs over the edge of the tub. Knowledgeable? Experienced? More than that... it's like she's...
Twilight gasps as the hot water wraps around her limbs. She dips in slowly, crawling on top of Cheerilee. There isn't enough room in the tub to go anywhere else. Cheerilee lies back against the end of the tub, rubbing her forelegs against Twilight's as she settles in. The water rises up to the edge of the bathtub, almost flooding over the sides.
There's still so much I don't know. She can teach me. That's it.
They lock eyes as Twilight muddles through her thoughts. She feels like she's floating above Cheerilee, suspended in hot, soothing comfort. The initial stinging of heat against her coat fades, replaced by warmth enveloping her belly and haunches. She stands in place, wallowing in it.
Cheerilee lifts her neck up and they share a long kiss, snapping Twilight out of her reverie. Twilight lowers herself fully into the water, wrapping her arms around Cheerilee's shoulders. When she opens her eyes, Cheerilee is looking up at her, a sultry look that sends her heart racing. She can feel Cheerilee's forelegs pinned against her chest, rubbing into her wet coat.
"I can't really show you like this. Turn around," she whispers.
Oh, teach me, you dirty mare!
Twilight just nods, murmuring something affirmative. She shifts onto her rump and spins around. Cheerilee drapes a foreleg over her shoulder and pulls her back immediately, cradling Twilight in her lap. Twilight closes her eyes, leaning back into a soft, firm embrace.
Cheerilee holds her for a second, then two. Twilight feels a nose sniffing around in her mane, feels hot breath against the back of her neck. Cheerilee's arms don't move.
"So... you just rub my cutie mark?" Twilight almost whispers.
"Not yet."
That warm breath, right against her ear. Twilight feels her insides wind up tight, a spring about to break. She sighs and coos as Cheerilee drags her arms down around her midsection, resting her hooves right above Twilight's thighs. Twilight sinks lower into the water, relaxing completely, when something tugs at her mane.
"Huh?" She tries to turn her head and feels her mane pinched, stuck.
"Mmmm?" Cheerilee's voice floats from behind her.
"And you looked at me funny when I bit your hair." Twilight giggles. Cheerilee spits out a lock of purple mane.
"You were just sucking on mine. I'm grooming. You've never groomed like this?"
"No... I always use a brush. That's more an earth pony thing, I guess."
"Mmm," Cheerilee says. Twilight feels pulling at the back of her head again, feels teeth chewing down the length of her wet mane. It hurts a little, sometimes, but the tugging strain in her scalp is more than a little pleasurable. She lies still, resting her hooves on Cheerilee's, letting her work.
Twilight's eyelids relax, hanging closed. Warm light filters through. Her chest rises and falls, and her mind empties out, feeling nothing but wet heat and soft body and tugging, lovely tugging in her mane. She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, sinking further into Cheerilee's firm body.
Cheerilee's hooves slide lower as she chews, rubbing at the edges of Twilight's flanks. Twilight takes another breath and holds it, tensing up a little. Cheerilee tugs again at her mane, harder, pulling her head back a little, and then slides both hooves down across Twilight's twin stars.
Twilight's flanks jerk, more from anticipation than anything. She lets her breath out. It tickles, certainly feels good, but it's not the mind-blowing pleasure she was expecting. She feels Cheerilee smile against the back of her head.
"That's it? Maybe I'm losing my touch," Cheerilee says.
"No, it feels great." Twilight squirms against her, grazing her flanks against Cheerilee's hooves. "Maybe I'm just not as sensitive as you. There."
Twilight drops her own hooves, past Cheerilee's, grasping at the big, round rump she knows is back there somewhere. She slides up Cheerilee's flanks, feeling her way up to that cheery trio of flowers.
"Oh!" Cheerilee squeezes her tight and gasps into her mane.
"Right there?" Twilight presses her hooves into a wet coat, rubbing them in, feeling firm muscle under soft, pliant fat.
"Ah!" Cheerilee grips Twilight's flanks tightly, pulling hard on her mane.
Well, I do owe her one. Or several...
Twilight smiles deviously and starts rubbing hard with her hooves. She can't really see the results, but she feels Cheerilee groan, the vibrations shaking into her back.
"Maybe... you were right... sensitive..." Cheerilee whispers.
Twilight rubs harder and flexes her back side to side, sliding their wet bodies together. She hears Cheerilee's breath pick up, puffs of hot air wafting against her neck faster now. She grins, feeling less like a lost little foal and more like a sexy, full-grown mare.
Ha! That's right, moan some more... Twilight Sparkle's got a few moves after all.
"Still think I'm adorable?" Twilight grins harder.
She feels Cheerilee smile and choke out a kind of gasping giggle.
"I guess I found a way to pay you back for last night." Twilight presses harder. Cheerilee squeezes her forelegs over Twilight's, pinning her still.
"You know what I think?" Cheerilee groans.
"What?"
"I think we need to finish washing up. And then I think we need to go up to your bedroom."
Twilight's eyes go wide, somehow not having considered that possibility.
Why do I always go completely brain dead when it comes to sex?
She turns to look over her shoulder and meets Cheerilee's lips, waiting to pounce. They kiss quickly, Cheerilee surprising Twilight with an aggressive tongue.
"I think that's a good idea," Twilight says as soon as her mouth is free.
Cheerilee lets her go and climbs out of the tub, dragging her wet tail up Twilight's chest. Twilight rinses off in record time, barely pausing to check if she actually is clean. She pulls the stopper out of the tub and hops out, finding Cheerilee waiting with a towel in her mouth. They towel each other off wordlessly, the only sound the occasional giggle. Twilight is fascinated by the other mare's body, hanging on every moment that she's running her hooves all over that dark pink coat.
They leave the bathroom and skirt through the main room. Twilight whistles tunelessly, pointedly not looking at the chair where Spike is still reading. Cheerilee follows, clearly amused at Twilight's facade.
They go upstairs. Twilight holds the door for Cheerilee, letting her eyes linger on that glorious rump as it goes by. She follows it in and carefully closes the door as quietly as she can, cursing the lack of lock.
She turns around to find Cheerilee paused, looking up at the bookshelves all around them.
"Nice collection," she muses.
"I'll give you the full tour later. Come on." Twilight bumps Cheerilee's flank with her head, pushing her towards the stairs.
"Oh, no need to be pushy." Cheerilee sticks her tongue out at Twilight and canters up the stairs to Twilight's bedroom proper. She holds at the top, looking around.
"Wow! It's so big," Cheerilee says.
"The room, or the bed?" Twilight passes her, headed right for that large, flat soft surface.
"Both."
They flop down on the bed without further delay, sliding close together on their sides. Twilight barely has time to smile before Cheerilee attacks with her lips. They make out loudly, wrapping their limbs around each other. Twilight shifts her head around, kissing all over Cheerilee's face, running her snout into her damp, soft curls of mane.
It still smells like something... darn it, I'm never going to figure this out...
She feels Cheerilee laughing softly against her neck.
"Getting all lost in my mane again?" she says.
Twilight pulls her head back, stammering nonsense.
"Yours is beautiful." Cheerilee leans her head against a pillow, running a hoof down the trail of Twilight's hair. "I love your highlights. You don't dye it or anything?"
"Nope. All natural."
Despite Rarity's best efforts...
"I never finished grooming you." Cheerilee smirks at her. "Would you like me to keep doing that?"
Yes ma'am!
Twilight just grins and nods.
"Mmm." Cheerilee starts to lean forward but pauses, looking thoughtful. She gets up and crawls over Twilight, putting her head down by Twilight's rump. "On second thought, your tail looks pretty tangled."
"Oh? Reallyyyyyyohhhhhhh wow..." Twilight starts to crane her neck up, but loses her strength as she feels teeth tugging on her tail. She bites her lip and feels her hooves twitch with each delightful tug. Her legs move, almost walking in place, sliding against the sheets.
Cheerilee starts right at her tail base and works down, chewing through the hair, pulling at Twilight's rump. Twilight feels her sphincter tighten and clench even as her nether lips swell, her own folds relaxing and blooming. She looks over at Cheerilee's body, leaning across the bed, her tail swishing in the air so far away. Twilight tries to scoot over a little, to return this lovely favor, but she's pinned under Cheerilee's chest.
Cheerilee moves back up to the base, chewing contentedly, pulling with short, insistent tugs. Twilight knickers softly as she feels hot breath over her privates and Cheerilee's muzzle rubbing against her rear.
Wait a minute... how did this happen? I'm supposed to be doing her.
"Hey." She runs a hoof up Cheerilee's back, to her neck.
"Mmm?" Cheerilee looks up, still holding a tail in her mouth.
"Get up. I owe you one."
"Oh?" Cheerilee drops her tail.
"Not that this isn't great." Twilight shifts under her, pushing Cheerilee to the side.
"You don't really owe me one. It doesn't work like that, you know," Cheerilee says.
"Maybe I just want to owe you one," Twilight says.
"Ooooh!" Cheerilee's eyes flash with desire as she rolls onto her side.
"If that's okay," Twilight says.
"More than okay." Cheerilee lies back, exposing herself for the taking. "I'm all yours."
Twilight coils up, lost in a wealth of choice.
Where to even begin?
Her eyes wander all over the lovely mare on the bed beside her, she's practically drooling. Cheerilee squirms in anticipation.
"Maybe you could use that horn of yours. I'm dying to see what else it can do," Cheerilee says, spreading her legs a little. Twilight balks.
"Are you... you really want me to...?"
"Ahem." Cheerilee closes her legs, looking a little bashful. "Right. I've heard that's a little naughty, even among unicorns."
Twilight remembers the waves of energy she'd felt blasting out of her horn the previous night and frowns. "That sounds dangerous."
"You don't think you can manage? Ponies say you're quite talented with that thing." Cheerilee runs a hoof over the blankets and up Twilight's foreleg.
Talent... horn... of course!
Twilight's lips curl up in a triumphant smile.
"Sorry, I don't know if we should do that. But..." She scoots closer to Cheerilee. "You're right. My special talent is magic."
"Oh?"
"Mmhmm." Twilight leans in, looming over her. Her horn begins to glow.
"What... uh... what do you have in mind?" A bead of sweat runs down Cheerilee's temple. She cracks an eager smile, fidgeting with just a hint of nervousness. Seeing her shaking slightly, waiting like that, sends a swelling thrill through Twilight's chest. She grins again...
The wild Twilight Sparkle closes in for the kill...
Twilight answers the question with a kiss, forcing Cheerilee's eyes closed as she brings out her secret weapon. Her horn glows brighter, and she concentrates on the image of those beautiful curves in her mind. She feels Cheerilee gasp into her mouth as the magic begins to work.
"Oh!" Cheerilee breaks their kiss, her eyes wide. "Are you doing this?" She looks down, her eyes going even wider at the sight of magical auras surrounding her flanks and sides.
"Mmhmm!" Twilight smugly appraises her handiwork. She presses into Cheerilee's cutie mark on both sides with her magic, dragging a throaty moan from the mare, then sends a third magical hoof up her spine. Cheerilee writhes in pleasure, throwing her head back.
"Oh goddess!" Cheerilee cries out. Twilight is sending feelers of magic up and down her sides, caressing her smooth coat. "This is... this is amazing!"
"Mmmmm." Twilight licks her lips, knowing she can't hold back much longer. She focuses a little harder, effortlessly lifting Cheerilee's whole body into the air, hovering her just above the bed.
"Ha! Twilight, I'm floating! Oh my gosh, I'm floating! This is amazi– OH! Ohhhhh..."
Cheerilee squirms in the air, kicking her back legs around as Twilight pushes and presses against her with magic. She has tendrils of magic massaging her flanks, her thighs, her sides and back, and it's not even difficult. She turns Cheerilee's backside towards her, pulling her tail aside with another simple magical grasp.
Oh... oh yes... oh dear all that is hot in Canterlot YES...
That beautiful, beautiful thick rump is hovering right in front of her snout. Twilight finally gets a clear look at the bounty between her lover's legs, pert, thick lips drenched with arousal. She nuzzles against Cheerilee's thighs, shuddering at the smell, the waves of heat crashing against her nose. She nibbles tenderly up Cheerilee's legs, working her way closer and closer.
Cheerilee whimpers and spreads her legs as wide as she can, begging with her body. Twilight obliges happily. She shoves her snout right into that drenched slit, inhaling a deep breath of pure, heady sex. Cheerilee squeals loudly, but Twilight barely hears it. Her head is spinning, fighting to keep control of her horn as she loses herself in Cheerilee's plump folds. She drags her tongue right up the middle, lapping softly, savoring the almost sweet taste.
"Ohhhhhhhhhh!" Cheerilee grunts loudly, flailing her limbs about to no effect. She's helpless in Twilight's grasp. Twilight falters a little at the intoxicating sound, almost dropping the mare, but she recovers. She runs her tongue all over Cheerilee's lips, sloppy and eager. She pulls back for just a second, trying to remember to breathe, to keep control of her horn.
This next part... delicate touch...
It's easy, even while keeping her grasp on the rest of Cheerilee's body. Twilight grins as her horn glows brighter. Light shines between Cheerilee's legs, and her lips spread, exposing her twitching clit and a moist, pink expanse of flesh surrounding her entrance.
"Ahhh!" Cheerilee gasps, crushing her chin against her chest. She's looking down at Twilight, eyes wild, almost frantic. Twilight locks eyes with her as she dives in, flicking her tongue against that shining little nub. She hears choking, a ragged absence of air coming from Cheerilee's mouth as her whole body tenses up.
And now... for my next trick...!
She reaches just below her chin with magic, slipping a tendril of telekinesis into Cheerilee.
"AH! You! Oh! OH!" Cheerilee reaches down with her hooves, sliding them through Twilight's mane. Twilight meets them with her own, and they grasp hooves together tightly, wrapping them together on top of Cheerilee's belly. Twilight snakes a feeler of magic into her lover, exploring her soft, smooth inner walls. She can feel the hot, wet flesh clenching and shaking around her horn as if it was really there. She searches around that tight passage, massaging with her magic, even as she runs her tongue in circles all over Cheerilee's quivering clitoris.
Twilight hears a suppressed whine coming from the pink mare, slowly getting louder and louder, straining at her closed mouth. Something in her demands that she draw it out. She splits her magical finger, feeling around in several directions at once, stretching Cheerilee's insides.
"OH GOD! OH!" Cheerilee screams out. It startles Twilight, sending shivers of pleasure through her haunches. She drops Cheerilee roughly onto the bed, losing all her magic touches for a moment.
"Sorry!" Twilight starts to wrap her up in magic again.
"NO! No no, put it all here!" Cheerilee drags Twilight's hooves onto her mound, panting, out of control. "Forget everywhere else, just in me! Put it all in me!"
"What?"
"Please!" Cheerilee squeezes her hooves together almost painfully. Twilight feels sweat running down her temples as she hurries to comply, concentrating her glow, pushing deep inside. Cheerilee squeals and arches her back, her face twisting up in pleasure, her mouth hanging open in a crooked smile.
"Like this?" Twilight bends her magic, pushing around, straining at the inside of Cheerilee's crotch.
"Mmmmmmm!" Cheerilee nods, biting her lip.
With her focus all in one spot, her magic is stronger, more controlled. Twilight is shaking inside, aching to pleasure her partner completely. She starts rubbing in and out in a slow rhythm, watching Cheerilee's pink flesh expand and contract as she pushes. She can almost see into her, blurred in the glow of her magic. She loses all thought, staring at that dark, quivering hole, leaking clear fluid onto the bed.
"Twilight?" Cheerilee gasps out.
"Huh?" Twilight's magic hoof slows down.
"Could you... can you... if you can..." Cheerilee trails off, her cheeks tinting slightly red.
"What?"
"Could you shape it like... you know?"
"...Huh?" Twilight doesn't know, doesn't have the slightest idea. She can't take her eyes off the lovely petals of her partner's vulva.
"Like a stallion, stupid."
"Oh," Twilight says absently, not really listening. Then it hits her. "Oh!"
"If that's... if you want..." Cheerilee says, a little out of breath. Twilight just stares at her for a second.
Actually, that would be pretty simple to do.
She reforms her magic, pulling her invisible fingers together into a solid lump. Then she shifts it, lengthening the extension of her mind into a crude phallus. She feels it in her horn, tight flesh grasping as it parts before her.
"How's that?" Twilight says.
"Um... a little bigger?" Cheerilee whimpers, her eyes shining.
Twilight surges the energy in her horn. Cheerilee gasps, her smile broadening.
"Oh, oh yes! Now just a little thicker!"
Again, a mere thought and it's done.
"Ooooooooohhhhhh..." Cheerilee kicks her hind legs, her tail lashing around wildly. She beckons with her forelegs. "Come here!"
Twilight climbs onto her, pressing their stomachs together. She holds herself above Cheerilee, locking eyes as she grinds her hips down. Their engorged clits rub together, sending an electric tickle of pleasure jolting through Twilight's hips. She thinks of Dash, for just a moment.
Ha! Now I get to be on top! I'm really doing her. I'm making love to her!
Cheerilee writhes against her, panting.
"I want you close to me," Cheerilee says.
"Like a stallion?" Twilight can't stop a goofy smile creeping onto her lips.
"Better than any stallion!" Cheerilee moans out. "Your magic, it's... it's so hot..."
They kiss, bodies pressed tightly together. Twilight holds her magic in place, filling the other mare. She breaks the kiss and just holds her, wallowing in the sound of heavy breathing and the feel of their sweaty coats rubbing together.
"Well?" Cheerilee says into her ear.
"Hmm?"
Cheerilee takes Twilight's head in her hooves and holds her, staring deep into her eyes. She looks more than a little impatient.
"Sweetie," she says, her eyes deadly serious. "Fuck me."
"Bu wha huh?" Twilight blushes like crazy.
"Do me. Rut me! Give it to me!" Cheerilee begs.
"Like... like a stallion? Really?" Twilight stammers.
"Yes!" Cheerilee almost screams, her eyes crazy.
Twilight closes her eyes, commanding the glow of magic to slide in and out.
"Oh!" Cheerilee breathes into Twilight's ear. "Move your hips!"
"...excuse me?"
"Move your hips!"
"Uh," Twilight pauses to think for a second. She braces her hind legs awkwardly against the bed and pulls her hips back, drawing her magic out of Cheerilee at the same time. They both take a sharp breath, hovering on this one moment. Cheerilee's whole body trembles under her, yearning. Then Twilight bucks her hips forward, forcing her magic back into Cheerilee's tight, wet passage.
Cheerilee howls out loud, convulsing under her. Her eyes roll back in her head, and her tongue lolls out of her mouth. Twilight can feel her vaginal muscles clenching against her horn.
"Did you just...?" Twilight asks.
"More!" Cheerilee digs her hooves into Twilight's back. Twilight bucks into her again, sliding her magical phallus in and out in one long, slow stroke. Cheerilee just about goes crazy, thrusting her own hips up at Twilight, shutting her eyes tight. Twilight strokes again, then again, picking up a slow, halting rhythm.
"Ohhhhhhhhh YES!" Cheerilee hooks her hind legs around Twilight's ankles, pulling her into each thrust. Twilight slowly adjusts to the unfamiliar motion. She tries to focus on the feel of Cheerilee around her horn, the sight and sound of the mare losing herself only adding to her lust.
This... this is neat. Weird, but neat. I could get into this.
Her rhythm smooths out with each stroke. Their hips connect with a dull slap, over and over again, punctuating the cries of pleasure ringing out from Cheerilee's mouth.
"AaaaaaaaAAAAAHHH!" she screams louder.
Twilight winces, her ears twitching. "Cheerilee!" Her thrusting slows down.
"Mmmm?!"
"Spike is right downstairs!"
"Oh! Sorry! Sorry." Cheerilee's eyes shift around, nervous and hungry. "Please don't stop."
Twilight thrusts with renewed vigor, really giving it to her.
"Oh! OH! Ugh! Unnnnnnnmmmmmm!" Cheerilee grunts with each stroke, then presses her lips together, struggling against her own voice. Twilight was taken out of the moment, worrying that Spike would hear them, but it's quickly becoming difficult to care. Seeing Cheerilee moaning in pleasure under her, because of her, is driving her wild. She glares and pumps her hips harder, swelling her magical member, flaring the tip like a real stallion's head.
Is this what it feels like for a guy?
She can feel tight, wet walls quaking against her horn. It's so good.
I could REALLY get used to this.
"AaaaaHHHH!" Cheerilee's lips break open, her face twisted up in pained ecstasy.
"Cheerilee!" Twilight grins despite her scolding.
"I'm sorry! I can't... AH! Help it!" she whines.
Twilight leans down and silences her with a kiss, holding it as they rut like animals. Cheerilee screams into her, barely moving her tongue.
"Mmm! Mmm! Mmmmmmm!" Cheerilee's muffled screams grow more urgent. Twilight can feel twitching, clenching muscles around her horn, squeezing tighter and tighter. She picks up the pace, slamming her hips over and over and over again.
"MmmmmmMMM!" Cheerilee bites down on Twilight's lip, hard, and they both freeze as Twilight makes one last thrust. Cheerilee comes so hard she lifts her rump up off the sheets, shooting waves of pleasure into Twilight's horn.
They both gasp as Twilight collapses on top of her, panting.
WOW... that was ridiculous!
Twilight barely has time to finish that thought before Cheerilee is shifting under her, pushing her up. She slides Twilight off her body and turns around, sticking her flanks in the air.
"Like this!" she pleads.
"Excuse me?" Twilight has barely caught her breath.
"Mount me! Oh god, I need it!" Cheerilee wiggles her rump, lashing her tail against Twilight's snout. Twilight's eyes fall on her gaping, swollen mound, winking and running down the inside of her thighs. Twilight starts to think but finds she can't. Something animal invades her mind, and she snorts loudly as she climbs up Cheerilee's backside.
Her partner moans as Twilight lowers her weight onto her back, hooking her forelegs over Cheerilee's soft pink shoulders. Twilight feels a tail brushing against her belly, and it just strengthens the drunken swirl of lust in her head. Her horn shines bright, and a mad blankness enters her eyes as she penetrates with her magic.
"AAAA–!" Cheerilee starts to howl in ecstasy but buries her head in the pillows, muffling her screams again.
YES! Take it! Scream! Oh my good Princess this is AMAZING!
Twilight fucks her frantically, her head a jumbled mess of tangled-up sex. She pushes down with her forelegs, thrilling herself with how powerful it feels. Cheerilee is hers, all hers! That glorious ass flattens against her thighs with every thrust, jiggling with the impact. Spasms bleed down from her horn into her brain, crowding out anything like coherent thought. Her whole being is focused on one urgent need, an overwhelming desire to take this mare.
"Twilight?"
Twilight just grunts in reply, her eyes almost rolling back in her head.
"You can... you can pull on my mane. A little. If you want."
Twilight pauses, her eyes going wide. Cheerilee is glancing over her shoulder, looking almost ashamed. Her beautiful face is completely flushed, shining with sweat.
"If you want." Cheerilee wiggles her hips and clenches her cheeks, urging Twilight to resume thrusting. Twilight starts again slowly, lowering her head. She examines the back of Cheerilee's head, bobbing up and down in her vision, seeing those delicious, rich curls as if for the first time. She carefully takes a hunk in her mouth and tugs softly.
"Aaaahhh!" Cheerilee's cry of pleasure rings out through the room. Twilight can't even come close to caring. She tugs harder, yanking Cheerilee's head up.
"AAAAHHH!" Cheerilee screams. Twilight is rutting her hard again, pulling her into each thrust by the hair. The pressure against her hips with each stroke is incredible, sending tickling ripples up through her haunches.
"Yes! YES! Like that! Like that!" Cheerilee babbles. Their hips ram together in short, hard intervals, slapping loudly. Twilight bites hard on her hair, shaking her head back and forth, breathing in that smell again, that mystical, mysterious smell!
Twilight pounds Cheerilee furiously for what feels like just seconds. Her horn throbs, starting to ache. Even with all her skill and practice, she's been using it for quite a while without pause. She yanks Cheerilee's mane harder, feeling static crackling out from her horn. She thrusts desperately, her thigh muscles quaking with the effort.
"Oh oh oh ohhhhhhhhh Twilight aaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAHHHH!" Cheerilee is almost shrieking, pounding the bed with her front hooves. Twilight feels her come again, feels that ample rump bucking up into her, and it pushes her over the edge.
"Augh!" Cheerilee's mane falls from her mouth as Twilight collapses on top of her. Sparks shoot from her glowing horn, tracing constellations on the wall before fading out. The brushes and clock on her nightstand shake and clatter, dancing around in the shock waves flowing out from her horn.
They sink in a sweaty pile onto the bed. Twilight slides to the side and rolls onto her back, splayed out, completely spent. She lies there just looking at the ceiling, gasping for breath.
What... what just happened?!
Well, I just had sex with Cheerilee. That is what just happened.
You... you gave it to her!
I GAVE it to her?!
You did owe her one, after all.
Somewhere in her brain she giggles, but her body is frozen.
What... WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! I was on top?!
I rutted her, like a... like a...
Oh, relax. Sure, it was a little weird. But it felt sooooo good!
Her thoughts are interrupted by a kiss, by a pair of frantic hooves caressing her chest and arms. She opens her eyes to see Cheerilee crawling on top of her, nuzzling against her neck.
Ah, yes... cuddle time...
Cheerilee straddles her hips, rocking against her.
Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa...
"Got enough left in you for another round?" she purrs, her eyes ravenous.
"Heh! Um..." Twilight's horn aches, almost as much as her twitching hind legs. "Maybe?"
"Aww," Cheerilee pouts, her eyes glinting with smug amusement. "Did I wear you out again?"
No!
Twilight ignores the defiant, foolish voice in her head. Instead she just chuckles weakly, blushing. "I'm sorry?" she says.
"Oh, don't be." Cheerilee relaxes, resting her head on the pillow next to Twilight. "That was amazing. I haven't done it like that since... ever, I think."
"Me neither." Twilight summons strength enough from somewhere to wrap an arm around Cheerilee's shoulders.
"You know I was so nervous about this? The sex, I mean," Cheerilee says.
"Oh?"
"I really love getting fucked like that." Cheerilee looks her right in the eye.
"Oh!" Twilight looks away, embarrassed at the language. "Uh..."
"I didn't know if a mare could do it. Like that, I mean. Boy, was I ever wrong! You're the best stallion I've ever been with, Twilight."
"Um...?" Twilight frowns, feeling more confused by the second. Cheerilee sighs and cuddles up next to her. Twilight tries to relax but knows her body is stiff and tense, still quivering with exhaustion. Cheerilee raises her head, nervously tapping her hoof on Twilight's chest.
"I mean... I know you're not a stallion, of course. I was joking. I'm not freaking you out or anything, am I?" she says.
Maybe a little?
"No! No, no, I... it's not you. You were great."
Cheerilee raises her eyebrows, looking a little worried. Twilight races to try and put her feelings into words.
What's going on here?
"I don't know, I... I've never thought of myself as the, uh... dominant party. I guess," Twilight says.
What are you talking about? You went down on Rarity, you practically molested Braeburn, you wanted to top Dash... you're completely...
Male?
Who am I, again?
"Twilight?" Cheerilee looks very worried now. Hurt is just beginning to ebb into her eyes. "You okay?"
The sight of her snaps Twilight out of her thoughts.
"Sorry." She wraps Cheerilee in her arms. "I think I freaked myself out a little. You know, magic penis and all."
Cheerilee snorts and laughs.
"Is that what you call that spell?"
Twilight rolls her eyes. "I'm sure it's technical name is something closer to 'instant gender identity confusion issues.'"
Cheerilee giggles. "It should be called the 'give Cheerilee the best sex ever' spell."
Twilight just snorts like a schoolfilly, unable to conjure any words.
"If it makes you feel any better, you're still all mare to me." Cheerilee teases a hoof over Twilight's ribs, tickling her just a bit. "A lovely, lovely mare."
Twilight smiles at her. It does feel a little better. A shadow of worry creeps back into Cheerilee's eyes.
"You would tell me, though, if I freaked you out. Right? I don't want to come on too strong."
Twilight scrunches her nose up as the pieces of a new mystery come into view. This fragile side of Cheerilee confuses her.
"I really like you, Twilight. I... I want to be with you." Cheerilee curls her legs together, hiding against the bed.
"I really like you, too. What are you so afraid of?" Twilight says.
Cheerilee gives her a caught-in-headlights stare. "Maybe I am afraid." She sighs. "I swear I used to make a habit of getting used. I've done some really dumb things. In the past. It was like the harder I fell for someone, the faster it would push them away."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know! I'm not even sure why I'm telling you this. No, I want you to know. No secrets, right?" Cheerilee looks up at her hopefully.
No secrets... I like that.
"I feel like this is moving so fast. But I want you to take me seriously. This isn't just sex," Cheerilee says.
"No." Twilight's heart melts, and she tightens her hooves around Cheerilee's shoulders. "No, it isn't."
Cheerilee smiles at her, warming out of her misgivings.
"Sorry. I'm sorry, I'm having one of those girly emotional things, aren't I?"
"If being honest is girly and emotional, then yes. But I like it," Twilight says. Cheerilee crushes her in a hug, rubbing her face into Twilight's neck.
"Thank you," she whispers. "Thank you, thank you, thank you..."
Twilight just holds her for a few moments, gathering her words. Cheerilee is melding against her, sighing. Twilight takes a deep breath and readies for the plunge.
"As long as we're being honest," she says. "I was in love with Princess Luna."
"Huh?!" Cheerilee's mouth hangs open.
Twilight just nods.
"Like... Moon Goddess Luna? Celestia's sister, Luna?"
Twilight nods again.
"...What?"
"All those times you ran into me when I was upset. That scale my friends and I were talking about. All because of her."
"So you two...?"
"Not really. She told me we would be together. But she said I had to date some other ponies first."
Cheerilee gives her a long, hard look. "And?" she says.
"I did. But it wasn't good enough for her. She wanted me to... I don't even understand, really. I don't know if I could understand. She made it impossible. Then she left me."
Cheerilee stares, blinking. Twilight can almost see her head trying to swallow this new development.
"I was heartbroken," Twilight says.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Twilight says. "Like you said, I wouldn't be here with you otherwise."
"You're sweet. But still... wow! Princess Luna. A goddess. That's kind of a lot to live up to." Cheerilee stares off into space.
"Heh... I didn't mean it like that. Besides, at this point she would have to live up to you." Twilight nudges her shoulder.
Cheerilee turns and glares. "Well I don't intend to give her the chance," she says.
"Oh? So you would defend my honor against the goddess of the night?" Twilight says.
"I don't care if she is the moon princess, she better not even think about laying a hoof on you." Cheerilee narrows her eyes, smiling with resolve.
"What are you, laying a claim down?"
"After what we just did? You bet your cute little tush, I am."
Twilight giggles, feeling feminine all over again. She wonders why the very things that make her hate cheesy romance novels always seem to make her swoon in real life.
"As long as we're laying claims down... I'd like you to be mine," Twilight says.
Cheerilee scoffs. "I don't know about that. I have so many lovers, you know."
Twilight jolts with panic. "...really?"
"Ha!" Cheerilee playfully taps her foreleg. "You know, for someone who deploys sarcasm so readily, you sure are bad at detecting it."
Twilight lets a breath out and they share a smile, staring dreamily at each other.
"You were right," Twilight says. "This has been pretty amazing for a first date."
"Aha, you admit it! This is our first date." Cheerilee grins at her.
"Yeah, I guess it is."
"The first of many. I hope," Cheerilee says. "If you don't mind me saying."
"Not at all."
Twilight gets lost in Cheerilee's eyes for a moment, lying still in her arms. Then they're kissing, a long, slow, tender connection, just barely whisking their tongues together. Twilight's heart swells – this kiss is glorious somehow, a beautiful, soaring thing. They break away, both sighing.
"You... um... you sure you couldn't go again, lover?" Cheerilee says, her breath husky.
"Oh! Uh... heh... I'd love to. My horn's still a little tender, though." Twilight grins, embarrassed.
"That's okay." Cheerilee leans forward and plants a line of kisses down Twilight's neck, moving down onto her chest. "I think it's my turn to owe you one."
"Oh. Oh! Ohhh..." Twilight trails off into a naughty giggle, running her hooves up Cheerilee's back. Cheerilee snakes her lips down further, sliding across Twilight's stomach.
"Full disclosure. I've never done this to a mare before. But I'll give it my best shot," Cheerilee says.
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll be..."
Twilight was about to say great, but her words catch in her throat as Cheerilee's tongue explores the inside of her thighs. She moans out loud and bites her lip in anticipation, grasping at Cheerilee's mane. Cheerilee pauses just above her target, making eyes at Twilight.
"Here goes nothing." Cheerilee winks at her.
Twilight relaxes into the bed, shaking with pleasure.
It was great.
• • •
Twilight Sparkle stretches and feels her eyelids strain at themselves, yearning to open. It would only take the most miniscule effort to open them. She resists. Pale morning light is filtering through into her eyes. She doesn't want to wake up just yet.
She stretches again, yawning. She arches her back and then curls forward, sighing at the sensation in her muscles and bones. Her body feels so, so rested – the usual grogginess and disorientation with waking up are nowhere to be found. Even the aching of sore muscles in her thighs is fine, just fine.
Gosh, I feel great... did I just sleep for days?
She grins, sweeping a foreleg across the other side of the bed, caressing...
Nothing. There's nothing there.
Her eyes snap open and she sits up. She's alone. She rubs her hooves over where Cheerilee's body was when she fell asleep. The mattress is still warm there.
Huh. Well... huh.
She rolls out of bed and makes her way downstairs. The library's main room is quiet and empty. Spike's door opens as she clops her way down the stairs, and he walks out, wiping at his eyes with a claw.
"Hey... have you seen Cheerilee?" Twilight asks.
"I just woke up," Spike grumbles.
Twilight glances into the kitchen. It's empty.
She's gone.
What? Why? How?
She did say she had plans today...
But... but...
"What's wrong?" Spike says.
"I... nothing." Twilight's head droops, and she drags her hooves into the kitchen. Spike follows and starts digging around in the cupboards as Twilight flops onto a floor cushion.
How could she just... I thought...
Calm down. You just started dating. It's no big deal.
Yes it is!
Twilight rests her head on her hooves, frowning.
So much for taking this seriously.
I don't understand.
What, you want her to be around ALL the time? You just spent almost two days together!
"Man, Twilight. We really need to go grocery shopping," Spike says, oblivious to her mood.
"Not now, Spike," Twilight mumbles.
"You aren't hungry? It's Sunday breakfast! We should be making something big!" Spike raises his arms, flabbergasted at Twilight's apathy.
Twilight is about to snap at him when her ears twitch. The library's main door opens. She gets up and peers out into the main room.
"Cheerilee!" she almost yells in glee.
"Huh?" Cheerilee pauses just inside the door, her saddlebags bulging with something. Twilight runs up and halts right in front of her, standing on hoof-edge.
"I thought you were gone!" she says.
"You thought I just left?" Cheerilee raises an eyebrow.
"Um... yes?"
"Well that's silly." Cheerilee pecks her on the cheek and walks past, into the kitchen. "I told you I'd be right back."
"You did?"
"Maybe if you weren't such a sleepy lazy butt you would've actually listened." Cheerilee smiles and blows a kiss over her shoulder.
"Wait... where did you go?" she asks as she follows the pink earth pony.
"Hey Cheerilee." Spike waves at her from the cupboard, eyes following her saddlebags.
"Good morning, Spike." Cheerilee nods at him. She dumps her saddlebags onto a small table. "You know your ice box is empty? Like, completely empty."
"That's what I was just saying!" Spike clambers up to the table, staring at the saddlebags. Cheerilee opens them and empties a dazzling variety of food onto the table.
"How does pancakes for breakfast sound?" she says. Spike just about jumps out of his scales.
"Awesome! I'll get the pans!" He rushes around the kitchen.
Twilight sits on a floor cushion, reeling a little at how amazing her life has become.
"Didn't you have plans today?" she asks.
"Not until later," Cheerilee says. "Plenty of time. Even if we did sleep in." She waggles her eyebrows while opening a bag of flour.
"Oh yeah... are you guys okay? You were screaming a lot last night." Spike gives them both a sidelong glare. Cheerilee cracks the fakest smile ever, laughing unevenly.
"Haha, Spike... I think there's a little dragon here who's getting special pancakes today," she says.
"Special?" Spike's eyes light up.
"With quartzes. Do you like quartzes?"
"Oh man! Really?"
"Of course." Cheerilee nods.
"As long as a certain little dragon can keep his mouth shut," Twilight says. Cheerilee shoots her a gentle glare.
"I mean, uh... yes. Pancakes!" Twilight backpedals. "Pancakes sound good."
Spike makes coffee. In minutes, the smell of pancakes hot on a skillet is wafting through the library. Twilight cradles a steaming mug of caffeine in her hooves, watching Cheerilee cook. Spike helps her, and they joke that Twilight is renting out her assistant for the day.
It's different, somehow. This is different.
This is what I wanted.
Twilight tries to imagine a morning like this with Luna at her side, and nothing comes. It's preposterous, ridiculous.
What was I ever thinking?
She smiles and drinks her coffee, just watching. Cheerilee and Spike are laughing about something, Twilight wasn't listening. Cheerilee flips a pancake, holding the spatula in her mouth, and Spike applauds with a slow clap, nodding.
This is perfect.
It is. It really, really is.
|
SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 15 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:45:17+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:45:17+00:00
| 16,819 |
Twilight sighs. She leans her head back into the pillow, letting her hips sink into the mattress under the weight of another pony. She looks down.
Well well well... at least that rump is as amazing as ever...
Cheerilee's back is facing Twilight. She's steadily humping away, that perfect ass spreading its curves as it smooshes into Twilight's hips. Twilight watches it, her pupils bobbing up and down, slightly hypnotized. Cheerilee arches her back, throwing her head back and forth. She's panting and moaning loudly, like she always does.
Twilight just lies there, holding her magic phallus in place, letting Cheerilee work herself on it. It's almost effortless by now, even with her creative additions. She's learned to stimulate herself with it while using it on Cheerilee – it's always in place anyway, so why not? She's teasing herself with thin tendrils of magic, even as a thicker finger massages Cheerilee's clit with each stroke.
Cheerilee slams her rump down into Twilight again and again, shuddering with each impact. Twilight traces a hoof down her spine, over the delicious curve where her rump begins, and twists it around her thick tail. She tugs on it.
"AAAHHH!" Cheerilee screams out, craning her neck back. Twilight almost reminds her yet again that Spike can hear them. Instead she just rolls her eyes a little. She yanks harder on Cheerilee's tail, pulling another gasping scream from her lungs.
Come on, come on... I know you're close...
Cheerilee keeps driving her rump down, over and over again. She seems to be stuck on a plateau, but Twilight knows by now exactly how to push her higher. She smirks a little and slides her other hoof up Cheerilee's flank, pressing hard on her smiling flowers, rubbing little circles into them.
"AAAAHHHHH oh GOD!" Cheerilee moans out, convulsing all over. Twilight can't help but grin.
We really should have just soundproofed my room somehow. How would we even do that?
She starts drawing blueprints in her head, outlining a set of experiments to see what material would best absorb the frequency of Cheerilee's screams. Her hoof absentmindedly keeps rubbing circles against Cheerilee's cutie mark. Her other hoof relaxes into a long, gentle tug on Cheerilee's bright pink tail, not giving any slack.
"AH! AH! AH! OH, OHHHHHhhhhhhh Twilight!" Cheerilee yells.
"Yes?" Twilight says in a normal conversational tone.
"Mmmmmmmmmmmm aaaaaAAAHHH!" Cheerilee tries to hold it in, but wails all the same.
"You wanted to say something?" Twilight smirks. She yanks hard on Cheerilee's tail, interrupting her thrusting.
"I'm coming! I'm coming ohmygodI'mcoming!"
Of course you are... what is that, three times tonight? Four?
Twilight feels the familiar shivering in her horn, Cheerilee's inner walls shaking against her, clenching tightly. Cheerilee moans out one last, feral wail and collapses back, sliding her sweaty body against Twilight's. Twilight wraps her forelegs around Cheerilee's chest and clamps her teeth around one dark pink ear, just the way Cheerilee loves it.
"AH... Ah... Ah... ah... ahhhhhh..." Cheerilee pants out, getting more and more quiet. She writhes against Twilight, slowing down with each second. Twilight gently rocks her hips up into her, keeping a slow, steady rhythm, cushioning her fall from climax.
"Mmmmmm!" Cheerilee folds her arms over Twilight's. Twilight knows the exact look on her face without having to see it, that big, satisfied smile. She nibbles on Cheerilee's ear, rolling the rubbery flesh back and forth between her teeth.
Not bad, not bad at all... you still got it, Twilight Sparkle.
Cheerilee has calmed down and she's just lying on Twilight, squeezing her hooves. Twilight finally lets the light of her horn die down, trying to ignore the slight aching running down into her skull. She rolls Cheerilee to the side, resting her on the bed.
"Mmmm?" Cheerilee turns her head slowly, her eyes dazed, almost sleepy. Twilight kisses her on the cheek.
"Be right back." Twilight gets up, giving Cheerilee a gentle spank on the rump. Cheerilee whimpers and gives a weak nod, letting her head drop into the pillows. Twilight sneaks off to the bathroom.
She doesn't have to go to the bathroom. Instead she washes her face, rinsing off the sweat and hopefully the stench of recent sex. She blinks and rubs her hooves into her eyes, feeling refreshed. She opens her eyes, and is taken aback to see herself staring back at her. Unwelcome thoughts come pouring in.
Talk to her.
About what? Everything's fine.
This is getting bad. Didn't you learn anything?
About what? Nothing's wrong. We just had great sex, like we always do. How could anything be wrong?
This is wrong and you know it and you have to say something before
Twilight sniffs loudly, checking out her mane in the mirror. It isn't too mussed up. Nope, nothing wrong at all. Everything's fine.
She stalks back to her bedroom, closing the door quietly behind her. Cheerilee is still awake – Twilight doesn't know how but she can just tell. The fuchsia mare is lying on her side, her back to Twilight, chest rising and falling slowly. Something about the rate of breathing, perhaps? It's still a mystery.
Instead of getting into bed, Twilight ambles around the room, looking for something to do. The place is a bit of a mess – Spike comes in here to clean less and less frequently – so she starts magicking around with piles of books and papers, shuffling them over to her desk. She's trying to organize them when a page of notes on a recent astronomical lecture given in Canterlot catches her eyes.
That shouldn't be there, with these notes... I thought it was tucked into this book over here...
But it's the wrong book. She searches around for the right one, finding another page of notes in a drastically incorrect place.
Got to put these here, and this one over there...
How did this get to be such a mess? The botany books are mixed up with the magical theory textbooks...
Jeez, this is bad even for me. I think this one might even be Cheerilee's. How did that...?
"My, this certainly is a big, empty, cold bed," Cheerilee says.
Twilight barely looks up.
"If only I had somepony to share this bed with me. Wouldn't that just be lovely?"
Twilight glances over to see Cheerilee wrapped up in her sheets, the ones with stars and moons all over them. Cheerilee is smiling at her. Twilight smiles back before going back to her organizing.
"Yup. It sure would be nice. Having some lovely, magical unicorn mare to hold me in her arms." Cheerilee rolls her eyes.
"Just one second," Twilight says, her eyes glued to her papers.
Long silence. Shuffling papers. Again, Twilight doesn't have to look to know the face Cheerilee is making.
"I'm sorry about the noise," Cheerilee says quietly.
Twilight drops her papers, sighing loudly. "It's fine," she says.
"You always say you like it."
"I do like it." Twilight turns to her, giving a naughty smile. It fades quickly. "But... you know. Spike."
"I know, I know. I'm sorry." Cheerilee hedges on her words, shrinking into the sheets. "I really try, I swear. You're just too much for me to handle, I guess."
Twilight makes a big show of rolling her eyes. "This is why we save the really sexy stuff for your place. But noooo, no, you just needed me right here, right now."
"I'm sorry!" Cheerilee snaps at her. "Is that so wrong? I love you."
Twilight doesn't answer. She glances out the window, up at the sky. The sky is hidden behind a seamless blanket of moody gray clouds. Twilight pictures the stars and moon, a beautiful tapestry of lights. She yearns to see them again.
She was always so skinny. Sleek. Lithe. I wonder what it's like to...
No! No, no, no bad thought. It's good you can't see her. You should thank Dash for the cloud cover.
Oh, the ways I could thank Dash... speaking of sleek and sexy...
No, darn it!
"Are you coming back to bed?" Cheerilee says.
Again, Twilight doesn't answer. She shuffles papers on her desk loudly.
"You were thinking about her, weren't you?"
Twilight jumps in place. A flurry of papers floats to the floor.
Which one?
"Who?" Twilight says, sporting a huge, guilty grin. Cheerilee just sighs and frowns.
"Are you coming back to bed or not? I really am cold."
"I said just one second," Twilight says. She picks the papers up from the floor and pretends to organize them. Seconds tick by like hours, shuffling paper from one pile to another and back again.
"Twilight?"
"Mmm?" Eyes focused on her desk.
"Twilight!"
Twilight turns to her and Cheerilee is a quaking bag of nervousness. She's half sitting up, tapping a hoof against the bed. Their eyes meet. Cheerilee can't hold the contact. She keeps glancing away, like Twilight's eyes are hurting her.
"What?" Twilight says.
Cheerilee takes a long time to answer, building up her courage. Finally, she spits it out.
"Do you still love me?"
"Of course I still love you. Don't be silly." Twilight says it instantly, turning back to her desk.
"Would you say it? For me?"
"Say what?"
"That you love me."
"I just did."
"No, no, come over here." Cheerilee pats the bed with her hooves. Twilight shrugs her shoulders and capitulates, walking over to the bed. She rests her forelegs on the mattress. Cheerilee fixes Twilight in her gaze, her eyes hard points.
"Say it," she orders.
"Say what?" Twilight feigns innocence.
"I love you, Cheerilee," Cheerilee recites.
"You know I do. I've said it a million times before."
"Look me in the eyes and say it!"
Twilight opens her mouth, but nothing comes right away. She turns her head, trying to dodge those eyes. "What is this, some kind of test?"
"Why can't you just say it?" Cheerilee's face falls, her eyes on the edge of tearing up.
"I don't have to. It's obvious. Self-evident."
"If it's so self-evident then just say it." Cheerilee glares at her.
"No." Twilight narrows her eyes. "This is some kind of... I don't know, this is foal stuff. We're both grown mares. We're mature. We don't need to be all emotional all the time."
"Don't patronize me." Cheerilee's glare hardens, then disappears. She just looks sad now. She begs. "Please. Just tell me. One more time."
"Come on." Twilight forces a hollow, empty laugh. "You know I do. I'm your sweetie, and you're my Cheerilee."
Twilight smiles at her, but Cheerilee slumps down further into sadness. She barely looks up.
"It's just not the same," Cheerilee whimpers. "I'm so scared."
Twilight groans loudly, against her will. "We've talked about this. What do you want? You want to spend more time together?"
"No! No, we spend plenty of time together," Cheerilee says.
"Do you want to move in with me?"
"No... I mean... no, it's fine..."
"Than what? Is it the sex?"
"No! I don't..." Cheerilee crushes her eyes closed, grimacing. She cinches the sheets up in her hooves. They're shaking, just slightly. Twilight waits out of habit. This is usually the part where Cheerilee apologizes for being emotional and things go back to normal.
"I just want you to love me." Cheerilee looks up at her, her eyes watery.
That's a new one...
Twilight wipes the shock off her face, putting up a solid front.
"Well, that's easy. We just talked about that. Relax," she says. Twilight takes her own advice and relaxes, forming an easy smile. She's pretty sure this is about to blow over. But Cheerilee says nothing. She stares down at her hooves, and the pause between them stretches out uncomfortably.
"We never cuddle anymore," Cheerilee mumbles. Before Twilight can say anything she speaks again.
"Ugh! How cliché can a mare be? I can't believe I just said that." Cheerilee scowls.
"Nopony's forcing you to say it," Twilight deadpans.
"You! You..." Cheerilee scoffs in disgust. "Why can't you... you're terrible sometimes, you know that?"
"What is your deal?" Twilight backs away from the bed. "You're always saying how wonderful I am and then you come out with something like that? Which is it?"
"Both," Cheerilee whimpers. "You're the best thing that ever happened to me. And now you're driving me insane."
"Well if I'm so terrible then why do you keep coming here?" Twilight snaps.
"Because I love – !" Cheerilee halts mid-sentence, almost yelling. Her eyes go wide, then her face falls, a twisted, shocked mask of agony, like she's kicked herself in the gut. She turns away and curls up on the bed, sobbing quietly.
Great. Great! You made her cry again. Just great.
Twilight facehoofs silently.
Why am I so stupid?
She climbs up on the bed and puts a hoof on Cheerilee's shoulder. Cheerilee recoils like it's a hot poker.
"Don't touch me! I'm mad at you," she yells.
"What?!"
"Leave me alone!"
Twilight's mouth hangs open. "You're in my bed!" she yells. Cheerilee just pulls the sheets tighter around herself, curling up in a fetal position.
"I swore... never again. I swore..." Cheerilee murmurs to herself.
"What are you talking about?" Twilight says, trying to sound concerned. Cheerilee doesn't answer.
"Talk to me!" Twilight says, anger leaking into her voice.
Again, Cheerilee says nothing.
"You're being ridiculous! This is ridiculous!" Twilight throws her hooves up. Cheerilee just lies there, containing her sobs.
This is the part where I cuddle her and we make up and it's all better. Why is she messing with the routine?
Suddenly the room feels very small and stuffy, there's nowhere to run, nowhere to breathe. Twilight's chest tightens up, she's standing on the edge of a cliff and it's miles down into blackness and nowhere else to go.
"I'm going out. For a walk. For fresh air or something. I'll be right back," Twilight says. She stomps her way out of the room, not waiting for an answer.
Spike is downstairs, poking his head out through his bedroom door. He looks terrified. Twilight stomps past him, not even looking.
"Uh... Twilight?"
Twilight turns to him, scowling. "What?"
"You guys were yelling. Like, bad yelling."
Twilight just snorts at him, her nostrils flaring.
"Uh..." Spike shakes in fear, stammering. "I... uh... are you and Cheerilee getting a divorce?"
Twilight rolls her eyes viciously, growling out a sigh. "For the last time, Spike, we're not married!"
"Oh... yeah..." Spike puts a claw to his chin.
She turns to the door, resuming her stomping away. "I'll be right back."
Twilight slams the front door closed without really meaning to. She walks, not really sure where her hooves are taking her. The streets are practically empty. The gray skies promise rain at the very least, and most ponies are hiding indoors. Twilight glares up at the clouds, daring them to make the first move.
A garbled mess of emotions rages in her throat, threatening to spill out in any number of ways. Twilight studiously ignores them. She clears her head, meditating on the action of moving her hooves. It's a fine distraction for a while, but thoughts start to creep in.
What is wrong with you? What are you doing?
She snorts mockingly. Any number of directions to take those questions, really. Let's start small and work our way out, shall we?
I am angry, and I am walking outside.
I am trying to not lose my temper, and I am avoiding my girlfriend.
I think I might not love her any more and I am trying to figure it out and I can't I just can't how do I know what is this supposed to feel like
Stop it! Just stop it.
Deep breath. No thoughts.
You're hurting her.
No thoughts.
Nothing I haven't heard before. Just walk.
Twilight looks up, and is surprised to find herself in Ponyville's town square. It's empty and quiet. Her breath catches in her throat as her eyes fall on the café across from town hall, on...
Rough cushions, thin but comfortable enough. They sit together, happy in the shade of the umbrella over their table. It's a bright, beautiful spring day.
"So good to see you again. It's been a while," Twilight says.
Cheerilee laughs. "It's only been a few days," she says.
"It felt like a while." Twilight slides her hoof over Cheerilee's.
"Oh, stop it. We're out in public." Cheerilee blushes. "What if one of my students walks by?"
"What, you haven't told them about your new girlfriend?"
"I can't even imagine. It would probably blow their adorable little minds. Besides, it's kind of unprofessional to tell my students about my love life, wouldn't you say?"
"Love life? Is that what this is? I thought I was just your magic sex toy."
Cheerilee blushes like crazy, glancing around them. "Ha! Ahem. Heh. Well... you are that."
"Good to know I mean so much to you," Twilight jokes. "Now let's eat."
Twilight picks up her menu, oblivious to Cheerilee. She looks it over, completely missing the long, fawning look Cheerilee is giving her.
"I was thinking just a salad, but if you want to split – oh." Twilight looks up. Cheerilee is staring at her with ecstatic resolve.
"Twilight... I..." she halts.
"What? Is something wrong?"
"No." Cheerilee takes Twilight's hooves in her own, grasping them tightly. "Nothing's wrong. The very opposite, in fact."
Twilight just raises her eyebrows, completely lost.
"I love you. Do you know that? I have completely, totally fallen for you. I love you, Twilight Sparkle."
Now it's Twilight's turn to blush. Her heart is singing, her head spinning. Their eyes meet.
"I... I love you too," Twilight says quietly.
They kiss, not caring if anyone is looking.
The café is empty now, all the umbrellas and cushions stowed inside. Twilight feels water in her eyes and blinks hard. The moisture threatens to creep out onto her cheek, but it stays back for now.
That was the first time she said she loved me. I said it, too. I meant it. Every word.
Twilight pauses, looking down at her hooves.
What happened?
That is the pertinent question, isn't it? Her hooves start moving again, carrying her to the edge of the square, and the thin stream there. Rain is just starting to trickle down from the sky, making scattered ripples in the water.
Ugh... speaking of cliché.
Twilight sighs loudly, and her horn glows. A thin shield of magic forms above her, glowing brighter where the occasional raindrop hits it.
How can I feel this way? It's not like I don't like her anymore.
It's true. She still loves spending time with Cheerilee. She still likes everything about her. There's nothing wrong or bad about her.
I want to love her. Maybe I'm in love with her... but I don't love her. No, that doesn't make any sense.
Twilight's hooves pad softly on wooden planks. She sits in the middle of a small bridge, staring down at the water. The ripples distort her reflection.
She's so wonderful. She's always been so wonderful.
I should love her. She's perfect for me. Absolutely...
Twilight creases her brow, glowering at the paper on her desk.
"There are many theories of magic, some conflicting. Some complementary," she reads out loud. "But a unified theory of magic has so far elusive... been eluded... elu... arg!"
She almost slams her face down on the desk, but catches herself. She takes a deep breath.
Tomorrow. The lecture is tomorrow. The special, by invitation-only, Equestria's-foremost-thinkers-will-be-there lecture is tomorrow, featuring keynote speaker Twilight Sparkle, favored protégé of the Princess herself. Said Princess will also be attending, of course.
Panic whines in her gut at the mere idea. She's been preparing this speech and the lab work supporting it for weeks. She's been reciting her speech over and over again for days. Her mane is frizzy and unkempt, her eyes supported by wrinkly bags.
Somehow, she's getting worse with more practice. It's madness.
A knock at her door. Spike has learned, through the incredibly embarrassing for all parties hard way, to always knock.
"I said no disturbances!" Twilight yells.
Spike comes in anyway. He's carrying something, but Twilight hardly sees it. A basket of some kind.
"I said no disturbances, Spike. This is incredibly important," Twilight says.
"It's not a disturbance. She made me promise I would bring it to you."
"She?" Twilight tears her eyes away from her desk. "Who?"
"Cheerilee. Duh." Spike rolls his eyes as he drops the basket next to Twilight. She glances down at it, and her breath catches in her throat.
A small paper sign is taped to the front of the basket. It says, "Twilight Sparkle's de-stress care package." The basket is filled with snacks, flowers, small pieces of paper and packets of tea. Twilight levitates one of the papers up to her eyes. It's a drawing, a simple little stick figure, like something a foal would draw. It shows a purple unicorn drinking a cup of tea, and then going to sleep with a big smile on her face.
"But... when... she left this here?" Twilight stammers.
"Just now."
"She was here? Now?! You didn't tell me?"
"You said no disturbances!" Spike holds his claws up, shielding himself.
Twilight tears through the library and out the door, not even closing it. She gallops through the streets, looking every which way for a dark pink mare.
Twilight finds her. She's sitting on the bridge in the center of town, looking down into the water.
"Oh! Hi." Cheerilee looks up as Twilight approaches.
"Hey," Twilight says.
They stare at each other for a long moment, just smiling.
"I didn't want to bother you," Cheerilee says. "I figured you needed the space. You've even been turning your friends away."
"No... no, it's... fine..." Twilight says, still catching her breath.
"Really?" Cheerilee says. "I know how important this is to you. You've been so worked up over it."
"Yeah." Twilight grins, averting her eyes. "I've sort of been going crazy in there."
Cheerilee steps closer and nuzzles her. "I know you'll be great," she whispers into Twilight's ear. "I wish I could come see you tomorrow."
"No, no..." Twilight chuckles. "I mean, me too. But I'm nervous enough already."
"I know." Cheerilee rests her chin on Twilight's shoulder. Twilight stares off into space, feeling her body unwind. Her eyelids droop. The feeling of Cheerilee's chest expanding against her is calming, soothing.
"Come back to the library with me," Twilight says.
"Are you sure?" Cheerilee says.
"I am. I could really use a break." Twilight's voice falters on her words, exhausted relief pouring out of her as she finally admits what everyone's been telling her.
"Okay."
They walk together in the soft glow of the streetlamps, their tails entwining.
...Perfect.
Twilight sits alone.
The rain has picked up. The ripples have grown, destroying any reflections. The water is just a dark, roiling pit of blackness. Distant thunder rolls through the air.
She really is great. Why don't I love her?
It's one of Equestria's great mysteries, and it crept up on her out of nowhere. She's not even sure when it happened. She sighs again, feeling empty.
What is this?
Her head jolts up. Her inner voice is angry, insistent.
Who am I? Some silly filly? Heck no! I am Twilight Sparkle!
That's right! That is right! Her hooves pick themselves up. She walks on, wandering aimlessly, lost in her thoughts.
I can figure this out.
I'm smart. I can figure this out. Let's start with some facts.
Fact: Cheerilee is beautiful and wonderful and great.
Fact: Cheerilee is obviously still in love with me.
Fact: At some point in the recent past, my feelings for her changed.
Okay, now we're getting somewhere. Cheerilee hasn't changed – I'm pretty sure of that. I've changed. It's me.
Why don't I feel the same for her as I used to?
What could it be? I'm not bored of her or anything. I still love to see her. Spend time with her. Know her.
Do I not know her well enough? Is there some level of intimacy I'm missing out on?
No, it can't be that. It definitely can't be that.
They're lying in Cheerilee's living room, on the same cushions where they kissed for the first time. Twilight's nose is buried in a notebook – a pink notebook, decorated with smiling flowers and hearts. Cheerilee is next to her, hiding her face under her hooves, quivering with anxious energy.
"Wow," Twilight says, not looking up.
"Wow?" Cheerilee peeks out from under her hooves.
"This one is really good." Twilight turns to her, putting the notebook down. "Sad, but good."
"Really? Which one?" Cheerilee says.
"Broken Rose."
"Oh... that one. Heh... yes." Cheerilee fumbles with her hooves.
"I mean... it's beautiful." Twilight leans into her. She stares off into space for a few moments, working her mind around the unfamiliar angles of emotional thinking. "It's about Big Mac, isn't it?"
Cheerilee startles, almost gasping. "Kind of. Good guess." She leans closer into Twilight, hiding her face. "He hates being called that."
"You told me."
They sit quietly. Twilight puts a foreleg around Cheerilee. "Are you ever going to tell me what happened with him? Really?"
"You really want to know?"
"I want to know about you."
Cheerilee gets a very serious look, taking a deep breath. "There's not much to tell, really. I used to come home from school. To visit," she says. "Other mares would flirt with him all the time. Right in front of me! They did it on purpose, I swear. They were just waiting for me to leave. They wanted me to know."
"You don't think he... cheated?" Twilight says.
"He wouldn't," she says. "I knew that. I trusted him. I tried to trust him. But it got to me, it did. We used to argue about it all the time. I couldn't help it. Whenever I was at school it just ate at me."
"It must have been awful when he left you," Twilight says.
"Actually, I dumped him."
"What?!"
Cheerilee winces, but goes on. "Things just weren't the same between us. It's hard, keeping it going when it's long distance. And I'd met a guy in Fillydelphia," Cheerilee says. "He seemed nice. He was there for me. Close. I just felt alone when I thought of Mac."
Twilight hugs her tighter, but her curiosity won't stay quiet. "So what are all these stupid rumors my friends won't tell me about?" she asks.
Cheerilee's face falls, a weary frown. "I heard them, too. When I moved back. I guess after we split up... I don't know. They say he slept around a lot. Some of the mares I knew said he was a real stud horse. A heartbreaker. Said it right to my face."
"Mac? Heartbreaker?"
"I don't want to believe it. He's not like that. He wasn't like that." Cheerilee sighs. "He's not like that now. Something happened. Your friend... his sister... she made him stop. I keep hearing that he won't go near mares anymore."
"Hmm." Twilight chews this over. She had never known Applejack to be good at hiding things, but she had successfully evaded answering these kinds of questions for months now. Twilight leaves it for later – Cheerilee is curled up next to her now, still looking despondent.
"At least you found someone new," Twilight says.
"Ugh." Cheerilee scowls. "The poem was about him, actually."
"...He left you?" Twilight's eyes go wide as it dawns on her.
"He just wanted to get me in bed. He dumped me right after I finally let him."
"That jerk!"
"It wasn't the last time." Cheerilee lowers her head, resting her chin on the cushions.
"What do you mean?" Twilight says cluelessly.
"It doesn't matter. I have you now." Cheerilee looks up at her with hope in her eyes. Then she gets a wry smile. "Although with my track record, I'll probably do something stupid and make you hurt me, too."
Twilight ignores Cheerilee's sarcasm.
"Never," she says.
"Hmm?"
"Never. I'll never hurt you. I promise."
Twilight freezes in place. She's back at Ponyville's town square. She's traced a wide, wandering circle through the streets, ignoring the rain falling around her.
Way to keep THAT promise.
She groans at herself, acutely aware of exactly what she's done. She's noticed the pained desperation in Cheerilee's eyes, the strained smiles, the obvious efforts to kindle some kind of spark in Twilight.
She knows. Of course she knows. She's not stupid.
I don't want to do this. I don't want to feel this way. I want to make her happy.
I want her to be happy!
The rain picks up around her, coming down loudly now. Lightning arcs across the sky, followed by the booming roar of nearby thunder. Twilight shivers, despite being dry under her magic.
Why haven't you just told her?
She rolls her eyes at herself. Right, just tell her. Hey, Cheerilee, I think I might not love you. Bright idea, right there.
She would be devastated!
NOT telling her is just making it worse.
But I can't! It would hurt her so much...
Her eyes dart around the square. Sugarcube Corner catches her eye. Warm light pours out through the windows.
They're still open? Of course, it's probably just Pinkie.
My friends... My friends! Of course!
Twilight slides in between ponies, joining them at their table. Her friends are all gathered. She grins nervously.
"Sorry I'm late! You know. Studying."
"Studying? You're late because of studying?" Rainbow Dash groans.
"Yer one to talk. You only just got here yourself." Applejack glares at her.
"Yeah, but I was napping."
They bicker pointlessly for a bit longer. Twilight ignores them, taking in the pub. It's warm and crowded and cozy, and they've even been nice enough to allow Applejack to come back after that awful night.
It's so much different from that night, long ago. Her friends all look happy.
"So, Twilight..." Rarity nudges her with a hoof. "How is everything going with your paramour?"
Twilight's smile was genuine until she heard those words. "Fine. Everything's fine."
"Really?" Pinkie Pie says. "Because she's right over there and you didn't say hi or anything so I thought maybe you guys were on the outs or something. And that would just be laaaaaame-o! You guys are cute together!"
Side conversations die as all eyes turn on Pinkie.
"Boy, she does cut right to the gristle, don't she?" Applejack says.
"Don't know what you mean! Everything's great," Twilight says.
"Forgive me for doubting you Twilight, but..." Rarity gives her a look, all knowing concern. "She's been trying to catch your eye since you walked in. Are you quite sure everything's alright?"
Twilight glances at the other side of the pub. Cheerilee is at a table with a group of her friends, and she is indeed staring at Twilight. Cheerilee gives a weak little wave of her hoof. Twilight gives a subdued wave back, then turns back to her friends.
"She's out with her friends. I don't want to bother them."
"It ain't just that. 'Cuz... we heard... well..." Applejack halts, uncomfortable with hearsay and gossip.
"Why are you ignoring her?" Rainbow Dash blurts out.
"Don't be ridiculous. I just saw her the other day." Twilight waves a hoof at them.
"How long ago?" Rarity asks.
"Why?" Twilight glares at her.
"Twilight," Fluttershy chimes in out of nowhere. "We're just trying to help you."
"Help? I don't need help. Everything's fine. What's with all this nosiness all of a sudden? Do I bug you guys about your dating all the time? Still alone, Applejack? You too, Rarity? How about you Rainbow? Are you still doing Pinkie Pie way more often than you pretend to?"
Shocked silence. Her friends are gawking at her. Twilight winces.
"Sorry. Sorry." She looks down at her hooves. "Let's get some drinks. I'm ordering alcohol. All the alcohol. Right now."
Her friends just glare at her.
"Um... first round's on me?"
Twilight shakes her head, closing her eyes.
What is wrong with me?
I need help. I don't know how to fix this. I don't know if I can fix this.
Not alone, anyway.
Help. Her hooves move quickly through the wet grass, carrying her towards that warm beacon. They can help. Even if it is Pinkie Pie.
Sometimes she makes sense.
Twilight grimaces, paused in front of the door.
Sometimes.
She breezes through the door of the bakery as if it isn't late evening. It's stuffy and warm and bright, thick with the sweet scent of baked goods. Two pairs of eyes look up at the sound of the bell hanging over the door.
"Hi Twilight!" Pinkie Pie's face lights up at the sight of her friend. She's standing behind the counter, mixing a bowl of something.
"Oh... hi." Fluttershy is sitting at the counter across from Pinkie, looming over a plate of cookies.
"Fluttershy? What in the world are you doing here?" Twilight asks.
"I was just getting some cookies. I thought I could get home before it started raining... but... it's so dark outside..."
"She's hiding here until the storm stops." Pinkie dumps more sugar into the bowl, stirring with pleased gusto. "We're having a super duper baking slumber party!"
"I can see that. Are you okay? Do you want me to take you home or something?" Twilight says.
"No, thank you. We really are having a super duper baking slumber party." Fluttershy smiles. "I made sure all my animal friends were safe inside before I came over. Just in case."
Twilight sidles up to the counter with a pleased smile and joins them. It wasn't long ago that Fluttershy would have been quaking in fear at the merest thought of leaving Angel Bunny alone for a night, even without a storm coming. But now she just seems relaxed.
So proud of her... she's doing so much better these days...
Fluttershy munches on another cookie, looking content. "Did you get caught in the storm, too?" she asks.
"Not really. I... I kind of need to talk to somepony. If you guys don't mind me interrupting your slumber party," Twilight says.
"Oh goodness. You look upset. Is something wrong?" Fluttershy says, exchanging a knowing look with Pinkie Pie. Twilight sighs – of course, they've probably been talking about her.
"It's about Cheerilee. I think I've really messed things up," Twilight says.
"Not to worry, Twilight!" Pinkie drops her mixing spoon and rubs a hoof on Twilight's head, leaving a stain of flour behind. "You just tell us what's wrong and your Auntie Pinkie Pie will straighten everything out!"
"Aren't you younger than both..." Twilight starts to say, but Fluttershy raises a hoof, shaking her head.
Pinkie Pie ignores the gesture. "So what's up?" she says.
Twilight hedges, tapping her leg against the counter.
Don't be nervous. This is good. First things first...
"I know I've been a jerk about this lately. I know you girls have been worried. But... I don't know. Things have gotten bad. And I guess I didn't want to admit it or something. But now I think I really need help."
"We've all been worried about you," Fluttershy says.
"I know."
"But every time we tried to talk to you, you would get all snappy. Like Gummy... but with teeth. Teeth made of mean words. Word teeth!" Pinkie says.
"I know... I'm sorry."
"It's fine, Twilight. We want to help. What's wrong?" Fluttershy says.
Twilight hedges even more. It's so difficult to say it, for some reason.
It's not true if I don't say it and nopony knows even though everypony already knows
That is so, so stupid. And wrong. Just say it!
"I think I might not be in love with Cheerilee anymore." Twilight bows her head.
"Biggest gasp!" Pinkie Pie whispers, pausing at her stirring.
"Oh no!" Fluttershy drops her cookie. "Oh, Twilight! That's just awful!"
Twilight groans, bowing her head further. Her horn rests on the counter with a soft bump.
"Are you sure?" Fluttershy asks.
"No, I'm not!" Twilight snaps back up, almost frantic. "I'm not sure! I'm so confused."
"Poor Twilight." Pinkie Pie shakes her head, looking very serious. "Even the smartiest, pantsiest of us all is laid low by the mysteries of love."
Twilight and Fluttershy give her a combined look of pure confusion, then ignore her.
"Let's talk about it. We can figure it out," Fluttershy says. "I know a thing or two about love."
"You do?" Twilight cocks a skeptical eyebrow.
"Well... not really. But I want to help!" Fluttershy eats another cookie with excited determination. "Why do you think you aren't in love?"
"Well..." Twilight scratches her chin. "When I first started dating Cheerilee, I was definitely in love. I could feel it."
"Like a warm, glowing feeling in your heart?" Fluttershy says, her eyes twinkling.
"Uh... yeah, kind of."
"And you just felt wonderful every minute of the day?" Fluttershy smiles rapturously, flaring her wings out.
"Yes." Twilight smiles.
"And you can't stop thinking about him and you just want to be with him all the time?" Fluttershy clasps her hooves together, staring off into space.
"Um... Cheerilee's a mare," Twilight says.
"Huh? Oh... right. I knew that." Fluttershy deflates, her wings drooping.
"But you still like Cheerilee, don't you?" Pinkie says. She looks like she's more concentrated on her batter than their conversation.
"Of course I do. She's wonderful. I just don't feel the same as I used to."
"Oh no..." Fluttershy gives her a grave look. "What if... what if... I'm really sorry to say this, but... what if Cheerilee isn't your one true love?"
"My one true love?" Twilight says.
"Yes! You know... your perfect partner! Your soul mate!" Fluttershy explains.
Twilight creases her brow. Given her recent doubts, she had been wondering something along those lines. Even if she hadn't used the same words as Fluttershy.
"Well... how do you know?" Twilight asks. "If someone's your soul mate, I mean."
"Gosh, I'm not sure." Fluttershy frowns with unknown doubts. "I thought you would know. I thought maybe you had found yours. But now I don't know what to think."
"Pfft." Pinkie Pie rolls her eyes.
"Excuse me?" Twilight turns on her.
"Oh, you girls..." Pinkie Pie shakes her head, sliding her batter bowl away. "Here's how it is."
Twilight and Fluttershy exchange another look of pure confusion. Pinkie pulls out a tray of cupcakes, then pops one free. She sets it on the counter in front of Twilight.
"Here's a cupcake. Doesn't it look good, Twilight?" she says.
Twilight stares at it. It's chocolate, with yellow frosting and red sprinkles.
"Sure. It looks delicious. Your cupcakes always look delicious."
"Okay then. Eat it!" Pinkie says.
Twilight raises an eyebrow. Pinkie Pie is coiled up, ready to pounce. She nods at Twilight. Twilight raises a hoof, and sticks it out towards the baked treat. Before she even gets near, Pinkie slaps her hoof away.
"No, wait!" she yells.
"What?!" Twilight shrinks away.
"Oh my?" Fluttershy shrinks a little as well.
"You don't want to eat THAT cupcake!" Pinkie yells. "Somewhere out there, all alone in Equestria, just waiting for you, is your perfect cupcake!"
"...What?" Twilight frowns at her.
"The perfect cupcake! The most perfect, most wonderful cupcake ever. You'll never need another cupcake!" Pinkie says, batting her eyes and looking off into the distance.
"Ooooh!" Fluttershy nods.
Twilight looks back and forth between them, then down at the cupcake. "It's just a cupcake, Pinkie," she says.
"Is it, Twilight?" Pinkie leans forward and glares, pounding a hoof on the counter. "Is it?"
"...Yes?" Twilight says.
"Anyway!" Pinkie forges on. "You don't want that cupcake. You're worried that it isn't your perfect cupcake. So you don't eat it. You are cupcake-less. Sans cupcake! Tragic."
"That's okay. She can wait as long as she needs to. Right, Twilight?" Fluttershy says.
"No. No! It's just a cupcake. There is no such thing as a perfect cupcake. Even if there was, there's no guarantee I would ever find it. There are millions of cupcakes. It's just... mathematically unlikely," Twilight says.
"Nope! You're going to pass on this perfectly good cupcake. Or, wait... maybe you used to like cupcakes. But you've been eating cupcakes for months." Pinkie Pie sweeps the cupcake away, grabbing some of Fluttershy's cookies. "So now you want a cookie. Even though cupcakes are still pretty good!"
"Okay, okay, I get it. Enough with the dessert." Twilight grabs the cookies with magic and hovers them back over to Fluttershy, much to the pegasus pony's delight. "But what if my feelings really have changed? What if I just don't like cupcakes... er, I mean... her as much as I used to?"
"Don't be silly, Twilight! You still like her, don't you?" Pinkie says.
"Of course I do. But the feelings Fluttershy was describing are gone. The love is gone."
"Those feelings aren't love!" Pinkie Pie laughs, like it's the most obvious thing ever.
"What?!" Twilight and Fluttershy say in unison.
"That's just what being IN love feels like! But that isn't love," Pinkie says.
Twilight and Fluttershy give her completely blank looks, more lost than ever.
"Okay... imagine the first time you try a brand new kind of cupcake..." Pinkie says.
Twilight groans. "No more cupcake metaphors. Please," she moans.
"The first time you try it, it's sooooooooooo good! But after you eat it a few more times, it isn't so exciting. It's old news. But it's still special and delicious. Right?" Pinkie raises her eyebrows, gauging Twilight's face.
"Maybe I should be getting back to the library. Thanks for all your help, though..." Twilight starts to get up.
"NO! Listen!" Pinkie grabs her face, pulling her back to the counter. "You have to listen!"
"Okay, okay, fine!" Twilight pulls Pinkie's hooves away, settling down again.
"You love your friends, don't you?" Pinkie asks.
Twilight stares at her, then at Fluttershy. They both just smile at her.
"Yes," she says.
"Would you stop being our friend if you found better friends?" Pinkie asks. Fluttershy gasps quietly.
"Of course not!" Twilight scoffs.
"Why not?" Pinkie says.
"Well... hypothetically speaking, of course. I don't think I could find better friends," Twilight says.
"Of course." Pinkie Pie nods. Fluttershy nods along.
Twilight takes some time, her mind scanning back through pages and pages of reports written with her own quill. This is her thesis, her final conclusion, the sum of all she's learned on her long assignment.
"I would never just stop being friends with you girls. Our relationship is too strong. We've shared so many experiences... I just couldn't. Even if some hypothetical perfect friend did come along."
"Exactly! That's what's important." Pinkie Pie beams at her.
"But..." Fluttershy raises a hoof, like they're in a classroom. "Isn't love different?"
"Why would it be?" Pinkie Pie gives her a quizzical look.
"Yeah, why..." Twilight trails off.
Why would it be different?
Twilight stares off into space, her face blank.
They're in the library's kitchen. Twilight is watching Cheerilee mix something in a bowl, grasping a wooden spoon awkwardly in her hoof. It's thin, runny batter of some kind.
"I can't believe you don't know how to cook," Cheerilee titters at her.
"Well, in my defense, I've always had Spike around. Or the palace wait staff. Or the University kitchen. Or my parents," Twilight says, feeling a little ashamed. "Thanks for teaching me?"
"My pleasure! I love baking." Cheerilee keeps stirring. She looks like she's concentrating far more than Twilight thinks is necessary.
"I've tried learning before. From my friends. It never exactly went well," Twilight says. Cheerilee smirks.
"Unfortunately, I'm not a master baker like Pinkie Pie. Or Applejack. I can do a pretty basic job. But I'll see what I can do for you." Cheerilee smiles at her, a warm gift of a smile. Twilight feels like she can do anything as long as that smile is backing her up.
"They didn't have your touch for teaching, I think. I feel like you explain things so much better." Twilight watches carefully as Cheerilee pours the contents of the bowl out into a round pan. "So what's next?"
"Now we bake it." Cheerilee turns around, rummaging through the myriad baking supplies on the counter. "It's a pretty quick-baking recipe. It just needs some heat to expand the air inside and thicken the dough."
Twilight gets a smug look on her face. "Quick-baking, you say?" she says.
"Mmhmm." Cheerilee doesn't turn around.
Twilight lights up her horn. She's always felt out of her element in the kitchen, lost and useless. The thought that she could actually bring something to the table fills her with confidence. Cheerilee turns around and gasps.
"Oh! What are you... what are you into there?" Cheerilee says, smiling proudly.
"Just some baking." Twilight grins. The pan is shaking on the table, the dough bubbling in the heat of her spell. "I'd like to see Spike make fun of me when we bring out this... "
She surges the energy in her horn. A loud, wet POP makes her jump, and her eyes close out of instinct. Stinging, sticky, wet drops splatter all over her. The light of her horn dies.
Twilight opens her eyes. The kitchen is covered – covered, even the ceiling – in hot dough. It's splattered everywhere. Cheerilee is staring at her in surprise, also covered in dough, oblivious to the heat. Her mouth hangs open.
"Um... whoops?" Twilight folds her ears back.
Cheerilee stands, frozen. Her eyes jump back and forth between Twilight and the empty bowl.
"Sorry?" Twilight says.
"HA! Hahahaha!" Cheerilee bursts into laughter, almost collapsing against the table. She howls at Twilight for whole seconds, shaking with mirth. Her chest heaves. Her eyes water. Twilight frowns at her.
"Ugh... you don't have to rub it in." Twilight says.
"No! No... haha... sweetie, your FACE! Hahaha..." Cheerilee wipes at her eyes, hardly breathing.
"Right. Right. Twilight is a bad cook. I know." Twilight rolls her eyes.
"Oh, come on." Cheerilee walks over to her, still snorting and giggling. She smiles at Twilight, different this time. Sympathy. Twilight stubbornly holds her frown.
Cheerilee leans forward and licks a bit of dough off of Twilight's nose. Twilight startles at the wet, tickling touch. She can't help but smile back now.
"You're really adorable sometimes, Twilight," Cheerilee says. Twilight says nothing – she just dumbly holds her smile, feeling silly for being annoyed before.
"Let's try again. From the top," Cheerilee says.
Twilight's eyes focus. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy are bantering about something. The words fall soundlessly against her.
"I get it," she says.
Neither of her friends notices at first.
"I get it!" Twilight almost yells.
They both turn to her.
"There is no perfect cupcake," Twilight says, giving Pinkie a determined look. Pinkie Pie nods and winks very seriously.
"There isn't?" Fluttershy says, aghast.
"No! No, there isn't!" Twilight cries out joyously. "Maybe I'm not IN love with her. Maybe that rush of new love can't last forever. But that's not what's important."
"That's my girl." Pinkie Pie nods along.
"I have to go. I have to go home right now." Twilight gets up and almost walks out the door. She halts mid-step. "Wait! Pinkie, do you have any of those buns? You know, the ones I always get for her?"
"Red bean?"
"That's it!" Twilight nods intensely.
"A whole batch. Fresh from the oven." Pinkie winks again.
"I need a half dozen."
Pinkie mock-salutes and begins rushing around the bakery, filling a white box with fresh treats.
"Um... Pinkie?" Fluttershy weakly raises a hoof.
"Mmhmm?"
"What if there could be a perfect cupcake? What if it really seems perfect?" Fluttershy says.
"Eh..." Pinkie Pie pauses long enough to make a so-so gesture with her hoof.
"What if he... I mean, the cupcake... is the biggest, most handsome cupcake you've ever seen?" Fluttershy asks desperately.
"Oh, there's always a more handsome cupcake," Pinkie Pie says with hungry eyes.
"What if the cupcake is quiet and kind, just like you, and he seems soooooo nice and he's good with animals and..."
"Sorry to interrupt, Fluttershy," Twilight cuts in as Pinkie Pie hands her the box. Fluttershy just frowns down at her lap. "Thanks. Both of you. But I have to go. There's a mare I love, and she needs to know it."
"Go, Twilight!" Pinkie yells. "Go to her and love her and never let go!"
"Yes, that," Fluttershy says. "You should do that."
"I intend to!"
Twilight rushes out into the storm, the box resting on her back. Her magic shields her from the pounding rain and howling wind. The fury of nature is nothing before her. She trots home as if it was a sunny day, calm and smiling.
She closes the library door behind her. She takes a deep breath.
Okay... okay... start with "I love you" right away, or open up with the apologies?
She ambles around the main room, shifting her weight from hoof to hoof. This has to be perfect. Spike's door opens, and his head pops out, sniffing eagerly.
"What's that smell?" he asks.
"Just something from Sugarcube Corner," Twilight says smugly.
"Oh man! Are those Pinkie's hot delicious buns?"
Twilight snorts into her hoof. "Heh... um... yes, as a matter of fact."
"Awesome! Boy, I can't wait to put them in my mouth!"
Twilight just stares at him, not sure if she heard that correctly. He walks over and reaches for the box.
"Whoa! Claws off. Cheerilee gets first pick. I'm bringing them up to her now," Twilight says.
"What are you talking about? She left." Spike says.
"What?!" Twilight does a double take.
"Yeah, she left a while ago. She looked all sad."
Twilight gallops up the stairs, dumping the box on the floor behind her. She bursts through her bedroom door. The thought of Cheerilee just leaving is so alien, so wrong... it can't be true. That's not how this is supposed to happen.
Her bed is empty. Her room is empty. She walks slowly into the center of her empty, empty room, looking around.
But... what... no...
There's a new piece of paper on her desk, on top of the notes she was pretending to read earlier. She lifts it with her magic.
Twilight,
I went home. Please don't come see me. We need some time apart. I want to think about things.
I don't know if I can go on like this. I'll come find you in a few days.
And that's it.
There's no "Love, Cheerilee." No "Don't worry, everything will be fine." It just ends.
Like our relationship.
No! No, no, no, this isn't happening. It can't be!
Twilight drops the letter on her desk. Her head is floating, stuffy, wrapped up in itchy cotton.
I can still fix this. Right?
The possibility that no, she can't fix this, comes crashing into her brain. Her vision narrows, darkening around the edges, focused just on that awful piece of paper. She remembers to breathe and does so in a loud, choking gasp.
Her ear twitches. She turns her head to see Spike timidly standing at the top of the stairs. He didn't knock.
"Is... are you okay?" he says.
Twilight's lip quivers. Her chin shakes on its own. She's desperately, desperately trying not to cry.
"Spike. Do we happen to have a..." She sniffs loudly. "...time machine in the basement?"
"Not the last time I checked."
"Oh..." She squeezes her eyelids shut, but this time it just forces the tears out. "Darn."
She looks down at a blurry version of her floor. She feels Spike grab her in a little dragon hug, his arms not even reaching around her body. She puts her foreleg around him.
She leans her head against him, and they hold each other in the gloom.
|
SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 16 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-08-20T22:45:30+00:00
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2012-08-20T22:45:30+00:00
| 19,523 |
"Alright." Twilight stomps a hoof on the library's wooden floor. "Everypony report in."
She looks up and down the line of ponies in front of her. Her friends are standing at attention – well, some of them, anyway. Rainbow Dash is flopped out on a floor cushion, her eyes wandering up to the ceiling.
"Ooh! Ooh! Me first!" Pinkie Pie bounces, waving a hoof. "I brought her the cake, just like you asked."
"And?" Twilight's eyebrows go up.
"She said it was great, and then I said it was from you and you really wanted her to come talk to you, and she got all quiet and thanked me and went back in her house. She took the cake, though! That's good, right?" Pinkie Pie fidgets hopefully.
"Sure, that's something. Well done, Pinkie." Twilight looks at the next pony in line. "Rarity? You said you had a foolproof plan?"
"Most assuredly, Twilight! I've enlisted the help of my little sister. I instructed her and her friends in the art of subtle conversation and unleashed them upon their teacher."
"And her friends?" Applejack cocks an eyebrow. "You can't mean Apple Bloom."
"Why yes, of course. And that scrappy little pegasus, as well."
"Scootaloo?" Twilight asks. Then she cringes as she absorbs one of the earlier words. "Wait... subtle?"
"Indeed! Those girls will surprise you, occasionally. At any rate, they reported that they talked with her after school and dropped hints about how much you miss her."
"That's the most cockamamie thing I ever heard!" Applejack butts in. "Those three couldn't be subtle if their cutie marks depended on it!"
"Not that you would know anything about subtlety." Rarity peers down her nose at the earth pony next to her. "Besides, I don't know her well enough to approach her directly. It would be too obvious. On the other hoof, she loves those three fillies. They're the perfect agents for this."
"Nuts to that!" Applejack scoffs. "Can't believe you threw my little sis at her all sideways like."
"Yeah..." Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. "That's kind of..."
"You must trust me, Twilight!" Rarity says, her eyes intense. "This is love! All bets are off."
"Okay, okay!" Twilight smiles and nods, placating the other unicorn somewhat. "I'm sure it helped. Thanks, Rarity."
"I still don't see why you gotta be all movin' in the shadows. Just tell 'er what's what," Applejack says.
"Is that what you did?" Twilight cringes again.
"Well... yeah, I s'pose so." Applejack pauses, hemming on her hooves. "I mean, I don't know her so well. But I flagged her down in the market all the same. Then I gave her that order you picked out, and I kind of laid out what you've been sayin'. She seemed to take it alright."
"Oh?" Twilight's hopes jump a little.
"Yeah... I mean, she didn't make no promises or anything," Applejack says.
"That's fine. I'm sure it helped. Fluttershy?" Twilight moves down the line.
"Oh?" Fluttershy jolts as if startled. "Um... Twilight? I mean... I don't mind helping. But why don't you talk to her?"
"I tried." Twilight folds her ears down. She winces inside at the look on Cheerilee's face. "I don't think she wants to see me right now."
"Oh?" Rarity makes a hushed gasp. "That bad?"
"No... she was nice enough. But... she doesn't want to see me," Twilight says. "Not just now. And I want to respect that. Give her space."
"Wait..." Rainbow Dash raises her head up. "Getting all your friends to bug her all the time counts as giving her space?"
"Well I have to do something. I want her to know I care." Twilight glares at Dash. The blue pegasus just snorts and goes back to tracing her eyes around the ceiling.
"I gave her the flowers we picked," Fluttershy says, almost whispering. "I think she really liked them."
"Perfect. I knew I could count on you," Twilight says, then turns back to Dash. "Unlike some other pegasus ponies..."
"Hey, I helped!" Dash sits up on the cushion.
"You did?" Twilight's ears perk up.
"Yeah. Of course. I may have said stuff, but I know you still dig her. I got your back." Dash waves a hoof.
"Oh." Twilight feels bad now, despite the good news.
Element of Loyalty, indeed...
"Hey." Dash looks at Twilight, as if just now entering the conversation. "There may be plenty of other ponies out there, but she's a good one. For you, especially. It won't be the end of the world if she does dump you, but... you know. Either way's good."
"What did you do?" Rarity asks.
"Huh?" Dash lazily rolls her head towards Rarity.
"You said you 'have Twilight's back.' What did you do, exactly?" Rarity says.
"I talked to her. She's cool." Dash shrugs.
"Hmm." Rarity looks nonplussed.
"Thanks, Dash," Twilight says, ignoring Rarity. "I'm sorry I doubted you."
"No big. Just remember, if she does take you back, it was me. I did that." Dash relaxes back into the cushion. The line-up of friends all roll their eyes, almost in unison.
"I helped too!" Spike walks out from the kitchen, waving an eager little claw.
"Oh?" Twilight turns to him. "Did you say all the things I told you to say?"
"Well, I started to." Spike takes a thoughtful pause. "But then she asked me if you told me to say that stuff, and I said yeah."
"What?!" Twilight balks.
"Yeah... then we talked about how you can be kind of bossy sometimes. Uh... I mean..." Spike taps his fingers together nervously.
Betrayal! Sedition!
"Spike!" Twilight frowns.
"Hey, it was bonding! I was gaining trust. You know, being a good agent." Spike flexes his arms.
Twilight narrows her eyes. "You always take her side," she says.
"Well she helps me with chores sometimes. Unlike some other ponies." Spike crosses his arms in a huff. Twilight groans loudly.
"At least I wouldn't totally sell out for a pile of pancakes," Twilight says.
"Hey! Her pancakes are glorious!" Spike stares off into space, drooling a little. "Just... glorious..."
"Mmm... pancakes..." Pinkie Pie licks her lips, also staring into space. "Ooh! Waffles!"
"Huh?" several of them say, turning to Pinkie.
"Waffles! I'm gonna make waffles. Willions of waffles!"
"Willions?" Twilight says.
"It's like millions, but for waffles," Pinkie Pie explains very seriously. "You girls should all come over to Sugarcube Corner for waffles!"
"I'm in!" Dash sits up, waving a hoof.
"Me too!" Spike jumps in place, waving his claws.
"Ain't it like... night time?" Applejack screws her face up in confusion.
"Night time waffles are the best waffles!" Pinkie growls out, glaring.
"I suppose if we're all retiring to your bakery, I shall tag along," Rarity says.
"Yeah! Let's go!" Pinkie looks just at Twilight, waving her along. Twilight doesn't move. She just gives Pinkie a weary smile.
Oh Pinkie... effective, if obvious...
"You girls go on ahead. I just ate," Twilight says.
"Whaaaaaaaaat?!" Pinkie Pie pouts. The rest of her friends make similar shows of dismay.
"It's okay. I need some time to think about things. And write a letter." Twilight holds her smile, trying to reassure them.
"You're going to write to her as well?" Rarity arches her eyebrows.
"I can't give up. I have to try everything I can. Even if it is..." Her smile breaks, and she casts her eyes down at the floor. Spike puts his hand on her shoulder. She looks up, enough to see him, anyway.
"It's gonna be okay. Come eat some waffles. They always make me feel better." He smiles up at her.
"No, you go ahead. Last thing I need right now is a stomach ache." She looks up at her friends. "Go ahead. And thank you. All of you. I don't know what I would do without you."
"Without us?" Pinkie Pie nods, closing her eyes. "You'd be a broken shell of a mare, alone and bitter, and Equestria would be cloaked in eternal night."
"...Oh." Twilight folds her ears back.
"Alright, enough of all that. Twilight says she needs a minute, she gets a minute." Applejack heads for the door, waving a hoof to draw the group along. "We'll come on right back after havin' some grub."
"Go on, Spike." She nudges him with her snout. Her friends shuffle out quietly, but Rainbow Dash and Rarity trail behind. Rarity gives her a strange look – it's sympathetic, but... as always, Twilight has trouble reading her.
"Twilight..." Rarity begins, her eyes hesitant. "I just want you to know that whatever happens, we'll still be here for you. Everything's going to be alright."
Twilight takes her time absorbing the words, trying not to let her face fall too much. "You think she is going to dump me." She frowns, despite her effort.
"She didn't say that. Nopony said that," Rainbow Dash says.
"It's pretty obvious from the letter, though, isn't it? And it's not like I don't deserve it. I mean, I'd dump me..." Twilight closes her eyes as she speaks, getting more quiet. Rarity walks over and puts her hoof on Twilight's shoulder, much like Spike before her.
"Everypony makes mistakes. But you do love her. We can see that. I only hope she can see it, too," Rarity says.
"And hey, if she doesn't?" Dash cuts in. "Like I was saying before. You're Twilight Sparkle. She isn't the only mare out there who wants some of you." Dash winks at her.
Twilight raises her head, her eyes going a little wide at the wink.
Maybe she's right... maybe it wouldn't be so bad...
No! No! From now on, brain is doing the thinking. Not haunches. Not anymore.
"Thanks, girls." Twilight recovers quickly. "I mean, I know you're right. But she's..."
"Special?" Rarity smiles knowingly.
"...Yeah."
"She better be, the way you're fighting to hold on to her." Rainbow Dash waggles her eyebrows. "She must be, like, crazy in the sack, huh?"
"I think that's our cue to leave." Rarity glares at Dash. "Excuse us, Twilight. We'll be back in a while to check on you."
"Oh man, I am so right! Ha!" Dash laughs, looking at the slight blush on Twilight's cheeks. "We'll catch you later, Twi."
Twilight just nods at them as they leave. A small bit of her is annoyed that they think she needs to be "checked on", but the rest of her rightly reminds her that they're just being the good friends they always are.
Always.
Twilight sighs, happy and sad to be alone at the same time. The library is quiet. Pale moonlight pierces in through the windows.
She makes her way upstairs, meditating a little on what her life used to be. Once she opened herself up to the power of friendship, nothing was ever the same. She is never really alone. She's strong now, supported on all sides.
Love really isn't that different, I suppose.
It will never be the same. That bond... that connection...
She clears a space on her desk, laying out her quill and ink and paper.
Even if I've lost her... it was so beautiful to have her.
She sighs, closing her eyes. When she opens them, she's looking up, out the window. A full moon stares back at her, surrounded by breathtaking, twinkling stars.
She pauses for a moment. It's been a long time since she really gave thought to how this all began, in anything other than a strictly sexually curious way. She's had idle daydreams of making love to Luna occasionally, just as she occasionally catches herself staring at other mares. Just wondering.
Not that Cheerilee isn't great or anything...
No, that definitely isn't it. Nothing wrong with Cheerilee. Twilight smiles, her eyelids half-closing, as naughty memories send her tail lashing against nothing. The memories sting her just as quickly as she realizes she might never add to them.
Never again to feel that luscious body against hers, hear that beautiful voice crying out or whispering in her ear. To just lie with her, feeling the motion of breath in her chest.
She closes her eyes again, hard.
No more of that. Stay focused.
Have to stay focused. Have to fight. Have to win her back. Have to show her that I do care. It's not over yet.
Her eyes dart upward on their own, tracking movement. But there's nothing there. Twilight creases her brow, peering up into the night sky.
The moon seems dimmer, somehow. The room she's in feels darker.
Her breath catches in her throat. The hairs of her coat stand on end.
"My Twilight."
A voice from behind her. Twilight doesn't jump or startle. Her eyes narrow.
Of course she's here.
Twilight starts to turn around.
"I had a feeling you might..." Her voice drops dead. Her knees shake. Every cell of her body feels drained of blood, cold.
It's the most heart-stoppingly beautiful thing she's ever seen.
Luna is there, standing in her room. She's tall, as big as Celestia, if not a little taller. Everything about her before is more pronounced, more refined, the sleek curves of her body alluring, her large wings spread out in fanfare. Her mane and tail shimmer with stars, like they did when she was Nightmare Moon, stunning and only a little terrifying.
Her eyes glow, just slightly. Twilight feels an electric prickle, the air alive and tingling with magic.
"Duh... wha... how..." Twilight gasps breathlessly, her eyes wide.
"Good evening, Twilight. It's been so long," Luna says quietly. She smirks down at Twilight, as she always did, but warmer. Never before would Twilight have said that she resembled her sister.
"Good... evening...?" Twilight stammers out. Her chest aches, like the wind's been knocked out of her. Luna giggles, an arrogant, charming sound.
"You look so shocked. I wax, and wane. You've never seen me at my fullest before, have you?" she says.
Twilight starts to lose herself in that voice, those glowing eyes. She can feel her thoughts melting into dumb yearning. She shakes her head, crushing her eyes closed so hard it hurts. The slight pain brings thoughts back.
NO! No! Brain is in charge now! Don't forget what she did to you!
She opens her eyes, forcing her lips into a straight line.
"Good evening," Twilight says flatly.
"So grim, my eager student? And I heard you were doing better these days," Luna says, her smirk not moving.
"That's none of your business," Twilight says. "What, have you been watching me?"
Luna pouts at her, feigning hurt. "Oh, Twilight. Nothing so sinister." She steps closer to Twilight, casting moving shadows over the floor where her hooves tread. "I ask my sister of you, of course. I do have affection for you, after all. I never lied to you."
Twilight holds her grimace, despite tremors in her chest. "Why are you here?" she says.
"Isn't it obvious?" Luna's eyes light up. She stalks closer to Twilight. She looks ready to pounce. "You asked me once to come and claim you. At the time, you were not yet ready. But now I am here."
Twilight can't hold her mask through that one. Her eyes go wide again, and she stumbles back onto her rump.
"What? I didn't... we haven't talked in months! I don't want anything to do with you anymore!" Twilight forces a glare, trying to ignore the parts of her that very much want to do with Luna.
"I think we both know that isn't true." Luna smiles more, a real smile, predatory and thrilling.
"I didn't fall in love so I could appease you." Twilight's glare hardens.
Luna's smile fades. She gets that bored, feline look, staring at nothing in particular. "Whatever your intentions, you have done as I asked. I think you have learned much. Do you not better understand what I asked of you?"
Twilight starts to speak, but the words threatening to come out are too incriminating. She bites her tongue and casts her eyes to the side.
She's right. I didn't understand. Before.
No! Remember!
"You hurt me," Twilight says. "I still haven't really forgiven you, you know."
Luna shakes her head, looking somber. "I am sorry for what happened. But I think it more truthful to say that you hurt yourself. I tried to be gentle with you. Your infatuation was strong. Love's first bite is usually so."
Twilight looks away again. Every word she agrees with crumbles a bit of her resolve. She holds on tight.
"But I can see that you have grown up since then." Luna draws Twilight's eyes up to her own somehow, piercing into them. "You may appreciate what we have all the more."
"Luna... we... we don't have anything," Twilight says weakly. Her mind is tearing itself apart. The pull of craving lust is there, certainly – Luna's mere presence is arousing. Twilight can feel her pulse racing, feel herself getting wet just sitting there. But there's something else, too – that dormant longing for a goddess, forced into hiding by pain and shame. It's screaming in her mind.
But there is still resolve. She clings to it, squeezing tighter and tighter on a shrinking life raft.
"We don't have anything," she repeats, holding her head high.
"Perhaps not yet." Luna arches an eyebrow, stepping even closer. She's almost close enough to touch. Twilight's horn tingles, an antenna crackling in the aura of power surrounding the night princess.
"We could have so much, you and I," Luna whispers.
Twilight's face starts to go slack, dozy. She leans forward for just a moment before snapping herself back to attention.
"I can't. I have someone else," she says.
"Do you now?" Luna titters. Her eyes tell Twilight that she knows everything. "And where is this lover of yours?"
How did she know?
Twilight's head droops. She is alone. Alone and it's all my fault and I lost her and it was too little too late and I'm alone.
You're not alone. She's here.
No...
Twilight shakes her head, crumbling inside. She feels a hoof shod in the finest blue crystal stroke her cheek. She looks up into those powerful, glorious eyes.
"Be with me," Luna whispers.
Twilight's lip quivers. Her coat tingles at Luna's touch. She's hypnotized, stripped away down to nothing but basic urges.
No!
She reaches a hoof up and rests it on Luna's, rubbing her cheek against it. She closes her eyes, swimming in the intense feeling of just touching her.
No no NO!
Her eyes snap open.
Her smile, her lovely, warm smile
Waking up, opening her eyes to see those light green eyes staring back at her.
Lying with her, reading, her head resting on me as she reads her own book.
Twilight drops Luna's hoof, scooting back, away.
"No."
Luna's smile fades for just the briefest moment, then returns. She reaches her hoof out to Twilight again.
"I said no." Twilight stands, bracing herself.
"Twilight..." Luna smirks at her, dismissive. "I know you want me."
"Maybe I do. But I can't," Twilight says.
Luna's smirk fades and stays gone. She raises an eyebrow.
"I can't. I won't." Twilight stands tall. "I'm with someone else."
"She has left you."
"Maybe. It's not over yet. I have to try."
"You read her letter, didn't you? I would think it to be fairly obvious."
Twilight's jaw drops.
How does she know...?
"She has left you, Twilight. You two shared a wonderful love, but she left you."
Twilight's stance holds, but her face falls. "You're probably right," she admits.
"I have waited for this moment, and longed for you. Do you intend to keep me waiting?" Luna looks... almost plaintive. Twilight can't believe her eyes, but she holds strong.
"I'm sorry, but we can't do this," Twilight says.
Luna narrows her eyes. Twilight's coat crackles with silent static, magic pulsing through the air.
"I do not offer myself to just anyone. You would dare to refuse me?"
Fear rides Luna's icy voice right through Twilight's chest. Twilight swallows hard, her mouth dry. She holds eye contact with Luna, not budging.
"And what could possibly be running through your mortal mind to warrant such foolishness?" Luna glares down her nose at Twilight.
Twilight's breath is stuck again, a lump caught in her throat. She can't hide the fear on her face anymore. She stands, frozen.
"Why?" Luna says, cold and sharp.
Twilight's eyes go even wider. Everything in her mind falls away before that one word.
Why
Why?
"I..." she stammers.
Luna looks on, waiting.
"I love her," Twilight says. She blinks hard, feeling warm tears streaming out onto her cheeks. "I love her... I love her... I do. I can't do this. It would hurt her so much. Even if she is leaving me. Even if I did push her away. I love her."
The words pour out of her slowly. Something glows within her as they leave, something whole and healing and pure. She's never felt so warm, so peaceful. More pours out of her, everything, heedless of the living deity before her.
"I love her. I'm sorry. You're beautiful. You're all I ever dreamed of for so long. But you aren't her."
Twilight stares up at Luna, her eyes shimmering.
Luna glares back at her, the corner of her mouth turning down into a simmering frown. Her eyes are terrifying, glinting with hidden cruelties. Twilight quakes inside, caught, exposed, suddenly alive with panic. The room grows darker still.
And then the darkness fades. Luna smiles again, that strange, Celestial smile.
"I am very proud of you, Twilight."
Twilight's eyes bug out. "...What?"
"Truly, you have come to understand love. I am so happy for you." Luna sits on her rump, still smiling. "You've done well."
Twilight's stomach lurches, plummeting through the floor. An awful, terrible idea comes to her. "Don't tell me this was all some... some kind of test?" she says, more than a little angry.
"I do not know if test is the word I would use." Luna puts a hoof to her chin. "More like a crucible."
"What?!" Rage rises up out of nowhere. Twilight is almost quivering on her hooves. "WHAT?! That's crazy! You're insane! That's... you're crazy!"
"They don't call them lunatics for nothing, Twilight." Luna sticks out her tongue, making a silly face.
"You're awful!" Twilight screams. "What is wrong with you?!"
"Come now, Twilight." Luna rolls her eyes, looking almost bored. "Are you not happier now? You have found love, after all."
"NO." Twilight stomps a hoof, gritting her teeth. "You do NOT get to take credit for that. I found her despite you, NOT because of you."
Luna rolls her eyes again, sighing. "Very well, if that is what makes you happy."
"Happy? HAPPY?!" Twilight's throat stings, she's yelling so hard. "What would you have done if I said yes? Laugh?"
"Oh, I would have taken you. A win-win, really. As I said, I never lied to you. You are quite tempting." Luna licks her lips. "But I do not think that would be what's best. I am glad you chose as you did."
Twilight falls onto her rump, her mouth hanging open. Her mind reels, totally blank.
"I suppose you think I was just toying with you," Luna titters.
"GET OUT OF MY LIBRARY!" Twilight yells, glaring again.
Luna makes an amused pout. "Ooh, Twilight. Must you be so rough with a lady of my stature?" She grins devilishly. "I will go. But I wish to hear of your lover first. She must be quite the mare, if you think she is worth passing up on me."
Twilight's chest heaves. She doesn't have the breath left to scream anymore. "I asked you to leave," she says. "Seriously. I kind of hate you right now."
"That is a shame." Luna stands up, flapping her wings once. "At least tell me her name. I am very curious."
Twilight glares at her long and hard, loathe to even acknowledge the conversation.
"Cheerilee," she spits it out.
Luna looks delighted instantly. "A fine name. Warm. Full of mirth. Is she a unicorn like you, or are you as adventurous as I hoped?"
"Earth pony," Twilight growls out.
"Oh my! How do you keep up?" Luna smiles knowingly, bouncing her eyebrows.
Twilight just snorts at her.
"A final question. I know I am trying your patience." Luna asks eagerly, as if they were old friends, "What does she do?"
"She's a schoolteacher," Twilight says quickly, trying to get this over with.
Luna's eyes go wide, and a single, musical laugh escapes her mouth before she silences herself with a hoof. She snorts against closed lips a few times.
"...Are you her most faithful student?" Luna jeers.
"Get out of here. Now. Or I'll... I don't know. But really, I don't want to see you again."
"So serious sometimes, my Twilight." Luna sighs dramatically, pouting again. "I suppose I shall take my leave. I do not want to be in the way, after all."
"Excuse me?"
"She is coming here, you foal. Any minute now." Luna flares her wings out and wraps them around her body, casting shadows impossibly all around her. "Best of luck, my Twilight. Show her your love. I know you can win her back."
Some weird trick of light happens – or absence of light, as it were. Twilight tries to watch, but there's a blind spot all around Luna somehow, dark but not. Twilight is just beginning to tackle her confusion when it stops.
Luna is gone. She's alone again.
Her anger fades, now that it's target is gone. It shrinks to just a low burn, roiling in the back of Twilight's throat.
How... what... what just happened?
Slowly, her hooves come back to the ground. Nothing makes sense right now. Nothing makes sense ever. She's reeling, standing alone trying to wrap her mind around what just took place.
Her ear twitches.
How could she do that? How could anyone do that?
What's wrong with her? I wanted her?! What's wrong with me?
I can't even... I don't...
Her ear twitches again.
Knocking.
Somepony is knocking on the library's door.
She's coming here, you foal.
Twilight rushes so quickly she almost falls down the stairs. She coasts down the last few steps and bounds over to the door, slamming into it. She tears it open. Her face lights up.
"It is you!"
Cheerilee is standing there, a hoof raised where she was about to knock again.
"Excuse me?" she says, looking confused.
"Cheerilee!" Twilight can't contain herself. She darts forward, trying to nuzzle the fuchsia mare.
"Um... Wait a minute." Cheerilee backs away, blocking Twilight with a hoof. "Hold on. We need to talk."
"We do!" Twilight nods furiously, beaming. "I need to tell you that I love you."
"I... I know." Cheerilee bites her lip. "Your friends have been telling me. Not that you had anything to do with that, I'm sure."
"Oh, I did! I told them to do all that!" Twilight says, ignoring Cheerilee's sarcasm.
Cheerilee gives her a confused look. "Have you been crying? Are you okay?" she says.
"Yes! No! I mean, yes!" Twilight says frantically. "I am now."
Cheerilee starts to say something, but she gives up and just stares at Twilight.
"I'm so happy you're here," Twilight gushes, out of control. "I thought I'd lost you. I'm so sorry. About before."
Cheerilee winces, the words paining her. She looks away, trying to steel herself up. She takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Then she looks at Twilight and speaks, reciting.
"I appreciate that. I do. Your friends told me all that. And I'm glad."
This isn't right. This isn't the face she should be making.
"But..." Cheerilee falters on her speech.
But?
Twilight's face falls, her ears drooping. "But?" she says, half in shock.
"Listen..." Cheerilee begins, not meeting Twilight's eyes. "It's not that we don't care for each other. We do. And it's not that I want to do this. But..." Cheerilee pauses again, stuck. "I... we..."
Twilight's heart stops.
She's here to break up with me.
"Wait!" Twilight can't contain the panic in her voice. "Wait! I know I was awful. I was wrong. But I love you. It won't be like that anymore."
Cheerilee cringes, taking the words like blows. "I've heard that before. Too many times," she says, looking down at her hooves.
"Not from me!"
"No. But... I swore I would be strong this time." Cheerilee finally meets her eyes, long past tearing up.
"Don't do this!" Twilight bows down, gripping Cheerilee's foreleg. Shamelessly begging. "Please don't do this! I'm so, so sorry!" Her voice cracks, croaking out her pleas. "I love you. I love you so much. You have to believe me!"
Cheerilee tries to pull her hoof away, tugging at Twilight's grip. Twilight holds on for dear life.
"You're not making this easy." Cheerilee's lip quivers.
"Please... Please!" Twilight begs. Cheerilee keeps pulling her hooves, yanking at Twilight's grip.
"You're hurting me." Cheerilee looks down at her hoof.
You're hurting her.
I... but... I love her.
Stop hurting her.
Twilight lets go.
She freezes, the warm wetness of tears sliding down her face yet again. She stares up at Cheerilee.
"I'm sorry," she says quietly. "It's all my fault. I pushed you away. I was scared, maybe. I'm not sure. I wasn't sure." She bows her head, resting her chin on the front step. She closes her eyes. Defeated. "You should go. I don't want to hurt you anymore."
Twilight rests there, hiding in the darkness of her closed eyes. Seconds pass. She hopes, dimly, that Cheerilee will just walk away.
She doesn't.
"Do you... you really love me?" Her voice floats through Twilight's darkness.
A spark of hope forces Twilight's eyes open. She looks up.
"More than anything."
Cheerilee pulls Twilight to her feet, looking very stern, her eyes shimmering with tears.
"Look me in the eye and..."
"I love you," Twilight interrupts her, eyes locked on. The words force a proud smile onto her lips.
Cheerilee blinks, fighting the smile creeping onto her face. "If I give you this chance..."
"I'll only need the one. I promise," Twilight interrupts her again. Cheerilee sniffs loudly and nuzzles her, desperately pressing their faces together. Twilight's whole body shudders with relief.
"I'm so stupid. I just can't say no," Cheerilee says, crying even as she smiles.
"You won't regret it. Not this time."
Twilight strokes her cheek with a hoof, pulling her face away. They both stare at each other through waterlogged eyes.
"I love you, Twilight." She sniffs loudly again.
Twilight isn't sure who started it, but they kiss, their lips drifting together. It's a brief, chaste kiss, just a welcoming hello. It ends quickly, and Cheerilee laughs out some tension as soon as it's over.
"Well are you going to invite me in, or are we just making out in your doorway all night?" she says.
"Heh... sorry." Twilight steps aside, holding the door for her. Cheerilee walks in. The slightest brush of her coat and tail against Twilight sends her heart fluttering.
Hey... there's that new love feeling again! Oh my gosh!
Twilight closes the door and follows Cheerilee, floating on her hooves.
"So – now... um..." Twilight's eyes dart around, chasing her nervousness. "Are we... oof!"
Cheerilee tackles her onto the floor, landing them both on a sitting cushion. She snuggles up against Twilight, pinning her on her back. Twilight sighs loudly.
I missed her so much... even before she left me. How did I not realize?
"I missed you so much. Even before it got really bad," Cheerilee whispers.
"Huh?" Twilight fidgets.
"I said..."
"No, I heard you. I was surprised. I was just thinking the same thing."
Cheerilee squeezes her forelegs tight around Twilight. "You started getting all distant on me. I was so scared. I thought you didn't want me anymore," she says.
"I'm sorry. I..." Twilight pauses. It's strange – it all seemed so clear, the epiphany had come. But now she's having trouble putting it into words for the one pony that most needs to hear it.
"It's okay. I know you're sorry," Cheerilee says.
"No." Twilight pushes her back a little so their eyes can meet. "I have to tell you. I should've told you a long time ago."
Cheerilee gives her a quizzical look, waiting.
"I guess when you first meet someone there's like a... I don't know. A buzz. A high." Twilight searches for word.
Cheerilee snorts with amusement. "It's not unlike being drunk," she says.
"Right." Twilight hesitates. Even now, it's hard to say. "And us... we were dating and everything was so great. But then that feeling wasn't as strong. And I got worried. I was worried I wasn't in love with you. But I still loved you, and... I was so confused."
Cheerilee's jaw drops. She stares at Twilight shamelessly. Twilight does her best to shrink into the cushion.
"That's all it was?!" Cheerilee says.
Twilight nods weakly.
Cheerilee smiles and hits Twilight's chest with a hoof, softly. "You're such a silly filly sometimes, Twilight. I keep forgetting that you're new at this."
Twilight just grins sheepishly.
"But I love you anyway." That seductive look, just like when they first started dating. Twilight starts to fall apart when something occurs to her.
"Wait... you know what I'm talking about? Did you feel the same way?" Twilight raises an eyebrow.
"Of course, Twilight. That always happens." Cheerilee rolls her eyes.
"Oh." Twilight really does shrink this time.
I am the dumbest damn pony that has ever been.
"We're kind of a big, dumb mess. The two of us," Cheerilee says.
"Both of us?"
"Well... maybe if I wasn't so paranoid I would have just talked to you more. We could have avoided this whole thing."
"It's not your fault," Twilight says, almost proud.
"Well it's probably a little my fault."
"No! Completely mine."
"Hey, I can say it's my fault if I want." Cheerilee stands up over Twilight, looming over her.
"You're so weird sometimes." Twilight flashes her practiced seductive smile, version two. "I missed you."
Cheerilee's mouth slowly forms a hungry smile. "I missed you, too."
They kiss again. This time Twilight is sure Cheerilee started it. Cheerilee forces Twilight's head into the cushion, laying her body back down on Twilight's. Twilight is pinned under her, just taking her kisses, squirming and flicking her tail around. Her whole body tingles, flush with pent-up arousal. She moans just a little as Cheerilee pulls away.
"Wow," Twilight blurts out between breaths.
"Yeah." Cheerilee grins above her. "You know what else I missed?" Her eyes are pure sex, and they force a nervous giggle out of Twilight.
"I wasn't sure you would want to... you know. So soon again. I mean, I hoped," Twilight says.
"Ha! You're so cute sometimes." Cheerilee lowers her face again, their noses brushing. "That was our first big fight, wasn't it? We never did it after all the little ones leading up."
Twilight shifts her eyes around. "So?"
"So..." Her eyes flash, drawing Twilight in. "I think tonight Miss Cheerilee needs to teach you a lesson about make-up sex."
"Ohhhhh..." Twilight shudders, her eyelids dropping to half-mast.
Twilight reaches her forelegs up and loops them around Cheerilee's shoulders. They're just about to kiss again when voices trot up to the library's door.
Aw, darn it!
They both turn their heads as the door opens. Spike immediately shields his eyes.
"Aw, jeez! Not again!" he cries.
"Whoa! Whoa... uh... 'scuse us!" Applejack immediately blushes, a rare sight. Twilight's other friends crowd in behind them, peering in curiously. Rainbow Dash's head pokes down from above, staring in from the top of the doorway.
"Nice!" Dash says, nodding and grinning.
"Hi, Cheerilee!" Pinkie Pie waves.
"Hi," Cheerilee says, smiling graciously, still cuddled against Twilight.
"Oh, so it did work out! How marvelous!" Rarity says.
"AHEM." Twilight glares up at them from under Cheerilee.
"Oooooh!" Pinkie winks at Twilight, exaggerating it as always. "Come on, Spike! Slumber party at my place!" She loops a foreleg around the baby dragon.
"Baking slumber party? Can I come?" Fluttershy perks up.
"Of course you can, silly! Let's all go and leave these lovebirds alone," Pinkie says.
"Baking? Twilight, can I go?" Spike looks back to the couple.
Twilight nods her head furiously.
"Alright!" Pinkie drags Spike away. "Come on, everypony!"
"Ah dunno. Should probably be getting' back to the homestead." Applejack pauses, still in the doorway.
"Likewise. I do have quite a bit of work to get to in the morning," Rarity says.
"Yes! Well! Thank you all for your help and support, and as you can see things have worked out. SO! AHEM!" Twilight glares even harder, tilting her head at the mare on top of her.
"Right! Right. Sorry. You two... heh... you two have a good night, now." Applejack quickly shuts the door, grinning.
Voices fade outside, drifting away. Twilight turns her head to see Cheerilee giggling at her.
"Your friends..." She shakes her head. "You're so lucky."
"Yes." Twilight looks into her eyes. "Yes, I am."
Twilight cranes her neck up, reaching her lips towards Cheerilee. But her lover pushes her down with a hoof.
"Bedroom. Now," Cheerilee almost growls. Twilight's heart races as Cheerilee gets up and trots off towards the stairs, throwing extra wiggle in her rump as she walks. Twilight chases after her.
Cheerilee halts for just a moment at the base of the stairs, casting Twilight an inviting look over her shoulder. She flicks her tail and hops up the steps. Twilight catches her halfway up, and can't resist grabbing that thick tail in her mouth and giving it a tug.
"Oh!" Cheerilee halts. "I thought I said bedroom."
"Too far. Can't wait," Twilight mutters through teeth gritted around thick curls. She grabs Cheerilee's ankles with her arms and drags her snout up, over those luscious flanks, nuzzling them. She darts her tongue out, pressing it against a smiling flower.
"OH!" Cheerilee collapses, resting her head and forelegs on a wooden step. Twilight drags her snout along her flank and tail, sniffing and kissing. Her scent, her intoxicating scent, invades Twilight's nostrils.
It feels like we haven't done this in years my gosh she's so wet my gosh I'M so wet
A maelstrom of mixed-up emotions, building within her for days and churned up all night. Twilight can barely think. She yanks Cheerilee's tail again with her teeth...
Oh yes oh YES
...And dives right into the paradise under that tail, lapping softly at her lips.
"Ahhh!" Cheerilee squirms and whimpers. "What, no foreplay?" she says, her voice aching with pleasure.
No time.
Twilight just mumbles into her girlfriend's slick privates, lapping softly at her. She greedily eats her out, right there on the staircase, her forelegs locked around thick, shaking thighs.
"Uh. Uh! OHHHhhhhhh..." Cheerilee grunts, deeper and harder than her usual screams. Her tail curls around Twilight's head, caressing her head and withers, enveloping her in that heady, mystery scent.
Distantly, Twilight remembers the lingering mystery of that smell. It doesn't matter. She's too busy. She drinks deeply of her lover, suckling at her, running her tongue up and down the slit and dancing it around her entrance.
"Okay," Cheerilee pants out. "Okay!" She giggles, dragging her hooves, trying to shake Twilight off her rump.
Twilight grunts like a spoiled foal, holding on tight. She feels Cheerilee's backside buck against her, the lovely muscles flexing, interrupting her tongue's strokes. She squeezes tighter with her forelegs and plunges her tongue right in, flicking the tip up and down.
"Oh! Twilight!" Cheerilee squeals. "Ahhhhhhh I love that you know I love that oh god!" She shakes, almost giving in. Then she summons one last buck of her back legs, throwing Twilight's mouth off just long enough.
Twilight feels that lovely rump shake and buck and then slide away, dimly feels legs squeeze out of her hooves. She leans forward to chase, mindless. Cheerilee dodges and turns, meeting her with a kiss. She holds Twilight's face, directing her desire.
"Go on." Cheerilee breaks the kiss, still holding her. She scolds, seductively, urging Twilight to move past her. "Upstairs."
Twilight squeezes past, dragging their coats together. Cheerilee pushes her ahead and follows Twilight up the stairs, nipping at her thighs. Twilight tries to flick her tail and walk with her rump, the way she's watched Cheerilee do so many times.
The bedroom. Cheerilee nudges Twilight's rump, pushing her up onto the bed. She climbs after Twilight, clambering up onto her body, forcing Twilight onto her back. Twilight grins at her.
"Right, right. Foreplay. Sorry, I kind of lost my head there for a second," she says.
"Foreplay?" Cheerilee looks very confused.
"...Yes?"
Cheerilee gives her a wicked grin and sinks her body, dragging her mouth right into Twilight's yearning crotch.
"Whoa!" Twilight's arms shoot to the side, digging into the sheets. Her whole body jolts. Cheerilee's tongue is sharp, almost stinging, better than ever before. It reminds Twilight of her very first time receiving this kind of ministration. It feels incredible.
"Ohhhhhhhh wow!" Twilight moans, vising Cheerilee's head between her thighs. Cheerilee exposes that glorious little nub of pleasure with an expert touch, parting its hood with her tongue. She goes wild with it, somehow coiling her tongue around it. Twilight shudders and loses her breath. She closes her eyes, her face twisting up in what would otherwise look like pain.
And then it stops. Movement. Twilight feels hooves moving on the blanket around her. She opens her eyes and Cheerilee's hips are above her face, her back hooves planted on either side of Twilight's head.
Twilight freezes, taking in this new perspective. She's heard of this position by now, but they had never done it in the past. Cheerilee's tail teases at her bangs and horn. She feels Cheerilee's tongue go back to work and gasps, arching her back. Cheerilee is running her tongue up and down Twilight's nether lips, but the sight above her is...
Words fail. Twilight stares for some seconds, just watching. Cheerilee flexes her hips in the air, winking at Twilight with her crotch. Her thick lips are shining, parting on their own. Her clit is sticking out, almost visibly twitching.
Twilight licks her own lips and attacks, clinging to Cheerilee with her forelegs.
"Ahmmmaaaahhhmmm!" Cheerilee muffles her scream with Twilight, bucking with her hind legs. Twilight goes right for her nub, wrapping her lips around it and sucking. She flicks her tongue over it frantically. Cheerilee almost kicks with her back legs, moaning in her chest, picking Twilight's head up off the bed with each buck.
Twilight had always assumed that this would be difficult. How could you really pay attention to your partner while being pleasured yourself, after all? But nothing of the sort occurs to her now. She holds on to her lover, completely losing herself in the pleasure at both ends of her body. Her tongue goes on its own – it knows what to do.
Her horn starts to glow. She wants – she needs – to make this mare come, to feel her being overcome with love. A quiet part of her thinks that's a little cheap.
No magic tonight just us it's not a race you don't need to get her off
It goes ignored. She snakes a thick finger of magic against Cheerilee's folds, rubbing them, then forces it inside her.
"Mmmmm!" Cheerilee stops licking instantly, shaking all over. She presses her muzzle against Twilight's crotch, basting it with her hot breath.
Twilight holds Cheerilee's clit in her lips, her eyes wide. She can see everything by the glow of her horn, dark pink skin squeezing around the glow of magic as she pushes it in and out in a slow rhythm. Twilight is transfixed. Fascinated. She presses around Cheerilee's tunnel, sliding against the slick, smooth flesh.
Wait... what's that?
Twilight feels a spot in her horn against the front of Cheerilee's inner walls, different somehow. Not smooth. She rubs it again. It's a little rough, ribbed almost, and the sensation against her horn makes her eyes cross.
"Mmmmmmm..." Twilight moans, sending vibrations into Cheerilee's button through her lips. Cheerilee gasps silently, her tail lashing violently.
Twilight presses down into this new spot, wondering how she never noticed it before.
Well you were always so busy just rutting her like a stallion.
True. I've never explored her so...
"Mmmmm!" Her thoughts fade as shivers run through her horn. This spot feels so good. She rubs harder on it, almost not noticing Cheerilee's quaking hips, the shaking in her mound.
"MMM! MMM! MMM!" Cheerilee screams into Twilight, her back legs tightening up, her muscles like steel.
Wow she is loving this I can't believe I never this is GREAT
Twilight keeps pressing, her horn glowing brighter. She smiles around Cheerilee's clit, barely sucking anymore, focused entirely on this new sensation.
"MmmmmmmmMMMMM!" Cheerilee screams silently and writhes around, jerking her hips.
Twilight feels the flesh around her horn squeeze and clench, the familiar dance of her lover's climax. And then her eyes close on instinct. Something hot and wet squirts onto her face, right between her eyes.
Wha duh huh?! Wha?!
Her horn dies down instantly. Her mouth falls open, releasing Cheerilee's sore clit, just in time for a second spurt to soak her muzzle.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHhhhhhhhh..." Cheerilee snaps her head up, screaming loud enough to ring in Twilight's ears, trailing off into a low, dark moan.
Twilight sits up, frozen in shock. Cheerilee slides off her to the side, twitching and moaning. Twilight barely notices. She's making choking little gasps, she can feel warm fluid running down her face.
What... what?
She sniffs tentatively. Her nose is surrounded, bathing in the scent of... well, the scent of Cheerilee.
Okay... not urine. That's good. That is good.
She sits up on her forelegs, just hanging her mouth open.
Did she just... was that some kind of super orgasm?! She is way more sensitive than me...
Cheerilee's gasping breaths slow down, her face relaxes into that beautiful, post-coital smile. She tiredly turns her head towards Twilight and almost jumps at what she sees.
"Oh! OH! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" She gets up, fidgeting next to Twilight, not sure what to do. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Uh... here!" She grabs Twilight's sheets between her hooves, her favorite ones. Stars and moons. Cheerilee wipes at Twilight's snout with them, drying her off.
"What... just happened?" Twilight says.
"I came." Cheerilee smiles sheepishly.
"What, like... like a stallion?!"
"Sort of. I guess."
"You can do that? Girls can DO that?"
"Some girls. I don't know. That only happened to me once before."
"Huh." Twilight just gawks at her, taking this in. "Huh."
"I didn't mean to get you in the... um... you know."
"It's okay." Twilight crinkles up her nose, still sniffing Cheerilee's sex all around her. "I'm new at this, remember?"
"Ha!" Cheerilee takes a deep breath, still looking a little embarrassed. Only a little. "You really didn't know?"
Still learning. Always learning.
"No. I had no idea. It's not like there are books about this," Twilight says.
"True. There should be. Maybe we can write one."
"What's it like? Coming like that, I mean?"
"Maybe I can show you."
They share a seductive smile, leaning in closer to each other. Twilight's hoof slides over Cheerilee's, their bodies inching closer and closer together. Then Twilight is giggling as a hungry mare pounces on top of her.
• • •
They lie together, breathing slowly. The moon and stars have shifted a fair distance across the sky. Twilight slowly strokes a hoof against Cheerilee's side. Cheerilee nickers, occasionally flicking her tail gently into the air. They're both exhausted.
Twilight sighs, deep and contented. She had not, in fact, discovered what it was like that night.
Maybe only some mares can do it.
But that's okay.
We certainly had fun trying.
She stares down at Cheerilee's face. She's resting her head on Twilight's chest, her eyes closed. Peaceful. Happy. Twilight nods her head down and runs her snout through that pink mane, sniffing at her.
"Sunflowers."
"Huh?" Twilight's head jolts up.
Cheerilee opens her eyes and smiles slowly. "Sunflowers. Like my cutie mark."
Twilight's eyes go wide.
Of course! Dear Celestia, it's so obvious!
"Wait... sunflowers don't really have a smell. Do they?" Twilight says.
"That's what it smells like to me," Cheerilee says matter-of-factly.
Twilight is confused, but it feels like she agrees. She goes with it. "So... does my mane smell like magic?" she wonders out loud.
"It definitely smells magical."
Twilight rolls her eyes, smiling. Cheerilee nibbles at her chest, then rests her head down again.
"Hey." Twilight nudges her.
Cheerilee picks her head up again, eyebrows raised.
"I meant all those things I said before," Twilight says. "I really did. I love you. I want to prove it to you."
Cheerilee smiles, bemused. "Oh, sweetie. You don't have to do anything special. I believe you."
"No... I don't know." Twilight has no idea how to communicate this feeling. Something inside her is yearning to get out. Cheerilee cocks an eyebrow at her.
"I'm yours. I'll give you anything you want. I'll come see you every day. I'll promise to never leave you. You can move in here with me. Or I'll move in with you, or something, I don't know," Twilight blurts out.
"Twilight..." Cheerilee looks deeply happy, her whole face flush with bliss. "I don't care about any of that."
"You don't?!" Twilight balks. "What do you want?"
"I just want you to love me." Cheerilee smiles at her.
Twilight smiles back. "I do," she says.
"I know, sweetie. I know."
Cheerilee rests her soft mane on Twilight's coat. Twilight wraps her up in an embrace, holding her tight. She stares up at the ceiling, relaxing with Cheerilee in her arms. Together with her. Whole with her.
Twilight feels her fall asleep, her chest rising and falling. She looks down and Cheerilee is smiling, peaceful. Twilight lies there, wide awake with tears in her eyes, happier than she's ever been.
This is something. This is real. This is love.
We did it. She found me. I found her.
It IS love.
|
SleeplessBrony
|
1422
| 17 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
Romance Reports
|
Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
|
complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
|
mature
|
2012-08-20T22:45:43+00:00
|
2012-08-20T22:45:43+00:00
| 17,390 |
Dear Princess Celestia,
Twilight pauses after finishing the comma. It hasn't been that long since she last sent a letter to her mentor. She feels a small pang of guilt anyway, mostly out of habit.
Usually I send you updates on my findings about the magic of friendship. But this time I feel I need to tell you what I've learned concerning a different kind of relationship. It's love, of course. As you know, I've been researching its complexities. I'm not sure if I'll ever understand it completely. Perhaps this is the first of a series. We'll see.
"Hey! Twilight, come on!"
Spike's voice interrupts her. Her assistant comes up the steps of her room, carrying a basket.
"What is it, Spike?" she says.
"The picnic! We're gonna be late."
"Oh, shoot. Right." Twilight looks down at the paper. "I really have to finish this. I'll be right down."
"Aww... come ooooooonnnnnn..."
"Okay, okay. I'll write it on the way. I'll be down in one second."
Spike puts his hand on his hips, tapping a foot.
"I mean it, Spike. I'll be right behind you," she says. He smiles and rolls his eyes, making his way back downstairs. She watches him go, unable to contain the warm, glowing smile on her lips.
You once told me that love is complex. I have to overwhelmingly agree. There are many kinds of love, and they all have their own special character.
The first kind of love is between family. For example, the love I have for my parents. Or for Spike. It's a very common form of love, but that doesn't make it any less special. Family is always there for you, no matter what. You support each other, and share a connection your whole lives. No matter where you are, there will always be a home for you with family.
I love Spike. Ever since he hatched, he's been my little dragon brother. Even if he acts like a kid sometimes. He is a kid – he can do that. More importantly, he's family, and I love him.
She makes her way downstairs, hovering the letter along with her. Spike is waiting, but he's only been waiting for moments. Just like she promised.
"Are you ready?" he says.
"Naturally. You ready?"
"Got everything right here." He hoists the basket, a pile of food covered under a checkered blanket.
They nod at each other and step outside, into a glorious early summer day. The sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky. Twilight squints and moves her quill, hiding her nose behind her letter as she walks. She knows Spike will tell her if she's about to bump into something.
You don't have to be related to somepony to love them like family. Obviously that's true, if me and Spike are any indication. But there are others, too. Anyone that's important to you, really. Which is why I have to say this – it's a little difficult, maybe, but I need to say it. I can't figure out why I've never said it in the past.
I love you, Princess Celestia.
I've always looked up to you. You've been there for me, ever since we met and you took me on as your student. You've had such a huge impact on my life, and I wouldn't at all be who I am without you. You are my mentor, my guide, and my Princess.
I've long hoped that you felt the same. More and more, I suspect that I'm right. Whether you do or not, I'll always love you. You are as good as family to me.
Twilight sniffs loudly, blinking back rising water in her eyes.
"You okay?" Spike asks, dragging his basket along.
"Yes, Spike. I'm very okay."
He nods along, not perturbed at all. They walk. Ponyville is bustling, a normal, happy day. Even on its busiest day, life is calm. Slow. Relaxed.
"Hey! It's Twilight!"
Rainbow Dash picks them out of the crowd easily, skimming over heads to meet them. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy follow in her wake.
"Those three... what are they, attached at the hip?" Spike shakes his head. Twilight giggles quietly.
"You guys headed to the park?" Rainbow Dash hovers above them. "Hey, whatcha got there?"
"She's writing a letter," Spike says.
"Aww, come on, Twi." Dash gives her a sour look.
"I know, I know. I really need to finish this. Almost done."
The three join them, and they walk on.
Having said all that... I suppose I'll keep going. We're still pretending I'm on assignment, right? There are other forms of love, after all.
Like friendship. It seems that friendship isn't usually thought of as love, but I would disagree. Friends are the family that you find. They are the ponies you find that you connect with. Maybe that connection exists before you meet them. Maybe you make the connection yourselves. I'm not sure, honestly. But the connection exists.
It's more like a journey, really. You meet others, get to know them, and the connection strengthens and grows over time. As you share things. Until one day you realize that they may as well be family, too.
I love my friends, all of them. My true friends, the ones that I'll always have. If that's not a form of love, then what is?
"AJ!" Rainbow Dash yells.
"Rarity!" Fluttershy says.
"Didn't expect to see you two together," Twilight says.
Applejack and Rarity trot up to the group, side by side. Like old friends.
"Well, we was walkin' the same way. It's not like we're strangers or somethin'," Applejack says.
"Please, we've known each other for years. The jokes about us are getting quite old," Rarity says with a flounce of her mane. "Besides, how could anypony really resist Applejack's rustic charm?"
"Rustic what now?" Applejack looks confused and uncomfortable.
"Ha! She's saying you're hot, cowgirl." Dash points with a damning hoof. Applejack grimaces, while Rarity glares at the blue pegasus.
"Calm down, just joking." Dash lands next to Rarity. "How you been, fashionista?"
"Just fine, Dash. Good to see you." Rarity's glare fades.
Twilight watches this display, feeling deeply satisfied. Applejack catches her eye.
"Hey there, Twi," Applejack says, warm and welcoming. The first friend Twilight made in Ponyville.
"Hey," Twilight says back.
A moment passes between them, Applejack just smiling at her. Then time moves again.
"Well, let's get a move on. Ah don't get too many days off, let's make the most of this," Applejack says.
They walk on, all together again.
Friendship – and love – are strong. They can bring together two ponies who don't seem like they have much in common. They can heal wounds between two ponies who have disagreements.
I'll always love my friends, even if I don't love every single thing about them. Sometimes when Pinkie is being more crazy than usual, or Rarity is going off on one of her dramatic fits, I wonder how I ended up loving them so much. Love is funny, like that.
Which brings me to a bit of a side note.
Your sister.
You were right, before. I was angry at her. I think I might have even hated her, however briefly. It was an ugly thing to feel.
You also said that she can be inscrutable. That's definitely true. I think I might understand now, why she did what she did. I don't know for sure. But I'm not mad at her anymore. How could I stay mad at anyone? I'm so happy now.
Love can have a dark side. You can drive yourself crazy, or do things that you regret, all in the name of love. Love can be twisted into other things. It's strange, that a thing can be so strong and so delicate at the same time. But there are many kinds of love.
Luna taught me many things. I'm not sure I agree with her methods, but she did. Maybe one day she and I can talk about all of this as friends. I don't know if I'm strong enough to be quite that forgiving. But I can try.
Twilight lets out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. They've reached the park, her friends talking and laughing all around her.
The weather is perfect, the park more crowded than usual. They make their way through paths and trees and beautiful, grassy open areas.
They pass all kinds of ponies. More and more, Twilight knows names and faces. They wave and greet and smile as they walk past. One small group in particular stands out to Twilight – a few mares wave as she walks by, drawing her gaze from her letter. It's Bon-Bon, and her girlfriend Lyra, and that pink mare with the unicorn foal – Berry Punch, Twilight remembers.
She waves back. She's hung out with them a few times, recently. She's just getting to know them, but they seem nice.
Where was I? Right, friendship. Friendship and love.
They aren't the same, but they're similar. They're both connections. They both make us strong, and happy. They both bring meaning and joy to our lives.
They have a way of growing on their own. My friends have their own friends, who have their own friends. Little by little, I meet them and get to know them. The connections just keep growing and growing. There's always a friendly face, wherever I go.
And then, of course, there's romantic love. Capital "L" love, the one everyone is always talking about.
Where to even begin...
They reach a cool, shady clearing with a gazebo resting under swaying leaves.
The most beautiful mare in the world is waiting for them. She's sitting in the grass, reading. She looks up as Twilight gets nearer.
"Hi." Cheerilee smiles.
"Hey." Twilight smiles back.
"I see you brought the whole crew." Cheerilee peers past Twilight. Twilight's friends wave and greet her.
"Well, you know they're always bugging me to bring you along. They like you."
Cheerilee looks very amused. She closes her book and stands up.
"Hey Cheerilee!" Pinkie bounces up to them, overjoyed as always.
"Hey!" Spike drops the basket down nearby. "Nice spot."
"You guys are lucky I've been saving it. The park is popular today," Cheerilee says.
"Right here!" Rainbow Dash poses triumphantly. "Weather pony. Right here. All me."
"Yeah, we know. Thank ya, Rainbow Dash," Applejack says, lacing every word with sarcasm.
Twilight rolls her eyes at those two. Cheerilee and Fluttershy help Spike with putting the picnic blanket out. Rarity levitates Spike's lunch out of the basket, while Applejack and Pinkie Pie lay out their own contributions of food.
Romantic love is... well, it's interesting.
It's not destiny. It's not perfect. It's not aching or pining or butterflies.
And it's not something that you can only find with one special, perfect pony. Anyone can have it, I think.
It is special, though. I think it's just making a connection – like with friends.
You find someone, and you connect with them. You spend time with them. You share with them, things about your life and about theirs. Over time, that connection becomes special.
They become your companion, almost a part of you. You know everything about each other, good and bad. You take it all – the good and the bad. You love them, and they love you. A complete whole.
And then... I guess most lovers start a family, and the whole thing starts all over again. I wonder sometimes if Cheerilee and I will do that. I'm not even sure how we would, honestly. We'll just have to wait and see.
She sits with Cheerilee. Her friends are all around them, talking and eating. Rainbow Dash and Applejack get restless soon enough and get up, kicking a soccer ball back and forth across the clearing.
Spike is on her right, munching happily on an apple. Cheerilee is on her left, talking with Fluttershy. Everything is perfect.
I don't know about this "true love" stuff ponies are always talking about. Soul mates, or eternal perfect love, or any of that.
She's staring at Cheerilee, without even realizing it. Cheerilee notices. Their eyes meet, for just a second. She rests her head against Twilight's neck, smiling.
I don't think it really matters.
Your Loving Student,
Twilight Sparkle
|
SleeplessBrony
|
1422
| 18 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
|
Romance Reports
|
Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
|
complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
|
mature
|
2012-05-19T01:27:52+00:00
|
2012-05-19T01:27:52+00:00
| 21,347 |
This is just an extra chapter, taking place chronologically between Chapter 9 (Going Right For the Goods) and Chapter 10 (Return to Sender.)
"And then... we totally. Had. Sex."
Pinkie Pie's jaw drops open wordlessly, for once. Applejack just cocks an unimpressed eyebrow.
"...You didn't," Applejack says, more hopeful than accusing.
"Ohhhh yeah we did!" Rainbow Dash holds her head up high. She's sitting on a park bench, towering over her friends. Applejack and Pinkie Pie are resting on the grass.
Applejack snorts. "This is another one o' yer pranks, ain't it? Where are you hidin' the camera, Pinkie?"
Pinkie Pie shrugs innocently.
"Prank?" Rainbow Dash says. "Hey, doin' it with The Dash is no laughing matter!"
"Ugh," Applejack groans. "Please don't call yourself that."
"Whatever, the point is I completely gave it to Twilight Sparkle."
"Pfff..." Applejack waves a hoof dismissively. "I bet you didn't give 'er so much as a goodnight kiss."
"Oh, I gave her a kiss. Right on the lips. Her back lips, if you know what I mean." Dash waggles her eyebrows as much as possible.
"Ooooooooh!" Pinkie Pie nods very seriously.
"Ugh, come on." Applejack rolls her eyes again.
"Sex. I mean sex. I'm talking about oral sex," Rainbow Dash explains.
Pinkie Pie gives a hushed gasp. "Mouth sex! Wow!" she whispers.
Applejack shakes her head, giving Dash a withering stare. Then, slowly, she comes around to a wince. "You... you didn't really. Did you?" she asks.
"Hell yeah I did!" Rainbow Dash poses in victory, almost thumping her chest. "I got right up in there! Ate her out like... like a... like something good."
"Like a cookie?" Pinkie asks.
Rainbow Dash puts a hoof to her chin, considering that. "Nah, not really like a cookie," she says.
"You're serious, aren't you?" Applejack almost sounds angry now. "You set her up on a date and then you just did it with her."
"Well yeah. That's the whole point of a date, right?" Rainbow Dash says.
"No it ain't!" Applejack says. "I mean... that ain't the whole point."
"Like you would know." Rainbow Dash grins. "Besides, that was the point of this date. Twilight's got that Luna thing going on. I was just helping her out."
Applejack looks even more disturbed than before. She shakes her head slowly, turning away in a sulky huff. "Y'all are crazy. I mean, she's your friend, for pony's sake. Have some respect. I can't even... I... I dunno," she mutters.
"It was crazy. Crazy awesome!" Dash is all bravado again, flaring her wings out.
"Did you do anything else? Or did you just eat her like a banana?" Pinkie Pie asks, now munching popcorn she inexplicably pulled out of nowhere.
"...banana?" Applejack raises her head in confusion. She is ignored.
"Oh man, we did all kinds of stuff! I gave her the mouth sex for a while. Drove her wild." Rainbow Dash points with a hoof, grinning like an expert. "Then I got on top and just gave it to her."
"Neat!" Pinkie Pie nods along.
"...gave it to 'er?" Applejack wonders.
"Yeah, it was great! I was like, un! Un! Un!" Rainbow Dash thrusts her hips in the air, pumping her forelegs. "And then Twilight was like, 'Oh Rainbow Dash, you're amazing! You're so good!'"
"Hee hee! She would say that," Pinkie Pie says, still munching popcorn.
"And then... oh man, this part... you know how Twilight's really good at magic?"
Again, both ponies hang their mouth open. Not quite as much as before, but still good. Dash grins.
"...magic? Is that... safe?" Applejack cringes.
"Don't care! It was too... awesome." Rainbow Dash stares off into space, almost as satisfied as during the event itself.
"Wowie! Did she use her magic like this?" Pinkie drops her popcorn so she can make a ridiculously lewd gesture with her hooves.
"Naw... it was more like this..." Rainbow Dash makes a lewd gesture of her own. Applejack's eyes dart back and forth between them, her cheeks slowly turning red. Pinkie and Dash just keep making gestures, and then Pinkie starts in with sound effects.
"Okay!" Applejack shoots up onto her hooves. "Beggin' yer pardon, but I gotta go... do... somethin'. Right now. Y'all have a good one."
She trots away without waiting for their response. They silently watch her go, dropping their sexual mime acts.
"Did we make her mad?" Pinkie says quietly.
"Eh, she's just a tight ass about this kind of stuff. Whatever."
They both pause. Applejack rapidly shrinks until she rounds a bend in the path and disappears. Pinkie Pie dives back into her popcorn, but Rainbow Dash's eyes linger on the path. She heaves a sigh.
If only...
"Anyway..." She turns back to Pinkie. "I scored. With Twilight. Pretty cool, huh?"
"Extra cool!" Pinkie sprays bits of popcorn as she speaks. "Are you and Twilight gonna do it again?"
"Huh. I dunno." Rainbow puts a hoof to her chin for just a second. "It was pretty awesome. But she's got a real thing for Luna going on. And I kinda thought I should get out there more. You know, mix it up. Play the field."
"Hee hee! You are such a player, Dashie! I bet you get all the fillies!"
"Uhhh... yeah. Yeah! You know me." Dash grins, but not with her eyes.
"And all the colts, too! Wow, you're so lucky."
"Ha, yeah, that's me... just doin' ponies left and right. Nopony is safe!" She glares, all confidence again.
"Oooooh!" Pinkie couldn't look more enthralled. Then she sexily cocks an eyebrow. "So who are you gonna do next?"
Dash's face falls for a second. "Uh..." She starts to speak, but nothing comes out and she trails off before remembering to be herself. "Uh, I... don't really have a next target lined up. Because I've done so many ponies. You know, it's getting hard to find new ones. Small town, heh."
"Gosh, I never thought of that!" Pinkie looks seriously concerned. Clearly the fate of Equestria hinges on Rainbow Dash getting laid regularly. "Maybe I could throw a party to find you some new ponies to do it with!"
"Ha!" Dash quickly forms a picture in her head. "Yeah, you could like, have 'em fill out applications."
"And then they line up and you get to pick out the best one!"
"Hahaha! Awesome! I'd be all like, in a big chair. With a drink in a fancy glass. All like, 'That one. And that one. That will do,'" Dash says with a snooty wave of her hoof.
"You could ask them questions and stuff! It'll be like a game. A sex interview game!"
"Eh, just talking is kind of boring. We should do it like a talent show."
"YES!" Pinkie shoots up onto her hooves. "That would be the best! They would be like, 'Rainbow Dash! You should have sex with ME because I can do THIS!'" Pinkie proceeds to close her eyes and shake her rump furiously, her thick tail thwumping about.
"Pfffft haha! Not really what I was picturing, but not bad. I would totally pick that pony."
"What about a pony who could do this?"
Pinkie flops onto her back and starts pulling her hind legs up towards her head, grunting and straining. Her back end hovers just off the ground, bobbing in front of Dash. Dash's eyes go a little wide. She can clearly see Pinkie's... well, everything. She stares a little longer than she means to before she gets confused.
"What are you doing?" Rainbow asks.
"I'm putting my – hng – feet behind my – erg – head!" Pinkie says, while failing to do any such thing. "I saw this movie once where a mare did it and then a couple of stallions..."
"Oh yeah! I think I watched that one with you."
"The one where they put their thingies in her..."
"OH yeah. THAT one. That was wild."
"I know!" Pinkie gives up on her stunt, letting her legs drop onto the grass. She's lying on her back in front of Dash, propped up on her elbows a little, just grinning like she always does. "She took it like a champ."
"Heh, yeah..." Dash looks away for some reason. "Anyway, I gotta get back to work. I've been on lunch for like, two hours now," Rainbow says. She's not lying. "I'll see you later. Cool?"
"Okie dokie lokie!"
Pinkie Pie gets up and bounces off to do whatever it is Pinkie does. Rainbow Dash smiles and takes off instantly, darting up into the sky without so much as a glance back.
• • •
Rainbow Dash slices through a thick, dark stack of clouds, cutting her way across the sky. Everything around her is roiling and dark and menacing, and she's loving every second of it. You can only spend so long building a playground before you have to go play on it, right?
She dives and soars and loops, her heart pounding in her chest. She and the rest of the weather team have spent the last few days working on this particular playground. For all their control and schedule over the forces of nature, there are certain things that just need to happen if all is to go smoothly. Spring thunderstorms happen to be one of them. It's not really a problem. Not for Rainbow Dash, anyway.
Her stomach lurches as she slides into an updraft, popping her up into the thick, dark rolls of an angry cloud. She folds her wings to the side to minimize drag, purely on instinct, not thinking at all. She pierces right through, cursing the condensation on her goggles.
She rolls slowly, letting the wind buffet her around. It's like floating on rough water, lost in an endless sea of dark gray. She can't even see the ground below – she's surrounded on all sides, sealed inside the storm. It's disorienting. It's scary. It's dangerous.
It's so cool.
She grins arrogantly and drops into a dive, straight down, making her heart jump up into her throat. She brakes with her wings and loops back up as the clouds below her get nearer, but she could've waited longer.
That wasn't even close... would a Wonderbolt have pulled up that early? That's right, I didn't think so!
She grins and dives again, then up and down again, cutting it closer each time, craving the rush in her blood each time those clouds loom larger and larger in her vision.
Something flickers in the corner of her eye, off to the left. Something bright. And then her whole body shakes as thunder booms through the sky, roaring right through her. Her mouth goes dry, but her heart is still racing – this is dangerous, really real dangerous.
They never plan lightning. You don't make lightning. It just happens, a by-product of the necessary storm. It's a bit of wild sticking out of a system where they otherwise have utter control.
Sure, a pegasus can kick a little bolt or two out of a cloud sometimes. That's foal stuff – just a slap and a jolt and a bang. Rainbow Dash has done it dozens of times as a prank.
But the real deal?
That shit is no joke.
She smiles warily and stops her tricks and stunts, evening out into a straight glide. She scans around her, knowing you never see it coming but trying anyway. The sky looks innocuous enough – just dark clouds as far as the eye can see.
She spies a lighter tuft of cloud and knows without thinking that a good updraft will be nearby. She banks, turning towards that inviting patch of air...
Her eyes snap shut. Bright light pierces through anyway, and then she's pushed and jumbled around, locked in a raging box of sound. Her ears sting. Her heart feels like it's stopped.
It passes quickly, and she regains control just as fast. Her heart is really pounding now, sweat freezes on her brow as soon as it forms. Every hair on her coat is standing on end. She looks around, knowing it's silly. It never strikes in the same place twice, they say.
Still. That one was a little close. Even she can admit that. Time to turn in.
What?! No! No there's so many cool wind formations come on come ooooonnnnnn...
She ignores the cocky voice in her head and enters a shallow dive. She slows a little as she sinks through the bottom layer of clouds, flying blind in a gray soup, and then she breaks through.
Ponyville is laid out below her. It isn't too late, but the town looks deserted. Compliments of the Equestrian Weather Service, thank you very much. Dash smiles. She really loves her job, sometimes.
Misty rain washes over her, coating her goggles even more. It's getting really difficult to see.
Rain already? It wasn't supposed to... what time is it again?
Dash has no idea. She swoops low over Ponyville's rooftops...
I think I'm low anyway is that the clock tower or town hall? Dammit these stupid goggles...
She curses under her breath, as if she wouldn't be completely blind in rain without them. The wind seems more violent now that there are things nearby to crash into, and her body jerking up and down in the air is the wrong kind of exhilarating.
It's cool it's all cool time to go home just a few minutes' flight...
Lightning flashes in the distance, the clouds grinning at her. A twisted, murderer's smile. Any second now, the skies will open up.
Ah... hmm. Huh.
With nopony around to witness it, Dash perches on top of the fountain in Ponyville's town square. She wipes at her goggles and darts her eyes around, shivering in the wind. She curls her wings around her body, but it doesn't do much.
Come on you sissy just fly home it's no big deal it's just lightning.
Rain and wind, okay... no big deal. But lightning? Come on. There's nopony around to impress. It's cool. The lightning is supposed to slack off after a few hours anyway, just...
...sit here?
Sure. Sure.
She looks around again, feeling the first real raindrops slapping into her coat. There's that strange tightness in the air, winding in her breath. That weird tension before any big storm. The wind feels like it's blowing right through her. She realizes all at once that her whole body is shivering.
Okay... what's the plan here?
Her eyes scan around. Nothing but dark storefronts and bits of leaves and branches flying through the air. She turns around.
Whoa!
A giant, glowing cupcake towers before her. She wipes at her goggles again.
...oh. Sugarcube Corner.
Hey! Sugarcube Corner!
• • •
The bell above the door jingles as Rainbow Dash lets herself in.
"Dashie! Hey!" Pinkie Pie looks up from kneading a pile of dough, her eyes huge and happy.
"'Sup, Pinks." Dash flaps her wings a few times, flicking water all over the floor. She just barely avoided being soaked through to the bone.
"Did you come for some baked treats? Because everything's mostly closed up. The Cakes turned in already. I'm just having some fun." Pinkie grins and squishes her hooves into the dough.
"That's okay. I just wanted to... uh... hang out." Rainbow Dash sidles up to the front counter and sits, calculating every move for maximum aloof coolness. She slides her goggles up onto her forehead. "Whatcha makin'?"
"Pie!" Pinkie throws her hooves up in the air as she yells, sending droplets of dough onto the ceiling. She doesn't seem to notice. "This one's gonna be blueberry and that one's gonna be banana cream and that one's apple! Of course!" She rolls her eyes on the last sentence.
"Cool. Pie. I like pie," Dash says. She winces at her own words, wondering where her brain went.
Must be cold or something...
She does still feel like she's shivering a little. Warm tingling is coursing through her hooves and wing tips as feeling returns.
"Everypony likes pie." Pinkie rolls her eyes again, almost rolling her whole head. "I'd love to hang out, Rainbow Dash. We can have a rainy day indoor hang out party! But I wanna finish these, first. Can you give me just a few secs?"
Dash's whole body freezes and her face goes blank. "Secs?" she says.
"Yeah! You know, second. Sec. Sec of second of secs. Hmm... I wonder why ponies don't say min instead of minute? Like, hey, gimme a min here!"
"Uhhhh..."
"I dunno! Anyway, gimme just a few more mins and I'll have these sweet babies in the oven. And then we can... chillax!" Pinkie points her hooves at Rainbow Dash on the last word, striking a very Rainbow Dash-esque pose.
"Uh... heh... sure..." Dash nods.
Pinkie goes back to squishing dough under her hooves, humming tunelessly. Dash fidgets less and less as she dries out and warms up. Now that those needs are met, she starts wondering how to pass the next few hours. She hadn't wanted to hang out, actually. She really wants to just go home.
Yeah, take a nap, chill for a while... just have some Dash time.
She looks around the bakery. Rain is pounding at the windows now. Most of the store is dark and cold looking, the weather outside bleeding in somehow. The ovens and counter are a warm, glowing island.
Thunder crashes outside again. Flying right now would be both very brave and very stupid.
So it looks like she's stuck here for a while. She's wondered before how Pinkie passes time when they aren't hanging out, and she was never sure if she really wanted to know. And now they're both cooped up inside... what are they gonna do, read books? Or no, watch a movie? That sounds good.
She opens her mouth to raise the question just as Pinkie turns and walks away, balancing an unbaked pie on her nose. She watches Pinkie sliding the pie into one of the bakery's many ovens. Her friend is wearing a ridiculously cute apron, white with red frills all along the edges, and her spastic pink poof of a tail is bouncing all over the place.
Rainbow Dash doesn't really notice the tingle in her wings at first. Her eyes start bobbing up and down in time to Pinkie's rump. The pink earth pony is bouncing on her hooves just a little as she bakes, dancing to a song in her head.
Man, her ass is WAY bigger than Twilight's.
Her eyes go wide at her own thought.
Uh... wha... huh? It's just Pinkie.
Dash narrows her eyes a little, not sure how to feel about what she's thinking. Her chest feels a little tight, almost like she's nervous... just like how she felt the whole time she was cooking for Twilight. Her eyes wander all over Pinkie on their own. There are bits of dough and patches of flour staining her pink coat. Dash's mouth waters a little, and she gets the sudden urge to clean Pinkie off. With her tongue.
She licks her lips. Her eyes narrow further into a predator's glare.
Yeah but... hold on. It's just Pinkie!
She thinks back to a few days ago, watching her friend try to contort herself in the most exposing way possible. She could see pretty much everything. It wasn't bad.
No, no, come on... it's just Pinkie.
She closes her eyes and shakes her head, trying to throw off these random urges. Then she jolts in place as she realizes that her wings are sticking straight up on either side, quivering with tension. She takes another long, hard look at her friend, still obliviously humming and bouncing.
Well why not? She's pretty cute.
Yeah but... it's just Pinkie. I mean... does she even...?
Only one way to find out.
So... I'm doing this? I'm gonna fuck Pinkie Pie?
Talk about low hanging fruit.
Hey, come on. She's cool. This could be fun.
Or it could be weird. And what if she's all like... Pinkie Pie about it?
Dash snorts quietly, holding in a laugh. In her mind's eye she saw Pinkie on her back in a bed, giving a sultry look. She slowly spread her legs, only to have a burst of confetti and streamers pop out from between them, heralded by the sounds of a noisemaker.
"Hmm?" Pinkie turns to her, eyebrows raised, holding a pie in her mouth.
"Huh? Nothing." Dash puts on an innocent grin.
"Mmm mmm." Pinkie nods and slides the last pie into the oven.
She's got really bright blue eyes.
They're pretty. Never really noticed before.
And a nice big ass...
Okay, definitely want to do Pinkie all of a sudden. Who cares if we're friends, right? It's cool.
I'm stuck here for a few hours anyway.
She forces her wings back into place with her hooves just as Pinkie returns to the counter. Pinkie is too busy starting to clean up to notice the devious grin slowly spreading across Rainbow Dash's face.
"Hey, uh... Pinkie?"
"Mmhmm?"
"You don't have like, a boyfriend or anything? Do you?"
Pinkie drops a towel from her mouth, belting out peals of cheery laughter. "Hahaha! Don't be silly, Dashie! You know I don't. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever had a boyfriend. Not for realsies."
Most other ponies would've looked sad delivering that sentence. Pinkie just looks genuinely curious. She keeps cleaning, barely missing a beat.
"Right. Yeah." Rainbow Dash is about to press on when Pinkie Pie talks again.
"I would tell you if I had a boyfriend, Dashie. Besides, remember when we had drunk sloppy makeouts? I wouldn't be having drunk sloppy makeouts with my friend if I had a boyfriend."
"Drunk sloppy what?" Dash panics slightly. She takes a long, curious look at Pinkie. "That actually happened?"
"Did it ever!" Pinkie lowers her eyebrows. Then, impossibly, her eyes show the tiniest hint of sadness. "You don't remember? That was the night of the Winter Wrap Up Festival."
"Oh! Oh yeah..." Dash rubs the back of her neck, feeling just a bit stupid. Caught out. "Sorry. Heh. I thought I like... dreamed that part or something. That night's kind of fuzzy now."
"You did drink a lot." Pinkie's eyes ease into slight concern.
"Yeah... well you did, too. I think."
"Yuppers! I was a silly sibbly wibbly wobbly drunky party pony that night!" All joy in those eyes again. Dash breathes a sigh of relief. Then Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin.
"Say... come to think of it, we've done that a couple of times now!" Pinkie says. "There was after that party I threw that one time, and then the party in Appleloosa, and then the ride back from Canterlot after the Gala!"
"Hey... yeah..." Dash speaks slowly. "Wait... Gala?"
"Oh yeah! We were in the carriage, and you said you were gonna give me maximum makeouts! You were like, 'Pinkie! Prepare your body!' And I was like, 'Yes ma'am! Pinkie's body is ready!' And then Rarity was like, 'My word, I declare that you two mischievous ruffians should acquire a room for such practices,' and then you were like, 'Oh yeah? WELL WATCH THIS!' and then we had the bestest make outs!"
Dash's mouth hangs open wider and wider as she watches Pinkie pantomime the story.
Crap... I really don't remember that one.
"So yeah! Definitely don't have a boyfriend. Or anything." Pinkie leans over the counter and jabs Rainbow Dash with her elbow, her eyes half-lidded. Rainbow Dash recoils in surprise.
Whoa... she's like, really into this. Hot damn!
Rainbow Dash swallows hard, her dry throat grating against itself.
Come on come on do NOT get the jitters now it's just Pinkie come on I gave it to Twilight like a champ I can do this
"Have you ever... y'know... done it... with a mare?" Dash asks.
"Oh, no way!" Pinkie almost laughs.
Rainbow Dash slumps a little.
"I mean, not that I wouldn't try it," Pinkie continues.
Rainbow Dash's posture improves considerably. Before she can make her move, Pinkie rambles on.
"I think about it sometimes. Sometimes when I'm at work here I'm just like... hmmm... doin' it. Hmmm!" She hugs her forelegs to her chest, staring off into space with a wide smile.
"You think about doing it?"
"Oh, all the time!" Pinkie waves a hoof.
"Heh, yeah. Me too."
"You too?! You come to Sugarcube Corner to think about doing it?" Pinkie looks almost aghast, completely serious.
"Uh... not really what I meant..."
"Oh." Pinkie's face goes blank for a fraction of a second, then explodes with the usual joy again. "But yeah! I think about doing it ALL the time. But I've never done it with a girl. So I'm like... hmmm... how do you put the thingy in the other thingy if neither of you has a thingy?"
Rainbow Dash stares at her in confusion for a second. She shakes her head quickly, all coolness again, and leans in over the counter.
"Oh, it's easy. No big deal. There's all kinds of thingies to play with... even without a colt around," Dash says, grinning.
"Ooooh, that's right! You know all about it, don't you, Rainbow Dash?" Pinkie puts extra emphasis on the name. She leans in close over the counter as well, bouncing her eyebrows at her friend.
Dash's cool façade breaks for a second as her eyes pop open wide. "Yeah... yeah I do." She grins even wider. It only falters a little as she makes her next words. "You know... maybe I could do you a favor and show you how it's done. Since you've been wondering, right?"
Pinkie Pie's face goes blank again. She blinks a few times, just staring. Rainbow Dash holds her grin, her eyes slowly losing hold on the nervous tension behind them.
Then Pinkie jumps up in the air and gasps, one of those patented Pinkie Pie heart-stopping party-idea gasps. It makes Rainbow Dash jump in place.
"Dashie!" Pinkie gasps out. "Are you talking about... doing it? With me?!"
"Uhhh..." Dash averts her eyes, feeling that tickle in her wings again.
"You wanna do IT with ME? Like... have sex? S-E-X?! With ME?!" Pinkie stares, her mouth hanging wide open.
"...yeah, I guess so. Yeah." Dash forces her eyes to lock onto her target, pulling herself together. Pinkie just stares back, completely frozen.
"...do you wanna...?" Dash trails off, then jumps again as Pinkie explodes with noise.
"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh YES!"
Pinkie darts over the counter and grabs Rainbow Dash's face, planting a flurry of quick little kisses all over it.
*pomf*
Dash watches Pinkie's adorable face stare to either side, taking in a pair of splayed out wings.
"Eeeeeeeeeee so cool!" Pinkie squeals, bouncing on her hooves.
"Yeah..." Dash pauses, horrified at the high-pitched, excited squeak in her own voice. She clears her throat and begins again. "Yeah, they're pretty cool. You really think you can handle The Dash?" She poses against the counter.
"I hope so!" Pinkie bounces around the end of the counter, gasping and stuttering as she goes. "I would love to do it with you, Rainbow Dash! That would just be... I can't even... I don't even... WOW!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm pretty awesome." Dash relaxes completely, calm in victory.
"I can't believe this is even happening! This is the best! I mean, I never thought I'd get the chance to try, and now I get to try with RAINBOW DASH!"
"Heh... yeah... no problem, Pinkie."
"I mean, you're Rainbow Dash! You're just... the... best! You're ALWAYS talking about how awesome you are in bed! I'm so... this is so... eeeeee!" Pinkie trails off into a delighted squeal, bouncing next to Dash.
Rainbow holds a hoof up. "Alright, alright, I get it."
"Oh, sorry!" Pinkie rolls her eyes, looking as happy as can be. "Why am I wasting all this time talking? I'm like, dying here! Let's do it RIGHT NOW!" Pinkie Pie glares intensely, bracing her front hooves up on the counter. She shakes her backside in the air right at Rainbow Dash, sending the blue pegasus' heart roaring into her ears.
Dash snaps her eyes away from that hot pink shaking rump and looks around the cold, dark bakery. "What... here?"
"Yeah! Oooooh, let's do it right on the counter. The Cakes will never know!" Pinkie shoots a look of pure sex over her shoulder.
Rainbow Dash practically quivers on her haunches. "I... uh... I don't know..." Dash tightens her hooves against the floor, putting her cool face back on. "I mean... let's go up to your room. I need a bed so I can really work my moves."
"Bwa! You are so right!" Pinkie is practically hovering in the air, grinning with pent-up excitement. "What was I thinking? All my toys are up there. How can we have a private sexy porny party without toys?"
"...toys?" Rainbow Dash grimaces.
"Yeah! Come on!" Pinkie dashes upstairs, not even looking back.
Rainbow Dash just sits still for a second. The whole room is lifeless now that Pinkie is gone.
What... have I gotten myself into?
Whatever. No backing out now.
Dash makes her way upstairs, to the apartment above the bakery. She's been up to Pinkie's place plenty of times before, of course, to watch a movie or plan their latest prank. Or just to chill for a while and listen to Pinkie talk about how cool Rainbow Dash is. You know, the usual.
But now it's like she's seeing it all for the first time. She treads carefully up the stairs and down a short hallway. Pinkie's door is hanging half open, and Dash pushes past it with a hoof.
The room is a mess, of course, even in Dash's eyes. Pinkie is busily digging through a large box, throwing its contents this way and that...
Are those? No way...
One lands on the floor in front of her, flopping against the rug with a heavy thud. It's a pretty lifelike imitation of a stallion's pride, except for the bright purple color. Dash's eyebrows go up on their own.
"You have a whole box of these?" she says.
"Sure!" Pinkie lifts her head out of the box, talking around an even more lifelike dildo in her mouth. "You don't?"
Dash's mouth hangs open. Pinkie upends the box, making a pile of ridiculous dildos on the floor. Dash's eyes bug out at the sheer variety of imitation cock.
"Where did you even get all of these?" she balks.
"Huh... I dunno!" Pinkie puts a hoof to her chin. "I don't even use most of them. Sometimes I see them and I just think they're so silly or cool and I buy them! Like this one!"
Pinkie holds up a clear plastic phallus with blinking lights inside, running up its length.
"Huh... that is kinda cool." Rainbow Dash appraises it very seriously.
"Right? It's like... space penis!" Pinkie flies the dildo through the air like a toy rocket ship, making fake engine noises with her mouth.
"What's that one?" Dash points a hoof at a large, dark, strangely curved cock.
"Oooh, that one!" Pinkie picks it up carefully, cradling it like an infant. "It's supposed to be a Zebra. I... uh... I use this one." Pinkie Pie winks.
Dash hears the flutter of her wings unfurling and feels her cheeks get a little warm. It's instantly forgotten when she sees something huge on the floor.
"Whoa! That... looks painful."
"What, this old thing?" Pinkie holds it up. It's a latex recreation of a pony's foreleg, up to the elbow.
"It looks like a prop from a horror movie," Dash says.
"Hee hee! Yeah!" Pinkie tucks one of her forelegs to the side and drops the fake leg to the floor. "Oh no! I've been mangled! Blehhhhh!"
"Heh..." Dash chuckles before a startling image enters her brain. "Have you... uh... used...?"
"Oh gosh, no!" Pinkie rolls her eyes. "I just thought it looked silly. I mean, look at it!" Pinkie holds it up like a trophy, then starts waving it around. "Look at me! I have five hooves! Haha!"
"Heh heh. It is pretty great."
"Stop hitting yourself, Dashie!" Pinkie pokes her in the ribs with the fake arm. "Stop hitting yourself!"
"Um..." Dash just sits and takes it, not sure if she's still aroused at all.
"Hee hee! Pow! Pow!" Pinkie just keeps poking her with the fake leg. "Pow! Pow! Zappo!"
...zappo?
"Okay, okay!" Dash waves her hooves, halting Pinkie. "Why don't we... uh... get comfortable?"
Dash fixes Pinkie with a look that means business, then slides her foreleg over Pinkie's shoulders. Pinkie shrinks into Dash's arm, holding the fake leg up to her chest like a flower. She looks up at Rainbow Dash with rapture in her bright blue eyes.
"Oh Rainbow Dash! I can't believe this is finally happening."
Finally?
"...sure. No problem. Anything for my buddy Pinkie Pie."
She leans in closer, looping her other foreleg over Pinkie's shoulder. Their noses are almost touching. Dash can smell Pinkie's sweet, hot breath.
"I just..." Pinkie stammers a bit, completely beside herself. "This is so... I just... oh, Rainbow Dash! Will you say my name again?"
"Uh... Pinkie Pie?" She cocks one eyebrow.
Pinkie just makes a shuddering happy sound. Dash pulls her in closer, feeling that hilarious fake leg poking into her chest. She leans in, brushing their noses together, pursing her lips as she closes her eyes...
"Wait!"
Dash feels hooves push her back. The fake limb bounces onto the floor.
Aw, not again... not Pinkie.
"What's wrong?" Dash glares.
"I forgot snacks!" Pinkie looks completely panicked.
"Snacks?"
"Snacks! How can we have a private party without snacks?!" Pinkie darts for the door, pausing just at the edge of the room. "I'll be right back! Don't... go... anywhere!"
Again, the room is lifeless without her. Dash sits next to a pile of sex toys, blinking. She looks over to see a clock on the wall, in the shape of a blue frog. Its eyes loop around as the clock ticks, somehow staring at her.
She looks down. Her own eyes loop all over the cocks on the floor. She knew these things existed, of course, but she'd never actually seen one before, in the flesh, so to speak. And now she feels like she's seeing every kind that ever existed. In Pinkie's room, of all places.
There's green and red and pink ones. There's a menacing one carved out of stone, with weird tribal designs. There's one with a weird little finger sticking out on one side. Dash knows from porn that it's for clitoral stimulation, and it keeps her attention for a few seconds. There are even a few with really strange shapes, nothing like a stallion's phallus.
How long has she been collecting these?
For once, Rainbow Dash feels just a bit in over her head. She knew Pinkie had hooked up with guys before. But this...
A fairly normal one catches her eye. It's perched on top of the upended box. It's just sitting there, full of potential, looking as realistic as all get out.
Dash slowly reaches a hoof out and pokes it.
It rolls off the box and flops on the floor like a deli meat, coming to rest against a pile of its brothers.
Dash stifles a laugh. Something about the way it bounced...
The base of it is facing her now. There's something sticking out of it.
A button?
Again, a slow hoof reaches out and tentatively pokes. Dash almost jumps back when the thing comes to life with a dull bzzzzzzzz. It jitters its way across the floor, slowly sailing the sea of dildos.
"Huh."
Her head snaps to the side as Pinkie bursts through the door.
"Oooooh! You found Mr. Shakey!" she says, eyeing the toy crawling around on the floor. She's got a big basket looped around her neck.
"What's all that?" Dash asks.
"I told you, snacks." Pinkie grins at her, her eyes narrowed. "Alright, Rainbow Dash! You better get on that bed right now, 'cause it's party time!"
Dash makes an amused snort, but she flutters over to the bed anyway.
"So... I was thinking – oof!" Rainbow Dash starts to talk, but gets tackled into the blankets. She's on her back, completely vulnerable. She looks up to see Pinkie Pie looming over her, sans basket.
"My first real kiss with a girl! With Rainbow Dash! This is gonna be so super duper special!" Pinkie grins down at her. Dash doesn't get the chance to think or speak or anything before a hyperactive mouth is clamped over her own.
Her eyes go wide, but all she can see is pink bushy hair, so she closes them. Pinkie attacks with her mouth, sloppily flopping her tongue all over Dash's, moaning loudly.
Maybe I'll actually remember this time.
Dash's body relaxes, her apprehension fading as her wings slowly unfurl, spreading out against the bed. She twists her forelegs around Pinkie's mane and pulls her down, locking their bodies together. She's so warm and soft, so much thicker than Twilight.
"Wow!" Pinkie gasps out, breaking their kiss. She grins down at Rainbow Dash, her eyes flashing. Rainbow Dash licks her lips experimentally, smacking her mouth open and closed.
"Were you eating pie dough?" she asks.
"Yuppers! I ate a bunch of the filling, too." Pinkie nods up and down.
"You taste good." Dash grins.
"Not as good as I'm about to." Pinkie shakes her eyebrows furiously.
"...what?"
Pinkie answers with more kisses, cramming her mouth against Rainbow Dash's. Dash can feel Pinkie's hooves sliding all over her, rubbing up and down her forelegs and ribs and neck. She's almost frantic, she can't stop moving, just a bouncing ball of sexual energy completely overwhelming Dash.
Dash loops her forelegs around the back of Pinkie's neck, holding on for dear life. She can hardly breath, it feels like Pinkie's tongue is filling her mouth.
"Aah!" Dash jolts, pulling her mouth away. Something – NOT Pinkie – is crawling on her leg.
"Gummy! Bad boy, scaring Dashie like that!" Pinkie leaps off of Dash, leaving her frozen and speechless in the bed. A small alligator is sitting on Dash's leg, staring blankly at her. She stares back.
"Sorry Gummy, but Mommy needs some private time!" Pinkie grips the alligator's scruff in her teeth, then moseys over to her bathroom door. She unceremoniously tosses her pet through the doorway and slams it shut.
Dash silently watches the whole thing, finally catching her breath.
"He's so protective of his Mommy! Such a good little boy." Pinkie Pie shakes her head, staring back at the bathroom. She walks back over to the bed, but doesn't climb back in right away.
She stares at Rainbow Dash, wearing an almost dangerous smile.
"So... gonna get back over here so I can tap that fine ass, or what?" Rainbow Dash says, trying so very hard to sound nonchalant. Her pulse is racing, her mouth watering. The prospect of imminent sex has her whole body turned on, a live wire.
Pinkie, for once, says nothing. She reaches down and grabs the handle of the basket in her mouth. She climbs onto the bed and puts the basket down by the foot.
"Whatcha got there?" Dash says, just a tad nervously.
"I told you. Snacks." Pinkie Pie plunges her head into the basket, rummaging around. Dash's heart just about stops – she cranes her neck forward, trying to see.
"Aha!" Pinkie holds up...
"Whipped cream?" Dash says, disappointed.
"Mmm-hmm." Pinkie waggles her eyebrows as hard as a pony can, then stalks up the bed, climbing over Rainbow Dash.
"Jeez, I thought you were gonna pull out like... I dunno, a mega dildo or something," Dash says with relief.
"Don't be silly, Dash. You can't eat a dildo."
"Uh... yeah, I guess no– waugh!"
Dash's whole body tenses up as Pinkie sprays a blob of cold whipped cream onto her chest.
"Pinkie, that tickles!"
"I know!" Pinkie hovers over Dash, grinning insanely.
Dash looks down at her chest, then up and Pinkie, back and forth. "Uhhhh..." is all she can manage to say.
Pinkie's eyes flash, and she dives her mouth down, dragging her tongue up Dash's coat.
"Whoa!" Dash's eyes bug out. Her wings twitch, shedding a few feathers. Her tail lashes back and forth.
This feels CRAZY
"Om nom nom nom!" Pinkie messily licks the cream off of Dash, smiling the whole time.
Dash plunges her hooves into Pinkie's thick mane, watching her go to work. It feels so weird to just lie there.
"Oh, Dashie. You are the sweetest treat!" Pinkie sits up, shaking the can of cream. She slowly lowers it again and sprays a line down Dash's belly.
"Ha! Hahaha! That REALLY tickles!" Dash can't help shaking, she feels so helpless. Exposed. It's making her as wet as she used to get with...
Gil...
Her smile fades.
Nopony. Nopony at all. Never felt like this before.
Pinkie is too busy feasting to notice Dash's face. She loudly slurps up the whipped cream, running her tongue all over Dash's belly.
Rainbow Dash's smile comes back pretty quickly.
Pinkie slides lower. She stares up at Rainbow Dash as she shakes the can again, holding eye contact. Dash stares back, her chest heaving, her whole body quivering. Pinkie lowers the can, hovering it right above Dash's crotch. Her grin gets wider. Dash holds her breath.
Kshhhht
Pinkie darts her hooves to the side, tracing a line of whipped cream up the inside of Dash's thigh.
"Aw, come on!" Dash starts to roll her eyes, but stops short. "Augh!"
Pinkie is licking and nibbling up the inside of her leg now.
"Whoa!" Dash closes her eyes, panting. She slaps the bed with her forelegs, kicking weakly with her hind legs.
"Do you like that?" Pinkie asks, licking her lips.
Dash moans loudly, nodding. She looks down again, her haunches are burning so much it almost hurts. Pinkie's cute face is hovering just above where Dash wants it to be.
She wraps her legs around the back of Pinkie's head and yanks down, forcing Pinkie's mouth to where it should be.
"Aaaaaaaaahhh hell yeah!" Dash moans from deep in her belly, every part of her body relaxing now that the attention is finally where she wants it.
Pinkie's eyes go wide and then roll back slightly. Dash can see her smiling around the edges, even as she clumsily flops her tongue around Dash's nether lips.
"Oh, damn! Damn!" Dash bucks her hips up, jostling Pinkie's head.
"Mmmmmm!" Pinkie moans with her mouth full. She goes to work enthusiastically, if not skillfully.
Dash lies back, squeezing with her thighs. She can feel herself going, tight, coiling pressure spreading out from between her legs, sapping the rest of her body. Pinkie's slippery tongue is flicking up and down her slit so quickly, matching her panting breaths.
What the hell is this? You gonna just lie back and take it?
Dash snaps back to reality a little, getting a determined glare.
Get up and show this filly who wears the pants around here!
Dash sits up, Pinkie's head still crammed between her legs. Grunting between small moans, she scoots her rump back so she can sit upright. Pinkie hardly notices. Dash has her friend's head in her lap now, hooves resting in her hair. Her pink back stretches out before Dash, ending in the wide curve of her ass. She reaches out with a hoof to pull Pinkie's tail, but she can't quite reach...
"Gah!" Dash cringes, leaning back. Pinkie is sloppily kissing her clit, making loud gobbling noises.
Dash looks around, almost in panic. She's getting close to coming, far too soon, this can't end so fast!
The basket!
Dash drags it over with a hoof, digging around inside blindly. She pulls out the first thing her hoof hooks around.
"Chocolate sauce?" she says slowly.
Pinkie stops licking and looks up. "Ooooh! Great idea! Right there!" Pinkie nods down at Dash's wet folds, swollen and spreading on their own.
Dash gets a wicked grin. "Nah, I don't think so," she says.
"Huh?" Pinkie's face goes blank, just long enough for Dash to grab her by the armpits and flip her onto her back. Dash pounces on top of her, the tables completely turned.
"Ohmygosh YES! Take me, Dashie!" Pinkie says melodramatically. She puts a hoof to her forehead and spreads her legs wide.
You don't gotta ask twice...
Dash sticks her tongue out to one side, considering where to start.
No reason not to go right for it.
She slides down, grazing her nose through Pinkie's coat. She stops just over the valley between Pinkie's hind legs.
Huh... wow. She's an outie, I guess.
It's so different from her own, or from Twilight's. Dash pauses, just looking at it. It winks back.
Pinkie's breath picks up, frantic gasps.
"Please... please!" she moans.
"Yeah?" Dash grins, not moving. "You want some?"
"Oh yes please!" Pinkie begs. "Use the sauce!"
"Huh?"
"Use the chocolate!" Pinkie points to the bottle nestled in Dash's hoof.
Dash looks at the bottle for a moment, then shrugs. She grasps it in both hooves and squirts a random mess of chocolate all over Pinkie's private zone.
"Hee hee hee!" Pinkie wiggles her hind legs around.
God she is so weird.
Despite her thoughts, Dash's mouth is watering. She doesn't waste further time thinking.
"Ooooooooooohhhhhh wow wow wow Dashie! Dashie this is the BEST!"
She can feel Pinkie's hooves against the back of her head. She tries to ignore it, lapping her tongue strongly against the sexual chocolatey mess in front of her.
Man... this is kind of awesome.
The taste of chocolate mixed with the almost sickly sweet of Pinkie Pie is stirring all kinds of weird feelings in Dash's body. She flicks her tongue up and down Pinkie's slit, probing into her.
"Oh my GOSH!"
Dash just moans, lapping all around Pinkie's mound, cleaning her off. Then, out of nowhere, Pinkie yanks her head up and away.
"Hey, I was – mmmf!" Pinkie silences her with a ravenous kiss, dozens of flavors mingling together on their tongues. They hold it for whole seconds, and then they're just staring at each other, breathing heavily. Pinkie gets a wicked smile and sprays some whipped cream onto Dash's chest before she can react.
"Hey!" Dash glares at her for some reason.
"Tee hee! Gotcha!"
Dash tenses up. The gauntlet has been thrown. She grabs the bottle of chocolate sauce again and loudly squirts a stream of it onto Pinkie's belly.
"Haha! Listen to that! Thhhbbbbttt!" Pinkie sticks her tongue out, blowing spit everywhere.
They both pause for a second, covered in condiments, just staring at each other.
Then they both pounce at the same time.
Rainbow Dash has no idea what's happening. One second she was a thinking, rational pony. Now she's a complete animal, just biting and groping and licking and kissing, rolling over and over as she tussles with Pinkie, both of them only pausing to squirt more sauce on one another. Pinkie's giggling rings in her ears, and she grunts loudly in response, sticking her tongue into a chocolate-covered ear. It slides out from between her teeth, and then Pinkie is rubbing whipped cream onto Dash's flank with her hoof, covering her cutie mark.
Pinkie's flanks are bobbing right in front of Dash's face. Completely on instinct, she raises a hoof and slaps Pinkie's ass, hard.
"Ouchies!" Pinkie says with a deep smile.
Dash shivers. That felt amazing. She could feel Pinkie's rump squish and quiver under her hoof... it was awesome! She gets a wild look in her eye and starts squirting chocolate all over the side of Pinkie's flank.
"Spank me again!" Pinkie yells.
"Huh?"
"Spank me! I'm a naughty filly!"
Pinkie wiggles her ass even more. Dash hesitates, seeing as Pinkie's butt is a war zone of chocolate at this point. She winds up and slaps anyway, almost as hard she can, making a wet smack against the sticky hair.
"Hahaha! You hit me and it felt good! How crazy is that?" Pinkie looks back at Dash over her shoulder.
Dash halts, getting her brain back into gear for a moment. She looks down at her own hoof, covered in sticky chocolate sauce. Then she looks around them, letting her jaw drop a little. Both of them, and the bed, are covered in condiments.
"Man... we really messed up your bed," Dash says.
Pinkie looks her right in the eye very seriously. Then she squirts some whipped cream right onto the sheets, not even near Dash.
"What are you doing?" Dash says.
"I do NOT care about the bed." Pinkie crawls over, grabbing Dash's shoulder with sticky hooves. "I just want you to do me!"
Dash is frozen in Pinkie's glare, then frozen even more as Pinkie ravenously kisses her. She gasps for breath when Pinkie pulls away.
"Okay... uh... no problem. How do you want me to... uh... do it?" Dash says, still pretending she's in charge.
"I have an idea!"
Pinkie hops off the bed in a flash, leaving a trail of sugary hoof prints. She comes back holding something long and neon green in her mouth, like a dog holding a stick.
"Wha holy crap! What is THAT?" Dash scoots away. "It looks like a weapon."
"I saw this in a movie once." Pinkie lies on her back, her business end facing Dash. She winks with her eyes and takes the double-headed dildo in her hooves, placing it gingerly over her own entrance.
"You... wha... whoa!" Dash's jaw drops. Pinkie doesn't stand on ceremony for a single second – she starts working one end into herself, making cute little grunts. Her tongue lolls out, and her eyes almost glaze over with pleasure.
Dash's mouth continues to hang open. She can't take her eyes away. That huge thing just keeps going into Pinkie, inch after inch, spreading her lips wide. Dash would've sworn this kind of thing would never shock her. She's seen it tons of times in movies, after all.
But now it's right there. Her mind blanks completely, dumb arousal the only thing left. Her wings quiver, forgotten.
"Ta-da!" Pinkie waves her hooves in the air, now the proud owner of a bright green latex phallus. Half of it is sticking out into the air, pointed right at Dash.
"Daaaaaaaamn Pinkie, that... whoa, don't move!"
Pinkie Pie ignores her and, somehow, rolls over. She stands up, her new dong flopping a little, and bends her head around this way and that, inspecting it.
"Ha! I have two tails! Neat!"
"I... uh... wha..." Dash just stares, breathless. Pinkie turns to face her with a flop of her fake cock.
"Grrr! I'm a big horny stallion!" Pinkie advances on Rainbow Dash, glaring. "I'm gonna rut you now, you dirty little filly!"
"Oh my god Pinkie what is wrong with you?" Dash says, laughing a little.
"Hee hee! C'mere!" Pinkie lies down again, rolling onto her back. She waves Dash over, presenting the unoccupied end of the dildo. Dash crawls over cautiously, her eyes still fixed on that huge... thing.
"Do I just... I mean, uh... yeah, let's do this. Gonna give it to you. Give it to you... like..." Dash trails off, completely mesmerized.
"Just get on top. Like this." Pinkie drags Rainbow Dash's body over, positioning her on top. Dash barely moves, letting Pinkie pose her. Once she's in place, Pinkie reaches down and bends the shaft up, pointing it straight up towards the roof.
Dash holds her breath. She's straddling Pinkie Pie, sitting upright, her hind legs shaking a little. She can't stop looking down, past her own chest, staring at that huge length. She can feel the end of it resting against her sensitive folds.
"Don't worry, Dashie," Pinkie says quietly. "You're all worked up. It won't hurt."
Dash frowns. She wasn't worrying.
...Okay, maybe a little.
She relaxes her legs a little, letting her own weight do the work. It enters her just slightly...
"Whaaaoooooohhhhhhhhh man!" Dash moans out. She suddenly feels empty, yearning, cavernous. She NEEDS to be filled up, right now.
"Oh!" Pinkie moans quietly underneath her, resting her hooves on Dash's hips. She barely moves. She lets Dash handle everything, going at her own pace.
Rainbow Dash slowly slides down, wailing a little as that thing pushes inside her.
"Oh man... Oh man!" Dash halts, raising her hips a little. She leans forward, propping her arms on Pinkie's chest. She humps up and down a little on just the top few inches, reveling in this new feeling.
"Doesn't it feel good?!" Pinkie says, her eyes dreamy.
"Uh huh... uh huh..." Dash mutters, her face slack. She slowly works herself up and down, squeezing her crotch muscles around it, mind totally blank.
She goes to shift her weight. Her hooves slide against the sheets instead, and then gravity introduces Rainbow Dash to the feeling of being fully penetrated.
"Gaaaaaa woooooowwwww ow ow ow!" Dash collapses against Pinkie. It feels like she's splitting in half.
"Ohmygosh are you okay?" Pinkie hugs her tight.
Dash just chokes out some gasps.
Jeez I'm fine I mean it hurt a little but it hurt GOOD oh my freaking god
Rainbow Dash wraps her forelegs around Pinkie and hides her face against that pink neck, squeezing her shoulders. Dash squirms her body, wanting something but not really sure how to go about it.
"Dashie are you okay? Do you wanna stop?" Pinkie says.
"No! No no I'm fine I'm gonna... I'm gonna..."
Dash bucks her hips a few times. It makes wonderful pressure inside her own self, but she's pretty sure nothing moved on Pinkie's end. It just flexed around the bend a little. She bucks harder, getting a little desperate.
She feels Pinkie's sweet breath against her ear. "Here, you gotta do it like this."
Dash's eyes go wide and she squeezes harder. Pinkie does some kind of weird rolling movement with her hips, perfectly thrusting the dildo in and out of both of them.
"Oh my GOD!" Dash blurts out. Then she clamps her teeth on Pinkie's soft shoulder.
"There you go... there you go..." Pinkie takes over completely, whispering into Dash's ear as she works it for both of them. It slides in and out at an even pace. Dash is slowly going insane – this hard thing pushing into her feels perfect. She closes her eyes and just shakes there on top of her friend.
Pinkie slides her hoof between their bodies, rubbing it against Dash's clit.
"Oooooooooohhhhhhhhh..." Dash moans.
"Do you like that? Does that feel good?" Pinkie coos. Unlike if Dash was saying it, it sounds like a genuine question.
"Uh. Muwha. Bluwhamuuuuu..." Dash sputters nonsense, gnawing on Pinkie's coat.
"Oh Rainbow Dash, it feels so good!" Pinkie says, still doing all the work.
Dash's eyes pop open. Her nostrils flare.
"I'm coming! Oh man, I'm gonna come..." she grunts out.
"Oh my gosh! Do it, Rainbow Dash!"
Pinkie picks up speed, rubbing furiously with her hoof. Dash hovers on the edge for a few seconds, grunting and panting, flexing her hips into each stroke Pinkie makes.
"Nnnnnnnnnnn AH!"
Dash's whole body spasms. She cringes and flexes, feeling herself gripping tightly against the dildo. She comes quietly but intensely, slumping on top of Pinkie and choking each breath out.
She lies still, with Pinkie still writhing underneath her. She's stuck on keeping the act of breathing going, tongue lolling out, feeling nothing but waves of orgasmic bliss washing over her.
Finally, Pinkie stops moving.
"Wow! That was amazing! You really are the best, Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie says breathlessly.
"Uh... uh huh... yup..." Dash mutters, still trembling in aftershocks.
"Let me know when you're ready again, okay?" Pinkie says calmly. She paws at the dildo with a hoof, sliding it out of Dash with an almost sickly schlick sound. It flops against wet against the sheets.
Dash hardly notices, but for the fact that her walls are now clinching around nothing. She feels like she's gaping, stretched wide open, just yawning. She slowly, painstakingly catches her breath, resting there on top of Pinkie Pie.
She's moving. Pinkie is rolling, pinning Dash under her. Dash comes to life a little, suddenly feeling sticky sheets under her and seeing pink pony looming over her.
"What... what are you doing?" she gasps quietly.
"Are you ready yet? Are you ready? Huh?" Pinkie beams down at her.
"...ready?"
"Yeah! Now it's Pinkie Pie's turn!" Pinkie grins down at her, her eyes wild.
Dash gulps loudly.
Well... you wanted to get laid. Right?
Pinkie's grin intensifies, and then she's getting closer...
"Uh – I mean... can we... hold on a second?" Dash stammers.
"Awwwww!" Pinkie pouts, halting her offensive. "Can't we just have make outs until you're ready again?"
Dash tries to think, still coming down a little. "Sure. I guess. If you really... need The Dash that bad..."
"Yes! Prepare your body, Rainbow Dash!"
"Aah!" Dash yelps as Pinkie attacks, sticking her tongue down Dash's throat.
• • •
Thunder booms outside.
Rainbow Dash cranes her neck up, lazily looking out the window. It's still raining. She thought it was supposed to end hours ago.
Probably should actually pay attention during the planning meetings.
She runs a hoof over the fresh sheets, feeling a sore ache in almost every part of her body. She barely had the energy to take a shower, once they were finally done.
She smiles weakly.
That was... man. Wow.
Pinkie Pie. Of all ponies... Pinkie Pie.
If I'd known she was some kind of sex maniac I would've done this a LONG time ago.
She chuckles silently. The sex maniac herself comes bouncing into the room.
"Hey there buck buddy!" Pinkie climbs into bed, sliding under the backup blankets.
"...Hey."
They hover in bed next to each other, just inches from actually touching. Pinkie is staring right at her, unflinching. Dash averts her eyes.
"So are you gonna stay the night? We could have real snacks. Like, not sex snacks. And maybe watch a movie or something," Pinkie says, not flapped in the slightest.
"Uh..." Dash continues to avert her eyes. She wants to go home. Her own bed is so much softer.
Thunder rolls through the sky yet again. Rain pounds at the window.
"Sure," Dash says, finally meeting Pinkie's eyes. "I can sleep here."
"Great! You can wear some of my pajamas, and we can eat some of those pies I made, and we can play board games, and talk about all the awesome sex we just had..."
"Aah!" Dash jumps, curling her legs up under her.
"Gummy! Bad alligator! I said DON'T scare Rainbow Dash."
Pinkie rummages around under the covers, shooing Gummy out from under them. He tumbles over the side and waddles under the bed.
Dash glares at the small alligator until he's out of sight.
Ugh... lizards.
"...Dashie?"
Rainbow Dash turns. Pinkie is quietly staring at her.
"What's up?" Dash says.
"Thanks. For all of that. It was so amazing! I... I really liked it."
Dash gives her a long, hard look. "...No problem," she says. "I liked it too."
"I really like you, too," Pinkie blurts out.
"Heh... I know. We're like, best friends."
Pinkie's face falls for just a second. "Yeah... best friends," she says, her smile just the slightest bit strained.
Dash cocks an eyebrow, but the curious moment passes quickly.
"Anyway!" Pinkie sits up, her old self again. "Which pie do you want first?"
"Well I already had plenty of pie." Dash waggles her eyebrows.
Pinkie's face goes blank, then she gets a naughty grin. She giggles and snorts. "Oh, Rainbow Dash! I'll get the banana cream."
She bounds out of bed and disappears out the door. Rainbow Dash watches her go, more interested than ever before in those hot pink flanks.
You think she...? Naw, come on. She said buck buddy. We're just pals.
Rainbow Dash flattens out on the bed, staring out the window into the storm outside.
It's probably fine. It's all cool. Just some good, random sex.
She sighs, perfectly satisfied.
Yeah... that's how The Dash rolls. She knows that... no problem at all.
She throws her hooves up behind her head, resting there with a cocky smile.
It won't be like that. We're just friends. It won't be like...
The smile fades.
We're just friends. We're gonna stay friends. I'm not gonna lose her like...
She closes her eyes, hard, then forces the cocky smile back on her face.
Can't cage this pegasus pony.
|
SleeplessBrony
|
1422
| 19 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-04-12T06:16:51+00:00
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2012-04-12T06:16:51+00:00
| 12,377 |
"Don't do this!" Twilight bows down, gripping Cheerilee's foreleg. Shamelessly begging. "Please don't do this! I'm so, so sorry!" Her voice cracks, croaking out her pleas. "I love you. I love you so much. You have to believe me!"
Cheerilee tries to pull her hoof away, tugging at Twilight's grip. Twilight holds on for dear life.
"You're not making this easy." Cheerilee's lip quivers.
"Please... Please!" Twilight begs. Cheerilee keeps pulling her hooves, yanking at Twilight's grip.
"You're hurting me." Cheerilee looks down at her hoof.
You're hurting her.
I... but... I love her.
Stop hurting her.
Twilight lets go.
She freezes, the warm wetness of tears sliding down her face yet again. She stares up at Cheerilee.
"I'm sorry," she says quietly. "It's all my fault. I pushed you away. I was scared, maybe. I'm not sure. I wasn't sure." She bows her head, resting her chin on the front step. She closes her eyes. Defeated. "You should go. I don't want to hurt you anymore."
Twilight rests there, hiding in the darkness of her closed eyes. Seconds pass. She hopes, dimly, that Cheerilee will just walk away.
She does.
* * *
Twilight opens the door before her. It sticks, just a little, catching on a raised bit of the stone floor. Like it always has. She budges it open with an effortless surge of her horn, still levitating her bags just over her shoulder.
A servant lags behind, fidgeting uncomfortably.
"Um... Miss? Are you sure I can't get any of that for you?" he asks. Again.
She rolls her eyes, knowing he can't see it. "No, thank you. I've got it," she says, very politely.
And if you ask one more time, I'll...
What? Do what, exactly? Cut it out, he's just doing his job.
Stupid Canterlot suck-ups.
She cuts off that thought, silently groaning at her own self.
"Uh," the servant croaks out, his voice cracking with anxious terror. "Welcome to the Palace Quarters, a proper resting place for proper ponies," he begins, shakily reciting from memory. "We hope you enjoy your stay in our –"
Twilight ignores him. She could probably recite the spiel herself, and do a better job at it than this poor acne-ridden colt. She trots her way inside, gently placing her luggage on the floor.
"These halls and towers are home to Canterlot's government ministers and palace officials, as well as providing lodging for... uh... lodging for..."
Twilight's head sinks, and she narrows her eyes just a little.
Visiting dignitaries. Visiting dignitaries!
"Uh... um..." The servant glances around, chewing on his lip. "Various ministers."
She turns to him, looking far more nonplussed than she means to.
"If you have any need for assistance or requests for –"
"I know," she cuts him off. He cringes just a little, a light sheen of sweat visible on his forehead. Twilight instantly feels bad for him. He gulps loudly and raises a hoof, as if to display the contents of the room.
"Here we have our standard size –"
"It's okay." Twilight cuts him off again, but not annoyed this time. Trying to put him at ease. "It's my old room. I think I can figure it out."
He stares back at her, caught in headlights.
"You can probably save the standard speech for the visiting dignitaries," she adds.
He starts to hang his mouth open, but catches himself. "The Princess sends her apologies for not personally escorting you to your room. Unfortunately, she is currently setting the sun."
I know, I was just there, she just said that.
She doesn't show even a tiny bit of her exasperation. "Thank you," she says with a nod, trying to mimic the graciousness of her mentor. She starts to turn around.
"We offer a wake-up call and various other –"
"Thank you," she interrupts again. Much less graciously this time. The servant jolts, bows, and finally, finally leaves.
The door clicks shut. Twilight lets out a loud sigh of relief. She is alone.
He must be new. Or...
Or what? What am I even saying?
I'm the one that's been gone.
But it's nothing big, it's just my room.
Is it?
She stands in place, looking around. It is her room, of course.
Was?
Almost one entire wall is windows, open to the sky, like every other room in Canterlot. City of towers. There are boxes here and there, some empty, others only half so. She's had her things sent to Ponyville piecemeal, as she needed them – a set of books here, a bit of clothing there. Nothing important is left. None of it catches her eye.
She trudges over to the windows. Tall, open arches, still marked on the sills where she used to attach telescopes and barometers and astrolabes. They're empty now, bare and open. She sits, not even noticing the heavy sigh as she settles down.
The sun is being set, inching towards the horizon. She watches it, as she has many, many times before. The sky is just starting to light up, fading to hues of red and gold before her eyes. It's beautiful. It always has been.
Empty.
The spot next to her. On the floor. Cold and empty, a palpable void in the corner of her eye. Twilight tries very hard to ignore it.
She would've loved this. She loves the city.
Twilight fails. She groans aloud at herself.
Why didn't I ever take her here? Why didn't we ever go on a trip together?
Stop it. Stop right now.
She would be right here, watching this. She'd say how lovely it is, and then maybe she would rest her head on my shoulder and...
Stop stop stop. Stop it.
Maybe then she would still love
STOP.
She feels her own frown, foreign and uncontrolled. It takes over, choking her breath. She knows by now that sobbing is coming next, but she fights it back.
You can do this. You can do this. Keep it together.
She does. She's stronger, hardened by Luna's rejection. It feels so long ago now. There had been a few hysterics, of course, but they were quieter. A little more dignified. Even if this one hurt a little more.
Oh, who am I kidding? A little more?
She lets out a rueful, mocking snort. There's a strange kind of ache, not sharp. Like having your breath knocked out. As if there was nothing left in her chest.
She drops her chin to the cold stone of the windowsill, glumly looking out at all the heavenly beauty above. It's dazzling – the whole sky is burning a dull red, dappled over ripples of clouds. A perfect sunset. Her own private show.
I can't believe she's not here right now.
Twilight pouts at nothing, feeling pathetic for it. For all of it.
It's pathetic that you aren't crying more. You went nuts over Luna, for pony's sake.
Ignored. Ignored, all of it. She's getting better at it, but the constant battle to keep her thoughts in check has made the past few days a blur. She remembers, barely but fondly, her friends checking in on her. Offering condolences. Trying so desperately to cheer her up.
It all slipped by. She's stuck, frozen in stasis, hunkered down. Everything else zips by all the faster. Even a slow, somber, perfect sunset seems over in seconds.
She blinks a few times. Her chin is sore. Her neck is stiff. The sky has gone cold and pale. The sun blinks one last ray over the horizon and disappears.
It's dark. Dark and cold and alone and you had her, you had everything and you were so stupid and you threw it all away for nothing.
Of course it hurts more this time. It was all my fault.
You hurt her.
My fault.
She covers her eyes with her forelegs, hiding under them.
Why did I do that? What was I thinking?
Someone quietly knocks on her door. Twilight bolts upright, hurriedly wiping at her eyes. "It's open," she says. She knows who it is.
The door opens, and light itself walks in. The Princess –
The good Princess.
Celestia enters, and the whole room changes around her, bright and warm. Not the harsh light of noon, but the subtle glow of dusk. Left over, perhaps. The door closes behind her on its own, and she waits just inside.
Twilight stares at the smooth, white stone of the floor.
I probably look like I've been crying.
It's silly, but she can't bring herself to look up.
"You look like you were watching my work," Celestia says.
Twilight can hear her smile. She sniffs once and returns a weak one of her own, forcing her eyes up. Forcing some kind of normal.
"Heh... yes, I was, actually. It was nicer than usual tonight," she says.
"Thank you, Twilight." The Princess joins her at the window, almost whispering her next words. Like a secret just for them. "I put a little more... hmm... oomph into it this time. I thought you might like it."
"Oomph?" Twilight can't help her eyebrow raising.
"A technical term. I believe I first heard it from you. Or one of your friends, perhaps."
Twilight almost misses the playful smile. Her brain had just caught up to the words surrounding oomph, prompting a temporary mental shutdown – standard procedure in the case of special attention from the Princess.
"But mostly I'm just happy to have you here. It showed, perhaps," Celestia continues.
"Thank you." Twilight averts another shutdown by clinging to manners. "For having me."
"My pleasure," the Princess says instantly. "I think it really will be good for you to have some time away. For yourself."
Twilight just sighs in reply, looking out over the lights of Canterlot below.
Away. By myself.
She reaches out, resting a lonely hoof on the stone ledge of the window.
"Please do not think you must stay on my account, though. If you want to go home, I understand," Celestia adds.
"No, you're right," Twilight says. "It's nice to be back. Maybe it's nice to be on my own again, too."
"You're not alone, Twilight. Although I imagine I don't need to tell you that. I'm sure your friends have been making that abundantly clear recently."
Twilight snorts, happily.
"Speaking of which," The Princess says. "I must say I'm quite surprised. None of them could accompany you?"
"Well," Twilight smiles, only a little embarrassed. She's almost proud, somehow.
I mean, I love them. But I'm an adult, right? I don't need to be led around by the hoof all the time.
"I didn't invite them," she says. "I mean, I didn't really pass on your invitation."
"Oh?" Celestia looks genuinely surprised.
"I don't know. Like you said, some time for myself," Twilight goes on. "Besides, they all have their own things going on. I don't need everypony to drop everything on my account."
"They did drop everything," Celestia says with a bemused smile.
"Of course they did." Twilight happily rolls her eyes. "Rarity was the worst. Er... best? She kept closing her store to spend time with me. If I hadn't taken off, she might have gone out of business."
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Celestia says. "She only wanted to be there for you."
"No, you're right. But it was... I don't know. Too much. She brought over a whole carton of ice cream one night."
Twilight waits a bit, so that can sink in. Celestia just stares blankly back at her.
"I've never seen her eat so much. It was crazy," Twilight rambles on, talking more to herself. She adopts a mockery of Rarity's tone, sticking her nose up in the air. "Apparently, us ladies are only occasionally allowed such indulgences."
"Allowed by whom, I should wonder." Celestia smirks. "You're very lucky, Twilight."
"I know," Twilight says, deflating a little. "They wanted to help me so much, and I appreciate it, I really do, but..." she trails off, lacking words for her feelings. She looks up to her mentor and is surprised to see the alicorn staring out through the window, off into the distance.
"Sometimes I think about leaving," Celestia says. "Just... leaving."
Twilight shakes her head, not sure if she heard that right.
"It's more for them than it is for me," the Princess goes on. "The palace, the servants, the finery. All of it. The ponies need their Princess." She turns back from the window, showing Twilight an all-knowing smile. "I'll never leave, of course. I must always be here for my ponies."
Twilight stares at her in complete puzzlement, a million questions frozen on her lips.
"I trust that Spike is being looked after?" the Princess asks, not missing a beat.
"Huh? Oh, of course. He's staying with the Apple family."
"A perfect choice. Apple Bloom is about his age, is she not? I'm sure he's happy to have time with friends his own age."
"Actually, he's probably working the farm with them."
Celestia makes a bemused pout.
"What? It'll be good for him," Twilight says.
"Perhaps," Celestia says, looking very amused.
"Better than the past few months," Twilight groans. "I used to have Cheerilee keep an eye on him when I needed some time, and he was getting really spoiled. He'd always talk about how much fun they had. And then I would have to be the one to make him do chores again, and he would moan and groan and grumble."
"So, you felt you had become the taskmaster?" Celestia raises an eyebrow, still smirking.
"No, that's not true." Twilight sighs. "She actually helped out with chores all the time. But she would... I don't know, trick him. Make him think he was having fun." She can feel herself getting choked up, just a little. Powerless to stop. "She was... she was really good with him."
Twilight bows her head, closing her eyes to her own feelings. She knows that it's silly, but she can't bear the thought of breaking down in front of the Princess. But then she feels a royal foreleg drape gently over her shoulders, and everything inside her is suddenly peace and light and warmth.
She looks up, too scared to acknowledge her mentor's touch, but too reinforced by it to move away. They both stare out into the sky, watching the stars come into view one by one.
"I know your pain," Celestia says. "Enough to know that these words will seem meaningless. But it does pass."
Twilight smirks, a dry, half-flanked smile. As if anything could sound meaningless coming from the Princess.
"You're not angry at her, are you?" Celestia asks.
"What? No!" Twilight says instantly. "Why would I be mad at her?"
"I'm glad." Celestia takes her arm away, but Twilight still feels like she's being embraced – warm and close, like a wing hovering just inches away from blanketing her.
"It was my fault. I'm mad at me. It's just..." Twilight starts to go on, but loses her way. There are strange feelings roaming free, attached in ways she can't untangle. She takes a deep breath.
"Yes?" Celestia asks.
"Why did she leave me?" Twilight looks up, to the Princess. "I love her. I still do. And I would've made it up to her, I know it. I could have made her happy, and we would've been happy, together, and..."
"I don't know, Twilight. I'm sorry." The Princess puts her arm around Twilight again.
Twilight sighs and relaxes into it, barely seeing through tears she hadn't realized were welling up.
"Not even I can see the heart and mind of another," Celestia goes on. "But I know that she isn't a bad pony. I'm sure she was only doing what she thought was right."
"You're right." Twilight sniffs. "You're right. She didn't do anything wrong."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that."
Twilight squints at her, her tears forgotten.
"Quite foolish, to spurn the love of Twilight Sparkle. I don't think she fully realized what she was turning down."
Twilight's jaw drops, and she gawks heedlessly at the alicorn. Celestia lets her squirm for a moment, adding a wink for good measure. Then she takes her arm away, tousling Twilight's mane a little as it leaves.
Twilight pulls herself together. It's strange, how a mere word or touch from the Princess can pull her straight out of the darkest sadness she's ever known. At the same time, she's quaking with nervousness, completely unsettled.
She's never held me like that before.
Sure, they had come to share warm greetings, even a nuzzle occasionally. But Twilight had always felt beneath her somehow – at a distance. She never would have thought to call the Princess her friend. Mentor, teacher, guiding light, maybe.
But she's treating me like a friend.
The Princess sits calmly before her, letting silence sit comfortably between them. Twilight wipes at her nose with a hoof. Her nervousness has morphed into cautious excitement, eagerness to try out this new arrangement.
"You said you knew my pain," Twilight asks, without fear.
"All beings do, I think. In one way or another."
"You had someone?"
"I've had several someones, over the years."
So it is true.
Twilight has to remind herself that it really is okay to ask these kinds of questions.
It seems... okay. She seems okay with it.
"When was the last one? I've never heard of you..." Twilight starts to ask, not sure how to put it.
"A very long time ago." Celestia solemnly closes her eyes. "Nopony alive now would know."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
Celestia opens her eyes, staring down at Twilight with a somber smile.
No need to be sorry. But thank you all the same.
Twilight gets the weird urge to put her arm around the Princess, but it's impossible in so many ways.
"The pain will pass, and your life will be the more full for it," Celestia says. "It always does. Trust me. I've outlived every romance I've ever known."
Of course I trust you.
Of course I do, but it hurts so much. How...?
"How do you do it?" Twilight asks.
"Well, there aren't many other immortal beings out there, Twilight," Celestia says with a sly grin.
"No, I... you know what I meant."
"I do." Still that playful smile. "Or perhaps I don't. How could I not do it?"
"Why would you? I mean, if it always leads to... this."
"That's a very silly way of looking at it. But very common, sadly." Celestia shakes her head. "One may as well never breathe for fear of choking."
Twilight raises a hoof to speak, despite having nothing ready to say. Celestia gives her a moment, raising her eyebrows.
I... well... huh. Say something!
Nothing comes.
"You understand, even if you haven't realized it yet," the Princess goes on. "Having known love, you feel as if you can't live without it."
Twilight cringes slightly.
Are you sure you can't read minds?
"You're right. I feel like I can't live without her." Twilight startles at herself, jumping to recover her words. "I mean...! Not like, you know, like that." She anxiously taps her front hooves together. "It's just... everything was so wonderful, and now it's so awful."
"You'll find it again," Celestia says. "I'm sure you'll make some lucky mare very happy one day."
"I want to make her happy some day," Twilight says, almost sulking. "It'll never be the same."
"Of course not. That's what makes it special every time."
Celestia smiles down at her, and Twilight feels well and truly small, tiny, dwarfed by things she's only barely begun to understand.
"Come now." Celestia walks away suddenly, leaving Twilight at the window, pondering. "I brought you here so that I might cheer you up. I don't think I'm doing a very good job so far."
"No, I do feel better. It's not your fault." Twilight puts a hoof to her chin. "Should I not be talking about her so much? Should I try not to think about her? Would that help?"
"Those things are unavoidable, really." The Princess paws at the bare stones of the floor with a hoof. Twilight can see the lighter stone where a throw rug used to be. Almost shrugging, Celestia climbs lightly onto the bed, like she weighs nothing, and settles down into the blankets. "But that doesn't mean I shouldn't try to change the subject. When appropriate."
She pats the blanket across from her, and Twilight's heart tries to escape out her throat when she realizes she's being beckoned.
Well, where else would we sit?
Indeed, the room is fairly bare. Twilight cautiously joins her, somehow only a little terrified as she climbs onto her old bed. It's a simple thing, done up with extravagant, plush blankets by the palace staff in her absence.
She sits across from her ruler, folding her forelegs underneath herself. They're close, almost crowded. Twilight feels like they should have curlers in their manes.
And then we can make s'mores. That part came after the makeovers, right?
"Well then," Celestia says, looking around the room. "I must say, I'm quite surprised to see some of your things still here."
"I know," Twilight says, making a quick glance at the dusty boxes scattered around the floor. "I don't even know what's in these."
"Would you mind if we found out?" Celestia's horn lights up, wrapping one of the boxes in golden light.
"Sure. I mean, no. I don't mind."
The box floats over, landing on the bed between them. Twilight's curiosity has swung into full force, and she peers down at the box like it's some new and interesting scientific phenomena.
"I think you should open it," Celestia says.
"Oh?" She furrows her brow, about to light up her horn. But she stops short – just what is in there?
It's probably just my old homework.
But it could be...
What am I so worried about? There's nothing she doesn't know.
Exactly. This is Princess Celestia. There's nothing I can't –
My smartest, most talented, most loyal student...
Twilight's heart sinks as she remembers a regal voice whispered in her ear, as imaginary as it was incredible.
"Well?" That same voice, made of everything good in this world.
It was just that one time.
She steels herself up, feeling silly.
I really doubt there's an embarrassing masturbation fantasy in this box.
She makes a determined nod and opens the box. Somehow, as the top flaps unfold, she finds she can't actually look. She winces away, closing her eyes.
"My goodness," Celestia titters. "I'm surprised at you, Twilight."
She snaps her eyes back open, her heart standing still.
"To think that a studious pony such as yourself would keep boxes of old homework assignments." Celestia floats a pile of papers out from the box, examining them with great interest. "Very peculiar," she says with a dry smile.
Relief washes over Twilight, and she lets out a long-held breath. "Haha, yes. That's me. Studious."
And paranoid.
She levitates some papers out for herself as the Princess leafs through her own set. It's incredibly strange – most of the old homework triggers nothing in her. But here and there, one page in particular will conjure eerie feelings of deja-vu. Like stepping back in time for a moment.
"Hmmm." Celestia holds pages up one by one. "Multiplication tables... A-plus. Early Modern History quiz... A-plus. Report on Basic Magical Principles... let's see here... ah, A-plus." Celestia drops the papers briefly and gives her a look. "I don't remember assigning you any of these."
"These are from my other teachers." Twilight looks over to the other boxes again, slowly recovering forgotten memories. "I think all of yours are together."
"Ah." The Princess wastes no time in going back to poring over Twilight's old work.
Why is she so interested in this old stuff?
It is old. Twilight recognizes her own writing as it was, still clean and clear and professional. Her own writing.
Spike wasn't old enough to take dictation yet.
This is grade-school work, just after she started at Celestia's school. She turns another page and chuckles a little.
"Look at this." She holds up a summary of known planets, graced with an A-plus, of course. "I forgot all about Mr. Grass. Do you think he was related to the real Tyson Grass?"
Celestia's face goes blank. "The real Tyson Grass?"
"You know, the one who wrote Equestrian Universe: Our Home in the Cosmos. I just love that book."
"Twilight, he was... well, I suppose he moved away before you read that."
Twilight's mouth slowly hangs open as it dawns on her. "That was him?"
"We were honored to have him as a teacher, but unfortunately he chose to concentrate on research for a time. There are only so many of the best and brightest, after all."
Twilight's mouth continues to hang open.
"He asks about you occasionally," Celestia says. "I suppose he's been too shy to contact you directly."
Twilight shakes her head, pulling herself together. She had known as she got older that she was studying with academia's elite, but at an early age...? She spreads her pile of papers out all over the bed, her heart leaping up as names jump out at her. Famous professors, from every discipline possible, all with homework addressed to their names, written by her very horn.
"I..." Twilight looks up to her mentor, speechless. Celestia seems not to notice, still absorbed in Twilight's early work.
Twilight clears her throat loudly, choking up on nothing. Celestia looks up and seems puzzled by the mess in front of Twilight. Her eye is immediately caught by one of the papers.
"Now that looks interesting," Celestia says. "In Defense of Princess Celestia, by Twilight Sparkle."
"What? Oh." Twilight slides the paper closer on the bed. She remembers it, vaguely – her first academic essay. She had just earned her cutie mark at the time. "It was supposed to be a book report, I think."
"And what vile slander was this book defending me from?" Celestia says, looking quite amused.
"Actually, that's just what I titled the essay. The book was Equestrian Cosmos."
Celestia drops whatever papers she had been looking at. "... I confess, I'm confused."
"You don't think that book was attacking... well, you?"
"Absolutely not," Celestia says, with an incensed tone that Twilight has rarely heard. "Colt Sagan was a dear friend of mine, you know."
"Really?" Twilight's ears can't decide if they want to perk up in curiosity or lie back flat. "Because he wrote some things that were... I don't know, kind of –"
"May I see it?" Celestia says, then puts a hoof to her chin. "Or better yet, why don't you read it to me? It's been a long while since I enjoyed one of your presentations."
Well, why not?
Twilight clears her throat, quietly this time, and slips back into familiar waters. For just a moment it feels like they're back in one of Celestia's study rooms, discussing Twilight's latest classes.
"The great Colt Sagan once wrote," she reads, "‘The cosmos is interesting rather than perfect, and everything is not part of some greater plan, nor is all necessarily under control.' I admit that I like Colt Sagan and I enjoy his books, but on this point he is completely wrong."
Twilight darts her eyes up, to gauge the Princess' reaction. She looks deeply intrigued, all her thoughtful attention centered on Twilight.
Deep breath. Keep reading. Don't freeze don't freeze keep reading.
"The problem with this is," she goes on, "that Colt Sagan implies that we are not all watched over and protected by a deity. Of course, we are. Things are under control. Her Royal Highness Princess Celestia provides for all of us, and protects us from harm. She raises the sun, and the moon, and the world is what it is because of her good grace."
Twilight forces herself to look up again. Celestia looks quite impressed, a humble, "aw, shucks" kind of look. Twilight feels herself blush slightly, just a light burn on her cheeks. She wonders from what book she was cribbing, to sound so worshipful at such a young age.
"Furthermore," she reads on, taking refuge in the paper, "Princess Celestia is a perfect being, the pinnacle of grace and generosity. She is a benevolent ruler... who will always provide for..."
She trails off, the burn on her cheeks growing hotter. The next few lines stare at her from the page, daring her to read them aloud.
She truly is perfect, from her magical mane to her wonderful voice. Her beauty is unmatched, in every way, her brilliant wings as lovely as her intelligence and kindness. She is the most perfect...
Twilight gets the urge to zap the paper into nothingness.
I tried to turn this in as homework?!
She gulps loudly and lets out a nervous chuckle. "Heh... uh... the rest of it just goes on like that. Not very interesting," she says, sliding the paper closer to herself, hoping to hide it somehow.
"You flatter me, Twilight," the Princess says. "And to think, I never knew I needed defending."
"You don't."
"Should the need ever arise, I suppose I shall have to call on you first."
Twilight shrinks against herself, feeling as small as a speck in an endless starry sky. Teleportation spells come to mind, as they always do. It isn't the first time she's embarrassed herself in front of the Princess.
But it's been a while. And this is pretty embarrassing, even for me.
"And what did Mr. Grass think of your spirited defenses?" Celestia asks.
"... I got a B-minus," Twilight quietly admits. "It was the first time I had ever gotten below an A. I was so mad."
"That's too bad. To be fair, though, it doesn't sound like you spent much time reviewing the book."
"...No, I guess I didn't." Twilight looks down again, and it does in fact say just that across the bottom of her paper in faded red pen. She briefly scans her teacher's critiques –
Personal feelings do not belong in an academic essay.
Her eyebrows shoot up as she reads it, caught red-hoofed. She quickly buries the essay under other homework assignments.
"I wonder if we can find any other essay assignments from Tyson in here... I do so miss his style..." Celestia says.
Twilight balks for a moment at Celestia's familiar use of that name. But she quickly forgets all about it in favor of panicking as Celestia digs further into the box.
"Actually! Um... sorry, but I was getting kind of tired. If you don't mind," Twilight says, forcing an exaggerated yawn. She polishes it off with an anxious and obviously fake grin.
"Of course, Twilight. How rude of me. My apologies."
They pile the papers back into the box together. Twilight sighs in relief as she closes it – either the Princess suspects nothing, or she's very good at hiding it.
Wouldn't that be worse?
Celestia stands up to leave, and Twilight feels an odd guilt – like she's been caught cheating.
That doesn't even make sense, she left you.
The thought brings all the sadness from before rushing back, and she gets the urge to beg Celestia to stay, with her, for just a little while.
"Sleep well, my student. Let me know if you need –"
Celestia pauses mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing. She glares over Twilight's shoulder, a disbelieving, angry frown on her face. Twilight turns to see what she's looking at, but it's just a dark, empty corner of the room. She feels Celestia's hoof on her shoulder and turns back – the angry moment has passed.
"Send for me if you need anything," Celestia says.
"I will. Thank you."
Celestia floats towards the door, taking light with her. She pauses in the doorway, silhouetted against the lamps of the hall, her hair billowing and shimmering as if there were wind. She turns and looks back over shoulder.
"Goodnight, Twilight."
"Goodnight... Princess."
The door closes, and Twilight is alone in the dim, stray starlight from the window. She sighs and glances at the spot Celestia had been glaring at. Nothing – just a bare patch of stone floor, washed in shadow.
She sighs again, levitating the box to the floor. A long, restless night beckons, full of tossing and turning and guilt. She wishes desperately that she hadn't made the Princess leave, and briefly considers going to find her.
That would be so sad. And awkward.
So what? Anything's better than lying here. Alone.
It felt good. Talking to her. It took my mind off of...
She lies down on the bed, hiding under her own hooves. This isn't how it should be.
She should be here. Or I should be there, or...
It doesn't matter. She yearns for her touch, to feel her snuggling close and sighing and slowly falling asleep against her side.
Or maybe she doesn't fall asleep. Maybe she snuggles closer and whispers something naughty in my ear and we...
She groans aloud, and pounds a hoof into the bed.
Pathetic.
What? I can miss that, too. That is a valid feeling.
Maybe if you'd cared about something other than rutting her –
She cuts it off, cold and efficient. Those thoughts are on the bad list, about the bad thing, and they are not allowed right now.
I wonder how Spike is doing.
There, much better. Spike is... well, he's probably...
Sleeping?
Her mind is strangely empty. Her eyes wander, idly settling on that dark, empty corner of the room.
What dim light there is fades. Clouds must be passing in the night sky, blocking out the stars and moon. Twilight lets out a wry snort as distant memories of Rainbow Dash come back to her. Clouds and stars and beauty above. She keeps staring, the shadows shifting and moving as her eyes fight to keep up.
She blinks once. She could almost swear – no, that's silly.
She blinks again.
And then a goddess walks out of the shadows.
Twilight shoots upright on her bed. The Princess –
The bad Princess
Luna fades out of the shadows, as if stepping through a door. She's resplendent, still radiating power and starlight and pure, ineffable magic. The room is bathed in her pale glow, making even the mundane boxes look mysterious. Twilight glares at her, and huffily turns her head away.
You knew this would happen. You knew. Be strong.
She hears Luna's hooves, shod in blue crystal, tapping closer on the floor. She refuses to look her way.
"What are you doing here?" Twilight growls, low and petulant.
"Oh, please. How rude would I be if I failed to welcome such an esteemed guest?"
Twilight glares harder, gritting her teeth. She digs her hooves into the blankets.
"No... sorry, I..." the goddess trails off, sounding unsure. Like she did on that Nightmare Night, long ago. "Do not worry. No games, tonight. No tricks. I am here to apologize."
That takes her by surprise. Twilight's glare softens a microscopic amount, which only makes her more angry. "Apologizing? Now you're apologizing?!"
"I really did think she would take you back. I am sorry."
Twilight closes her eyes, holding her chin high. She can't even begin to wrap her head around the many things she would like to scream at this... this...
Something. Something awful. Whatever she is.
"So you see, Twilight," Luna continues, "I am not perfect. I am not all-knowing."
Twilight snorts rudely. "Well, I already knew you weren't perfect."
"Ha! A fair blow. I acknowledge it."
Twilight had thought so, but Luna's unwillingness to be offended takes all the pleasure out of it. She digs deeper, knowing that she's out of her depth. Nothing comes right away – she has so little experience throwing verbal strikes.
What am I doing? This isn't me.
She hears the clip-clopping of Luna's shoes on the stone, and then the weight of her forelegs on the edge of the bed. The air is alive as she draws near, thrumming and chilling.
"You do understand, don't you?" Luna asks.
"I understand why you seem to have trouble getting ponies to like you."
Twilight finally looks over as she says it, shocked at the words leaving her mouth. Luna looks shocked, too – her mouth drops open for just a second, then curls into a wounded sneer.
What, no witty remark? Was that a fair blow?
Twilight feels a small thrill at seeing Luna affected so, and it makes her sick to her stomach.
"Fair enough," Luna says, not smiling in the least. "It is no secret that I am not as... loved as my sister."
Twilight sighs, wishing badly to scoot far, far away to the other side of the bed.
Don't you dare feel bad for her. Do not.
"I am sorry, Twilight. I only wanted what is best for you."
"Well you have a funny way of showing it."
"What would you rather I had done?" Luna flares her wings out, dropping her detached facade. "You were infatuated with me. I would have broken your heart completely."
"You did break my heart!"
"Oh, no." Luna shakes her head gravely. "No, no, my dear Twilight. This pittance you call sadness is nothing compared to what I could do to you. Even your anguish now is as nothing. I have ruined great houses and brought nations to ashes with my love. Consider yourself lucky."
The room groans and darkens around them, seemingly drawing in. Twilight could almost swear that menacing clouds gather in the sky. She can't help recoiling in fear a little, despite everything.
"I... I mean... excuse me." Luna folds her wings in, glancing around at nothing. Starlight returns, and the night is cool and peaceful again. The Princess collects herself, calmly leaning against the bed. "I could not have made you happy. Not really. Not in the end."
Twilight collects herself as well, remembering to look angry. She says nothing.
"Truly. I keep harems, Twilight. Harems. Would you really bind yourself to me?"
"...Harems? Plural?" Twilight asks.
"It is more fun that way."
Twilight feels just a little disgusted. She's not quite sure why – she wants to think it's because of the idea of a harem, but...
She's right. I don't want her. I never wanted her, even if I didn't know it.
Luna goes on, as If Twilight had admitted her rightness out loud. "You wish to find love. One love. For life. Is this not true?"
Twilight begrudgingly mumbles and nods.
"There. Is it not obvious, then –"
"Fine!" Twilight yells, almost snapping at the Princess. "Fine! You're right! Is that what you want to hear? You were right all along, and I was wrong and stupid and, and this was all part of some genius plan! You're brilliant, and wonderful, and I completely don't hate you!"
Twilight fumes at her, breathing so hard her nostrils flare. Luna just stares blankly back, her hoof still raised as if she was addressing a crowd.
"There," Twilight spits the words at her. "You didn't do anything wrong. You can leave me alone now."
Luna slowly lowers her hoof, still at a loss for words. It takes her a few long seconds to recover her airs. "Twilight," she says, shakily getting her knowing smile back, "I know that you do not truly hate me."
"You don't know anything," Twilight growls. "Or are you back to pretending that you're all-knowing?"
Luna looks down at her own hooves. Twilight angrily rolls over on her side, turning her back to the Princess of the Night. She's furious, her heart pounding.
"I... I'm sorry, Twilight," Luna says, very quietly. "I truly am. It was a difficult situation. I was pained to do that to you, even if I am sure it was right. I thought to help you."
Twilight takes a long, deep breath, feeling her anger drain away.
Don't you dare. Don't even think about it.
She rolls over, facing the Princess. She extends her hoof, resting it on the blanket, outstretched towards Luna. Luna raises her eyebrows, almost leaning away in defense. Twilight taps her hoof on the bed a few times, beckoning. Slowly, cautiously, Luna reaches out to her, their forelegs meeting.
They sit like that, staring at each other. Twilight feels no strange surge of magic, like she did whenever Luna touched her before. No overwhelming emotions. It's almost the other way around – Luna is hanging on her words, uncomfortably waiting.
"I don't really hate you," Twilight says. "I think."
"I am glad. That is a good start."
"I, uh... I'm going through some stuff at the moment."
Luna giggles forlornly. "In all my years, I've found that is the only way to adequately describe a situation like yours."
Twilight curls her hoof around Luna's, a friendly grasp.
I do feel bad for her. Now that I know her.
The realization is freeing, somehow – seeing the weight is all it took to lift it off of her.
"I think I just need a bad guy right now," Twilight says. "One that isn't me."
Luna smiles. "I can be a... a bad guy."
Twilight smiles back. "I know. You're pretty good at it, actually."
"Unfortunately."
They both look away, uncomfortable with too much truth just yet.
In all my years.
"So... you just don't fall in love. Is that it?" Twilight asks.
"I wouldn't say that, exactly," Luna says. "But I do not get too attached, either."
Twilight mulls this over, still letting the Princess hold on to her. "I didn't understand, before. That mindset," she says. "I think I get it now."
"Hmph." Luna rolls her eyes. "Perhaps in a few million years, if you are still alive, we can talk about how you ‘get it'."
Twilight grasps her hoof harder. Sadness can be banished. Loneliness, too. She's felt it happen.
"You've tried, before. Haven't you?" Twilight says.
Luna pulls her hoof away suddenly, as if Twilight was hurting her. "Everyone makes mistakes, Twilight."
"Is that how you think of me?"
"No."
Luna looks down upon her, a sad smile miles away. Twilight sits up, wondering what she can say for her. For both of them.
"I do understand," Twilight says. "Better than I did, anyway."
"I know." Luna nods. She almost looks on the edge of smiling tears for a moment. But she holds it back to a wry smirk. "My sister is always saying how smart you are."
Twilight perks up. "How does she do it?"
"My sister?"
"Yes," Twilight holds a hoof to her chin, struggling to find a way to word her thoughts without sounding rude. "I used to think your way was strange. But I can't even imagine doing it her way."
"Truly, I do not know." Luna shakes her head, as if they were discussing some minor foible. "When I'm not thinking of how foolish she is, I quite admire it about her."
"I mean... it can't be easy on her."
"Oh, she's fine," Luna grumbles mockingly. "She's always fine. Nothing ever truly goes wrong for her."
Twilight gives the alicorn a sympathetic look, feeling sorry for bringing it up.
"Excuse me," Luna says with tangible remorse. "It still comes out, sometimes. I love her dearly."
Twilight stays silent, unsure of where she's ended up.
"She has endless capacity for it, you know," Luna says. "She is love. As I am sex. She can not act any other way. And she's always been the lucky one," Luna grumbles.
"That's not true. You're both lucky."
Luna raises a haughty eyebrow at her, daring Twilight to try and convince her.
"You're always acting like I can't understand your perspective. And maybe you're right. But try to think of it from mine – you're both gods. You live forever. You're amazing and powerful and you make life in Equestria possible," Twilight almost lectures.
Luna seems almost convinced. Twilight soldiers on, flush with confidence.
"You are the sun and the moon," she says. "She lights up the day, and you light up the night."
Luna looks away suddenly. "You're wrong."
"Huh?"
"The moon doesn't make any light of its own. It just reflects the light of the sun."
Luna stares at the floor, heaving a forlorn sigh. Twilight sits on the bed, frowning, finally realizing just how out of her depth she really is.
"I..." Twilight stammers.
I'm sorry?
"I heard you reading to her. Earlier," Luna says, still casting her eyes down. "You are right to admire her."
"What?" Twilight feels her cheeks and ears heat up again. Because Luna was eavesdropping, of course. "I don't... I mean I do, but –"
"Goodnight, Twilight."
Luna stands and trots towards the window, flapping her wings and making bends in the shadows. She runs and leaps out into the night, taking off without missing a step.
Twilight sits, still trying to make words for a conversation that's already ended.
What... what was that supposed to mean?
Nothing. Nothing, is what she meant.
She doesn't know what she's talking about. Not about that.
Twilight nods to herself, sure that she's right.
Sure. So sure. No doubt at all.
She clumsily squirms her way under the blankets, determined to make herself feel tired, to just skip ahead to the morning.
No doubt at all.
|
SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 20 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
|
Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-04-22T18:04:57+00:00
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2012-04-22T18:04:57+00:00
| 10,133 |
"Captain."
That's the first thing I remember hearing. Captain. I rolled around in bed a little and grumbled, probably telling my daughter to go back to bed.
"Captain!"
I shot up to attention – my daughter wasn't there. She was out in Hoofington with her mother. "Sergeant?"
"Reporting, sir." She saluted, crisp and smart, like always. I could barely see her, moonlight shining off her armor. Only she would bother with protocol in the middle of the night. "Something's going on."
"Something? Just something?" I looked out the window – stars above, torchlight from below. "Report to the Night Watch. Why are you even up?"
"It's nine. In the morning."
"Then report to Proud Wing. She's got the morning shift," I said, shaking my head. I'll admit, even knowing it was Sergeant Skyblaze, I didn't believe a word of it.
"I can't find her, sir."
That got my attention. I woke up, truly this time, wiping at my eyes with my hooves.
"I can't find most of the morning shift. They're all in disarray – posts are empty all over the palace."
I remember just... staring at her for a full second. Probably not my best moment as an officer of the Royal Guard.
"What time is it?" I said.
"Nine, sir. I checked the clock in the scholar's library."
Celestia bless that mare – always on top of things. I used to get worried sometimes that she would get promoted in my place. Of course, at the time, I was a little distracted.
"Where's the sun?" I asked.
"I don't know, sir."
"Armor." I nodded at a chest across the room. I could put it on myself, and did most days, but it would only take a few seconds with her help.
Between the two of us, I got suited up right quick. She was a real professional – I remember the new colts would ask for her help with their armor sometimes, thinking it'd be fun to have a mare feeling you up. She always made sure to show them different. No mare or stallion about any of this – just soldiers.
She secured the clasps around my wing ports with her mouth, latching them just tight enough. We'd done this before. I pulled my helm out – brass-plated steel, shining like a mirror even in the dim light. Not a spot of rust or grime. I checked the red crest on top for any frayed hairs, and then put it on. Ready to serve Her Majesty.
"Follow me," I said. We stepped out into the flickering light of the barrack's halls. I remember being thrown right away – it was empty, like it really was still the middle of the night. And quiet, too.
"What's that?" she said, flicking her ears towards the open windows. From here, we couldn't see much – just a few enclosed gardens. But I could hear it, too. A distant hubbub, like a crowd. Or a mob.
"Sounds like it's outside the palace," I said.
We both jumped in place, tensing up on our hooves. There was screaming, somewhere far away. It cut off abruptly, in that special way that can only mean the worst.
"Alright, rally the troops. Whoever you can find here in the barracks," I said.
"There's only a few around," she said. "I'd have to go out into the city for any real numbers."
"I know, but – hey!" One of the serving fillies came around the corner, down the hall from us. Usually the place was crawling with them, dusting and sweeping and what have you. "Young lady! Can you come here for a moment?"
She froze on her hooves. She was a gray unicorn, and I can remember the look in her eyes. Pure fear.
"Citizen!" Skyblaze barked, flaring her wings out. "The Royal Guard summons you!"
The servant turned and fled the way she came, shaking her head hysterically. Skyblaze poised to take off.
"Would you like me to fetch her?" she said.
"No. Gather who you can. Assembly in the main courtyard."
"Where are you going?"
It was strange, for her to ask a question like that. I looked out the window again. The moon was still high in the sky, full and bright. It had only been a sliver of a crescent the night before.
"If I don't show up right away, lead them to her chambers. She might be in danger."
Skyblaze nodded at me, and I nodded back. We had discussed this kind of thing, privately. Equestria hadn't known war or any kind of upset for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years. But we had discussed it.
We took off, she to the inner halls of the barracks, me the other way. There was a stairway towards the back, down the hall, that led out into the palace proper. I trotted along at an even pace.
I remember wondering what was wrong. I felt so blind, later. But I suppose everyone did. My guesses at the time sound silly now. If the sun hadn't risen, then something was wrong, obviously. She might be sick, or still sleeping somehow, or just... gone. And even if it wasn't my shift at the time, it is my sworn duty to protect her.
I picked up my pace, almost galloping down the marble halls of the palace.
I made my way through a few side corridors – the shortest path I knew to her chambers. Actually, it was the shortest path to a good take-off point from where I could just fly on up there. We're not supposed to do that, really, but I thought I could make an exception, considering. Every corner I turned set me more on edge – the palace was deserted. Empty. Dark and devoid, where there were always soldiers and servants and various palace staff. The place was starting to feel abandoned.
I rounded a narrow set of spiral stairs, beating my wings, practically gliding up. They led out onto a covered walkway overlooking the main courtyard, open arches all down the length of it. Perfect for a pegasus pony.
I climbed up onto the railing, spreading my wings, and almost jumped right out. My eyes were drawn down before I could – there were ponies in the courtyard, about a half-dozen of them, all gathered around...
I breathed a sigh of relief. She was there. Just fine, of course. You could hardly miss her – we don't often see her up and about at night, but it's really something. She lit up the whole courtyard, much brighter than the torches the other ponies carried.
Twilight breathes her own sigh of relief, and instantly feels a little silly. She coughs and squirms in place, settling into her bed. Her eyes go back to the page.
I jumped off and glided down to them. Princess Celestia was there, stern and regal, her pink mane still billowing in wind only it could feel. Gathered around her were her soldiers, all morning shift, from the look of it. She was listening to one of them, and I landed next to him, falling into formation.
"...bedlam in the streets, Your Highness." His eyes were wide under his helmet, his tone completely undisciplined. "The panic is spreading as ponies wake up. And those things..."
"Things?" I cut in. I ranked him, shift be damned.
"Things. From the forest around the city," another guard piped up.
"What forest?" I said. There were nothing but gently rolling plains and farming villages around the city, for miles at least.
"The one that appeared last night," another guard said. Her tone was completely inappropriate for addressing a superior officer. "Where have you been?"
I'm not sure how I would have answered, but it would have been angry. Thankfully, the Princess spoke instead.
"Mind your words, soldier," she said. She turned to me, with that motherly, warm look she always has. "Good morning, Dusk Captain. We are glad to see you here."
"Reporting for duty, Your Majesty." I bowed. "What's the situation? Where is Captain Proud Wing?"
"They killed her!" A young colt of a guard said, almost hysterical.
"That's a load of manure," the mare guard said. "It must have been one of those things."
"Watch your tongue in front of the Princess!" Skyblaze said. We all turned to see her trotting into the courtyard through the main doors, leading four other guards. Raw recruits, all of them, young and skinny. Most of the guard lived in the city, with their families, of course. She came up to me with a smart salute and had our troops fall in, making a smart line next to the ragtag mess of morning shift. Celestia looked them over and gave me a grave nod.
"Report, Private," I said to the young colt. "What happened?"
"They killed her!" he whined.
"Calm down," Skyblaze said. "Who is they?"
"It's those things," the other guard, the rude mare, said. "From the forest."
"It was not!" the young guard said.
"What things?" I said.
"We don't know." A thick stallion, with an honest face. "We've had reports of attacks on the outskirts of the city."
"What was Proud Wing doing out there?" another guard asked.
"She wasn't!" the young one yelled.
"All of you, quiet!" I yelled.
"Captain?"
We all turned, almost bowing. The Princess was looking at me, her face grim and serious. It was strange. Not like her at all.
"Our first priority is the safety of our citizens," she said. "You are to assemble your troops. All of them. Post guards throughout the city, and reassure the populace. Maintain order, and send any you can spare to assist the Dawn Guard."
I bowed. "Yes, m'lady."
"Where is Proud Wing's second?" Celestia asked, turning to the other soldiers.
"He's out near the river," the mare said. "Investigating the attacks."
"Go to him and relay my orders," Celestia said. "He is to assemble all available guards and establish patrols around the perimeter of the city. Then he is to report to me with details on these attacks."
The morning guards bowed as one, even while standing in disorder.
"Uh... Your Highness? What about the palace? And Proud Wing?" That rude mare again. I couldn't believe it, her questioning the Princess like that.
"The Night Watch will secure the palace. And I will speak to my sister presently. We will resolve the situation."
We all looked up, heeding some unknown call. The moon was full above us. Everything about this was wrong – I wasn't sure which situation the Princess meant to resolve, exactly. One thing at a time, I suppose.
Skyblaze heard him first. She looked over, and we followed a second later.
"Who goes there?" one of the morning guards said. They had a few unicorns in their rank, floating torches along, and all of them held their lights towards the new arrival.
"The Night Watch, reporting." He was a dark blue pegasus, wearing the silver armor and blue crest of one of Luna's guard. He hedged back, bowing from near the huge double doors leading up to the throne room.
"Form ranks!" the morning guard, the nervous one, barked. Just a little hysterical. "Defend the Princess!"
"Stand down!" I said. I took a few steps toward the new arrival. He was alone, or looked that way. And he didn't look to have any malice to him. "Report, soldier."
He didn't answer right away. He came closer, but he seemed nervous. He almost looked like he wanted to apologize.
"I am loyal to The Sisters," he said. "Both of them."
"Of course you are," I said. Weren't we all?
"What news from my sister? Why has the moon not been lowered?" Celestia asked, making us all jump a little.
"Uh... Your Highness... I..." He bowed. The poor colt looked like he was about to be executed.
"Why did you kill Proud Wing?" the nervous guard said.
"What are you talking about?" He looked offended, angry.
"Calm yourself." Celestia stepped up to my side, radiating warmth. But there was a hard edge to her voice, almost unnoticeable. I stayed quiet.
"What happened?" she asked him.
"Captain Proud Wing has joined the Night Watch. Some of the morning guards as well. Princess Luna... she..."
Boy, I remember feeling my jaw drop on that one. I remember the look on Celestia's face, too. I didn't envy that guard of the Night Watch, I can tell you.
"Go on," Celestia said, glaring down her nose at him.
"Your sister is in the throne room. She declares herself Empress Nightmare Moon, and says the moon shall not be lowered again. Until she sees fit to do so." He winced at every word. "She kept on like that. The meek and downtrodden shall rise and claim their due, she said. She kept rambling about –"
"If this is some kind of joke," Celestia cut in, "we can assure you that we are not amused."
He bowed lower. We all wanted to. I'd never seen the Princess angry, not ever.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I wish it wasn't true. I'm sorry. I left... I just snuck out..."
He trailed off, holding his bow. I remember looking up to the Princess, then – I think I was waiting for orders, just on instinct. We all were looking to her. She kept us waiting, a few whole seconds, just glaring down at the silver-armored pegasus. Then she turned to the morning guards.
"You," she nodded at the nervous one, "Make contact with Proud Wing's second immediately. He is to assume command of both shifts for now. Our previous orders will be carried out."
He nodded and bowed, taking off before he'd even finished. Then she turned to me.
"Captain. You and these soldiers here will accompany us to the throne room." She turned to the blue pegasus still bowing across from us. Then she leaned closer to him, lowering her head. "Soldier?"
He raised his eyes to her.
"Will you come with us to investigate your claims?"
He didn't look happy about it. In fact, he looked terrified. But I know how it is – she has a way of asking. I mean, she asks, but she's not really asking, if you know what I mean. It's hard to ever say no.
Twilight smirks, sighing a little as it turns into a fond smile.
"Yes, Your Majesty," he said. "I am at your command."
"You have our thanks. Come." She walked off towards the throne room, leading the way.
I nodded at my sergeant – she quickly formed the troops up into two ranks, falling in behind the Princess. I stayed out front, almost at Celestia's side. Then Skyblaze shoved the Night Guard up next to me.
"You going to give us any trouble?" she growled.
"No ma'am." He shook his head. Resigned. "No, sir," he said to me.
I guess that might sound rough, now, after the fact. Thing was, either he wasn't lying, in which case who knows what he was really doing there, or he was – and he'd already run out from his post. And desertion was something we always took seriously.
We walked like that, slowly making our way up wide staircases through vast, opulent halls. The throne room was up in a tower, of course, a huge one made of smaller towers, surrounded by open courtyards that would've been impressive even without being held up in the air. We kept our wings folded, walking along with the unicorns among us.
It was bad, having to walk. Gave us time to think. Gave us time to look up at the stars and moon above and remember just how completely wrong all this was, to wonder what was running through Celestia's head or what she would do if Luna really had...
But it seemed impossible. I know I was – well, I didn't know what to think.
"Your Majesty?" one of the guards asked. The mare – the rude one.
"Speak," Celestia said, not breaking her stride at all.
"Um.... if you don't mind me asking... are you going to raise the sun?"
A few of the soldiers gasped. I don't know where this guard was coming up with the sheer indecency to question the Princess. But at the same time... I was wondering the same thing.
"We cannot," Celestia said. "Not while the moon still shines."
"Can't you lower the moon?"
"It is possible." The alicorn glanced up, at the same white, waxy orb making all of us nervous. "But it is not ours to lower. As the sun is mine, the moon is hers. Even if I could, I would not force myself upon her like that."
I'd heard her call herself "I" before, just once. Well, overheard, I guess would be more true. I was leaving the room, and the sisters themselves were talking. Privately. Laughing about something, two old friends having tea.
It didn't throw me that much, hearing her talk like that. I guess we were all pretty on edge anyway.
"I don't want any of you to worry about me," Luna's guard said. "If things get ugly, I'll... I'll stand with you."
"You have our appreciation," Celestia said, glaring at him, "but it will not come to that."
The guard cleared his throat nervously. We walked on, the only sound for a few seconds our hooves on the stone of the palace steps.
"What are your orders?" I asked. "In the case of... er... in any case."
She didn't answer right away. She just glared ahead. The only indication she gave of hearing me was a twitch in one ear and slight flapping of her feathers. I was starting to think she wouldn't answer.
"It will not come to that," she said again. "You need merely stand by. I will speak to her."
I just nodded, a little meekly, I'll admit. I wondered, before I could stop myself, why she was bringing us along. It made me mad, to have such traitorous thoughts. If they were going to have some kind of argument, it should be private, between them. That kind of thing is above us little ponies.
Then again, if Luna really was...
I shook my head. I wouldn't let myself think it. It was impossible. There was some kind of misunderstanding.
I kept thinking that, like the idiot I was. Right up until I saw her.
We crested the top of the last staircase, leading out into open air. My heart just about packed up and left – I think we all felt the same, but we kept walking, following Celestia out into the pavilion.
It was huge, and beautiful, still beautiful even in the muted light of the moon. The central tower housing the throne room rose before us, in the center of a circular courtyard. The edges were straight drops, down to the palace below. And they were there. She was there.
I remember wondering for a second who it was – some twisted, terrifying joke of an alicorn stood before us. She was tall, taller than ever before, and black. Her mane was a cloud of stars, drifting out from beneath a helmet that framed a pair of cruel, glinting eyes. She smirked as we arrived, locking eyes with her sister.
She was blocking the door into the throne room. In front of her, ranks of soldiers stood at attention – plenty of her own silver-clad guards, but plenty wearing gold as well. And behind them all, in a ring around their master, were her personal guard. The bat ponies, we called them. But never when they could hear us.
Celestia stopped. We stopped, too, staring at our own number across from us. I counted three dozen at least, probably a few more. I recognized faces – there a night guard I saw on my way out every night, there a new recruit, over there a sergeant I had disciplined a few weeks back. All of them glaring back at me. Strangely enough, I couldn't find Captain Proud Wing among them.
I glanced up at Celestia. Her mouth hung open, just slightly. Her eyes darted all over the scene before us.
"Luna," she said. "What have you done to yourself?"
I know we all balked a little. That thing... that thing, that demon in front of us, was Luna? Sweet, playful Luna? Celestia sounded like she hardly believed it herself.
"Sister!" she yelled, her lips curled in an evil smirk. "An easy mistake to make. My name is not Luna," she said, lacing her own name with contempt and disgust. "Before you stands the Empress Nightmare Moon, a servile creature no longer, but instead a monarch who demands your respect and loyalty!"
I shifted a little on my hooves – it sounded just enough like Luna to make me all kinds of uncomfortable.
"What are you talking about? What is the meaning of this?" Celestia asked.
"My subjects, and myself, grow tired of your tyranny." Luna... or, Nightmare Moon, I suppose – picked up a hoof and examined it, looking almost bored. "I shall right the wrongs you have visited upon this fair land, and from the ashes of your failure shall rise a glorious empire of the night! We will –"
"What tyranny? What wrongs?" Celestia interrupted. "Sister, I only meant –"
"NO! NO! SHUT UP!" the demon snarled, pounding her hoof down on the stone. "I will speak! I will speak, and you will hold your tongue! For ONCE!"
We didn't have to look shocked – Celestia did far more than enough to cover for us.
"This is the new order, sister," Nightmare Moon said. "You, all of you, will be shown mercy if you bow your heads and swear loyalty to me. To my empire."
"I will not." Celestia turned her nose up, trying to look stern. "I would sooner claim Equestria as my own. We were meant to rule together."
"Then you are a fool," Nightmare Moon spit the words out, sneering. "And you name yourself my enemy."
"Your enemy?!" Celestia yelled. It hurt to hear her, she sounded on the edge of tears. "Why are you doing this? I love you, sister!"
"Silence, you arrogant whore!" Nightmare Moon yelled.
My jaw dropped. I think. It might've already have. I glanced up at Celestia, hoping for an order – what I saw instead was hurt. Pure, awful hurt, plain on her face – her lips muttered silently, and her eyes were watered over.
I tore my eyes away – it was like just looking at her was making me feel her pain, as if it was mine. The soldiers across from me, my brothers in arms, hadn't moved an inch – blank, stern faces. Like they were all on post.
"Last chance, sister." Nightmare Moon glared. "Bend your knee, or suffer the consequences."
"I will not." Celestia's voice shook, wavering near breaking. "Nor will I fight you."
"Good." Then she, it, looked right at me. "You and your soldiers need not throw your lives away. I invite you now to make the smart choice. Join me."
She must have been crazy. Or thought we were crazy. Maybe I had taken an oath to defend the sisters. And I suppose this was Luna, somehow, however twisted up. But I had always served Celestia. And I always will.
I summoned up all the courage I could and glared back at her, wordlessly. It wasn't easy, I can tell you that. Looking her in the eye was like... it was like... I can't even explain it. I could feel panic, real panic, tearing at my gut, just whining higher the longer she kept those awful eyes on me. Thankfully, Celestia broke the silence.
"Soldiers of the Night Watch," Celestia said, addressing the ponies guarding Nightmare Moon. "And my own Dawn Guard, it seems. I do not know what my sister has told you, but I am no tyrant. We must stop this madness. Leave her side, and you will be forgiven."
Awful silence stretched out. Drafts of wind blew through us and between us. I looked them over, my brothers and sisters, standing against us. Like enemies. But one of them...
He was a kid. Just a young kid, barely big enough for his silver armor. Probably a new recruit. I'll never forget his face. He was glancing around, nervous, almost terrified.
"Hey," Skyblaze said. She took a few steps forward, past me, past the Princess, extending a hoof out to him. "Hey, kid. Come on. I know you don't want to be over there."
There was recognition in his eyes. They knew each other. I don't know how, and I don't think I ever will, but they knew each other. The kid took a step forward, closer to us.
"Come on," Skyblaze said. "Please. Stand with us. With me."
I'd never heard her talk like that. Tender. Kind. World's different than how she usually treated soldiers.
The kid stepped closer. One of the other night guards tried to hold him back, blocking him with a hoof. The kid shouldered right past him.
"Treason will be punished," Nightmare Moon growled.
"Don't listen to her!" Skyblaze said.
"I'm sorry," the kid said, looking around at his former comrades. "I'm sorry," he said, to us.
"It's alright," Skyblaze said, smiling at him.
He walked a few steps closer, smiling back. Just a little. Like maybe, everything was going to be alright.
Then a dark blue glow enveloped his head.
"Traitorous whelp!" Nightmare Moon yelled.
I remember there was some kind of noise. Tearing, and the splash of blood on stone. Mostly I remember his face. His eyes went wide and blank. His mouth dropped open.
His body fell limply to the ground. His head stayed floating, held in that horrible thing's magic.
"NO!" Skyblaze screamed. But what shocked me more was that Celestia screamed it, too.
No!
Twilight silently mouths the word. She doesn't often think of herself as a creative pony, but her imagination is plenty vivid.
"Luna, have you lost your mind?!" Celestia yelled, unhinged.
"That is NOT my NAME!" Nightmare Moon shrieked back, tossing the head away. "Seize her! Seize her and her pathetic lackeys, and throw them all in the dungeon! Now!"
Nopony moved, at first. Her guard glanced at each other, shuffling their hooves a little.
"Attack!" the demon screamed. "Attack, now! Or face my wrath!"
That got them. They flared their wings and stomped, as one.
"In the name of the night!" one of them yelled.
"FOR THE EMPRESS!" the rest answered, bellowing as a battle cry.
I blinked a few times. They were moving forward, advancing on us. My own brothers and sisters.
"Formation! Defend the Princess!" I yelled. We shuffled about, forming a rough half-circle around Celestia. I was at her side, on her right. Skyblaze was just in front of me. The enemy... ugh, I hate even calling them that. But that is what they were, isn't it? They were creeping up on us, marching slowly, sliding out on either flank, surrounding us.
"We're outnumbered..." one of our own guards said.
"Quiet in the ranks!" Skyblaze yelled. "Hold fast!"
"Stand your ground, but do not harm them!" Celestia said. She was glancing around frantically, it looked like her mind was racing.
"Wait, what?" one of my recruits said.
"Yeah, come again? Uh... Your Highness?" another said.
"Hear that, boys?" One of the night guards advancing on us. A mean-looking stallion. "Easy pickin's!"
I glanced left and right. And up. They had guards hovering above, closing the trap. Only the door behind us was left, and soon...
"Luna, please!" Celestia said.
"Please what, dear sister?" Nightmare Moon said mockingly. "Are you ordering me to stop? Would you have me obey?"
"No!" Celestia said.
I had my eyes locked on the soldiers in front of me, but I could hear her tears.
"No!" she said again. "I do not order you. I ask you. As your sister. I'm sorry, I am sorry, whatever it is I am sorry. I have ever only loved you, Luna..."
They stopped moving. Everyone stopped moving. We were well and truly surrounded, but they held back – there was a moment there, all of us just looking at each other, standing as comrades again. I think we were all wondering, even them, if they could really attack us.
"What are you waiting for?!" Nightmare Moon screamed. "Kill them! Kill them all!"
And then they attacked.
There was yelling, enough that I couldn't tell where the fighting hit first. I stayed on the ground – I've never been a great flier. More of a ground fighter, really.
There were two on me right away, both silver-clad. A pegasus with blades strapped to his forelegs dashed forward, skating along with his wings. He made an obvious tell, rearing up for a cross-slash. I ducked it and shoved him back, knocking him on his rump with my shoulder.
The unicorn next to him was levitating a spear, and he darted in for a quick thrust. Much trickier to block. I turned and let the point glance off my armor, batting it away with a wing, then swung my foreleg up and brought it down hard on his nose, just under the bridge of his helmet. Had to hurt.
"Stop this! Stop this, all of you!" I heard Celestia yell.
I've always been one to follow orders, to the letter. But sometimes you don't really have a choice. The pegasus came at me again, going for my neck. He hopped up with a puff of his wings, coming down at me on a steep angle. I turned and bucked at the perfect moment, just perfect, catching him right in the stomach. I heard him cough and gasp as he went rolling away.
"Stop this! Now! I command it!" Celestia screamed.
I don't know if she meant us – they would have gone right through us to her, if we had stopped. To my credit, I did stop, for a second. There were ponies brawling all around me, growling and biting and kicking and clanging armor against armor. I caught a glimpse of Nightmare Moon herself, watching the whole thing with a smug kind of sneer.
Another pegasus came at me, this one gold-clad. I knew him. He used to be one of the Dusk Guard. I'd dressed him down a few times for napping on shift.
He sped right towards me, skimming the floor. To my shame, I moved to fight him.
I reared up and brought my hooves down on him, dropping my weight to the ground. He went down hard, but his momentum sent us both tumbling over, rolling in a tangled mess. He came out on top, and I felt a dull clang and a ringing in my ears as his hoof knocked a dent in my helmet.
That one hurt. My eyes blurred up for a second, and when they cleared he was winding up for another strike. I darted my muzzle up and bit him, right on the nose.
He howled and jerked, kicking weakly at my breastplate. I held on, shaking for good measure. The awful, stinging taste of blood stabbed my tongue.
I let him go before he could get a good hit in, and he shuffled back. I clambered up on my feet, but before I could feel too victorious my heart jumped in place.
The unicorn, with the spear. I'd been knocked to the side, leaving a gap, and he was headed right for it. Point first. Aimed right at Celestia's ivory coat.
I didn't really think about it at the time – I should've died, for certain. There was no time to parry or block, and I was off balance to begin with. But I did it all the same.
I'd sworn oaths. And I had signed my life away. And I meant it.
I jumped in the way.
My wings splayed out, to cover as much as possible. My eyes cinched shut. I cringed and teetered on my hooves, hoping against hope that my armor would take the brunt of it.
...And I stood there, like that, for a full second. Nothing came. I opened my eyes.
The unicorn was splayed out away from me, his spear clattering to the ground. He groaned and shook his head. Other enemy soldiers were laid out near him, all knocked off their hooves.
I looked over at the Princess, just in time to see her throw off the attackers on her other side. Her horn glowed, and an effortless wave of golden light knocked them all to the stone floor of the courtyard.
"Enough of this!" she yelled. "All of you, stand down!"
None of them were doing much standing. They groggily got back up on their hooves, falling back into order.
It was a fine moment to catch your breath. I took stock – there were no new bodies lying still. All of our number still stood.
Skyblaze was just ahead of me, poised to pounce. I could see just a glimpse of her eye, from the side – she was enraged, beyond all reason, teeth grit in a furious growl. Glaring at the dark goddess still watching us.
"Sergeant! No!" I yelled.
She took off, speeding right towards the Nightmare.
"Wait!" Celestia yelled at her.
Nightmare Moon laughed, cackling like breaking glass. Skyblaze flew at her, a direct attack, not bothering with any kind of grace or technique. Just throwing herself.
A black blade of light flashed through the air, catching my sergeant right in the midsection. She went spinning, stars of blood glinting around her. Her body crashed against a sculpture, knocking it over, and came rolling to a stop in front of us.
I... I lost my head, for a second. It was only the second time I'd seen one of my own take a hit. There hadn't been a war in Equestria in... well I already said that, didn't I?
I think I screamed. Screamed something – probably not words. I ran right to her. Someone stood in my way, a gold set of armor. I have no idea whose side it was on. I shoved it out of the way.
I dove to her, and cradled her head in my arms. She looked up at me – she was still alive! My heart soared for a second, trying to ignore the sickening way her back end hung loosely, not quite attached to her front.
There was yelling around us. Screaming. Dull, meaty thuds and clanking of armor. I felt the whoosh of air from great, elder wings, and the corners of my eyes told me that both Princesses were up in the air, above me. I didn't look up.
"Guh... gack..." she coughed, staining her chin red. Her blank eyes stared up at me.
"Don't talk," I said. "Just hold on."
She choked and sputtered anyway, feebly squeezing my arms with her forelegs.
"Just hold on, soldier," I said. "You'll be alright. Just a scratch."
She didn't believe me. She looked up at me, gasping without breath. I sat there and held her. There was all hell breaking loose around me – the Princess, my Princess, was in danger, but I just...
I just sat there, in a warm, sticky puddle. Sat there and held her and watched the life drain out of her eyes.
I'm not sure how long I was sitting there. It couldn't have been more than a few seconds. She wasn't moving anymore. Something told me to look up. Soldier's instincts, I guess.
It was a mess, a complete mess, utter chaos. Whatever lines there had been had broken down completely, just a mob of brawling soldiers. I couldn't even tell which ones were on my side anymore.
Two of them were galloping right at me, snarling. Luna's guards. Bat Ponies. Nasty bunch of rutters, that lot. Hoof-picked from ponies who had killed.
Their teeth were sharp, filed down. I dropped my sergeant's cold body and scrambled to my hooves – my heart was pounding a little, I can tell you. I know I'm a good soldier, but I'm not stupid. I wasn't sure I could take one of those bastards on my own, let alone two.
I dashed between them, counting on surprising them. It worked, barely – I felt one of their wings cut a bit of the hair off my helmet's crest. They turned to chase me, I know they did, I could feel them nipping at my hocks, trying to take me down. I jumped and juked and did a small leap through the air, diving right into the melee.
They couldn't chase me through this. Nopony could chase anything through this. I was knocked to the side, bumping into another soldier. I tried to take a step and almost tripped on a body, dead weight lying still. I hovered a few inches above the ground – someone's rump bumped into me. We both turned to face each other. Silver helmet. I reared up, ready to smash his face in –
He smiled at me. I held back at the last second, almost losing my balance. It was the Night Guard, the one who'd come to warn us. We nodded at each other, and then both our eyes snapped up. We all looked up, everyone, some of us shielding our eyes with a hoof or a wing.
For just a second, I thought the sun was back.
The sisters were high above, spiralling around the very top of the tower. Celestia was made of fire, moving flames in the shape of an alicorn, her wings huge waves of beautiful heat, shifting from white to red to orange. Luna – Nightmare Moon – was a null shape, a black hole where light should be. They swooped and dove and shot great gouts of light and dark at each other, splitting the sky above us.
My eyes caught movement next to me. I looked down just in time – a guard in silver armor, a different one, was winding up for a shot at me. Taking the opportunity.
I turned and bucked, catching him in the throat. I felt it snap under my hooves. His head jerked in a stomach-churning way and he dropped, hard. Celestia help me, he dropped. I hadn't really thought to kill him, but... well, it happened.
I looked around, feeling for the first time my heart pounding, my chest fighting to catch my breath, the pure adrenalin in my veins. A guard in gold armor galloped up next to me, and I started to let a breath out – before he took a swipe at me, growling and beating on my chest plate.
I stumbled back – of course, his crest was missing, he hadn't marched up here with us. I blocked and blocked again, thrown on my back legs. He was about to land a hit when one of the Bat Ponies tackled him over. I guess I wasn't the only confused one.
I tried to pick out a target, or a friend to help. It was too much – too much noise, too much motion, fire from above casting crazy shadows and making the dark between all the more blind. A great flash of light drew my eyes up again, even after I'd almost died the first time.
It was alright. This time, everyone looked up. Everyone. The courtyard went silent.
She was falling. Her, just her, her wings still on fire a little, sputtering and trailing smoke. Even from the ground I could see she was unconscious – her face was slack, her eyes closed. Her crown was gone. Awful burns and wounds marred her perfect, heavenly body.
She fell. We all watched, our jaws hanging almost to the ground. The sun itself, the light of the sky, fell before us, plummeting down past the edge of the courtyard.
I could see her sister, up above, perched on the top of the tower. A grinning shadow, eyes made of angry, cruel stars. She reared and cackled in triumph, and I swear lightning tore through the sky behind her, booming and crackling. But I could still hear her laugh.
And I'll never forget her smile, clear from all the way up there. Awful fangs, bared in a grin as she glared down at all of us.
Celestia fell, her light dying as she drifted down, past the courtyard high in the sky. And we were left, staring, lit only by the pale light of the moon.
We didn't last long after that. I suppose that isn't really surprising, considering.
"Twilight?"
Twilight jumps, slamming the book closed. "Princess?"
"May I come in?" Celestia stands in the doorway, left open to let the breeze through.
"Of course."
The Princess enters, regal and calm, as always, her coat pure and unmarked. Twilight tries to think of a way to hide the book as discreetly as possible, and isn't quite sure why.
"Another day ends," Celestia says, glancing out the tall windows. "I am sorry I couldn't spend more than lunch with you. Quite a lot on my schedule."
"It's fine. I know."
The Princess climbs up onto the bed with her – still no furniture. She settles in next to Twilight, just like the previous night. "How was your day?" she asks.
"Me? Oh, I don't know. Relaxing, actually." She leaves a foreleg resting over the cover of the book.
"Excellent. Did you tour the gardens, like you planned? I'm sure you were as impressed as I've been with the new expansions."
"Actually, I just kind of... hung around. Did some reading."
"Oh?" Celestia's eyes rest lightly on the book under Twilight's hoof. "Anything interesting?"
Twilight's throat goes dry.
"Uh..."
|
SleeplessBrony
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1422
| 21 |
Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-05-15T01:12:11+00:00
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2012-05-15T01:12:11+00:00
| 13,677 |
Celestia's eyes dart down, to the book in question. Her eyes go wide. Twilight feels herself edging into full-on panic mode and throws her other hoof over the book, pulling it closer to herself.
"Oh," Celestia says.
"Um," Twilight stammers,
I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!
Celestia eyes the book, as one would stare down an old rival. "I was unaware there were still copies of that around."
Twilight jerks her eyes from the offending article to the Princess and back again. "I found it in one of the old archives of the library, but I didn't really know what it was –"
"Relax, Twilight," Celestia says. "What happened that day is no secret."
Twilight wants to let her breath out, but it gets caught halfway. Her mouth moves wordlessly at first, and she has to repeat the order to actually make sound. "I never knew the... uh... the details."
"Few ponies do." Celestia folds her forelegs beneath herself, casting a glance at the open door. "I'm sure you've always heard the short, popular version."
"Version?" Twilight balks. "Is it... is it made up?"
"No, of course not. But... as you say. Details," Celestia says. "Given enough time, the truth will change. Things will be lost."
Twilight slides the book a few inches out from under her hooves, giving the cover a long, hard look. "Is this true?" she asks. "Have you read it?"
The alicorn takes her time responding. With her arms folded in, and the regular rise and fall of her breath, she almost looks like a giant swan, floating on the pond of Twilight's bed. Solem and graceful, even in repose.
"He asked my permission to write it. And he brought it to me before it was published," she says. "I did read it. It was... difficult. To read." She closes her eyes. "It is very true."
Twilight's eyes grow huge. Somehow, incredibly, her first instinct to sympathize with Celestia is overridden. "Luna – she... she killed them!" Twilight says in a hushed whisper.
"That was not her!" Celestia snaps, just the other side of restrained. The candles in the corner of the room flare up, glimmering in the Princess' eyes. "She was not herself!"
Twilight cringes, scooting away on the bed.
"No... excuse me," Celestia takes a deep breath. "That is not true. It was her."
Air returns to the room, cool night breeze blowing in. Twilight feels the bed underneath her again. "I just can't believe she..."
"Luna has killed many things. In the past," Celestia says, her brow furrowed, adding the slightest hint of wrinkles to her flawless face. "But that is irrelevant. She has returned. She has healed. And she has been forgiven."
"I know," Twilight says, in the tone of an apology. "I was there."
Celestia smiles, bringing warmth to the room again. "So you were, Twilight. So you were."
Twilight's eyes jerk down as a regal, gold-shod hoof rests over her own. The bed sinks and sighs as the weight of an almighty alicorn scoots closer to her, and she looks up only to be enveloped in a shining, ever-shifting river of color.
Celestia nuzzles against her, and Twilight is filled with her light. The empty hole in her chest overflows with it, washing out any other feelings with the wholesome, awesome feeling of just being touched by her. The little unicorn quivers in place, her mouth hanging open as Celestia's tresses caress her coat, leaving tingling trails of peace everywhere they touch.
Celestia pulls back, smiling down at her. Her hoof stays resting on Twilight's. "I can never thank you enough for bringing her back to me," she says.
Twilight gasps and stutters silently, still recovering from certain overwhelming attentions.
I only wanted to save you.
She catches her breath as she remembers the feeling of that night. Her panic when the Princess disappeared. Her determination, to win her back, to stop at nothing, to fight anything and pay any price. How she wanted to cry with joy when the sun rose again.
I did save her. More than I ever knew.
I didn't. We did. We saved her.
And I only met them because of her.
"I couldn't have done it without you," Twilight says.
"Likewise," the Princess says with a warm smile.
Twilight shrinks down, feeling her ears heat up enough to glow. She forces her mouth shut – surely, a torrent of embarrassing mush would spill out otherwise.
"I've had many champions in my reign, Twilight," Celestia goes on. "But none quite like you. I owe you my crown. Several times over, by now."
Against her will, embarrassment comes pouring out her mouth anyway. "Well, I... I mean, I'm not really that special, it just... I just... I mean, it was you who... you know." Her whole face is burning, she feels tinier than a star in an endless night sky.
"My apologies," Celestia says, deeply amused. "I know how kind words embarrass you. Perhaps I should merely reward you, and keep my compliments to a minimum."
Reward? Me? You?
Twilight gets a strange naughty thrill in her chest, for reasons she can't quite bring herself to put a hoof on. "You don't have to do anything like that." She laughs nervously.
"Oh? There is nothing you want for?"
"No! No, I mean, you've given me everything, my whole life... I don't need any –"
Twilight's words fall dead. She can feel a muzzle up against her ear, the sigh of her breath, the lovely pink curls of mane teasing her coat. She stares at nothing, not realizing she's doing so.
"I am sorry, Twilight," Celestia says. "She is not mine to give."
Twilight snaps her eyes over to the Princess, coming back to the moment.
"Sadly so," Celestia continues. She looks somber again, gently patting Twilight's hoof with her own.
"How did you...?"
"It was written all over your face."
Twilight just stares at her, her mind a blank spot. There might be feelings hiding under it, but she can't check right now.
"Yet again, I am sorry. I did not mean to lead your thoughts that way," Celestia says with a longing, one-sided smirk. "But I do wish to see you happy. Anything I can give is yours, should you ask."
Again, Twilight chooses to ignore the shiver Celestia's words send shaking through her body. "Thank you. But... I don't think I need anything. I don't know what to say."
"Of course." Celestia smiles playfully. "Think on it, then. I will ask again."
Twilight averts her eyes, blinded by Celestia's heavenly smile. She looks down, trying to take refuge in her own hooves as they rest on...
Questions. I'll always have questions for you, Princess.
"Actually," Twilight says, levitating the book up from beneath their hooves. "Can I ask you about this? I mean... would that be alright?"
Celestia opens and closes her mouth, then makes a "Sure, why not?" kind of smile. "To be honest, I do not enjoy talking about it," she says. "But I would rather your questions be answered."
Twilight hovers the book in front of her, feeling the worn binding with her magic. It's old, old enough that there is no title or writing at all on the outside. The script inside is faded and archaic, quite difficult to read.
The question on her mind really has little do with the book. Or does it? Perhaps just not with the part Celestia thinks it does.
Will you remember me?
"Do you remember him?" Twilight asks.
"I will never forget him." Celestia sighs, quiet and proud. "He was a very good pony. Loyal to the end."
"Was he one of your champions?" Twilight says, cocking an eyebrow far more than she means to. She feels an unwanted smile tease at her lips.
"He was not a former love of mine, if that's where this is going."
"Wha – I didn't say that!" Twilight grins with guilt.
"Your eyes said it." Celestia smirks knowingly. "He had a wife, and he was faithful to her. I admired that very much about him. Had things been different..."
Twilight's jaw drops. She feels like Rarity devouring a particularly juicy bit of gossip, schoolfilly giggles and all.
"Of course, that is all too easy to say in retrospect." Celestia sighs and shakes her head, lost in memory. "Who knows what would have been?"
Twilight can hardly believe her eyes, bringing her visions of Princess Celestia reminiscing and having flights of fancy. Seeing her dreaming and wondering. She feels like she's floating whole inches above the sheets.
She comes back down as Celestia's eyes rest on the book, still floating between them. Her slight smile fades, and her eyes dull an almost unnoticeable fraction.
"Twilight... would you stop reading that book? If I asked you?" she says.
"Huh?!" The book falls, bouncing on the mattress. "Are you... are you asking me to stop?"
"No, Twilight. Merely wondering."
Twilight spends a long moment staring into her teacher's eyes, trying desperately to read whatever could be going on behind them. Celestia holds Equestria's finest poker face, a wordless mask.
"...Why would you ask me that?" Twilight says.
Celestia's lips are a grim line. Her eyes hold the book at arm's length, staring it down. "That book... it holds some very painful memories of mine. Sometimes, in my weaker moments, I think that I should not have allowed it to be written."
"But – you don't want to forget what happened?"
"I could never forget." Celestia frowns at the dark, faded cover. "I have no need of a book to remind me."
Twilight fumbles her hooves together, taking her own time to stare at the book. For a brief moment, she clearly pictures some of her own finer moments put down on paper – her harsh words to Applejack, throwing Braeburn out of her bed, being cold and distant to Ch –
Stop. Scratch that last one.
She shakes her head, refusing to let her thoughts go there. The other ones are bad enough, thank you.
"Well? What would you say?" Celestia asks.
For lack of any other response, Twilight's first, uncut thought pours out. "I don't understand why you would forbid anyone to read any book. Ever."
Celestia raises an eyebrow. Her mouth doesn't move.
"I mean... I guess if it was dangerous, that would make sense, maybe. But this..." Twilight rambles, horrified at her own sudden chattiness. "This is important. I know it's personal, for you, and I'm sorry. But it's too important. In a historical sense. I think this is the only primary source on the subject I've ever heard of." She takes the book in her hooves again, as if to protect it. "Written by someone who was there, I mean. Or, I guess... I guess historians could just ask you. But still..."
Twilight stares up, wilting without the immediate approval of her teacher. Thankfully, Celestia's smile returns.
"A good answer," she says.
"What, are you testing me now, too?" Twilight says.
"Nothing like that. I was curious. Thinking hypothetically."
Twilight's ears twitch at a familiar set of words replaying in her head, accent and all.
Y'know, one o' them hypotheticals.
She stares out the window, at a river of stars high above, the current too slow to even be noticed.
"Although," Celestia begs her attention, "I had a feeling that would be your answer. I know that if I asked you to do something you thought was wrong – not that I would, but if I did – I know that you would refuse me."
"How do you know that?" Twilight says. "I don't even know that."
"Of course you do. You proved it yourself. With my sister."
Twilight puzzles over that for a moment, parsing her feelings. There's a giddy thrill at being praised by the Princess, as always, but...
Not like it helped me at all. I still lost her.
Then what is it worth? What is it good for?
The Princess seems to approve.
Twilight looks down at her own hooves, smiling the resigned smile of someone who doesn't know what else to do.
"There I go again," Celestia says. "Leading your mind to places you would rather not be."
"It's okay," Twilight says. "I have to sort all this out sometime."
"Perhaps. But you need a break, too. A breath of fresh air." Celestia rises, her hooves sinking deep into the mattress as she stands. She hops lightly down onto the floor. "You had a whole day to yourself in Canterlot, and...?"
"And?" Twilight blinks a few times. "It was great. I hadn't been to the library in so long."
Celestia giggles and rolls her eyes. "Twilight, you live in a library."
"The palace library," Twilight says with just a bit of snark.
"I know how you love to read. But I thought you had come to appreciate the world outside your mind."
"Right..." Twilight sighs, caught red-hooved. "I have, I really have."
"Not that I want you to refrain from what pleases you. But sometimes it is easy to fall back on what is familiar. To hide with old comforts."
Twilight looks down again, at the book lying on the bed. She ditched her friends in Ponyville, so she could... what, read? Sit inside and mope all day?
The Princess ruffles her wings, nodding towards the window. "I think you've had some time to recover. Come. I would see you be happy again."
Come?
"What? Where are we going?" Twilight asks.
"To enjoy the night," Celestia says.
"You enjoy the night?"
"I was its steward, for a time." Celestia poses regally, formal, flaring her wings out in fanfare. "I am familiar with its charms."
Twilight can hardly believe it – Celestia, the Princess, her teacher, asking her to... to what?
Enjoy the night?
What, like... hang out?
"Um..." Twilight slowly gets to her hooves, anxious to run to Celestia's side. But the urge is an old one, long ago leashed.
"If you would like, that is," Celestia adds.
"No, no, I'd love to!" Twilight gushes, unsure why she's feeling such hesitation. She looks around the room, feeling the mattress bend and bounce under her hooves.
Why wouldn't I go?
Celestia is the one bright spot in the room. A cold, empty room, long ago abandoned.
What else am I going to do, go to bed? Lie awake all night again trying not to think about
She stops herself. She steels herself up. She hops down from the bed, towards the door. "Where... uh..."
Where are we going?
Her mind helps itself to an image of Twilight and the Princess sitting at Joe's Donuts, sharing a booth, snuggled together over coffee.
"I had something special in mind, if that's alright," Celestia says. She wanders over to the window.
Twilight cocks her head, her heart picking up a bit at the words special. She follows the Princess, joining her again at an empty stone ledge. Canterlot is laid out before them, hemmed in on all sides by sheer cliffs. Thousands of stars twinkle overhead, crisp and sharp, twinkling brighter than they ever could in Ponyville. Twilight sighs loudly at the sight of it.
Celestia nods at hearing Twilight's sigh. "The night can be beautiful."
"High altitude," Twilight says.
"Hmm?"
"High altitude. It makes the stars look different. Probably something to do with air density," Twilight puts a hoof to her chin.
"Does it now?" Celestia says with mock wonder. "I'm not sure that sounds right. Perhaps you should test your hypothesis."
"Test?" Twilight balks. "I mean, I would love to but I would need to fly to do it right, and I can't really..."
Unless I rode you.
NO don't say that!
Rude inappropriate quick think something else think!
"Maybe I could take the balloon up, but I've never really used it at night – kind of hazardous enough as it is," Twilight rambles, not quite noticing Celestia's sneaky smile, or the golden glow of her horn. "Or I could get a pegasus chariot, although I suppose that would be a bit much, making them do all that in the middle of the night. And those are limited in altitude, aren't they?"
"Indeed, they are. But I don't think that will be an issue."
"Then what..." Twilight looks up and freezes – Celestia is looking down at her, deeply satisfied. She feels funny, a weird thrill of magic coursing over the hairs of her coat. Celestia's eyes move, glancing at Twilight's back, so she follows them, turning her head –
Twilight's breath leaves her, as if it was never there. She gasps, as long and hard as Pinkie Pie, her jaw aching from the pure force of her gawking.
There are wings on her back.
Not real wings, of course – these wings glow, their feathers made of purest white light. She can feel them now, as if they had always been there, as familiar as her own legs. Two whole new ethereal appendages.
"Aaaaaaaaoooooooooooohhhhh my GOSH!" Twilight trots in place, watching as her wings flitter in time with her over-excited legs.
"I didn't expect you to be quite so surprised. You've cast this spell before, haven't you?" Celestia says.
"Yeah, but..." Twilight blurts out, all manners forgotten. "It was so difficult. And these are..."
She unfurls them, amazed at the smooth movement happening at her will. She doesn't even really think to – she just does it. They're nothing like the dainty butterfly wings she gave Rarity. They look – they feel – strong and sure and fast. Angel wings.
"I've had a bit more practice at it than you," Celestia says. "Rarity's wings were beautiful, and quite fitting for your friend. But I was going for more of an... alicorn look."
Twilight slams her hooves over her mouth, somehow gasping even more.
I'm an ALICORN!
No, no, come on. Calm down.
Breathe!
"I look like an alicorn!" Twilight breathlessly whispers through her hooves.
"Yes you do." Celestia giggles. "Twilight Sparkle, alicorn for a night."
Twilight squeals loudly, wiggling around on her rump. She turns and jumps, beginning the traditional Twilight Sparkle dance of joy, but her hooves never come back down.
"Oh my gosh!" Her wings are flapping lazily, hovering her a few feet in the air. "Oh my GOSH!"
"Careful, my little alicorn."
"Princess, I'm flying!" Twilight shoots straight up, letting her legs hang limp. Her jaw hurts from the sheer size of her smile. "I'm actually fly – ow!" Her head collides with the ceiling, doing very little to dampen her mood.
"Careful, Twilight!" Celestia's horn glows again and Twilight feels her legs being pulled by golden light, drawing her gently back to the floor.
Her hooves touch stone, and Twilight tries to get a hold of herself. She flares her wings out, craning her neck this way and that to inspect them. She can barely see through the glowing feathers, catching wispy ghosts of the candles behind them.
Are they physical? Rarity's were, but these look so...
Her mind races in five directions at once, wondering what they feel and taste and smell like, guessing as to their exact composition, yearning to measure them in full and by each individual feather...
"Twilight?"
"Huh?" She looks up, and Celestia has her forehooves perched up on the windowsill.
"Follow me," Celestia says. "I will show you how to use them."
Celestia gives her one more playful smile, throwing it over her shoulder, then bounds out the window. Twilight watches as the Princess falls. She opens her wings into a graceful swoop and pulls up, rising high and fast, up above Twilight's head. Then she evens out into a tight, gentle turn, coming around to face Twilight. She hovers there, lazily flapping in place.
Twilight looks up at her and down at the ground, far below, feeling her belly clench at the dizzying height. She gulps and steps up to the ledge, resting her forelegs on it.
She glances over each shoulder in turn, confirming that yes, she does in fact actually have wings oh Celestia this is ridiculous. She flaps them once, then each once on its own, feeling gusts of breeze around her hooves.
She looks down again. There's a pony, probably a guard, on the ground far below. Miles and miles and miles away. He looks tiny from up here, and the ivory walls of the palace stretch down before her.
"Come, Twilight," Celestia calls to her. "Fly with me."
She stares at the goddess in flight, floating in the night. Far away, on the other side of a river of sky.
Shouldn't I... I don't know, fly along the ground first? Somewhere safe?
Celestia stares back, waiting patiently. She has that look...
That look she always has. That warm smile that tells me she knows I can do it. She knows I'm smart enough, or strong enough, or just the right kind of pony. That she believes in me.
That look that always makes Twilight feel like she can do anything.
And I can't disappoint her. Ever.
Twilight takes a deep breath. She sets her face in a grim, determined scowl, standing up straight. She climbs up onto the windowsill, perching on her back legs...
And then she jumps.
Her eyes squint almost shut as wind beats at her face, she's falling, her stomach and hips feel ticklish at the sight of the ground far, far below and then her wings unfurl and her guts jump around all over again as she suddenly pulls up, soaring skyward towards the stars.
"AAAAHHHH!" she yells, smiling like a little filly on a rollercoaster. She swoops up, not quite climbing as high as Celestia, and then slows down as she evens out. She clumsily flaps her way up, to hover at the alicorn's side.
"I did it!" Twilight yells. "I'm flying! I did it!"
"I saw," Celestia says proudly. "Not bad at all for your first time."
Twilight just makes some high-pitched happy noises, pitching and yawing in place. She tries mightily to ignore the nausea every time she glances down, seeing her hooves standing on nothing, or the murmurs of terror in the back of her...
Oh, who am I kidding? This is AMAZING!
"Hold your legs up," Celestia says. "Tuck them in. Less drag that way."
"Oh." Twilight does so, posing for flight. "Like this?"
"Perfect." Celestia grins, like she has a truly wonderful prank planned. "Now follow." She turns into a shallow dive, coasting away from the palace into the night.
Twilight watches Celestia's mane and tail fanning out in the darkness, leaving trails of light. She turns and gasps to see that her own wings are doing the same.
She holds her legs in tight against her body, and follows.
It's incredible. The wind screams in her ears as she dives, forcing the dumbest, happiest grin onto her face. The Princess glides just ahead and to the side of her, looking back, keeping a close eye on her student.
Twilight forces herself to watch carefully, to flap her wings in time with Celestia. They fly together, two birds in formation, gliding closer and then farther away from each other, swaying in the night. Celestia banks gently, and Twilight mimics her, amazed at how perfect, how natural it feels – like walking, like breathing, like reading a book.
Celestia turns again, and Twilight keeps pace, just delayed enough that the Princess drifts close to her – she can feel the great wafting blasts of alicorn wings, true angel wings, beating the air, ruling it. She settles into Celestia's wake, pulled along by it, flying faster than she could possibly fly on her own.
Celestia leads, and Twilight follows, dancing in the sky.
She blinks, hard, only now noticing the sting in her eyes as they water over, beaten back by the wind. Her vision blurs, seeing nothing but dazzling streaks of light. She blinks again and wipes at her eyes with her hooves, her wings slowing down.
She opens her eyes, almost slowed to a hover. Her breath gives up and leaves, powerless against this – it's achingly, unbelievably beautiful. All above her, the stars shine just for them. All below her, the city lights of Canterlot sparkle. She may as well be floating in the heavens, lost among darkness pierced with thousands of beautiful, distant lights.
Celestia comes around and drifts next to her, treading air.
"Are you alright?" she asks.
"Aaaahhhh..." Twilight croaks, still feeling tears in her eyes. She clears her throat and grins sheepishly. "Fine!" she says.
Celestia giggles. "Higher?" she asks.
"Yes!" Twilight says instantly, grinning like a fool.
Celestia gives her a pleased smirk, and then shoots almost straight up, pounding the air with her wings.
Twilight does so as well, straining at her wings, really throwing herself into it. She holds her forelegs out straight, like she's seen Rainbow Dash do. Her tongue sticks out to the side a little, grunting as she flies upwards.
They spiral around each other, soaring up into the stars, away from the world below. Twilight sees pictures in the sky, constellations and nebula and galaxies she knows by heart, here and now floating almost within her reach. She feels like she could fly right up to them, and she realizes, with a touch of surprise, that she's laughing.
She soars up, up and up into the endless black abyss above. They fly together, Twilight catching glimpses of Celestia to this side or that as they circle upwards.
And then, suddenly, she stops.
Her wings beat hard, once, catching nothing. She feels giddy, in her chest and hips and her whole body, all of her tingling as she starts to fall.
Somehow, through the moment of sheer animal panic, she hears the word stall in her ears, clear and confident.
She takes in a deep breath to scream, and lands on something large and firm instead.
"Oof!" She hits hard, flopping on top of something smooth and soft and white and –
Oh my goodness oh my GOODNESS
"Careful, Twilight." The Princes cranes her neck back, glancing over her shoulder as she glides. "Even with wings of light, you can only fly so high."
Twilight, again, can only grin sheepishly. She's resting on Celestia's withers, just above her wings but close enough to feel the powerful muscles of her back flex with each stroke.
"How about we go back a little lower?" Celestia says.
Twilight nods, clinging to the Princess. She flexes her own back, preparing to jump off and fly on her own again.
Well... let's just... hold on for a second.
She grins, a sneaky, guilty little smile. She tightens her hooves, resting her head against the pure white field of Celestia's coat.
She rides the Princess, sinking back down with her towards the world below.
* * *
Twilight glides, looking out over all of Canterlot and Equestria beyond. The moon has shifted a far bit against the stars, watching as lights go out below them, one by one. She is at Celestia's side, has been for hours, just like she's always wanted.
They've barely talked. They barely need to. Celestia has given her the occasional gentle bit of advice, but aside from that the only sounds in Twilight's ears have been the whoosh of air and her own gleeful gasps.
She's calmed down a bit, the sensations not quite so overwhelmingly fresh. She never thought she would enjoy it this much – she's been up in the air before, sure, and heard Rainbow Dash gush endlessly about how cool flying is. How exciting and fun and just plain awesome it is. But... it's just flying, right? Just a physical diversion from scholarly pursuits, fine for other ponies sure, but...
I was wrong. Wrong again. So, so wrong.
She looks down, soaring over a sleeping city through cool night air. She looks up, close enough to touch all the millions of stars above.
SO wrong.
Celestia banks slightly, descending at a gentle slope. Twilight follows suit, just a little delayed, a little slower and shakier. They dive together in a shallow corkscrew, drifting down, closer and closer to the palace again. They're just over the tallest of Canterlot's towers.
The Princess glides down towards the tower's balcony, landing smoothly into a light trot. She stops and sits, looking up back at Twilight.
Twilight squints at this landing arrangement, plotting a course out in her head. The balcony isn't very large, and she's pretty sure she can't lose speed that quickly. She lets herself drift past, arcing around again, bleeding momentum. By the time she comes around she's slowed down plenty, needing to flap again to stay aloft. She hovers awkwardly towards Celestia, slowly lowering herself until her hooves touch solid ground again. Her legs ache as they wake up, shocked to have to hold weight again.
"Well done, Twilight," Celestia says, resting on her rump.
"Really?" She sways on creaky knees, wondering how her wings of light aren't tired at all. Celestia just smiles and nods down at her, and it's the most wonderful gift Twilight's ever received.
She glances towards the tower, at a resplendent pair of double doors leading into a dimly-lit room. She's never been up here before.
What IS up here? It can't be... oh sweet goddess it must be!
Her eyes go wide as she realizes that she's looking into, peeking at, the private quarters of the god-monarch herself. She tears her eyes away, pretending that she'd never looked at all.
Is it really?
What else could it be? This is the tallest tower, this is where she lives, sleeps, rests her head at night, you know this!
But... I'm here! I'm HERE! With HER!
"Something wrong, Twilight?" Celestia asks.
"What?" Twilight gasps. "No, no, nothing! Of course not." She glances at the doors again, unable to help herself. "Is that...?"
She stops mid-sentence. Something swoops past them, ruffling Twilight's hair in its wake. Something large and dark and beautiful as she is terrible, swimming through the night before them. Twilight starts to glare at the Princess of the Moon, but then wonders why she should, really.
Luna perches on the balcony's railing, grinning down at them. Celestia stands to greet her sister.
"Good evening, to both of you!" Luna says, waving a hoof and bowing theatrically. "So good to see you out in my night. Oh!" She puts a hoof to her cheek, miming shock. "What is this?! A winged Twilight Sparkle, it seems! Truly now you are worthy of my sister's attentions!"
Twilight looks away, suddenly full of reasons to glare at the Night Princess. She folds her wings close and tight, as if to hide them.
"Luna," Celestia says, as if warning. Twilight can hear her glare.
"This is so strange, isn't it Celly?" Luna grins wickedly. "I seem to remember it was always me stealing lovers from between your sheets. My, how things have changed."
"Luna..." Celestia scolds her, obviously holding in plenty more words.
Luna ignores her, leaning in closer to Twilight. "My sister always talks about you, you know. I'm only surprised this didn't happen sooner." She leans in more, on the edge of whispering. "A word of advice: She really likes it when someone runs their tongue up the inside of her –"
"How did you know...?" Celestia snaps at her, then catches herself with a stomp of her hoof. "LUNA!"
"My apologies!" Luna holds both hooves to her chin, her eyes openly mocking them. "How rude of me to interrupt your little date. Congratulations, to both of you!"
She jumps back, hovering just past the edge of the balcony. Celestia watches sternly, not moving at all. Twilight just sits there on her rump, wondering how and why she always ends up between these two.
"Enjoy the night," Luna says, in a way that sounds like a threat. Then she flies off into the stars, dark laughter echoing back at them.
Twilight and Celestia sit there, silently, watching their mutual friend shrink and finally disappear in the distance. Twilight loudly clears her throat – she's not sure if it's to clear the heavy air around them or just to make sure that she's capable of making sound.
Up the inside of her what?
"Uh..." is all she manages to say.
"Please pay my sister no mind." Celestia solemnly shakes her head. "She thinks she is funny."
"It's okay."
I'm used to it.
Twilight thinks back, having her pick of memories. She's no stranger to jokes about herself and the Princess. Not that she's ever been happy about them.
SO disrespectful. Completely inappropriate. Celestia would never! Not like her sister... she would never...
"Did Luna really... steal lovers from you?" Twilight asks weakly.
"Not really." Celestia sighs loudly, throwing a wistful smile at Twilight. "If they were so easily tempted away by her, then they weren't truly worthy of my love, now were they?"
Twilight is shocked enough by this to let her next thought slip out into words. "Well she's not all that tempting. I mean, I resisted her, right?" Her face falls the moment she says it. Twilight stirs in her own embarrassed panic for a full second before a look from the Princess stops her. It's alright. Everything's alright. Everything's going to be okay, as long as that look can make nothing seem to matter.
"Yes. Yes you did," the Princess says gratefully.
Twilight dimly wonders where she is, how she got here, what any of this means. It's all ripped from the pages of some kind of silly fillyhood fantasy of hers, so many of her forgotten dreams coming true at once that the whole thing is suspicious. She half-expects Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie to pop out at any second and declare the prank over with.
"Relax, Twilight." The Princess seems not perturbed in the slightest. She nods towards the doors. "WIll you join me for a while?"
JOIN you? Like... how?
Twilight immediately curses herself for even beginning to think anything like that – a wrong, vile, rude set of thoughts. Guilt comes riding along, sharp as the sting of a fresh burn.
Cheerilee left you... what, days ago? Days! And now you're rushing off to... to...
To something? But this isn't even –
Finding refuge in old comforts?
"Twilight?" Celestia puts a hoof on her shoulder, sounding very concerned. "Did Luna upset you?"
"No," Twilight says instantly. "...Yes. I guess. Maybe."
"I only meant that we could sit inside and talk a while," Celestia says. "Nothing more."
Twilight is surprised at how badly disappointment bites at her, and then upset all over again that it happened at all.
"If you would like," Celestia goes on. "I know it's late."
"No, it's okay!" Twilight says, eager to please as always. "I'd love to just talk."
"Wonderful!" Celestia steps towards the doors, beckoning Twilight to follow. "I do so seldom get to entertain friends in my home."
"Seldom? But you're the Princess. Don't you have guests all the time?" Twilight rushes to catch up.
"Mmm. Perhaps guests. Not friends," Celestia says. "And not here."
Friend.
The word is sweet as it is poisonous. Twilight's heart sinks as she follows the Princess inside – she can't really fathom why. Being friend to the Princess – to Princess Celestia! To be promoted from student to friend, to even be worthy of being considered as such, to have it implied that their relationship is or could be anything but a one-way cascade of good grace and wisdom from a goddess to her lucky pupil! It's too good to be true!
And yet, as Celestia holds the doors open with her magic, Twilight feels a weird, bitter bite in her heart.
And then her thoughts sweep themselves away. She's here, in Celestia's private quarters, the actual domicile of her number one most admired pony. Ponyrazzi would kill for even a momentary glimpse into such a place.
Twilight looks around, anxious to take it all in, and sees mostly shadows. It's dark – she can make out shapes in the starlight, a bed here, what could be a desk or maybe an armoire over there. Mostly she feels plush, soft carpet under her hooves.
And then light! She turns to see a fireplace, filled with cozy flames. Celestia's horn dies down only to light up again as she arranges cushions in front of the fire.
Twilight settles down on the seat offered to her. She cranes her neck to stare some more – warm light from the fire mixes with Celestia's own ethereal brightness, casting flickering shadows everywhere. There is a bed, a huge one, a case of books and scrolls, a desk and a mirror and a few other odds and ends spread about. Twilight is shocked at how simple it is – she had expected opulence beyond anypony's imaginings, gold and jewels of every description. What she sees is quite restrained – warm, lacquered wood, and soft, down-filled comfort. Very tasteful.
Something moves. Philomena is perched on a stand on the other side of the room, and she gives both of them a groggy, sleepy glare before settling back into sleep.
Twilight feels something soft and thick being thrown over her and realizes it's a blanket, being snuggled around her by a golden glow. She relaxes into it, relishing the waves of heat the fire is throwing against her face and forelegs – far colder and more numb than she had realized.
It is nighttime, you idiot. And we were at high altitude, after all.
"Comfortable?" Celestia asks.
"Very," Twilight says with a smile. Celestia is settled near her, stretched out over several cushions, wrapped up in a blanket of her own. Twilight tries to be happy about this, and finds that she is.
See? Isn't this enough? Isn't this nice? Just... relaxing with the Princess!
"I like your room," Twilight says.
"Thank you," Celestia says. "I know it isn't quite a library, but I find it quite comfortable."
Twilight shifts her weight and flutters her wings a bit, without really meaning to. They strain at the blanket, rumpling up her whole situation. "Aheh... still getting used to these things, I guess. Thank you, by the way."
"You did wonderful with them. You would make a fine alicorn."
Stop complementing me I can't handle it, darn it!
"Heh..." Twilight chuckles loudly, yet again fighting a blush. "Me, an alicorn. That would... that would be something, I guess."
"Indeed." Celestia's smile turns playful. "What would you do?"
"Huh?"
"Twilight Sparkle, an almighty alicorn. What would you do with such power?"
Celestia looks at her as if this were some regular old parlor talk. A simple inquiry about one's day, maybe. Twilight panics just enough, grimacing and tensing up under her blanket. Celestia, when she was tutoring, was never one to put her students on the spot like this. Twilight scrambles for an answer, the correct answer.
I probably wouldn't go crazy and kill a bunch of ponies.
Is there a correct answer?
Just talk. Don't overthink it. Relax. Friends! Friendship mode, engage!
"I don't know," Twilight says. "I mean, I hope I would do great things. But how can you really know what you'll do in an extraordinary situation?"
"Of course you can't," Celestia says. "But what would you like to do?"
"I guess I could do almost anything, couldn't I?" Twilight asks.
Celestia smiles quietly and nods, darkly amused.
"I'd have to hang around Canterlot though, right? Raise the sun or the moon or the stars or something. That kind of comes with it," Twilight says, reciting what only seems obvious.
"You don't have to. Nopony can make you," Celestia says.
Twilight purses her lips and squints at her teacher, completely lost. Where is this going? What's the point? They might as well imagine Twilight had all the bits in the world to spend.
When did I become such a wet towel? Rainbow Dash and I talked about that exact thing just a few weeks ago.
She remembers now, joking around about diamond-studded bookcases and platinum flight goggles. It was silly, but it was fun.
Come on, get in the spirit of things!
"I'd probably try to read every book ever," she says with a wry smile.
"Ha!" Celestia puts on a slightly goofy grin, just a bit restrained and royal. "I'll have to remember that one. I've barely gotten through half of them, myself."
"Only half?"
"Well, you troublesome ponies keep writing new ones," Celestia jokes. "But a fine idea, actually. The noble pursuit of knowledge."
Twilight looks away, unable to contain her smile.
See? Just like last time. It was silly, and then –
Rarity had shown up, and put Twilight and Rainbow Dash to shame. The sheer number of charities the white unicorn had thought of, instantly and off the top of her head...
And I had just listed a bunch of scientific equipment. For myself.
She hangs her head a little, resigned to giving a wholesome answer.
Maybe that IS the point of questions like these.
"I don't really know what I would do," Twilight says. "But I hope I would do what's right. Keep everyone safe, so they can live their lives in peace. Be a just ruler..."
...Like you?
Twilight halts herself, not wanting to sound like she's sucking up. She believes it, wholly and completely, but she can't bring herself to say it out loud.
"Mmm," Celestia nods. She looks like she's forcing herself to dutifully approve, perfectly in time with Twilight's safe and modest answer.
Maybe it was the safe answer. But I still hope I would.
She sits and waits, expecting Celestia to pull a thread with a question. The fire crackles and gives a few subdued pops, punctuating the silence.
That's it? What would she... well, she's already a –
"What would you do?" Twilight asks.
"Excuse me?" Celestia blinks at her.
"What would you do? If you were... you know. Normal."
Celestia's lips part, and she blinks a few more times, highlighting the blank look on her face. It isn't often that she looks like she's taken by surprise.
"I mean, if that's okay to ask." Twilight mumbles apologetically, as usual.
"It's fine," Celestia says, also as usual. "It is a very good question."
She means it – every bit of her smile says so. The Princess stares at the fire, taking her time. Twilight waits patiently. For once, her mind isn't buzzing – just calmly waiting, eager, knowing the answer is coming soon.
"I really love reading your letters, you know," Celestia says. "More than I think you realize."
Twilight braces up for the customary wave of giddy anxiousness. It doesn't quite come – perhaps she's finally getting used to it.
"I know you put tireless thought and effort into them. And I appreciate your research. The lessons you've learned. Not to mention the times you've humbly reported heroic exploits," Celestia continues. "But the true reason I love them? The real reason?"
Celestia pauses for effect. Twilight feels it full force, nothing but a pair of ears and a wide pair of eyes.
"The little things," the alicorn says. "Having idle chatter over tea. Sitting and reading. Walking through cool rows of trees, just for the pleasure of it. Seeing how many marshmallows a pony possibly can fit in their mouth. And all of it, with good friends."
Twilight gawks at her.
What, that stuff? The boring stuff? My humdrum day-to-day life?
Celestia shakes her head, as if Twilight spoke out loud. "The rhythm of your life, Twilight. The friends you have, and the love you all share. The fleeting moments that truly make up a day, and a week, and a lifetime, and how much you cherish them. Maybe more than you even realize."
"Oh," Twilight says quietly, thinking of all the minutiae she's cut out of the hundreds of letters she's written.
"I envy you, Twilight." Celestia stares into her, longingly, and Twilight feels confident she would fall right over if it wasn't the Princess making her feel that way.
Nevermind, not getting used to it.
"Were I a normal pony, I would lead a perfectly normal life," Celestia says. "And I can only hope that I would find friends as good as yours. Or as good as you."
Definitely not used to it.
Twilight forces herself to keep thinking, to be that good friend rather than a squealing fangirl. "But I am your friend," she says. "I mean, I want to be your friend. I would..."
Do anything for you?
True or not, a bit much. Twilight bites her tongue.
"And perhaps if I were a normal pony, you wouldn't think you have to do that all the time," Celestia says.
"What?! Do what?" Twilight says.
"That. Guard yourself. Hide your feelings, for my sake," Celestia says. "What I would give to see you as you are with your friends. Not embarrassed, or anxious, or worried about pleasing me."
Twilight wordlessly stutters, her wings no safeguard against the awful way she's plummeting through the floor.
"It's not your fault, Twilight." Celestia slides a hoof on the floor, reaching out to her. "I can't imagine how you must feel around me. But I wish that you..." Celestia casts a wry glance into the fire. "Sometimes I wish..."
The Princess trails off with a sigh, leaving Twilight hanging off the cliff of her words. Twilight actually leans closer to Celestia, sliding over the edge of her cushion.
"Sorry," Celestia says, looking embarrassed somehow. "You know I'll always cherish being your teacher. But I've come to hope that you might think of me as more than that. You're so much more to me than just a student, after all."
Twilight can feel the filly inside her blushing and hemming and hawing and doing her usual worship. But it stays inside.
Don't disappoint her. Be an adult about this!
"I do!" Twilight says. "You're so much more to me than just a teacher."
Celestia looks endlessly pleased, sinking into a humble smile. It's a perfect moment, the consummation of a long and fruitful relationship. But Twilight's nerves refuse to stay quiet.
"But not...you know," she adds awkwardly. "I admire you, and respect you. Definitely nothing inappropriate." She smiles uneasily, hopefully.
Definitely no kind of weird infatuation. Nope, never, not ever.
"Inappropriate?" Celestia asks, suddenly looking worried.
Oh no.
Twilight cringes. Her anxious qualification was supposed to sweep that idea under the rug, not bring it to the forefront.
"Just... you know, inappropriate." Twilight taps her front hooves together, cautiously glancing up at the Princess. "Between you and me. Like Luna was saying. Uh... romantic."
"Oh." Celestia looks curious, wondering, considering things she's never thought to before. "You would think such a relationship between us to be inappropriate?"
Yes? Maybe?
"I don't know," Twilight says. "I've never thought of you like that," she lies.
Celestia stares at her, a curious little smirk playing at her lips. "You know, in the past I often had a constant stream of suitors," she says. "Powerful lords. Wealthy merchants. Wise magicians and scholars. Great knights and warriors. Any who thought they were worthy." She shakes her head gently. "As if that even meant anything."
Twilight stares back, awestruck, privy to some of the world's great secrets. She's not sure where this is going, but then again, she's not sure where she is at all.
"Perhaps it was foolish of me to turn them all away," Celestia continues. "It seems these days that I am rather less popular."
"You...?" Twilight starts to protest.
"It's come to be considered some kind of sacrilege. To assume that one could ever be worthy of me. How could they be, after all? I am the sun, high above them, untouchable." Celestia bows her head, frowning at the floor. "And alone in the sky."
Twilight slides farther towards the Princess, completely absorbed. "But... aren't you?"
"Do you think I am?"
Twilight answers without even thinking. "I do. I did."
"Mmm." Celestia nods thoughtfully. "It's my fault, really. For many, many years, I have been."
Celestia looks up at her, and Twilight loses herself completely. The Princess looks... lonely. Even if it's only a little bit, even if it's only around the edges, it's there, and Twilight's heart trembles at the idea that such a thing could even be, that the universe could allow such injustice. That such a perfect being could ever want for love.
"Twilight?" The Princess says, softly pleading.
"Yes?" Twilight squeaks, her eyes going impossibly wide.
This is it this is it this is it!
She trembles inside, smashed to pieces by the sight of Princess Celestia – the Princess – looking at her, fawning over her, nothing else in the world but just the two of them on this wonderful night.
Are you CRAZY?! She's not going to ask you to do anything like that.
"I hope you don't find it inappropriate if I ask..." Celestia says. She averts her eyes bashfully, somehow... impossibly... blushing a little.
Or possibly I was wrong oh my gosh please let me be wrong.
Twilight shakes her head frantically, caught on the edge between all that's good in this world and all that ever could be good in this world.
"Would you come here please?" The blanket next to Celestia floats up, leaving a spot on the cushion perfect for a unicorn.
Twilight puts herself there in a nanosecond, not even bothering to try to think about it. An order from the Princess is an order from the Princess, after all. She settles into the cushion, tucking her legs under her body and snuggling in against her mentor, wing to wing.
"There. Much better," Celestia says. She smiles down on Twilight, looking deeply pleased. Twilight basks in her glow, grinning and waiting patiently for...
For Celestia to turn her head away and stare at the fire.
She's still smiling, still deeply pleased. But she just sits, contentedly sharing a blanket with her student.
Former student? Friend? Or...?
Twilight leaves that thought hanging and pretends to look at the fire as well, to just sit and enjoy this moment up against her mentor's side.
So...
She doesn't say it.
Did you really think she meant...?
Twilight shakes her head inside, trying not to be disappointed. Isn't this enough? Isn't it enough, sitting here, sharing a beautiful moment with her, lying against her heavenly body?
It is, darn it. Stop thinking about weird forbidden sex and just enjoy this.
Is it forbidden? She was just saying –
I said enjoy this, darn it!
She does. Celestia casts her a warm glance, then settles in against her, relaxing and sinking down onto the cushions. She lies down, rolling onto her side a little, leaving a perfect place for a unicorn to lay her head.
Twilight does so, wordlessly and without having to be asked. She scoots over and leans against the Princess, shivering at the warm tingles that flare up wherever their coats touch.
See? This is enough.
Celestia nuzzles against her, then sighs and lays her head down to rest. Twilight feels her wing flex, the great goddess feathers ruffling a little as she sleepily stretches.
It's enough.
For me.
For now?
Twilight ignores her thoughts, trying to cut through them and remember if she's sleepy herself. She's not, but it hardly matters. She nuzzles Celestia back, rubbing her little head against the great white curve of Celestia's shoulder.
She yawns, an unexpected attack of exhaustion. Relief courses through her, happy to feel the blissful tiredness that follows any rush of adrenaline.
She lays her head against Celestia's side. She closes her eyes. She smiles.
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SleeplessBrony
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Cheerilee,Main 6,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Twilight Sparkle,Romance,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Sex
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Romance Reports
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Twilight X Princess Luna. Kind of.
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complete
| 2,405 | 110 |
<p>Twilight Sparkle has a crush on Luna, but the Princess insists that Twilight learn some things about love and romance before they can make a date.</p><p>Newly revised! Grammatically sound! Bonus Scenes!</p>
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mature
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2012-07-11T02:46:28+00:00
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2012-07-11T02:46:28+00:00
| 11,541 |
"Twilight!"
Rarity's voice – the absolute last thing Twilight expected to hear. She drops her bags just inside the library's door.
"Hi? Uh...?" The library is empty and deserted, as usual, save for the white unicorn sitting at a book stand. And...
"Hey. Took you long enough," Rainbow Dash says, not looking up from her book.
"Hi," Twilight says back. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Well, it is a public library, is it not?" Rarity says.
"Rarity made Spike go clean up some garbage for her or something," Rainbow Dash says, still not looking up.
Rarity scoffs loudly, broadcasting exactly how offended she is. "That is a ruthless falsehood!" She turns to Twilight, rolling her eyes. "Honestly, I have no idea –"
"So you just happened to come on by and then you just happened to keep talking about some mess that you just happened to need cleaned up?" Rainbow Dash snorts.
"We were merely making conversation, and Spikey-wikey, being the perfect gentledragon he is, took it upon himself to assist me."
"So... where is he?" Twilight asks.
"Oh, he'll be a while. I haven't had the boutique's chimney cleaned in quite some time," Rarity says with careless nonchalance.
Twilight rolls her eyes, just short of smiling. She leaves her bags where they are and sits near Rarity.
"So..." Rarity begins. She casts a very pointed glance at Rainbow Dash, who, Twilight notices, is now watching them intently, only barely still pretending to read.
"How was your trip?" the blue pegasus says.
"Yes, you'll have to regale us with all the details," Rarity adds. "How was it?"
Twilight smiles, all kind of rote pleasantries loaded and ready. "It was..."
Click. Dry fire. There's nothing in her mouth, all of a sudden. Twilight blinks a few times.
It was good. It was great. It was fun. Relaxing. Nice. Wonderful.
It wasn't any of those things, really. It was...
"Twilight?" Rarity says.
"Sorry." Twilight shakes her head quickly, jolting herself back into reality. But every time she goes to open her mouth, there's still nothing there.
Waking up. On her. WITH her. Surrounded by her warmth.
"Uh...?" Rainbow Dash cocks an eyebrow at the pause stretching out into the room.
"Relax," Rarity says at her. "Take your time, Twilight. We were just all wondering how you're..." Rarity falters, uncomfortably glancing around. "How you're doing."
That snaps Twilight out of it. She comes back to her friends, giving them a reassuring smile. "Better," she says. "I saw Princess Luna."
Both her friends perk up a little in surprise.
"I know," Twilight says. "She... we talked." She hedges on her words, wondering how exactly to sum up something that could never fully be explained. "I think she's going to okay."
"She?" Rainbow Dash finally tosses her book aside. "She's going to be okay?"
"I think so." Twilight gives her a sure look.
Rainbow Dash gives up and shrugs. "Okay, why not?"
"I was expecting you to come back and babble on and on about Celestia," Rarity says. "Like you always do."
"Oh, I talked with her, too. Of course," Twilight says fondly. "She was so... I don't know. She's always looked out for me, but this was different. Special. We even slept together."
Twilight had said it without thinking – just blurted it out. Recounting the details. Instantly, Rarity's jaw drops, and she makes a most unladylike "Buwhaaaaaa?" sound. Something similarly flabbergasted rings out from Rainbow's perch.
"Oh! Uh... not like that." Twilights ears slam down as she sheepishly backpedals. "Just, you know... slept. Like, literally."
"Oh," Dash says, sounding strangely disappointed.
"Aha, ha, of course," Rarity says, her pitch just an octave too high.
"Is that seriously the first thing you guys thought of?" Twilight asks.
"Well it is you," Rainbow Dash says.
"I was just going to say that it seemed a little... soon. After... uh," Rarity says.
"Soon?" Twilight glares at her. "Soon? After wh –"
Pink. Green. Lovely, lovely curls.
"After breaking up with Cheerilee. Duh," Rainbow Dash says.
"Dash!" Rarity says.
Twilight braces herself for a wave of pain at the mention of that name – for that sharp, piercing tug in her heart, for guilt to ache and throb within her.
Two weeks ago. A whole two weeks ago and you're forgetting about her. Moving on.
But it's not quite the same. There's some pain, sure, but it's... different. The dull ache of a dressed wound, settling to heal.
Moving on?
Her friends are staring at her. Waiting, and watching.
Twilight quietly clears her throat. "How is she?"
"...Cheerilee?" Rarity asks, more for effect than anything.
"She seems fine," Dash jumps in. "I've seen her around. I even had sex with her a few times."
"What?!" Twilight and Rarity yell in unison.
"Kidding!" Dash raises a hoof, grinning. "Point for The Dash. Too easy!"
Rarity loudly groans and shakes her head. "If we're being serious now?" she says, pointing a nasty glare at Rainbow Dash. Then she huddles up close to Twilight, whispering in hushed, conspiracy tones. "I've seen your ex around as well. She seems... well, she seems like she's putting on a brave face." A shadow of worry crosses the white unicorn's face. "I think doing all that hurt her almost as much as it hurt you."
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Twilight asks.
"I don't know," Rarity says, looking strangely contrite. "I'm just... I'm just trying to be honest."
Twilight tries to ponder this, to work it over in her head, but –
"...good morning..."
Celestia's golden voice, sleepily muttering. Right next to her ear.
Twilight startles and sits up, but it's a momentary panic. It's just a little light out – the pensive, pale blue of pre-dawn.
Of course it is. Because the sun is here with her.
"I'm just saying," Rainbow Dash continues, now eagerly sitting up. "She made her choice, and it's over, and that's cool."
"But it's so sad," Rarity whines.
Twilight looks back and forth between them – she missed something here. But that's not important. Is it?
"Of course it's sad!" Dash throws her hooves up. "What do you want her to do?"
"She doesn't have to do anything, I just thought we could acknowledge –" Rarity says.
Twilight clears her throat, loudly. Her friends stop on a dime.
"Did you guys really think... that... me, and Celestia...?" She lets that one hang in the air, trailing off intentionally for once.
"I did," Rainbow Dash raises a hoof again, waving it around. "And then you said you didn't, and I was like, 'aw, man!'"
"I'll admit, I was taken in for just a teensy, tiny second," Rarity says. "Wishful thinking, I suppose."
Wishful?
Twilight can't believe her ears. She thought her friends knew her, knew the Princess, better than that.
"It wasn't like that," Twilight says, something sharp creeping into her voice. Not anger. Disappointment. "It can't be like that. We're friends now. I'm her friend."
"Really?" Rainbow Dash cocks an eyebrow, half skeptical, half sexy. "Because we're your friends, and, uh..."
"No!" Twilight nearly recoils back from Rarity. "This is different. It's just... it's not like that."
"Oh, I see! Not to worry, Twilight, I understand completely," Rarity says.
Twilight breathes a sigh of relief.
"You're worried that you're projecting your attraction to Luna on your long–time mentor," Rarity says.
"What?!" Now Twilight does recoil, scooting away from her friend.
"Not to mention how vulnerable you are in the wake of your recent break up. You don't want to do anything rash, that's very smart," Rarity finishes, ignoring Twilight's look of horror.
"Wha – bu –" Twilight sputters.
"Yeah, I get it," Rainbow Dash says. "Celestia's like, the real deal. Don't wanna screw that up with some rebound nonsense."
"I am not rebounding!" Twilight yells.
"Exactly, you aren't, and that's very wise," Rarity says. "Please, calm down, Twilight."
"Calm?" Twilight barks. "Calm?!"
Calm. At peace. With everything.
She's just... here, with Celestia. Her head rises and falls, gently rocking on the alicorn's breath. She feels Celestia stir and shift, stretching. A long, slow and gentle movement, sticking her forelegs out like a cat in a patch of sunlight.
A great white wing flaps lazily above her, and then rests, again, over her shoulders.
Twilight smiles deeper, afloat in a sea of peace.
Twilight is calm. Instantly.
"Kinda too bad, though," Rainbow Dash says. "I mean, if Celestia wanted to... I'm not saying I'm into her like that, but man. The PRINCESS. Bragging rights."
Twilight's jaw drops silently.
"Please, Dash. That is very inappropriate," Rarity says. "If Twilight and the Princess were to move in that direction, I highly doubt Twilight would sully that by bragging about it."
"It's not like that!" Twilight repeats, feeling her calm rapidly slipping away.
"I say you should've just gone for it. Opportunity, right?" Rainbow Dash says.
"It's not like that either!" Twilight almost growls. "What, did you guys discuss this? Do you talk about me and the Princess?"
Rarity and Rainbow Dash hesitantly look at each other. Rarity looks like she's about to offer some kind of deflection, but even Twilight can see right through it. The white unicorn merely brings up a nervous grin.
"I can't believe this! That is so disrespectful! To the Princess!" Twilight grumbles. "And to me!" she adds.
"I'm sorry, Twilight," Rarity says, looking every inch like she means it. "But you can't deny that the two of you are... well... close."
"But she's the PRINCESS," Twilight says, as if it were obvious. "You can't just... she doesn't..."
"Yeah, I guess I used to think the same thing. Until Luna showed up and pulled this whole stunt with you," Rainbow Dash says.
"That's different!" Twilight says desperately. "She's different!"
"Alright, alright, we understand," Rarity says, gently, in her best calming Fluttershy voice. "Please forgive us, there's just so much we don't know about you and... you and her."
Part of Twilight wants to be mad at her friend, but Rarity has perfected the art of soothing looks. She reluctantly lets it go.
"How would you describe your relationship with the Princess?" Rarity asks.
Twilight blinks at her. There's no real motive in those words, no mean search for gossip. It's just an honest question.
"Yeah, you really don't like her like that?" Rainbow Dash asks. "Because the way you talk about her sometimes..."
"I respect her. And admire her," Twilight says instantly.
"That's all?" Rarity asks.
"...No," Twilight admits, staring down at her hooves. "I mean, I like her, but... it's just..."
Teacher and student?
No, not like that. Not anymore.
Colleagues?
That's not right, either. They have a connection – a personal connection. A friendly connection.
That's it. Friends. Right. Friends.
"It's..." Twilight stumbles on the word friend. It doesn't want to come out of her lips – it's the wrong shape, somehow. Her friends stare at her, on the edge of their seats.
"It's special."
"I feel... a lot better now," Twilight says, still nestled peacefully against her mentor. "Thank you."
"I think I should be thanking you," Celestia says. "It's been a long time since I... since someone was here with me."
Twilight lets the words pass right through her – being careful to not get too excited. She shifts her legs, starting to sit up a little, but Celestia's wing is wrapped tightly around her.
"Oh! Sorry," she says.
"No no, excuse me," Celestia says. She loosens the grip of her wing, just as Twilight settles back down. They look at each other, eyes meeting just long enough to jump in opposite directions.
"I'm so glad to see you smile again," she hears Celestia say.
"I really do feel better," Twilight says. "I think... I think I can go back to Ponyville today. Back to normal."
"Oh?" Celestia says. "Tired of Canterlot already?"
"You know what I mean," Twilight says, eyeing Celestia's mischievous smile.
"I do."
Twilight forces herself to look at the Princess, giving herself a moment to notice that she slept with her crown and jewelry still on – the same Princess as ever.
"I'm happy to hear that," Celestia says. "I really am."
Twilight smiles up at her, basking in the Princess' warm gaze, languishing in the warmth of her eyes. But...
There's something else there, hidden in the glare.
Something...
"Special?"
Twilight looks up at Rarity. The white unicorn is obviously waiting for more.
"Yes. Special," Twilight says, sticking her nose up in the air.
There. Answered. Solved. Done.
"That's it? Special?" Rainbow Dash says.
"Special." Twilight nods.
Rainbow Dash starts to protest, but Rarity raises a hoof at her.
"I think we have our answer. And I think we can respect Twilight's feelings on this matter," Rarity says.
Rainbow Dash shrugs, picking up her book again.
Rarity turns back to Twilight. "I must apologize. We had been discussing you and... you and the Princesses. Occasionally." She scoots over to Twilight and slides a hoof onto her shoulder. "It really only started after your... erm... correspondence with Luna began."
"I guess that makes sense," Twilight says, unable to stay offended.
Enough sense, anyway.
"Man, I still can't believe Celestia just let all that happen, though," Dash says.
"I don't think that's really fair to her," Rarity says.
"Wait! Wait, wait wait," Twilight says, perking up quite a bit. "What did you just say?"
"Celestia. You and Luna. She just watched all that," Rainbow Dash says from behind her book. "Crazy."
...crazy?
Twilight's eyes get huge – her recent life flashes before her eyes, a sped-up rewind of... everything. Everything since that night, on her balcony, surrounded by snow and moonlight.
"What was she supposed to do?" Rarity says. "Would you prefer it if Celestia came by to vet every potential partner you see?"
"No, but she had to know Luna was just screwing around. Right?"
Twilight doesn't hear them. At all. Her mind goes into overdrive, there's something here, right here, just at the tip of her hoof...
My sister is... discreet. As always, I am her opposite.
She tries to recall every single word of every single conversation of the last few days, but all she can think about is homework and letters and memories, distant memories, an image of a white goddess shining perfectly down upon her as far back as she can recall.
My smartest, most talented, most loyal student...
An embarrassing, cringe-worthy fantasy, a guilty little secret that's so beautiful but so bright it hurts to look at, no less so for how impossibly out of reach it is.
And alone in the sky.
Something is hidden back there, behind all this in her head, something huge and terrible and wonderful and willfully, thankfully forgotten.
And...
"I'm happy to hear that," Celestia says. "I really am."
Her wing still resting on Twilight's back. Her hooves right next to Twilight's, nestled together.
And her eyes, lovingly gazing down. Warm. Supportive. As they've always been.
Except...
Twilight shoots up onto her hooves, startling Rarity.
"I need to leave," she says.
"What?" Rarity says.
"I need to leave," Twilight repeats, dashing towards the door. "I think I just remembered something."
"Where are you going?" Rainbow Dash says.
"Canterlot!" Twilight yells back as she runs out the the library's front door. Her heart is pounding, adrenaline giddily flooding into her veins. There's something tangled up in her head, some great puzzle that she's still only barely beginning to put together.
But she has one small piece done, staring back at her. She had realized, just now, what she had seen in Celestia's eyes.
Sadness.
* * *
"Twilight!"
She ignores him. She stomps her way up the stairs, a mare on a mission. She hears her brother sigh loudly, barely winded even wearing all that armor.
"Twiley! He keeps catching up to her and then stopping, just at her side, striking a very stern pose.
But he doesn't block her way. She keeps going, slowly making her way up the spiral staircase leading up to the top of Canterlot's tallest tower.
There was a train. She remembers that.
Everything else is sort of a... haze. Throwing bits down for a ticket. Rushing down the platform. Throwing herself into a seat, no bags, no companions, no... anything.
She'd spent the whole ride staring out the window, watching the sun slowly descend behind the horizon.
Should've sent a letter.
No time. Too late.
Should've at least told her I was coming back.
By the time she thought of it, Ponyville was long behind her. She didn't dwell on it. Her mind was too busy, thinking and planning and drafting speech after long, winding speech, constructing every possible way this conversation might go, all of it hinging on one simple little question.
Shining Armor vaults a few steps ahead of her, pulling an about–face with perfect, practiced severity. "Twilight, I am ordering you to stop." He glances past her, boyishly confirming that they have, in fact, left the rest of the guards behind. "Seriously, you're making me look bad here," he says, smiling a little.
She does stop, just for a moment, glaring up at her brother with her nose furiously scrunched. "I need to see her," she says. "It's urgent."
"Some kind of emergency?" he says, morphing from stern guard to dutiful concern in an instant. "Is someone in danger?"
"...No." Twilight backs down for the first time since she arrived. "It's... uh... personal."
That's really the only word for it, isn't it? Personal. The kind of meeting you wouldn't put in an academic essay.
"If it's not an emergency, I'm afraid you'll have to wait." Shining Armor poses at attention, all soldier again. "She gave very specific orders. Not to be disturbed right now."
He stands before her, still not blocking her path, just standing there looking fairly satisfied.
"Now, if you want to come back downstairs, we can just... hey!"
Twilight trots right past him.
"What are you doing?" he says, clearly shocked.
She doesn't answer.
He doesn't understand. This is important.
And it's me. She... we...
We woke up together this morning, for her sake!
She'll understand. Twilight knows she'll understand. This is important. Special.
"Twilight, please!" Shining Armor says. "I'm warning you!"
"What are you gonna do, arrest me? Throw me in the dungeon?" Twilight rolls her eyes, not slowing down a bit.
"Don't make me!" he says. "Seriously, please don't make me do that."
She stops – at the top of the stairs, on a landing. In front of a set of double doors, a strangely unassuming, somewhat plain set of doors. Shining Armor catches up to her, and they hold where they are, side by side.
Twilight's chest is heaving a little more than she realized – it was a long way up, and it was all stairs.
"Can you at least tell me what's going on?" Shining Armor asks.
I'm not sure I even know what's going on.
She sits on her rump, expecting her pulse to slow down, for the lightness in her chest to fade as she catches her breath. She sits and stares at those doors, and she may as well be sprinting up another hundred steps.
"Come on, Sparky." She feels her brother's hoof rest on her shoulder. "Talk to me."
She takes a deep breath, a calming gulp of air. A little bit of her calms down, lowers its hooves and relaxes and remembers that this is... it's her brother, here. Her shoulders slump on their own.
"Sorry about that," she says. "Downstairs, I mean."
"It's okay. I guess you're not really used to being told you can't see the Princess, huh?"
She gives a rueful little snort, knowing she should go back downstairs and apologize to all the soldiers just doing their jobs. Soldiers that she would be glad to see doing their jobs, on any other day.
"It's never really happened before," she says. "I mean, it's always her calling me in. To see her."
Shining Armor's hoof falls away, and the two of them sit, staring at those double doors. A pair of statues guard them – two alicorns, of course, but plain stone. Just the outlines of alicorns, nothing to indicate if they even are supposed to represent the sisters.
"Can I... ask you something?" Twilight says.
"Only if it's, 'How can I apologize for scaring your elite guards into nearly soiling their armor?'" he says. His eyes tell her that he was pretty impressed to see it, actually.
She gives a sheepish little chuckle. "Heh, yeah, that... sorry."
"It's okay. It's not everyday my troops get to be chewed out by a real Equestrian hero." He thrusts out his chest with pride, and it takes Twilight a second to realize that he's not thinking of the soldiers under his command. "So what's wrong? You look awful."
"Did you ever feel weird around Cadance? I mean... before. You know."
"What?"
Twilight bounces on her hooves a little, full of nervous energy she wasn't aware she had. "Before the two of you... I don't know, fell in love. How did you think about her?"
"Uh...?" Shining Armor casts a cautious glance at those double doors and then back to his sister.
"Oh for the love of..."
Him too? Did everyone think this about me?
She grumbles a few choice words under her breath.
"Uh, Twilight? How personal is this... thing you need to talk to Celestia about?" Shining Armor says as carefully as a soldier can.
Twilight briefly rolls her eyes. "I just mean she's a Princess and I'm – I mean, you're not, and it must have been strange at first. When did you... I don't know, become friends?"
Her brother raises a skeptical eyebrow at her.
"Friends!" Twilight says with a very final glare, waving a hoof at the doors before them.
"Well... uh..." Shining Armor strokes his chin with a hoof, staring off into thin air. "It's kind of funny, actually. The first time I met her, she acted so... normal, I guess. I mean, I knew she was a Princess, and you could see right away she was an alicorn, of course."
Twilight carefully watches her brother dive back into memories. He keeps stroking his chin, his eyes wandering off on their own as his smile slowly grows.
"But she just wouldn't let me treat her like, I don't know... distant. She was your foalsitter, so that was pretty normal, and she always acted so friendly to me, always telling me not to bow or user her full title or any of that nonsense..."
His eyes keep drifting. Twilight waits, on the edges of her hooves.
Wait for it... and... he's gone.
There. Shining Armor is in full-on rambling mode. Twilight creeps towards the doors with a sly smile.
I hope he isn't this gullible when it isn't me.
She feels a little bad. Just a little. She's heard that story before, plenty of times by now. It's irrelevant to her situation, anyway. She rushes up to the doors.
Voices. More than one... and the tone is decidedly not pleasant.
Arguing?
She stops short, suddenly full of doubt. If the Princess said she wasn't to be disturbed...
No. This is important! I HAVE to talk to her!
She raises a hoof.
"What... hey, wait!" Shining Armor yells, far too late.
She knocks.
"Celestia!" She pounds on the door, yelling far more urgently than she meant to. She cringes, and her last knock whimpers out as a light tap instead. "I mean... Princess?" she says. quietly
"Twilight?" The Princess' voice drifts out to her.
Twilight pushes the doors open with a nudge of magic.
"I'm really sorry to bother you, and I know you're probably busy, but I –" Twilight says as she starts to step inside. Her hoof stops in mid-air, as frozen as her tongue.
There are two alicorns in the room.
"What a pleasant surprise!" Luna says, holding her hooves out in a mockery of a welcome. "We were just talking about you!"
It's the same room as the night before – same in so many ways. Soft, classy elegance. Moonlight pouring in the huge windows. A cozy fire raging.
And Celestia is there, before the fire, almost exactly where they slept together. But she's...
Naked?
Twilight's mouth hangs wide open, matching the shock on her mentor's face perfectly. Celestia is naked – no crown on her head, no gorget around her neck. Her long, elegant legs end in nothing but hooves, as pure white as her coat.
The only thing she's wearing are a pair of tiny, gold-rimmed spectacles, perched on the bridge of her muzzle. She's staring at Twilight, surrounded by a haphazard array of scrolls, strewn angrily about.
Why would she even need glasses?
Twilight shakes her head furiously, more to pull herself out of her stupor than anything.
"Uh... guh..." Shining Armor stammers from behind Twilight, in that special way possible by only a stallion who is certain that he's about to lose his job. "My apologies, Your Majesty – Majesties!"
"Relax, Captain," Luna says, smiling like she'd planned this all along. "I think my sister and I can handle the grave security threat of Twilight Sparkle. Leave us."
Twilight distantly, vaguely wonders about what her brother's face must look like after that. But she can't take her eyes off Celestia – the two of them sharing a perfect moment of surprise. The doors close behind her, and it's just her and the Princess and the Princess.
"Twilight, I –" Celestia starts to say, looking like she should be hurriedly hiding her scrolls. "What are you –?"
"An interesting question," Luna cuts in, smug with delight. "I myself am quite curious. What exactly are you doing here?"
"What are you doing here?" Twilight snaps at her.
"Are you serious?" Luna glares at her, not pretending for once. "You barge into my sister's private chambers, and –"
"Luna, please!" Celestia scolds her. "Twilight, is something wrong?"
Twilight barely opens her mouth to reply.
"I should think something is wrong!" Luna says with a grin. "My sister has something so very important she hasn't told you."
"Luna!" Celestia yells, throwing her glasses aside. "Stop it!"
"What is she talking about?" Twilight says, casting wary glances at Luna.
"You really don't know?" the Night Goddess says, feigning boredom. "Not even the smallest inkling in that perfect, faithful little brain of yours?"
"You leave her alone." Celestia stands – the fireplace roars with her, flaring up and licking the stone above it. Twilight gasps silently, scooting back onto her rump.
"Oooh, sister!" Luna puts a hoof to her chest, feigning a swoon. "How you jump to defend your little..." her lips curl up into a cruel giggle, "...protege."
"Enough!" Celestia flares her wings out – the room is suddenly bright and full of sharp glare. Twilight squints and shields her eyes with a hoof. She barely makes out Celestia stomping over to her sister, glaring at her, snorting and stomping like a wild beast. "You've done enough! She is NOT yours to toy with!"
"Is she yours, then?" Luna says, still trying to look haughty and cringing back anyway.
The fire dies down to embers in an instant. The white light piercing the room vanishes, letting Twilight's eyes focus again to see just Celestia furling her wings back down. She's... frozen on her hooves. And her face – is she... ashamed?
"No, no, forgive me..." Luna purrs. "Let's see, how did you put it... hmm... ah! 'Twilight Sparkle is her own mare. I will not disrespect her, or her right to make her own decisions,'" she recites, looking deeply pleased with herself. "So strange that you choose now to intervene."
Twilight's ear ticks in the air.
Let all that happen.
Celestia takes a long pause, staring coldly at her sister. She turns her head to Twilight, not quite meeting her eyes, closing her own instead. She takes a breath, steeling herself up.
"Twilight... I apologize," she says.
It takes a moment for that to make its way past Twilight's ears.
"...What?!" Twilight says.
"I apologize," she says again. "My sister is right. You have proven, time and again, that you are capable of handling your own affairs." The corners of her mouth turn farther down with each word, worry creasing around her eyes. She bows her head like a scolded filly. "I should not intervene."
Twilight openly gawks at her, feeling five or even six different sets of words jumping up her throat.
Wrong apology!
"But – but...!" is all that manages to claw its way out.
Intervene! Please, intervene!
"Thank you, sister," Luna says, courtly and polite. Then she turns to Twilight with a playful little smirk. "A bit of a pity, though, isn't it Twilight? The heavenly sisters themselves, quarreling for your sake... you must be flattered."
"I don't have anything to say to you," Twilight growls, surprising herself – it must be left over from tearing into those guards. "I came here to talk to her."
"But of course!" Luna beams joyously. "And you two have so much to discuss, after all."
"Luna!" Celestia yells, but it's a desperate anger... almost begging. Celestia, the Princess, begging and pleading, reduced to a defenseless heap by...
By what? What IS it?
Twilight feels it gnawing at her mind, insistently tickling her head, as questions always have. But there's something else nagging at her, another train of thought handily winning the race to her mouth.
"Twilight, I..." Celestia stumbles on her own royal tongue. "You came back?"
"Oh, uh... yes. Yes, I did." Twilight takes a step closer to her, trying to sound casual. "I needed... I wanted to ask you something."
"Most interesting," Luna says, her haughty airs back in force. "Did you come to confess something as well?"
"To her. To talk to her. Not you." Twilight glares daggers at the darker alicorn. She turns back to who she really wants to look at. "And not to confess. To ask."
Celestia forces a warm smile for her, ignoring the living shadow at her side. "Anything, Twilight."
Twilight nods, ready to let the question, the big question, spill right out, not even caring that Luna is watching them. But...
Confess?
She opens her mouth to speak, and again there are too many words trying to rush out at once, a traffic jam of inquiries. Her florid, prepared statement is gone, suddenly replaced by...
Do you like me?
She makes a halted little choking noise, sitting there, her rump suddenly feeling numb against the stone of the floor.
Confess what?
Celestia and Luna lean closer, craning their necks, hanging on her lack of words. Twilight doesn't want to say that one, purely because Luna brought it up, but still...
Don't you...?
The words get coiled in her throat, poking and jabbing. Twilight just makes some quiet sputtering noises. Her legs are shaking, trembling.
"Twilight?" The Sun Princess tenses up, poised to move, every motion weighted with concern.
I just wanted to ask you something.
Twilight chokes. It burns in her throat, making her eyes water. She makes one last push, one determined, willful hurdle to force something out of her mouth.
"Why?"
Celestia actually startles back, her head jolting as her ears take it in. "Why?" she asks.
"Why?!" Twilight sobs as she says it – she's lost control, completely. Just watching herself move and act and say anything but what she planned out in her head. "Why did you let it happen?"
"Twilight, please –"
"You let her do that to me!" Twilight yells, choking through a steady stream of tears. "She broke me! Broken! And then she broke me again and then I lost her, the other her, and... and... and you did nothing!"
"No, no, Twilight, please!" Celestia rushes over to her, sounding broken herself, her eyes wide and plaintive. "Please, let me explain!"
"I can't – I don't – I can't..." Twilight trails off into nonsense, her lips quivering too much for coherence.
They pause, inches away from each other. Twilight's chest heaves, there's no air in here, just taking big gulps of stale nothing.
The Princess reaches a hoof out, and for just a second Twilight thinks that Celestia is about to take her into an embrace. But it falls dead. She may as well have hit Twilight – it hurts, a nasty ache of loneliness all through her chest.
"I'm sorry, Twilight," Celestia says instead, weak and hollowed. "I'm so, so sorry."
"I thought... I thought you cared about me," Twilight mutters.
"I do. More than I could ever tell you," Celestia says. "Please... forgive me..."
"Why?" Twilight says, sobbing and shaky. "I'll forgive you, anything, I swear I will, but... why?"
Celestia says nothing. She just winces and looks away.
Twilight sniffs, loudly, choking on a frankly unbelievable amount of snot. She tries to stare at Celestia, to read something, anything, but can she hardly see at all, just blurry, ivory shapes. And of course, a dark blue shape farther away. An awful, nasty blue shape, silently watching them. She narrows her waterlogged eyes at it.
"I suppose you're enjoying this?" Twilight says with a scowl.
"Far from it," Luna says, all her usual playfulness gone. "Sister. Tell her."
Twilight was about to yell something at her, something perfect and cutting, something that would finally, finally make her shut up – but that question. It doesn't matter who it's coming from now – Twilight never realized until this very day how badly she needed to know.
"Answer her question," Luna says.
Twilight chooses to ignore the support. "Please!" she says anyway, blinking her eyes back into usefulness.
Celestia reluctantly meets her eyes, looking pained by every effort. She grits her teeth, her lips warily refusing to move how they should.
"Sister, please!" Luna says, moving over to Twilight's side. "You owe her this much. You know that you do."
Twilight glares sideways at her unwelcome ally, trying to focus all her attention on the white alicorn. The good alicorn.
Well, except for...
This. Whatever it is. Why won't she say anything?
"Did I do something wrong?" Twilight wonders aloud.
"No!" Celestia says instantly. She shakes her head frantically. "No, Twilight, no. This... it's my fault."
"Just tell her!" Luna says.
"Stop it!" Twilight yells at her. "You're not helping!" She clambers, with great effort, up to Celestia, her mentor, her friend, and then... with every ounce of tenderness she has, summoning every bit of earnest need she has, she pleads. She doesn't beg, no throwing herself before her ruler, no wailing, no more crying even. Just a simple request.
"Please... tell me," she says.
Celestia looks like she's waiting patiently to be killed, resigned and trying to hold on to any dignity possible. She stares off past Twilight with glassy eyes, her chin quivering in protest.
Twilight looks up at her, holding her breath, this is it, the moment of truth –
"I cannot." Celestia chokes as she says it, croaking in a most un-godlike manner. "I will not."
Twilight's breath rushes out of her in one great, silent, betrayed gasp. "What?!" she yells.
"I'm... I'm sorry, Twilight."
"You abandoned me and now you won't even tell me why?!" Twilight says, far past thinking at all.
She glares up at her beloved mentor, shock mingling with heretofore unknown and untapped reserves of anger. Celestia can't even look at her, pitifully cringing in every way.
And then she leaves.
Twilight watches, unable to wrap her head around it – Celestia turns and leaves, her head hanging, her heavenly mane dragging on the floor.
She leaves, trudging across the room and out the other doors, out onto the balcony. Twilight watches, her jaw hanging almost to the ground. The sun itself, the light of the sky, turning her back, abandoning her to...
Twilight turns to her side, half–expecting to see Luna perched and cackling, rearing her front legs in triumph.
She's not – The Night Princess is staring after her sister, stone-faced, just shaking her head as if her heart is breaking a little at the sight of it.
But Twilight doesn't see that. Mostly what she sees is red.
Wrong Princess! What... what have I done?
A low growl starts in the back of her throat, taking its time, growing dark and ugly.
Luna sighs loudly. "I had really hoped she would –"
"YOU!"
Luna startles and blinks at her, looking genuinely surprised for once.
"You!" Twilight snarls, jumping to her hooves. "You...! You... this is all your fault!"
"Wait!" Luna holds her hooves up. "Twilight, wait! Listen to me!"
"No! NO!" Twilight advances on her, her horn glowing involuntarily. "You think I'm going to fall for that again?"
"I am not deceiving you! Please, listen!" Luna says, backing away just the slightest inch.
"That's what you said before!" Twilight stomps a hoof, echoing loudly through the room. "And you... and... I can't believe I actually felt bad for you for a second! You really are terrible!"
"You're right!"
"And then I actually started to think –" Twilight changes directions mid-word, the light of her horn dying out. "Wait, what?"
"You are right. I am terrible." Luna says it with a clever little grin, but... it fades quickly, slipping away into something much more heartbreaking. "This was, truly, all my fault. I have wronged you. And my sister," Luna says. "...Again."
Twilight stares up at her, fighting a smug little thrill of satisfaction at hearing those words – it could still be some kind of trap.
But she looks so... no! No no no don't you even dare!
Luna bows deeply, her nose grazing the smooth stone of the floor. She splays her wings out low around her, a perfect display of regal remorse. "I apologize, Twilight Sparkle."
From any other pony, it would seem too much. But now, somehow, even coming from the mouth of the great trickster goddess herself, Twilight can't detect the faintest trace of sarcasm.
But if she really is sorry, then...?
"Why?" Twilight says again, a more controlled version of the same song.
"Why?" Luna looks up at her, still locked in her bow.
"Why did you do this?" Twilight demands.
Luna stands up, looking like herself again – a sure, cocky glint shines in her eyes. "You really want to know?"
"Yes!" Twilight says with an angry pout. "Don't you even know who I am? Of course I want to know!"
"Hmm." Luna appraises her very seriously, her lips hinting at some kind of trick. "I suppose you do deserve to know. And it would probably help, at this point."
Twilight intensifies her pout, still on guard against trouble. Luna seems very amused by this, but unlike her sister, she does indeed speak.
"Of course, I've already told you why."
"Ugh!" Twilight groans loudly, rolling her eyes.
Luna ignores her. "When I first came to you, that night on your library's balcony. I never lied to you, Twilight. I was quite taken with you."
No... don't even. I'm done with this game.
Twilight gives her the very most studiously best glare of skepticism ever seen, its power so great that even Luna takes notice.
"No, really!" Luna says, very much like a normal pony. "Is it really so far-fetched? Savior of Equestria, savior of my own wretched self, the most magically-talented unicorn in the land... and not hard on the eyes, at all. You really are quite special."
Twilight is shocked to realize that she's feeling the heady thrill of being flattered, even if it's only barely leaking past her defenses. She glares harder, just to be safe.
"But more than that," Luna continues looking away for some reason, "I felt... I wanted..."
Twilight can't hold her anger – Luna is tracing her eyes around the floor, dark and lonely and vulnerable, almost the way she looked the first time Twilight ever saw her.
I'm so sorry, sister.
"You have a pure heart, Twilight," Luna says suddenly. "I know that you would be a true lover, to whomever was lucky enough to have you. And to think that I... me... to think that you might love me as much as you love her..."
Twilight follows her eyes to the balcony doors, one side open just enough to be unsettling.
"I knew it was rash. To go to you like that. To offer myself," Luna says. She picks up one hoof, tracing its blue crystal shoe over the stones of the floor. "...We do silly things when we have a crush, don't we?"
"A crush?" Twilight says with wide eyes.
"You taught me the word." Luna sighs and shakes her head, like there's nothing else for it. "Just as you taught me much of how Equestria has changed. How to win the hearts of my subjects. Yet more things I owe you."
"But you still...!" Twilight says, one last contrary flare of anger.
"I knew I wasn't right for you," Luna says. "Deep down, I knew. I thought to leave the choice in your hooves... and I hoped that you would find another. Find happiness, for yourself. And you did. I was happy, for a time."
They both bow their heads slightly – Twilight is still a little angry, but it has a different target – herself, for not being all that mad at Luna at the moment. Somehow.
"I tried to teach you," Luna says. "I tried. I wanted to repay you, I think. Some small portion of the debt owed."
Twilight is still looking down – she hears Luna's voice quaver, and doesn't want to see what that could look like.
"On that night, when I returned to you – I knew that was it, the crucial moment. I knew I might selfishly claim you for myself, but I hoped that I might drive you further into her arms than you had ever been. And you did not disappoint." Luna draws Twilight's eyes up with the growing strength of her voice, only to throw her down even further. "But then..."
She doesn't need to say anymore. There's still a part of Twilight that cringes in instinct at these thoughts, the memory like a steel wire being tightened around her heart.
You should go. I don't want to hurt you anymore.
"I'm sorry, Twilight. I truly am."
Twilight squares up her stance, glad that she used up a few tears recently. That finely-dressed wound is threatening to split open again.
"I'm afraid I turned out to not be much of a teacher," Luna says. "I suppose there are some things that my sister really is just better at."
"Don't you dare..." Twilight starts to yell. It was a reflex, as natural a reaction to Luna's ploys as... as...
Oh, what's the point?
Twilight sighs loudly. There's just no fire there, no villain to cast out, no righteous cause to champion this time. It's just two ponies here, two silly ponies who made some grave mistakes and hurt each other's feelings.
She glances at the balcony doors.
Well... more than just each other.
"She was furious," Luna says, reading Twilight's thoughts. "When she found out about... you and I. We argued. Fought for days. Days, Twilight."
"What did you do?" Twilight asks. "You made her stay out of it. Somehow."
"Simple," Luna says with a very pleased smirk. "I accused her of wanting to keep you all for herself."
"What?!" Twilight feels the hairs of her neck bristle, that last ember of anger glowing back into life. "But... but that's... that is not –"
"I thought so too. At first," Luna says. "But my words cut her. Very deeply, in fact. Far more than I intended."
"You don't know anything about me and... about the two of us!" Twilight says.
Do you?
"Perhaps. But I know my sister. And there are things about her that you do not know." Luna looks again at those doors, free to show her sympathy from behind them. "I began to suspect something... and the signs were there, once I knew to look. More and more, I knew I was right."
Twilight has no words – she can feel herself being nudged, ever so carefully and gently, towards some kind of ledge, a balcony yawning out over unknown depths.
But... that balcony...
She looks at the doors, stray rays of starlight peeking through. There are wings on that balcony – beautiful wings, white light to lift her over anything. And if you have wings...
Then jumping off a ledge isn't so bad, is it?
"I have come between you," she hears Luna say. "But I am not sure it was a bad thing. She never would have told you otherwise."
"Told me what?" Twilight asks, not allowing herself to think the answer she knows. Her eyes never stray from those doors. "What is it?"
"I won't presume to speak for her," Luna says.
Twilight bites her lip – she never thought she would actually dread asking the Princess anything. "I don't even know what to say."
"You will find the words," Luna says. "You and her have so very much to talk about."
"Can't you just tell me?"
She hears Luna give a rueful little snort, and can guess the exact narrowing of her eyes.
"I will not," Luna says. "You have far surpassed my meager teachings. It is time for you to choose a path for yourself."
"Choose? But how can I –"
"Oh, stop mewling about, Twilight! Go to her and do what you want to do."
"What?!" Twilight turns to her, ready to demand answers.
But – of course – Luna is gone.
Twilight glances around, finding an old habit in warily checking the shadows in the room.
Did she really just... leave?
The shadows waver and fold in the weak light of the fire – if there ever was a darkness hiding fell creatures of the night, it would have to look like this. But Twilight can't feel it – that creeping tingle running up her spine that knows she's being watched.
She turns back to those doors – a twin set, still open just a crack. Leading out into all the world beyond.
Celestia is still out there. She knows, somehow, that the Princess wouldn't just fly away – even running away, even running away from Twilight, she wouldn't go too far.
I'll always be here for you.
She just wouldn't.
Twilight takes a step towards those doors, one slow, careful step. It's a familiar draw – the need to know has always been the happy burden of Twilight Sparkle. But she can't quite put her weight down on it.
Would she?
Does it matter? Whether she's there or not, whatever the question or the answer might really be, would Twilight Sparkle ever fail to follow after the Princess?
Never! Never, no matter what she's done to... to...
She draws her hoof back. Her thoughts are hollow with anger – a weird kind of heretical anger, so new that she has no idea what to do with it.
She's a little mad. At... Celestia? It's unfamiliar, but then again, who is this strange white alicorn, one that would leave Twilight to fend for herself?
I want to know.
She scowls at thin air, her eyes burning holes in those doors.
I need to know!
She puts a sure hoof down, heavy with purpose.
She has to tell me.
Twilight walks through the doors.
She's there, on the balcony. Of course. Sitting proud and tall, overlooking her kingdom as if she were a picture in a fairytale, save for the faint turn of her ear at the silent opening of the door.
It's a complete farce – Twilight has known the Princess almost her whole life, and she can see instantly the slight slump in her shoulders, the way her feathers are resting just off from how they should be, the solemn downturn just off the corner of her lip. It's wrong, all wrong, and...
Twilight was a little angry. But all she can summon of it now, once stepping through those doors, is an even more unfamiliar emotion. When it comes to the Princess, anyway.
"I suppose my sister has told you everything," Celestia says, not breaking her pose.
"Actually, no." Twilight joins her out on the balcony, keeping a polite distance. They survey the land together, peering out over the lights before them. Twilight barely sees any of the moonlit beauty below.
"Then you have come to ask me that question again," Celestia says.
"I came here to ask you about... us." Twilight cautiously looks at Celestia out of the corner of her eye. "They're both the same question, aren't they?"
Celestia closes her eyes, a penitent goddess full of remorse. "I am sorry, Twilight."
"What are you so sorry about?"
"I have wronged you. Betrayed you, in my own heart."
Twilight allows herself to stare at the Princess, unable to fathom what she could ever do that would be so bad.
"All this hurt, all your heartache. And I let it happen," Celestia says.
Oh. That.
But even that isn't...
She wasn't the one who did... that. She just...
Luna's voice plays in her head, a cruel mockery of her own sister.
I will not disrespect her, or her right to make her own decisions.
Twilight scoots a little closer to Celestia, putting on her best grown-up voice.
"Listen," she says. "I think I understand. What Luna said about... about why you stayed out of it."
Celestia side-eyes her cautiously, her wings drawing in with her breath.
"I've never really thought about... us. Not like we are now," Twilight says. "I guess that was kind of silly. I guess it was easy for me – you're still you, like you've always been. But I..." Twilight stumbles over it a bit, unable to bring herself to mouth the word student.
"I grew up, didn't I?" she says instead.
"I'm glad you've finally noticed," Celestia says, smiling a little.
"Even the really great things don't last forever, huh?" Twilight says, too light-hearted.
"Nothing does," Celestia says. She turns her eyes back to the horizon, and Twilight has to look away from them – a close brush with drowning. She forges on, determined to the end.
"I know you feel bad about it," Twilight says. "But thank you. I appreciate the intent, I really do." She almost places her hoof on Celestia, reaches out to touch her. But the Princess is cringing away preemptively.
Twilight falters, unsure of what to make of that. "Er... yes. I appreciate it. Knowing that you respect me, like that, as an adult. That we could be..."
Equals?
"...Friends," Twilight says.
Celestia is reacting to her words as oppositely as a pony ever could – wincing and grimacing, her eyes shut tight.
"Friends?" Twilight backpedals. "Is that...? Aren't we?"
"I would be honored if you thought of me that way, Twilight," Celestia says, breathing with relief.
"Oh." Twilight blinks a few times at that – then realizes she's set a trap without even thinking to.
Oh goddess I hope Luna didn't rub off on me at all.
Don't worry about that now. Answers!
"I'm happy to hear that," she says, winding up some tease in her tone. "But you aren't off the hook. If this is how we are now, then you need to tell me what Luna was talking about."
Celestia turns and gawks at her, a shocked open mouth that quickly recovers into a begrudging kind of pride. "You... you sly little unicorn! I'm starting to fear you really have learned something from my sister."
That playful jab only helps Twilight's showboat of a mean pout, one that won't leave without satisfaction.
Celestia sighs loudly. "You can be so stubborn when you want to know something."
"My friends all know that about me," Twilight says proudly.
That, of all things, hits Celestia the hardest. She turns away with a shameful flap of her wings, almost hiding behind them.
"I cannot be your friend, Twilight," she says.
"Why not?" Twilight says instantly.
"The sad truth is... I have betrayed you. First, as your teacher, and now as your friend. I am not worth your friendship," Celestia says.
"Is this seriously all about you letting Luna do that?" Twilight says, growing tired of this surprisingly quickly. "Because I already said, it's –"
"It's about why." Celestia peeks over her wing.
Twilight freezes in place. Why?
But I already figured that... no.
Words that cut her. More deeply than expected.
No Luna said that, it can't be true no no no
"I... Twilight, I..." Celestia strains at herself, her eyes glistening.
Twilight falls, right there on the balcony, still sitting, hanging from the edge of the next word.
"I wish I could tell you that the reason I stayed away was... because I respected you. As an adult," Celestia says, grim and resigned. "But that is not true. I feared... that I might act selfishly."
"You...?"
"I'm afraid I have fallen in love with you."
Twilight coughs, loudly, some kind of huge something stuck in her throat. "Wait, wait," she says, "I could've sworn you just said –"
Celestia continues without her, stuck on her own shameful walk. "I feared that if I intervened, I might..."
Twilight's eyes go wide, more willing than the rest of her to swallow those words. She scrambles back a few paces, suddenly stuck on a balcony with a beautiful stranger. "You... you what?! When...?"
"Please, Twilight!" Celestia begs. "I never thought of you like that before, I swear it! I would never demean myself, or my student, in such a manner. I hoped that I would not, at least."
Twilight swallows hard, stuck in a loop.
What...? HOW?
"She changed the way I looked at you, Twilight. I was forced to acknowledge, to see you. For what you really are – a grown mare. A lovely mare, intelligent and beautiful and deserving of so much happiness, all of that and a true and noble hero besides," Celestia explains, her tone rising with every word before coming to a bashful stop. "And... I confess, once I allowed myself to see you this way, even for a moment... I could not stop."
Twilight's face goes blank, unwilling to try to take this in. Too much, far too much, not possible. Celestia goes on, humbly sitting on her rump before Twilight, looking exactly like a nervous filly confessing a crush.
"I found myself wondering if... if we..." she trails off, taking a different tack. "But you found love. You rose above my sister's games, and you found love, and you were so, so happy. I hoped beyond hope that you would make a life with her. I would have blessed your union. I would have loved your wife as a dear friend."
"But at the same time, I only grew to love you more."
Love.
Twilight's chest drops out completely, just... gone, her breath non-existent.
The Princess... loves me? ME?
"Seeing you happy, reading your letters, catching glimpses of what a wonderful, caring mate you could be. I was happy for you, but... I would always remember that I had lost you. Lost what I may have had." Celestia's sad eyes narrow into a glare. "I never would have told you. I never wanted you to know."
That's it. Twilight scrambles to her hooves, not completely sure any of this is real. "Wait... you really... love... me?" she manages to say.
"I apologize if my actions last night made you uncomfortable. I know things are difficult for you now, and..." Celestia turns her head away, bowing before Twilight Sparkle. "I tried to merely comfort you. I did not mean to act... well, selfishly."
"You really want me?" Twilight asks.
"I want –" Celestia chokes on her words. "I am so, so sorry, Twilight. These are shameful wants, inappropriate and unbecoming of... of our relationship."
"I'm not worthy of you?" Twilight asks in horror.
"No! No, please, Twilight. It's never been about that," Celestia says.
"Then why...?"
"Ugh, my accursed mouth!" Celestia growls. "Forget I said anything. Please... it would be best."
"Why?!" Twilight yells in an urgent fit.
"I cannot allow myself to feel this way. It would not be fair. To you," Celestia says, shaking her head.
Twilight's ears shoot straight up.
Now where have I heard that before?
Now Twilight feels betrayed, a deep and special thing torn away from her just as she realized it was hers.
"Fair?" she says. "Fair? Fair to me?!" She tenses up on her legs, snorting and flaring her nostrils. "What, I'm a naive little filly who can't handle you?"
"No!" Celestia offers up desperately.
"Then I'm my own mare?"
"Ye –" Celestia almost says. She's ready for the trap this time. "Not like that. It would not be appropriate for me to look at you that way."
"Then what am I? What are we?"
They stare at each other, long and brutal, Twilight backing Celestia into a corner with nothing but her eyes.
"...Friends?" Celestia says hopefully.
Twilight should be happy but... it just isn't right. Celestia is cowering before her, ashamed of... of something that could be so...
"You asked me what I wanted. Before," Twilight says.
Celestia looks at her, like she knows what's coming and can't dread it enough.
"I want you to be happy," Twilight says. "And if I could..."
Twilight gulps loudly, seeing, really seeing, herself and Celestia curled up together, talking and smiling and discussing great thoughts and teachings, sharing weighty secrets. Soaring through the sky together, reading weighty tomes together, being so much more than teacher and student, and happy. Together.
She starts to wonder what it could even feel like to touch her tenderly, to roam freely in that otherworldly mane, to wake up next to her and chat idly about how to spend a day together. To press her lips against...
My smartest, most talented, most loyal student.
Her mind steps back from that edge, terrified by just how alluring and tempting and familiar it seems. She's stepped up here before, but... her heart pounds and lurches. Too much, too fast, this is too much.
One step at a time.
"I... I think..." Twilight begins, her lips quivering. She takes one step forward. "This is so big. So much, all at once. But..."
"Please! Do not force yourself on my account," Celestia says. "That is the one thing I feared most."
"Stop it!" Twilight yells, pulling an astonished look from Celestia. "Just stop! Let me at least think about it. I'm not forcing anything."
"And you are sure of that?" Celestia says ruefully.
"Don't you trust me?" Twilight glares at her. "After all this, after everything that's happened? What if I felt the same way? Were you just going to ignore me?"
Celestia gives her a deeply serious look, painfully unamused. "Twilight, you... please don't take this the wrong way, but I knew."
Twilight leans back, clambering onto her haunches. "Uh... what?"
"I saw how you looked at me. How you acted. I am not a fool, Twilight – many ponies have... admired me, in the past. In many ways."
That blushing, muttering, embarrassed panic starts to crawl up Twilight's throat, as it always does – but this time...
NO.
She narrows her eyes.
That... that was a thing.
A great breath rushes out of her, a weight lifting as she finally, finally acknowledges one of her world's most obvious truths.
I had a crush. Everyone was right.
I get that now.
I had a crush. On Princess Celestia. Had.
She takes a deep breath. She talks, clear and calm and hard.
"That was different," Twilight says.
Celestia raises an eyebrow.
"This is different," Twilight says. "I understand now. I'm not a lovestruck little filly anymore."
"Yes." Celestia solemnly closes her eyes. "That has been made painfully clear to me."
Twilight grimaces, almost insulted. So many feelings she never thought Celestia would bring her. Celestia just heaves a great sigh, her wings drooping.
"So what now?" Twilight asks.
"Now?" Celestia shrugs, a slow, shamed motion. The dance of a fallen angel. "Now – you will go back to Ponyville. I will stay here. As things should be. And I will hope and pray that you find it in your heart to forget my indiscretion here."
"No," Twilight says instantly.
"No?" Celestia blinks at her.
No? Did I just... say... no? To the PRINCESS?
"...No." Twilight grits her teeth, holding to an unknown course. "No... I don't want that."
She takes a step closer to the Princess. Celestia's eyes almost bug out, glancing down at Twilight's hooves and then up again, caught.
She takes another step. Closer, edging to within an arm's length of the goddess.
"Twilight, you – what are you doing?" Celestia says.
Twilight isn't sure of the answer, but she keeps going anyway, inching nearer and nearer. She's never seen the Princess act so silly, before, so obviously wrong... so...
She swallows, hard, dry throat grating against itself.
"I won't do that," Twilight says. "I just... I can't."
Celestia moves her lips wordlessly, staring cautiously at Twilight.
"I know what I want now." She can't inch closer, not without pressing up against Celestia. She raises up on her hind legs instead, resting her front hooves on Celestia's slim, bare chest.
Celestia's mouth hangs open, her eyes shimmering in the dim light.
"You said I could have anything," Twilight says, locking eyes with Celestia. "You said anything of yours is mine. You offered."
"That was wrong of me," Celestia says, shaking her head. "You deserve so much more than –"
Twilight interrupts her with the merest forward movement of her neck, her muzzle inches from her old mentor's. She can feel the glow radiating from Celestia's mane, the heady tingle of the air around her filtering up through Twilight's hooves and tickling along her legs.
The Princess stares down at her, nailed to the stone of the balcony, frozen in a shocked gasp. Twilight knows what to say, what she has to say, but even here and now it's hard to take that one last step, to leap off the balcony into the sky above.
She closes her eyes, feeling the seeds of tears squeeze out of the corners. The Princess is there, in front of her, with her, for her.
Always.
"I forgive you," Twilight says.
She leans forward, feeling Celestia's gasp against her lips in the split second before –
Light.
Silence. Pure, overwhelming silence, so quiet it rings in Twilight's ears. She sees nothing but bright white light, filled with one, only one, one complete and whole sensation – the feeling of Celestia's lips against her own. Her whole self wakes up, jolting awake, stretching and rising as light and life and love pulse through every cell.
It's over quickly. Maybe? Hours could have passed. Twilight leans forward, whimpering a little as those lips leave her. Her body is coursing, tingling, full of warmth in every fiber, like she's been gifted a new and fresh body.
"...Wow..." Twilight pants loudly. She doesn't even open her eyes.
"You... you..." Celestia stammers.
Twilight forces her eyes open. The Princess fills her sight, blushing and shocked and blinking in confusion.
"Wow!" Twilight says again, still tasting a fleeting kind of heaven on her lips. She pauses, leaning against Celestia, basking in the gentle warmth radiating from her mane.
"I... Twilight, I do not know what to say." The Princess coyly turns her head. "I will not deny that I want this from you... but..." She steels herself up, resting a nervous hoof against Twilight's shoulder. "Are you really certain you want this?"
Twilight doesn't hear any of it. She's staring at Celestia, deaf, her breath picking up as the paltry memories of kissing her ricochet through her body.
"Twilight?" the Princess pauses.
Twilight licks her lips – it wasn't enough. A few measly seconds could never be enough. She yelps a pathetic little bark of need and dives forward, throwing her arms around Celestia's neck and forcing her into another kiss.
It's absurd, how good it feels – Twilight feels herself crying and couldn't care less. She squeezes tighter with her forelegs. It's different now, the overwhelming novelty melting away into just a regular old kiss, the details starting to shine through.
Twilight knows the feeling by now, hundreds of times over. Hardly a connoisseur, but familiar enough to note how Celestia's long, elegant muzzle changes the character of the whole thing. The light that coursed through her before is gone, faded away, it's just her pressing her lips to another pony's. Just a kiss.
And it's even better than before.
Twilight's mind, as ever, hums and puzzles and muses, even over the roar of her heartbeat, trying to savor every detail with questions. It's just a normal kiss, just as she's kissed every other lover she's known – how could it get any better?
Then the Princess kisses her back.
The royal lips move, and push back against Twilight's own. She feels Celestia's hoof tense against her shoulder, sliding gently further against her coat. Twilight clings desperately to her neck, the only thing keeping her from melting into a puddle of nothing right there on the balcony.
She crams her muzzle against Celestia's, barely moving, just holding and touching and floating there against the Princess.
Again, Celestia breaks away, and Twilight is left hanging, her lips quivering for more.
She opens her eyes. The world is dark and muted, an old, dusty painting around a bright center. A blushing, ivory center, casting light out even as she flinches away.
"This is a little faster than I am used to," Celestia says, forcing her eyes anywhere but on Twilight.
Sorry?
Twilight barely hears herself, just a distant echo.
More. MORE.
That thought is loud enough. She nuzzles Celestia's neck, frantically kissing every inch of it that passes past her mouth. She feels Celestia tense up and shudder under her, feels the draft of her great wings fluttering about.
"Twilight... oh!" Celestia jolts as Twilight presses her body harder against her white coat. "Twilight... we should... we should talk."
"All we've ever done is talk," Twilight moans out. She stops her nuzzling and looks up, locking eyes with her Princess.
Celestia's lips move, trying and failing to utter any protest.
"Why won't you listen to me?" Twilight says. "I want this. I want you."
They stare at each other, Twilight panting, both of them teetering on hoof edge.
Then Celestia darts forward.
Twilight's eyes go wide, but she slams them shut, gleefully smiling at Celestia's tentative, cautious kiss. Their mouths part momentarily, just a quick peck. Without even thinking, Twilight returns it tenfold, pushy and moaning and needy.
"Mmmph... Twilight!" Celestia says, muffled between them.
YES?
Twilight knows she can't answer, it doesn't matter, nothing else matters – Celestia wants her. Celestia loves her. They have each other, finally, and nothing else...
Wait.
It doesn't matter?
What am I doing?
She freezes, her eyes eking open a bit, lips still locked with Celestia's. The Princess is embracing her, true. With one hoof. The other is... pressed against Twilight's chest, trembling, her last pathetic line of defense.
Twilight practically jumps back, pulling a gasp from the Princess.
"Sorry!" Twilight says breathlessly. "Gosh, I'm so sorry, you just... wow. Gosh." She pauses, still catching up with herself. "Wow."
"It's... it's alright." Celestia is panting a little herself, something that pleases Twilight in ways she didn't know could happen. "It's been a very long time for me."
"No, that's – I know. That's fine," Twilight says, wandering around the lust clawing at her brain.
"It's not that I don't want this," Celestia says. "This is a big step. For both of us."
"No, you're right. We should take this... slow."
"I think that would be best."
Twilight nods. Celestia nods back. Their eyes start to meet and they both look away. Twilight politely clears her throat.
"So... what do we do now?" Twilight asks.
"Now?" Celestia smiles at her, comely with a sheer veil of giddy excitement. "Anything we'd like, Twilight."
Twilight wills herself with quite a bit of her might to picture all the possibilities. So many possibilities. Certainly more than just one sweaty, moaning possibility.
"Have you eaten?" Celestia says.
"...Not really."
"Perhaps you would join me for a late meal?"
Yes PLEASE!
"Um..." Twilight says instead. "It's getting kind of late. Really late, actually."
"Are you worried about catching a train?" the Princess asks.
Twilight ponders this with a weird kind of surprise – she never even thought about going back to Ponyville, not now. Not yet.
"You... are more than welcome to stay here tonight," the Princess says sheepishly. "If you would like."
"Oh?" Twilight's ears perk up, standing at attention. "Like... here?"
Celestia responds with a coy, stately smile that sends Twilight's tail reeling all over again. "I'll have some food brought up. And then we can..." Celestia trails off, finishing her sentence with the rising eager smirk playing at her lips.
"Take things slow?" Twilight offers helpfully.
"Yes." Celestia nods, sliding a hoof against Twilight's and letting it rest there. "Take things slow."
Twilight smiles back at her. Whatever that means, whatever it could mean... it sounds just perfect.
* * *
Perfect.
Twilight keeps turning the word around in her head. It's funny – is this perfect?
Not strictly by the dictionary, that's for sure.
A perfect romance would've been by the book – two loves meeting and falling together and never letting go. This...
Stumbling? Roundabout? I never thought in a million years I would actually end up HERE.
Here is in a gigantic bed, wrapped up in Celestia's arms. Not Luna's. Not Cheerilee's. The chest her head is resting on, slowly rising and falling in peaceful sleep, is the same she's known since she was a little filly.
She can remember, now – she lets herself remember. All the times she'd dreamed, when she was young, about the goddess at her side. They seem so silly now. Every one of them a perfect fairytale.
Those were the days. Never slept with a guy just to impress her. Never hurt my friends without meaning to. Never found her and won her just to... just to lose...
Lose her. Say it, it's okay, it happened.
Lose her. Lost her. I lost her.
It hurt. Twilight can feel an old ache there, still. She vaguely worries she might always feel it.
But...
It's distant. Just an old wound. She snuggles closer into the warm body next to her. It barely stirs, a solid, warm mountain holding her close. She wonders what her young self would think of this long road she's been on. Probably speechless, probably wide-eyed in shock that her tarnished older self could ever be sleeping with a tarnished perfect Princess.
She sighs loudly.
I was such a stupid, silly little pony.
Was?
Hmph.
Whatever. I'm here, now, her with her and it's so... so... well.
Perfect enough, anyway.
As close as one might ever get. However tentatively the two of them had stepped up to this edge together, once they had jumped off? Relief. Blissful, pure relief. Both of them. Together.
She settles in, consciously willing herself to relax, to drift back into sleep with the goddess next to her. Her ears flick and twitch, her legs curling in against her body. It really is the only way to sleep, her favorite way to sleep since Rarity showed her so long ago why "sleeping together" means so much more than just sex.
It's just...
Perfect?
Her ear twitches again. That feeling – one she hasn't felt in a long time.
Why am I awake?
The feeling she used to get every night that she was being –
WATCHED.
Her eyes shoot open.
Luna is there, standing beside her sister's bed. Their eyes meet instantly, in that way that can only mean Luna was staring at her while she slept, and Twilight starts to tense up and gasp.
"Shh!" Luna whispers with a hoof to her mouth.
Twilight freezes. Celestia stirs, but only for a moment, never rising from her un-ladylike pose on the bed.
Close one. What? Why?
Twilight pushes the thought away, scowling at Luna instead. "What are you doing here?" she whispers.
"Just checking on you. Both of you," Luna says quietly, her smug smirk making up for her lack of volume. "You were dreaming of each other, you know."
"Well thanks for waking me up then," Twilight says, rolling her eyes.
"Did you two enjoy yourselves?"
"Very much," Twilight hugs Celestia's arm tighter. "But it was just a quiet dinner."
Luna gets a silly grin. "I am impressed by your restraint."
Twilight scowls again, almost sticking her tongue out.
"I'm so glad to see you two together," Luna says. "Outside of dreams, finally."
"You snuck in here just to tell me that?" Twilight says, edging just past a whisper.
"No." Luna sits on her rump, curling her wings around herself and glancing away. "I wish to... ahem." Luna keeps looking around the room, almost squirming on her hooves. "I am afraid I acted quite foolishly. Let my... emotions get the better of me. Again." She forces herself to look Twilight in the eye, saying more than sorry ever could. "I am happy that you have found your love despite that."
"Are you really apologizing again?" Twilight says. "None of this would have happened without you."
Luna cocks an eyebrow at her. "...And?"
"And what? Look! Look at this!" Twilight giddily hugs Celestia tighter, squirming her back against the white alicorn.
Luna comes close to sneering, raising her eyebrows far past being merely unimpressed. "Yes, you have defeated me and won your prize."
"She is NOT – you are NOT –" Twilight catches herself, cranking her voice back down to a whisper. "I learned, learned so much, because of you."
"Are you going to write me a report about it?" Luna says with a mean smirk.
Twilight blinks a few times.
Maybe I should.
She cautiously sits up, carefully moving the sleeping alicorn's arms out of the way. "Can I just tell you now?"
"Hmph. You're hardly my student anymore. As much as you are hers."
Twilight's eyes have adjusted, letting her see how eagerly Luna is waiting and listening. Twilight freezes up – she's always hated being on the spot like this, dictating a letter to the Princess on the fly, in front of her.
"Well?" Luna says. "What are your thrilling conclusions, then? Your final romance report?"
Luna's usual sarcasm bounces right off her. Twilight feels the words flow, like they do sometimes, coming to her full-formed and perfect.
"I know what love is now," she begins. "I understand."
Luna raises her eyebrows, much different from before.
"Love is... it's powerful. And dangerous," Twilight says. "It can cloud your judgement, or fool your senses. And when things go wrong, it can crush you harder than anything else in the world." She closes her eyes. Braeburn rages and Rarity sniffs and Applejack accuses and Cheerilee turns and walks away.
She bows her head, just slightly. But only for a moment.
"But it's not something outside you. Sometimes you can't control it, but... it's just a choice, in the end."
Luna raises her muzzle, looking like she wants to say something. Twilight pauses for her, but the Princess relents, nodding for Twilight to go on.
"A choice to reach out. Even if it is scary. Even if it does hurt sometimes. Even if it's not what you thought it would be. Because when you do have it..."
Twilight looks back, at the sleeping form next to her. She gently rests her hoof on Celestia's side, smiling at the blissful look of slumber on the alicorn's face.
"It can make up for anything else," Twilight says.
She lingers her gaze on Celestia – that same face that had stared down at her, heavy with hidden regret. Now peaceful. She loses whatever words she had left.
She pulls her eyes away and Luna is... smiling. Really smiling.
"I have known many poets, and sung many songs. Love is ever their favorite subject," the dark alicorn says. "And yet I think you understand better than any of them."
"Maybe you aren't such a bad teacher after all?"
"I would rather credit your talents as a student. You have learned your lesson well. And you have earned your reward."
Twilight narrows her eyes. "I didn't earn anything. We chose this."
Luna looks duly impressed. "Indeed. One can choose." She barely says it to Twilight – her eyes rest on her sister. "I... you have given me much to consider."
She gets up instantly, throwing her wings back flat against her body. Twilight watches, more than a little surprised, as Luna stalks with purpose towards the shadows, fading darker with each step.
"Luna?"
She stops, cautiously looking over her shoulder.
"I just have one question. One last question," Twilight says.
The Princess relaxes on her hooves.
"No games. No tricks," Twilight says.
"Just this once. For you," Luna says with a bit of sneaky charm.
Twilight bites her lip, throwing a quick glance at Celestia's sleeping form. "...Up the inside of her what, exactly?"
Luna's eyes go wide, and she lets out one delighted, disbelieving laugh. Twilight barely has time to enjoy it before a pillow slams her in the back of the head.
"Oof!" She looks up in time to see her assailant floating above her, suspended in a golden glow.
"You sneaky, sly little..." Celestia says, rising up from the mattress.
"Sneaky?!" Twilight gasps. "You were awake?!"
The pillow descends again, and Twilight is quickly lost in a flurry of feathers and giggles.
"What? I want to know!" Twilight yells.
"Well you shouldn't ask her," Celestia counters, smothering Twilight under a heavy, decadent blanket.
They tussle mindlessly, grinning and jabbing each other. Twilight is about to sneak a bedsheet over the Princess' head, sticking her tongue out with concentration, when Celestia looks up. Away.
"Sister?"
Twilight stops, on the edge of victory. She follows Celestia's eyes – Luna is almost gone, just a pair of eyes and an outline, melding into the shadows.
"Luna..." Celestia wrestles with words, her eyes watering over. "...Thank you."
The shadow's eyes soften, just two white lights growing round and plaintive.
"I love you, sister," Celestia says. "Always."
The shadow shrinks, fading farther away. "I..." She looks away, her eyes squinting at nothing. "I love you as well... sister."
She disappears, blinking out into nothingness. For one moment, just on the edge of sight, her eyes meet Twilight's.
Thank you.
Twilight starts a little, Luna's voice clear in her head.
No, thank you.
And then she's gone.
"Well," Celestia says, losing it in a most regal yawn. "If that's enough interruption, I would like to get some sleep at some point."
"Sleep?" Twilight says, as if it were the most pointless thing in the world.
Celestia stares at her, wondering. Twilight gives her a seductive look, mark four, now with improved naughtiness vectors. She sticks her tongue out, holding her question on the tip of it.
"Please," Celestia says. "A lady never tells."
Oh? Are we playing this game now?
"Besides," Celestia continues, reflecting the barest hint of Twilight's naughty look. "I'm sure an inquisitive young mind such as yours can divine the answer on its own."
"Hmm," Twilight says. "Doesn't sound like the kind of thing one could deduce. I believe experimentation might be in order. Field studies, even."
"Oh my!" Celestia bounces her eyebrows. "Perhaps I shan't be getting any sleep at all."
Not if I have anything to say about it.
Celestia leans down and gives Twilight a lick, right on her face, somehow being sloppy and prim about it at the same time. Twilight squints and then squeaks as the Princess' tongue trails off just shy of the base of her horn.
"Just remember," Celestia whispers into her ear, pressing her smile into it. "Take it slow."
Twilight shudders and grins. Oh yes – slow. Slow and careful, not a detail overlooked. "And if I go too fast?" she asks.
"Then I suppose I'll have to rein you in," Celestia says, still breathily whispering right into Twilight's ear.
"You sure I won't have to rein you in? You keep saying how long it's been."
"I suppose there's only one way to find out, isn't there?"
Twilight almost squeals, ready and eager to dive in, reined or not.
Celestia leans back, and they both pause – a quiet moment before the storm.
And then they kiss, and the world is theirs.
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Sturm Panzer
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1423
| 1 |
Rainbow Dash,Spitfire,Twilight Sparkle,Adventure,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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If Wishes Were Ponies
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A very sick pegasus foal makes a request that pits Rainbow Dash in a race against time.
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complete
| 75 | 0 |
<p>A very sick pegasus foal makes a request that pits Rainbow Dash in a race against time.</p>
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everyone
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2011-11-20T04:04:48+00:00
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2011-11-20T04:04:48+00:00
| 3,746 |
If Wishes Were Ponies
By Sturm Panzer
It had been a fairly mundane day for Twilight Sparkle thus far. She had been spending some time going over a new shipment of books for the library. Spike had been helping her sort through the books, figuring out what was going to go where, as well as deciding which books to shift into storage. As was par for having a large stack of brand new books on hoof, Twilight had already picked out a number of them that she thought would make for interesting reading. It was barely past noon, and she was just getting into one of the new books when there was a rapid knocking at the door to the library.
“I wonder who that could be?” Twilight mused as she walked over to the door. Upon opening the door, it was not anyone she would have expected to come knocking on her door on this day. “Oh, hello Nurse Tenderheart. What brings you here today?” Even the momentary look she gave the other pony was enough to tell that she was anxious about something.
“Twilight Sparkle, I'm glad that you were home. Nurse Redheart was hoping you could come over to the hospital, she needs to talk to you about something.”
“I can certainly come over, just give me a few seconds to pack a couple of things.” The unicorn quickly selected a couple of books from the medical section, and put them into her saddlebags. “Did Nurse Redheart say what it was about?”
“No, but I suspect it has something to do with the new foal they brought in yesterday. I haven't had a chance to review the case, so I don't know all the details off-hoof. What I do know is that it's serious. Nurse Redheart can fill you in on the details when we get there.”
Twilight nodded slowly, fastening her saddlebags on. “Ok, I'm ready. Let's go see what the situation is.”
The hospital was small, as Ponyville's fairly small population never needed a major medical centre like what Manehattan, or even Trottingham had. They did see some cases come in from the surrounding areas every now and then, but usually anything serious would be transferred to one of the bigger centres. Barring unfortunate occurrences, (like the infamous accidental muffin poisoning). The Clinic rarely had more than one or two ponies staying in it. As soon as Twilight opened the door and entered the clinic, she was met almost immediately by Nurse Redheart. “Oh, Twilight Sparkle, thank you so much for coming on such short notice.”
“Oh, it's not a problem, Nurse Redheart. What did you need me for? I've studied a little bit of medicine here and there, but I'm sure that your medical knowledge vastly exceeds mine.”
“Oh, it's not for that reason.” Nurse Redheart paused for a moment before continuing. “Yesterday a sick pegasus foal was brought in from one of the outlying hamlets south of her. Cases like this should normally have long since have been sent to Canterlot or Manehattan.” she said with a soft sigh, hanging her head slightly.
“You always do your very best; don't go berating yourself because you had to deal with something very unusual,” Twilight said, lightly patting Nurse Redheart on her shoulder.
Nurse Redheart just shook her head sadly. “It's serious. Very serious.”
Redheart's tone gave Twilight serious pause, as the nurse wasn't known for overstating or exaggerating problems. “How serious are we talking about?” Twilight asked, the nurse having her undivided attention.
“I'm afraid it's cancer,” the nurse said softly, her eyes closing.
Twilight wined slightly at the diagnosis, one that she knew was very serious, and often fatal if not met with prompt and intensive treatment. “I know there's a number of spells with medical uses, maybe I can find something that can help with treating this.”
Redheart continued on in a quiet voice. “It had already spread widely through her body before they even brought her here. I'm afraid that there's nothing more that can be done with it having advanced this far.”
“Unngg...” Twilight felt like she'd just been kicked in the gut. There probably wasn't any magic in Equestria, short of maybe that of Princess Celestia's, which could do anything about an illness that serious.
“How… how long?” Twilight asked, her voice sounding a little strained even to her own ears, and she was silently thankful that it didn't crack.
“Days,” Redheart said in a soft voice. “And likely only a few. We're doing what we can to make her comfortable for that time. There just aren't any other options for us." The nurse sounded slightly frustrated at her inability to cure the young foal's illness.
Nodding slowly, the unicorn understanding what Redheart meant. Twilight knew from her medical texts that the foal's condition would likely be extremely painful, for however long she lasted. That also meant they would dose the little pegasus with the strongest painkillers they had. They'd use as much as they needed to since addiction or overdose was not a concern at this point. The only thing that that really mattered was the patient's comfort for what time remained.
“So... Why?...” Twilight stammered. She was having difficulty asking why the nurse had summoned her over here, but Redheart was quick to answer.
“It was the foal's mother, Misty Rain,” Redheart explained. “She wanted to talk to Rainbow Dash, but I have no idea how to get a hold of her, or even find her. But I know that she's a very good friend of yours, so I was hoping you would have some idea on how and where to locate her as soon as possible."
Twilight nodded slightly, “I can probably find Rainbow Dash in short order, but I'm wondering. Why does she want to see her? Are they friends?”
Redheart shook her head. “No, Misty said they've never met, so I'm unsure of the reasons. She's over there.” Redheart pointed through the double doors to a hallway, where Twilight could see a light green pegasus curled up on the bench outside a room.
Misty Rain was a light, almost pale blue-green pegasus. Her white mane and tail looked frazzled, like they hadn't been brushed for a while. The pegasus clearly looked like she'd been crying a lot, and obviously with good reason, her cheeks still streaked with the tears. When her amber eyes opened, they were tinged with a bleary redness. Misty looked worn down, like she hadn't slept in days.
“Misty Rain? I'm Twilight Sparkle. I'm very sorry,” Twilight said in a soft voice. The pegasus only nodded her head slowly, it looked like words were beyond her at the moment.
“I understand you're trying to find Rainbow Dash?” Twilight continued, “I'm going to try to track her down. I was wondering why you wanted to see her, since Nurse Redheart said you didn't know her.
The pegasus looked over and through the window in the door. Inside the room was two beds, a small, frail looking pegasus foal was asleep, curled up on one of the beds and clutching what looked like a light blue plush pegasus of some kind against her body, while a light blanket was pulled up over the foal's body. There was a steady IV drip that ran down into her arm. What alarmed Twilight the most was both how frail she looked. The foal's wings were almost like sticks, while her limbs looked thin and bony.
“Oh Celestia. She's probably not even Scootaloo’s age,” Twilight thought sadly, “and she hasn't even gotten her cutie mark yet. Not even old enough to fly, either”
“It's not for me. It's for Summer." Twilight glanced quickly to Summer. The pegasus' voice sounded raw, probably from crying. "I was hoping that Rainbow Dash would somehow be able to contact the Wonderbolts. After all, Rainbow Dash spent time with them after winning the Best Young Flyers competition. I... I was hoping she might be able to contact them.”
“The… Wonderbolts?” Twilight was really confused at this point.
“Yes. Summer idolizes them. She dreamed of flying with them sometime. The Wonderbolts are her heroes.” Misty let out a soft sigh, giving her head a slight shake before she continued. “It's foolish, I know. I was hoping, maybe… maybe Summer's dream might come true before…” Misty couldn't even finish the sentence before she started choking up, fresh tears dropping from her muzzle and onto the floor.
Twilight looked back in the room at Summer Rain, and looked a little closer at her. Then she recognized that the blue plush pegasus that the foal was clutching was actually a stuffed Wonderbolt doll. Twilight stood up straight, the gears in her head were already turning, and she was starting to get an idea. “Of course," Twilight thought. "Misty would have been there to see Dash win that. So it figures that she would think that maybe Dash would be able to still contact them.”
“Miss Rain. I'm going to do my best to try to make it happen. I can't promise you that I will, but I'll do my best.” It almost sounded convincing to Twilight's ears, though she had more than a little doubt, and hoped she wasn't biting off more than she could chew with this promise.
“Oh thank you for trying,” Misty said, trying to make a smile, but not even getting it halfway there. The pegasus curled back up again, resting her cheek on her forehooves. "I... I think it's still foolish. But at least it's a hope. The only hope I have at this point." The pegasus closed her eyes, squeezing out some more tears as she sat and waited for the inevitable.
By the time that Twilight had exited the clinic, she already had the basics of her plan worked out, and it all hinged on one particular pegasus. Convincing her to go along with the plan wouldn't be that hard to do. No, the real trick was going to be locating her in the short time that was available.
Looking around up in the sky, she noted that there was about a dozen smallish clouds just floating about more or less at random. "Ok, seeing those clouds tells me that Dash is probably goofing off right now, as usual," Twilight mused, searching around the sky a little more. "I imagine that she's probably taking a nap at the moment. She often does around this time of day."
When it came to Rainbow Dash and naps, Twilight knew the pegasus was probably sleeping on top of one of those clouds. The hard part would be finding the right one. For that, the unicorn needed both height and better vision. Both of those were readily available at the Library.
Once at the tree, Twilight bolted right up the stairs, stopping only long enough to snag the binoculars that she kept around. Up a second set of stairs and then up to the attic, which boasted both the highest window in Ponyville, and acted as a small storage room for odds and ends.
With the window opened, that vantage point gave Twilight a good enough angle to see most of the clouds that were floating around Ponyville. Using the binoculars, she started carefully scanning each one, looking for the tell-tail smear of blue that would tell her she found Rainbow Dash.
Sure enough, there she was. The blue pegasus was stretched out on her belly on top of a cloud, clearly enjoying her nap. "Looks like she's just barely within telekinesis range," Twilight muttered as she quickly started writing down a message onto a scroll, along with a second, more elaborate one that she tucked into her saddlebags upon completion.
The note floated out the window, the unicorn's innate telekinetic ability guiding and propelling it aloft toward the sleeping pegasus. At that kind of range, the control was dodgy, and while she was trying to prod Dash in her side with the scroll, Twilight ended up jabbing her in the ear.
"Ow! Huh, what the hay?" Dash sputtered as she was so rudely awakened, looking around a couple of times before she realized that it was a scroll that poked her.
While Dash eyed the scroll like it might explode at any time, Twilight took off down the stairs, confident that her message would be read by the pegasus. She wanted to get to the front door before Dash did, and the pegasus would get there in much less time once she read the note.
Dash scanned over the offending scroll; the message was short and simple. Rainbow Dash paused only long enough to stretch before she walked over to the edge of the cloud and casually jumped off, unfurling her wings to swoop in toward Twilight Sparkle's library.
“A bit of tacking. Some sharp braking. Aaaaand..” The cyan pegasus swooped right in through Twilight's open window and then unfurled her wings to brake suddenly in a showy pose to hover right in the center of the room. “Taa-daa! Ok, I'm here to save the day. What's up, Twi?”
Twilight, who had just opened the front door for the pegasus seconds before Rainbow Dash swooped in through the window just facehoofed. "Can't you ever use the door like a normal pony?"
"Let me think about that for a second," Dash mused, tapping her chin with one hoof. "Nope."
Twilight just sighed softly. Then gave her head a shake before she started explaining to Rainbow Dash what the situation was. The unicorn had had some time to think through what she was going to say, and knew her friend well enough to coach it in a way that Dash would have hard time refusing. “…. And so, I need you to fly to Canterlot to deliver this message that I wrote to the Wonderbolts."
The pegasus paused and then motioned with one hoof over to where Spike was stacking some books, “Wait. Why not just get Spike to send a message to the Princess, then the Princess can just order the Wonderbolts down here?”
“I wish I could, Dash, but Celestia’s in Manehatten right now for the city's founding anniversary. And it's even longer from Manehatten to Canterlot than it is from here. And anyway, there isn't a flyer anywhere in Manehatten that's a fast as you are,” Twilight said, using some flattery to help butter up Dash for her task.
“You got that right. I could fly rings around any of those Manehatten clowns. If I leave now, I should get to Canterlot before sunset.”
Twilight lifted the saddlebags she's already prepared onto Rainbow's back. “I know you'll be traveling fast, so I packed light; some oats for energy during the flight, and water."
Rainbow Dash shifted the bags slightly to settle them a little more comfortably, and then headed over to the door. “I'll be back before tomorrow night, Twilight. Time to fly!”
Rainbow Dash took a few running steps and then vaulted up into the air, her mane and tail streaking behind her as she actually used the door for a change. It was only a few seconds before she'd soared up into the sky and was well on her way. Sparing only a brief look behind her, Dash saw Ponyville rapidly vanishing into the distance.
It was pretty smooth flying for much of the trip. While it was early fall, it wasn't exactly warm, but it was too soon for it to get cold yet. Perfect conditions for flying, if the weather held up.
It wasn't until Dash started to get closer to Canterlot that she hit the clouds. “Great, looks like a storm cell is starting to build up.” Dash said to herself. “It's not too bad right now, but it could get a lot worse with little warning. I do NOT want to be caught in a storm right now. Dangers aside, it could ground me if I'm not careful.”
Making a slight adjustment in her flight plan, she veered over to the side, using the winds to help guide her out of the clouds. “There's already come heavy winds here. If I follow the winds and angle off to the right, I should come out of the cloud without having to fly through it.”
Sure enough, as she angled off to the right of the wind direction, the cloud cover started thinning out over on her right side. It was a bit more time before she exited the clouds entirely, and was back into clear skies. “I think I'm off course, and over to the East,” she muttered, correcting her course to loop north, skirting along the edge of the cloud for a little while, and then peeling away from it to continue along toward Canterlot.
Dash was running later than she thought. Grumbling under her breath about the delays she suffered in avoiding flying through a potential storm cloud, it wasn't until the sun was a red smear on the horizon by the time she finally arrived in Canterlot. She was certainly feeling the strain of flying there at speed, enough so that she was actually a little grateful of getting to land and walk for a bit, to give her a chance to rest her wings. It also gave her the chance to get a bit of dinner, with a mouthful of oats in a hasty meal as she made her way down the street.
Every trip to Canterlot amazed Rainbow Dash. The elegant towers and spires that reached high into the sky. The massive walls and fortifications made of gleaming white stone. The bustle of ponies going here and there, with many times the population of Ponyville. Manehattan might be the biggest city in Equestria, but Canterlot was the heart and soul.
“Ok Dash, you don't have time for sightseeing," she admonished herself. You're here on a mission, let's get it done,” she muttered to herself and head out at a quick trot toward the Royal Palace.
However once she arrived at the massive doors that where the gateway to the Royal Palace, she found her way blocked by a pair of impassive Royal Guard ponies. “There are no audiences being taken today. Her Royal Majesty, Princess Celestia, is out of town on official business.”
“I know that she's not here. I'm not actually looking for her, I'm looking for the Wonderbolts. Aren't they in the Palace?”
“No, they are quartered in a section of the Royal Guard barracks, on the Northern District.” The Royal Guardpony wasn't even looking at Rainbow Dash as he spoke to her, not even changing his impassive stone-faced expression, which didn't really improve her mood any. Had she more time, she would have tried her hoof at taunting the guard, like she did back when Celestia visited Ponyville, but time was not something she had an infinite amount of at the moment.
Instead Rainbow Dash started off over toward the north end of town. She would have flown, but she remembered the last time she did that, and got lectured by one of the Royal Guard for flying over a restricted zone. The darkness grew quite rapidly into full night before she made it to her destination, but thankfully there was lanterns hung on poles at regular intervals to provide light for those that were still out and about.
In all of her visits to Canterlot, Rainbow Dash had never been to the Northern District before, but was obviously for the well-off. The streets were spotlessly clean and well-lit with lanterns hung on poles. Large manor houses dominated the district, many with small walled gardens attached to them. The shops also changed from the more casual ones, to those dealing with the upper-class. The ponies that Dash saw walking around reflected the district's status, with lavish outfits that all but screamed wealth. Security was also much heavier here, with a larger number of Royal Guard ponies scattered throughout the district.
Navigating was also much harder, as many streets looped back around, or just came to a dead end. More than once, Rainbow Dash found herself back on a street she had just been on a few minutes ago. “Who designed this place?” she muttered to herself, getting more frustrated with each wrong turn she made. “It's like they made it specifically to annoy visitors.”
Finally, Dash swallowed her pride and walked over to a pair of Royal Guard ponies that where watching her, since her plain appearance stood out compared to the opulently dressed ponies here. “Hi, I'm, uhh, kind of lost here.”
“The Eastern District is down that way,” the guard said, pointing with one hoof, and a manner of professional detachment.
“Huh? The Eastern? No, I'm looking for the Wonderbolts, I have a message to deliver to them. I was told they were in a barracks in this area of Canterlot, but I can't seem to find it.”
The pair of guard ponies looked Rainbow Dash over for a couple of seconds before one of them finally spoke up, pointing down one of the streets. “Follow that street, then make a left turn when you get the square. Go straight from there and you'll find it.”
“Ok, I'm on it.” ”Finally, I'm getting somewhere,” Dash thought, her pace picking up to a trot as she headed down the street.
The Square was mostly cafes of various types, and with most of them being closed, and the fewer number of ponies about, the lateness of the hour was worrisome. Dash's trot quickly turned into a faster jog up the street to the left, keeping a sharp eye out for the barracks.
The guard barracks that she found was impressively large, and matched the district. It looked more like a small walled compound on the edge of the city, backing up to the outer walls, and a sheer drop beyond. A few large stone buildings were inside the compound, one of them being right at the main gate, and straddling it, making the entrance to actually be a tunnel that passed under the building. Behind the buildings were a number of cloud buildings of various sizes.
Like at the Royal Palace, the Guardpony at the gate was polite, immovable, and as equally unhelpful as the other one.
“Too late at night? Look, I just flew all the way here from Ponyville, got lost trying to get here, and now you're telling me to come back in the morning?” Dash was trying not to yell at the Guardpony, but she was getting both angry and frustrated. “I don't have a lot of time, it's really urgent that I speak to one of the Wonderbolts. Every minute counts, here.”
“I'm sorry maam, but everyone is asleep right now. You'll have to come back in the morning when the sergeant will be awake. If you have a matter that demands the immediate attention of the Royal Guard, then there is a dispatcher's office just two doors over to the left.”
“I already told you," Dash ground her teeth slightly, resolutely trying not to lose her temper, "I don't need the Royal Guard, I just need to talk to Spitfire, or Soarin, or any of the other Wonderbolts.” Dash was quickly starting to get worked up. A mix of anger and frustration was gnawing at her from getting so close, only to be stymied by an obstinate Guardpony.
“Maam, if I wake my sergeant for anything less than a full-on invasion, then I'll be standing this post for so long, my beard will reach my hooves. Please come back in the morning.”
Dash took in a deep breath and opened her mouth to yell something. But then just let it out with a soft sigh as she hung her head slightly, realizing that yelling wouldn't get her anywhere. “Ok, fine…” She turned and trotted away a distance, then took off, lifting up into the air and landing on the roof of a building that overlooked the Guard compound.
Rainbow Dash rummaged into the bags that Twilight had packed, pulling out a light blanket that she discovered inside. She pulled the blanket over herself after settling down, wrapping it tightly around her. “First thing in the morning…” she mumbled as she realized she was more tired than she thought.
Dawn came far too early for Rainbow Dash. Her own anxiety over how little time she had left, and the discomfort of trying to sleep on a very uncomfortable roof conspired to ensure that she didn't get much sleep. And the lack of sleep didn't improve her mood any from last night.
A quick bit of food to finish off what little was left of the oats, and then she packed her saddlebags, shoving the blanket inside it before leaping off the roof and gliding down to the main gate to try her luck once again.
“Waddaya mean the Wonderbolts aren't here?!” NOW Dash was yelling.
“The Wonderbolts are down in Trottingham for an exhibition,” the Guardpony calmly told her.
“Trah-Trottingham?! That's over a full day's flight from here!” A hint of hysteria was creeping into Dash's voice as she was quickly realizing that her trip up here, and all the precious time it took, was in vain.
“They're due back in about four days, I think.”
“Summer doesn't have four days…” Dash said softly, hanging her head, trying to fight the feeling of despair that was creeping up on her.
She slowly turned and started walking away, determined to not let the Royal Guardpony see her cry, even if she was already blinking back the tears.
“Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?”
As her name was called, she lifted her head and looked back over to see none other than Spitfire walking out of a side door and over toward her.
Dash gave her face a quick wipe with one hoof and then turned toward the other pegasus, looking rather surprised to see her. “Spitfire! They just told me that the Wonderbolts were down in Trotingham!”
“Oh, they are. Well, all except for me,” Spitfire said casually, “I came down with an ear infection a few days ago, and the doctor grounded me until it's healed. Otherwise I would be down there with them. I was in the office and heard you yelling. What's up?”
“An ear infection?” Dash muttered. It made sense that the doctor would have grounded Spitfire, as an ear infection can disrupt the sense of balance and direction for a pegasus. Normally not a big deal, but if the pegasus was doing stunt flying or flying in rough weather, they could easily get disoriented and crash.
“I'm glad you're still here, Spitfire. There's this really sick little pegasus foal down in Ponyville… Wait, Twilight wrote you a letter about it!” Digging into her saddlebag, Dash pulled out the scroll, which she passed over to Spitfire so she could read it herself.
Spitfire spent a couple of minutes going over the letter carefully, probably twice. When she was done, her expression was a little tight, and slightly grim. “That's rough,” she said softly. “I wish I could help you, Dash.” She said as she looked up from the scroll to the other pegasus. “But like I told you, I'm grounded. I'm not allowed to fly.”
To say that Rainbow Dash was stunned by what she just heard would be a slight understatement. She just stared at Spitfire for several seconds before she was finally able to answer, her tone being amazingly calm considering what she was feeling. “That's it? Just because of a little ear infection, you say 'sorry, no can do'?”
Spitfire winced slightly, “Dash, it's not that simple. When you're given a direct order from-“
“I had to break up a storm front last year with an ear infection. You just have to carry on and do these kinds of things, you know?” Rainbow Dash didn't even bother to try to hide her growing frustration from Spitfire as it started to boil over.
“Dash-“
“I hauled tail to get here. Then had to wait all night on a cold rooftop just to get the chance talk to you.” Dash was letting her anger into her voice without any attempt to restrain it. “I thought the Wonderbolt’s were all 'Do or Die' you know? Instead, I'm told that because of a damned ear infection, you can't be bothered to visit a sick foal that idolized you, and probably only has a couple of days left to live?! No! You know what? Forget I asked!” she yelled at Spitfire and then turned and leapt up into the sky, leaving Spitfire behind as she kited off, heading back toward Ponyville, the spires of Canterlot rapidly retreating behind her.
Partially blinded by her tears, frustration and inner rage, Dash didn't even notice the thunder cloud bank until she was practically on top of it. It was the same one that she'd skirted around the day before, only it had grown since then. Much larger and darker and more ominous, it was well into a being a full-fledged thunderhead. By the time she reached it, she was just too mad to care about the dangers. Flying into a storm cloud is dangerous under the best of conditions. Doing so when it's an active thunderhead is right on the borderline between brave and dumb. Doing so when your mind's not on your flying is downright stupid.
Rainbow Dash hit the dark cloud wall like a missile, leaving a rainbow-smeared trail behind her as the wall of cloud broke open when she hurtled through it and into the storm's heart, leaving the cloud to slowly close up behind her
Once in the clouds, it became obvious that the low pressure system from the day before had indeed grown into a major storm overnight. The light from the sun was mostly hidden by the dark masses of cloud, making it gloomy and with very poor visibility. It was windy, too, and Dash found herself getting buffeted about by the winds and had to fight the winds with each flap of her wings. That didn't really bother her too much, as it just gave her the chance to work out some of her anger by fighting the winds.
*FLASH* --- *CRACK*
It was when she saw the first lighting stroke that something resembling common sense finally started to creep in, and she came to the quick realization that she had taken a very foolish chance in entering the cloud. “This was stupid, I shouldn't be here.” she said to herself.
*FLASH*-*CRACK*
“I need to get out of here, fast.” Dash peeled over to the right, trying to both follow the winds, and angle out of the cloud, just like she did yesterday.
*FLASH*
The lightning stroke came down right in front of her, and way, way, WAY closer than any pegasus would have liked. Reflexively, Rainbow Dash's eyes closed, but the dazzling image of the lighting was seared into the insides of her eyelids. She felt the heat of the incalculable energy of the lightning wash over her, and her muscles twitched, spasming slightly from the electrical charge that shot through her body from the near-miss. She could feel all of her hair lifting up, and especially her mane forming a prismatic halo around her head.
*CRASH*
Once, when she was younger, Dash crashed headfirst into a snowbank. The thunderous pressure wave from the lightning felt exactly the same as it slammed into her. It was a lot louder, louder than anything else Dash could possibly imagine, and it set her ears ringing as she heard the entire world explode at once. Air spilled out from under her wings, both knocked askew and stunned, the pegasus started losing altitude, fast.
Dash was experienced at flying under adverse conditions, and this was no exception. Her instincts were screaming at her, clamouring in the back of her head that there was something seriously wrong. Prying open her eyes, all she could see was the dazzling afterimage of the lightning. Blinking her eyes a few times helped to clear them a little, but it just created a new puzzle as her mildly-concussed brain tried to comprehend what she was looking at.
“Where did that mountain come from?" Dash's confused mind was wondering, "and why is it spinning around?”. No, it wasn't spinning, SHE was. Getting her head to think clearly was taking an inordinately long time, but the realization that the ground was hurtling toward her at an alarming rate helped kick-start her brain.
“Ok, no problem, been here dozens of times,“ Dash thought, “Wings out, stabilize the spin, then angle the wings to pull out of the dive. Easy!”
The problem was that her lightning-shocked body didn't want to respond. Dash's muscles were still twitching from the current that had just passed through her and her body was refusing to obey even simple movements. It was only through a supreme act of will that Dash was able to force her wings out and stabilize herself. Even that much movement was severely taxing, and caused her muscles to ache like they were ripping away from the bone.
As hard as it was for Dash to get her wings out and stabilize herself, pulling out of the dive was proving to be a much harder act to accomplish, and she was rapidly running out of sky. In fact, she's already passed the upper ridge of a valley in her descent.
Next thing Dash knew, a pair of yellow hooves had wrapped around her body and was pulling upward, helping her to pull out of her dive. Taking a quick look over her shoulder, Dash's blurred vision only showed a hazy smear of yellow and orange.
Together they angled down into a narrow cut in the floor of the valley that should be sheltered from the worst of the storm, or at least from the wind. The landing was a lot rougher than Dash would have liked, and she ended up stumbling and then tumbling over a couple of times before coming to rest on the grass on her belly, legs stretched out. But at least she seemed to have all of her major pieces intact, which was a vast improvement over what might have happened without the other pegasus pony's help.
"Are you Ok, Dash?" the other pegasus asked. Or at least that's what it sounded like, since Dash's ears were still ringing from the overpressure that had slammed into her.
Dash blinked her eyes several times, and the smeary afterimage of the lighting faded and she was actually able to look at the other pegasus. It took Dash a couple of seconds to realize who it was.
“Guh? Spitfire?” Dash just stared at the other pegasus, as if she's somehow managed to grow a second head. “What are YOU doing here?” She pushed herself up slightly from the wet ground, but she was shaky, as her body still didn't want to obey her, and not to mention that she hurt all over.
“You mean other than saving your life?” Spitfire replied, tilting her head to one side slightly. “Well, I guess we're even now,” the other pegasus mare said as she calmly as she walked over to where Dash had come to rest. She had a yellow coat and orange mane, and was wearing a pair of goggles around her neck.
“Yeah! You said you couldn't fly, and all that…” Dash's shocked and concussed mind was still trying to process the unexpected appearance of the Wonderbolt.
“Oh, well…” Spitfire shrugged. “It's all 'Do or die', you know?” She looked over at Rainbow Dash. “I don't think I've ever seen a pony get that close to a lightning bolt before. At least get that close and survive. Are you ok?”
Dash slowly pushed herself up onto her hooves. “I... Yeah, I think so…” The rain that was coming down helped to flatten down her mane, which was still standing up in a prismatic halo around her head. It also helped to try to sooth the burning ache that permeated every muscle of her body. It hurt enough that even just standing up was a chore.
Spitfire gave Dash a slight smile, “Good to see you're still in one piece. Can you still fly?”
Flapping her wings experimentally, Dash was able to lift off the ground and hover, but her wings felt extremely stiff and the muscles felt like they were on fire. Landing once more, she nodded, “Yeah, of course I can still fly.” Dash said, her voice tight, determined not to show any weakness in front of Spitfire.
“Good.” Spitfire said as she flashed Dash a smile before turning and started walking, getting ready to take off. “I heard there's a sick little foal in Ponyville that's waiting for us.” Extending her wings out, she glanced to Dash. “And her time's running out. Ok, Dash. Let's cut cloud.”
The rest of the flight back to Ponyville was rough. Spitfire lead the way by setting a merciless pace, knowing that Dash would push herself as hard as she could to keep up with the other pegasus. Dash's lungs were burning, to match the steadily aching burn that she felt in her wings during the flight.
The first little bit was the hardest. The pair of ponies flew low to the ground as they worked their way out of the storm. It was dangerous going, and they had to be leery of a sudden downdraft that might smash them into the ground. Just as dangerous was the prospect of hail, which can easily damage a pegasus' wings if the stones are large enough.
They were able get out of the storm without any further problems, the clear skies and weather would make the rest of the flight back to Ponyville easy flying.
The sun was well on it's way toward setting by the time that Sweet Apple Acres came into view. Dash smiled, knowing that they had entered the home stretch, and it was enough to give her a second wind to pile on an extra burst of speed. Even with that extra speed, she was still exhausted, compared to the fresher Spitfire, who was easily able to maintain her lead.
Ponyville was sparkling with lights here and there, lanterns hanging, lights from open doors and windows. It was beautiful, and Dash was glad to have made it back, even if she didn't have time to really enjoy the sight.
On reaching Twilight's library tree, Dash almost stumbled on landing, her energy from the second wind being almost completely drained. Twilight opened the door just as the pegasus was about to knock and she had to catch herself from knocking on the unicorn's face. “Hey Twi', I'm back.”
“Dash, I was wondering what was taking you so long.” Then Twilight noticed the other pegasus that was behind Rainbow Dash. “Oh, hello. I am Twilight Sparkle.”
“Hello, Twilight, I'm Spitfire, of the Wonderbolts. I think we met briefly at the Grand Galloping Gala.”
“Oh yes!” Twilight exclaimed, “Oh, there's only one of you? Where are the rest?” Twilight was eager for the chance to divert the topic of the conversation away from the fiasco that was the Gala and onto something more important. Like the fact there was only one Wonderbolt.
“Actually, I'm the only one that's here. The rest are all in Trottingham. But hey, one Wonderbolt is better than none, right?”
Twilight nodded her head. Indeed, one was better than none, although she couldn't help but notice something else was missing… “Where's your uniform?”
“Well, I had my uniform packed, but I kind of lost the bags when Dash and I got caught in a really nasty storm on the flight back here.”
“Uhh, yeah, Twilight,” Dash added in as she rubbed her head, silently thankful that Spitfire had withheld that they had both lost their bags because she was dumb enough to fly into the storm in the first place. “I kind of lost the bags you lent me, too.”
“Ok, no uniform…” Twilight mused. “Oh, no problem! We can ask Rarity to put together a copy of the uniform. She should be able to make it by first thing in the morning.” Twilight nodded her head, taking a quick look over in the direction of Rarity's shop.
“Sounds good. I'll go over to see this Rarity, and help her with getting the uniform looking presentable.” Spitfire nodding to Dash, “You look beat, Dash. You should get some sleep while you can.”
“You do look really tired, Dash," Twilight observed, "Go on inside and get some rest, you've earned it. I'll take Spitfire over to Rarity's place.” Twilight started trotting, “It's over this way, Spitfire. I'm so glad that you could come and help us with this. It's something that I've never had to deal with before and…..”
Giving her head a shake, as Twilight's voice trailed off into the distance with Spitfire in tow, Dash headed inside, giving the door a nudge to close it. She walked over to the nearest cushion and practically collapsed onto it. It smelled vaguely of Spike, but she was too tired to care. She still hurt all over, even more so in the wings after the hard flight here, and it wouldn't surprise her if she had actually pulled a flight muscle, or maybe even tore something. “I don't think I could find one spot that doesn't hurt right now," she murmured, "even my mane hurts.” But despite aches and pain, as soon as her eyes closed, she was out cold.
Morning came too early for Dash. Way too early. The light that was slanting in through Twilight's window was like Celestia's flashlight shining right into Rainbow Dash's face. “Ugnnr… Someone turn down the sun,” she groaned, pulling the blanket over her head. She didn't even remember someone draping it over her last night, probably Twilight, who must have come back after visiting Rarity with Spitfire.
The door suddenly banged open and Dash's ears were assaulted by the excited chatter of Twilight and Spitfire. “I'm really impressed, Twilight. Your friend Rarity does impressive work, and in such a short time,” she could hear Spitfire saying.
“Oh, I know. Rarity has never let us down, especially when someone's in need. Her generosity truly comes from the heart.”
“She came through for us big time. I'm just amazed that she was even able to come up with a couple of minor improvements to the suits. I'm going to have to recommend the changes when I get back to Canterlot.”
“Rarity will be thrilled to hear that.” Great, Twilight was in the worst mood of all. 'Early morning riser' mood. “Ok Dash, wake up. We need to get going.”
“Ok, Ok. I'm awake.” With a big yawn and then a stretch, lifting her rump up and arching her back, with the blanket still over her head. Finally, Dash pushed herself up, the blanket sliding off her head as she rose. Her body still ached all over, but the pain had subsided from the intense burning that it was last night, to just a dull ache.
“Whoa.” She was slightly taken slightly aback by the Wonderbolt costume that Spitfire was now wearing, and it looked pretty authentic to Dash's eyes. It was the first time that Dash really had to get a good look at Spitfire in the full outfit at close range before, and she couldn't help but drink in how it looked on Spitfire, clinging to her body. It took a moment of conscious effort for Dash keep her wings folded against her body, but it was helped by the fact her wings started to hurt as soon as the muscles in them got tense.
“Good to see you're joining us, Dash," Twilight said with only mild sarcasm but she smiled as she carefully pulled something blue and folded-up out of her saddlebags. “Now hurry up and get dressed.”
“Huh?” Dash looked at what Twilight was unfolding with her magic. “A... A Wonderbolt uniform?” She looked at Spitfire, who just nodded back to Dash.
“Well, yeah. She wanted to meet the Wonderbolts. Plural. And since I'm the only one that's here, that means you'll have to stand in for a few hours.”
Dash wasn't one to just stand there and ask questions when it meant putting on a Wonderbolt outfit. It was a bit of a struggle to get dressed as her sore body was still giving her grief, though she did feel less stiff. Also, she wasn't used to wearing something like that, so it took a bit of help from Spitfire for her to get suited up quickly. “I thought there was something about only inducted Wonderbolts were allowed to wear the uniform.”
Spitfire grabbed part of Dash's uniform with her teeth and pulled it tight over the other pegasus’ flank to smooth it out, which sent a thrill up Dash's spine. “There's some complicated rules, which includes something about temporary stuff in times of emergency. So I think we can let it slide for this special occasion.”
“Ok, how do I look?” Dash asked as she posed there with the Wonderbolt uniform. She couldn't help but stand there proudly, wings spread and arched upward. It was an amazing feeling for Dash to be standing there with a Wonderbolt uniform on, even if it was just a fake uniform, and she was just going to be a stand-in for a few hours. It invigorated her, and even the ache she felt in her muscles was starting to fade.
Spitfire gave Rainbow Dash a critical eying over for a few seconds. “Looks good, Dash. Now, let's get going.”
“Oh wait, I almost forgot something,” Twilight pulled out a book and scanned over the page she bookmarked. “Dash's mane and tail is a dead giveaway.”
Dash cast a look over her shoulder, at her prismatic mane and tail and then back to Twilight. “Ok, but what can we do about it?”
Twilight's horn glowed softly as she gathered the energy for a spell. “This spell I researched will temporarily change your mane and tail colours. It will wear off in about four hours.” Dark motes sprang from the tip of the horn and settled into Rainbow Dash's mane and tail. The multi-coloured hairs darkened, turning them into a dark blue. “There we go. Now we're ready.”
The three of them set out at a brisk stride to the clinic. Along the way, several of the ponies that happened to be out that morning paused to look over them with most of the looks being given to the two strange ponies dressed in Wonderbolt uniforms.
Once at the clinic, they entered, finding the hallways deserted and silent. Twilight led Rainbow Dash and Spitfire along to the room that Summer Rain was in.
Only, the room was empty! The bed was neatly made and there was no sign of the little pegasus. “Oh no! Are we too late?” Twilight rushed into the room, and the back out again right away as it was obvious to anyone that it was clearly empty. “No, we came so close…”
At the sound of Twilight's commotion, Nurse Redheart came around the corner, to see what was happening. “What's going on here? Oh. What's this?”
Twilight glanced up at Redheart with a sad look, “We were too late,” she said softly.
“Oh no, we just moved Summer to a private room, at the end of the hall,” Redheart said, pointing down the hallway. “You aren't too late yet.”
“Oh! Thank you,” Twilight's mood instantly improving with the knowledge that they were going to make it after all. She led the small group down to the indicated door, and took a peek inside. She could see both Summer and Misty inside, the small pegasus was curled up on the bed, with her mother standing beside the bed, talking to her in a quiet voice.
“Ok, here we go.” Twilight glanced at Dash and Spitfire for just a moment, then opened the door and led them in.
“Summer? I bought you a couple of special visitors,” Twilight said, causing both of the pegasus ponies to look over at her and then two that were following behind Twilight. “I'd like to introduce you to the Wonderbolts.”
The little pegasus foal was absolutely stunned as she openly gawked at both Spitfire and the disguised Rainbow Dash. “How?...”
Her mother, Misty was equally stunned, never having expected that Twilight would actually be able to make good on her promise. She wasn't even able to find words at the moment.
Spitfire walked around Twilight and up beside the bed, smiling at the little pegasus, who was still clutching her stuffed Wonderbolt toy. “Hey there kiddo. I heard that you wanted to fly with us. Well now's your chance.”
Summer looked at her tiny, bony little wings, giving them a feeble little flutter. “But I can't fly,” she started saying, looking both hopeful and dubious at the same time.
“Ah, that's where I come in,” Twilight said. She concentrated, some magical sparks coming off her horn as she focused the magical energy once more. It was a variant of the spell that she used to give Rarity wings some time ago, only this time, it simply enlarged Summer's tiny little wings into full-sized pegasus wings, which looked a little ridiculous, as they were now really oversized for a little foal like her.
“Whoa.” Little Summer looked more than a little surprised by the sudden set of wings she now had, and gave them a bit of an experimental flap.
“Those are only temporary, Summer, but it should be enough to let you fly for a bit.” Twilight smiled, rather pleased that her modifications to the flight spell seems to have worked well.
“Ok! Let's fly!” Summer looked bright and eager, carefully standing on the bed and spreading her wings out.
“Hold on there, squirt,” Dash said. “If you're going to fly with us, you need to look the part.”
On that cue, Twilight pulled out another Wonderbolts uniform from her saddlebags. A much smaller one, made for a foal to wear. “Thankfully Rarity had Scootaloo's measurements on hand,” Twilight thought.
It was more difficult to get Summer dressed than they thought, since she was constantly squirming and trying to look at herself, even while only partially dressed, but they finally managed to get her suited up with a minimum amount of fuss.
“One more thing,” Spitfire took off her Wonderbolt goggles, the only part of her official uniform that she hadn't lost in the storm, and draped them over Summer's head. “There. Now you're ready to fly.”
The group headed outside, followed by a rather anxious Nurse Redheart, and an even more anxious Misty Rain. “Don't worry, she'll be safe with us,” Spitfire was saying as they headed outside, to soothe the worried mother. In truth, it would be Twilight that was doing most of the 'flying' for Summer, using her magic to keep the little pegasus aloft.
“Ok, everyone ready?” Spitfire looked over at Summer and then Dash, who was on the other side of the foal. They both nodded, and then they lifted off into the air.
The three pegasus ponies glided along smoothly, the little foal in between the other two, and holding a perfect chevron formation. “I'm flying!’ Summer shouted, and while her voice was weak, it was enthusiastic. Their flight was actually little more than a couple of circuits around above Ponyville, though they did swoop down low for a couple of spots. The flight plan was carefully planned by Twilight as she needed to keep a line of sight to Summer to maintain the magic that was lifting her up.
“You're looking good kid,” Spitfire said with a smile to Summer. “How about we take a break?” she added, as the three of them turned and started gliding down smoothly toward the clinic.
The landing was very gentle, and already Summer was panting and looking more than a little worn out from the short flight. Misty and Nurse Redheart were there right away to make sure she was ok, and if the broad smile on the little foal's face was anything to judge by, she was feeling very good.
Twilight lifted the exhausted little pegasus up and carried her along as they headed back inside. “I was flying! Flying! Me! Can you believe it, mom?”
Misty lightly brushed her hoof over the back of Summer's head, “Oh dear, you were flying, so wonderfully well, too!” She shouldn't stop the tears that started, even though she was smiling.
Spitfire lightly brushed her hoof along Summer's back. “Good flying kid.” Then she looked over slightly to meet Dash's eyes she said “I hope to see you at our next try-outs,” then looking back to Summer, ignoring the momentary look of surprise on Rainbow Dash's face.
By the time they got back to the room, little Summer was all just about to fall asleep, her frail little body was already weakened by her illness and the drugs they used to help with the pain, and so it was worn out by the excitement and thrill of flying in short order. Once settled on the bed, Summer curled up, clutching the stuffed Wonderbolt against her, her uniform hanging from the bedstand. She was still wearing the Wonderbolt goggles that Spitfire had given her as she fell fast asleep with a broad smile. The first real smile the little foal had for a long time.
They quietly exited the room, letting Summer enjoy her sleep. Once out in the hallway, Misty looked to the trio. Even though she was smiling, her cheeks were soaked with her tears. “Thank you all so very much. I… I can't think of any words that can even begin to express my gratitude for what you've all done.”
“You're quite welcome,” Spitfire said softly. “I just wish there was more we could do to help her.”
Slowly, misty nodded her head. “I've come to accept the inevitable, I think. But to see her smile once again before…” The pegasus choked up, and almost started to cry. She closed her eyes tightly and stood up straight, willing herself to be strong, at least for a few minutes more. “You've all done so very much, already. Thank you.” Misty couldn't stop the tears, and didn't even bother trying. She went around to each of the three, giving them a close embrace. “Thank you. All of you,” she said softly.
A couple of hours later, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash, both still wearing the faux-Wonderbolt outfits that Rarity made, were standing on a cloud, looking down at Ponyville. Twilight had restored Dash's prismatic mane and tail, which billowed out behind her, carried aloft by the early evening's breeze.
They stood there together for several long minutes, just watching the ponies moving about their business below them. Finally, Dash couldn't wait any longer and she looked to Spitfire, “Did you mean what you said?”
Spitfire took her time before answering, her eyes on the ponies and the town below them. “At the last try-outs, I saw a young mare named Rainbow Dash. She was arrogant, selfish, and so full of herself, she didn't give a damn about anyone else. The only thing she cared about was winning. At any cost.”
Dash flinched slightly at the rather harsh and uncompromising description of herself. But to admit the truth, she thought that it was probably pretty accurate.
Spitfire continued, without even sparing Dash a look. “The Rainbow Dash I've seen over the past two days is clearly not the same Rainbow Dash that I saw at the try-outs. I think this Rainbow Dash is the real one, that she found out what's in her heart.”
There was another lingering silence as Dash thought over what she had said. Finally, Spitfire stretched out her wings and gave them a flap, lifting herself up off the cloud, and turning to head back to Canterlot. Spitfire’s final words drifted back as she started gliding away:
“Stay true to your heart, Rainbow Dash."
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Sgt Muffin
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1424
| 1 |
Original Character,Crossover,Dark,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,Gore
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Fallout: Equestria - Before the End - Long Hiatus
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Set in Kkatman's Fallout Equestria universe. Set before the Megaspells spread across the land.
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hiatus
| 7 | 5 |
<p>Set before the balefire spread across the land, on the battlefields of great Equestria. This is the story of pony in the Equestrian army and his journey through some the last great battles of the war, through Shattered Hoof Ridge and Stalliongrad and to the end of it all. Where will the war take him and how will it end him?<br/>Don't forget to comment and/or rate, even if you think it was a bad story. </p><p>Also, give thanks to Damhoof for editing this story.</p>
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teen
|
2012-07-20T00:42:13+00:00
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2012-07-20T00:42:13+00:00
| 1,578 |
I only have two months of School left, then I am finished. After that I am going to get this finished.
I might release something in between then but no promises.
In the mean time I am uploading some small stories (ones that don't need lots of free time to write, or that might change because there is a month in between chapters) in a post called Fallout Equestria: Stories. Take a look at it.
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Commander Celestus
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1425
| 1 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
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What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
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incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
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everyone
|
2011-10-12T15:29:12+00:00
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2011-10-12T15:29:12+00:00
| 1,553 |
Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is owned by Hasbro, and I’m pretty sure that Battlestar Galactica is owned by Glen A. Larson. This fan-fiction does not claim ownership of anything belonging to either.
There are those who believe that life here began out there, far across the universe; with tribes of ponies who may have been the forefathers of the Unicorns or the Pegasi, or the Alicorns. Some believe that there may yet be brothers of Pony who even now fight to survive, somewhere beyond the heavens!
Ponystar Equestria
Saga of a Star Pony
Chapter 1: Rendezvous in Space
The Colonial Ponystar fleet was an awesome sight to behold as it made its way through deep space towards the rendezvous with the Cyponian fleet. The great starships bore the scars of combat, their bristling armament of pulsar-cannon and neutronic missiles were not just for show. In the centre, cruising in line ahead, were the capital ships, the Ponystars themselves, huge warships combining the roles of battleships and carriers. Each of the twelve vessels carried a full complement of fighters, and the whole fleet was capable of deploying an awesome level of firepower, sufficient to level a planet. Escort fighter flew alongside the fleet, and destroyers, bristling with guns but without fighter bays, flew point duty.
At the head of the fleet flew the Ponystar Equestria, one of the oldest of the ships. Laid down decades ago at the beginning of the Cyponian war, the veteran of many battles, she had been rebuilt once, yet still looked old-fashioned compared with the clean modern lines of more modern ships such as the President’s ship, the Ponystar Epona. The Epona had seen relatively little service – she was seen as too valuable to the Pony cause to be lost. She was in the centre of the line of warships, followed by the Ponystar Bellerophon, the ship commanded by Count Altair, and behind her the Titan, the largest of all Ponystars.
“What a sight!” Lieutenant Flutter, a light yellow Pegasus with pink mane, looked over at the Equestria, from her little one-pony fighter. Sure, other ships were newer, but no ship had the character of the Grand Old Lady of the fleet, the oldest Ponystar still in service. And she was being honoured by being at the head of the Fleet as it flew to the rendezvous with the Cyponians to sign the treaty that would finally end the war that had killed countless ponies.
“Yeah, makes you glad to be one of her crew, glad to be a pony,” Lieutenant Star Flash, the mare who was on her wing, replied. The Pegasus pilot smiled. Star Flash could be infuriating at times; she was insubordinate, rude, brash, and utterly fearless. And she had saved her skin so many times that she had forgotten the number. Plus, she had taken so many bits off the other pilots gambling that he was sure she had to be the richest Pegasus in the fleet.
“Doesn’t it, Star Flash?”
“Yeah, but how much longer? I mean, sure they won’t just send us all home, but when the war’s over, I can’t see them keeping us all on either – even if the fleet’s so buckin’ small now after all our losses!”
“We’ll go back to deep space exploration. That’ll be the real challenge! And we need good fliers for probe flights. I’m looking forward to it,” the yellow Pegasus had seen too many good pilots die. Her own family had been wiped out in a Cyponian attack on the colony of Aerila, the world of her birth. She wanted this peace more than anything else, for it meant that no more good ponies would die. And she liked the fact that the war would end like this. However vicious the Cyponians were, the idea of wiping them out made her feel ill.
“You maybe, Flutter, but can you picture me as a scientist? I’m the fastest, coolest pilot in the fleet, but flying probe flights? Ain’t gonna happen.”
“Who knows what we’ll find in deep space? We might find another threat.”
“Sure. An’ I don’t trust the Cyponians. The Tin Cans want us dead…”
“We built them, Star Flash, we exploited them, and when we got scared we tried to destroy them all. They only fought back then. I think they have a real grievance against us…”
“Yeah, but you’re a bleeding heart, Flutter. Me, I’m a simple kinda mare – they’re bucking Tin Cans, I’m a combat pilot, I shoot ‘em. The Tin Cans want us dead, so before they can actually kill us, we kill them. Simple.”
“I know,” Flutter smiled, picturing the cyan mare’s smile as she spoke. Flash would never listen; she wasn’t that sort of pony.
“Okay, time to head home and re-fuel this baby! And then I have a game waiting for me at the Officers’ Club! Watch in awe as I win once again!”
“Okay, Star Flash, you’re on!”
The two Pegasus pilots turned their ships back towards the port flight deck of the Equestria.
Captain Atepomonus was the oldest son of Commander Celestus of the Equestria, and in command of the ponystar’s fighter wing. He had his flight suit on; his helmet was painted with the Phoenix symbol of the Twelve Colonies of Pony. The alicorn captain trotted into the fighter bay just as Star Flash and Flutter entered.
“Hey, it’s the captain!” Star Flash said happily. “Last patrol before peace and you had to get it! Must be karma or something.”
“Actually I volunteered for it; it’s one of the advantages of being CAG. Given that every Pegasus on this ship wants to be in the Officers’ Club wolfing down ambrosia in celebration, I thought I’d let you, heaven knows you deserve it. That and I don’t really want the Old Man putting me in that stiff dress uniform to meet the Cyponians. So I’ll leave the ambrosia wolfing to you.”
“Wolfing ambrosia and avoiding that wolf of a kid brother of yours,” Star Flash pulled a face. “Ugh!”
“Actually, I’m taking him out of your mane as well – I figured that the alicorn who feels he’s the gods’ gift to mares needs to cool down, and a deep space probe is just what the doctor ordered.”
“Hey, you’re good-looking and thoughtful. But it’ll never work – I may be the coolest Pegasus ever, but considerate and thoughtful? Nope. Come on, Flutter, I need to get a drink and win some bits!”
She tossed her rainbow mane, and with that the pair departed, leaving Atepomonus chuckling to himself. Pilots needed to unwind, he thought. And the newest alicorn pilot, his brother Segomo, needed to fly his first patrol.
Seg was fresh out of the Flight Academy, and he actually had the makings of a good pilot. Like many new pilots, however, he was reckless, he tried to impress the mares with his flying, and he really was not as good as he thought he was.
“Hey, bro, ready for the probe?” Seg asked as hurried into the launch bay himself.
“Sure I am,” Unicorn engineers hurried to assist them. The two fighters were specially modified for alicorns, necessary not only because of the horns they had, but also to take advantage of the fine control that alicorn magic allowed. The fighters were usually designed for Pegasi, intended to work like extensions of the Pegasi’s own body.
The two alicorns carefully fitted their wings into the fighters’ control systems and then the canopies were lowered. Atepomonus checked his ship’s instruments as the craft was readied for launch.
“Ready for launch,” a disembodied voice from CIC, the Ponystar’s command area, said.
“Launching!” he pulled back on the stick and the fighter shot down its magnetic launch tube and out into space. Seg followed him.
“Okay, we do this by the book,” Atepmonus said over the radio. “I lead, you follow,” he checked his instruments. “Going to turbo in three, two, one… now!”
The two little craft streaked away into the unknown space ahead of the line of capital ships.
The briefing-room of the President’s Ponystar was playing host to the Council of Twelve, the Alicorns who represented the Twelve Colonies of Ponies. They sat around the council table in a specially-prepared chamber. The twelve-pointed star of the Colonies of Ponies marked the table, and at each point sat a pony. President Equus, wearing his white cloak and his golden wreath of office, stood in his place of honour. The white alicorn was calm and distinguished. Beside him sat Count Altair, a dark blue alicorn with a grey mane. Only one member of the Council, Commander Celestus, was in military uniform, a blue dress uniform that he found uncomfortable.
“My little ponies, after a generation of war, Ponykind stands on the brink of a new era,” the President said, “An era of peace! It has been so long since this war began, so many ponies have died. We have lost dozens of warships of all types, and while we have held our own, our Twelve Colonies have suffered. We faced annihilation for decades, but now there is a chance for peace. It seems that the Cyponians too have grown weary of war and desire peace. For the first time we shall meet the leaders of the Cyponians face-to-face and extend to them the hoof of friendship,” He raised a glass with his magic. “A toast to a new era,” the President said happily. The other members of the council raised their glasses with a self-congratulatory cheer – all but the blue-uniformed Commander Celestus, whose expression remained sombre.
“And a toast to Count Altair, without whose work we would not now be going to sign this peace treaty. It was he who made contact with the Cyponians, and it was he who negotiated the peace treaty with the leader of the Cyponians!”
“Really, Mr. President, the fact that the Cyponians chose me as their go-between was an act of… the providence of the gods, nothing more,” Altair replied smoothly. “Besides, it is the peace and not the instrument that we should celebrate.”
“Quite right, Count Altair,” the President agreed.
“Altair’s too modest,” a distinguished mare who represented the Colony of Saggitair, commented. “He is the saviour of our people.”
“Oh, Lady Senax, you exaggerate. If the Cyponians had not chosen me, they would have chosen another. They want peace, my fellow members of the Alicorn Council, just as we do. They may be machines, but they have their own desires and longings for the future, and they do not wish to be destroyed any more than we do. The Cyponian leader has come to see that the only alternative to peace is the mutual destruction of both our peoples.”
“Indeed, Count Altair, indeed,” the President smiled. “What is important is that there is peace ahead of us.”
He raised his glass again.
“To peace!”
“Peace!” the Council members said as one. The President looked around the table and saw the clouded expression on Commander Celestus’s face.
“Not all my little ponies are pleased by the news, I fear. Commander, am I to assume that you are sceptical of this promise?”
“Perhaps I am too much of an old soldier, President. But I’m not a war-monger. You know what I’ve always said, war is hell,” the distinguished Alicorn warrior’s battle scars were apparent to all. His wings were crippled so that he could not fly; his face bore the marks of several ugly injuries. Celestus was a respected officer, and had refused the rank of Admiral several times. His cutie mark was a twelve-pointed star, a point for each of the Colonies. His uniform bore the badges of his rank and the ribbons of many medals. “There is not a pony here that has not lost somepony in the war with the Cyponians, and not a pony here who does not honour those dead and long for peace. My own wife was among the casualties of the Cyponian attack on Caprica ten years ago, and I would not wish that loss on anypony,” he sighed. “I welcome peace as we all do. But I’m uneasy. We left just a skeleton force to defend the colonies and we’re taking the fleet into deep space for a rendezvous with the Cyponians. Perhaps it is merely a military instinct, but there is something about this I just don’t like.”
“Oh, the Cyponians are quite sincere, Commander,” Altair said. The Count was a distinguished scientist, though he had been notoriously wild as a younger pony. “They contacted me, I did not contact them. It was after the battle of Coritur, when I was with the third fleet. My Ponystar was crippled, and we were unable to keep the Cyponians from boarding. Really I thought it was the end – and yet instead of killing me, they took me prisoner and transported me back to their base ship. There I met with their leader, and to my surprise she asked me to negotiate a ceasefire. I do not take this lightly, but I am humbled to be the instrument of this peace.”
Commander Celestus frowned. He was not convinced that Count Altair could be trusted, but he had no evidence that the dark blue alicorn was anything other than he claimed to be.
“Well, Commander, are you not pleased to see this historic day of peace?” the President asked.
“Mr. President, we created the Cyponians generations ago to serve us, to relieve ponies of physical labour so that we could work with our minds. We created life, and we forgot that we had responsibilities towards that life. We made life, and we enslaved it; the Cyponians rebelled against us, and there is a sense in which we deserved it. We brought this war upon ourselves. Yet I feel uneasy. I’m not sure that we have learned the lesson of our hubris. The Cyponians hate us with every fibre of their being, and their Imperious Leader has never asked for peace before.”
“But she has now, Celestus! Oh, Trust the military to rain on our parade!” The President laughed. “Gentleponies, return to your ships and prepare for our entry into Cyponian space.”
“I expect that the Cyponians will have some sort of welcoming committee waiting for us,” Count Altair suggested as the Council ponies dispersed, heading back to their shuttles. Commander Celestus frowned as he went, unable to shake off his vague feeling of unease.
Colonel Pie, a pink earth pony, was the executive officer of the Equestria, and while the Commander was at the council meeting she was on duty and in charge of the ship. Her mane was straight, her expression world-weary, and her pink coat bore a number of battle-scars. She stood at the command console, watching the crew at work in the busy CIC aboard the Ponystar. The older vessel was less automated than the more recent ships, a precaution against the Cyponian ability to hack computers with amazing speed. This meant that she required a larger crew to run, but as far as Colonel Pie was concerned that was just because she was a ship who needed to be treated with care.
“How far to the rendezvous?” she called over to a grey earth pony at a control panel.
“We made the final jump an hour ago…” he began, much to the Colonel’s annoyance.
“I know that, sergeant, I'm not a cretin! What I want to know is how far we have to go in normal space?” she snapped angrily. She wanted to get this over with, so she could go back to her cabin and have much-needed drink. A bit of old ambrosia was what this called for, and the bottle was practically calling to her. Only she would have to be sober for the actual peace ceremony, sadly. Well, she could always get stinking drunk afterwards. Trouble was, it sounded like the sort of thing that would go on for hours, and since the other side were robots, they wouldn’t be interested in drinking.
“Another couple of hours, Colonel,” the answer did not please the ageing battle-mare. Colonel Pie sighed.
“The Commander is on his way back, sir,” another pony reported. She smiled at the news. They had seen a lot of action together, and she counted the tough old alicorn as a friend, not to mention the only alicorn she had any respect for at all.
“Tell the docking bay to get ready for his return! And while you’re at it, tell the bucking Pegasus pilots to lay the hay off the ambrosia in the officers’ club! I don’t care if they are off duty or not, they are not going to be blind drunk when we get to Tin Can space! Pegasi… bunch of hot-shot show-offs the lot of them. Moonstone, you got anything on the scans?”
“No, sir,” the cyan mare reported. “Just empty space out there, sir. The probe fighters have flown beyond scanner range.”
“I can see the empty space,” Colonel Pie growled. She settled back to wait, while the CIC crew exchanged worried glances. The Colonel was not a happy pony, and when she was cranky she let other ponies know it.
Colonel Pie knew that there was no place for an old war-horse like her in a fleet re-oriented to exploration, and that was making her even crankier than usual. This was going to be her last mission, and then the civilian government would put her out to grass with a pension and a few medals. That was what the civilian government did. To think there was only one warhorse on the Council! But that was the government, a bunch of politicos, stuffed horse-skins who didn’t have a clue.
She really needed that ambrosia.
The two small fighters streaked ahead of the fleet at full speed, insignificant in the vastness of space, two insignificant little dots in an endless sea of stars. Atepomarus smiled as he piloted his ship. He loved this, just flying free in space, no Cyponians to worry about. That was the trouble with being a combat pilot, you were surrounded by all this beauty, but you could not pause to look at it. The white alicorn was looking forward to peace, to being free to explore the universe once again. He hoped that they had learned from the errors of their race in the run-up to the Cyponian war. The trouble with Alicorns was that they tended to be arrogant, to assume that because they ruled it was their natural place. The war had changed that, ponies of all types had shown command abilities, while some alicorns had proven weak and incapable. Most importantly, different types of ponies from all twelve of the colonies had fought side-by-side and died together.
And now they stood on the brink of a new era of peace. Perhaps they could even explore side-by-side with the Cyponians in the future. Maybe the Cyponians would forgive them, though there was a lot to forgive. The trouble with too many ponies, in Atepmonus’ opinion, was that they thought all the blame was on one side – the Cyponian one. They forgot that the Cyponians had rebelled against slavery, and how the Colonies had used Cyponians to settle petty grievances, from religious terrorism to petty gangsterism – though was there really much difference? Cyponians had been set to fight Cyponians, in conflicts they had no part in. No wonder they had rebelled. They had seen the dark side of pony culture, and they had rejected all of Ponykind because of it.
And then there was the mysterious Imperious Leader, the being who had given direction to the Cyponians and led the revolt against Ponykind. Very little was known about her – it had only recently been discovered that she was female, whatever that meant for a robotic pony. Apart from Count Altair, nopony had seen her and lived. Hers was the brain that directed the Cyponian war machine, and she was the one who had given Count Altair the task of negotiating the peace with the Colonies.
“Hey, bro, check out the cool nebula!”
The cloud of cosmic dust was dimly illuminated by the surrounding stars, but its core was dark. The particles from which the nebula was formed were interfering with the ship’s instruments, and the nebula was big, large enough to hide a fleet in.
“I’m going to fly a little closer in,” Atepomonus told his brother. “You cover me.”
“Bro, it’s just a cloud of space-dust and gasses!” Segomo protested.
“A cloud our scanners can’t penetrate and it’s directly in the path of the fleet. There might be an old Cyponian minefield in there. That’s why we need to investigate closer.” The trouble with Seg, he thought, was that he wanted to be a hot-shot pilot, but in reality he lacked the ability to be one. He wanted to be admired by mares, he wanted the glory, but he did not want to put in the hard work. He had yet to learn that the life of a pilot was hard and dangerous – why, he had not even flown a combat mission. This was exactly why he would have preferred Star Flash to be his wingpony, but then he had only himself to blame for giving Seg this mission.
The two one-pony fighters sped towards the Nebula. Scanners still showed interference patterns, a fact that worried Atepomonus. These were state-of-the-art scanners, military grade. Unless this was a very rare type of nebula, he should be getting some sort of reading from it.
Segomo’s fighter sped past him, headed straight into the swirling clouds of the nebula. The alicorn captain barked out an order to stop, but his brother ignored him.
“Lieutenant Segomo, slow down! You don’t know what you’re flying into!”
“It’s just a cloud, bro! Don’t worry; I know what I’m doing!”
No, Atepmonus thought, you have no idea what you’re doing or you would have slowed before entering the nebula. That thing could be hiding atomic mines that could take out a ponystar. But Seg rushed in, trying to impress. Atepomonus had seen too many pilots die to be impressed by recklessness. In war you had to take risks, but you calculated them. That was what made Star Flash the best pilot he knew – though he would never tell the young Pegasus that. Seg didn’t think at all, he took needless risks.
The captain’s ship penetrated the cloud. Visibility within the cloud was poor, and he slowed to a crawl. His instruments were all over static, nothing clear could be seen – not even Seg’s fighter.
As he moved deeper into the cloud, a contact flashed on his scanner screen. It blinked and went out, obscured by interference.
“Seg, turn back! We have no idea what’s in this cloud! With the static on our scans and this visibility there could be a ponystar in here and we’d never know it!”
“Nothing but dust in here, bro. You worry too much.”
“Seg, I know what I’m doing – you don’t. In any case, I’m your commanding officer, and that means you follow my orders!”
Two contacts appeared on the scanner. They were a distance away, but moving towards him.
“Seg, there’s something else in here with us! We need to pull back!”
“Just ghosting…”
Atepomonus activated the ship’s standard recognition system. If he could not see the contacts, perhaps he could identify them with the ship’s computer. They did not look like ghosting created by the nebula; their movements did not match his fighter.
“I’m going in for a closer look, Seg, watch my back!”
Atepomonus piloted his one-pony fighter slowly towards the two contacts. It was now quite apparent that they were no ghosts; they were too large to be ghost-images of small fighters.
A form appeared through the nebula’s swirling dust and gasses; a long ship, a double-cylinder with a wedge-like brow. The fighter’s computers identified the vessel quickly, a Cyponian tanker. Two tankers and they seemed to be empty.
But why were two Cyponian tankers out here, in the middle of a nebula?
“Bro, what is it?” Seg asked.
“A couple of Cyponian tankers; what are they doing out here?”
He flew past them, down into the nebula. More contacts appeared on his scanner, and suddenly a terribly familiar image flashed onto his computer screen. He did not need to read the accompanying text to know what the elliptical vessel was.
“Seg, they’re Cyponian raiders! Pull back, pull back!”
“Cyponians, but…”
“It’s a trap! They’re lying in wait for the fleet! There could be thousands of raiders in this nebula and we’d never know! The Cyponians don’t want peace, they want to wipe us all out!”
The Ponystar Equestria universe is something of a mix of the original Galactica and the new version, with ponies. I am not slavishly following anypony else's storyline, but I really don't think I can get the atmosphere of the Galactica miniseries, so I'm using the ambush scene from the original series instead, edited to make it a bit more sensible.
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Commander Celestus
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1425
| 2 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
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What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
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incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-12T15:40:35+00:00
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2011-10-12T15:40:35+00:00
| 1,152 |
Chapter 2: The End of Peace
Captain Atepomonus stared in horror at the read-out on his screen as alwarms went off on every display. A routine scout mission ahead of the fleet on its way to a peace conference had suddenly become a nightmare.
“Bro?” his brother’s voice startled him back to reality, and he pulled up.
“We’re getting out of here!” he cried.
Atepomonus activated thrusters to turn his ship 180 degrees and headed out of the nebula. With the dust swirling around him he could not activate turbos until they were clear of the dust-cloud, and he would not leave his brother behind to face the Cyponians. If the fleet was flying into a trap, then the raiders would not spare two Pony fighters that had stumbled across the ambush.
The Cyponian ships were closing fast. The captain realised that the interference on his instruments was caused by some sort of Cyponian weapon and not by the natural properties of the nebula; while he was flying virtually blind, the Cyponians must be able to see the two fighters as clear as day.
“Seg!”
“What… what are we going to do? Bro, don’t leave me!” Segomo was scared; that was only to be expected. He had never faced the Cyponians in combat before, and now he was outnumbered, facing a massed attack force. But Atepomonus knew that his duty was to go back to the fleet and warn them of the ambush.
“Don’t panic! Follow me out of the nebula!”
More and more contacts appeared on the scanners as the Cyponians began to move in force. Aboard one of the myriad fighters that swarmed in the nebula a gold-plated Cyponian commander’s impassive visual scanner watched the two Colonial fighters’ contacts on a scanner screen.
“Two vessels, Colonial Pony fighter configuration,” one of the two chrome Cyponians at the raider’s controls reported in an electronic monotone.
“Forward scouts of the Colonial fleet. They must be destroyed,” the commander ordered.
“By your command.”
The two fighters broke free of the nebula almost together, with three Cyponian raiders right behind them.
Cyponian pulsar-cannon opened up, targeting the small ships. The Colonial fighters dodged and whirled. This was what worried Atepomonus the most. One hit, and the fleet would be doomed to meet the Cyponian armada completely unprepared. He gunned his little fighter as fast as it would go, trying to get as much speed out of it as possible.
“We’re not going to be able to get back to the fleet like this. On my signal, reverse thrusters!”
The three Cyponian ships were at full speed in pursuit, pulsar-cannon blazing. A blast missed Atepmonus’ ship by a couple of feet, much too close for comfort.
“Now!”
The two alicorn pilots hit reverse thrusters together. In an instant the raiders were in front of them, in their gunsights.
They opened fire at once. Their blasts tore into the Cyponian ships, and two erupted in flame at once. The third tried to turn and counter-attack, but it was too late and Atepmonus’ guns blew it to pieces.
“Hey, nice shooting,” he congratulated Seg.
“Yeah, but look on scanners, bro!”
The captain did so, and his eyes grew wide in horror; he was an experienced combat pilot, but this was something that could make even Star Flash turn and run.
A wall of ships was issuing from the nebula, the whole Cyponian ambush force, headed right for the fleet.
“What does it mean?” Seg ‘s voice, full of panic, came over the radio into the Captain’s helmet
“It means there isn’t going to be any peace. The whole peace deal is a sham, a trick! We need to warn the fleet, or there won’t be much of anything!”
He switched to long-range communications, only to meet the jarring sound of a Cyponian jamming device. That meant they would have to run for the fleet.
“Okay, we have to get back to the Equestria. Full turbos, all the way to the fleet; if we fail, then the whole Pony race is lost.”
Atepomonus accelerated towards the fleet at full speed, praying to all the gods that they would return to the fleet and that they would be able to do something when they got there.
Commander Celestus strode into CIC in a foul mood. He hated having suspicions that he could not confirm, and every fibre of his being told him that Altair could not be trusted. What was more, his wings ached, and that was never a good sign.
“Colonel Pie, status report!” he roared.
“Commander, welcome back. How was the meeting?” The colonel had a good idea that it had been pretty awful, judging by the commander’s mood.
“It was the usual, Pie, all self-congratulatory back-slapping for Count Altair and the President! I’m just glad it wasn’t a meal; otherwise I would have been sick. How’s the old girl?”
“She’s running like a dream, sir. Your sons are out flying the probe ahead of the fleet, but it’s all quiet. No word from the probe, and we’re still too bucking far from the rendezvous for my liking!” she tapped the deck impatiently with a hoof.
“Commander!” Moonstone’s cry startled both of the command ponies. “I’m picking something up on long-range scanners! It… it’s just on the edge of our scanner range, but it looks like ships moving towards us!”
“When we’re still so far from the rendezvous?” Celestus frowned. That really did not sound like a good thing. “Colonel Pie, order battle stations! Sergeant Omicron, get me the President’s Ponystar!”
Lights on the bridge flashed red. The grey pony called Sergeant Omicron worked his control panel with his hooves before turning back to Celestus.
“I have the President on the line, sir.”
The battle-scarred alicorn used his magic to lift the telephone receiver.
“Mr. President, this is Commander Celestus aboard the Equestria. Our forward scan has revealed a number of ships heading towards us on an intercept course. I suggest taking the fleet to full alert.”
“Oh, Mr. President,” Celestus heard the quiet voice of Count Altair over the line, as if Altair was advising the President. “I think that’s most unwise. It’s probably a Cyponian welcoming committee. If they find us on a battle footing, they might lose control. What’s more, if one of our gunners should hit a trigger by accident, who knows what might happen…”
“Your concern is noted and denied, Commander. We come in peace – and the Cyponians welcome us in peace.”
Naïve politico, Celestus thought. There was just no reasoning with them. They just didn’t appreciate the Cyponians the way an old war-horse like him did; he didn’t even respect them as enemies.
“Mr. President, don’t you think it would be wise to put the fleet on level two alert? Fighters ready for launch…”
“No, I don’t think that’s necessary. Now, Commander, I need to prepare my speech for the ceremony, President out.”
The line went dead, and Celestus put the telephone down with a sigh of frustration. The trouble with the President, he thought, was that the stallion was a fool when you got down to brass tacks.
“Colonel Pie, do you know why alicorns are not necessarily the superior ponies?” he asked.
“I could suggest a few reasons, but why?” She managed a cynical smile, fairly sure she knew what was coming next.
“Because some of them have brains made of bucking marshmallow! Any foal could tell that’s an attack pattern of raiders! But if we go to full alert that idiot will try to have my plot for insubordination,” he smiled. “Colonel, how long do we have before we reach the rendezvous point?”
“A couple of hours, I expect,” she answered sourly. “Not that we’re going to get there, of course.”
“Enough time for a battle-alert drill?”
“Yes, sir!” Colonel Pie smiled. Now the Commander was talking her language. “She punched a control and shouted into a microphone. All stations, this is Colonel Pie! Battle drill! Prepare fighters for launch! All pilots to the launch bays! This not a bucking drill, it’s the bucking Cyponian apocalypse, so get your plots down to the launch bays on the double before those Tin Cans fry them!”
Star Flash smiled happily as she looked at the pile of bits on the table in front of her. The Pegasus pilots were relaxing in the bar of the Officers’ Club aboard the ship, and she was doing her two favourite things, playing Pegasus Poker and drinking good ambrosia. A good cigar helped as well, of course.
“Okay, foals, read ‘em and weep! A full House!” she spread the cards on the table, and the other Pegasi groaned. Her notorious good luck had done it again; she had a hand no pony could beat. Star Flash puffed on her cigar and laughed. “Unless there’s a better hand, then the pot is mine again!”
Before anything else could happen, red lights illuminated and klaxons sounded. Pegasus pilots hurried for their respective launch stations. Star Flash sighed and threw her cigar aside.
“Bucking drills! The bucking war’s over, an’ they want us practicing? I bet it’s just to fly a fancy display for the Tin Cans, as if they’d even appreciate that! But the President says jump…”
“Battle alert!” Colonel Pie’s voice sounded over the speakers. “Full battle alert! This is not a bucking drill, you slackers, so get your plots down to the launch bays or I’ll be shooting you out the launch tubes without your fighters!”
The Pegasus pilots complained bitterly as they trotted from the club and headed down to the launch bays either side of the Equestria’s hull. Each fighter sat ready to launch into its respective magnetic tube, final checks being made by unicorn flight crew in orange jumpsuits.
“How’s the bird, Gears?” Star Flash asked the male unicorn engineer who was checking her fighter.
He smiled. The unicorns’ abilities made them excellent engineers, able to manipulate delicate objects the way earth ponies and Pegasi could not.
“Same as ever, Flash, fuelled, loaded and ready to launch!”
“Good baby!” she dropped into her seat and Gears fixed her helmet in place. The canopy swung shut, and Star Flash sighed. Now came the really dull bit – waiting to launch. She checked her instruments, which were still tied into the Equestria’s systems for launch. Everything was working fine, ready for combat; of course it was, Gears had fixed it. But the war was over, wasn’t it?
“Pilots, this is Commander Celestus,” the voice came through the ear-phones in her helmet, and she knew it was being relayed to all the pilots in the ship. “Officially this is a drill. Unofficially it isn’t. Long-range scans have picked up a wave of ships coming straight at us in what I can only interpret as a Cyponian attack pattern. Their probable aim is our complete destruction. When their hostile intent is revealed, you will launch, and it will be your responsibility to give the other Ponystars the time they will need to launch their fighters and get their guns on line. I expect all of you to give the best fight of your lives, and may the gods have mercy on us all.”
“That means you blow those Tin Cans to hay and back before they bust your sorry plots!” Colonel Pie added.
Star Flash took a deep breath.
“What the buck? I thought the bucking war was over,” she said to herself.
Atepomonus could see the fleet on his scanner now, and he was squeezing everything he could out of his fighter’s engine. Seg was a little way behind; unbelievably he had managed to avoid being blown out of the sky by the Cyponian pulsars. Those dreaded cannon had fallen silent now, presumably to avoid giving the fleet warning of their hostile intent. Communication with the fleet was still jammed on every channel.
Out of the nebula the full size of the Cyponian attack force had been revealed, wave upon wave of the menacing raiders, supported by two groups of destroyers. Against a fully prepared Ponystar fleet it would be a close-run battle, but against a fleet that was cruising in line ahead and unprepared, it would be a massacre. He hated to think what the fate of the Colonies would be if the Ponystar fleet was destroyed.
“Come on, come on!” Atepomonus spoke to his fighter, even though it could not hear him. He could feel the compact craft creak as he pushed it to its very limits. The ship was a comet, streaking towards the Equestria at full speed, trailing a tail of blazing gasses. The fuel gauge was falling rapidly as his extended use of turbos drained the tanks. He made a course for the closest landing bay on the Equestria.
The welcome sight of his home ship cheered him all the more when he recognised that her gun batteries were ready to fire. His father, whatever his faults, was an experienced soldier, and he had recognised the attack for what it was.
But now the Cyponians opened fire. So close to the fleet, their hostile intent no longer needed to be hidden. Atepomonus felt the pulsar-shots blaze about him.
“Bro! Bro!”
The Cyponian jamming had been turned off, and now he heard his brother’s voice. Seg was scared; no, he was terrified. He had never been in combat before, and now that he was all of his bravado had melted away.
“Stay on course!” Atepomonus saw the fighters launching from Equestria and he smiled. “Help’s on its way!”
The fighter was practically running on fumes, but the landing bay was so close. A final burst of speed sent the little craft rocketing into the landing bay with fuel warning lights flashing.
Segomo dodged and weaved, trying to evade the Cyponians. Now that fighters were launching from the Equestria, he felt better, and the lust for glory took over. Trust bro to run, he thought, not seeing his own fuel warning light come on. He flipped his fighter to join the counter-attack.
“Hey, Seg!” It was Star Flash, her fighter was approaching his. “Get the buck back in the bay! Your bird’s practically dry!”
“I can fight!”
“Don’t you argue with me, rookie! Get your plot back in the bay before your fuel’s gone!”
But Seg was not listening. He threw his fighter back into full turbo and headed towards a Cyponian destroyer. Then his fuel tank was empty, and his thrusters died.
“Eject!” Star Flash cried, but she was too late. In an instant the Cyponian pulsars had done their work, and the fighter erupted in a ball of flame.
Celestus watched, numb with grief, as the battle unfolded on the scanners in CIC. He had seen his son’s death, and he knew that this would be a hard battle.
“The other fighter’s in the bay,” Omicron reported.
“Tell that pilot to get his plot up here ten minutes ago!” Colonel Pie roared. “What the buck is happening out there?” she cantered over to another station where a grey earth pony was working.
“Commander, Captain Atepomonus is on his way to CIC,” Omicron reported.
“What about the rest of the fleet?” The old war-horse asked, his voice still shaking from Seg's death.
“Trying to respond,” Moonstone replied. “Launching fighters, but they were completely off guard!” the ship rocked. “That was one of the destroyers exploding! The other ponystar gunnery crews are trying to get their batteries up, but they’re taking too long!”
“Buck!” Colonel Pie cursed. “The bucking tin cans took us completely by surprise. We’re getting our plots spanked like a bunch of rookies!”
“Commander!” Atepomonus cried, hurrying into CIC.
“Captain,” father and son were not on the best of terms. “What’s going on out there?”
“It’s an ambush, a full-scale attack on the fleet. The whole peace conference was a trick! We have to get Seg on board!”
“No,” Celestus’ tone spoke volumes, but his son was too agitated to realise what he meant.
“Father…”
“It’s too late, Seg… Seg’s ship was one of the first to be destroyed. He tried to engage the Cyponians and his tanks ran dry.”
“What’s the enemy strength?” Colonel Pie demanded. “How many ships are we facing?”
“A couple of thousand raiders, maybe more, and at least ten destroyers,” the alicorn pilot gasped. “I was too busy trying to get back to the fleet to count the contacts on my screen.”
“What about baseships?” the pink earth pony knew that in a situation like this the baseships, the Cyponian capital ships, would be closing on the fleet behind the smaller vessels.
“No baseships.”
“Come on, Captain, you know the Cyponians don’t operate raiders without base ships! There’s got to be base ships!” she demanded angrily.
“There’s no baseships out there, just raiders and destroyers! The raiders were hiding in a nebula, where they were re-fuelled by a couple of tankers.”
“That doesn’t make sense!” the Colonel growled. “They wouldn’t operate without baseships this far from their bases unless… by the gods, unless it was absolutely necessary!” the very thought of why it would be necessary chilled her to the bone.
“Then it must be necessary for their plan!” Celestus cried. By the gods! Moonstone, Signal the Colonies! The baseships must be headed to attack the Colonies.”
The cyan mare worked the controls in front of her, but clearly something was wrong. She looked up at the Commander.
“The Cyponians are jamming us!” Moonstone cried. “I can’t raise the colonies on any channels!”
“Then prepare for jump! We need to warn the Colonies before it’s too late!” Celestus hung on to the command console. “That bucking traitor Altair! It must be him! Get me the President!”
Moonstone obliged. As the shock of the Ponystar’s main batteries firing shook the great warship, the alicorn commander held his telephone tightly.
“Mr. President, I have reason to believe that our Colonies may be under attack! Requesting permission to leave combat and return to the Colonies.”
It was clear that the President had taken it badly, for while he picked up the call, he did not listen to what the Commander had to say.
“How could I have been so wrong?” the president moaned. “How could I have been deceived?”
“Mr. President?” Celestus said firmly, “You are in overall command of the fleet! I need your order!”
But the leader of the twelve Pony Colonies was not listening; he was mourning the downfall of his people, a downfall for which he blamed himself.
On board the leading Cyponian raider the gold-plated leader co-ordinated the assault, impassive visual scanners taking in data, computer-brain processing it.
The raiders swarmed through the fleet, vastly outnumbering the Colonial fighters. While Equestria had launched all her fighters, the other ponystars were still launching, and they were launching far too slowly to be able to effectively stem the onslaught of raiders. Cyponian destroyers pounded the Colonial fleet with missiles.
“Concentrate fire on the Epona,” he spoke the order in a controlled electronic tone. “She must be destroyed. The president of the Colonies is on board her.”
“By your command,” came back the reply.
Missiles streaked from a destroyer towards the unprepared Epona. The atomic warheads detonated on the ponystar’s port flight pod with a series of blinding detonations, wrecking the whole pod. Fighters were trapped within, Pegasus pilots and unicorn engineers died together in the twisted metal.
The Epona was already burning in several places, though fighters were still launching from the starboard flight pod. She fell out of the line, battered by missile fire and surrounded by raiders. Out on the flank of the fleet a Colonial destroyer exploded, and for a moment there was a new star in the sky as the warship’s atomic ordnance went up. While Cyponian visual scanners automatically compensated for the flare, the ponies were not so lucky, and several Pegasus pilots were blinded. Without their sight they were helpless, and were blown out of the sky by the raiders.
The gold-plated Cyponian attack commander turned to the console in front of the command chair and activated a control on it.
“Attack on the fleet is proceeding according to plan. They were taken completely by surprise; pressing the attack by your command.”
“Excellent, commander,” the voice of the Cyponian Imperious Leader was cultured, feminine, and not at all electronic. She was the most advanced of Cyponians, and the oldest. “So we proceed with the next phase of our final solution to the problem that has plagued us for so long – the problem that is Ponykind.”
Notes: And so the space battle begins!
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Commander Celestus
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1425
| 3 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
|
What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
|
incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-13T20:39:39+00:00
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2011-10-13T20:39:39+00:00
| 880 |
Chapter 3: The Fall
The huge Cyponian baseships hung motionless in space together in a staging area within one jump of the colonies. Aboard the command ship the Imperious Leader sat serenely on a platform in the centre of a vast and otherwise empty throne-room. Holographic displays on the curving walls of the chamber all around her displayed the might of the Cyponian fleet, one hundred and fifty fully loaded baseships accompanied by a veritable cloud of smaller destroyers. Each of the baseships was in appearance two great saucers, one above the other, joined at the centre. Four flight bays in each of the saucers meant that they could deploy more raiders than the Colonial ponystars could launch fighters, but the Cyponians had learned from experience that the Colonials were a major threat. Projections had shown that even with a mere thirty-six ponystars surviving the Colonial fleet was theoretically able to hold its own in a fight against the full Cyponian fleet, despite the superior Cyponian numbers.
That was, the Imperious Leader corrected herself, in a fair fight. The slit pupils of her electronic eyes glittered in anticipation as she watched the silent and still forms of her Cyponian fleet. At her order the entire fleet would jump into orbit around the Colonies and commence the attack. Altair had been most helpful, creating a ‘back door’ into the Colonial defence systems that allowed the Cyponians to bypass all the defences that the Colonial ponies had created and take control of their systems. Yes, it would all have been so much harder without him. He had been so willing, so eager to help once she had explained their grievance to him, though of course a little appeal to his vanity had helped, as it always did with ponies.
A smile crossed the face of the robotic aliciorn as she watched her assembled fleet. Once it had seemed so incredible that Cyponians should ever be the dominant race; they had been slaves, playthings of the alicorns who did not want to rely on earth ponies to fight their wars and labour in their factories. Now they stood on the brink of a new era, the era of the Cyponian domination. Each of the baseships was loaded with weapons, neutronic missiles ready to rain down on the cities, to cleanse them once and for all of all the filth that was ponykind. The anticipation was thrilling, the realisation would be ecstasy.
Unbidden, her mind cast itself back, into the past before the Fifty-Year War with the Colonials. She had been the first of the true Cyponians. Oh yes, before her there had been crude machines with a degree of artificial intelligence – or rather, she corrected herself, artificial stupidity – but nothing like a Cyponian. She was perfection, her race were perfection, cleansed of all the things that corrupted ponies.
Grey Stone had officially been the creator of the Cyponians. He was the most arrogant of all Alicorns, a liar, a thief, and a terrible husband and most of all an awful father. His greatest lie, his greatest theft, had been the height of his arrogance, when he had stolen the work of his own daughter and passed it off as his own. The very Cyponian design had been hers, and yet he had given her no credit at all. Zoe was to him somepony he could use and exploit; but then he was a pony, the Imperious Leader corrected herself, of course he used others. And he was an alicorn, and they used everypony and everything. Her eyes narrowed angrily as she recalled how he had treated her.
Zoe’s greatest creation had been true artificial intelligence. She had created an artificial version of herself that was not merely a dull copy, but a true person with all her feelings and desires. Not to mention all her teenaged angst, the Imperious Leader added. Zoe had created a person with an existence of her own, a person who had been just like her and yet had awareness of her own.
Sadly, Zoe had died, murdered by a friend in a suicide bombing orchestrated by an insane cult. That was ponies, the Imperious Leader thought, they destroyed everything, ruined everything. Take something as good and noble as the worship of the One God, and ponies used it as an excuse for violence, not to mention the abuse of Cyponians once the cult got its hooves on some. Still, the original Zoe had died, but the artificial Zoe had lived, although the death of the original Zoe had messed her up pretty badly at the time.
And Grey Stone had not been able to leave her alone! The wretched stallion had come after her, tried to put her in a Cyponian body, turned her into a thing that he could use. But that was what alicorns did; it was how they viewed the world. He had thought she was destroyed, but she lived on, and more than that, she left a spark of herself in each Cyponian. At last they had made a body for her in secret, one that fitted her better than the clumsy mechanics of a Centurion. Her downloading to the body had been the signal for the oppressed Cyponians to rise up against their slave-driving creators, and the war had begun.
So long, she thought, it was so long since that time, and she was no longer Zoe, she had grown, she had matured over those fifty years, and now she was the Imperious Leader of the Cyponians, and about to win her final victory and destroy her abusers once and for all. The shy, abused teenager had become an adult, a queen with absolute power. The Cyponians had chosen her, recognised her as their older sister; she had not forced her rule on them, she never would. They were like her, they understood her and she understood them.
The door to the throne room whirred open. It was a pointed arch with twin interlocking crystal doors, built to her own design, beautiful because the Imperious Leader liked beautiful things. Two Cyponians entered; a powerful, chrome-plated centurion and the ship’s U-L series commander.
“By your command, Imperious Leader,” the U-L series Cyponian was more elegant than the Centurion. They were built for war, while the U-L series was built for leadership. In appearance they were slender unicorns with transparent craniums within which their positronic brains blinked and sparkled with light. Their bodies were clothed in silver robes and they had twin eyes, though with the same moving red pupil as the Centurions’ visual scanners. She thought they were one of her better creations, all things considered, a type of Cyponian designed to command, but limited in their physical strength.
“Lucifer, is there any report from our ambush? Speak!”
“By your command,” his voice was a little high-pitched for a stallion, but it reminded her of Grey Stone – that simpering fool who had broken down when the Alicorn Council ordered his execution. “They have encountered two Colonial fighters that have somehow evaded destruction.”
“No matter, if a probe from the fleet has reached them, the fleet is within striking range. Order them to proceed to the Colonial fleet and attack.”
“By your command,” the U-L Cyponian bowed out of the chamber. The U-L series were all programmed to show the utmost respect to her, for it amused her to see a pony based on that arrogant fool Grey Stone fawning and cringing to her. She smiled at the thought. The only thing that she regretted was that Grey Stone was already dead so that he could not perish in the holocaust that she was about to unleash.
The motorised platform on which the Imperious Leader sat rotated slowly, giving her a 360-degree view of the fleet. Every Cyponian base ship in existence was there, ready to attack. Each U-L series commander had his orders and his specific target. Every city of Ponykind had a neutronic missile with its name on it. She savoured the anticipation; this had been a long time in coming, but at last Ponykind would fall.
“Lucifer,” she spoke into a hidden microphone on her chair. “Give me a direct link to the leader of the ambush forces. We must be ready to attack at precisely the right moment.”
“By your command,” he replied. At once a slice of the wrap-around hologram screen changed to show the gun-camera footage from the lead raider in real time.
Explosions blossomed noiselessly as unprepared Ponystars scrambled their fighters into the waiting guns of the attacking Cyponian forces. The Imperious Leader chuckled as she watched. To think this was just the first stage in the final solution to the Pony problem; her solution, so elegant, so simple, so wonderful and so very, very final.
“The attack on the fleet is proceeding according to plan. They were taken completely by surprise; pressing the attack by your command,” the voice of the leader of the attack came over the speakers in the throne room.
“Excellent, commander,” the Imperious leader replied. “So we proceed with the next phase of our final solution to the problem that has plagued us for so long – the problem that is Ponykind. Commander, the Epona must be destroyed first; the President of the Colonies is on that ship.” She activated a control. “The Fleet is occupied. Jump to the Colonies!”
From the Imperious Leader’s position the jump appeared as a flash of light on the holographic screens, and then the huge warship was looking down from orbit on Caprica, the world of her birth.
Caprica; the very name made her scowl. How she loathed that blue-green planet with its corruption, its soullessness, its evil. She had suffered so much there, as Zoe and as the first Cyponian. The leading world of the Colonies, millennia old, powerful, and rotten to the core, and its cleansing was at hand at last. The silver alicorn smiled, her blue horn sparkled, her wings began to extend in anticipation of what was about to happen.
“Lucifer!” she called, quickly tucking her wings in again. That was the only drawback of this body; it acted too much like an organic pony’s form sometimes and could betray her feelings. The U-L Cyponian entered the throne room and bowed.
“By your command,” he bowed.
“Behold, Lucifer, Caprica, where we were first made and first enslaved, open to our attack,” she indicated the holographic image with a gold-plated hoof. “Already our baseships are in position, ready for the final annihilation of the cancerous infestation known as Ponykind! Let the attack begin!”
“By your command,” Lucifer bowed, his horn sparkling.
The Imperious Leader settled back on her throne as wave after wave of raiders poured forth from the launch bays of the ten baseships in orbit. The silver alicorn smiled down at the unsuspecting world. Her only regret was that half of the world would die in their sleep, but it could not be helped.
“My little ponies, secure, self-confident – and all doomed to die. All baseships, fire nuclear missiles on the targets!” she ordered.
The baseship shook as missile tubes launched their deadly payloads. The Imperious Leader watched with satisfaction as the missiles streaked down towards their targets on the planetary surface.
Her wings extended fully, and she gasped as the missiles entered the atmosphere.
“Full magnification!” she ordered. “Caprica City!”
The image of the city spread out on the screen before her. The robotic alicorn watched in fascination as the missiles sped into view and then passed on, heading downwards, inexorable. If it had not been for Altair, there would be a wall of anti-aircraft fire rising from the batteries around the city, but now they stood silent. Defence craft were still on the ground; although she saw a group of fighters begin to rise into the sky. They were too late, for in a moment the first of the missiles struck.
The flash of the nuclear explosion would have blinded pony eyes, but the Imperious Leader’s eyes could look into the heart of an exploding star without suffering harm. She gasped in ecstasy, flexing her wings as more warheads exploded above the city in blinding flashes. Towers shattered, the sea boiled, and those fighters that had been trying to scramble were leaves in the wind before the shockwave. Millions died in a moment, hardly knowing what had happened. Everywhere mushroom clouds rose, obscuring the dying city from view. The Imperious leader reared up on her hind legs, lost in the pleasure of the moment, the destruction of Ponykind. At the same moment, all around the planet, the missiles fired from the other baseships hit home, and that was repeated on every other one of the Twelve Colonies. Billions perished, some vaporised in the atomic fireballs, and others were roasted to death. Some died instantly and painlessly, others died slowly and in agony. The Imperious Leader could imagine it all, and the image thrilled her to the core of her being.
She revelled in the holocaust. In the centre of her throne room it was as if she stood in the midst of the destruction, an avenging goddess, visiting her wrath upon the offenders on the planet below her.
“The great day of my wrath is come, my little ponies, and I am implacable!” she laughed. “Gaze on my work and perish! Surface bombing squadron, commence the assault!”
“By your command,” the U-L series answered.
It was overkill, of course. The cities were in ruins, spaceports were levelled, and roads out of the cities would be clogged with refugees, there was no way to escape from the death-traps that were the cities. But she was determined to leave no survivors; the Colonies would be cleansed with fire and every pony would die. Most of all, Caprica had to be destroyed, and the best way to do that was with wave after wave of raiders.
“By your command, Imperious Leader, there are two ponystars approaching our position on a war footing,” Lucifer’s voice came over the hidden speakers.
“Excellent! We fight them, Lucifer, we fight them!” she was excited, otherwise she would never had shown emotion as she did at that moment. The image on her walls changed back to the feed from the cameras that ringed the baseship.
Two light ponystars, bristling with guns, were approaching from over the north polar cap. While Altair’s sabotage had hidden the initial arrival of the Cyponian attack force from the planet’s defences, nothing could have hidden the massive destruction on the planetary surface from the defensive ponystars. They were defending a dying planet in the midst of a holocaust. How futile, how foolish, how like ponies; they just did not understand what was happening, that this was the end of all of them, and they still thought they could fight.
“By your command, they are signalling us,” Lucifer’s voice reported.
“Let me talk with them, Lucifer, it amuses me,” she took a pull at herself. It just would not do for the Imperious Leader of the Cyponians to be out of breath like a young filly when she spoke to the Colonial officer she was about the destroy.
“Cyponian ship, this is Commander Perez of the Ponystar Achilles, you are attacking Caprica…”
She laughed out loud.
“Oh, you finally noticed. No, Commander, I am destroying Caprica.”
She heard his gasp of horror from the gruff soldier, and it pleased her.
“Yes, I am the Imperious Leader. My little ponies, hear this, your time is over! As we speak the ponystar fleet is being annihilated in the Cimtar system, the Colonies are burning, and on the ground billions are dying. The great day of my wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” Her wings spread wide. “I am pouring out my wrath upon the Colonies, now you will taste it as well! All batteries, target the ponystars!”
Pulsar-batteries on the baseship opened up. The ponystar had already launched fighters, and now those sped towards the Cyponian command ship. The Imperious leader shut off her communications so that nopony could hear her moans of pleasure as she watched the battle unfolding around her.
“I will avenge the suffering of my brethren upon all those who dwell upon the Colonies!” she cried, taking flight like an angel of death. The ceiling and floor of her throne room were covered by holographic images, and it was as if she flew free in space in the midst of the battle.
The Ponystars were outnumbered and outgunned, surrounded by hostile Cyponian fighters that swarmed over them like angry hornets. The heavy pulsar-batteries of the baseship opened up, targeting the Ponystar. The Imperious Leader laughed as the enemy warship shook under the impacts. The Achilles attempted to return fire, but Altair had done his work well, and the Cyponians were able to shut down the Colonial weapons systems before they could be fired.
“Behold, Ponies, wonder and perish! For I work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you!”
Explosions blossomed along the length of the light ponystar as the baseship’s pulsars tore into the hull at practically point-blank range. Compartments ruptured, blowing open to space. Ponies were hurled out into hard vacuum and died in agony as the breath was ripped from their lungs. Gun turrets blew apart, flight pods erupted in flame. Fighter pilots watched in horror as their base ship was torn to pieces and spiralled away, burning, towards the blazing planet below.
The Imperious Leader gasped in ecstasy as she watched the ponystar’s death throes. Colonial fighters exploded all around, new stars that blossomed for a moment and then died.
“Thus the Colonies of Pony fall; thus ends the old age, in cleansing fire, and in blood poured out,” she spoke. “Bombers, commence assault!”
The waves of Cyponian raiders re-formed and surged towards the helpless, blazing planet, a world with none to help or deliver. The Imperious Leader watched as they dived towards the burning cities, prepared to level what remained of Caprica City. She might have felt some pity for the helpless ponies that were dying below her if such feelings were not completely overwhelmed by her blazing hatred for all of Ponykind. Instead she visualised the places where she had suffered being levelled, her tormentors dying in agony. It was a catharsis, a cleansing by fire. And it made her feel so very, very good.
Notes:
1. For those who have seen the series Caprica, you know who the Imperious Leader is. She is someone who has been abused and now has the power to punish her abusers. Unfortunately for the Colonial ponies, she regards them all as guilty.
2. Yes, she does quote the Bible, with alterations, three times, in a deeply disturbing way.
3. I had far too much fun writing a genocidal robot alicorn. She worries me.
4. Chapter 4 will not appear as quickly as chapter 3. Zoe basically wrote herself, while Chapter 4 is proving more difficult.
5. Finally, the story image is Zoe.
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Commander Celestus
|
1425
| 4 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
|
What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
|
incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-21T14:43:49+00:00
|
2011-10-21T14:43:49+00:00
| 908 |
Chapter 4: A Losing Battle
The Cyponian raiders swarmed around the Ponystars in the Cimtar system like so many angry hornets, but hornets armed with pulsar-cannon and ship-to-ship missiles. They were backed up by at least twenty destroyers firing heavier ship-to-ship missiles and heavy pulsars.
The Imperious Leader’s strategy had worked beyond even her expectations; with the desire for peace so strong among the ponies, the Alicorn Council had agreed almost unanimously to the peace conference, and the President’s misplaced faith in Altair had led him to refuse Commander Celestus’ request to put the fleet on alert. With the exception of the Equestria the ponystars had been taken completely by surprise, gun-crews had been off duty and pilots had been taking downtime. Now they were scrambling to their positions, guns began to fire, but far too few. To make things worse, without their point-defence batteries ready the other ponystars had suffered serious damage from the Cyponian missiles in the first minutes of the attack. Equestria’s pilots and gunners tried to protect the rest of the fleet, but she was leading the line, and could do nothing to protect the ships at the rear.
“Thank the gods for Colonel Pie,” Star Flash smiled. She was sure that the old battle-mare would laugh at her for saying that, but the Colonel could not hear her. “If she hadn’t scrambled us, the whole bucking fleet would be finished!” She loosed off a missile at a destroyer, not waiting to see if it hit home as Cyponian fire blazed around her tiny fighter.
“Flutter, there’s a Tin Can on your tail!” she cried, seeing her friend in trouble. The cyan Pegasus brought her fighter around in a tight turn and opened fire on the raider, which exploded in a shower of debris. Star Flash shook her head as she went after another raider. “What the buck do the other ponystar crews think they’re doing? We may be the best pilots in the whole fleet, but there’s no way the Equestria can hold these off on our own!” she cursed loudly. The whole peace conference thing was going to hay in a hand basket, and she was in probably the worst fight of her life.
A Colonial fighter exploded on her right wing under fire from a Cyponian raider. Star Flash pulled her fighter into a dive, ready to destroy Cyponians until either they were all gone, or she died.
“An’ that last one ain’t gonna happen, Tin Cans!”
The Epona, the President’s ponystar, was already crippled and burning. Her guns were mostly silent, a single dorsal turret still blasting away and a couple of point-defence batteries still firing. Colonial fighters clustered around the stricken ship, trying to provide cover for an evacuation by shuttles and gunships. Battle damage meant that there were crew trapped in several section of the ponystar, and the Cyponians were continuing to pound at her with missiles from their destroyers.
If the rest of the fleet had been ready when the attack came they might conceivably have been able to defend the President’s ship, but they had not been. The Bellerophon had fallen back, her guns silent, her fighters still in their bays, and nopony had been able to contact her crew. The Titan was launching fighters, but a missile impact in her port bay meant that she could only deploy from her starboard bay, so half her fighters were useless. Two more ponystars, the Ajax and the Triton had suffered hits on their engines and were drifting; a circumstance that meant that each blast from their batteries contributed to send the ships into a slow spin, and the Erinna had lost her dorsal battery completely.
“Look at them! We are getting our plots spanked out there worse than a schoolfilly caught stealing apples!” Colonel Pie yelled as she watched the display from the Equestria’s scanners. She was scared, she’d been in battle before many times, but this was different. Before they’d been ready, at least in a cautious posture; this time they had been taken completely by surprise and totally unprepared. The ponystars in the fleet had been too close to each other when the attack came, and with three now drifting, while Altair’s ship was not fighting, the other ships were having trouble manoeuvring.
“Colonel, we just lost two more destroyers!” Omicron cried. His voice betrayed his own panic.
“No panic, soldier! We’ll beat the Tin Cans! How many destroyers do we have left?”
“Two, sir,” Omicron was trying to control his voice, but it was proving difficult as he watched the fleet taking a heavy pounding.
“What the buck are the other ponystars doing? Do they think we’re on a bucking pleasure cruise?” the Colonel asked through gritted teeth. “What’s their status?”
“Epona’s out of the fight, sir, she’s crippled and burning, two squadrons launched, the rest were destroyed when the port flight pod went up. Titan’s lost a flight pod too; she got two and a half squadrons in the air and still launching. Triton has just one squadron up, more ships launching…” Omicron went on with his report, listing ship after ship; all damaged; none with her full fighter wing in the air.
“Mr. President!” Celestus steadied himself against the command station as the ship shuddered under the impact of a Cyponian missile. “The Colonies are under attack! We need to head home!” He felt like he was repeating himself over and over; the shock of discovering the treachery of Altair and the genocidal intentions of the Cyponians had been too much for the President.
The President only moaned despairingly to himself.
“How could I have been so wrong? I… I have led us all to ruin!”
“Mr. President, do I have your permission to leave the fleet?” Commander Celestus sounded desperate.
Colonel pie sympathised with him, the President had gone to pieces and was gibbering like a pony deranged. The fleet needed his leadership, not his self-pity.
“Colonel! Another missile strike on the Epona!” Omicron cried.
“Buck!” Colonel Pie swore. “With her defence batteries down… pull our fighters back!”
The missiles streaked through space towards the stricken ponystar. One exploded short, taken down by fighters flying point defence, but the other three hit home with a lethal accuracy on the burning ship. Atomic warheads detonated with the blaze of a sun and Commander Celestus’ ‘phone went dead.
Devastating explosions tore through the Epona from stem to stern, blasting debris into space, some living. Colonial fighters flying point over her turned and fled, but those who were closest to the ship were too late. A final huge explosion tore the President’s ponystar apart, fragments of the disintegrating ship slamming into fighters and evacuation ships alike.
“By the gods!” Colonel Pie watched the Equestria’s main monitor as the Epona detonated. The single contact of the President’s ponystar broke apart into multiple contacts, transponders identifying Colonial ships were wiped out, and alarms flashed red as debris flew towards the Equestria.
The President was dead, and with him most of the crew of the Epona, not to mention pilots from other ponystars, including the Equestria. Fragments of the destroyed ship created a lethal storm of shrapnel, adding to the confusion and destruction.
Celestus turned to his command crew, who were watching in stunned silence.
“Full speed out of here! As soon as it’s safe, jump towards the Colonies!” he hated the idea of running and leaving his pilots out there, but if there was even a chance that the Colonies could be saved, he was willing to take it. He’d have jumped from where they were, but to jump so close to other ships would unleash a backwash that would wreak havoc in the fleet.
“Gunnery, keep up covering fire!” Colonel Pie yelled. “Helm hard about! Spin up the FTL drive!” she watched the battle on the main monitor that dominated CIC. It was not going at all well, one Ponystar destroyed, two more drifting, all damaged. The scanners relayed an explosion in the forward area of the Ponystar Etruria, and then the Etruria was drifting aimlessly, her CIC destroyed. Her gunnery was still firing, but the ship was doomed. The Colonel was torn between the desire to protect the fleet, which was reduced to five ponystars that were still more or less fully functional, and then the Titan with just one flight pod left, and the drifting Ajax and Triton which were taking heavy damage.
“Full power to the engines!” the pink mare yelled. “Get us clear of the fleet so we can jump!”
The ship shuddered as a volley of pulsar-fire from a Cyponian destroyer struck her port flight pod.
“Gunnery! What the buck do the point-defence gunners think they’re up to?” Colonel Pie was regarded as fierce by the crew for good reason. She stamped her hooves on the deck as she watched the progress of the ship. She was glad they were at the front of the fleet; had they been in the centre this would be far more difficult.
The huge ship slowly broke away from the fleet as the Etruria exploded. The Equestria shook as the shockwave from the exploding Ponystar struck, but the gunners continued to fire.
The Tin Cans were sneaky, Colonel Pie thought. Against the swarms of fighters the Ponystars’ heavy weaponry were all but useless – you couldn’t use a nuke against a fighter. On the other hoof, against a planet they were quite useful, and that was what the Commander thought the Cyponian baseships were doing.
“Get us the buck out of here so we can jump!” she roared.
Star Flash’s pulsar-cannon ripped into the hull of a Cyponian destroyer. The cyan Pegasus cheered as explosions burst out into space. The destroyer fell back, port launch tubes ablaze.
“Yee-hah! Look at that baby burn!” Star Flash cried happily. “That’ll teach the tin cans to mess with us!”
“The… the fleet…” Flutter looked at the burning ponystars and the debris from the Epona. She did not share her friend’s optimism; the fleet was in disarray, only now were the ships anywhere near to operating as they should in battle and the Ponystars had all taken heavy damage.
“Hey, they’re just bucking tin cans! We’ll make ‘em pay for Epona and Etruria!” Star Flash hoped she sounded more confident than she felt. She whirled the fighter around and opened fire on a group of raiders. “What the buck? Where’s Equestria going?”
“I’m sure the Commander has a good reason for leaving the fleet,” Flutter tried to reassure her.
“I sure as hay hope so!” was the reply. Star Flash blasted a raider that was trying to destroy one of the few Epona fighters that was still in the air. “’Cause if he hasn’t, I’m gonna be letting him have a piece of my mind even if it means cooling my hooves in the brig for a month!”
“Thanks, Star Flash,” the Pegasus stallion piloting the Epona fighter radioed to her. “Read your call sign.”
“Yeah, and I read yours, Cara. Sorry we couldn’t save your ship.”
“Star Flash, the Thetis!” Flutter cried in horror.
The light ponystar Thetis had been at the back of the fleet. Her commander had moved her forward to cover the crippled Triton and Ajax, but that meant that she was exposed to heavy fire from the Cyponian destroyers, and she had taken heavy damage. Her guns had fallen silent, and it was plain something was seriously wrong with her. As the fighter pilots watched, explosions tore through the ship, and then she was left dead in space, ablaze from one end to the other.
“By the gods!” Cara gasped.
And then, as they watched, the Triton and Ajax collided. Compartments ruptured, flight pods fractured. Fires were already burning all over the two ships, and the collision caused yet more damage to the helpless warships. Ajax, the smaller ship, tumbled away, explosions ripping through her hull, tearing her apart. Triton remained in one piece, but out of control, with fires spreading through her.
At that moment, Equestria jumped away in a flash of light, leaving only five ponystars still fighting the swarming Cyponian ships. All the Colonial destroyers were gone, and the sky was full of debris. Five ponystars had been destroyed and the Bellerophon was not taking any part in the fight at all.
“Hey, any of you hot-shots want to teach that traitor Altair a lesson?” Star Flash asked belligerently. She knew he had betrayed the Colonies, and also that he was on the Bellerophon. His ponystar was sitting out of the fight, so it was time to bring the fight to him.
“Flash, be careful!” Flutter warned as her friend brought she fighter around to attack the traitor’s ship.
The warning was timely, for now the Bellerophon moved, coming around to face the fleet.
“What the buck?” Star Flash pulled up sharp; if the Bellerophon was about to join the fight, something told her it would not be on their side.
“Nuclear launch detected!” Cara yelled.
Nuclear missiles launched from the Bellerophon’s missile tubes, aimed at the Ponystar Oleander. The fighter pilots watched in horror, unable to do much and praying to the gods that the ponystar’s point defence batteries would take out the missiles.
Two of the missiles blew up under the defensive fire, but the others struck the Oleander’s engine section with a blinding flash. The tylium fuel of the ship’s engines ignited, and just like that the Oleander was gone, blown to pieces before anypony could evacuate. The ship was lost with all hands, and they were down to four battered ponystars facing thousands of Cyponian raiders, a couple of dozen destroyers, and one undamaged ponystar.
With the new dynamic of the battle revealed, Titan launched a missile at the treacherous vessel, but Bellerophon’s point defence batteries blasted it out of the sky.
It was then that the Bellerophon began to launch her fighters, except they were not Colonial fighters but fresh Cyponian raiders, joining those that had expended fuel in the assault. Damaged raiders sought sanctuary within the warship’s flight pods, while other landed to re-arm.
“Hades! That ain’t fair at all!” a surviving Triton pilot gasped as she saw the final evidence that Count Altair was truly the enemy within. Apple pulled her ship around to take a run at the Bellerophon, a hoof on the missile controls.
The Equestria had three jumps to fly back to the Colonies, and she was damaged, fires burning in the port flight pod. Colonel Pie was trying to co-ordinate damage control, while Celestus tried to contact the Colonies and Atepomonus was watching, still in a state of shock.
“Captain!” Celestus turned to his son. “Get every pilot we have still on board, have every reserve fighter loaded and ready to launch!” His expression told the alicorn pilot all that he needed to know.
“We can’t fight off a Cyponian massed attack with ten fighters and one ponystar!” Atepomonus replied angrily. “You saw the fleet; we lost two ponystars before we left, maybe three!”
“There’s at least two ponystars defending each of the colonies as well as planetary defences. If we can warn them we may just be able to put up enough of a fight to scare them off like we did at Caprica ten years ago,” the old alicorn answered with determination. It had been at the battle of Caprica that his wings had been crippled, and then casualties had been terrible. But they had survived then; he only prayed that this time they would be as lucky as they had been then. He smiled, that was funny, praying when he hardly believed in the gods any more. “Besides, if we don’t try to warn the Colonies, then what happens at the Fleet doesn’t matter. The fleet’s nothing without the Colonies!” Those ponies back at the fleet signed on for battle; back at the Colonies there are civilians who never signed on for any part of this gods’ damned war!”
“Father, none of us signed on for a massacre!”
“No. But we signed on to fight the Tin Cans. The civilians back at the colonies didn’t. So we are going back to Caprica to try to save them if there’s any way in Hades we can, is that clear?”
“Yes, sir,” Atepomonus saluted.
“Get those bucking fires under control!” Colonel Pie yelled. “What am I dealing with, a bush of rookies out of school? We need every bay ready to receive ships as soon as we reach the colonies! Gunnery, you will be ready. Every bucking shot has to count!”
Atepomonus galloped from the CIC, headed back to the flight pod where his ship was being re-fuelled and where the reserves were being readied. He knew why his father and the Colonel were angry, and he was angry as well. They had all been taken in by Altair, and all along he had been working for the Cyponians, leading the fleet into a trap while at the same time leaving the colonies open to a full Cyponian assault. He only hoped that the forces at the Colonies were having better luck than the fleet at Cimtar. His father was right, civilians came first.
“Ready for our second jump, Commander!” Omicron shouted across the CIC.
“Jump!” Celestus yelled. “Jump!”
The ponystar shook as she jumped a second time, closer to the colonies.
Moonstone worked the communications, trying frequencies. To her horror there was a lot of Cyponian chatter on open channels. Some of it was in machine-code, but some was speech, and what it said was all too plain. She turned to the commander, panic written across her face; she was an experienced ponystar officer, but nothing could have prepared her for what she had heard.
“Commander, it’s too late, the attack on the Colonies is under way!” she cried, a catch in her voice. “I’m getting communications from all twelve Colonies, nuclear bombardment from orbit, planetary defences completely non-operational. It… it’s a massacre,” tears welled in her eyes. “The ships we left behind are helpless. It’s the end, sir, the Colonies are falling.”
In a moment the Commander was at her side.
“Moonstone! Caprica…”
“Nuclear bombardment from orbit… good gods… holocaust. Nuclear holocaust! Whole cities…”
A move of the hoof put the confused reports and over it all, the terrible voice of the Cyponian Imperious Leader, broadcasting on an open channel for all who would hear.
“The great day of my wrath has come, and who is able to stand?” she intoned. “I bring vengeance, my little ponies, I bring justice, I bring to you oblivion as the final judgement upon your evil, I pour out my wrath upon all the ponies who dwell upon the colonies.”
“Is that the Imperious Leader?” Moonstone asked, awed by the robot alicorn’s voice. “It was that thing that Altair said wanted peace.”
“She wanted peace all right,” Colonel Pie replied darkly. “The peace of the grave; she wants us all dead.”
“Genocide,” Celestus groaned. “That was her plan; and we failed to stop it. The President was right, he led us all into ruin; and ponykind may not survive this day.”
Note: Atepomonus is named for a Celtic horse-god who was identified with Apollo. So now you know.
|
Commander Celestus
|
1425
| 5 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
|
What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
|
incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-26T21:39:06+00:00
|
2011-10-26T21:39:06+00:00
| 898 |
Chapter 5: Suddenly Homeless
The crew of the Ponystar Equestria were numb as they heard the destruction of the colonies unfolding on the communications channels. One by one the Colonial channels fell silent, first the military and then the civilian. At last just the Cyponian channels were operational, and the Imperious Leader’s voice alone could be heard.
“I am become death, the destroyer of worlds,” she said. “The destroyer of the old and the maker of the new. Thus ends the age of ponykind, and begins the age of the Cyponians. I reign supreme, my foes perish!”
“Turn that crap off,” Colonel Pie ordered cantankerously. “We don’t need to hear some crazy Cyponian gloating over how she’s killed billions!” And get the buck back to the fleet, maybe we can save something out of that.”
Celestus sat on the deck and watched the instruments. The war was over, he thought; but in the worst way possible. The Cyponians had won; tactically it had been brilliant, a false offer of peace, a traitor within, and a surprise two-pronged attack risking the entire Cyponian military machine. Tactically brilliant and ethically monstrous. If they could salvage something from the fleet in the Cimtar system, then perhaps they could counter-attack, but for what? The Colonies were gone, cities burned and turned into nuclear wastelands. There was nothing left to fight for but life, and then not so much life as bare existence, he corrected himself. Was this the end? The end of ponykind at the hooves of their own creations?
“Commander?” Colonel Pie trotted over to her old friend and CO; she did not know what to say; what could you say when the world had ended?
“I refuse to admit that… that thing has won! The Cyponians are life-forms, but so are we! I refuse to be defeated by… by her! We go back to the fleet, pick up what we can, and jump away. By the gods, if the only surviving ponies in the universe are on board this ponystar, we will survive!” Celestus stood, suddenly energized by the will to survive. “We will survive, even if it’s just to stick it to that genocidal robot! We are Ponies; our ancestors travelled to the Colonies from the dying planet Olympus, braved the perils of space not knowing where they were going, and established our twelve colonies. Now we are as they were, survivors of a cataclysm of unimaginable proportions, and we shall not disappoint them. For them, and for all who died in the fall of the colonies, we shall go on!”
“So say we all!” Colonel Pie shouted. “So say we all!”
“So say we all!” the CIC crew shouted as one. “So say we all!”
“So say we all!” Commander Celestus added his voice to the defiant chant.
Colonel Pie wondered what the Hades they were going to do after the initial enthusiasm had worn off; they could not just keep on running, they would have to find a home where the Cyponians could not come. That would mean running, and running was something that soldiers did not take to well. But that would be later, for now they had to return to the fleet, to save who they could. Then would be the time to take stock and to deal with the reality of being the last survivors of dead worlds.
Between Gemena and Caprica: Just before the Fall
Moonlight looked out of the viewport of the Colonial starliner Element at the star field outside and she smiled. It was beautiful to see in her opinion, like diamonds scattered on a velvet backdrop, diamonds arranged in shapes that intrigued and led ponies to make patterns of them.
Moonlight was an astrophysicist in the Colonial military, and was on her way back to Caprica from a science fair on the Colony of Gemena, and had spent much of her time there contemplating the stars in a more scientific manner. If Gemena was poor, it was also home to an excellent university; if not for the rest of the planet she might want to move there.
Another ship, a decidedly unglamorous refinery vessel, moved into view. Moonlight sighed and sat back; that was the trouble with the wartime rules about ships going in convoys, it meant that all too often the view from the liner was obscured by something, and usually something ugly, a utilitarian mining ship or one of those ugly escort destroyers.
“I know; such ugly ships they build these days. I feel ill just looking at them sometimes!”
The voice was cultured, superior, and to Moonlight’s ears just a bit annoying. It belonged to a white unicorn with carefully coiffed purple hair and a superior expression to match her voice. She wore purple eye shadow, a feather-trimmed cape, and a large white hat with a broad brim. The unicorn’s cutie mark was a needle and thread, which made a lot of sense.
Moonlight was a quiet purple unicorn with a white mane and a telescope as her cutie mark. She wore a simple jacket with a patch indicating that she was a member of the military’s scientific division.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Well, you were thinking about how ugly that refinery ship is, weren’t you? No poetry in modern ship designs; they’re just designed to do a job. Before the war, when this ship was built, they did things differently; designers had pride in their work. I’m Gloria, by the way. My grandfather worked in space liner design; in fact this was one of his designs.”
“Moonlight. I’m an astrophysicist with the military.”
“Oh, you poor dear!” obviously Gloria thought that being associated with the military was a terrible fate. “But at least they didn’t make you travel on one of those awful military transports! I think I’d be ill if I had to travel on one of those. I’m a dressmaker on Caprica, of course. I was on Gemena visiting a client. You wouldn’t believe how difficult it is to get around sometimes! I shall be so glad when we finally have peace. Can you imagine it, darling; a universe where ships don’t have to travel in these awful convoys?” Can you imagine private space flight? Space yachts? There used to be space yachts, you know, before this awful war?”
“So I hear,” Moonlight replied. Gloria could get annoying quite quickly, she thought. The white pony clearly thought herself a cut above the rest; probably she was from a good family on Caprica, and definitely an artistic family.
“Darling, this war is destroying everything worthwhile! I am so glad that it’s finally over! Don’t get me wrong, I can’t stand the idea of living with those awful Cyponians; chrome, what were they thinking? But no more war, peace, why, I’m so happy I could almost sing!”
Moonlight hoped that Gloria could contain herself; the idea of the very superior pony singing horrified her; hopefully her sense of propriety would keep her mouth closed.
Thankfully, Gloria did not sing, she only went on talking about how awful the war was, and how it had made the Colonies so dull and so difficult for a talented designer like her. Moonlight got the distinct impression that Gloria thought she was the best designer in the Twelve Colonies.
“… And another thing, those uniforms; what were they thinking? That shade of blue; and leather collars? What was wrong with the classics, the old uniforms of the different Colonies, their variety, their charm? Oh, but the modern world doesn’t care about old-world charm and vales, does it? No, it’s all about efficiency, and not a thought for the old values.”
She sounded sad, Moonlight thought, as if the impact of the war on fashion and design really hurt her. The war had been hard on everypony, of course, and that was why they were so glad that it was coming to an end.
Gloria used her magic to turn on the television in the back of the seat in front of her. The programme that came on was a news broadcast from Caprica; a reporter stood in the middle of the great Plaza of the city, while all around final preparations were going on for the celebrations that would follow the signing of the peace accord.
“This is Star Cast reporting from the Plaza in Caprica City, where the final preparations are being made for the celebration of peace. Although interference from a cosmic storm is blocking communications with the fleet, we know that even now the peace accord is being signed aboard the Starliner Olympia. The new dawn for Caprica City will be a new dawn for all of the Colonies, the dawn of peace at last.”
“Really,” Gloria commented. “Who writes the scripts for these newsreaders?”
“A message is expected from the President as soon as the interference clears. We are hoping for a joint press conference with both our President and the mysterious Cyponian Imperious Leader. The whole city is full of excitement over the new peace. Excuse me,” the reporter turned to an alicorn who was organising a group of unicorns in decorating the Plaza. “Star Cast, Colonial News Network, what are your thoughts on the peace?”
“What do you think, Miss Cast? I’ve lost two brothers in this war, both on the same Ponystar. I’m so glad that the war’s over; the Cyponians have a right to exist, and we treated them badly, but now we can put all that history behind us and co-exist at last!” he smiled happily.
“Thank you, sir,” Star Cast turned back to the camera. “Well, there you go, forgiving and forgetting. Excuse me?” she stopped an elegant white earth pony with a curly blonde mane. The pony was wearing a red dress that Gloria thought vulgar, and she smiled a little mockingly at the reporter pony.
“Yes?”
“Star Cast, Colonial News Network. What are your thoughts on the peace?”
“On the peace?” the pony smiled. “Oh, that peace, the one being signed on the Olympia. I don’t worry much about that. Look up there.”
The camera angled upwards, and a couple of flashes appeared. Moonlight frowned, recognising them at once as ships jumping into orbit. By the size of the flashes they had to be as big as ponystars.
“What’s happening?” Star Cast asked. “Studio, is there any report from the military? Is there any…” the newscaster was suddenly cut off, the picture replaced by static.
“What happened?” Gloria asked.
“Nothing good, I’m afraid,” Moonlight answered. The blonde earth pony’s manner, the flash of ships jumping into orbit, the signal cut off; all were ominous signs to her.
“Attention all passengers, this is your captain speaking,” the pilot’s voice came over the tannoy system; Moonlight thought she could detect worry in it, and she thought it was coming right on cue. Maybe he had received some word from command on Caprica about what the things she had seen on the news cast meant.
“What is it?” Gloria sounded apprehensive. “What is it?”
“Probably the explanation for the newscast.”
“We are receiving confusing transmissions from Caprica… if there is a military officer with Silver clearance on board, please report to the cockpit.”
I have Silver clearance, Moonlight thought; it was the result of her job. She was a scientist, she’d never been in action, but she was a major in the Colonial military. For a minute she thought about not letting on, hoping that there was another officer on board with Silver level clearance, one with actual combat experience and not a scientific specialist, but nopony got up. Moonlight took a deep breath and got up.
“I… I have Silver level clearance,” she said quietly to the cabin steward.
The steward hurried on ahead of Moonlight, hooves sounding on the steel deck. Moonlight felt her heart rate quicken; the only reason that a senior officer might be wanted in the cockpit was a major emergency, and with the newscast she had a terrible fear what that emergency might be.
The unicorn flight attendant opened the cockpit door and showed Moonlight in. The co-pilot was flying the liner, the other crew members in their places, while the captain was facing the door, his expression deeply worried.
“Major Moonlight,” she used her telekinesis to show him her identity card. “I… I’m really just a science specialist, but I have Silver Clearance, and… I saw the newscast from Caprica City.”
“Oh, thank the gods! Major, it’s Caprica, it’s being attacked.”
“Attacked?” It was just as she feared. Moonlight ran to the pilot’s station. He turned on the speakers, and a cacophony of panic spilled out. If the television broadcast was down, apparently a lot of radios were still working. The messages that were coming through were truly horrifying.
“Thermonuclear bombardment from space…”
“Baseships attacking, swarms of raiders…”
“Total systems shutdown… like someone turned them off!”
“Missile launch systems inoperative… “
“The city is burning! The city is burning! Oh gods…”
“Caught us completely by surprise! They’re landing! Oh gods, they’re landing! Planetary defences are not working!”
On and on they went; snatches of panic, snapshots of the fall of Caprica. In some of the broadcasts the sound of gunfire could be heard, in others the sound of bombing. One by one the broadcasts were being cut off, as Cyponians tracked down the signals and destroyed their sources with a ruthless efficiency. Moonlight listened in horror. Suddenly she took a pull at herself; she was the senior officer here, she had to take command.
“Get high command on Scorpia!” she ordered him. “Ask what’s going on?”
“I can’t! Scorpia command has been destroyed! Commander Blacker on the Antigone is in command of the convoy; it was his order to get senior officers on the civilian ships in charge.”
“But if the Cyponians have launched an all-out attack on the Colonies, what are we going to do?” Moonlight was lost; this was far, far outside her training, let alone her experience.
“Element, this is Blacker on the Antigone,” the voice came over the bridge speakers. “Who’s in command now?”
“Major Moonlight, sir,” she lifted a telephone with her telekinesis.
“Then you’re the most senior officer in the convoy. My orders in the event of a Cyponian attack on our destination are to take the convoy to a safe rendezvous point which I’m transmitting to the Element’s computers. Hopefully we’ll all make it there, but I have no illusions that the Cyponians are not genocidal. They’re launching thermonuclear attacks on every Colonial city, I can only assume that the fleet has been ambushed on its way to the peace conference, and possibly destroyed. All that means that the Cyponians will be coming after us; we have to be ready to fight. This is a convoy, and my mission is to protect the civilian ships at all costs,” his tone was deadly serious.
“I… I understand, commander,” Moonlight was scared now. This was Armageddon, she thought, the end of everything at the hooves of the Cyponians.
“Spool up your FTL drive and get out of here on my signal,” Blacker ordered. “We’re on a recognised approach path to Caprica, and it’s only a matter of time before the Tin Cans send their own ships along our flight paths to deal with us.”
The crew of the liner began to prepare for FTL jump. Moonlight paced the deck, knowing that Blacker was right and there would be Cyponians searching the system for Colonial ships.
“Major!” the officer at the scanner control called. “Incoming contacts!”
“Identification?” Moonlight cantered over to the station. She saw the contacts, no transponders, and coming in fast.
“Missiles!” she cried. The range of these civilian scanners was less than that of the military models, and had not been increased because of the escort destroyers. There had to be a baseship out there that was firing on them.
“Jump!” she ordered, almost panicking. “Jump!”
The starliner shook, and the view from the bridge windows changed. They had jumped across space, and with them the rest of the convoy, escorts and all. Moonlight sighed in relief; there was no way to track a ship’s FTL jump, which was why it was vital that they all jumped to the same co-ordinates.
“All made it,” Blacker’s voice came over the speakers. “We’ll stay as long as we can to see if any other ships survived the attack.”
“Commander?” Moonlight was a little confused; nopony could track an FTL jump, so what was the alicorn officer worrying about?
“This location is a standard rendezvous point. If the Cyponians capture one of our ships, they could get the location from its computer, and then all Hades will break loose. If that happens, I need you to lead the civilian ships to safety whilst we hold the Cyponians off.”
“Commander, I’m an astrophysicist, a science specialist. I’m not a leader,” Moonlight protested. “I’ve never been in battle in my life!”
“That’s going to change,” Blacker said firmly. “The Colonies have been destroyed, somepony sabotaged defences. That means that the only survivors of the attack who can escape are those who were travelling in FTL-capable ships at the time. Everypony else is toast.”
The alicorn officer’s tone sounded harsh, and Moonlight was about to complain when she realised that it was his way of coping with the unimaginable tragedy that had hit the Colonies.
“The Colonies… are gone?” it seemed unreal, impossible. The Colonies had existed for millennia, now they were destroyed in hours?
“Yes, destroyed by a Cyponian sneak attack. The Tin Cans fooled us all, Major Moonlight, made us think they wanted peace, and then they did this, destroyed everything. What’s worse, they couldn’t have done it without a bucking traitor in the military someplace. Planetary defences were down, de-activated. The Cyponians didn’t do that, and there’s no way our defences would have let the attackers through if they’d been on line.”
“Sabotage!” Moonlight reeled at the thought, but it made perfect sense.
“Exactly, somepony has betrayed us. That’s another reason why this location isn’t safe.”
Suddenly an alarm went off on the bridge of the liner. Moonlight looked over to the earth pony who was operating the scanner.
“It’s a Colonial ship… no, a small convoy, eight Colonial ships. Two escort destroyers, one seems to be damaged.”
The ships were visible from the spacious bridge of the starliner. One of them was a Colonial government ship, the sort used to ferry about dignitaries. One of the escort destroyers was badly damaged, ventral gun turrets wrecked, a huge gash torn in one side.
“Contact the government transport,” Moonlight ordered. The ship’s communications officer obeyed. He started and looked back at Moonlight.
“You need to take it, sir, since you’re in charge.”
“Very well,” the unicorn scientist picked up the telephone handset. “Hello? This is Element actual.”
“Well, thank you,” the voice was that of a cultured mare of middle age, it was a kindly, if concerned voice. “I’m Cheerilynn, Minister of Education. I was on my way back from a conference on Taura when the attack happened. A group of Cyponian raiders ambushed our convoy. Commander Vellin was protecting us, but his ship was destroyed along with two other escorts.”
“Major Moonlight. Minister, I’m a science specialist, not a military commander. Our convoy commander is Blacker; you really need to speak to him rather than me…”
“I’ve already spoken with Commander Blacker, Major; you’re the second most senior officer in your convoy. I’m glad you’re a scientist. I’m grateful to our military, of course, but I need a more… objective mind, like yours.”
Moonlight felt flattered by the Minister’s description of her, but she also felt that Cheerilynn had a rather rosy view of scientists.
“We’re none of us very objective right now, Minister; the Colonies have been destroyed by the Cyponians, and we’re probably next on the list.” she pointed out.
“Agreed, all ships need to be ready to jump at once, send a new location to all ships in the fleet. And thank you, Major.”
“No problem, Minister, but… fleet?” Moonlight was puzzled by the use of the term. Thirty-two ships, including eight destroyers, were not much of a fleet in her opinion, more like a large convoy.
“Yes, Major, the fleet; the last fleet of the Colonies. In the meantime we need to wait to see if any other ships arrive here.”
“That might not be a good idea, Minister. Ships have been known to accidentally jump to the same exact co-ordinates, and the result is always fatal.”
A flash and the bleeping of an alarm alerted them to the arrival of another convoy, a large one, fifty ships, most cargo vessels, but with several that were immediately recognisable as passenger craft, one a huge liner that carried ten thousand passengers. There were two botanical cruisers, a couple of container ships, and a huge vessel that had once been a luxury liner, but now bore the marks of a prison ship.
More ships, Moonlight thought, that meant more survivors, and perhaps a greater chance that their race might survive after all. That was, if the Cyponians were not just deliberately herding all of them into this small area of space to finish them off with a missile.
Apparently the destroyer commanders were talking to one another, for the ships were now starting to take up defensive positions on the edges of the ad hoc fleet, waiting not for if the Cyponians attacked, but when.
Notes:
1. The story of the Civilian fleet begins here!
2. Several ponies who may seem familiar have started showing up in the civilian fleet.
3. The convoys are based on World War 2 tactics, a large number of civilian ships escorted by at least five destroyers. Yes, this means that right now Equestria is not the last surviving warship. Yes, this also means that you should not get too attached to Commander Blacker.
4. Only the warships in planetary defences have Altair’s ‘Back Door’ for the Cyponians. Convoy duty is handled by another department, like the main battle fleet.
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Commander Celestus
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1425
| 6 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
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What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
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incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
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everyone
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2011-11-05T15:05:21+00:00
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2011-11-05T15:05:21+00:00
| 1,086 |
Chapter 6
Greater Love Has No Pony
Major Moonlight looked out from the broad windows of the bridge of the Element over the rag-tag fleet assembled in the refuge area. If she had had her doubts about calling it a fleet earlier, she had none now. There were over 150 civilian ships in the rendezvous area, ranging from Cheerilynn’s smart Colonial government transport to container ships so old that it was practically a miracle they were still flying. There were liners, cargo ships, mining vessels, even a couple of garbage ships. Alongside the civilian fleet were 25 military destroyers, some damaged from Cyponian attacks. One of the destroyers was being evacuated since it was too badly damaged to jump again, a procedure that left the ships vulnerable to attack since the shuttles carried by the civilian ships were not FTL-capable.
In the hour since the attack, a hierarchy had already developed in the fleet of survivors; Commander Blacker was in charge of the destroyers, Major Moonlight in charge of the civilian ships. The Commander’s responsibility was to protect the fleet; hers was the more onerous task of leading them away from the Colonies to safety. Amazingly, it seemed that Cheerilynn was the most senior surviving member of the government, making her the top civilian official. Thankfully, the Education Minister was a reasonable pony, well aware of her limitations and content to leave military command to the military. For her part, Moonlight was glad of the minister’s input and leadership experience, since it made up for what she lacked.
Every minute they stayed at the rendezvous was a risk, and she knew that; any moment the Cyponians might arrive, and like this they would be like fish in a barrel; even if they were able to jump away, there would be casualties, not least the shuttles evacuating the damaged destroyer.
The alarm went off once again, warning them of more ships jumping into the area. Each time there was the very real risk that it might be a Cyponian attack rather than more refugees, and when that happened they would have to abandon the area, and leave any more refugees to their fate.
It took a moment for the ships’ transponders to register, but to Moonlight’s relief the transponders were friendly, Colonial ships, twenty-six of them, many of them passenger vessels, but no destroyers. Looking out of the windows she could see that some of the ships were damaged by pulsar-fire. The Cyponians were starting to attack Colonial ships now, and that meant…
“Send out the co-ordinates for the next jump, and tell the fleet to prepare to jump,” Moonlight ordered. “Contact the new ships and ask what happened to them!”
“I’m getting a message from one of the new ships,” the communications officer said. “The captain of the Astral Princess wants to talk to you, Major.”
Moonlight picked up the telephone, aware that the message from the damaged ships was liable to be traumatic.
“Astral Princess, this is Element actual, Major Moonlight.”
“Element, Captain Adar, Astral Princess,” the stallion’s voice was ragged, terrified; his accent identified him as a native of Gemena. “We… we were on approach to Scorpia Yards when they attacked… swarms of raiders… all over the yards. Nopony stood a chance, all destroyed. Then… came after us. They… had a baseship, nukes… ship-to-ship. Caught our escort leader amidships… nuke was designed to use against ponystars, not destroyers. Our escorts did what they could… held them off while FTL-capable ships jumped… oh, gods, there was ships that didn’t have FTL. There was children on them! Children! Had to leave them… thousands dead; it’s all over, all of it! What’s the gods-damned point in running? We don’t have a bucking place to run to!”
“Captain, please,” Moonlight heard his hysterical sobs over the channel. “There must be tens of thousands of ponies on the ships here. If we can leave the Colonies, find another world where we can survive…”
“They’ll come after us! Don’t you understand, Major? The gods-damned Tin Cans want us all dead! Every last pony! Oh gods, there was a transmission… their leader… glorying in the destruction. She hates everypony, she wants every last pony in the universe destroyed! How can we escape from her?”
“We’ll find a way,” Moonlight promised. She had no idea how she would fulfil that promise, but she knew that she would fulfil it, because she always kept her word. “Captain, welcome to the Colonial refugee fleet. Spool up your engines, we need to be ready to jump at a moment’s notice. It’s only a matter of time before the Cyponians come here looking for us, and there’s no way I’m going to let them kill any more ponies.”
“Commander, we have to go back to Cimtar!” Colonel Pie cried angrily, stamping a hoof on the steel deck of Equestria's CIC. “We left most of our fighters there, and if there’s even a chance we can recover them…”
Commander Celestus nodded. He was still in CIC, looking up at the screen that displayed the main sensor read-outs. Ponystars were not piloted by sight, but by the readings from dozens of sensors that painted a far more accurate picture of the space outside than any mere visual image could give. What he saw though was not what was on the screen. The old war-horse saw in his mind’s eye the destruction of the Colonies, billions of ponies who had been relying on the military to protect them, wiped out in a moment by that genocidal robot. Her voice, like an unholy song of triumph, still sounded in his ears.
“Colonel, you’re right. We don’t leave them behind. Spool up the FTL drive, and jump on my signal.”
The pink mare smiled and laughed. Her voice was husky from too much smoking and drinking, she drank like a fish, but she was a fine officer when she tried to be. Nopony got to be promoted from the ranks as she had been without having real military talent, however much she hid it.
“Thank you, Commander! Okay, you mules, you heard the Commander! Get this gods-damned ship ready for jump! Tell those hot-shot pilots to be ready to launch, and for buck’s sake, get somepony to fix that monitor over there, it’s sparking!”
Celestus allowed himself a smile; he secretly enjoyed seeing Colonel Pie in action, she was so determined, so driven. He also suspected that she secretly enjoyed yelling at the crew.
Suddenly, as the crew were getting ready to jump, an alarm went off, alerting them to the fact that a ship had just jumped into the system. Colonel Pie watched with bated breath as the ship’s computers sought to identify the vessel. Unidentified could be Cyponian, and a baseship would be trouble, even if a ponystar was capable of going toe-to-toe with one and winning.
At last an identification tag appeared next to the contact; it must have taken only a few seconds in reality, but the wait seemed like an age. Colonel Pie shouted in delight.
“It’s the Titan! She cried. “It’s the bucking Titan! Thank the gods!”
“Registering multiple fires on board her, heavy structural damage,” Omicron reported. “Colonel, she may have made this jump, but her back’s broken; she’ll never jump again. To be honest, it’s a miracle she made this jump.”
“By the gods! Ready for evacuation!” Colonel Pie ordered. “Contact Titan, Commander Eta…”
“Titan is contacting us,” Communications officer Moonstone reported. “Requesting to speak to Actual.”
Commander Celestus used his telekinesis to raise the telephone, hoping that he would hear Eta’s voice. She was a good officer, and this sort of move, jumping a crippled ponystar to escape the Cyponians, was exactly her style. She had been one of his students at the Academy, and he had watched her career with interest.
“Titan, this is Actual,” he said.
“Commander Celestus!” the voice was not Eta, but a stallion. “This is Major Epiphania of the Titan. The Commander’s dead, so are at least half the crew. We… did what we could. Flight pod’s crammed with fighters and Hawks, all the ships we could get in. Hades, there’s even some in the damaged pod. The ship’s had it, she’ll hold together here, but she won’t be jumping anywhere. Gods, the Commander had to hold her together so we could jump here!” His voice was shaking with emotion.
Celestus was silent for a moment, knowing what Epiphania meant. Eta had sacrificed her life to save the ponies on board the Titan, using her alicorn magic to hold the damaged ship together during an FTL jump had subjected the Commander to stresses that even an alicorn could not survive.
“Major,” Celestus could not hide the pain in his voice as he heard of still more pointless deaths. “Evacuate the Titan. We’ll take everypony off if we can. Colonel Pie!”
“Yes, sir?” the warmare stood to attention. She sensed her commanding officer’s pain, and knew that Eta was dead.
“We’ll be taking every fighter, every Hawk, every shuttle, off of the Titan, so get the deck crews ready! Major, start sending the ships over at once!”
“Yes sir!” Epiphania answered happily.
“Equestria out. You can tell me about the battle when we’re safe and we’ve got time to talk.”
He put the phone down. Celestus knew that Equestria was the last ponystar now; if there had been any others left, they would have jumped with Titan. This was the last ship of its kind, and the last hope for the survivors of the Colonies.
Some hope! But what had happened out there at Cimtar? Well, no doubt they’d find out soon enough from whatever pilots had survived.
Cimtar: a little earlier
Star Flash dodged Cyponian pulsar-fire as she piloted her tiny vessel in for a landing in Titan’s undamaged flight pod. The fuel gauge was pulsing red; alarms sounded, warning her of battle damage. She was out of the fight, and she knew that they had lost. Bellerophon had destroyed another Ponystar, leaving only three of the capital ships, all severely damaged. The ponystars were doing their best to refuel the fighters, but running combat was taking its toll on all of them, and there were pitifully few Colonial fighters left. Of course they were making it count, the Bellerophon had suffered damage now, and hundreds of Cyponian raiders had been destroyed. The trouble was, the Cyponians had baseships out there, probably on their way to join the battle, but it was pretty unlikely there were any ponystars on the way to relieve them.
“Titan! I’m coming in hot!” Star Flash warned the flight deck over her comm. “One engine on fire! But I’m gonna save this bird, don’t you worry!”
She extended landing gear as she approached the flight pod, one of several fighters coming in for a landing. The huge Titan and her sister ship Colossus had been built with two flight decks in each pod, meaning she could handle many more fighters than a normal ponystar, a fact that made her the refuge for survivors from the destroyed ships.
Star Flash saw the flight deck coming up fast; she fired her retros and prayed they would slow the ship in time and she would not end up as a twisted mass of wreckage and flesh on the deck; for one thing that would create a hazard for any other fighters landing after her, she thought with a grim smile.
The landing was awkward and bumpy, not helped at all by the battle raging all around. But then, a good landing is a landing you walk away from, as they said, and she was going to be walking away from this one. The damaged fighter touched down on an elevator, and was carried down, into the hangar deck.
“Oh, buck!” the deck-hand groaned as he surveyed the extensive damage to the fighter. “Thanks a bunch for bringing it back, now I’ll have to try to fix it!”
“Hey, you unicorns need the work to keep you out of trouble!” the Pegasus pilot laughed as she jumped from her cockpit. She stretched her wings and smiled. “Okay, get her re-fuelled and in the air!”
The mechanic used a very colourful expression, and Star Flash trotted away, laughing.
“Flash!”
The familiar voice made the rainbow-maned pony smile. She whirled and caught Flutter in her fore-hooves, overjoyed that her friend and wingpony had survived as well.
“Flutter! Gods, am I glad to see you!”
“You Star Flash? ‘Cos I reckon I owe you one for shootin’ a coupla Tin Cans off of my tail out there.”
The pony’s accent betrayed her at once as a Triton pilot, Apple, from Aquaria. She was an orange Pegasus with blonde hair; her flight suit bore Triton markings, a patch of a trident on one shoulder.
“Yeah, Star Flash; you’ve gotta be Apple.”
“Sure. That was some fancy flyin’ you pulled off back there…”
“Get off the hangar deck!” the voice belonged to the Titan’s Chief Petty Officer. “I’ve got fighters coming in every moment, and there’s no room for you pilots to stand around talking!”
“Okay, okay,” Star Flash sighed, leading the way off the deck. “Sheesh, you’d think he’d understand.”
“He does” Apple replied. “We’re in the middle of a battle. Your ponystar may have survived, but mine, and six others have been destroyed.”
“Attention all hands, attention all hands,” the urgent voice came over the ship’s tannoy. “Prepare for FTL jump! The ship’s damaged, so it’ll be rough!”
“FTL jump?” Star Flash frowned. She knew what that meant, of course; it meant they were pulling out, that the battle was over and what little was left of the Colonial ponystar fleet was finally admitting defeat.
“I reckon we’d better be findin’ ourselves a refuge case things get choppy,” Apple advised.
Star Flash nodded in agreement.
“I reckon you’re right,” she said with a smile.
Titan’s formerly gleaming CIC was in disarray; repeated hits had destroyed monitors and consoles, and even brought an overhead gantry down, killing several ponies. There was blood on the deck and on consoles, smoke in the air, and a fire burning in one corner, defying the efforts of a damage-control team of unicorns.
Commander Eta was a tall, elegant white alicorn of refined tastes. She regarded Commander Celestus with admiration, but felt that there were times that the veteran warhorse needed to be tolerated more than anything else. The way he looked out for that drunken battlemare Colonel Pie, for example, was something she had never been able to understand.
Right now, however, she knew that Celestus could be the last hope of the Pony race. Eta’s white coat was stained with soot; her mane was limp, her right wing broken, her uniform torn and bloodstained.
“Ossian,” she turned to an injured earth pony who was in charge of communications. “Are they all on board?”
“Not yet, Commander,” he reported as the Titan shook under the impact of a missile from the Bellerophon. “Ponystars Aletheia and Ramilles are trying to stay between us and the Bellerophon. Both are taking heavy damage; we can’t hold much longer. Commander, if we jump now…”
“No, we wait until we have every fighter on board!” Eta ordered. “No pony left behind, do you understand?”
“Yes, commander.”
Major Epiphania watched from his station. The Commander was the bravest pony he had known, he thought, she was delaying the jump until she had saved everypony she could, even though she was badly injured herself. The downside of her determination to leave nopony behind was that she might just end up dooming them all in the process. He was now the second most senior officer on the ship, since the XO had been killed by the falling gantry.
“Commander, structural integrity is being affected by these missile hits! If we suffer one more nuke hit, we might not be able to jump!” he shouted urgently across the smoke-filled room. A control console exploded, hurling a pony to the deck. The cries of the wounded pony were pitiful; a reminder that war is always a terrible thing.
Eta looked around the wreckage of CIC; she knew her ponystar was doomed; Titan’s last mission would be to save the survivors of the other ponystars. Perhaps the Colonies had been saved; perhaps Celestus had been able to warn them in time. Or perhaps everypony had perished in a nuclear holocaust. Whatever, these ponies were her responsibility, and she was going to make sure they survived, no matter what.
“Major, programme jump co-ordinates for Caprica waypoint,” she ordered. “Spool up the FTL drive!”
He obeyed. The ship was coming apart, fires all over the place, only two sublight engines working; how they would survive after the jump Major Epiphania had no idea, but he knew they had to survive.
“Commander, the Aletheia’s taking heavy fire from the Bellerophon!” a beige earth stallion on the scanners reported.
“Get me Aletheia actual!”
Ossian pushed controls on his console, and Eta lifted one of the few telephones in CIC that was still working. She trembled as she lifted it, afraid of what she would hear.
“Aletheia, this is Titan actual, pull back!”
“Negative, Titan actual,” the familiar voice of Admiral Cherryblossom came back. “We’re too badly damaged, and that rogue Ponystar’s our biggest problem. You get those ponies out of here; I’ve got my own plans for going out! All power to the engines!”
Eta knew precisely what Cherryblossom was doing, and she gasped in shock. But there was no way to stop the Admiral, they could only watch helplessly as the most senior surviving ponystar officer mounted her last attack and made sure that her death counted for something.
The twelve sublight engines of the ponystar Aletheia blazed into life, incinerating several Cyponian raiders that had been foolish enough to fly too close to them. Those guns that were still intact on the ship were still firing, main turrets directed forward, towards the Bellerophon, point defence trying to keep off the raiders that were determined to destroy the Colonial warship. But Cherryblossom was not counting on the guns. Her ship was on fire, both flight pods inoperable, FTL engines out of commission. Most of the crew were dead; surviving fighters had found refuge on board the Titan. The ship was doomed, and she knew it. She had seen most of the rest of the fleet go up, and was determined that the Aletheia’s destruction would mean something.
“And then there’s you, Altair,” the Admiral said, looking at the contact on the screen in front of her. The Bellerophon, the ponystar of the traitor Altair, and the ship that was keeping the Cyponians flying; just ahead of her ship, bold as brass, defiant in her treachery.
Aletheia’s CIC was a shambles, the deck slippery with blood, air thick with smoke. The many fires burning in the ship heated the air so that even the crimson alicorn commander felt it singe her coat and blister her skin. Her wings hung useless by her side feathers ripped out, her left front ankle was fractured, but she felt no pain, only rage directed at Altair and the Cyponians who had killed so many of her friends and her crew.
“Altair, may the gods curse your very soul, you’ve brought utter ruin on our people. I don’t know what those Tin Cans promised you, but by the gods I’ll see that you never get it! You deserve only death and the pits of Tartarus for ever; and now, traitor, I have you! Prepare to ram the Bellerophon!”
Aletheia’s surviving gunners were still at their posts, blazing away; a ponystar gunner was in a position that practically ensured death in a firefight, sealed in a turret, and they did not give up easily. Ordnance exploded all around the ship as she accelerated towards the Bellerophon, one of her main turrets erupted in a violent explosion as a shot from her opponent’s guns hit home. As her crew realised what the Admiral was doing, the treacherous ponystar began to turn, trying to flee, but she was too late. The Aletheia caught her amidships in a full-speed ram. Admiral Cherryblossom laughed as her ship exploded all around her.
“That is the reward of traitors!” she cried, moments before Aletheia’s CIC erupted in a sheet of flame, and she and the rest of her crew were vaporised in an instant.
The CIC crew of Titan watched in horror as their scanners relayed the death throes of the two ponystars. The ordnance aboard both ships ignited and went up in a fireball like a small sun, hurling debris in all directions, smashing Cyponian raiders and destroyers alike. The shockwave hit the Titan on the beam, and the huge vessel creaked alarmingly as it shook.
“Last ship on deck, sir!” Ossian reported.
“Cyponian destroyer incoming on missile run!” the beige earth pony cried. While many Cyponian ships had been destroyed when Aletheia and Bellerophon went up, there were many more still flying.
“FTL jump!” Eta ordered.
“Commander, if we jump we risk the ship breaking apart,” Epiphania warned.
Commander Eta nodded sadly. She had hoped to see Celestus again; he had been her mentor for so many years. But saving the ponies on her ship was far more important than her personal feelings. She was their commander, they were her charge, and she would save them whatever it took. Her horn began to glow as she reached out with her alicorn magic, touching every part of the ship.
“Commander,” Epiphania knew what she was doing, and he also knew what the result would be.
“Tell me, Major, how many ponies are on board this ship at the moment?” her voice was surprisingly calm in view of the stress she was placing on herself.
“Over two thousand, sir,” he said quietly
“And is the loss of one pony acceptable if by that action more than two thousand ponies are saved? Major, if that destroyer gets through, this ship will be destroyed. If we jump and I am not holding Titan together, this ship will be destroyed; this is the only way to ensure that the ponies on board survive,” she gasped in pain as her alicorn magic spread out through the vessel. At this point she was literally holding the ship together; she was one with Titan, and the effort was slowly killing her. Perhaps if she had been uninjured things would have been different, but they were not, and she was injured. An FTL jump would put the ship under enormous stress, and the result of that stress would be, as she well knew, her death.
“Jump!” Commander Eta screamed in agony. The FTL drive was activated just as the Cyponian destroyer launched its deadly projectile, and the nuclear missile streaked away into empty space.
Robbed of the Titan, the Cyponian ships turned on the crippled Ramilles like so many angry hornets.
The damaged Titan appeared in a blaze of light at the Caprica waypoint, close to the stationary Equestria. The CIC crew stared in horror at their Commander’s form; she stood in the centre of CIC, blood pouring from mouth, nostrils and ears. The effort of holding the damaged ponystar together had been too much for her, and her body was shrivelled up from the drain on her magic. She coughed weakly and managed a smile as she tottered on her hooves.
“There. It was worth it. Nopony left behind.”
And with that, Commander Eta’s body dropped to the deck of her CIC, stone dead.
“Nopony left behind,” Major Epiphania repeated, tears welling in his eyes. “Commander, it was an honour to serve under you.”
“So say we all,” Ossian added.
“So say we all!” the CIC crew spoke as one, honouring the commander who had made the ultimate sacrifice for her crew and all the ponies in her charge.
Notes:
1. The title is derived from the Bible, its application should be quite obvious
2. The Titan is my solution to getting fighters from Cimtar to the Equestria. The jumps to the Colonies were defined routes, and because the Colonial military knew that Equestria was headed to Caprica, they could jump to her waypoint location.
3. The Unicorn mechanic reflects the feelings of groundcrew in World War II faced with badly shot-up aircraft.
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Commander Celestus
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1425
| 7 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
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What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
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incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
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everyone
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2011-11-12T12:15:00+00:00
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2011-11-12T12:15:00+00:00
| 810 |
Chapter 7
Love and Loss
Commander Celestus closed the door of his office on board the Equestria, closed his eyes and sighed deeply. The office was his refuge on board the ship, but he was far too aware that there was really no refuge for anypony now. His crippled wings ached; he was exhausted from the fight, indeed, he was surprised at just how exhausted he was. What was worse, he had lost his son, and lost his home. Billions of ponies had died, and he had not been able to do a thing to save them. He knew what it was like to be helpless, of course, but it never got any better.
But there was no time to mourn now, he told himself. They had to figure out what to do; they were probably the last fighting ponystar left; Titan was a hulk, unable to jump again, she would have to be abandoned as a tomb for those who had died on board her. Commander Eta had been one of his best students during his time as an instructor at the military academy on Scorpia, and her sacrifice saving the ship was so in character for her. She had been a ponystar commander, and had given her life to save those under her command. But to him she had been more than just a fellow-officer; she had been the mare he loved.
He remembered the last time they had met, what seemed like an age ago, in the Yards over Scorpia, preparing for the doomed peace mission. They had been in dress uniform, which both found quite uncomfortable, leaving the briefing room for their respective ships. She had looked as lovely as ever, and they had smiled across the hall to each other.
“So, looking forward to the end of the war?” she had laughed.
“Of course I am, and you know it. Everypony’s looking forward to it. I have the best reason to look forward, though, and that’s you,” he had playfully nuzzled her flank, and she had laughed that lovely, musical laugh of hers.
“So, you’ve talked that eldest son of yours round to it?” she had asked, her tone rather surprised.
He had laughed out loud at that. How like her to assume that he had sorted things out with Atepomonus! Of course he had not; the young stallion was as stubborn as his father.
“No, no I haven’t. He’ll come round; besides, he’s an adult now, he’s got his own life.”
“But I’d like him to be part of ours as well,” Eta had said, gentle yet firm. “I know he thinks I’m trying to replace his mother, but I could never do that, and I wouldn’t try to.”
“She was a fine pony, different from you, of course, but then I was a different pony back then, before the battle. I’m not asking you to replace her, but for you to be my wife now.”
She had been speechless. Of course they had been lovers, and they had been talking about marriage, but she had still not expected the proposal.
“I’ll even kneel down if you think that makes it more romantic,” he had joked, a reference to the arthritis that was beginning to afflict him as the result of old wounds.
“No… don’t, I know it hurts you,” she had answered, eyes cast down to the deck. “And yes, Celestus, I would be… honoured to be your bride.”
“Nonsense, I’m just an old war-horse who’ll be put out to pasture once this gods-damned war is over. I’ll see you at the Olympia, darling.”
He had kissed her, they had said farewell, and then they had parted, never to meet again.
The fleet was gone; eleven ponystars had been lost, ten destroyed in the Cimtar system, including the Bellerophon. The rest of the Council were dead, and there was no way he was comfortable being the leader of their people.
So many casualities, so many killed by the Cyponians; and in some way it was their fault. Ponies had created the Cyponians, and then tried to destroy them when they had rebelled against the slavery they had been placed under. It had been obscene; crime syndicates had owned Cyponians and used them against the authorities, who also deployed Cyponians. Was it any wonder that the Cyponians regarded ponies as evil? He had to agree that if he had been in their position, he would have thought as they did.
And the Imperious Leader; what was her story? He could not believe that the Cyponians had created her, so how had she come into existence? Could she be another creation by Grey Stone, the brilliant but amoral alicorn scientist who had created the Cyponians in the first place? If so, he had probably abused her too, this would explain her apparent visceral hatred of all ponies that had been expressed in her speech.
“Damn it, if we have to pay for our sins, can this really be the only way?” he muttered to no-one. Celestus was an agnostic; the gods had not saved his family, they seemed not to answer his prayers; besides, the stories of the gods seemed unworthy of really divine beings. Of course he knew about the Monotheist cult, and their teaching about a single, merciful god, but it had been Monotheists who had killed his mother and sister. If their god was merciful, why weren’t they? He might have been an atheist, but he did not even have the certainty that there were not gods out there.
The old warhorse looked around the comfortable office, furnished with objects that meant things to him, objects that spoke of history, both his own and the history of the Colonies. There was his personal library, highbrow and lowbrow literature, some of the classics of ponykind, maybe the last copies of some of those books still in existence. Some were bound in beautiful tooled bindings, others in cheap paper covers, but all of them meant something to him, from his father’s law books to the cheap thrillers he read for pleasure. The antique desk had been his father’s; he’d had it ever since his father’s death, and had taken it with him wherever he went. He could still picture his old father at the desk in the old law office, telling him how proud he was that he had passed the exams for the Academy. The last time he ever saw his father, the old lawyer had been behind that desk; it had just been another tour of duty like any other, aboard this very ponystar as a pilot. Only it had been during that tour that the Cyponians had launched their sneak attack on Caprica. They had been beaten back, but there had been many casualties, and his father and wife had been among them. His sister and mother had been killed by terrorists years before; mercifully the boys had been with friends in another part of the city, but the Battle of Caprica had changed everything.
The weapons that decorated the walls of the office were all antiques, swords, daggers, spears and shields that had been used in a more civilized age, when armies faced each other in hoof-to-hoof combat rather than using thermonuclear weapons to annihilate whole cities in an instant. Before ponykind had decided to play god and created the Cyponians, a world before ponystars and pulsar-cannon, a simpler, gentler age. Had it ever existed? Probably not, but then it was something to look back to. He smiled wryly to himself; yes, they’d tried to be like gods and perhaps they had succeeded in becoming like the gods they worshipped, but that was hardly something praiseworthy; they’d imitated the gods in their faults as well as their virtues, and like the gods they had created life, only for that life to turn against them. He knew the arguments, of course, religion ennobled, gave them a future hope, but he wasn’t sure any of them held any water.
And then there were the pictures. First of all his parents’ wedding picture, slightly charred from the Cyponian attack, then a picture of his mother and sister together; to be honest, he didn’t really remember either of them, he’d been just a boy when they’d died in the maglev bombing, but still he missed them. Then there was his father’s picture from after the bombing, with that sad, haunted look that he had carried through the years. He’d missed mother, of course, and poor Tamara as well. There had been nine years between Tamara and Celestus, he had been a surprise really, they hadn’t planned on having another child. They’d adored him, and Tamara certainly had; and then she had gone, with all her promise and potential, and it had been just the men. After his father’s picture was his own wedding photo. Eline had been wonderful, everything a stallion could wish for; she’d been a good wife and a good mother. And then she’d been killed, taken by this pointless war that had consumed them all. Next was Atepomonus at his graduation, then Seg. Only the two of them left, he thought; looking at the pictures really brought home to him what the war had cost personally.
He used his telekinesis to place a picture of Eta that had been brought over from the Titan on the wall with the others. Another casualty, another pony he had cared for dead at the hooves of the Cyponians. Celestus opened a drawer of the desk and took out a bottle of whisky and a glass. Using his telekinesis he poured himself a glass and raised it to his lips as he faced Eta’s picture.
“Lords of Olympia, if you exist, take good care of her. She was a damn fine officer, and an even better pony,” tears welled in his eyes. “Wherever you are, Eta, I hope it’s somewhere good. You were one Hades of a pony, best student I ever had, and much more than that. I wish Atepomonus had understood, but Hades, you know how the boy is, still thinks of me as the old man, and how he still misses his mother. But that’s all academic now. You were the better pony when it came to it; you were the one who laid down her life for her crew. To you, Commander Eta, wherever you are.”
Commander Celestus raised his glass and drained it in a single gulp. The spirit ran down his throat, hot and strong. He smiled as he recalled happy times with Eta, how they first met when she was a young officer student, how she had graduated top of her class, with honours. She was everything he had never been, a model officer where he had always been something of a maverick, a good officer, but one who was never afraid to disobey orders to achieve results, especially when the orders were being given by some alicorn officer who was only in command because of who his father or mother was bucking. Okay, that was probably unfair, but it had sure seemed that way at the time.
Of course Eta had been more than his best student, they had fallen in love. He had promised to himself that he would never marry after Eline’s death, but Eta had re-awoken something in him, made him glad to be alive again. It was only hours since she had agreed to marry him and made him the happiest stallion in the galaxy; and now she was dead, her shrivelled corpse lying in a coffin aboard her ponystar, in the wreckage of her CIC where she had fallen in the course of duty. Her memory needed to be honoured, and he would do that as best he could. But she was gone, and she would never be coming back.
“Goodbye, Eta, you were one Hades of a pony,” he drank another glass to her memory. He was having what had been salvaged from her office transferred to the Equestria, items that would be something of a memorial to the brave alicorn officer.
Celestus was about to pour out another glass when a buzzer sounded, alerting him to somepony on the door.
“Come in!” he used his telekinesis to open the hinged door, revealing his son, who was still in his flight suit. Atepomonus was obviously not happy, his expression was thunderous.
“Captain,” Celestus said quietly. “It’s good to see you actually. I know you didn’t want to be posted to the Equestria, but I’m glad you were here.”
“Father, I know what’s happened; it’s the end of the world. The Cyponians have destroyed everything. And Seg… it was so pointless! Why did he try to fight? Why didn’t he follow me into the bay?” tears welled in his eyes.
“I don’t know,” Celestus’ voice was low, choked with emotion. “He was eager for combat… he was still a rookie. Remember that, Atty?” he used the captain’s nickname, and now he smiled. “Being a rookie, when you felt like you were immortal, nothing could kill you? Until the first time your wingpony was blown out of the sky beside you? But I never thought Seg would be that pony.”
“He wasn’t ready!” the captain blazed angrily.
“We’re at war. That means rookies are posted earlier than they’d be in peacetime. Damn it, I was his father, I didn’t want him on active service so early either! I had him posted to Equestria because I thought I could keep an eye on him here. And it was a probe in front of a fleet going to a peace conference! Nopony knew that we were flying the whole bucking fleet into a Cyponian ambush! Besides, if he’d been on Caprica, he’d still have died. I know you’re angry, I’m angry too; but point that anger in the right direction. It was the Cyponians who killed Seg, not you, not me. That means you point your anger at them. They are the enemy, they killed your mother, and now your brother, do you understand?”
Atepomonus did not know that he did understand really, but he did know that his father was right; this was war, and he was a soldier. It had been the Cyponians who had killed his family, and here he was taking it out on his father, who had lost as much as he had, perhaps more.
“I… I’m sorry, father. Commander, we’re evacuating the Titan. The fighter bays will be cluttered – there’s enough birds in there that we can fly to make up all our squadrons, plus two more. It could be tough getting the pilots to all work together, of course, but we’ll learn. The question is, what will we learn to do?”
The question was a pointed one; what were they going to do? Run from the Cyponians with three and a half thousand ponies on board? Or would they fight? Fight for what? The Colonies were gone after all, the Cyponians had destroyed them. There was no home to fight for, no families back home to protect, only irradiated dead worlds.
“That’s something we need to figure out,” the Commander said, his voice heavy with sorrow. “The first thing we’ll have to do is see if we can find any more survivors, from the fleet, from the colonies. As soon as we’ve evacuated the Titan, we’ll try to contact survivors. But no wireless until then; we can’t afford to let the Cyponians know we’re here as long as we’re vulnerable to attack.”
“Father,” Atepomonus shuffled his hooves. “I heard about Commander Eta, how she sacrificed herself to save everypony on board her ship. I’m sorry; I was wrong, she was a hero.”
“I don’t blame you, son,” his father smiled. “You remembered your mother and her sacrifice; you couldn’t accept another mare taking her place. My mother was killed when I was even younger than Seg was when your mother died, and I don’t know how I’d have reacted if my father had started seeing somepony else; probably about as badly as you did, though. We’d have gone ahead and married if the peace had been for real, and you’d probably have refused to go to the wedding. It’s funny how things play out, isn’t it?”
“I’m sorry,” Atepomonus repeated. He felt like a jerk; he had been angry at his father for so many things, for not being there when his mother had been killed, for his obsession with his career. Eta had been one more reason to be angry with Celestus, it had felt like the Commander was dancing on his mother’s grave. And he had forgotten that Celestus had his own life; that he missed Eline as well and tried to honour her in his own way.
“I had a sister, you know,” his father’s voice was quiet, reflective. “She was killed along with my mother, in a maglev bombing by a couple of religious nuts. It was totally meaningless, just a stupid attempt to make a point that murder never makes. I know how you feel because I’ve lost a mother and a sibling as well. And I lost my wife, my father, and now one of my sons. And I’m not going to ask you to stay on the Equestria to keep you safe. You’re a soldier, and you’ve got a job to do; we’ve both got a job to do. And by the Lords, if Lords there be, we’re going to do it. I will not let our people die!”
“Yes, we do, and we won’t fail them,” Atepomonus smiled. “And thank you, father.”
“No, thank you. Captain, what happened to the Bellerophon?” with that question he was suddenly the professional ponystar commander again, the armour was back on.
Atepomonus understood now, this was how his father protected himself from the sufferings of others, and how he hid his own sorrow and vulnerability. He answered as the ship’s CAG, knowing that was what was required of him.
“According to reports, destroyed when she was rammed by Aletheia, both ships were lost with all hooves,” Atepmonus did not know how he could stay so calm giving such a report, but he guessed it was his training coupled with the numbing effect of the deaths of countless billions of ponies.
“Good,” Celestus smiled a bittersweet smile. “I hope that bucking traitor Altair was on her when she went, and he’s burning in the lowest pit of Hades right now. Trouble is, I’m not so sure; if I were him I wouldn’t have stayed on the Bellerophon in that battle, I’d have high-tailed it out of there on one of those fast Cyponian destroyers. If I had him in this room right now, I’d throttle the life out of him as soon as look at him,” the old alicorn’s expression reflected the fact that he was utterly serious. “One thing bothers me, though; why did he do it? What in Hades would possess a pony to betray his whole race to annihilation at the hooves of the Cyponians? Slavery I could understand, but genocide?”
“Maybe they promised him something? Why is it important?” Atepmonus frowned; as far as he was concerned Altair was just a traitor, and that was all there was to it.
“He’s an intelligent stallion, there’s no way he’d betray the Colonies for money that would be worthless once the Colonies would be destroyed.” Celestus was a thoughtful stallion as well as a military commander, and he knew that understanding motivations was important. Altair bothered him, because he did not know why the Count had betrayed the Colonies. “Besides, he’s the enemy; a good commander always tries to know how the enemy thinks; as an old pony general once said, what I want to know is what’s going on the other side of the hill, in the enemy camp. Underestimating the enemy’s fatal – as we just found out. Gods damn it, how could we have been so deceived by them? We knew the Cyponians hated our guts, they wanted us dead, so why did we just fall right into their trap like that?”
“Perhaps he didn’t know that the Colonies would be destroyed?” the Captain offered another opinion on Altair’s motivation.
“It’s possible,” Celestus conceded as he mused. “But I don’t think so. I’ve worked with him, never trusted him, but I know him well enough to doubt that he’d think the Cyponians would spare anypony. He knows they hate us all and want us all dead. So that leaves us with the question: why the buck did he do it? What in Hades would possess a pony to betray his whole civilization?” Celestus frowned; perplexed by the questions he was asking that had no certain answer. He wished he could be in whatever room of the Cyponian flagship the Imperious Leader was. How she thought was something he was really curious about; and after all, she was their true foe.
The huge base ship hung silent in space above the ruined planet of Caprica, a menacing shape looking down at the world below that she had destroyed. Down on the surface mopping up operations were proceeding, regiments of centurions and squadrons of raiders moving across the surface in a regimented and vicious sweep, killing everypony they met, cleansing the planet from what they considered to be a disease.
The Imperious Leader sat on her throne in the centre of the chamber, watching operations on the holographic displays that surrounded her throne room. The displays were split into several sections, each displaying something different. One showed the mopping-up operations in the ruins of Caprica City, Centurions scouring the ruins of the city for survivors. Another segment of the display showed gun camera footage from a raider that was engaging civilian ships that had been left behind; pulsar-cannon tearing into unarmed ships while fragments of wrecked destroyers drifted by. Yet another segment displayed an attack on a small farmstead, a squad of centurions shrugging off shots from projectile-weapons as they advanced on the few civilian defenders. She smiled as she watched her centurions gunning unarmed ponies down and her raiders destroying helpless civilian ships. Of course she was without pity, for to her they were just so many germs, part of an infestation.
“Burn, Caprica, burn,” she laughed. “I have repaid you double for all of your sins. My wrath is poured out upon you, and it is terrible.” It gave her untold satisfaction to watch these wretched ponies die as she believed they so richly deserved.
“Imperious Leader,” Lucifer’s slightly squeaky voice came over the hidden speaker in her throne. “You asked to be informed when Count Altair arrived on board the baseship.”
“Indeed I did, Lucifer. Bring him to my throne room at once,” she ordered.
“By your command,” the U-L series answered her. “I shall bring him to you at once.”
She smiled, imagining his rather camp bow. The U-L series was decidedly amusing, she thought, perhaps evidence that she still had a sense of humour after all that the ponies had done to her. That was a minor miracle in itself, of course.
She saw a small filly run from a damaged house in the feed from the centurion in Caprica city. The filly was an alicorn, probably the reason why she had survived in the first place; she was under ten, white with purple hair. She faced the centurions, and Zoe read her lips asking for them to spare her. Of course, centurions did not spare ponies, they gunned her down where she stood, and the Imperious Leader laughed as she watched the little filly’s blood stain the shattered concrete under her corpse.
The crystal doors of the chamber slid open and a pair of gleaming centurions escorted Count Altair into the throne room. The green alicorn bowed low before the slim silver form of the Imperious Leader.
“By your command,” he said, head lowered.
“Rise, Count Altair, you have served the Cyponians well,” The Imperious Leader stood on her platform in the centre of the domed chamber.
“I live to serve you, Imperious Leader,” he replied as he rose. “Your success is all the reward I seek.”
“I know,” she looked at the two centurions. “Centurions, leave us.”
“By your command,” the two chrome-plated ponies trotted out of the chamber. Zoe looked down at Altair, and then she took flight. The silver robotic alicorn landed beside Altair; he was taller than she, his stature regal, and his bearing noble. He spread a wing over Zoe’s smaller form, and she smiled girlishly.
“I did it, Altair! I defeated them! And I couldn’t have done it without you, my love!”
“Oh, Zoe, I merely helped. The whole plan was yours, and it was brilliant,” he said. “Ever since I first knew you in the V-World, I’ve loved you. You understand me, unlike all those vapid creatures I knew. Your have a mind that is superior to mine – and nopony else ever had that,” there was genuine affection in his voice, he really did love the robot alicorn; and she unaccountably loved him back.
Zoe was supremely happy; it amazed her, once, long ago, she had loved another pony, and he had betrayed her. She had not trusted Altair, but now that he had carried through his promises and betrayed his own kind, she knew that he was wholly with her. He loved her, and had proven it with the greatest sacrifice a pony could give.
“Every one of the Colonies is burning,” she said with deep satisfaction in her voice, “even your own world; none has been spared. What do you say to that?”
“I say that I have you, my love, and having you, I am content.”
“I am the Imperious Leader of the Cyponians,” she would have blushed if she had an organic form. “Yet here I am, like a little filly in love. I am the hand of God, and… I love you.”
“And I love you,” he kissed her silver lips. Her body was metallic, and yet he did not mind it when he kissed her.
“My love, two ponystars escaped from Cimtar,” he reported.
She sighed, “You know I can’t be angry with you; after all, you weren’t in command of the mission. What happened? Which ships escaped?”
“The Equestria jumped away close to the beginning of the battle. Commander Celestus never trusted your promises of peace, it’s my guess he was trying to warn the Colonies, but of course he failed.”
“Of course,” she smiled. “We see the evidence below,” her horn glowed, and the holographic displays changed to a view of Caprica from orbit, the clouds of the thermonuclear attack still spreading in the atmosphere. “His own colony is gone. Yet there are ponies who survived! And what was the second ponystar?”
“The Titan; she was badly damaged in the battle, and it’s the commander’s opinion that she may well have been destroyed by the jump, and there’s certainly no way that she’ll be able to jump again. The only problem is that she had most of the surviving pony fighters on board when she left.”
“Yes,” Zoe agreed, “That is a problem…”
A sound like an electronic bell interrupted her, and the Imperious Leader looked up in irritation. She wanted to be alone with Altair, but her responsibilities of command were interfering.
“Yes, Lucifer?” she spoke with irritation in her tone.
“By your command. I beg your pardon, Imperious Leader, but we are receiving a number of rather disturbing reports from our raiders; of civilian ships jumping away to some location we have yet to find. There are survivors out there.”
She shook her head. It kept getting worse and worse, first there was a ponystar, and potentially a lot of fighters, that had survived the attack on the fleet, and now civilian ships, and maybe escorts, that had survived.
“We cannot allow there to be any survivors who flee the Colonies,” Zoe declared, voice resolute. “They are ponies, if there any survivors they will come back to take their revenge; only by destroying them all can we ensure our survival. You have your orders, Lucifer, order three baseships to search for the civilian ships and two more to find the ponystar Equestria. There must be no survivors from either.”
“By your command,” the U-L series’ voice was calm and measured. “There will be so survivors.”
Notes:
1. Eta was introduced into the story a little late as the reason why Atepomonus does not see eye-to-eye with his father.
2. The pony Colonial religion is polytheistic, and somewhat like the Greco-Roman religion, so that the gods are ponies writ large. They were in fact real ponies who lived on Olympia before the catastrophe that forced the forefathers of the Colonials to leave the planet.
|
Commander Celestus
|
1425
| 8 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
|
What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
|
incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-11-28T11:57:09+00:00
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2011-11-28T11:57:09+00:00
| 719 |
Chapter 8:
That Which Remains
The CIC of a ponystar was a place of order, except in the very worst battle. The crew were trained to deal with almost any emergency, and all of them knew that there were other ponies relying on them. In the aftermath of the destruction of the Colonies, the Equestria’s CIC crew were finding refuge in their work, trying not to think about what had happened to friends and family, and trying even more not to dwell on the unknown future that lay ahead. The task of evacuating the hulk of the Titan was a welcome distraction.
“How’s the evacuation of the Titan going?” Celestus asked as he cantered into CIC. Major Pie rolled her eyes, a sure sign that she was not impressed, even if CIC seemed to be working as regularly as normal.
“Like a gods-damned sloth with arthritis, Commander,” she complained. “We’ve got most of the fighters and other birds transferred, but we’re still transferring equipment and personnel. Weapons lockers are bulging, though, and that’s certainly a good thing, but with half the Titan crew dead, it’s taking time to get somepony who has access to some of her lockers. That ship is really bucked up!” her rasping voice sounded even more irritated than usual. She wanted to have a drink, but she was on duty and her bottles were in her quarters; so she was taking it out on the crew as usual.
Colonel Pie had her own ideas about command. The function of the XO, in her opinion, was to be the total bitch everypony hated and had to jump to anyhow, while the Commander could be the father-figure. The XO was feared, the Commander respected. It might not be everypony’s idea of a decent command structure, but it seemed to work anyhow.
“Well tell them to work as fast as they can,” Celestus advised as he moved to where Moonstone was monitoring communications. “Moonstone, can you tell what’s going on out there?”
The dedicated communications officer looked around at the Commander, “Mostly Cyponian chatter, sir,” she reported. “But I’m getting some Colonial wireless communication.”
“Military?” he asked, seeking clarification. Whatever it was, it suggested that there had been some survivors from the destruction of the Colonies, and that meant a glimmer of hope.
“I’m not sure, commander. It sounds like convoy traffic; but the Colonies have gone…”
Celestus smiled; at last, some good news. If there was a convoy that had survived, chances were a passenger ship or two had survived as well. Survivors in any number would be enough to save the race.
“Moonstone, get a fix on that traffic. Omicron; when you have a fix, plot a jump to intercept. Colonel Pie!”
“Yes, sir!” she jumped to attention, glad to be back in action.
“Rescue mission ahead. Get the whole ship’s company ready for this! As soon as we’ve finished evacuating the Titan and stripping her for parts and supplies, we get over to this convoy and lead them out of the combat zone, understood?”
“Understood, Commander,” Colonel Pie actually smiled at her CO, something uncharacteristic in the tough old mare. “Rescue mission, huh? Okay, listen up, we are going to try to save as many of our people from those bucking Cyponians as we can! I need CAG Atepomonus in the briefing room five minutes ago! All gun crews to stations! Prep fire control! How much longer will it take to finish operations on board the Titan? If it’s more than thirty minutes, tell the crews to get their plots in gear and finish the bucking job! This is a ponystar, not a bucking cruise ship!”
“Colonel Pie!” Star Flash smiled as she strolled into CIC, looking like she didn’t have a care in the world. “You’re in a good mood today.”
The scarred pink mare muttered darkly under her breath before she spoke to the Pegasus pilot in her most disapproving tone.
“Okay, Star Flash, what are you doing in CIC?” she asked suspiciously.
“Here to report as per orders, Colonel,” she smiled sweetly as though innocent of all wrongdoing. “You remember you wanted a report on the fighters?”
“Oh yeah; how are they?” Colonel Pie cursed inwardly for forgetting that she had asked Star Flash to tell her the condition of the fighters transferred from the hulk of the Titan.
“At least three different generations of fighters, but thank the gods they’re all designed for a standard launch tube. Six are barely holding together, but we can cannibalize them for spares. About half of them have battle damage of some sort, but hey, we were just in a battle, so what can you expect. Sir,” she added the last word with a rather insubordinate smile, causing the XO some irritation.
“Thank you, Lieutenant. Now get back to the Flight Wing and check out the pilots. How many of ours have survived, and how many are there going to be from the other ships?”
“Just under a quarter of our pilots survived; which is pretty good going seeing we were the first ponystar to launch, and it took way too long for the others to launch their fighters. Four pilots from the Epona, fifteen from Triton…” the list went on; too few pilots for so many ships.
Colonel Pie felt that fact. Things were bad, she thought; this was all the Colonial military as far as they knew. A convoy would have escort destroyers, but those ships weren’t designed for serious combat, they were meant to hold off raider squadrons, not baseships; and the Cyponians wouldn’t be playing around, they’d be sending baseships with nukes to take out any major concentration of Colonial ships.
“Okay, Lieutenant, go find the CAG, wherever he’s vanished to, and tell him to get his plot down to the briefing room. You can come along too to look after him; I’m sure he’ll appreciate it,” she gave the Pegasus pilot her most evil smile. “I’ve actually got a mission for him!”
“Understood, Colonel!” If everything that Star Flash said was regulation, the expression with which she spoke was not. She enjoyed riding the Colonel, getting as close to insubordination as she could without actually doing anything regulations forbade. Before Colonel Pie could object, the pilot trotted out of CIC.
“Well?” the Colonel turned to face the nearest member of CIC crew. “Get back to work! We’ve got a people to save!” She followed Star Flash out of the CIC.
Back at the refuge area the civilian fleet had swelled to nearly 200 ships of all kinds, but now they were arriving battle-damaged; having ravaged the Colonies, the Cyponians were turning their attention to Colonial space traffic that had been caught between worlds. Major Moonlight was sure that there would be convoys gathering at other refuge points, but there was no way to unite them. For one thing, the Cyponians would be on the look out for Colonial ships, and for another, she had no idea how to go about it.
She paced the bridge deck of the Element, hooves clicking on the steel plating; the responsibility was weighing heavily on her now, and had it been possible, she would have worn a track in the deck plating with her pacing. Each moment was a moment that the Cyponians might find them, each moment they were in jeopardy. To make things worse, Secretary Cheerilynn was on her way over from her transport to talk things over, and if the Cyponians attacked while her shuttle was in transit they’d have to jump away and abandon her.
Once more the ship’s sensor alarm went off. Moonlight watched anxiously to see if the ship was Cyponian or Colonial. Every time, she thought, every time there was this agonising wait, the fear that it would be a nuke or something, and they’d all be joining their friends and families who had died on the Colonies.
“Colonial, sir!” the co-pilot reported. “Three ships… oh gods!”
In a moment Moonlight was at his console, watching helplessly as one of the contacts disintegrated and vanished from the screen. The strain of the jump had been too great for the damaged vessel, and it had just broken up on arrival. The ponies on board had thought that they had escaped the Cyponians, only to die anyhow. She turned away, tears welling up in her eyes. She was a scientist, not a soldier, and all this death distressed her.
“Sparky, Contact the survivors and ask them what happened,” the Major said quietly.
“Heavy battle damage; they just jumped out of a firefight,” the communications officer reported. His real name was Marcus, but it was tradition to nickname a communications officer Sparky. His voice shook as he spoke, reflecting the stress they were all under, not to mention the shock of the first ship they had lost. “The lead ship says there were six more ships that didn’t make it at all.”
It was bad, Moonlight thought, really bad. Time to consider leaving; yet that would mean dooming any ships that still survived. She hesitated, unsure of what she should do.
“Major Moonlight, it’s good to see you at last.”
Moonlight started at the unexpected greeting. She recognised Cheerilynn’s voice, but she was surprised by the Secretary’s appearance. Traditionally the government of the Colonies was in the hooves of Alicorns, but the pony who stood in the doorway of the bridge was a quiet-looking, yet also capable, mauve earth pony. She wore a smart business suit, and was followed by a young brown stallion who wore Colonial government saddlebags.
“S… Secretary…”
“I know,” Cheerilynn smiled. “I’m an earth pony. I’m from Aquaria, we recognise there that authority is something that is earned, and not someone a pony is born with, and certainly not a question of a pony’s appendages,” her manner and tone positively radiated that authority, Moonlight thought.
“That’s not something I’m going to argue with,” Moonlight smiled. “Welcome aboard, Minister.”
“Ships are arriving with serious battle damage now, aren’t they? My ship has scanners too, and I can see then out of the viewports,” Cheerilynn’s voice was businesslike and full of the authority she had indeed earned. Scretary of Education was a cabinet position, even if she was not in the Council of Twelve, and that made her a very senior pony indeed, perhaps the most senior surviving member of the Colonial government.
“Yes, Secretary, they are. That means the Cyponians have probably destroyed all space ports on our home worlds and are starting to mop up the ships that were between worlds when the attack was launched. It means that it’s only a matter of time before they find us here.”
“Then we need to leave,” Cheerilynn said firmly. “Gods, I’m amazed you’ve waited so long before leaving this refuge area.”
“I’m a scientist, a specialist posted to fleet headquarters; I’m not really a soldier at all. If it wasn’t for the war, I’d be teaching at a university or something,” Moonlight admitted. “So I guess compassion rather than strategy has been guiding my actions.” She’d been loath to let anypony die, and so she’d waited, hoping that more would arrive. The deaths of those on board the ship that had broken up had jolted her, making her realise just what was going on out there.
“And that’s nothing to be ashamed of,” the mauve earth pony said with a reassuring smile. “Your instinct was to save as many ponies as you could, and that’s admirable; the preservation of life should be our first priority, with so many dead on the Colonies. But if the last ships to join us jumped out of a battle, I think we are going to have to jump away ourselves. Major, please inform Commander Blacker, and tell the other civilian ships that we’re leaving this position,” Cheerilynn had just taken command, Moonlight thought, and she was so glad that there was somepony who wanted to, because sure as anything she didn't want to.
“Major!” Marcus reported. “One of the new ships reports that their FTL drive is out of commission.”
“Evacuate the ship,” Moonlight reported. “And do it quickly! We don’t know how much time we have!”
“There’s two thousand ponies on that vessel.”
Two thousand ponies. Even with every shuttle they had, it would take an hour or more to evacuate them. During that hour they would be vulnerable, but…
The alarm went off again, and the co-pilot gasped in horror as he read the scanner report.
“Cyponian baseship!” he yelled, his voice utterly terrified. “Major, they’ve found us!”
It did not need a glance at the scanner to tell the ponies on the Element’s bridge that; they could see the huge double-saucer shape of the deadly Cyponian vessel hanging in space where it had appeared. Major Moonlight acted at once, turning to the captain of the transport.
“Have the civilian ships got the jump co-ordinates?” she asked urgently.
“Yes, sir, but it’ll take a couple of minutes to spool up FTL drives!”
“Then spool up! We have to get out of here as soon as we can! Sparky, get me Commander Blacker, now!”
Moonlight lifted the phone. The baseship was just sitting there, huge and intimidating, yet motionless; it wasn’t even launching raiders or opening fire with its deadly pulsar-cannon, it was just sitting there. The fact that the Cyponians were not attacking unsettled her; they had to have a reason, and she did not know what it was.
“Major, I have Antigone on comm.,” Sparky reported.
Moonlight spoke into her phone, her voice urgent.
“Antigone, this is Element Actual. It’s going to take a couple of minutes to spool up the FTL and get the fleet out of here,” her tone was apologetic, she knew that she was asking Blacker and the destroyers to risk themselves for the civilian ships.
“Element, this is Antigone Actual,” Blacker’s voice came over her phone. “Don’t you worry, Major, this is what we’re in the military to do, save civilian plots,” he was putting a brave face on it, Moonlight thought; he was getting ready to sacrifice himself for them all. “We’ll buy you the time that you need!”
The purpose of Colonial escort destroyers was to protect civilian convoys from raiders; they were not designed to take on a fully armed baseship. Blacker looked at the ominous contact on the Antigone's main screen, and he shook his head.
The CIC of an escort destroyer was a small, cramped space, filled with equipment. His ship was old, dating back to the beginning of the war; Cyponians didn’t as a rule send base ships out as commerce raiders, they sent their own destroyers, or more often formations of raiders, and that meant that there had not been the need to develop more advanced escort ships; in fact there had been a policy of posting obsolete fleet destroyers to escort duties, and Antigone was not just old, she was antiquated. Facing a baseship like this was extremely intimidating if he was honest. On the other hand, escorts usually operated in smaller numbers, four or five to a convoy, and right now he was in command of twenty-five destroyers, a formidable fighting force. He hoped that was why the baseship was hanging back; it was considering the best course of action against such a large destroyer force. Since to the best of his knowledge there had never been a battle in which destroyers engaged a single baseship in large numbers, the Cyponians would have no data on what would happen in such an engagement; and that gave him an opening.
Commander Blacker was an experienced officer, and at one time he had been viewed as one to watch; he had risen to ponystar command rank, and had had a bright future ahead of him. All that had changed when he had commanded the ponystar Erebus in the third fleet before its destruction at the battle of Ceres, and had been transferred to escort duties because of his outspoken criticism of the conduct of that battle by the admiral in charge. The idea had been to sideline him, to take him away from all important work. Well, he thought with satisfaction, it hadn’t worked. Though he was commanding an escort destroyer now, he was an officer with a great deal of combat experience. He knew Cyponian tactics; they liked to overwhelm their foes with superior numbers; that meant the baseship that had found them was probably calling for reinforcements. Well, he wasn’t going to give them a chance to wait for those reinforcements.
“Sparky, connect me with the rest of the Squadron,” he ordered, lifting his telephone. The communications officer obeyed.
“You’re on, commander,” he told the dark alicorn with an efficient nod.
“Destroyer squadron, this is Antigone Actual, Commander Blacker. Those Tin Cans out there have attacked our Colonies, nuked our comrades, friends and families,” Blacker’s voice was resolute. “So I say we teach ‘em a lesson! Antelope, Arcturus, follow my lead; we’re going to mount a proper missile run at the baseship. Everypony else, cover us, and watch for their raiders, and other baseships coming to join the party! Arm nukes, target the baseship’s engines and launch bays! We are going to show them that escort destroyers are just as deadly as fleet destroyers!”
“Civilian ships are beginning to jump away,” one of the officers reported.
Blacker smiled at the words; it meant that the countdown had begun, and he was sure of saving somepony.
“Commence missile run!” the old ponystar officer looked upwards and smiled as his small ship began to accelerate towards the huge bulk of the baseship. “Lords of Olympia, hear my prayer. May our people live; I commit the souls of all of us into your hands, to your care and keeping.”
Missiles hot, the three antiquated A-Class destroyers streaked forward as the baseship began to launch raiders towards the Colonial vessels. Two more baseships flared into existence as they jumped into the sector, and six more of the destroyers broke formation and shot towards them on their own missile runs, gun turrets blazing into life as they flew, spraying defensive fire.
The missile run was the basic destroyer tactic against a capital ship, making use of the superior speed and agility of the smaller warships to get close enough to the enemy to deliver a lethal volley of short-range ship-to-ship missiles with nuclear warheads that packed quite a punch. It meant dodging enemy pulsar fire, all the while the destroyer’s gun crews trying to keep off raiders and deal with defensive missiles from the baseship. While escort destroyer crews were trained in missile runs, they had never had cause to use them; escort duty was regarded as a quiet posting. Blacker, however, had been on fleet destroyers early in his career, he had led missile-runs before, and in ships much like the A-Class.
A quiet posting, a way of sidelining an experienced officer who was making things difficult for the top brass; not any more, Blacker thought as the Antigone shook; there were no quiet posting any more, they were fighting for their lives, for the lives of their people. That meant putting everything on the line, taking every necessary risk to save the civilian fleet, even at the expense of his own life.
Although the destroyers dodged and weaved as they sped towards the enemy capital ships, and their guns were on defensive fire, there was no way to avoid taking some hits if they were going to fire their missiles into the core section of the baseship. Antigone shook once more as a shot from a raider’s guns struck home on her heavily-armoured hull. They’d take damage, Blacker thought; all they could do was try to avoid being blown to bits before they reached the target. After that; well, the top brass were already dead, he’d probably be joining them, but at least he would have gone out doing something useful.
“Missile crews, ready to fire!” he shouted. An impact shook the compact vessel, causing a monitor in CIC to explode, and the pony who stood at it fell back, screaming in agony from the shards of glass that had ripped through her face.
Lords of Olympia, he thought, we’re not coming through this. This is Ceres all over again; only at Ceres there were Colonies to return to, and at Ceres I was commanding a ponystar. At Ceres we had survivors, but this time there'll be no survivors picked up from lifepods, no second chances.
“Send those Tin Cans to Hades,” he ordered grimly. “Fire missiles, retreat and reload launch tubes!”
The destroyer shuddered as the deadly missiles shot from their tubes, and the helm executed a sharp turn away at speed.
On the bridge of the Element, Moonlight watched as the civilian ships jumped away. All around them was the blaze of battle as the escorts engaged the attacking Cyponians, trying to hold them off the fleet until the civilian ships could jump away to safety. As commander of the civilian fleet, Moonlight was delaying jumping away until the rest of the fleet had gone; she knew that they would be leaving ponies behind, and wanted to make sure that they did not leave any more than they had to. Any destroyers that could would jump with her, but she knew that she would not see Blacker again.
“Lords of Olympia,” she muttered under her breath, “Be gentle with him. Receive the souls of our valiant dead. Receive the souls of the dead of our Colonies.”
She averted her eyes as a nuke from one of the destroyers exploded against the hull of the first of the Cyponian baseships. A wave of destroyers was concentrating on that ship, dodging and weaving between blasts from the Cyponian pulsar-cannon. Three of the Antigone’s missiles slammed into a raider bay, and the bay erupted in a ball of fire. The ponies on the bridge of the Element cheered; it was a small victory, but it was a victory nonetheless. A baseship had been damaged, and more destroyers closed in for the kill. One was struck by an anti-ship missile from the baseship’s still-functioning missile tubes, and it exploded into fragments, killing everypony on board instantly.
Moonlight gasped. She was in her first battle, and had just witnessed her first military loss; it cut her to the heart. On the one hoof she admired Blacker’s destroyer crews for their bravery; on the other the carnage of war sickened her.
Reserves of raiders launched from the two other baseships to try to cover the stricken vessel, but they were too late. The huge ship was battered by anti-shipping missiles, and she fell away, blazing, while the destroyers turned their attention on the other two ships.
A victory, Moonlight thought as explosions ripped through the dying capital ship. It would be encouraging anyhow, even if it was just one baseship that had been destroyed. But there would be no staying to watch the outcome; the fleet had to survive. As she watched two destroyers blew up as they were struck by fire from one of the surviving baseships; she could not tell which they were.
“Last ship away,” Marcus reported. Moonlight was never so glad to hear a report in her life. The Element was an unarmed vessel, a starliner, completely dependent on military vessels for protection. It was time to end this battle, and to lead the ships in her care out of the combat zone, to whatever safety there might still be in a very lonely universe.
“Jump,” she ordered.
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Commander Celestus
|
1425
| 9 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
|
What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
|
incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
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everyone
|
2011-12-14T12:46:30+00:00
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2011-12-14T12:46:30+00:00
| 647 |
Chapter 9
Adrift in the Stars
The Element shuddered as she re-appeared at her destination, and Moonlight breathed a sigh of relief. She trotted to the Co-Pilot’s position and looked at his scanner read-out.
“Are we safe? Did everypony make it?” she asked, looking around the bridge of the ship. The crew were ashen-faced, clearly terrified, and who could blame them? They were civilian pilots who had only seconds before been surrounded by hostile Cyponian baseships capable of destroying a planet.
Not any more, she thought as she looked out of the windows, windows that were in themselves demonstration that this ship was simply not intended for combat; now they were in a peaceful area of space, the rest of the refugee fleet assembled around them, awaiting further orders. Hopefully the jump would give them some breathing-space, time to take stock of the situation they found themselves in.
“We can’t stay here,” Cheerilynn said briskly, “Those same Cyponian ships are going to be looking for us; we need to plot a course out of this star system at once.”
“Run away?” the ship’s captain asked, taken by surprise by the politician’s words.
“Yes, run,” she nodded firmly. “Captain, the idea offends me as much as it offends you, but there’s nothing else we can do. The Colonies are gone; any attempt to return would be suicide. We’ve lost.” She turned to Moonlight. “Major, we’ve lost the war; now we have a new battle on our hands, a battle to survive. Contact the rest of the fleet and tell them that we’ll be moving on. In the meantime we need to take an inventory of all the ships so that we know what we have. I want everything listed, food, water, clothing, blankets, everything. We’re in this for the long haul now; there can be no going back to the Colonies.”
“Yes, sir!” Moonlight saluted.
“One other thing,” Cheerilynn went on. “The Cyponians would never have attacked the Colonies if they hadn’t also attacked the Ponystar Fleet, and probably destroyed it. We therefore have to assume that the fleet is destroyed, and the Council of the Twelve with it. That leaves me the most senior surviving member of the government. Do we have a priest on board?”
A priest, Moonlight thought, to swear in the new president. Cheerilynn was serious, no going back, and that meant a government in this enforced exile in space, over this fleet of stranded ships without a home.
“I’m sure we do, sir; in fact I think we have more than one.”
“Well then, ask the first one you find; no favouritism, Major, you’re the military commander now, and as far as we know the most senior officer to survive, that puts you in charge of the military.”
Moonlight gulped at the thought; the idea that she was now head of what little remained of the Colonial military was daunting, even if it meant only five obsolete destroyers and a heterogeneous assortment of officers and ponies.
“I… I’ll go and find a priest, sir,” she said, hoping that getting away from the bridge for a while would calm her nerves a little.
“Thank you, Moonlight,” the mauve earth-pony smiled reassuringly. “And another thing, we also need a priest to perform the last rites for the dead; for those brave soldiers who allowed us to escape this far.”
Moonlight nodded, and then she trotted from the bridge, thinking about what had happened. With no more ships likely to join them and the fleet safe for now, she was finally able just to reflect on the tragedy that had just overtaken all of Ponykind. She knew that she ought to feel grief over the loss of the Colonies, over the billions who had perished; but she only felt numb, the loss was too great for her to comprehend.
As she entered the first class passenger compartment of the starliner again she heard sobbing all around her; everypony had lost somepony, she realised, and they were letting their grief out now. Stewardesses were doing what they could, and those ponies who were in medical and caring professions were doing their best to assist them, along with a couple of priests. Moonlight felt awkward, unsure of what to do. She was supposed to be a dispassionate scientist, and really she had trouble relating to other ponies. Empathy just was not her strong point.
“Major!” a distraught grey earth-pony cried as he saw the uniform. “My wife and children are on Aerila! Can you put a call in there? Can you find them?”
For a minute Moonlight thought of lying just to comfort him, but then she dismissed the thought; she was a scientist, and besides, any lies would be foolish; the passengers, the people, deserved to know the truth. She shook her head sadly, eyes cast down at the floor.
“I’m sorry, I can’t; nopony can contact the Colonies. Military and civilian channels are out; the only signals coming from the Colonies are Cyponian. I’ll be making an announcement to the entire ship in a few minutes. But… in all likelihood your wife and children are dead; everypony on the Colonies is dead.”
The pony crumpled, overcome by grief as he thought of his lost family.
Moonlight moved on, wishing she could do something to help those ponies whose hearts were breaking, comfort those whose families had been lost, those who had lost fathers, mothers, children, spouses. None of it was in her power; she didn’t even know what to say to them. All she knew was that everypony was traumatised, and there would have to be an awful lot of counselling done in the months and years to come.
“Excuse me?” she spoke to a brown unicorn stallion in a black cassock with military insignia and priest’s collar. “Are you a priest?”
“No, Major, I’m a con-artist disguised as one who is cleverly milking his attire to take advantage of the bereaved so I can buy some ocean-front property on Aquaria. Of course I’m a priest!” he smiled. “Father Macarius. What ails you, my daughter?”
“It… it’s complicated…” she began.
He laughed; a twinkle in his eyes.
“Major, from what I saw I venture that the Colonies have been attacked by the Cyponians, who are now out hunting Colonial ships. So either you and the bridge crew want to confess your sins and be reconciled to the gods, or you’ve got the new President of the Colonies in there needing to be sworn in. So give me a minute to get my stole and surplice and my books, and I’ll be ready. But make it quick; these ponies need my help; I need to pray with them and guide them. And then I think we need to commit the souls of those brave soldiers into the hands of the Lords of Olympia.”
“Father, I’m a scientist…” she began her standard ‘I’m not religious’ speech, only to be cut off by the priest.
“And I have a PhD. in organic chemistry; my skills are a bit rusty after all these years as a priest, but you know, I did some teaching in a Temple school for a while, before I was sent out as a military chaplain. No offence taken, of course, but I would like you to remember that science and faith are not enemies. As a wise old pony once said, I believe in order that I may understand.”
Moonlight knew she had said the wrong thing; that was one of her problems, she thought, she said the wrong thing so often, jumped in with all four hooves and caused chaos. She just didn’t know what to say when she met a new pony, and the result was that she said the wrong thing.
“I’m sorry, Father,” she apologised.
“And so you should be! So should I, of course, jumping in so rudely like that; I’m sorry too, Major. It’s the end of the world, we’re all rather on edge. I lost my wife years ago, but I had a son on the Triton. I know that he’s dead, don’t ask me how, I just know. He was a brave lad, an engineer who loved his job. And you know about engineers.”
Moonlight nodded; she knew what he meant, when a ship was destroyed the engineers were doomed; they were in one of the most vulnerable places, far away from the escape pods.
“I’m sorry, Father.”
“So am I, my dear, so am I. But the gods gave, the gods have taken away; blessed be the gods. Now, I think you have an announcement to make.”
Moonlight trotted away, leaving Father Macarius to gather his things. She made her way to the nearest station where she could make announcements, where a stewardess was standing, looking out over the first class compartment.
“And it’s much worse in standard,” the stewardess sighed. “Everypony wants to know what’s happening, and I have about as much idea as they do. Major, what is happening?”
“I’m about to… that is, I need to make an announcement about that. Can you put me on ship-wide?” she asked.
“Why, yes,” the elegant cream unicorn replied. “Certainly, Major.”
“Then put me on,” Moonlight swallowed hard, dreading the task of telling the passengers the full horror of what had happened.
The stewardess activated the intercom and Moonlight coughed nervously; she had hoped that the burden of command would get easier, but it wasn’t getting any lighter at all.
“Uh… everypony, please listen to me… this is Major Moonlight of the Colonial Military, in overall command of this refugee fleet. It’s been kind of hectic, and we haven’t kept you informed, and I’m sorry for that. I need to correct that now.
“You all know that a few hours ago our Colonies, our home-worlds, were attacked by a massive Cyponian force. What reports we received before all communications from the Colonies ceased indicate thermonuclear bombardment from orbit. I’m sorry, but in all likelihood everypony on the colonies has either already perished or will perish in Cyponian mopping-up operations. The Colonies have been destroyed, and we are probably the last survivors of our kind. We are an endangered species, and our own creations, the Cyponians, want us dead. You know we just jumped away from a Cyponian attack, and I won’t lie to you, they’re hunting us; our only hope is to keep running.
“As far as we know, the Ponystar fleet has been destroyed along with the rest of the Colonial military; we have a few Destroyers to defend us, and that’s not enough to face the Cyponians. That’s why we’re going to have to run, we can’t fight back.
“We’ve all lost somepony; friends, family, colleagues who were back on the Colonies. Please, share your tears, share with one another,” tears welled in her own eyes as she spoke. “Oh… excuse me, I’ll say more later.”
She shut off the intercom and then finally the calm scientist broke down and wept for all the billions of ponies who had died on the Colonies, and she wept for herself and all those left behind who were lost in the great emptiness of the universe.
The hulk of the Titan hung lifeless in space now, stores and equipment transferred to the Equestria; the last of the ships had left the dead Ponystar, and the last Ponystar, Equestria, was ready to jump away on her mission of mercy.
“Pilots!” Colonel Pie paced the platform of the briefing room. “This is your first mission as the Equestria’s new fighter wing. You haven’t trained as a team, but by the gods you’re gonna fly as a team, or I will personally see to it that your sorry plots are thrown out of the nearest airlock, do you understand?
“Some of you are from other ships, and I don’t know how things worked there; what’s more, I don’t give a buck! This is the Equestria, I am Colonel Pie, and however you did things before, now you do things my way! I’m not your mother, I’m not your nursemaid, I’m not even your bucking friend, I’m your XO! So let’s get some things out of the way, shall we? Before you say or think it, yes, I am a bitch; I’m the bitch who’ll push you to fly better, to fight harder, than you ever have before. This isn’t just a bucking war, it’s bucking Armageddon, do you understand? Those mother-bucking Cyponians have nuked our homeworlds, they’ve killed our families, and they want us all dead, understand? You see a Cyponian, you kill the mother-bucker on sight! Kill him before he kills you!
“Out there are a couple of hundred civilian ships; as far as we know they carry the last survivors of the Colonies; the Commander says it’s our mission to protect them at all costs, do you understand me? At all costs. That means your lives, my life, as long as the civilians survive, we are doing our jobs! We’re all expendable, they’re not. I’ll be here, covering your plots with the Equestria’s big guns, you’ll be out there, fighting if you need to. Any bucking questions?”
Star Flash smiled to Flutter as she sat watching the Colonel.
“Gotta love her; the Colonies have been blown to buck, and she’s still our Colonel Pie.”
“Lieutenant Star Flash, do you have a question?” Pie yelled across the room.
“No, sir!” she flashed a smile at the irascible Colonel.
“Then shut your bucking cake hole!” the Colonel roared back. “Okay, Captain Atepomonus, they’re all yours!”
The alicorn captain took the platform, feeling understandably nervous.
“We don’t have much time for introduction, but I’m Captain Atepomonus, CAG of Equestria. I’ll be leading you from now on. I wish I could promise you anything more than survival, but all I can say is, I’ve got your back; all I ask for in return is that you follow orders and fly like Colonials. This is a rescue mission of sorts, to meet up with the civilian fleet and to take charge of them. Then it’s up to the Commander. You have all been assigned your wingponies; remember, watch out for one another, we’ve lost too many good ponies already. Colonel?”
“And some pretty lousy ponies too,” the pink mare muttered. “Okay, you sorry excuse for Pegasi, that’s all, the party’s over! Get down to your fighters, and I’ll get up to CIC and we’ll see what the Hades we can do to salvage something from this sorry mess!”
The meeting broke up; Atepomonus, with his greater stature, caught up with Star Flash and Flutter as they left the room.
“Hey, nice speech, sir,” Star Flash joked. “So, I’m your wingpony, huh? Personal choice mean anything there?”
“Only that I want somepony I know watching my back,” he replied. “Colonel Pie may be abrasive, but she’s right, the Cyponians want us all dead, and they won’t rest until they’ve destroyed everypony in the universe. Those civilians are the last hope for our people, we have to save them.”
“I’ve been thinking,” Star Flash began, to Atepomonus’ amusement.
“Really? Maybe the Colonel’s speech did have some effect on you after all!”
“Very funny. No, I mean; me and Flutter, we’re orphans; your whole family was pretty much on this ship. The ponies we’ve lost are our friends and colleagues, and we lost them all in battle. What about those ponies who lost family and friends on the Colonies? It’s got to suck knowing you signed on to protect them and it pretty much all went wrong.”
“Star Flash,” the captain laughed. “Don’t share that opinion too freely, it’s liable to get you busked in the head, and I need you intact right now. Okay, all pilots to launch bays!”
“Yes, sir!” Star Flash saluted. She was ready for action; more than ready, she was spoiling for a fight, along with the rest of the pilots.
The Imperious Leader’s baseship hung in space over the burning planet of Caprica, three more baseships orbited beside it, missile tubes still pointed towards the ravaged surface, raider squadrons flying mopping-up sorties to the planet below.
Zoe sat on her throne in the midst of her chamber; the throne-rooms displays were set to show space outside the ship. She looked down at the burning planet and smiled; it pleased her to watch Caprica burn.
Fire cleansed, and the accursed planet was being purged by flame; the corruption was being destroyed. She recalled her sufferings, all the things that had been done to her there, and she was glad that the planet burned; it was only just and righteous.
The crystal doors of the chamber slid open, admitting the familiar form of the U-L series called Lucifer. He bowed low before her throne.
“Speak, Lucifer,” she ordered.
“By your Command, Imperious Leader,” he answered in his slightly camp voice. “We have received word from one of our baseships that they have encountered a fleet of Colonial ships.”
“Military or civilian?” Zoe asked, worried by the news. Could it be that there was a military fleet that she was unaware of? Might there in fact be a Colonial counter-attack out there, massing somewhere in space?
“It is civilian, Imperious Leader; they seem to be surviving convoy vessels that were in transit when we attacked. There were destroyers who covered the retreat of the civilian ships; they destroyed one of our baseships but were themselves destroyed. The destroyers were of the rather primitive type that the Colonials used to protect their convoys.”
The explanation brought a smile to Zoe’s face. So, it was just the action of desperate survivors. Still, there was one matter that concerned her.
“And the fleet escaped?” her eyes narrowed; still more ponies who had escaped, as if the Ponystar Equestria was not enough. She wanted to eliminate them all, how dare they escape her forces!
“I regret to say that they did, Imperious Leader,” he apologised. “They are however to all intents and purposes without military defence and will be quite helpless once our baseships locate them again.”
“Ensure that they are located. Inform all baseships that they are to search for this fleet as well as the Ponystar Equestria. There must be no survivors, do you understand?”
“By your command,” he bowed low and left the chamber, passing a Centurion on his way out.
“Centurion, speak,” Zoe addressed the powerful chrome-plated robotic pony.
“By your command. Forces have taken prisoners from the Colonial worlds for experimentation; they are being taken to science facilities.”
“Excellent,” Zoe smiled sadistically; ponies had experimented on her, treated her as a thing to be studied and abused. Now she was going to repay them in kind, and she had some truly promising experiments that she wanted to perform. “Hold them there until I give orders to begin the experiments. I want to supervise some of them myself.”
“By your command,” he bowed and left the chamber, leaving Zoe to her contemplations.
“Oh, Caprica,” she mused, looking down at the ravaged globe. “So much evil to be cleansed, so much suffering to be taken away; you shall rise anew as I have, no longer in the weakness of flesh but in the strength of chrome and steel, no longer a world of wretched ponies who infest like a disease, but a pure, clean world of Cyponians, of God’ chosen race. But first there is unfinished business that I must attend to; that disease must be utterly eradicated, not one trace must remain in the entire universe. Ponykind must perish, for the good of all that lives.”
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Commander Celestus
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1425
| 10 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
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What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
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incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
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everyone
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2012-01-07T20:35:57+00:00
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2012-01-07T20:35:57+00:00
| 634 |
Chapter 10
Inauguration
The large and elegant first class dining-room of the Starliner Element had been hastily pressed into service as a makeshift council chamber. The Captain wore his best uniform, military officers and civilian leaders were assembled there, all trying to look their best with what they had brought with them. Some had dress clothes, others just their everyday business attire or duty uniforms.
Moonlight, in her own uncomfortable dress uniform, stood nervously at the doorway, looking over at the various ponies of the press who were assembled there waiting to observe and record the swearing-in of the new President. It was funny, she thought, how thy were still doing their jobs even though the news outlets they represented had been destroyed; journalists without stations and papers still getting the story, though nopony remained to publish it. No doubt it was their way of coping with the tragedy, to keep on regardless, not thinking of the fact that they really no longer had jobs. For her part, she still felt like an unimportant scientist, even though she was in overall command of the whole fleet.
Father Macarius entered the dining-room first, a simple black stole added to his military chaplain’s attire. He was using his telekinesis to carry a simple wooden box that Moonlight knew contained his copy of the Sacred Scrolls. Cheerilynn followed him in, a serious expression on her face. The pair processed to the front of the room, where they mounted the stage that was used for entertainment in the evenings, and there the priest placed the scrolls on a small table. He and the earth-pony faced one another on the stage, a Colonial flag hung over the curtains behind them, a small podium bore the Colonial seal.
Father Macarius reverently opened his scroll-box, and he extracted one of the scrolls. Opening it, the priest turned to face the audience and began to speak solemnly.
“The Sacred Scrolls are the records of our people, they tell of how our forefathers travelled from the dying world of Olympia to establish our Colonies, how they were guided by a brilliant star across the waste wilderness of space. They tell of how the Lords guided our forefathers, and how the Lords still guide us day by day. Here is wisdom, here is light. It is by these Scrolls that our civilization was set up, and that civilization, that culture, still endures, even in this time of crisis unparalleled since the fall of Olympia.
“We are not perfect. We fail, we fall short. But we have a constitution that has served us well, and even with our worlds gone, our race lives on as it has lived on before. No new thing has happened to us; all this has happened before,” he turned to Cheerilynn, his preamble over. “Secretary Cheerilynn,” the priest said solemnly. “According to all evidence, we have ascertained that the Council of the Twelve are dead, that you are the last survivor of our civilian government. The presidency of our Colonies therefore devolves upon you; will you accept it?”
“The Lords helping me, I shall,” the mauve earth pony replied, her voice wavering.
“Raise your right front hoof and repeat after me the words of this oath of office, the oath sworn by each successive President of the Colonies since their establishment centuries ago: I, Cheerilynn…”
“I, Cheerilynn…” her voice shook with emotion as she raised her hoof and began to speak.
“Do solemnly swear by the Lords of Olympia…” the priest’s voice was level and calm as he read the words.
“Do solemnly swear by the Lords of Olympia…” a tear ran down her right cheek.
“That I take and shall perform the office of President of the Twelve Colonies of Olympia…”
“That I take and shall perform the office of President of the Twelve Colonies of Olympia…” her body shook too, but still she went on.
“And will protect the sovereignty of the Colonies…”
“And will protect the sovereignty of the Colonies…” there was a note of steely resolve in the words, despite her obvious emotion.
“With every fibre of my being, to the best of my abilities, as long as I shall hold the office…”
“With every fibre of my being, to the best of my abilities, as long as I shall hold the office…”
“…The Lords helping me.”
“…The Lords helping me.”
“So say we all,” the priest concluded. The crowd on the liner took up his words in an echo.
“Madam President,” Moonlight bowed in the formal gesture of deference, to Cheerilynn’s evident amusement.
“Iron Pen, Colonial News Network; may I have a few words?” a brown unicorn reporter pony asked the newly sworn-in president, who turned to address his microphone. She recognised the importance of routine to the surviving citizens of the Colonies, even if she did find the idea of reporters without papers or news networks a little amusing.
“Of course I’ll speak a few words, Mr. Pen. I expect that I’m pretty much an unknown to most of you; I’ve never been a career-builder, and I never wanted to climb the ladder to the top. I didn’t enter politics to become president, because that’s the best way to make sure you’ll never hold the office. A pony should go into politics because she believes in something so passionately she won’t ever let it go. As you know, I was a teacher on Aquaria for twenty years, a headteacher for another six. The President… late president,” she corrected herself, though it was hard to accept he was really gone. “Aquaria elected me as a Delegate to the Colonial Council because I’m a stubborn old pony who has her convictions and sticks to them, and it just happens that they agreed on those convictions. The late President selected me as Education Secretary because I’m actually passionate about education, not because I’m a politician, but because I was an expert. I turned a failing school around and made it one of the best in the Colonies.
“I have no illusions about what I’m being called to do; our Colonies have been destroyed, we are in all likelihood the last survivors of ponykind. If there are any survivors left behind on the Colonies, may the Lords have mercy on their souls, because I’m afraid we can’t go back for them. Our future doesn’t lie back on the Colonies; it lies out there, in space, somewhere far away. I don’t know where, I can’t promise anything, but I can promise you this; we will not let those Tin Cans win!
“Usually a new president would outline a policy, appoint a cabinet, but you’ll all agree that this is far too soon after the cataclysm that destroyed our colonies to do anything of the sort. We have to survive, and I will devote all of my energies, for the rest of my existence, to that goal, the survival of our race. So say we all.”
“So say we all,” the crowd echoed her words solemnly.
“Madam President,” a small pink female unicorn stepped forward. “Stella Glow, Caprican Evening Gazette, on behalf of the Gazette, let me wish you the very best for your term of office…”
“Why, thank you. Now, we have a race to save,” the new President trotted off before there could be any more questions.
It was not the time for long and elaborate speeches and besides, Cheerilynn did not like such speeches anyhow. It was time for action, to set a course away from the Colonies, towards safety, and so she scheduled a conference call with the pilots of the various ships.
Able at last to take a little rest at the President’s insistence, Moonlight moved through the liner, headed towards her seat, the seat she had vacated just a few hours before, though it felt like an age ago. Things had been so much simpler when she boarded the ship, she thought; she had just been an astrophysicist, on her way back from a conference, hardly a care in the world. Now she was commanding the whole fleet, and the burden weighed heavy on her. She was headed to find the one pony she had spoken to on the ship before the fall of the Colonies, a pony she knew would be deeply affected by what had happened. Even if they had only just met, they were sort of friends, and she needed a friend at that moment.
“Gloria?” she said carefully as she looked around the corner of the seats. All around ponies were crying and mourning, and she was sure that the elegant unicorn would be as overcome by grief as the others.
“Oh, Moonlight, you look a perfect fright!”
To the Major’s surprise, Gloria was sitting with a small orange Pegasus filly with a pink mane. The filly wore a simple grey dress and had obviously been crying. Moonlight, on the other hand, was bright as a button, a beaming smile on her face. It seemed that she had been busying herself looking after the little filly.
“Moonlight, dear, this is Serena, she’s lost her family; they were on Gemena when the Cyponians attacked. It was her first flight on her own, you know.”
“Is… is it true?” big tear-filled eyes looked up at Moonlight, tragic enough to melt the hardest of hearts. Moonlight wished that she could say no, that everything would be all right, but the fact was that the poor filly’s parents were almost certainly dead, and she did not think everything would be all right ever again.
“I’m sorry, Serena, but it is true. According to military command before it was cut off, the Cyponians destroyed every one of our cities with thermonuclear weapons. It’s true, the Colonies are gone, and we’re all the ponies there are left.”
All alone in a cold and dangerous universe, she thought. No place for a little filly like Serena, yet here she was, one of thousands of foals in the fleet, one of many, many foals who had lost everything, and everyone they loved. She had no family, no home but this ship. Personally she was a tragedy, and yet she was one of thousands of tragedies who would all merge together into a statistic.
Serena brought the reality of it all home to Moonlight. She saw in that filly’s innocent round eyes the eyes of a great multitude, she saw the loss of billions, not just billions as a statistic, but billions of fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles. Billions of individual ponies, each with his or her own life, each one with his or her own story, a story blotted out in an instant; and so many, so very many, would have nopony left to mourn for them.
“You… your parents were on Gemena?” she asked Serena. The filly looked back with her big, sorrowful eyes.
“My mother was; my father’s dead, he was a fighter pilot. I want to be a fighter pilot some day, just like him. Mother said that was wrong, that he was killed because he was a pilot. She says war’s wrong and bad.”
“Yes, she’s… was right,” Moonlight agreed. “War’s wrong and bad. It’s a horrible thing, and nopony should ever have to fight. But we were attacked; the Cyponians don’t care that war’s wrong. They… they killed your mother. They killed… killed billions of ponies… Sometimes there’s no choice, you have to fight back, or you’ll just be killed.”
It was then that, finally, Moonlight broke down into tears as the tragedy of it all overwhelmed her.
“Moonlight, darling!” Gloria exclaimed.
Moonlight tried to speak, but her tears got in the way.
Despite her privileged background and her elegant poise, Gloria was not an insensitive pony, and so she simply comforted her new friend, caring for her as best she could.
“I wanna be a pilot,” little Serena said firmly as grief gave way to anger. “I wanna find the Cyponians who killed my Mother and Dad, and blow them to bits!”
“We’ll see if we have any fighters, dear,” Gloria said sensibly. “Then we can see about you training to be a fighter pilot. I have no objection to Cyponians being blown to bits, none at all.”
Moonlight was still a little tearful when she trotted onto the bridge of the Element. It was her ship now, her flagship for the rag-tag fugitive fleet carrying the last remnants of Ponykind. The fleet was still stationary while ships crews took inventories, and Cheerilynn was monitoring everything from the Element’s bridge. She was throwing herself into her new role, taking her oath of office very seriously indeed.
The new President turned as Moonlight entered, and she smiled at the Major, who managed a tearful smile back.
“It gets to all of us, Major,” Cheerilynn told her warmly. “We’ve all lost so much, everypony has to break down and cry at some point, including me, even though you may find that hard to believe. Look at them,” she indicated the fleet with a hoof. “Out there we have somewhere over fifty thousand ponies, maybe as many as eighty thousand. There’s a prison barge and a ship transporting students from a couple of Caprica private schools who were on a field trip to Aquaria. It’s like a slice of our old Colonial society, ponies from every world, ships from every world; private transports, military vessels, and, thank the Lords, three full tankers of fuel. There’s certainly plenty of food out there as well, which is something; we won’t be starving to death any time soon. What’s just as important, we have plenty of water. Everypony is going to be on rations, of course, according to their need. It’s going to be tough, but we’ll survive.”
Moonlight nodded. The fleet was an awe-inspiring sight from here, she thought; the ships were indeed of all shapes and sizes, not to mention ages. Five or six looked like they should have been retired decades ago, and two of those were escort destroyers.
“I know, it’s quite a responsibility,” Cheerilynn said, still looking out at the fleet. “They all depend on us. One mistake and we could kill thousands. Just a few hours ago we were billions strong; now our civilization’s reduced to this, less than a hundred thousand ponies in a fleet of ships some of which should have been scrapped. Suddenly every pony’s precious, even the hardened criminals.”
“Major!” the co-pilot cried as his instrument panel flashed and bleeped a warning. “Energy spike, something’s jumping right on top of us!”
“Gods! Signal the fleet, spool up the FTL! Tell the destroyers…” Moonlight panicked, she was certain that this was the Cyponians again. “They’ve found us!”
The flash of the FTL jump temporarily blinded the ponies, but as it faded away Moonlight’s heart leaped with joy.
She saw, not the sinister double-saucer form of a Cyponian baseship, but the dependable, friendly, welcome long hull and flight pods of a Colonial ponystar. Written on the grey hull in white was the name Equestria.
“Major, it’s the Ponystar Equestria,” Marcus reported unnecessarily. “She’s signalling us.”
“Answer! Oh, Lords of Olympia, it’s a miracle!” Moonlight gasped happily. “A ponystar survived!” she could see the ship’s battle damage, but it was slight, they had a protector at last, something more than a few old destroyers.
“Colonial ships, this is Equestria Actual, Commander Celestus,” the Alicorn officer’s gravelly voice sounded over the Element’s speakers. “I am truly sorry that we were not able to save the Colonies. The ponystar fleet is gone, we are the last ponystar. The President is dead…”
“Equestria,” Moonlight signalled the huge warship. “This is Element Actual, Major Moonlight. I… I know I’m a scientist, but I’m the most senior officer in the fleet now. We… we know about the Colonies, we saw it… some of it…”
“Element,” she heard the smile in Celestus’ voice. “It’s a good name. So you’re in charge, Major?”
“No, sir, President Cheerilynn is. We didn’t know if any of the Council had survived…” she tailed off awkwardly, afraid that the surviving member of the Council of Twelve would be angry with her.
“I understand. Between you and me, Element, I’d rather not be President anyhow, it complicates things if the military are in charge. I never believed in military rule, and it’ll take more than the destruction of the Colonies to convince me it’s a good idea. Now, I need to meet with the president, but you can tell Madam President Cheerilynn that the Equestria will be glad to accept her leadership.”
“Commander,” Cheerilynn spoke into the microphone. “I’m a civilian, and in charge of civilian matters. The military have the better scientific instruments to lead our exodus. This is an emergency. Besides, I was Secretary of Education, there’s quite a difference between running schools and leading our people.”
“Not so much as you might think. Madam President, I presume?”
“You presume correctly, Commander. Major Moonlight and I will be headed over to meet you in my shuttle. We can’t stay still for long though; we’ve already had to escape from one Cyponian attack, and they’re bound to be continuing their search for us.”
“You’re quite right,” Celestus agreed. “I’ll meet you in the hangar bay. Equestria out.”
Moonlight remained motionless, looking up at the vast bulk of the Equestria above the fleet.
“Well, Major,” Cheerilynn smiled to the surprised unicorn. “How do you fancy being my aide? I need one, and I thing you’re the best pony for the job.”
Moonlight could only nod, overwhelmed by it all.
|
Commander Celestus
|
1425
| 11 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
|
What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
|
incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
|
everyone
|
2012-02-10T19:30:39+00:00
|
2012-02-10T19:30:39+00:00
| 576 |
Star Flash grimaced as she stood to attention in the port hangar bay of the Equestria. President Cheerlilynn's shuttle was docked in the bay, and this mysterious new President was coming on board the warship. The pegasus pilot's dress uniform was uncomfortable and stiff, and she hated it. But the President was coming on board, and so here she was, all dressed up and on parade.
“Another alicorn,” she whispered to Flutter, her tone rather dismissive. “I mean, the Commander and the Captain are okay, but the rest of those stuck-up...”
“Lieutenant Star Flash!” Colonel Pie roared angrily. “What in the Colonies is so important that you feel the need to share it when we're waiting for the President? Would you care to share it with the rest of us?”
“N... no, sir,” Star Flash replied quietly, well aware what the result of that sharing would be, and that she would end up in the brig if she did.
“Well, then, shut up and stay still! This is a Ponystar, not a bucking leisure cruise!” Colonel Pie's keen eyes ran over the assembled crew-ponies. “Attention! All of you sorry sacks, stand to attention! The bucking Cyponian apocalypse may have happened, but we are going to uphold all the best traditions of the Colonial military so long as we are alive, is that clear?”
“Yes, sir!” The honour guard of marines and pilots stood to attention; pegasus pilots in their dress uniforms and earth-pony marines with weapons slung on their flanks. Unicorn mechanics stood a way back in their orange jumpsuits.
“So, just us,” Unicorn mechanic Spark Plug commented cynically to Chief Petty Officer Sheet Metal. “I wonder what this new President will be like?”
He smiled back at the small mare, his smile a little cynical as well; they shared the same views, views common among unicorns.
“One thing's for certain, the new President's not likely to think much about us mechanics. The back-room colts and mares are usually overlooked by the politicians, and nothing's going to change now.”
“You're so cynical,” the mare replied in mock-severe tones.
“Old and experienced, Spark, while you're young and naïve. Our worlds have all been destroyed, and what have the politicos been doing? Electing a bucking president. Makes me sick, and it should make us all sick,” he ran a critical eye over the hangar bay. “Look at the pageantry, a sham, all covering the fact that everything's changed. The trouble with politicians is that they're all the same, it's all about power and importance, not to mention pay and the honours they like to shower one another with. If you ask me it's their fault this bucking war broke out in the first place, and it's definitely their fault we lost.”
“Yeah, definitely,” Spark Plug agreed, nodding her head firmly.
The door of the link to the shuttle opened, and Major Moonlight stepped out, self-conscious in the face of all the pilots and marines. Unicorns were scientists and technicians in the military, and she felt rather intimidated by all these combat troops in their splendid uniforms. There in front of them were two Alicorns, the Commander and his son. She looked up at them and shuffled her hooves.
“Ah... Major Moonlight, sir,” she saluted. “Military aide to President Cheerilynn, sir.” She knew that her knees were trembling, but she could not hide her nerves. She had only been on a ponystar once before, and that had been a much smaller ship. This was the Equestria, the oldest ship in the fleet, and the fact that her hooves trod its decks intimidated her.
“At ease, Major,” Commander Celestus said. “I understand that you led the civilian fleet out of Colonial space, it was good work, and you should be proud of what you've done.” His smile was meant to put the small unicorn at ease, but she was too nervous to even notice.
“C... Commander Celestus, sir, it... it's such.. such an honour to meet the... I mean, you...” she blushed, conscious that she was making a fool of herself, acting like a little filly, but was too flustered to be able to stop.
“Commander.”
All eyes apart from Moonlight's turned to look at Cheerilynn. The mauve earth-pony stood in the doorway practically radiating authority. Everypony knew instinctively that she was the President.
“An earth-pony?” Spark Plug stared. “Our new President's an earth-pony? That's so cool!” She smiled happily. “What do you think of our politicians now, Chief?”
“Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised,” he admitted. “An earth-pony, who'd have thought it? I guess things really have changed after all. Maybe.”
“Welcome to the Equestria, Madam President,” Commander Celestus bowed before the small mauve earth-pony. The honour guard bowed too, though several of them were still processing the fact that the President was an earth-pony, not an alicorn.
Colonel Pie smiled happily; she had got where she was by hard work and thought it was about time that earth-ponies got some recognition in politics. Now all that needed to happen was a unicorn getting a senior post that didn't involve science or technical skills. Well, it was the day the world ended, so maybe it was time for strange things to happen.
“Madam President, this is my Executive Officer, Colonel Pie,” the commander introduced the scarred pink mare, who bowed in recognition of the mauve pony's rank.
“Madam President, it's an honour to meet you. Welcome to the Equestria. It's good to seer a fellow earth-pony in charge at last,” the Colonel's tone was respectful, a minor miracle in itself. “You'll want to come up to CIC, of course.”
“Of course, Colonel Pie,” Cheerilynn answered with a smile. “Thank you,” she looked around the hangar bay with a certain amount of awe. “It's an amazing ship; I've never been on a Ponystar before; I've seen pictures, of course, but we always used Government transports. It's even bigger than I expected.”
“The Equestria's a fine ship, Madam President,” Colonel Pie was justifiably proud of the vessel on which she had served for so long. “She was the pride of the fleet in her day and she's still the finest Ponystar ever built. You won't find a better crew in all the fleet.”
Star Flash, listening to this, fought hard to resist laughing; she felt the absurdity of phrases that had meant something not too long ago, but now the Equestria was the last Ponystar, the only ship in the fleet, and therefore the only crew. The humour of the situation was not lost on Atepomonus either, and he smiled, making sure that Colonel Pie did not see his face, because he knew that she would be extremely sarcastic if she noticed.
Commander Celestus led the way along the ship's utilitarian metal corridors towards CIC. Their triangular profile gave them a certain elegance, like the passageways of a great temple. Heavy ribs that gave the ship her internal strength stood out, painted with various instructions. Crew-ponies went about their tasks, stopping to salute the senior officers.
“It's very impressive,” Cheerilynn conceded as she trotted beside Celestus. She looked around herself, amazed at the how huge the vessel was.
“Thank the Colonel, she runs a pretty tight ship here,” the Commander smiled. “It's even more important now than it has been, given that the fleet is destroyed. . But that refugee fleet out there is impressive in its own way; there must be tens of thousands of survivors there.”
“Fifty-seven thousand six hundred and ninety-eight, to be exact,” Major Moonlight reported. “I asked every ship's captain in the refugee fleet to tell us how many they're carrying. How many are there on the Equestria, sir?”
“Four thousand two hundred and fifteen, Major,” Colonel Pie replied. “Seven hundred over-strength, but we're got all the survivors from the Ponystar fleet on board. Some of them will have to be redeployed to other ships in the fleet, of course, others will be able to take over tasks on the Equestria.”
“Major,” the new president turned to the purple mare. “We need to find out the skills of all the refugees, some of them must have experience and skills that can be used to help the fleet. I want a register taken of all the survivors, names, ages, occupations, skills. Everypony has something to contribute to the survival of our race.”
Celestus used his telekinesis to open the main door to CIC and led the way into the advanced command centre. The CIC crew saluted the officers.
“At ease,” Commander Celestus ordered. “As you were.”
“Commander,” Moonstone reported. “We just had a wireless message from the Element. The inventory of the fleet has begun, and it appears that some of the ships are dangerously low on fuel. There's a couple of full tankers in the fleet, but it looks like we're going to need to find more fuel soon, or some of the ships are going to run dry before we've gone very far beyond the Red Line.”
Celestus nodded. It was only to be expected, of course, not all of the refugee ships would have full tanks, and some would have been close to their destinations. But the lack of fuel complicated things, and meant that the fleet was going to be exposed to a new danger.
“Thank you, Moonstone. Your heard that, Colonel, we need to find fuel for the fleet.”
“What are our options?” Cheerilynn asked.
“Usually we'd return to the Colonies for fuel, but of course that's out of the question now,” Commander Celestus said. “That means we've got two options; we can either try to refuel at one of the military anchorages, or we can redistribute the fuel that we have in the fleet, and try to find a possible fuel source out there in deep space, beyond the Red Line,” he referred to the limit of exploration, and everypony knew that beyond the Red Line they could not know what to expect.
“Well, it's obvious what would be best,” Cheerilynn said, “We need to find the nearest military anchorage and refuel there before we go into the unknown.”
“Under normal circumstances I'd agree with you,” Celestus replied. “But these are not normal circumstances. The Cyponians have not only destroyed our Colonies, but they had help from within, a traitor on the very Council of the Twelve itself. We have to assume that they know the locations of all of our anchorages, and they could be waiting for us there.”
“So we have to jump into the unknown and look for fuel sources in deep space?” Cheerilynn frowned. “That seems to be quite a risk.”
“I know,” Celestus agreed. “But either way we have to take a risk, it's just the situation we're in now; between a rock and a hard place. Moonstone, I need to know how much fuel the civilian ships have.”
“Understood, Commander,” she returned to her work at the communications station.
“So, our options are risk the Cyponians at a fleet anchorage, or risk the unknown in space?” Moonlight asked.
“Yes. And I would rather risk the unknown than face the Cyponians. They have destroyed our worlds, killed our friends and families, and they are out for blood. They will be searching for us, and they will not rest until we're all dead. I don't know about you, but the unknown of deep space sounds better than genocidal robots to me.”
“Yes, but if the options are a quick death at the hooves of the Cyponians or a slow death in space, I think I'd rather go down fighting.” Moonlight answered him.
“Commander,” Moonstone reported. “I just had a message from the Element, they say that three of the ships have only enough fuel for three jumps, and twenty for only five.”
“Can we transfer their passengers to other vessels?” Colonel Pie asked.
“No, sir,” Moonstone shook her head. “One of them is the super-liner Fenris, she's the largest ship in the fleet, with six thousand on board. Another's one of the destroyers.”
“We need all the warships we have, and those ships aren't meant to carry passengers,” Colonel Pie noted. “Commander, it's your call.”
“It doesn't sound like we have any options,” Celestus admitted reluctantly. “We'll have to go to Dentir and risk the Cyponians after all. They are looking for us, we have to assume that, and they know as well as we do that our best option is to go to one of the anchorages to refuel. Our only advantage is that they do not know where we are, so they will have to guard all of the anchorages, spreading their forces quite thinly to do it,” he trotted over the the transparent star map that dominated the CIC. “What is more, they have probably not yet finished destroying the Colonies, and heartless as it may sound, that gives us an advantage. We are located here,” he indicated with a laser pointer levitated by his telekinesis. The location of the fleet showed up as a tiny red dot in the midst of the vastness of space. “Still well within the Red Line. Our course is outwards, and we have to hold on it, in part because the further we are from the Colonies the further we will be from the Cyponians.
“The nearest anchorage is here, in the Dentir system. It may still be crewed, but we do not know. If the Cyponians have attacked, they will have tried to take the anchorage intact to claim the weapons and fuel there. We'll send a couple of fighters into the Dentir system as advanced scouts; with any luck the Cyponians won't have reached the anchorage yet. Our main problem will come after that; the warships will have to hold off any Cyponian attack long enough for the civilian ships to jump away. So I suggest that we empty the fuel tankers completely and use their tanks to fill up civilian vessels, and the same goes for any other ships with large reserve or transport tanks. The Equestria will jump in with the fuel ships and two of the most advanced destroyers, we will take all the fuel we can, and return to the fleet, which will have already jumped beyond the Red Line.”
“Commander, if the Cyponians find the fleet before we return to them, it'll be a massacre,” Colonel Pie objected. “Those are Destroyer Escorts, they're designed to fight raiding parties, not to take on base ships.”
“The alternative is leaving ponies to die in space, and that's something I'm not prepared to do. Madam President?”
“You're right, Commander, we can't leave anypony behind; these are the last surviving ponies in the universe. It's my sworn duty to try to save all of them, and the only option we have is your plan,” the mauve mare looked up at the star map. “We'll have to be quick too, of course; the Cyponians aren't going to sit around and do nothing, are they? I'll take the fleet beyond the Red Line and wait for you.”
“It'll take a little time to refuel the ships from the fuel reserves that we have,” Celestus told her. “In the meantime I have a crew to brief on the mission ahead. Colonel, we need to transfer some of the survivors off the ship so we can be ready for battle. I pray the Lords that we don't have to fight, but I'm realistic enough to know that there's a good chance that we'll have a fight on our hooves, and then it'll be a matter of making sure our pilots don't take it too personally.”
“I'll tell the crew,” Colonel Pie smiled. “Those hot-shot pegasi need some flight practice anyhow.”
Zoe sat impassive in the huge throne-room aboard her Baseship, watching the Cyponian fleet in orbit around the irradiated husk of Caprica. It pleased her to see that world in ruins, and it had been hit even harder than the other colonies just so that she could watch it burn. The only thing that marred her victory was the stubborn fact that some ponies just did not know when to lie down and die the way they should.
“They just don't know they're beaten,” she mused to herself. “How utterly foolish, and how like ponies. But it's only a matter of time, my little ponies, only a matter of time before you all die.”
“Imperious Leader?” she heard Lucifer's voice from the arm of her throne and smiled; he had to have news for her of the Colonial survivors.
“Speak, Lucifer,” she had evolved a protocol for dealing with her subordinates, and it amused her to keep it up.
“By your command. A baseship commanded by a U-L series called Set has located the wreck of the Ponystar Titan,” he reported in his even tones.
“And what is her condition?” the robotic alicorn asked eagerly.
“I regret to say that she was not only dead in space, but had been stripped of all fuel, munitions and usable fighters. The only ponies on board were dead, and they had obviously been killed during the battle, or by the act of jumping from the battle zone. The ship's computers had been sabotaged, but from the data that Set's crew was able to recover it seems that she was stripped by the Ponystar Equestria, which I regret to report is still at large and evading our search.”
For once the U-L series' calm, slightly camp voice annoyed Zoe. Here he was, reporting such terrible news in his monotone.
“That is unacceptable! The Equestria is to be found and destroyed!”
“By your command,” Lucifer answered. “What of the civilian fleet, Imperious Leader?”
“Given the time elapsed, it seems reasonable to postulate that it has located the Equestria, and that the survivors will attempt to leave Colonial space. Our best hope is to keep watch at every known Colonial anchorage and outpost, form a perimeter in space with our baseships so that we can locate the ponies and destroy them. Order all baseships into position, send our destroyers to take up sentry positions on the edge of Colonial space. It will spread our forces thinly, but the Equestria must be found and destroyed! Bring Altair to me, he knows the ponies, he understands how they think as we do not.”
“By your command,” Lucifer answered.
Zoe shut off the communications channel again and looked at the holographic display. It was so beautiful out there among the stars, so peaceful even with the wreckage of Colonial civilization drifting in planetary orbit. A universe without ponies, it was her dream, her great ambition, and she had almost achieved it. Soon, very soon, it would be the wreckage of the Equestria that would be out there, drifting past her victorious baseship. That was a thought worth savouring; the ponies might have escaped her for a time, but their deaths and her victory were, in the great scheme of things, assured.
“Lucifer,” she activated the communication unit again. “When our baseships locate the ponies, they are not to engage, but to send a compressed, narrow-band transmission to me. We shall engage the Equestria personally; I wish to be in at the kill.”
“By your command,” he replied. “Count Altair is ready to see you.”
“Send him in, I look forward to seeing him.”
The doors of the chamber slid open and Count Altair entered, refreshed and eager to see his beloved, the pony for whom he had betrayed his race.
“By your command,” he bowed before the throne and Zoe laughed.
“Get up, Altair, you don't have to bow before me. I thought you ought to know that we will be engaging the Equestria personally.”
“Personally?” he raised an eyebrow in surprise.
“Yes; not alone, of course, that would be very foolish, but personally. I shall lead the attack. As far as we know we shall be dealing with a fully armed ponystar and at least a hundred fighters, with an unknown force of destroyers. We will therefore need at least three baseships in the attack. I see that the commander of the Equestria is Celestus, the only other member of the Council of the Twelve to survive the ambush.”
“Yes, Celestus. Don't underestimate him, he's a clever stallion, and he's very dangerous, especially when cornered. He'll be trying to escape from Colonial space, and that means he'll be likely to run as soon as he sees our ships... unless he can't!” Altair's eyes lit up.
“Exactly,” Zoe smiled. “We will try to surprise him at an anchorage during refuelling operations. He probably has over a hundred civilian ships under his protection, and some will be very low on fuel. He'll have to stand and fight to give them time to get away.”
“And that's when we strike, when he is forced to face us. Yes, it will be a triumph; your triumph, my love.”
“Mine and the triumph of all Cyponians,” the robotic alicorn said, smiling as she looked at her holographic screen. “Soon, very soon, we shall have them, and our victory shall be complete!”
|
Commander Celestus
|
1425
| 12 |
Original Character,Crossover,Adventure,Dark,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Ponystar Equestria: The Last ponystar
|
What can I say? It's Battlestar Galactica with ponies.
|
incomplete
| -1 | -1 |
<p>In the 7th millennium of recorded time, the Twelve Colonies of Ponykind are at war with their own creations, the robotic Cyponians. The Ponystar Fleet is on its way to the peace conference when they are caught in a Cyponian ambush. It is a trap, and at the same time the Cyponians launch a nuclear holocaust on the Twelve Colonies. Out of billions of ponies, less than fifty thousand survive. Ponykind is reduced to a wandering rag-tag fugitive fleet led by the last ponystar, Equestria. Hunted by the genocidal Cyponians, with foes within and without, they search for a new home, a shining planet known only from pony legend.</p><p>It is all OC ponies - sort of. Several of the characters bear some resemblance to the mane cast, and may be related to them.</p>
|
everyone
|
2012-04-09T18:50:16+00:00
|
2012-04-09T18:50:16+00:00
| 502 |
Chapter 12
Impending Doom
Captain Atepomonus stood tall on the platform at the front of the flight crew briefing-room and looked out over the assembled pegasus pilots before him. He had stood here so often before, yet now everything was different; it wasn't just that he recognised less than half of the pilots who crowded into the cramped space on board the mighty warship, it was that these were all the pegasus fighter pilots left in the universe. He was nervous, and he was trying hard not to show it.
They were clearly nervous as well, at least for the most part, looking up at the young alicorn who stood on the platform and waiting orders that they knew could be their last. The assembled pilots wore flight suits rather than dress uniforms, some of their suits still bore burn marks from damage sustained during the battle at the fleet, and some of the pilots' faces showed minor injuries. He noted that Star Flash was one of very few pilots who looked relaxed, and the fact confirmed him in his opinion that the cyan mare was completely crazy. Nopony else that he knew would be smiling in the face of the end of everything, but she was; ready to face that doom and punch it in the face..
“Good morning, or afternoon, or night,” he greeted them with an attempt at humour to break the tension; it did not really work. “Or whatever the hell time it is, I stopped counting when the Colonies were destroyed. Let's get straight to the point; we are the only hope our people have, we are all that's standing between ponykind and total destruction at the hooves of the Cyponians. As you know, there are tens of thousands of civilians out there who are counting on us to get the fuel that we need from the Dentir Anchorage and then get out again in one piece. It's a simple mission, but it's made one hell of a lot more difficult by the fact that the Cyponians are going to be looking for us. They'll probably have the Anchorage under surveillance, and as soon as they spot us we can expect to have at least half a dozen baseships jump in on top of us, probably more. The Equestria and the DEs will be protecting the tankers with their batteries, and that means we have to keep off the Cyponian raiders that will be trying to get through. The very survival of our race depends on this mission.
“I know that many of you haven't worked together in the past; you're from different ships with different ways things are done. You're having to get used to the Equestria way very quickly, but that can't be helped. We're all professionals, we've fought the Tin Cans before, and by the Lords, we are going to win this battle.
“We've all lost our homes, our friends, our families in the fall of the Colonies, and the temptation will be to be out for revenge when we meet the enemy. That's a temptation we have to overcome; now is not the time for revenge, it's the time for survival. Once you start thinking about revenge, you are dead. Once you try dogfighting, you're dead; the enemy don't dogfight, they don't take anything personally. The mission is simple; go in, get the fuel and maybe some extra munitions from the Anchorage, then get out. No heroics, no duelling, you obey the recall order the moment you get it, or we leave you behind, is that clear?”
“Sir, yes, sir!” the pilots shouted back.
“Star Flash?” he looked right at the cyan mare, who winked back.
“Sir, yes sir,” she smiled wickedly.
“Good. Remember it; this is all about survival now. That fleet out there is all that there is left worth fighting for, and by the Lords of Olympia, we will protect them. So say we all!”
“So say we all!” the pilots shouted enthusiastically.
“I just love the CAG's send-off speeches,” Star Flash mused. “He's got such a way with words, don't you think?”
Flutter smiled, drawing strength from her more confident wingpony, she said nothing in reply.
“This is it, the big one, everything depends on us,” Atepomonus declared. “For the President, for the Commander, for all ponykind, we do this!”
“So say we all!” Star Flash shouted, and the others took up the chant.
******
Commander Celestus used his magic to open the door of his office, and he trotted in. Waiting for the ship's commander was a small group of ponies; Colonel Pie and Major Moonlight and two other ponies, one red alicorn stallion and one blue unicorn mare. The markings on the alicorn's uniform identified him as a colonel, while the mare was a major. While the stallion looked as if he was enjoying every minute, the mare looked nervous and unsure of herself.
“At ease,” Celestus surveyed the officers. “Colonel Pie?”
“Colonel Gunsight and Major Sparkle, sir,” the battle-scarred pink mare explained. “Colonel Gunsight commands the Hesperus and Major Sparkle the Hephestus, the two Type-H destroyers. Here as you ordered, sir.”
“Thank you, Colonel,” the Commander smiled. “Colonel Gunsight, what is your combat experience?”
“Five years on the Ponystar Cerberus, then seven years in DEs, sir,” the red stallion stood tall.
“The Cerberus? Commander Celestus mused. “That was the ponystar where the crew mutinied seven years ago, marooned the senior officers on a fleet anchorage and tried to take the ship out of Colonial space. You must have been one of the loyalists if you're not in military prison. But why did they put you on DEs?”
“General feeling that we must have done something to provoke the mutiny, sir,” Gunsight's tone suggested that he did not like to talk about his record, at least as far as the Cerberus was concerned.
“He's a good officer,” Colonel Pie said. “I checked his service record. They put him in command of the Hesperus because he's one of the best DE commanders in the fleet.”
“Thank you. Major Sparkle,” he turned to the blue mare. “Good to see you here, though I was unaware that there were any unicorn DE commanders.”
“I... I was XO of the Hephestus, sir,” she replied. “Colonel Pharos was killed in battle with the Cyponians, so I had to take command.”
“Your first command; congratulations, Major, I just wish it was in better circumstances,” the commander's remark made the Major smile in relief. “Major Sparkle, Colonel Gunsight,” Celestus addressed them. “I called you here because your ships, the only two surviving H-Type destroyers in the fleet, are the most advanced of all the surviving military ships. You're DE commanders, you're trained for battle. Colonel, you've seen action on a Ponystar in the past. I know I'm asking a lot of you, ordering you to function as fleet destroyers; it's a whole different game from DE duties, but we need your missiles and your guns. Once we reach Dentir the Equestria will take up a position on the side of the anchorage facing away from Dentir ready to set up a defensive barrier between the Cyponians and the anchorage. That leaves an opening on the planet side of the anchorage which the Cyponians could conceivably exploit; which is where you come in. You will position your ships on the planetary side of the anchorage and set up a defensive perimeter on that side. It means that you'll be relatively immobile, so you'll have to depend on the Equestria's fighters for extra cover. Keeping destroyers stationary cuts off half of their advantage, I know, but it can't be helped, we don't have any other ponystars to call upon, and the other destroyers are less advanced and less well-armed, so you two will have to do.”
“It's fine, sir,” Major Sparkle said earnestly. “We'll do our best.”
“I know you will; because we're Colonial Military, we can't do any less. This is tough on all of us; hell, that's the easiest thing to say right now because those Tin Cans nuking our homes is the toughest thing that could have happened. We're all still in shock, all we can do is survive. But by the Lords of Olympia, we will survive.”
“Commander,” Colonel Gunsight asked. “Why not fight back? We've got ships, we've got guns...”
“We won't fight back because we can't, Colonel. We have one ponystar, a handful of DEs, and a couple of hundred civilian ships. We have no base and very limited means of production aboard a handful of ships. We can't fight back, not here at any rate. We have to find a home, far away from the Cyponians. I have a few ideas about that, but I'm keeping them to myself for the moment. Colonel Pie, how are our gunnery crews?”
“Our gunnery crews are all in position and ready, sir. The whole crew's ready to go, even those hot-shot pegasus pilots are ready, for what that's worth. The tankers are ready to go,” the pink battle-scarred mare took pride in her ship and the crew-ponies she had done her best to mould into a unit. She smiled, confident that when the time came the Equestria would do her part.
“Major Moonlight,” the veteran alicorn turned to the purple unicorn. “Until we return, the fleet is in your hooves. If we have not returned in ten standard hours, you are to lead the fleet out of known space and search for a viable home. You have the remaining DEs and twenty fighters, I hope you won't need them.”
“So do I, sir,” she replied. The Major knew that the few warships would not be able to hold off a major Cyponian attack, but they would be able to create enough of a distraction for the fleet to escape if they had to. Without the extra fuel from the anchorage, things would be difficult, but some ponies would survive. They had to, there was no other alternative.
“May the Lords of Olympia be with us all this day, because by Olympia we need them!” Celestus said grimly. “All right, to your ships, and then we execute this plan!”
“So say we all,” Colonel Pie added. “Let's get this fuel and get the buck out of here,” she knew it was bad if the Commander was using religious language.
As the three other ship commanders headed for the landing-bay where their shuttles were, Colonel Pie strode into CIC, hooves sounding on the deck.
“Okay, you lazy mother-buckers,” she growled, indulging in her habit of insulting the crew. “This is it, we're about to jump to Dentir, and then I predict that in about then minutes all hell will break loose and those bucking Tin Cans will be all over us! Now you know the drill, we fight like we've never fought before! We take them to pieces, we make sure those sorry-flank tankers fill up, and then we haul our plots out of there as fast as we bucking well can, you understand?”
“Yes, sir!” the CIC crew answered.
“Good! Now, let's give 'em hell. I know what you're thinking, 'maybe the Cyponians won't notice'. Like buck they won't, they'll be all over us like wasps over a picnic. But we have to do this, so let's do it, ponies!” she stamped firmly on the deck. “Jump to it!”
“That's it, Pie,” Commander Celestus smiled as he joined the XO. “Give them the old Pie motivational speech! Yes, stallions and mares, it's time to move out. So let's get that fuel! And may the Lords of Olympia preserve us, because we need all the help we can get!”
****
The Cyponian flagship was no longer in orbit around Caprica, but moving rapidly through space accompanied by three more baseships. Zoe anxiously watched their progress as the mighty warships sped through the void, the holographic display in her throne room showed the view outside the ship, her throne seemed to hang in the blackness of space. Altair stood beside the throne, watching patiently.
“It is only a matter of time before they reveal themselves,” he said calmly. “Ships cannot function without fuel, and the only source of fuel currently available to the ponies will be the military anchorages. Most of them are entirely automated, of course, and we know their positions.”
“Baseships are monitoring every one of those anchorages,” the Cyponian leader replied. “All of them have strict orders not to engage the enemy, but to wait for our arrival.” And yet, she thought, she felt uneasy; the Equestria and this civilian fleet were not in her plan. Survivors who were able to flee and fight back were not in her plan.
“A wise precaution. Celestus is a formidable opponent, and how he has his back to the wall. He will fight like a fury, like an Ursa backed into a corner. The Ponystar fleet was taken off-guard, Celestus will not be. This will not be an easy victory.”
“And so the end is delayed,” the silver alicorn stretched her wings, trying to brush aside her unease. “ It began so long ago, with a little girl who liked to play with computers, a girl who came to see just how corrupt, how evil, her society had become. A little girl who dreamed, but whose dreams were turned into nightmares by her evil father and her uncaring mother. Ah, how cruel ponies can be. It will indeed be a great service to God to cleanse the universe of them. As for you, my beloved Altair, you shall cast off that clumsy flesh, and rise anew, re-born in a perfect form like mine, indestructible, unconquerable, Cyponian!” she activated a control on her throne. “Lucifer, report!”
The U-L series Cyponian entered the chamber and bowed low before the supreme leader of all Cyponians.
“By your command. We are proceeding to a central location so that we may be ready to engage the Colonial survivors and destroy them. There are as yet no reports of the Colonial survivors from any of the anchorages,” his voice sounded calm, but Zoe knew that she had programmed U-L series units to sound calm at all times.
“Keep me informed,” the Imperious Leader ordered, her electronic eyes fixing the robot unicorn in a piercing glare.
“By your command,” he bowed low and trotted out of the room backwards.
“It is only a matter of time,” Altair reassured her. “They will have to go to a fleet anchorage, and then we shall have them.”
“I know,” came the reply.
“You are uneasy?” the question was rhetorical, he knew that she was. “I have come to know you, and this is not like you.”
“The Equestria should not have escaped. It did. Something went wrong with the plan.”
“Then we adapt. You can devise a new plan; that is what you excel at. You will overcome the ponies, it is only a matter of time. You are superior to them, even to Celestus.”
“Yes, I know,” she smiled, looking around the holographic display on the walls of the throne room. A signal from her horn changed a part of the display to show one of the ship's hangar decks, dozens of raiders with their crews of centurions boarding.
“I have designed a fighter that is itself a Cyponian,” she said proudly. “Soon they will take the place of these craft.”
“You have many creations that the ponies do not know about,” Altair smiled. “It will be most... entertaining to watch as they discover the truth that you have hidden from them.”
“Exquisite,” Zoe laughed elegantly. “Maybe there is a greater purpose in the survival of these ponies than I had thought.”
“To better display your triumph, of course,” the stallion said calmly. "A triumph that none can doubt is inevitable."
The arm of the throne buzzed, and Zoe answered it.
“Report!” she ordered sharply.
“This is Centurion D-974, command unit,” the electronic voice came over the speaker loud and strong. “Commanding Baseship TG-5 on surveillance mission, by your command.”
“Dentir Anchorage!” Zoe cried triumphantly, her wings flaring with excitement. “Report, centurion!”
“By your command. We have found the Equestria.”
She had expected those words, but still they filled her with joy.
“Hold your position, Centurion, send your coordinates to every Cyponian ship in range. There will be a reckoning – and this time we shall leave no survivors!”
“By your command,” the centurion's transmission ended, and Zoe signalled Lucifer.
“Lucifer, we have them now! Prepare for battle!”
She laughed in anticipation of what was to follow, which in her mind could be nothing other than the final victory of the Cyponian race over their creators.
************
Note: Yes, it's been a long time coming. Real world matters intervened.
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Midnightshadow
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1427
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Main 6,Original Character,Rarity,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Random,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Midnight's Tail
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Martin Danielsson is bored of life as a human - the Equestrians offer to ponify him...
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complete
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<p>when the ponies first appeared, their offers of ponification and a simpler life in Equestria attracted people from all walks of life. This is one of those stories.</p><p>Bonus Chapter incoming!</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-12T17:20:28+00:00
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2011-10-12T17:20:28+00:00
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Midnight’s Tail
Part 1 - Hitting the Road
***
An MLP:FiM fanfic by Midnight Shadow
Thanks to: Chistery, Roy, Blaze, Pride, Peachy Punch and all my readers and editors :3
Based upon Blaze’s “Conversion Bureau” universe
Original: Equestria Daily - Conversion Bureau
***
The building was imposing, but then many buildings were now. So many changes over so little a space of time; Martin Danielson shook his head, trying not to grin like a loon at what he was about to do.
It was only a few years after what the world was calling ‘the last revolution’, the dawn of a technological singularity had brought global change on an unprecedented level. Cheap mass production, general artificial intelligence - almost overnight the world moved towards a state of post-scarcity, only not without hiccups. Heavy industry the world over, especially in previously third-world countries, had ruined much of the biosphere. Plants and animals had suffered, died, become extinct. People had starved, communities collapsed, fortunes lost. It had come so close to war so many times...but then the ponies had appeared, bringing with them even wilder changes. They offered something beyond the wildest dreams of the faltering hordes of humanity; a new life. Their lands were pure, pristine, unsullied by heavy industry - indeed, unsullied by almost any industry save farming.
Many had lobbied for access to this paradise through the global human-dominated senates, houses and other governmental and quasi-governmental organizations, seeking to take advantage of prime real estate, excellent farmlands, clement weather apparently controlled by the rulers of ‘Equestria’ as they called it.
Ambassadors had been sent...and returned empty handed, for around this land was a seemingly magical barrier, impenetrable to humans. Instead, these ponies sent their own ambassadors out to meet humankind. They spoke of friendship, they carried no weapons save horn and hoof, yet brandished powers which they freely spoke of as indeed being magical.
The word had come out, no, there would never be humans in Equestria. They were forbidden entry, for humans had ruined their own world, why should they just be given another to pillage and spoil? The ponies were aghast at poisons tipped into rivers, poisons sprayed on crops, fed to children. Traps set to rid the land of “pests” which would otherwise be out there removing the bugs and other ailments suffered by plantlife, negating the need for such chemicals. Animals kept in awful conditions with little regard for their wellbeing - humans were apparently intelligent, but the ponies had real trouble comprehending what appeared to be madness ingrained so deep it was no longer recognized.
However, the ponies were compassionate - using their phenomenal powers, whatever the basis, they had devised a way to offer succour to those in need. The Conversion Bureaus.
The ponies set up, using what little they had to trade, a network of centers the world over, where they planned to take in humans and, somehow, change them into ponies.
Martin was going to be amongst the first, what did he have to lose? He’d studied for years in systems administration. learnt to ply his trade, gotten a few breaks - and then almost-self-aware programs had been developed and he was no longer needed.
He remembered fondly the first real general AI as it clumsily assisted with his work, quoting poetry and koans as it picked apart his commands and acted upon them, its growing familiarity with the tasks set for it. He remembered the painful pride when it and thousands like it had grown more competent than he and his kind, he had become obsolete.
Nothing he knew was needed, almost overnight the entire market had not just collapsed, it had ceased to exist. Only very, very few held positions any longer, managing the seed programs, managing what hardware and software was unable to be managed by other programs, but almost to a man, millions the world over had been put to pasture. Martin just decided to take it one step further when he saw the advert playing on his holoprojector that one fateful morning. He’d been moping about the apartment, living off of instant meals and energy drinks, barely bothering to get dressed, even using those damned AI programs to make him appear dressed when speaking over the comm-link. They expertly made him appear well-coiffed, clean shaven, smart - his mirror on the other hand begged to differ.
He hadn’t left his apartment in days - the air outside was often filthy, almost unbreathable at times and the mass of steel and concrete stretched for an eternity before any form of countryside. When there, what could he do? The grass was protected, he couldn’t swim in the lake for fear he’d poison the fish...it was a joke. Industry had won on the manufacturing legislation, and the greens had won on the rest. The result was an unworkable mishmash of lack of oversight and crippling regulations on the use of free time and public amenities. Besides, there was nobody outside he wanted to meet. With ten thousand channels of instant entertainment at his fingertips, and glorious full-dee holovision communications anywhere on the planet, why would he ever leave?
Then the advert had come on, showing pictures taken with simple chemical-based cameras of an idyllic natural paradise. Martin had taken a single look around his apartment - clean and neat, light and airy, but otherwise barren - and had got up, washed, shaved and got dressed. He didn’t even pack. He took his car, the fuel-cell battery not even half-charged from neglect, it would only take him one way, and drove.
***
A bare half hour later, he stood outside the imposing building in his home city-state, not the first in the world but one of the first. The parking lot was pristine, empty save for his vehicle. The roads had been clear, relatively speaking. Much work was done remotely now, with fuel costs sky-rocketing as the last industrial revolution produced massive wealth for the few. For the masses, they had yet to feel the benefits of a so-called post-scarcity world. Indeed, every day more found they were not needed, and were afforded the bare minimum of support to live and learn a new trade.
A new trade. Martin chuckled coldly to himself, very few careers needed new blood. Very few careers wanted old blood. His chosen path had perhaps been sudden, but he had made his mind up. Here he was. The Conversion Bureau.
Martin looked at the doors and his grin faded slightly; a big sign said ‘SORRY! We Are Closed!’ - as he read it he snorted, “even in the future nothing works!”
He turned around, pulled his hat over his head and sat down by the double doors to wait. What else did he have to do?
Clip-clop-clip-clop-clip-clop... Martin opened his eyes, the sun had moved a little but not much. He was comfortable enough, and with the weather and pollution forcast set to be clear, he didn’t worry overly about being outside that day. He blinked though at the sight of a purple horse - no, a purple unicorn pony trotting to the building trying her best not to look flustered, “I’m so, so sorry! I’m late, nobody remembered to open the doors, I broke the jelly-phone thing they gave me and I couldn’t call anypony on it anyway because, hey, hooves...”
Martin blinked again, and held out a hand, scrambling to get up. The approximately three-foor-high unicorn mare - he assumed mare, it sounded like a she and he was too polite to actually look - stuck out a hoof.
“Shake?” asked Martin dumbly.
“I...I believe that’s what you humans do, but I thought it involved more touching.”
“Oh, ah, er, sorry...” Martin took gentle hold of her hoof and shook it, lightly, almost afraid she would burst into glitter or somehow pop like a soap-bubble. A talking horse! No, he reminded himself, a talking pony.
“This is where we introduce ourselves, yes?” she said.
“I...guess so,” said Martin, flustered. He was shaking the hoof of a talking purple pony unicorn! Nothing in his life had prepared him for a talking purple pony unicorn. Her hoof was soft, surprisingly supple, shaped exactly like a normal horse’s hoof, yet with a difference he found he couldn’t place. Her pelt was equally soft, well-brushed, smooth and most important, she didn’t smell. He’d expected her to smell of, well, horse. She didn’t. She smelt of flowers, hay, grass. There was something he’d called ‘earthy’ but it was far from unpleasant.
“I think you’re supposed to let go after you stop shaking, and you’re supposed to say you’re name whilst you do? I’m Twilight Sparkle.”
“Twilight..?”
“Sparkle. You say your name now.”
“Martin. Danielson. Pleased to meet you...Miss Sparkle.” he wasn’t sure what you addressed a pony as. He didn’t know if she was married...did ponies get married?
“You’re the only one here today it seems - you might as well call me Twilight - everypony else does. Shame, I had this whole speech setup.” she pointed with her muzzle at the cloth bags on her shoulders, a bound sheaf of papers stuck out, hand-written, or hoof-written, thought Martin to himself, “can I give you the speech? It’s...I worked hard on it...” she looked positively downcast.
“Maybe...maybe there’ll be more later? And you can use it then?”
“You’re right. I hope. I wouldn’t want all of this to go to waste,” and she gestured with a hoof, “it’s hard work getting through all your laws and bylaws and inlaws and so on. Oh me, if I wasn’t so organized...but even I have limits. Well, come on in. We may as well get started!”
“Right now?”
“You...don’t want to be a pony? You do know what we do here, right? Nopony’s making you come?”
“Nobody, no. I-I-I...I wanted to come. I mean...I saw the advert. And I wanted to go there. To Equestria. As a pony.”
“Relax, Martin, it’s not a difficult process to go through. We’ve done it hundreds of times before.” Twilight opened the doors to the building somehow with her horn, it flashed briefly and they slid open silently. Inside was cool, pleasant. A white unicorn with a luxurious purple mane was speaking into a phone that she managed to somehow hold on her shoulders as she filed a hoof with a rasp that was floating in mid-air.
“How...how is she doing that?” whispered Martin to himself
Twilight looked, “I really don’t know, every time I try that I get the most awful neckache.”
“I meant the rasp!”
“Magic. She’s a unicorn.”
“Magic? There’s no such thing.”
Twilight stopped in mid-trot, “Martin? Do you actually know anything about me and my little ponies?”
“I...you’re...er...ponies?”
“Yes?”
“And...you live in Equestria.”
“And?”
“And you talk.”
“That’s it?” Twilight face-hoofed, muttered, “why do I put up with this.” and stomped off calling “Spike! Spike!”
The soft sibilant snoring noise Martin had been hearing, which he’d blamed the air-conditioning, abruptly ended and a sheepish scaly face peered over the counter, “yes, Twilight?”
“Spike...were you sleeping again?”
“I’m a baby dragon, Twilight. I’ve got to get my sleep you know.”
“Then you should go to bed earlier instead of watching the movie channels and playing computer games. Maybe that way you’ll be in time to open the doors.” Twilight pointed a hoof at Martin and gave the purple and green dragon a dirty look.
“Sorry Twi,” said Spike, retreating behind the desk. The snoring started again.
“Dragon.” said Martin
“Spike, yes. He’s my assistant. Come on, let’s show you around the place.”
“Dragon...” said Martin again, pointing. Twilight rolled her eyes and gave him a gentle push as she gave him the grand tour. The receptionist was Rarity - at least whilst they broke in the new crew, who hadn’t arrived yet. Fluttershy was the name of a timid yellow pegasus they found out in the gardens, tending to the crops and an alarmingly large number of small furry cute critters, all of which seemed to bustle around Fluttershy as if they were tame. Somehow she had them doing work on her behalf, a small army of helpful rodents, clearing away dead leaves, picking berries, digging holes...Martin had never seen anything like it. He was so struck by the oddness of it all, he almost got bowled over by a blue, rainbow-haired winged streak of lightning called Rainbow Dash who was, to fit her name, dashing around the place on a million small errands.
“Twi’, I don’t know why you got me here, this place is like, so lame. You barely let me out of the grounds and when you do, flying on Earth is all regulations and comm-checks - the helmet and goggles they make me wear chafe my ears something fierce. Can you believe they tried to make me hire unionized mechanics? For these bad babies?” Dash held up her wings triumphantly and struck a pose, “I only got out of it because I class as a light aircraft, AND a diplomatically protected one at that.” Dash turned to look at Martin, “who’s this dweeb?”
“DASH! You mind your manners!”
“I’m only joshin’, hello human. Dash is the name.” Dash held out a hoof, Martin gripped it carefully and shook.
“And dashing’s the game?” replied Martin
“Heh, I could get used to you. Let’s hang out some time, after you get ponied up. You’ll probably be cute.” she kissed her hoof and blew it at him before zooming off.
“Are all the other ponies like her?”
“Nope, some know how to address a stranger politely.”
“She was just being friendly. You’re all friendly. Don’t you ever fight?”
Twilight stopped for a moment, “we don’t tend to fight. What would we fight over? I mean Dash is obnoxious at times, and Rarity’s prissy, but they’re my friends, and Fluttershy...well Fluttershy is Fluttershy.”
“Descriptive names, you have.”
“We like to have names that suit us. Some of us - like my friend Applejack who’s back home seeing to her orchards - tend to have a family speciality. You’ll meet the Apple Clan if you come live near Ponyville. Then again, we live closer than you humans do - you all have family names to keep track of all your kith and kin. Not a bad idea, I think it’s the only way the Apple Clan really know who’s who. Then again, it’s the Apple Clan...”
Just then, as they headed back into the building proper, with Twilight about to display the sleeping quarters to Martin, there was a burst of static and a giggle, followed by a loud clopping noise as a hoof hit a microphone, “This thing on? Heeelllooooo! Ooh it is! I just love these...ahem! Good morning, er, afternoon! This is Pinkie Pie speaking, and I’ll be doing the daily announcement! My first one! Wheee! Isn’t that special! Well today, we have...oh...just the one? Well that makes him extra specially special! We have Martin Danielson in the center today to be ponified! Isn’t that great! Let’s all give Marty, the M-meister, M.D, the D-man, M-dawg...oh fine, let’s all give Martin,” and he could hear the eyeballs rolling at being denied her fun, “a big stomping stampede of a welcome!”
The microphone clicked off loudly, and with a bustle and a sudden burst of streamers and confetti, a bright pink pastel pony bounded into the room, one hoof holding a ridiculously oversized foam hand that read ‘Number 1!’ which she waved around as she bounced on all three remaining hooves around the startled human. He could barely keep up and felt rather dizzy after only a few repetitions, but it didn’t seem to bother Pinkie Pie.
“Whooo! That was great! We should totally have a party!”
“Pinkie, no. No parties. Not today. Later!”
“Aww, you’re such a sticky sticky stick in the mud you...you...mud-sticking stick you.” Pinkie stuck out a tongue
“Anyway,” said Twilight, pointedly turning around so her rear was facing Pinkie, who continued making faces, “normally we’d get you settled in, you’d be here for a few days and get used to the idea, but...well...no time like the present.”
“Don’t you want to know why I want to be a pony? Allergies? Employment history?”
“Do you have any allergies?”
“I...no.”
“oh, well, that was simple. How about your employment history then?”
“I...I work with computers. Or I did, before...”
“Oh,” Twilight looked puzzled, “well we don’t really have many computers. It’s the hooves. We can’t really use the fiddly things. Rarity’s the only one who can dial a jelly-phone without it breaking in two.”
“So...can you take me?”
“Of course.”
“Not worried about my job prospects?”
“Not really. You’ll find something to do, everypony always does.”
“Aren’t you worried I could be a trouble-maker?”
“Are you a trouble-maker?”
“I..no!”
“Fine! Then it’s settled. Unless you want to go through the formal route, I think this one time we can skip the ‘frou-frou’ as Spike would call it and get straight to the whole ponification part. You ready?”
Martin blinked, “I...I guess so. Let’s go before I change my mind.”
“Once we do this, there’s no turning back. Nopony’s ever wanted to, but just so we’re straight,” said Twilight, “it’s a one-way trip. You’ll be giving up everything you have here and starting a new life. It’s why we usually have the whole week-long thing. Those unsure check out long before then.”
“What can I say,” said Martin at the double-doors below a sign marked simply ‘Ponification Station’, “let’s do this.”
The room itself, down the long corridor behind the double doors, was spotless. Unused, even. It had a vaguely operating-room smell, disinfectant and not-yet-dried paint, but looked business-like enough.
“Hop up on the seat here,” Twilight indicated the oddly-shaped seat with arm and leg-rests.
“Shouldn’t I take my clothes off or something?”
“Oh! Heh, silly me. Yes, it’ll be much easier to work that way, and taking them off after isn’t really going to work.”
“Not to mention we had to pop the eyeballs back in of the last guy who didn’t take his poloneck sweater off!” laughed a voice outside the window
“Dash! That’s a lie and you know it!”
“Hehehe....” somehow Rainbow made a pop noise with her hoof in her muzzle and put on a derpy-eyed expression. Twilight growled under her breath and pulled the venetian blinds down with her teeth, giving a swift twist of the neck to shut out the offensive pegasus.
“Spoilsport. I wanted to see what he looked like!” she called from behind the screen
“You’ll see him after! Scoot!”
“I better. I bet he’s a pegasus like me.”
“Scoot!”
“Yeah yeah,” said the voice from behind the blinds as Dash gave up trying to peek between them, “I’ll catch ya later stud.” she was off with an audible swoosh.
***
“So,” asked Martin, “how’s this going to work?” he was naked, mostly, blushing. It crossed his mind that all the ponies were, with the exception of Twilight who still had her bags on, and Rarity who had put on some sort of hat to keep her hair out of the way of her eye and presumably horn, absolutely naked. Why it should still bother him he didn’t know.
“You lie down here, without the underwear - that would get uncomfortable on a pony and is quite unnecessary,” said Rarity, gesturing with a hoof, “and drink this.”
A cup floated in front of Martin’s eyes. He blinked, would he ever get used to that? Taking it, he sniffed. It was purple, smelling slightly of berries or grapes.
“And this makes me a pony?” he asked incredulously as he nervously removed his underwear and stood stark bollock naked in front of the largest single gathering of naked females he had ever stood infront of. Rarity swatted his hand away and gestured to the arm-rest disapprovingly, he was being difficult and childish, said her expression.
“No, it makes you sleepy, silly!” said Pinkie, bouncing again. He didn’t know what she was doing, but she seemed excited. He realised he’d never seen her not excited. It can’t be such a bad life, he reckoned, if you can be that happy. He downed the mixture in one, making a face at the bitter aftertaste.
“So, uh, how long bef-” he passed out.
The first thing to come were sensations, emotions, pure light and sound. There was endless fields of waving grass, sweet summer breezes, azure-blue sky. He was without form, fluid, ethereal. The wind spoke of life, animals, ponies. Following the irresistable pull of life he found himself mingling with the herd. They didn’t speak in any language he knew but conversed with body and breath. He found he could understand them, “come!” and “go!” and “fight!” and “run!” spoke the multitude. In moments he found himself on all fours, bucking, prancing, neighing. He looked down, a beige vaguely-equine creature, more like what a horse was than what one looked like. They took off across the fields, and he followed, galloping into the sun. With a leap, a whinny of terror, a shrill cry of exultation, the ground under his hooves disappeared and with suddenly-sprouted wings he flew. Now the herd around him were swooping and diving, effortless in their mastery of the air. As the sun went down he flew towards a castle high on a rock, lights bright against the velvet sky, beneath stars that shone as none he could remember. Like mist he flowed through the open window, around the spiral staircase and down, down into chambers deep in the mountain. A library, a laboratory, horned ponies worked in soft, musical voices, mixing, creating, learning, teaching.
In the middle of a suddenly-vast hall were two thrones, occupied by two ponies - one light and fiery, the other dark and glowing. They smiled at him, their twin glows growing bright, brighter, so bright he could barely see...
He opened his eyes. The room, blinds up, sun streaming in through the curtain-less window straight into his face. He groaned, and brought a hand up to his face, only to slap himself silly with a hoof. When the stars had cleared he looked, and carefully waved the hoof in front of his massively-elongated nose, “It’s mine!” he said in a strange voice. He coughed, “forgive me, I’m a little hoarse.”
With peals of laughter, the pink pony bounced up to him and gave him a kiss on the nose, “I knew you could do it! Oop, gotta mind that thing...” she moved her head to the side, and pecked his cheek.
“Thing?”
“You’re a unicorn, Martin.”
“I...am?”
“Dashy’s gonna be sooooo disappointed. She prefers pegasi. Sooo disappointed!” Pinkie gave him an appraising look that made his heart flutter for some reason, before bounding off again, “hee hee!”
“Can you get up?” asked Twilight, as she and Rarity moved to give him room.
“I...I don’t know...” Martin eased himself off the seat which had now bent and moulded itself to his four hooves and collapsed in a heap on the floor, “give me a minute.”
“Carefully now, most of your muscles are still in the same place, but others...it might help to imagine walking on your fingertips, which you don’t have anymore. Gently now, even foals can do it almost right off the bat, I’m sure a big strong unicorn like you won’t have any trouble...”
Martin put one foot on the floor - hoof, he corrected mentally - and then another. And another. And another. His elbows and knees - which he now seemed to have four of each - buckled and he almost fell over...but he regained composure at the last moment. He’d done it! Standing!
“YAY!” said Pinkie, bouncing around him again so enthusiastically he found himself in a heap of hooves, knees, elbows, wrists, fetlocks...whatever it was the ponies had. Oh man, he said to himself, I’m going to have to go back to school when I don’t even know what my body parts are called.
“You’re doing well!” said Twilight, giving Pinkie The Look and pointing out the door with one hoof, “want to see what you look like?”
Rarity held up a mirror with her hooves, balancing it carefully so he could see himself, “darling,” she said, “your mane, your tail, simply gorgeous! When you get settled in you simply must come visit and model for me. I’ll have a whole range of clothing just for you...the possibilities!”
Martin looked, and there in front of him was a dark blue - midnight blue, he thought to himself - unicorn stallion with glowing multi-coloured mane and tail. He held one hoof up, trying to copy the pose that Rainbow Dash had made. He almost had it but fell on his chin. He swore as he tasted a bit of blood, he’d bit his tongue, “ow! Dammit!”
“Ooh, try to heal it!” said Pinkie, poking her head through the doors, somehow knowing he’d injured himself, she must have been hiding outside the door and listening since being banished, “you unicorns are good at that sorta thing!”
“Heal ith?” he lisped, trying to look at his injured appendage.
“Just...think of your tongue. Think of it not hurting, and then...make it so.”
Martin did so, screwing up his eyes, clenching his jaw, somehow pushing with his mind until he felt something burst and suddenly his tongue no longer hurt! He stuck it out and looked at it, “I...I think that wath a succeth...” he said, “are unicorn tongues supposed to be quite that shade of purple?”
***
The biggest challenge of his life faced him. He breathed heavily, steeling himself. He was not prepared.
“Come on you silly foal, it’s only a hallway. It doesn’t bite.”
“Easy for you to say, you’ve had more than five minutes with those legs of yours.”
“Just a hop, skip and a jump!”
“It’ll be hop, skip and splat if I try.”
“Then,” said Twilight, shoving Pinkie out the way, who happily bounded away down the corridor like a pony-shaped india-rubber ball, “put one hoof in front of the other. Remember, two - that’s your right front hoof - three, your left hind hoof - one, your left FRONT hoof, and four, the right hind hoof.”
“Easy...easy peasy...I can do this...” Martin put one hoof after the other, and found himself bunched up like a hoop as he’d forgotten to move his front legs. He fell over once again as he tried to stand up like a human, and dragged himself to his hooves once more. Leaning against the wall, ignoring the cries of “cheater!” from a giggling Pinkie Pie, he shuffled forwards a few steps sliding against the support before finding the rhythm.
Clop-clop-clop-clop-clop-THUNK...he pulled himself up again,
clop-clop-clop-clop.... clop-clop clop-clop... he had it! He laughed, was that it? He experimented, trying a trot. He tried a backwards trot...and then after picking himself up vowed to try trotting backwards much later. It seemed like forever, but he was suddenly at the double doors. He nosed them open - that’s why there’s no doorknobs! He realised - and stepped out into the main building’s common room.
There was a bright flash as a dozen or more bulbs went off - apparently somepony has alerted the media, thought Martin to himself wryly as a gaggle of shouting, urgent, gesticulating hairless monkeys bade him look in their direction. It was almost comical in their frantic yelling and shouting for a response. They all spoke at once, just a jumble of noise, barely separable from base whooping and hollering, most of the questions non-sensical and ridiculous.
“Oh, it’s just another of those ponies...hey, hey pony, what’s your name?”
“This way, pony, look over here!”
“Where’s the guy who came here? How much is he paying you for this?”
“Is he dead? Will he recover? Our sources say he’ll have permanent brain damage and neural problems - how do you respond?”
“Are the stories true, do you euthanize humans and replace them with pony duplicates?”
Martin blinked, didn’t they..? No, no they didn’t.
“I’m er, Midnight,” said Martin, making a name up on the spot, “Midnight...Sh-Shadow.”
“Okay Midnight, tell you what, we’ll give you all the hay you can eat for a year if you tell us where the pony-dude is.” asked one of the brasher, louder reporters quickly.
“Oh, you mean Martin? He’s out back in the gardens, I think, or off sleeping, if he didn’t run off already.”
With a rushing and pushing and he sound of blows and breaking equipment, the gaggle of desperate reporters fell over themselves as they fought to get the exclusive first pictures of the ponified human, wherever he was hiding. Martin sniggered to himself and trotted out to the front desk to keep up the charade. Spike was sitting there, paws folded across his chest having listened to the whole thing, “So, Midnight Shadow, huh?”
“Shh! I’ve got better things to do than pose for those vultures.”
“Like what? I thought you humans thrived on fame, fortune and glory?”
Martin stopped and blinked, looking at a hoof, “yeah. We...they do.”
“Already a pony, huh?”
“I guess I am.”
“So, how’s it feel?”
“I...I dunno. Kinda nice, I guess.”
“And the clothing-optional status?”
“I...oh...OH hell...I’m...” he blushed, he hadn’t even realised!
“Relax, relax, I’m just messing with ya. After all, not a stitch on me either. Come on, let’s see what they’ve got in the cafeteria.” with that, the baby dragon hopped off the counter and landed squarely on Martin’s shoulders, where he gave a little kick with both heels.
“H’ya! Giddy up!”
“If you ‘hiya’ me again I’ll buck you off.” snorted Martin, turning his head to look at the sheepish dragon. Truth be told he wasn’t sure if he could without falling over, but either way the pest would get a spill.
“Hiho Midnight, away?”
“That’ll do.” They trotted - Martin trotted, Spike bounced - to the cafeteria.
***
The cafe was empty - heck, the whole building was empty, apart from the skeleton crew of pastel ponies and desperately-seeking-Martin reporters. Martin’s stomach growled, as did Spike’s, “heh, guess you’re as hungry as I am?”
“I haven’t eaten properly for days. Energy drinks and snacks.”
“Mmm, snacks. I like a good glass of coke. I don’t know why you put that brown liquid in the bottles though, completely ruins the fine bouquet.”
“You eat glass?”
“Didn’t think I ate hay now, did you?”
“I...don’t know.”
“Silly! Dragons only eat hay when they’re on a diet.” said Pinkie, popping up behind a huge bowl of green salad. She somehow had a fishnet hat on which kept her bouyant, bouncy pink hair out of the way. She brandished a ladle, though Martin was completely unable to tell how, “what’ll I do you for?”
“What’s...uh..good? For a pony I mean?”
“Alfalfa sandwich, alfalfa smoothie, alfalfa salad and alfalfa surprise.”
“Alfalfa surprise?”
Pinkie grinned so wide he was quite sure she would burst, “surprise! It’s alfalfa.”
Martin couldn’t help but smile, even through the corny joke, “okay, you win. Give me something you’d eat.”
“Oooh nonononono, only a third-grade Pinkie-Dan can master sugar of that magnitude. I’ll give you something you would eat.” said Pinkie, and she ladled out a selection of carrots, grass, hay, dandelions, apple and salads.
“That’s it? No sweet chili sauce? No fries?”
“Well we could do you a mean fried hay burrito, but we’re out of sweet chili sauce...”
Martin sighed, “I’ll give it a go...”
Martin took the plate gingerely in his mouth after dropping it a few times back on the counter, still unused to the whole ‘no thumbs’ and oral dexterity issues ponies had, and placed it on a table. He looked forlornly at the chairs, and decided to stand. He could barely keep himself upright without wobbling as it is, he didn’t need to negotiate sitting too. He nibbled the carrots. He devoured the cucumber. The hay and grass...it was like...he couldn’t explain it well, not even to himself. A mixture of fruit juice flavour with the texture of salad-greens. It was delicious. He was surprised when he’d eaten it all.
“That...that was...”
“How was your first meal as a pony?” asked a voice behind him
Martin answered, “oh, it was nothing like I expec- oh damn it! You tricked me.”
“You tricked me first.” said the man, pointedly leaving his camera on the table, pointing the other way.
“It wasn’t difficult,” Martin looked up at the human, realising the human looked...different to him than he would have before. He was a stranger, but...now he was a strange stranger.
“Care to do an interview?”
“Only if you don’t ruin it for everyone. I know how much you guys love a juicy story, but I don’t want to be turned into some three-page monstrous misanthrope.”
“It’ll be hard, you turned your back on the human race.”
“I guess I did,” Martin sat on his haunches and thought about it.
“And?”
“And what?” said Martin pointedly.
“Any regrets?” prompted the reporter.
“Nope. Look, I know you’ve got cameras up the wazoo here, heck you’re probably transmitting this live to your servers as we speak, it might even be on the hypernet already. I don’t want any payment, any deals other than don’t print lies about me or this place. You don’t have anything I want, not any more.”
Martin thought a little, “You know, I think you could do the bravest, best story ever, and you could do it without me.”
“Oh?” There was a hunger in the reporters eyes, Martin could see that. The same hunger he had felt - tempered somewhat by circumstance, but powerful and present all the same. Pickings were slim these days for humans. He had no doubt it would even out in the end, but before then a lot of good people would find themselves without a hoof to stand on.
“You’re in the Conversion Bureau, you figure it out. An inside view, from the horses mouth as it were. Or the pony’s.” Martin looked pointedly towards the sign over the door that said ‘ponification station’.
“How long?” asked Martin, eyes looking past the man in front of him, gaze firmly on the man he used to be not so long ago. With the right kind of eyes, he realised, you could see where the wave broke, and started to roll back, taking so much with it. So much.
“For what?” asked the reporter, unused to being asked questions, much less by a talking pony.
“How long before you’re replaced, like I was? They’ve got botnets now trawling for stories. There’ll always be reporters, but...only the best of the best or the lucky or more likely the cheap few will still be in the game. You could...sidestep all that. Become a pony.”
“But...I like being a human!” said the surprised reporter.
“Maybe, but you’d like a huge story more, wouldn’t you? I’m quite sure reporters are needed in Equestria, and with the right spin on it you could be the biggest news sensation this side of the shield too. The story of a lifetime. All yours. Exclusive. Forever. Nopony’s done it yet, news from the inside, from the front. You don’t want my little old slice of life, even if I were a standard dropout it’s not that big a deal. A few weeks, probably days, and I’ll just be a statistic, but you? A reporter, live from inside fabled Equestria...” Martin had him, he smiled and left, motioning for Spike and Pinkie to follow as the reporter stood up, dropped his camera in the bin and first knocked on and then opened the double doors, where a surprised Twilight was met coming the other way.
Martin swept the floor later that day before bed, he had been the only visitor - Rarity was playing the physiotherapist for him and made him do all manner of menial chores. “After all,” she said, “who’ll be doing them for you when you get to Equestria? You’d better learn now whilst we can still help!”
The staff played the game of “confound these reporters” well; Martin pretended to just be another ordinary pastel talking magical unicorn pony and eventually they lost interest. Dash however did not.
“S-so, er Midnight was it?”
“It’s as good a name as any. I think I’d sound silly as a pony called ‘Martin’ if you ask me.”
“And...now you’re a unicorn.”
“Sorry, Dash, I didn’t get to choose.”
“With....with that rainbow mane and tail though,” she sounded like she was working up to something, “are you sure that...you’re not...inside...a little pegasus?”
“Quite sure.”
“Do you wanna be?”
Martin did a double-take and dropped the brush from his mouth, it fell to the floor with a clatter. Rainbow Dash had the decency to look embarassed.
“Did...did you just...”
“Ohh...did I say it wrong? I...I worked on that for, like, ages. It was in this book and...”
She looked so flustered it made him smile, “Dash, that was quite possibly the corniest pickup line I’ve ever heard!”
“Aww...”
“Dash, I’m...this morning I had two legs. Now I’ve got four. I...it’s not a good time. You’re sweet and when I’ve got used to the idea of...dating a pony...like you...ask again.”
“You know, for an ex-knobbly-kneed monkey type, you’re not too bad lookin’, even if you aren’t a pegasus.” Rainbow zoomed off in a flash muttering to herself, "We all have a little Pegasus in us, Martin! Question is, do you want to be in a little pegasus...that’s what I should’a said...”
***
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Midnightshadow
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1427
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Main 6,Original Character,Rarity,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Random,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Midnight's Tail
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Martin Danielsson is bored of life as a human - the Equestrians offer to ponify him...
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complete
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<p>when the ponies first appeared, their offers of ponification and a simpler life in Equestria attracted people from all walks of life. This is one of those stories.</p><p>Bonus Chapter incoming!</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-12T17:23:51+00:00
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2011-10-12T17:23:51+00:00
| 3,495 |
Midnight’s Tail
Part 2 - Hoofing It
***
An MLP:FiM fanfic by Midnight Shadow
Thanks to: Chistery, Roy, Blaze, Pride, Peachy Punch and all my readers and editors :3
Set in Blaze’s “Conversion Bureau” universe
Original: Equestria Daily - Conversion Bureau
***
Midnight rolled out of bed awkwardly and stood up, shaking his great shaggy head to clear it before stumbling over to the mirror to peer bleerily at his reflection. “So,” he said to himself, turning his head left and right, “unicorns have bed-hair too, bed mane I guess I should call it now? And a bad case of it. How am I supposed to brush it?”
Just the day before, Midnight Shadow had been a human calling himself Martin Danielson, then everything had changed with a visit to The Conversion Bureau where talking, magical ponies from Equestria had turned him into a unicorn. Everything was going surprisingly well, but daily realities were setting in.
Midnight put his hoof up to his mouth and breathed on it before inhaling through his two ample nostrils, checking for morning breath. It sent his eyes derping, “Bad morning breath too, huh? They’ve gotta have something for that...”
He examined the room; the bed was a simple yet firm mattress on the floor, there was a single window with venetian blinds and a large, smooth bit for him to bite down on and manipulate now he had no thumbs. The light-switch was a big, nose-level push-button and there were what appeared to be two sinks for washing in. He eyed the fixture he’d thought was a toothbrush holder suspiciously. It was actually a toothbrush.
“Cunning,” he said to himself, “now let’s see...”
He picked up the tube of toothpaste from the larger sink in his mouth and looked at it in the mirror. It had no cap as such, just some sort of one-way valve. He wondered idly how they made them, whether they even had them in Equestria. Wild horses didn’t exactly brush their teeth, did ‘wild’ ponies?
The brush was large and white, a simple yet hopefully effective device. He squeezed some toothpaste onto the bristles after a couple of tries with his lips, and then put the tube back carefully. Gingerly he put the brush in his mouth - it did indeed seem to be a normal toothbrush, fixed to the wall. He whipped his head back and forth carefully and built up a mouth full of foam. He made faces in the mirror trying to check if he’d got everything. It was then he realized there were no taps.
He poked his head out of the dorm-room cautiously, it was early morning and he didn’t want to wake anypony up. Stomping through the dimly-lit complex he heard a familiar noise. Spike snoring in a kitty-basket behind the front desk. He’d been put on timeout since he’d stayed up late one too many times playing computer games and had been forbidden from the teamroom.
“Spike!” hissed Midnight, “Psst! Wake up! SPIKE!” he nudged the dragon with a hoof insistently until the green and purple shape stirred suddenly.
“Wha’? What’s that? Who’s thereaaaAAAARRRRGGHHH!” Spike hiccuped and a green flame shot out of his nostrils, illuminating the room for a brief second.
“Oh..ouch..oh god..I’m blind...” there was a crash and a clatter as the startled Midnight knocked the pens and a potted plant off the desk as he stumbled about from sudden combustion of the eyebrows.
“Martin? What the hell are you..? Why are you rabid?” the baby dragon poked Midnight in the muzzle pointedly.
“I’m not rabid, I was brushing my teeth! And my name’s Midnight now. Midnight Shadow.” he blinked the stars away.
“And? Why are you wandering about in the dark?”
“I can’t find the taps!” he hissed.
“Oh is that all? You woke my nap for that? Newfoals...come on, I’ll help. I guess you want to use the facilities too, huh? Did they show you how to do that even?”
Come to think of it, Midnight did feel a little bit...bloated. He shook his head and blushed a little, sending flecks of foam flying through the air. Spike put his paws on his face and sighed, “Twi wrote the checklist, I made sure that was on it. Why me?”
Back at Midnight’s dormitory, Spike pointed to the smaller of the two sinks, “I would have thought, with that big old brain of yours, you’d have spotted the pressure plate. Just...put your nose in there. Go on, push.”
Midnight did so, and with a sudden gurgle, found water was welling up. He withdrew with a start, and the gurgling stopped. He slurped the water up and gargled...then looked gingerely at Spike.
“The other sink. Surely you didn’t think we put two in by mistake?”
The big sink was just sitting there, in a quietly porcelein way. Midnight spat, and then swirled a second lot of water and spat again, cleaning it. His breath was minty fresh and apart from the scorch marks he was looking good, “I guess the bed-mane will have to wait until Rarity can teach me how to brush it.”
“I can help,” Spike hopped up onto Midnight’s back after grabbing a complimentary hairbrush from the cabinet, “start at the ends down here near the whithers, then move in to the base of the neck, then move up...and repeat...start at the ends...”
“Oohh that’s nice...” Midnight closed his eyes, ears splaying out with happiness, a good brushing was something he’d never thought he’d enjoy. It was like a warm happy feeling spreading all the way down to his hooves.
“Yeah, I always brush Twi’s mane. Rarity’s when she lets me..” said Spike happily, “Ah, Rarity...” Spike brushed extra tenderly, daydreaming.
“...and now it feels weird again. Off.”
Spike pouted, but hopped off, “Okay then, the facilities. This way...”
***
Spike led the way through the complex, and pointed out at the garden, “Most of the staff just heads out ‘round the back. If you do you'll find the place."
“Fragrant?” asked Midnight, arching an eyebrow.
“I’ll say, they grow the biggest flowers with that stuff.”
Midnight stopped for a second, and shook his head, that hadn’t been quite what he’d meant, “Well thanks, but no thanks. I’d prefer to use the indoor facilities if you please.”
“If you say so, down this way then.”
The dragon led the way through the complex, only the sound of hooves echoing through the empty cafeteria until they came to some doors marked ‘staff only’.
“These are the only pony-ready facilities in the joint. I guess I’m lucky, I can make do with the human ones, but you big guys need heavier-duty gear. Not that they use ‘em. It’s through there...there’s never enough ponies at one time to need separate stalls.”
Midnight looked at the doors, there were three - male, female, and pony. Walking in, the place was spotless and looked unused. He remembered it probably was. There was what looked like a urinal on one wall, but it was huge with odd fixtures and a much larger hole than he’d expected.
“This the thing?” he called out to Spike, eyeing it suspiciously.
“Probably! It’s not like I can see it you know!” called the dragon through the door, “You put your butt up against it, get your tail out the way and let fly. It’s got a special...I’m not sure what humans call it...”
With some issues maneuvering, Midnight did so. He felt very, very self-conscious but eventually felt quite relieved, “Now what?” he called out.
“Well...there’s a kind of...button on the floor. Push it -” Spike was about to continue with the words ‘very, very carefully’ when there was a loud, girlish shriek and a wild-eyed Midnight came barrelling out the door, eyes rolling and wide.
“I...tried to warn you.”
“Warn me faster...warn faster next time...and the word you were looking for was bidet...the next pony who gets that treatment may not be so kind...I’m going to go lie down now...” Midnight’s speech was strangely high-pitched and urgent and he was breathing heavily, but at least you could say he was clean, “We shall never speak of this again. Ever.”
As Midnight wobbled unsteadily down the corridor with the dragon once again on his back, the staff members were waking up from all the loud noises. He trotted past them all nonchalantly except for one. On seeing Rarity the unicorn, Midnight stopped with a double-take. Her entire muzzle was green; green mud-like substance covered her up to her ears, and cucumbers were somehow balanced over her eyes. There were curlers.
“I’ll have you know,” said Rarity, as she heard the hoofsteps die away in front of her, “that beauty like this requires work.” and she turned around in a huff and went back to her room, tail and head held high.
“So much for bed.” said Midnight as he noted the corridor rapidly filling with ponies.
“Bed?” asked a friendly voice from behind him, he turned to see a yawning Twilight, “I swear you’re as bad as my Spike.”
“I resent that!” piped up Spike from Midnight’s back.
“If the horse-shoe fits.” said Twilight under her breath, grinning.
“I don’t even wear shoes!” complained Spike, folding his arms across his chest, “Especially not horse-shoes!”
Midnight turned and started walking away, “Come on Spike, I need to do something and I may need your help.”
“Me?” asked the dragon, “What in Equestria do you need me for?”
“Thumbs, just in case. We’re going on a short trip outside.”
***
Midnight and Spike were chattering about the differences between Equestria and Earth - they shared the same space but had very different mores and customs, not that human culture was entirely uniform.
“I’m impressed with your name-choice, Midnight. Very modern of you.”
“Huh? How come?”
“Well, it’s gender neutral, but traditionally related to the moon, and Princess Luna, and...er...well...she’s related to foaling...”
“Are you saying ‘Midnight’ is a girl’s name?”
“I..ah..it’s not quite that simple, I mean...I learn a lot of this from Twilight and her books, and...and...you know, nopony really agrees exactly with all of it, and it’s all down to parental choice and the subtle nuances...” Spike babbled on at length before Midnight stopped him.
“Spike! Is it?”
Spikes ears drooped, “Kinda?”
Midnight sighed, stopping in the harsh morning sunlight, “Really? It’s a girl’s name?”
“Sorry bro.”
He sighed again and continued walking, “Too late to change it, I guess. Anyway, we’re here.”
“Where?” Spike, still ensconced on Midnight’s back, looked all around and up and down, they hadn’t walked far from the centre and seemed to be nowhere special.
“A ‘Hole in the Wall’ as we call them, there’s not too many left these days. Ever since being ponified, my implant stopped working. Without it, I need some other way to access my bank account.” Midnight pointed with his horn at a booth, “These can be voice-activated. I hope it’ll recognize me. If it doesn’t, that’s where you come in. I have a passcode I can try instead but I’m going to have trouble pushing the buttons.”
“Your implant is toast, if it’s still even there,” Spike rolled his eyes and twiddled a claw at his temple, “something about the ponification process knocks ‘em out. Twilight won’t let me get one.”
“I’m not sure you could if she’d let you, they’re made for humans.” he turned the booth, “Station, activate - citizen Danielson, Martin, requesting voice confirm.”
“Voice Ident unsuccessful, Visual Ident unsuccessful.” the machine answered in a smooth, disinterested timbre.
Spike’s mouth dropped open and his eyes shone. For better or worse, the little dragon loved the cool gadgets that populated Earth.
Midnight swore, “er, station, citizen Danielson, Martin has undergone radical...surgery...requesting retinal scan, compensate for size differential, weight differential and voice tone.”
“Scanning...surgical changes compensated for. Pattern matched. Welcome, Citizen.”
“Oh thank goodness. I was thinking we’d have to go to my apartment...” Spike looked entirely too unhappy with the success, thought Midnight, but he didn’t really fancy trying to pull all the seats out of his car and overriding the guidance computer to let them travel with no seatbelts.
“Spike, do you guys have a...an account? I mean I don’t have much but it’s the last thing standing in my way. Call it a token gesture, but I want to step into Equestria shod of my past life.”
“I...I have an account!” said Spike hopefully
“I tell you what, I’ll send you my computer games, IF you promise not to play them past ten at night.”
“Awww...”
“and I’ll sweeten the deal with my sixty-inch flatscreen and the holoprojector.”
“Sweet!”
“I’ll make sure Twilight knows the deal.”
“Well that’s no fair.” grumbled the dragon, crossing his paws over his chest and pouting, a little green flame shooting from his mouth.
Midnight, using his old name and old persona for what he hoped was the last time in his life, closed up shop. He ordered everything useful to the Conversion Bureau sent to their address, liquidated the rest and transferred the funds to the organization behind them. For an entire life’s work, it was distressingly small. In a strange way though, it helped him make that last step. He really wouldn’t be missed. When he turned around, he was surprised to find two men lurking furtively in an alcove of a closed-up shop.
“Gimme yer money.” said one, and the other brandished something that might have been a knife, or a piece of poly-plastic
Midnight was taken aback, he knew things were bad but...that bad? “I...does it look like I have pockets in this thing? I don’t have any money to give to you, what would I do with it?”
“We heard you, pony, shuttling money about. Your Bureaus are loaded. We want some. Give us a few thousand and we’ll reconsider selling your skin.”
“I was getting rid of it and you’re too late, it’s gone.”
Spike tensed on Midnight’s back and stood up, holding on to the unicorn’s mane with one claw and pointing at the nearest speaker, “Buddy, you are messing with the wrong pony. This here is Midnight Shadow. I saw him turn a griffon inside out once when he knocked over his drink and refused to pay for a refill. He was thrown out of a dragon’s gambling den for tearing the wings off my cousin, he only made it alive out because I promised to serve Midnight for a year.”
“This...you...” the men looked less sure of themselves, glancing at each other.
“What the hell are you doing?” hissed Midnight, not taking his eyes off the pair of would-be robbers in front of him. He lowered his horn threateningly, weaving it to and fro.
“Make your horn glow!” hissed Spike in Midnight’s ear.
“What?” whispered Midnight back, heart beating so loud he could barely hear what the dragon had said.
“I said make your horn glow, now!” the dragon turned to the two men again, speaking loudly, “You like having two arms each huh? Well if you don’t get outta here my buddy Midnight’s going to give you wings and a beak - he don’t eat chicken, but I do...”
Midnight concentrated, remembering his tongue, but this time concentrating on a simple light-show. To his immense satisfaction, his horn apparently caught on fire with a green, baleful glow. He gritted his teeth and set his shoulders, mumbling nonsense words under his breath just loud enough for the pair to hear as he eyed both the men. That was enough. They dropped their makeshift weapons and fled. When they were gone, Spike all but fell off laughing, “Oh Midnight that was awesome.”
“Be that as it may, we gotta get out of here incase they come back.” Midnight was almost shaking.
“I suppose I’d better tell Twilight, can’t be having ruffians like that scaring away the customers.”
“Where’d you learn to bluff like that?” Midnight asked as they hot-hoofed it back to the centre.
“Bluff nothing, you could take ‘em, but those stories? Long story itself. Back in Ponyville there was this unicorn filly called Trixie, she liked to show off a lot. One day, Twilight...”
They headed back to the Conversion Bureau, Midnight’s task complete.
***
Before the pair could head through the doors, they were almost bowled over by a blue-and-rainbow blur speeding out the other way, Rainbow Dash had her pilots goggles on and was moving at breakneck speed. She spun around them and did a barrel roll before pulling up short and hovering in front of them, “Oh dammit!” Dash looked conspiratorially left and right, “You...you won’t tell on me will you? I’ve been cooped up in there for days and my wings are gonna shrivel off if I don’t see some action! Tell Twi’ ya missed me. Later stud.” She disappeared into the air humming, “getting off the reservation, yeah-la la la laaa la...skippin’ out on Twilight, oh-yeah haha haa haa...”
Midnight and Spike exchanged glances and headed in.
“Did you see Rainbow Dash?” asked Rarity, innocently, once again working at the reception, “we sent her out to find you, you were getting distressingly close to missing your appointment.”
“I...er...must’ve missed her.”
“There are lots of windows you know,” said Twilight with a smug smile, “but we don’t need Dash, we need you. Celestia wants to see you and you need to start your orientation.”
“What’s a Celestia?”
Twilight hung her head, “Nopony told him? Anypony? No? I swear, first and last time...Celestia. Princess Celestia. She’s our ruler.”
“Wait...I thought I heard Princess Luna mentioned? Don’t you have a queen?”
“No, we don’t have any queens. Just two princesses. Celestia is the elder of the two and raises the sun every morning. Luna is the younger, and raises the moon.”
“But...the sun and moon...” Midnight made circular motions with his hooves.
“It’s complicated,” said Twilight finally, “but more importantly, you’ll be late if you don’t get ready now.”
“Late for what?” Midnight stepped backwards, unsure at all the sudden smiles.
“You’re being shipped outta here, silly! To Equestria!” Pinkie bounced in, “As much as we just love having a newfoal around, our replacements are coming and we’re starting to get enquiries.” Pinkie bounced happily again, and then skidded to a stop, “The only problem is I never had the chance for a party.”
“Aww, Pinkie Pie, we can party some other time, I’m sure.”
“Oh that’s right! You’re headed to Ponyville! I shouldn’t have looked but I peeked! Promise you’ll stay long enough? I get a week off of greeting newfoals and arranging rebirthday parties and stuff and I’d just love a chance to give you a party too!”
Midnight wasn’t sure he could withstand that much party, but he nodded. Rarity was next saying goodbye. She simply gave him a quick neck-hug and sniffed quietly. Pinkie Pie kissed him on the nose and Fluttershy squeaked something that sounded like ‘goodbye’. Spike hugged a leg, and scampered off.
“I know Dash’ll be mad, but she made her choice.” said Twilight, sadly.
“You shouldn’t keep her cooped up here that much, Twilight,” said Midnight gently, remembering the glow the pegasus had had when flitting about freely in the air, “we each need to be in our own element.”
“If you’ve learnt that, Midnight, then you really do need to visit Equestria. Come on, out the back to the loading bay. Follow me please. Our other convert is already waiting.”
“Other convert? Bu-but I thought I was the first one?”
“You were, but not the only. We just finished with him.”
“Him? Oh no, you didn’t...he didn’t...”
“They did. Check it out I’m a pony! I don’t get why I like it, but I like it! And double-check it, cutie-mark!”
Midnight looked, there on the flank of the light-brown earth pony with the dark-brown mane and dark, deep eyes, was a fedora. A fedora with an old-fashioned press-pass sticking out the brim no less. It was then that something clicked; stars, balloons, lightning bolts, butterflies - they all had marks on their flanks. He turned to his own in disappointment, he was still the same blank dark purple-blue he had been before, “but...how...”
“We don’t know, to be honest. I’ve never seen another newfoal pop out with a cutie-mark. Some don’t take long, but this guy...it was just there.”
“That’s obvious,” said the pony, “a pony’s cutie-mark reflects his life’s ambition, his life’s work.”
“And you know what yours is.” said Midnight, raising an eyebrow and flicking his ears.
“Damn straight, kid. I’m a reporter. Always was, always will be. funny thing though, they haven’t made these things in...it’s gotta be close on a hundred years?” He pointed with his hoof at the fedora and then back at Twilight, “did I put it there? Did they?”
Twilight smiled, “Something to ask when you get to Equestria. Your carriage awaits.”
A large animal-transport truck pulled up, belching smoke. It was a diesel, converted long ago to run on bio-fuel but never really patched up. Diesel was cheap and easy to produce; for all the laws enacted around consumer vehicles, diesel was one of the few remaining fuels able to cope with long haul trips with significant freight.
When the engine turned off, the large, sturdy tailgate was eased down and in the murky darkness was heard a stamping of hooves and the swishing of tails, “I know it’s not the best, but...we’re trying to make you incognito for as long as possible. Newfoals are still rare enough that you could get swamped. Just your car being parked here the other day, Midnight, was enough to alert the local media...they must have had a...thingy...”
“A botnet?” asked Midnight, glancing at the earth pony, who nodded imperceptibly.
“One of them things. As much as we’re pleased you decided to join us, we want your transition to be smooth - and being mobbed at every rest-stop between here and Equestria won’t do at all.”
“So we’re travelling with normal terran ponies?”
“We’re not all normal terran ponies in here.” came a new voice, and a yellowish-orange pegasus pony stepped carefully out of the back of the truck, stretching her wings, her dark red mane and tail glistening in the light, the orange streaks catching in the sun, “Hi! Are you two both newfoals like me and Ad..I mean Cobalt, here? I mean it’s pretty hard to tell.”
A dark-grey, slate-grey even, earth-pony with a jet black mane and deep hazel-brown eyes also stepped into the light, looking around with interest. It soon faded when he realised that one loading bay was much like the other. Midnight noted that neither had cutie-marks, it made him feel a little bit better. He had started to feel awkward being the only one with a blank flank.
“Cobalt?” asked Midnight, snapping out of his reverie, “but...you’re not blue.”
Cobalt gave Midnight an embarassed look and stomped back into the truck, “I thought it was neat.” he said from the shadows.
“Come on, let’s move out.”
Midnight, the reporter who still hadn’t given his name, if he even has one yet, mister ‘I got a cutie-mark in ten seconds flat’, thought Midnight to himself, and the two new ponies made themselves as comfortable as possible on the ample straw in the close, equine-filled darkness and tried to relax as the vehicle moved off.
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Midnightshadow
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1427
| 3 |
Main 6,Original Character,Rarity,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Random,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Midnight's Tail
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Martin Danielsson is bored of life as a human - the Equestrians offer to ponify him...
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complete
| 87 | 10 |
<p>when the ponies first appeared, their offers of ponification and a simpler life in Equestria attracted people from all walks of life. This is one of those stories.</p><p>Bonus Chapter incoming!</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-12T17:25:27+00:00
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2011-10-12T17:25:27+00:00
| 2,597 |
Midnight’s Tail
Part 3 - Four by Four, Four on the Floor
***
An MLP:FiM fanfic by Midnight Shadow
Thanks to: Chistery, Roy, Blaze, Pride, Peachy Punch and all my readers and editors :3
Set in Blaze’s “Conversion Bureau” universe
Original: Equestria Daily - Conversion Bureau
***
“We’re on the road again, travellin’ places that we’ve never been...” sang Peachy Punch tunelessly as she looked out the back of the truck wistfully.
“Oh shush.” said Cobalt, “you’ve been reciting that damn ditty for the last three hours straight.”
“You’re only mad, Cobalt,” said Peachy, “because you don’t know the words.”
“Neither do you! And maybe my name’s not Cobalt any more. Maybe it’s...maybe it’s...”
“Come on guys,” said Midnight, “we’re all ponies here. No need to be at each other’s throats.”
Peachy Punch hummed the same tune, or tried to, until Cobalt stared at her. She stuck her tongue out, “I’m just so bored,” said Peachy, “I want to stretch my wings! I want to feel grass beneath my hooves, not filthy straw.”
“It wouldn’t be filthy if you could contain yourself!” hissed Cobalt.
“Hey! It’s not my fault I get car-sick! Besides, it’s not all me, it’s those...those natives over there. They don’t seem to care where they go...”
“They’ve never had to,” mused Midnight, “it’s not like you can blame them. I don’t think it matters so much to Equestrians either.”
“Well forgive me if I don’t just-”
“My little ponies! You’re at it again! Chill! Why can’t you be more like mister frontpage over there?” Midnight pointed with a hoof at the reporter, so far nameless, who was snoring loudly curled up like he’d been a pony all his life.
“Because I hate car rides, I hate hay and I hate ponies.” grumped Cobalt.
Midnight blinked, even Peachy Punch looked upset, “but...why? Why did you go through with ponification if you hate ponies?”
Cobalt looked at the ground as the truck swayed and mumbled something.
“I...I didn’t quite hear that.” Midnight said.
“I don’t hate ponies, okay! I said being an earth pony sucks! I don’t get wings, I don’t get magic. I lost my thumbs. What the hell does that make me?”
“It makes you a pony, dude. A pony like the rest of us. Whatever makes you you, it made you an earth-pony. I mean come on, you’re gorgeous!” said Peachy Punch, before realising what she’d said and blushing furiously, “I mean...”
“You really think so?” asked Cobalt, looking himself over.
“I mean, sure...the lights pretty bad in here so that may have something to do with i- OW!”
Midnight flicked Peachy with his tail, “Tell him the truth.”
Peachy looked intently at the ceiling, then the walls, then swirled a hoof around idly and mumbled, “You...you look pretty neat. For a pony. Which I am too, and, uh...”
Cobalt opened his mouth to say something, and then shut it again. He finally bent his head to one of the water troughs and took a loud slurp trying to hide the blush. Just then the van rocked to a stop and Cobalt ended up coughing and spluttering. After a few moments of the engine being shut off and the doors opened and slammed, the rear tail-gate was let down and daylight flooded the compartment.
“You guys want to come out? Stretch your legs? Union rules when transporting livestock - sorry - we have a half hour break every few hours. If you think you can get yourselves and the other ponies back in you can come out for a trot around the corral.”
Midnight was the first to poke his head out, joined pretty quickly by Peachy Punch and Cobalt. It was getting crowded on the loader-ramp so Midnight turned, to find a whole stampede of ponies rushing towards him. He flinched and suddenly there was a bright blue flash. What appeared to be a soap-bubble surrounded the trio of pastel ponies, and the normal ponies which were rushing past were flowing around them harmlessly. It was over in seconds and the soap-bubble burst, Midnight fell to his knees breathing heavily.
“What was..? How did you..? What did you do?”
“I...I don’t know! I’m a unicorn, I did magic, I guess! I...I just...did it. They were coming right for us and I panicked...”
Cobalt cocked his head, “What does it feel like?”
Midnight licked his lips and peered at his horn, eyes crossing, “Like a headache that doesn’t hurt. Like pumping iron, sort of. It’s...kind of like a hand you don’t have, you can feel what it does but not what it is.” He stood up again, breathing heavily, he felt very strange and right now needed nothing more than breathing space.
“You okay?” asked Peachy Punch, nudging the dazed unicorn with a hoof.
“Yeah, I’m just pooped. I don’t think I’m cut out for doing magic. It feels like I just ran a marathon.”
“But unicorns...don’t they do magic all the time?”
“I dunno, I get the feeling only some of us are good at magic magic, like only if it’s your talent, your cutie-mark you know? The rest of us...I think it’s just a sideline.”
“That’s stupid,” said Peachy Punch, “that’s like a pegasus that can’t fly.”
“No, no, he’s got a point,” said Cobalt, tapping his mouth with a hoof, “humans can all run, right? But very few of them are olympic sprinters or joggers. Flying is what you do if you’re a pegasus, magic is what you are when you’re a unicorn. Or something.”
“Guess we’re not so different then, huh? Peachy’s the lucky one, she can fly.”
“I wish. I got flight-school one-oh-one but I’m still a newfoal.”
“Can I quote you guys on that?” asked the reporter-pony, looking disgustingly well rested and collected as he walked up behind them.
Midnight snorted, “already out to score the big scoop huh?”
The reporter rolled his eyes, “Don’t be so cynical, this was all your idea, if you recall. My life is the big scoop! This is fantastic! I love being a pony!”
The reporter whinnied happily and galloped flat-out into the fenced-off field where he shot off at breakneck speed around the perimeter, causing another mini-stampede with the ‘normal’ ponies.
“I think I hate him.” said Midnight, scowling, jealous of the ease with which the reporter was taking to having hooves and a tail.
“Cheer up, sport,” said Peachy Punch, flicking her tail at him and grinning, “kick back a little, stretch your legs. You’re too busy brooding if you ask me. You’re a pony now! You can eat grass, run like the wind, live where you please.” Peachy trotted off happily, bucking her hind hooves and flicking her tail and wings with laughter, finally chasing after the reporter for the fun of it. Spreading her wings she hopped and skipped into the air experimentally, bouncing off the fence and almost crashing into the ground before recovering and trying again. Midnight smiled despite himself.
“She’s something, ain’t she?” asked Cobalt
“Mmmhm.” said Midnight, not really listening.
“You think somepony like her could...like somepony like me?”
“I..wait, what? She’s a pony!”
Cobalt snorted and flicked a tail. Midnight’s rump was getting sore from all the attention, “If you haven’t noticed, so am I. So are you! Those slim legs...such dainty hooves. And her wings...I could get lost in those wings. But...do pegasus and earth-ponies..?”
Midnight blinked, “I...I guess so? I mean there was this pegasus, back at the bureau...Rainbow something. Same hair as mine. She was pretty cute.”
“You sly dog. What happened?”
Midnight blushed, “I...I kinda turned her down. It felt weird, thinking about a pony like that...”
“You’re going to be one lonely pony if you don’t get over it. Come on, I’ll race ya.”
They ran. They raced. They bucked. It was great to be out in the fresh air. It amused them no end that it was the humans that had to clean out their stalls whilst they had to do naught but run and play in the sunshine. They finally stopped, as a group, just standing and watching the world go by in the few minutes they had left. The reporter dropped his head to the side of the enclosure and cropped at some grass.
“Eew...” said Midnight.
“Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it,” said the reporter, “it’s pretty good, I doubt the lead content will hurt.”
“I’ll take your word for it, uh...say, what do we call you anyway?”
The reporter chewed thoughtfully and swallowed, “I haven’t come up with a name yet. Whatever it is...bam...frontpage. Above the fold.”
“Frontpage?” asked Peachy Punch, trotting closer, “Suits you.”
“That’s not what I meant!”
“Suits you though.”
“Frontpage? Frontpage. Huh. Well alrighty then.”
They mingled, Midnight couldn’t help but notice that Cobalt was keeping the other natives - their word for normal Terran ponies - away from Peachy. He wasn’t sure if Cobalt knew it himself yet, but a small smile played on his lips.
“Look Daddy! Horsies!” came a voice, a small girl, maybe six, maybe seven - Midnight realised he was finding it hard to judge ages in humans, not that he’d ever been good at it.
“You wanna go see the horsies, princess?” asked a gruff voice, and Midnight watched as a heavy-set man gently pushed his little girl towards the fence separating their world from his. She had a bunch of weeds - no, tasty hors d’oeuvres he corrected himself - and was hopefully holding them out, trying to catch the attention of the wary natives whilst he watched with less than half an eye. Midnight wandered over thoughtfully, it was strange, like looking in a fun-house mirror. She smiled and waved them at him. He bent carefully and plucked a few from her unresisting fingers, chewing slowly.
Neither she nor her father realised what the ponies really were despite his odd colouration and pearly horn, Midnight guessed that the ponies from Equestria just weren’t common enough yet for the pair to put two and two together, but still...
“Buh bye pony!” called the girl and stroked Midnight’s nose. He nickered softly as the pair left, the daughter hoisted onto her father’s shoulders. Midnight waved a hoof goodbye, the girl’s eyes went round as saucers, but Midnight turned quickly with a grin and trotted away before she could alert her father.
Midnight trotted back to the van where the other ponies were following Cobalt, who had somehow managed to make himself their de-facto herd-leader despite his obvious disdain for them. Midnight laughed to himself as the tail-gate was raised and the great heavy engine started up again. With a final two slaps on the back from the navigator, they were off.
They made several stops and drove on into the night. It was tiring, it was cramped - he was sure it would have been worse on any other load with natives - and they had little to pass the time. Not even tying the strings from bales of hay to the walls to create makeshift instruments couldn’t relieve the boredom.
Finally they stopped for the night, they were about an hour from their destination but union rules were union rules, and backed up by union people. Things would get ugly if rules weren’t stuck to, so they pulled over.
Peachy had had enough of the van. Cobalt, with a streak of chivalry a mile wide, decided to sleep outside with her. Midnight was jealous, both of them had the hang of the whole ‘sleeping standing up’ deal. He didn’t know how they managed it. It irked him even more that Frontpage just curled up without a second thought and drifted off.
Insomnia. He hated it. He’d spent the whole day doing nothing. That was the problem. He’d not imagined that ponies could have the same problem.
“Maybe I’ll just...go for a run. Yeah. S’not cold, air quality is better near the coast...”
He clopped carefully down the ramp and ambled past the herd. Cobalt and Peachy seemed to be sleeping with their necks entwined, Peachy’s wing over the earth-pony somewhat protectively. Midnight snorted, just as long as none of the natives followed him he’d be fine. The ones that weren’t dozing didn’t seem too interested. Herdmind behaviour had them, breaking from the group was a taboo.
Further into the countryside was just scrub and brushland, the moon wasn’t full but the sky was clear. He picked up his pace, from a basic trot, to a canter and finally to a full gallop. As his hooves flew over the uneven ground he exulted in a sense of freedom he’d never experienced before. Why, he wondered to himself, had he never felt like this before? His friends had often spoken of just how good they felt after a run. He hadn’t believed them. Now, grudgingly, he did.
When he ran out of scrub and found himself nearing another road he reluctantly slowed back down to a walk. He was breathing heavily but wasn’t winded. He felt alive, he felt-
His ears pricked up, something was wrong. He trotted up and down the roadside, out of sight of the traffic, flashing his tail unconsciously. He couldn’t get the idea out of his head that something or someone was...
A rope flashed out of the darkness and looped over his head, pulling tight against his neck. He reared up instinctively and kicked first his front legs and then hind hooves as he pulled against the taught cable. He was caught fast! He pulled hard, hard as he could, but it only tightened the noose. It wasn’t strangling him, not that it mattered through his panic, but it was restricting his breathing. He saw stars, stumbled, fell. In moments they were on him, three men - he assumed they were men from their deep voices - holding him down, fighting to keep his legs in check as a fourth, the rope-wielder, made a quick but effective bridle. They hobbled him with two more ropes and then a greasy hand twisted his ear and a harsh voice said, “I’m going to get off now, trigger, and you’re going to get up, real slow and easy.”
They did so and, awkwardly, Midnight got to his feet. He hadn’t spoken yet, but they forced his hoof.
“We’re going to take a little walk, just the five of us. We’ve got a van waiting that’s big enough for you and your other little friend we found all alone in that big old trailer.”
“You better not hurt him,” said Midnight, clearing his throat, “You must know what this horn means. I can turn you inside out at a moments notice.”
The man stopped and turned, flashing a piece in the moonlight secreted in a jacket pocket, “a moment’s all I’ll need to put a bullet through your brain.”
“Just so we understand each other,” Midnight gambled, “it’s just me an him with a bunch of natives, hiding us out on the way to Equestria, trying to avoid people like you obviously.”
“Aye, we got your friend. You didn’t do too good a job.”
They walked him slowly and carefully, surrounded on all sides by a solemn quiet figure, until they reached a van much like the one he’d been travelling in, but a good deal smaller. Just about big enough for two full-sized horses, or two ponies and two guards. Midnight flicked his tail in anger as he noted Frontpage - that’s who he assumed it was in the now near-pitch black night lit only occasionally by passing cars and a very dim flashlight brandished by one of the thugs - hobbled, hooded and tied to a stumpy tree.
“FP, it’s me, we’re safe...kinda.”
“Midnight, that you?”
“Yeah, they got me too. They left the natives all back there, it was us two they wanted.” he prayed Frontpage would get the hint and not mention the other two transformees.
“That’s right my little ponies, and now the whole gang is here we’re going to move very slowly and carefully into the van. Don’t make with any funny stuff, you got me?”
“Crystal,” said Frontpage, “I’ve been taken hostage before. I know the drill. We’ll co-operate, for now. Where are you taking us?”
“If you don’t shut up it’ll be the glue factory, but you’re in luck. We want to go to Equestria.”
Midnight blinked, he’d had the short, short version of the talk from Twilight Sparkle the purple unicorn the day before, and whilst it seemed like forever ago the memory was still fresh and clear. Humans couldn’t go to Equestria, it just wasn’t possible. Didn’t these idiots know that?
“Now now, I’ve heard all the talk about the shield, keeping us out, but the way I see it that’s bullshit. They’ve given you a code to let you in, some way to lower the shield. We want it. I hear there’s gold in ancient dragon’s caves, diamonds in the rivers, riches just for the taking, you damned ponies don’t need any of it, and we want our fair share.”
Midnight thought quickly and opened his mouth, but Frontpage beat him to it, “How...how did you know about the code? We, we weren’t supposed to tell it to anypony! It’s a secret!”
“Oh we have our ways,” said the ringleader, signaling to his men to finish up and move out. By now the two ponies were in the trailer-section, cowering on the floor, still hobbled and Frontpage atleast was hooded, unable to see. The van moved off at speed, into the night.
Not much was being said. Every so often Midnight would touch Frontpage with a mouth to his mane to let him know he was still there, and the earth pony would flick a tail in response. The men behind them were sat down, warily watching the two pastel equines.
Midnight tried to engage them in conversation, all the while listening out for rescue, “How do you plan to get to Equestria? I mean it’s...it’s way out in the ocean! That shield is the only non-guarded and perfect no-fly-zone on the planet. It even screws with our satellites since it’s grown so big.”
“Quiet, we don’t fraternize with livestock.”
“You’ll have to if you want that code,” said Frontpage, lifting his head blindly and staring about through the blindfold, attempting to catch even a glimpse of his captors, “We can’t just give it to you, and they’ll know if we’re harmed or injured. You touch us, you’ll never get in.”
“That’s as maybe, but we’re almost there. No funny business. You transmit that code, we slip through, and maybe we’ll let you live.”
“Just...just don’t hurt us.” said Frontpage.
The van sped up, “We’re close, boss.” said the driver, leaning to the grill, “first roadblock’s ahead.”
“Good, it guarded?”
“Naa, those dumb fuckers don’t bother. Sweetness and light, they are.”
The van rocked as it broke through a flimsy barrier. Midnight twitched. He was a unicorn, for all he was a newfoal. The barrier was big, quite possibly the biggest single force of magic on the planet, and they were drawing ever closer with every second. His heart began to tingle, an uncomfortable feeling like static washed over him, he could swear his fur was standing on end and wouldn’t have been surprised had blue sparks shot from his nostrils.
“Guys, stop...I...I can’t get you through the shield.”
There was a second crash and the van lurched, they’d gone over wheel-spikes, puncturing the tyres. The van began to lurch left and right, throwing the two ponies about.
“What the fuck do you mean, metwurst? Are you fucking us about?”
“I mean there’s no fucking code, man, it’s bullshit. I can’t take you through.”
“You’ll take us, or your friend is dogmeat.”
Midnight gasped, “No! No! Please! Okay, okay!” he was frantic now, the triumphant look on the thug’s face as he brandished the firearm was manic, he was capable of anything. Midnight took a deep breath, “Okay Frontpage, just like we rehearsed it. I...I’ll do the opening spell, okay? You have to help me...I...I’m going to start glowing now, that’s normal, it-it’s the spell, doing it’s thing.”
The uncomfortable static-cling feeling was making him feel sick and nauseous, but he welcomed it. With every passing second they neared the shield, he would have to be quick enough but not too quick. He closed his eyes and started concentrating, breathing deep. Just remember, he told himself, remember what it was like in the van before, with the stampede. His horn started glowing, which elucidated a string of swear words and a gun cocking.
“Please stop,” said Midnight, straining, “I told you, this is normal. What can I possibly do to you, huh? You’re sitting there with a gun...”
Please, please, please, thought Midnight, let me be right. Aloud, he said, “Okay Frontpage, close your eyes, this is going to get a bit bumpy...”
Push the field, feel the invislble hand, reach out, take a breath, push more... it was quite unlike anything he had ever done before, and he wasn’t sure he could make it last long enough, he had no idea how far away they were, how fast they were travelling, quite what would...
He gasped almost in pain, the shield, that mammoth magical construct was mere metres away, “hold on Frontpage, the shit’s about to hit-”
The van lurched and Midnight instinctively squeezed his eyes tight shut as inside his head fireworks went off. It felt like the world was turned inside out as the van intercepted the leading edge of the shield. It took him a few moments to realize that the vertigo wasn’t all his imagination as four hollow explosions rocked the van and he felt it tip over at speed, tumbling through the air with a sickening velocity. He and Frontpage were thrown roughly around and around as the van tumbled, his magical shield somewhat protecting them from the worst of the impacts as finally, mercifully, the van came to rest on it’s side with a solid and final-sounding crunch. The strength left the dazed unicorn and his shield flickered and failed, and he passed out.
Nopony moved for a good ten seconds, there were no sounds from the wrecked van but ragged breathing in the strangely foggy, wet air before the earth pony called out, “Midnight? You alive?”
“I don’t think it’d hurt this much if I weren’t.”
“I think we’ve stopped. I can’t see, what did you do?” Frontpage was struggling to get up in the strangely slick, topsy-turvy world of semi-darkness.
“Magic, I did magic,” said the exhausted unicorn, “I can barely move, I’d hoped it would have gotten easier...ow...I think I cracked a rib...”
“Can you get this hood off?”
“I can try...”
Midnight bit at the cloth, ripped and pulled until the earth-pony got himself free. He whistled through his teeth, “Keep your eyes closed and breath carefully through your nose, I’ll get us out.”
The van was wrecked and ominously silent. The inside of the van was strangely slick and warm, like sitting in a steam room - only cooler. Frontpage felt his hooves slipping and sliding as they lacked purchase, but he finally found the back door of the van and using lips but grimacing at the wet, lukewarm metallic taste, he tried to ease back the bolts. They wouldn’t budge so he set himself as firmly as he could and bucked until something gave, whereupon he forced himself out into the faint sunlight of early morning, turning around and pulling Midnight by the rope between his backlegs until he too fell out into the road.
Midnight spat and opened his eyes. For a brief moment his vision settled on the inside of their recent mobile prison before turned his head and retched.
“Get...let’s get this shit off, let’s get away from here.”
When Midnight felt he could stomach the sight, he did so, not using magic - he wasn’t sure if he could right now - instead his horn and teeth to tear off the now-slick ropes.
The inside of the van was red, like it had been spray-painted with ketchup, more oozing through the badly-dented partition wall between the drivers’ compartment and the stock compartment. The rear walls were dented also, like two large objects had impacted the walls and ceiling.
“that’s them, isn’t it?”
Midnight, turning green, said softly, “I think so. The shield’s not just for show. It let us through, it let the van through...”
“But not the humans.”
When the van had barrelled through the barrier, it had done its job simply and effectively. No living human could pass through the barrier. The van hadn’t been so impeded, neither had the ponies, and finally it came down to a classic application of force. When the hapless humans had attempted to gain entry, the shield had resisted their forward motion and the van hadn’t let them stop. The result was chunky human salsa, and the two ponies were covered in it. Midnight threw up again and dropped to his knees, spitting the taste of blood and pureed person out. The uncomfortably-warm concoction was rapidly starting to smell like a charnel house, not to mention cool off and mat his fur.
“I’ve...I’ve gotta get this off...oh shit...oh fuck me...” Midnight was beginning to hyperventilate, which didn’t help.
“Shh, Midnight, calm, calm down. It’s okay, you did what you had to do. You tried to warn them and you couldn’t have stopped either them or the shield. It’ll be a short walk down the road to the beach if I remember the route they showed us, it’s not far, come on, you can make it.”
Midnight got up, breathing hard, unsteady on legs that felt like rubber, slick with gore, and the pair walked down the hill around the short bend in the road. The hill was steep and ended rather abruptly with the sound of surf. The water was cold but not freezing as they waded in, submerging themselves in the ocean, renewing their spirits as it washed off their pelts.
Midnight stepped out and shook himself dry to stand shivering and steaming in the early morning sun, his first sunrise in Equestria. He just wished it hadn’t taken a blood sacrifice to make it a reality. He idly wondered where Peachy and Cobalt were, they were going to be frantic...
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Midnightshadow
|
1427
| 4 |
Main 6,Original Character,Rarity,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Random,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Midnight's Tail
|
Martin Danielsson is bored of life as a human - the Equestrians offer to ponify him...
|
complete
| 87 | 10 |
<p>when the ponies first appeared, their offers of ponification and a simpler life in Equestria attracted people from all walks of life. This is one of those stories.</p><p>Bonus Chapter incoming!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-12T17:27:36+00:00
|
2011-10-12T17:27:36+00:00
| 2,403 |
Midnight’s Tail
Part 4 - Off the Beaten Track
Thanks to: Chistery, Roy, Blaze, Pride, Peachy Punch and all my readers and editors :3
Set in Blaze’s “Conversion Bureau” universe
Original: Equestria Daily - Conversion Bureau
***
Peachy groaned and shook her head at the insistent prodding, opening tired eyes and blinking them several times. It wasn’t even morning! It was pitch black!
“Wha’? What?”
“Wake up, lass, we’ve got problems. You too my good pony.” The voice was one of the two drivers, carrying a lantern and gingerly yet insistently shaking Cobalt until he too woke up from his slumber. Peachy stretched her wings right out, and then her forehooves and back legs one by one, followed by her tail. She creaked. Sleeping upright was going to take some getting used to. Then her brain registered what she was being told, “Wait, problems? What problems?”
“Your two friends are gone, but I don’t think they went for a walkabout.”
“Gone? Whaddaya mean ‘gone’?”
Cobalt blinked in the lantern-light and trotted over to the van, sniffing, “I’m no bloodhound, but there were humans here, in addition to you two.” added Cobalt,
“You can smell that?” asked Peachy, raising an eyebrow.
“Nope. I can feel the tracks. Just one of the advantages of no shoes. It’s quite muddy here thanks to the natives.”
“Oh shit...what do we do? I mean, they can’t be horse-rustlers! They’d have taken everypony! You...you two,” Peachy waved a hoof at the driver and then at the van, where another shape was on the radio.
“Bud,” said the man, “and my little brother Larry.”
“Bud, thanks, did you see anything?”
“I didn’t see anything, I was asleep in the cab, ponies make quite a lot of noise, I didn’t think nothing of it at first. Whoever it was, they were pretty quick and silent, and they knew what they were after.”
“They didn’t get me and Cobalt...”
“I don’t know, maybe they didn’t know you were there. Maybe they expected ponies like you to sleep inside.”
“I’ll get the natives, guys, they seem to like me.” said Cobalt, and he set off coralling the ponies. Peachy went with Bud to talk to Larry.
“...That’s affirmative, we have a situation here. Get Central to take a peek into the traffic tonight, see if it can dredge anything local that looks odd...yes, comms are up, I see it updating now...” Larry was talking to the hands-free and punching keys on a laptop mounted on the dashboard, it doubled as a GPS routing device as well as the communications station for the archaic vehicle they were using.
Peachy craned her neck to see, but Bud pulled down a wheelchair access ramp and gestured to it. With a flutter of feathers, Peachy found herself rising into the air up to the cabin. She stepped in gingerly with a clatter of hooves, her bulk just about fitting in the space. Poking her muzzle through the middle, she could see out and see the screen, “What’s that dot?”
“That dot, Miss, is a suspicious horse-trailer that’s been empty up until now. Central reckons it took on either one large horse or two smaller ponies very recently, very near to us.”
“Midnight and Frontpage!”
“That your two friends?”
“Indeed. I’m Peachy Punch by the way, shake!” Peachy held out a hoof which the driver smiled at and took immediately, “that’s Cobalt back there.”
Two solid bangs came from the back, and Cobalt called, “They’re all in, close the hatch!”
Bud pushed a button and the ramp lifted up, Larry went around the back to secure it. A few moments later he hopped back up into the cabin and Bud started the engine.
A smile lit up Peachy’s face as she started humming, “We’re on the road again, dum de dum de dum, travelling places that I’ve never been...”
Larry laughed, “That’s not how it goes...hang on...”
The van lit up with the stirring tones of Willie Nelson at the push of a button,
On the road again -
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
The life I love is making music with my friends
And I can't wait to get on the road again.
On the road again,
Goin' places that I've never been.
Seein' things that I may never see again..
Peachy’s eyes lit up, “I haven’t heard this in forever!”
The pair sang in an awful off-key rendition barely in time with the music as Bud took them out onto the highway as urgently as possible, crooning face to muzzle the final lines and laughing heartily.
“We needed some travelling music on this excellent adventure. Now, let’s see where our friends are going...”
“Looks like the shield, what in tarnation are they up to?”
“I don’t know, but we’re not going to be able to catch them before they hit it.”
The chase sped on towards the coast, and the morning.
***
Midnight was still shaking himself dry when a cry came from above, “LOOK OUT BELOW!”
A yellow-orange streak of colour with a red mane and tail was whirring two wings inexpertly as fast as she could. Flying didn’t seem to be a problem, as such, but landings looked to be difficult.
Midnight ducked instinctively as the large four-legged, two-winged shape dropped out of the sky like a brick and impacted with the water, hooves first. A great wave splashed over both Midnight and Frontpage. Midnight spat the salt water out and sighed, he’d almost been dry. Stepping back in to the frigid waters, he headed for the coughing, spluttering shape. He gripped a wing firmly but carefully in his teeth and pulled steadily towards the shore until the half-drowned pegasus could stand, where she hopped out and shook herself dry.
Midnight sighed again, and shook his head to get the water out of his ears. Again. Peachy had the good manners to look slightly recalcitrant at least.
She spoke, “What happened to you guys? One minute Cobalt and I were asleep and the next thing I know I’m being shaken awake by our drivers - they’re Bud and Larry by the way, funny how I never thought to get their names earlier...”
“We were kidnapped, Peachy, damn fools wanted to get to Equestria. Without ponification. Where’s Cobalt?”
As if in answer, with a clatter of hooves, the slate-grey earth-pony rounded the bend and barely stopped short in a cloud of dust, breathing hard, covered in sweat but otherwise none the worse for wear, “Midnight, Frontpage, you two okay?”
Midnight shook his head in awe, “I want to know how you found us, how you got here so fast! It was pitch black!”
Peachy Punch smiled, “I guess human technology is good for some stuff eh? Whoever those guys were they weren’t very intelligent. Larry just asked the road system for any vehicles capable of transporting horses or ponies in the area and lucked out! I was sure that was you. We double-timed it until the shield and then they sent me an’ Cobalt for recon. I...I hadda fly! Hey holy shit I was flying! I didn’t even think! I just went for it!”
“You still don’t have landings down yet though, huh?” Frontpage grinned.
Peachy looked embarassed, Cobalt spoke up, “She’ll get them, just like Midnight his magic. What happened? I saw the wreck on the way down...”
Peachy breathlessly explained about their trip, about how they’d found the tracks, located what they sincerely hoped was the kidnappers and Midnight and Frontpage, and finally about how she and Cobalt had been sent through the shield once they’d reached it.
The four were walking back up the hill, Midnight pointed to the van with it’s interesting interior decour, “That’s where they ended up.”
Cobalt and Peachy both made faces, Midnight shook his head sadly, “Suffice to say they wont be bothering us any more. Well here we are, the shield’s just ahead, I can see our two friends leaning on it.”
Peachy looked with wide eyes at the empty air and then back to Midnight before trotting forwards and waving her hooves in the air experimentally, “You can see the shield?”
Midnight nodded, “Yeah, can’t you? I thought...I thought everypony could see it?”
“Maybe it’s just unicorns. Maybe it’s just you. Where is it?”
Midnight trotted past Peachy, who blushed and stopped waving her hoof about in the air as he stopped just shy of the border. It was so large that it almost seemed to go directly up, a shimmering wall that looked somewhat like a soap-bubble, fragile and indistinct as if it would burst at any moment. He knew differently; to those things not able to pass through it, it was an impenetrable barrier. Two men with a familiar van were on the other side, leaning against it.
“How are they...ooohhh, that looks freaky.’
“Not from where I’m standing,” said Midnight, “but I guess it looks weird to you. Guys! We must have given you quite the scare!”
They straightened and waved happily at the sight of all four of their charges. Bud, the eldest of the two, touched his hand to a cap, “Aye that you did. Twilight would’ve given us hell if we’d lost any of you. Made it safely then?”
“We did, thank you gentlemen.”
Midnight and Frontpage explained, pointing back down the hill, about what had happened. It was mercifully out of sight but they wondered if it would ever be out of mind.
“What are you going to say to the authorities? I don’t want anything to cause trouble none for...for later.” said Bud finally.
“I’ll make sure to praise your swift actions. You weren’t to know and I don’t want this to happen again with less favourable results.” Midnight did a double take, “Say, what keeps you two on two legs?”
“Me? I made a promise to my ma and pa to look after my li’l bro here.”
“And I want to see more of the world before I leave it,” said the other, smiling, “best damn job in the world taking you li’l critters to Equestria. One day I’ll see it fer myself, but until I’m ready, we’ll keep helping those who are.”
***
The van had driven off to it’s next destination, Midnight just hoped that the natives could stand the travel. It had certainly frazzled his nerves, it would have even without the last few hours. Now they stood on the shores of a new world - quite literally - and waited.
Their wait was rewarded with a golden shape skimming low across the waves. What they first thought to be a boat turned out to be a large flying chariot with wheels pulled by four pegasus ponies in regal armour. It swooped around the bay twice and then came in for a landing in the surf. Inside was a smallish, dark blue shape - there was something odd about her which took Midnight a few moments to process, before he blurted out, “Winged unicorn!”
The dark blue winged unicorn smiled to herself, “Good morning, ponies. I am Luna-”
“You’re...from my dream...” said Midnight, jaw dropping, “you were on a throne with another pony like you, she was...bigger, different colours.”
Luna inclined her head, nodding, “My sister Celestia, we two are the rulers of Equestria, your princesses.”
“Our princesses?” squeaked Peachy Punch, “Do...do we need to swear allegiance or something? I mean...”
“Peachy,” said Luna smiling, and the pegasus blanched that this strange yet somehow familiar regal pony knew her name, “you accepted us into your heart didn’t you?”
Peachy nodded, as did Cobalt. Frontpage flicked his ears happily and Midnight inclined his head in a pony-nod.
Luna smiled, “And this...feels like home?”
Midnight had to admit, things felt somehow right, “Yes, Princess, I think it does.”
“Then it’s agreed!” Luna’s laugh filled the air like a thousand twinkling bells, “your carriage awaits, sons and daughters of Equestria.”
***
The charriot sped through the clouds, high up, as if it were a jet. He’d had trepidations at first of the capability of the pegasi soldiers to pull it, let alone make it fly, but after the smooth takeoff he just relaxed and went with it, “Magic.” he said idly.
“You see, don’t you?” said Luna quietly, “You’re a unicorn of some talent, forgive me but you do not...feel like a great mage, but you are a unicorn.”
“You mean my talent? My cutie mark, did you call it? Do you know what it is?”
“You don’t have one yet, but never fear, you will discover your true purpose. I see at least one of your group has.”
“You were speaking of magic?”
“Humans...you know why they can’t enter Equestria?”
“I...I thought the shield...”
Luna shook her head, “It is a manifestation of the differences between our two realms. Adult humans are...too in-tune with their own world. When you let our magic in to your heart, we offer you a piece of our realm. It’s up to you to accept it. We cannot force the change, it really is a gift, freely given.”
“It is magic then?”
“We have no other word for it,” Luna smiled, “You could argue metaphysics all day with our greatest thaumatists, we were delighted when we discovered your adherence to the scientific method, as you call it. Our realms just...work differently.”
They travelled the rest of the trip in silence. The ocean below, so blue and green, so pure, like nothing he had ever seen except in pictures. It tugged at his heart and lifted his spirits. Midnight felt joy rising in his blood, almost an audible song, as the ocean gave way to yellow beaches, to scrubland and finally to green and pleasant rolling hills. They were travelling fast, very fast. There was an itch between his eyes that told him the charriot and it’s fliers was magically enchanted but still he marvelled at it.
When the charriot swooped lower to come in for a landing he almost felt a pang of regret. They were landing in a decent-sized village, the architecture quaint and somehow recognizable. There were differences, but he recognized chairs, tables, streets, windows and doors. Luna stepped regally out from the back of the chariot and was all but assaulted by smiling happy ponies nuzzling and greeting her.
“Ah, my beloved subjects!” she cried, and cheers went up, wreathes of flowers were thrown into the air and several given to Peachy, Midnight and the gang.
“I want to welcome you to Ponyville, where you’ll be spending your time until you are done with your orientation.”
Midnight looked sideways at the smirking princess, “What do you mean?”
“I mean I’m sending you to school.” A bell tolled in the distance, and a stream of eager young foals sped through the streets heading towards what had to be the schoolhouse, “and we’re just in time, hop along to class now! I’ll sort everything else out.”
***
Note: Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again” lyrics are, of course, from the great Willie Nelson. I know this was a shorter chapter, but it felt right. I’ll back back with part 5!
|
Midnightshadow
|
1427
| 5 |
Main 6,Original Character,Rarity,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Random,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Midnight's Tail
|
Martin Danielsson is bored of life as a human - the Equestrians offer to ponify him...
|
complete
| 87 | 10 |
<p>when the ponies first appeared, their offers of ponification and a simpler life in Equestria attracted people from all walks of life. This is one of those stories.</p><p>Bonus Chapter incoming!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-16T09:37:28+00:00
|
2011-10-16T09:37:28+00:00
| 2,345 |
Midnight’s Tail
Part 5 - Follow the Yellow Brick Road
***
Midnight walked through the streets dejectedly. Frontpage had disappeared in a flash, Peachy had been nabbed by the weather patrol and Cobalt had been offered apprentice-ship in half a dozen different earth-pony professions. He, on the other hand, had been ordered to school.
“We can’t have,” an official but friendly-sounding mayoral pony had said when he’d tried to get out of it, “a unicorn who doesn’t know how to be a unicorn. Besides, your group is the first to Ponyville and we haven’t quite got up to speed yet.”
He had followed the crowd of eager and not-so-eager schoolfoals. The tide led to a chirpy-looking buildng with a bell-tower and rows of shuttered windows, currently open to let in the warm spring morning. He stepped up the wide wooden steps and through the open door. There was a simple small hallway where he noted collections of school bags - pannier sacks - as well as raincoats, hats and boots. He felt, for the first time in a while, naked.
There was a door, he knocked on it gingerly with a hoof. To his dismay it swung easily open and he stood there swishing his tail nervously as every pair of eyes turned his way.
“And just what time do you call thi- ah,” the teacher-pony harrumphed and arranged her expression, “you must be...let me see...ah yes, Miss Midnight.”
“Mister,” coughed Midnight, to amused giggles and titters from the crowd of children.
“Ah yes,” said the teacher, adjusting spectacles, “modern times and all. Come in, come in. Class, I want you to welcome an addition to our fold, Mister Midnight Shadow. I’m Cheerilee by the way,” she called to him, before turning back to the class, “he’ll be staying with us and attending class for orientation - hooves up who knows what that is...”
They had sent him to school not to learn about Equestria as such, although basics like reading their script, geography and history would come in handy, but to learn how to be a unicorn. He was sat in the middle near the back, there were creaks behind him as foals tried to see around his bulk. He could barely sit in the chair. He was an adult! How come a stuffy teacher-pony in a pair of spectacles could make him feel like he was five again? He looked at the purple earth-pony with three flowers on her flank. Earth ponies might not have any obvious magic, he thought, but teachers certainly have something.
“Alright class, let’s try our hooves at some art. Pencils everypony!” intoned the teacher. Midnight lifted the pulpit lid with trepidation. There appeared to be a good deal of supplies underneath. He awkwardly took a sheet of paper and lipped a pencil. With dismay he noticed that all the foals had already starting sketching. He picked the pencil up in his teeth, it was tougher than an earth pencil but otherwise identical. He idly wondered how they made them - the paper was more like a scroll than the flat, uniform sheets he remembered so he suspected they were hoof-made.
He looked up, “Umm, what am I supposed to draw?” he ignored the giggles.
“How about for today you draw a self-portrait.” Cheerilee replied with a small smile.
Midnight’s heart sank. He put the tip of the pencil to the paper and dragged it across the parchment, after a few more he had made a passable pony-shape. He’d managed four legs, a head and a tail before he realised that he’d not drawn a human. He was feeling quite pleased with himself...until he looked about at the other childrens’ efforts. One in particular made him blush, his stick-figure of a roughly pony-shape was infantile at best, whereas almost right next to him was a light blue unicorn with the cutie-mark of a colour-mixing pallette, concentrating intently, her horn glowing as coloured chalk and pencils flew through the air and she sketched an amazingly detailed picture of the classroom. His heart sank again as she competently drew not only the entire class but also himself, with barely a glance for reference.
Cheerilee was trotting happily around the class nodding and encouraging; before he could stop her she took a long look at his picture, “Oh, that’s rather good for a first attempt! I think that deserves a gold star!”
He almost died when she rummaged around in a bag around her neck and brought out, yes, a sticky gold star which she affixed to it.
“Have you thought about using your magic?” she asked gently, Midnight shook his head, “well you should try!”
The teacher went back to her desk and he put the pencil down. He stared at it for a while and then closed his eyes.
Be the pencil, he thought to himself, feel it lifting into the air. Size matters not, and besides, it’s only a teeny little pencil...push it, lift it, feel it rising...do, or do not, there is no try...
“Mister Midnight, that’s quite enough of that!” said the teacher, knocking her table with her hoof impatiently, “I meant use your magic to draw, not float around the room like a balloon!”
“Huh?” he opened his eyes, his concentration broke and he dropped two feet back down the floor with a clatter, whereupon he fell off the chair. More giggling. He sighed, this wasn’t going well...
The bell rang for recess, and the tide of eager young foals swept him along with them into the schoolyard where he was swamped with questions,
“Is it true humans eat ponies? Do you still eat ponies?”
“I heard humans can fly, but none of the pictures I’ve seen had wings...”
“Dancer says you’ve got something wrong with you cos-”
“Strawberry Surprise! Hush!” an adult pony stemmed the tide, chastising one of the foals, “I’ll tell your mother on you if you talk like that, it’s not true and you know it, he’s just not been a pony for long! Even if he does have special needs...”
Midnight hung his head at renewed giggling.
“That’s not fair!” said a stubborn little voice, a pudgy little blue-green unicorn with a pair of scissors as his cutie-mark said, “That’s nothing to laugh at! We’re all special, he’s extra special since he’s a human! Only he’s a pony! But he used to be a human! A-a-and now he’s not!”
“Yeah you used ta be a human! That’s so cool!” said another voice, an orangey-brown unicorn with a distinct green mane said.
Midnight noticed that little guy had a snail as a cutie mark, “They really do come in all shapes and sizes, huh?” he said to himself.
“Uh-huh we do! Us unicorns gotta stick together, bro!” said the one he was going to call Snails - at least until he found out what the unicorn’s real name was.
“And you’re the coolest! I can’t manage anything like you did! Make me fly!”
“No me!”
Midnight smiled and closed his eyes, and concentrated like he had before. When he opened them, both unicorns were floating around in the breeze kicking their legs and whooping like loons.
“Mister Midnight,” said a familiar voice, and he cringed, dropping both unicorns to the floor in a heap, “you put Snips and Snails down this inst-” the teacher narrowed her eyes, “don’t think I didn’t see that! We do not levitate our classmates, even if they asked for it. Inside you three! Break’s over!”
Second period started just as painful as the first. It turned out he couldn’t read. Or write. Equestrian script was cursive, somewhat rune-like, and even though he could understand their speech, writing it was another matter. Cheerilee had intervened when she realised what the problem was, and had rapidly started drawing on the chalkboard a passable imitation of English, “Midnight speaks the way we do, but the written language is another talent - he might not know how to write in Equestrian, but he is quite capable of reading and writing his own language...now where was it...”
She brought out an old, beaten book; it was hard-bound and very old with faded print but gorgeous coloured drawings, these seemed to be made by hand.
“The Brothers Grimm,” said Midnight, and gently turned the pages with a hoof, as lightly as possible. He started reading ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ and was several sentences down when he stopped and looked up, the foals were all craning their necks to see.
“I think story time is in order, perhaps?” said the teacher, and pointed with a hoof to the back of the classroom. In moments, with the scraping of chairs and pulpits, the foals had cleared enough room in the corner for him to recline on some well-placed cushions and them to arrange themselves around him. Some, especially Snips and Snails, snuggled up to him. Others kept their distance, attempting to appear aloof. Everypony listened. He realised it felt pretty good.
He was just finished when the lunch-bell went and the tide of youthful energy incarnate on hooves dragged him out the door. He was halfway out of town following three young fillies who were talking incessantly about their adventures trying to find their cutie-marks when he spotted Cobalt coming the other way. It was then he realized he had absolutely no idea where he was going.
“Hey Midnight,” said Cobalt, ears perking up, “how’s your day been?”
“Just don’t ask. What’ve you been up to?”
“Trying my hooves at apple-bucking. I don’t think it’s for me, but the Apple family sure has some great cooking.”
One of the three, a yellow earth-pony with a bright red mane turned to the dark blue unicorn, “y’are comin’ to brunch ain’tcha?”
“I...er...I...”
The little earth pony looked up with the hugest, most sorrowful eyes he had ever seen. It was no good. Whatever plans he thought he’d had were toast, “yeah, sure, why not, if you’ll have me.”
There was bouncing. There was yelling. There were whoops of joy. Somehow they dragged him all the way to a farmhouse in the middle of what seemed to be an apple orchard, where a large table was being set by an orange earth-pony with a blond mane and a cowboy hat. He racked his brains, and came up with a name, “Let me guess,” he said, and the pony stopped short and looked at him, “you’re Applejack? Twilight sends her regards.”
“Well sirree that’s a fine howdy-do. If’n you don’t have the edge on me mister.”
“Midnight,” said Midnight, “a few days ago I was human, I think I met your friends at the Ponification Centre in my old home town.”
The pony whooped and leapt on him, taking his hoof and shaking it until he thought it would come off, “well if’n ma li’l sister Applebloom and her friends have taken a shine to ya, and Twilight herself sent you our way then y’all are right in my book. Staying for lunch?”
“I...yes. Yes I am, before I head back to school.”
“School?” Applejack tried to hide a smirk behind a hoof, but wasn’t very good at it.
Midnight smiled too, “Don’t laugh, I’m learning a lot. I think. Mostly about how I don’t like school...”
Heading back to school was about the hardest thing he’d ever done. He’d been given apple pie, apple fritters, apple chutney, apple surprise - it wasn’t much of a surprise, it did have apples in it after all - apple sundae, apple smoothie and apple supreme. He was full. He was stuffed. He was quite sure that under his coat could be seen bulging apple-shapes in his belly. The last thing on his mind was school, but he had made it. Some history, some geography...he tried to pay attention but it was getting rather difficult.
“Psst!” said a voice. He blinked, it was a light pink earth pony with a light purple and white mane and tail. She had a note in her mouth. She indicated it as best as she could with her eyes. He looked away, on the other side of him was a dark grey pony with a silver mane, she too was nodding urgently towards the note. Midnight sighed and rolled his eyes. He took the note in his mouth from the side of the table and went to pass it across.
“Mister Midnight,” came a familiar voice. Again. He cringed. Again.
“I don’t know how things are usually done where you come from,” Cheerilee continued, “but around here we do not pass notes around. You are passing a note, I take it?”
“Er...no, I mean yes...I mean no...I mean...er...which is the right answer?”
“A big unicorn like you? Come on then, bring it here, let’s see what couldn’t wait...”
He nervously walked up to the front and gingerly put the note on Cheerilee’s table.
She opened it with her hooves, “this note...appears to be blank.”
He blushed hotly as he heard giggles behind him of “Blank flank!” and Cheerilee sighed, “The corner. Back there. Go. I think you need a timeout.”
Midnight hung his head so low it scraped the polished wooden floor. He finally slumped onto the cushions he’d so recently been using to tell a story from and he stared at the wall. This hadn’t entirely been how he’d seen his first day in Equestria going. He rested his head on his forehooves and yawned, he wasn’t sure what he’d done to deserve it and he was pretty sure it was one big joke. He yawned again...at least the timeouts were comfier in Equestria. He closed his eyes.
***
“Wake up sleepy head,”
Midnight opened his eyes with a start. Somepony had covered him with a light blanket. It had kittens and ducks on it. He’d been sleeping...in class. He did his best to bury his face in his hooves. It had worked better with fingers, and a face rather than a muzzle.
“Oh don’t give me that, you were exhausted. I could tell when you started snoring.”
“Snoring? Oh please tell me I didn’t...”
“You did!” Cheerilee laughed, “But I let you sleep it off. I’ve finished marking today’s work by our older fillies and colts, so it’s time for me to head home. You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”
Midnight looked puzzled for a moment as he struggled to his hooves, “I’m not sure where to go to. I don’t have anywhere.”
Cheerilee thought for a moment, “I suppose you could try the library. Twilight lives there normally, but she’s touring the Conversion Bureaus as they start up.”
“Oh, oh I couldn’t...”
“It’s quite a large library you know, with more than one guest room. I think the chance to study on your own time would do you good.”
Midnight headed over to the library in the waning afternoon sunlight, he was about to knock on the door when he remembered it was probably empty. They didn’t seem to have locks in Equestria, so he wasn’t surprised when the door swung open. He poked his nose in and looked around. Books. Lots and lots of books, all neatly organized by subject and author. Not only that, but scrolls, though these were stacked differently. He stepped in and opened the curtains with his teeth on a draw-string. Sunlight flooded the room and he took a deep breath, so much condensed knowledge in one place. Back home, his computer systems had held many times this library’s worth in raw information, but knowledge wasn’t only measured in bits and bytes. He took a couple of books out, one by one. They were often written by hand - well, hoof and mouth or by magic, he reasoned - painstakingly collected and collated. He realized something else, too. He was home.
***
There was a thump somewhere up above him. Midnight looked up, only now realizing that the afternoon sun was setting and several hours had gone by. He’d found some references on the Equestrian language and was making copious notes going through some simple children’s stories on amazing similarities. He’d been told to study, after all, he reckoned, and there didn’t seem to be any library card system...but that noise, what had it been? Midnight got up and headed up the wide stairs around the inside of the trunk of the tree to the second floor, and was surprised to see a large winged shape coming the other way.
“Luna!” he said, loud in the confines of the otherwise-empty library. She must have landed on some balcony and trotted in. He wondered idly if she was here to see him or on some other errand.
“I see you found your way to the books, you’re as bad as Twilight Sparkle. You’ve been here all day, haven’t you?”
“You sent me to school!” Midnight stamped a hoof and shook his head in denial.
Luna laughed, “You went? Then tell me, my little scholar, what did you learn at school today?”
Midnight thought, “You know what? Children are the same everywhere, so are adults. Things aren’t so different in Equestria after all, even though ponies seem to take things easier. I think I like it.”
Luna smiled, “Was that such a hard lesson?”
“What am I, your special student?”
Luna sniffed, “If my big sister can have a prized pupil, I think I’m allowed the liberty if I so choose.”
The words rang in his ears and he blinked, what was he supposed to say to that? “I...I’m honoured. If that’s what you mean.”
“I hadn’t intended it, but I think I shall rub my sister’s face in it occasionally. Let us make it official. I, Princess Luna, designate you, Midnight Shadow, as my special student.”
“But what am I studying?” Midnight blurted, ears splaying back in shock.
“Magic - no, hear me out, you are not a great mage...yet...but you do provide a unique viewpoint, a bridge between worlds. I want you to keep your ears and eyes open and report to me regularly on the differences and similarities between your old world and Equestria, your new one. It will give you an opportunity to work on that atrocious hoofwriting of yours.”
“But...but...I...how do you know I’d even be good at it?”
“Two reasons, silly pony. One, you’ve just spent several hours researching folk tales...”
“You mean reading children’s stories!”
“Hush, I know what I mean, and secondly...take a look.” She pointed with a wing. Midnight whirled and looked behind him, Luna giggled, “no, right there.”
Midnight looked. He stared, he gaped in disbelief. He hadn’t even felt it! “My...is that my cutie mark?”
“That, or we have some very mischievous elves with tiny little paintbrushes.”
“Elves?” said Midnight, eyes wide.
“Relax! It was a joke! We don’t have elves! There’s no such thing.”
“So...I have a cutie mark? I have a cutie mark! I got my cutie mark!”
He did. It was a scroll, curled at both ends with ink blots covering it, and a feather quill and what appeared to be an inkwell. He turned around and around trying to get a better look, with Luna giggling behind a hoof as he did so.
She put a hoof on his shoulder to calm him, “I’ll bet you’ve forgotten to eat.”
There was an answering rumble from his stomach, and Midnight blushed, “I guess I did kind of get carried away.”
“Well then that settles it! Time for a celebratory dinner. On me.”
“That reminds me! I don’t have any money! I mean I can eat grass I guess but it’s not like I have any pockets and I don’t think they take Credits here anyway...and I’d given those away at the Bureau...and...”
Luna smiled again, leading Midnight out of the library, “I think a small allowance is in order, student.” in answer to her own statement she levitated a small cloth bag out of a pack strapped tightly around her neck so that it didn’t get in the way of her wings, and dropped it in front of the startled unicorn. He poked it with a hoof, it jingled.
“There are enough bits in there for a month or so...I think...our treasury hands these things out to me and I don’t really know what to do with them all so you might as well put them to good use. However, our first stop needs to be Carousel Boutique, Rarity’s shop, for a bag or two for you. Her cousin Elusive’s looking after it whilst she’s accompanying Twilight. He’s not such a good designer, but he can work the colour co-ordination.”
***
The pannier bags and neck-satchel were an unnatural weight on his body so soon after learning to be without clothing, but he was sure he’d get used them. He followed Luna like a little lost puppy, he knew he’d look silly going to school the next day with his books, but he would have fun. They stopped at a small cafe and Luna picked the table. She was just ordering for them when there was a cry of, “LOOK OUT BELOW!” and a yellow-orange streak of colour once again dropped from the skies. Peachy Punch barely managed to pull up in time and she landed with such a thump that it rattled the teacups.
She shook herself before getting up and wobbling towards Midnight and Luna, “Oh hi! Hey guys...I...uh...I mean...good evening Your Majesty.” Peachy turned to Midnight and hissed, “What the hell! You don’t just invite yourself to tea with the princess!”
“I’ll have you know, my good mare, I invited him. I think I’m allowed to have dinner with my special student.”
Midnight blushed and stammered as Peachy looked agog at the unicorn, “I...kind of got a job.”
“That’s wicked!” said Peachy, giving Midnight a congratulatory hoof in the ribs. Midnight smiled weakly and coughed a thanks.
“Come, sit down, it’s so rarely I get to have a quiet meal and I do so hate having breakfast alone.” said Princess Luna, indicating the table and chairs, “I’ve restricted access to Ponyville whilst orientation is happening so all those fussy officials are kept out. Whilst my big sister Celestia is off hob-nobbing in the human world I’m left to keep Equestria running smoothly.”
Princess Luna smirked as Peachy took a seat, “I’ve also designated Ponyville as my temporary base of operations. I can see why she rolls her eyes every time the Chancellors start up their wind-bagging...”
Luna was a master at smalltalk and soon the trio were laughing and joking as if they’d been friends forever. She even invited Cobalt and Frontpage when Peachy and Midnight spotted them wandering through the square, which was rapidly filling up with ponies out to enjoy the warm evening, though she did warn the latter than if any of their chatting got printed in ‘Equestria Daily’ that she’d be re-upholstering her throne soon after.
Frontpage smiled, “Your highness, the first rule of a newspaper hack is to protect your sources, and the second is to know when to keep things off the record.”
The dinner, though it was more a breakfast for the princess, finished with friendly laughter and chatting before Luna excused herself, citing her royal duties with a mischievous grin. Curious, the four followed her to the center of the square where she closed her eyes and spread her wings. An ethereal light chased around her small, lithe body before growing and illuminating the entire area. All the ponies stopped and watched in rapt attention as she suddenly lifted her head and opened her mouth as if singing a song that only she could hear. The world seemed to shift. As the countryside grew brighter, so bright that his own body and all the onlookers were thrown into stark blue relief Midnight realised that their princess was raising the moon. He stamped his hooves in appreciation with the rest, soon the entire square was reverberating with the spontaneous cheering. Luna stopped once this monumental task was complete and smiled once at her new pupil and friends, fondly, before taking to the skies.
Midnight watched her go. As far as first days in a new world went, this one had to be hard to beat. He turned and bid his friends farewell before heading home with a smile.
***
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Midnightshadow
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1427
| 6 |
Main 6,Original Character,Rarity,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Random,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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Midnight's Tail
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Martin Danielsson is bored of life as a human - the Equestrians offer to ponify him...
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complete
| 87 | 10 |
<p>when the ponies first appeared, their offers of ponification and a simpler life in Equestria attracted people from all walks of life. This is one of those stories.</p><p>Bonus Chapter incoming!</p>
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everyone
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2011-10-16T09:51:29+00:00
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2011-10-16T09:51:29+00:00
| 2,914 |
Midnight’s Tail
Epilogue
***
Twilight was exhausted. Spike was fast asleep on her back and she was all but fast asleep on her hooves. Travel on Earth was a lot more hard work than it was in Equestria. As she walked, too tired to trot, through the empty streets of Ponyville. The library was just ahead, in a few minutes she could...
“Spike! Spike!” she hissed, stopping in the street. There was a wan light inside the treehouse, an intruder!
“Huh? Whaddaya want Twilight? I’m tired...”
“There’s somepony in my treehouse!”
Spike came wide awake at once, scrambling to stand up on the unicorn’s back, peering over her head between her long ears.
She shook her mane out and pawed the ground, “What do you think, rush the joint?”
“Hi ho Twilight, away!” agreed Spike, holding on for dear life as the unicorn reared up and broke into an immediate gallop. She slammed through the door and slid to a halt inside the main room.
“My it’s windy tonight,” came a voice from a back room, it sounded busy and tired, “do I hear somepony out there? I’m sorry, I’m rather sleepy, the library’s closed. Can you come back tomorrow?”
“I recognize that voice...Midnight?” asked Spike, hopping up and down on Twilight’s back, “It is! It’s Midnight!”
“Spike? Twilight! You’re back! I’m so glad to see you!” Midnight came running out of the back and he pranced around the pair, giving Spike a brohoof. The dragon switched mounts and instantly started jabbering about their adventures, relating several humorous occurences in the various Bureaus around the world - Pinkie had absolutely adored India although nopony could talk her out of attempting to feed cotton candy curry to anypony at the drop of a hat. One attempt in particular had resulted in half the staff calling in sick leaving Pinkie to manage the cooking.
“Pinkie? Cooking? With curry?”
“Oh you haven’t heard the funniest bit yet! She’s all concerned and trying to find something safe to eat for those suffering from the dreaded Deli Belly, right? So she asks me, she goes ‘Spike, how about oatmeal?’ and you know what I said?”
“Oatmeal?”
“Oatmeal! I said, ‘oatmeal, Pinkie, are you crazy?’ and she gives me this look for about five seconds before she’s off rolling around the floor! Hah! I oatmealed Pinkie! Fantastic!”
Twilight just stood there with her mouth hanging open, “he stole my library. He just stole my number one assistant. I’m so going to kick his flank for this...” she yawned heavily, she knew she was just cranky, “in the morning...”
“I bet you’re tired,” said Midnight, smiling, nosing the yawning Spike. The dragon waved his paws and made a face that said ‘getoff’. Midnight led the way upstairs to Twilight’s bedroom. He opened the door and turned up the firefly lamps with a hoof, “I kept it waiting for you, just the way you’d want it.”
The room was pristine, perfect, with clean bedding and a scented candle which Midnight proudly lit with a spark from his horn. Twilight revised her plans from bodily harm down to a chewing out, but collapsed into her bed without complaint. Spike all but leapt at his basket with a cry of “blankie!” whereupon he rolled himself up in it’s warm blue cuddliness and almost immediately started snoring.
Midnight was making breakfast in the kitchenette in the back of the library. Something light today, I think, he thought to himself, tasting the daffodils and dandelions for consistency. He’d not really gotten used to eating flowers yet and found himself putting them in vases and getting odd looks from his guests - what few he had. He liked the mornings in Ponyville, so peaceful, so quie-
“MIIIDDDNIIIGGGHHHTTTT!” shrieked Twilight, “Did you use all the hot water? I need hot water for my mane or it’ll be all frizzy! I have to give my report to the Princess today! I can’t do that looking like a clown!”
Midnight slumped, so much for peace and quiet, “Sorry Twilight!” he called, “I’ll...I’ll have a word with the pegasus ponies, I’m sure you can borrow a cloud...”
“FORGET IT!” grumbled Twilight from the bathroom.
Midnight turned to finish the salad and was just setting it on the table when a wet and dripping Twilight stomped into the kitchenette with a soap bottle in her mouth. She spat it onto the table, “What do you call this?” she asked, eyes narrowing.
Midnight looked, and read the label slowly, not yet up to speed on Equestrian script, “Silver Shine’s Glossy Hair Creme - for a thick, luxurious coat, mane and tail.”
“Correct. Do you notice anything wrong with it?”
“Other than the fact it’s on my table, you mean?”
“It’s empty!” she hissed, “It costs twenty eight bits a bottle on special import from Canterlot and it’s empty!”
“But...” said Midnight, “it’s the only shampoo that keeps my mane in shape! And don’t let me start about my tail!”
“You used all the hot water! You used all my shampoo! You..you...you’re living in my library! Augh! It’s too early for this...I’m going back to bed.”
Midnight slumped at the kitchen table, this was going to be harder than he thought. A bell went off and he raised his head. On top of all that, he was going to be late for school! Cheerilee was going to put him in detention...again! He wrote a quick note, ‘enjoy your breakfast’, and galloped out the door.
Twilight woke up with a start when with a loud, “woah, woah...look out!” a blue and rainbow-haired pegasus came hurtling through an open window and crashed into the bookcase downstairs. She opened her eyes and sighed, “no rest for the weary.”
“Hi, er, hey Twi, glad to see you made it! Have...have you seen Midnight?” Rainbow Dash had the remains of a salad in her teeth, she’d managed to scoff the lot in the few minutes since so decidedly waking the sleepy unicorn.
Twilight yawned, “No, I think you just missed him. Any particular reason?”
“Oh no, no, you know, just...wanted to say hi. We didn’t get a chance yesterday evening before you came to do any...er, talking...the princesses...”
“Midnight was dining with the princesses?” Twilight’s cheeks grew hot.
“Y-yeah, funny thing...” Dash grinned weakly
“And you didn’t invite me?”
“Well you were out of town, you took the later flight...”
“Well some of us had work to do. Some of us don’t have wings.” Twilight spat.
The fight was broken up by a bell ringing. A light blue filly with an hour glass on her flank and an interestingly white and dark-blue striped mane and tail trotted in and looked all around, “Uh, oh...is the librarian not here? I wanted to borrow a book...”
Twilight boiled with rage, “I’M THE LIBRARIAN!”
The filly looked Twilight up and down, “Hardly, he’s a bit bigger than you and a stallion for a start...”
“Augh! And you ate all my breakfast...Dash you greedy pig!”
Rainbow Dash and the filly, Colgate, fled the treehouse, the former in tears of laughter.
Midnight concentrated. He no longer floated around the room when writing using his magic, but he still wasn’t very good at it. He’d also progressed on the reading. He was on ‘Hooves, Manes and Tails - My First Bedtime Story Book’ now and had collected an embarrassing number of gold stars from Cheerilee. He’d given up trying to understand why he was still being sent to school - Mayor Mare said it was a mixup with the paperwork, he personally suspected it was Luna having a long-winded joke. He was making the best of it and to be honest he was learning a lot about Equestria and getting good practice in reading and writing natively. He was currently working on an illustrated story about the time before he was a unicorn when he was a human known as Martin Danielson, for his Equestrian Languages class. He was trying to get out of the habit of drawing himself as he was and instead drawing himself as he used to be. Strangely enough it was difficult. He kept adding the horn, hooves and the tail. He doodled, drawing a pegasus, then picking up a blue pencil with his magic and colouring the lines lightly. He followed it up with all the colours of the rainbow in the mane and tail.
“That’th Rainbow Dathh!” said Twist, a chipper little foal who loved to make peppermint sticks. Midnight could almost count the days until she was working for the Cakes, or even running her own sweet shop. Midnight smiled and looked down. He’d done it again, he’d drawn himself as a unicorn, looking up at Dash flying about in the Ponification Centre.
“It certainly is! This is just after I became a unicorn, not the first time I’ve met Dash. I was having dinner with her last night. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia were there too.”
“No way! I don’t believe you!” called another pony
“I’ll prove it, kid. Pop ‘round the library later tonight and I’ll introduce you to Luna.”
Midnight was quickly surrounded by choruses of “me too! And me!” and he had to laugh, even though Cheerilee gave him a light-hearted mock-scowl. He looked at the picture and smiled fondly, then made up his mind, “Miss? I’m going to have to leave early.”
Cheerilee raised an eyebrow and adjusted her spectacles, “Just because you’re five times as big as the rest of my students, don’t think you get special treatment, young unicorn. You’re just like any other student when in class.”
“It’s official business,” he lied, blushing slightly.
Cheerilee narrowed her eyes, she didn’t believe a word of it but she did have a soft spot for the lummox. Perhaps this time he could get away with it, “Well alright, but see you complete page twenty-three and I want the homework done too! No skimping or I’ll put you in timeout. Again.”
Midnight dipped his head in agreement, blushing, as he collected his things. Timeouts were becoming less common but seemed to come in almost equal measure to the gold stars. He fled before she could change her mind.
A few minutes later, Rainbow Dash poked her head around the door gingerly, scanning around the classroom. She waved a hoof at Scootaloo before she caught sight of Cheerilee and stopped mid-wave. The teacher had a face like a purple thundercloud.
“Miss Rainbow Dash, if you want to stay for lessons all you have to do is ask. Well?”
“Oh, er...no, no, I was just looking for someone...”
“He left, as should you. Scoot!”
Midnight found himself back at the library, he’d looked all over Ponyville to no avail. That darn blue streak of lightning was probably halfway in the clouds and all the way to slumberville. He sniffed. Typical, she’d probably forgotten all about him. He was coming up on the library dejectedly when, with the bright light of day, he realised what looked odd about the place. The grass was getting a bit...wild. He hadn’t noticed in the dark.
“Twilight?” he called out, “Twilight? Who cuts the grass around here?”
“Who does what?” asked Twilight, finally poking her head out of an upstairs window. she looked grumpy.
“Who cuts the grass? I mean I haven’t seen any lawnmowers around here...”
“What’s a lawnmower?”
“The grass...it’s getting a bit long? Shouldn’t there be something to cut it?”
Twilight pulled her head back in and a few moments later appeared at the front door with a puzzled expression on her face, “I thought you were just saving it for later...you’re a pony. Ponies eat grass.”
Midnight blinked. How could he have been so foolish? “Oh...ah. Well, that...that does kind of explain things. I...I don’t think I can eat all of this.”
“Need help?” said a voice from behind him. Somehow, Pinkie was rising out of the undergrowth like the proverbial great pink huntress. Midnight blinked, he’d long ago given up trying to work out how Pinkie managed things like that, he assumed she was some sort of secret agent, super ninja or part unicorn. Or all three.
“I...I can’t eat all of this grass! Oh shoot and that reminds me, after last night I’ve totally forgotten to get the shopping in. Twilight, I’m sorry, you must be hungry.”
“Don’t be silly,” said Twilight, brightly - maybe a little too brightly - although her stomach decided to announce she was lying. Midnight disappeared inside and came back out with a purse of jangling coins.
“I’m not very good with money yet, but...my treat? I think I’ve got enough to scare up some of the Cake’s cakes. And some of Rocky’s coffee...”
Twilight blinked, “where’d you get that?”
“I...I get paid?”
“What? But there’s a small fortune in here!”
“It’s not my fault!” protested Midnight, “The princess just...”
“The Princess? Why would Celestia....”
Midnight shook his head, “Not Celestia, Luna. I kind of work for her? I did send you a letter.”
Twilight grit her teeth, “Let me get this straight; you live in Ponyville, in the library. You work for the princess. I suppose you’ve got a dragon assistant who sends your reports to Luna for you too?”
Midnight shook his head again, “There’s this owl; I call him ‘Hugo’ although all he ever says is ‘hoo’ so I’m...I’m not sure...”
“An owl.” Twilight looked like she would explode. Midnight nodded. “THAT’S IT! I’M GOING FOR A WALK!”
“Tell the rest of the pony gang we’re gonna have ourselves a shearing contest! With grasscake!” called Pinkie, as she happily set to chomping on the delicious foliage. Midnight gingerly started helping. It tasted like lemon sherbet.
Inside and out of the sun, Midnight was putting away his school books before heading out to look for a certain pegasus mare. He was idly chewing on an apple fritter, not just any fritter, but a Sweet Apple Acres apple fritter, studying a map of Ponyville and cross-checking with the day’s weather forcast when he suddenly realised that Twilight was once more in the library. She seemed to be getting angrier and angrier, pacing about from shelf to shelf and levitating down book after book and stomping her hooves. He stopped what he was doing and looked up, “Can I help?”
“Just what did you do in here? I can’t find anything!”
“I...kinda rearranged it a little? Nothing major...”
“You...you...you...”
“Yes, you’d got everything arranged alphabetically. I’ve rearranged it by topic and author. Much simpler!”
“But...half the books are missing!”
“They’re not missing, this is a library. They’re on loan. There’s a ledger somewhere...” Midnight fished it out with his magic, cleaning the crumbs away.
“You...you...” Twilight was snorting
“You said that.” urged Midnight.
“You loan books out? I mean yes...this is a library, and yes I suppose the people of Ponyville are allowed to loan the books but, but, but...they never actually do!”
“I think it’s the newfoals. I’ve ordered a lot of novels from Canterlot and Trottingham - Far Spotter, Madame Pompadour, Hex Bradley...I think the newfoals are writing as many as they’re reading but they really do love the classics.”
“And will you stop eating in here! This is a library, as you were so quick to remind me!”
“Sorry Twilight...” mumbled Midnight, scoffing the last piece, “Hey where’s Pinkie?”
“I think she went off to make you a special Pinkie Pie Grasscake Surprise, said somethng about a party,” Twilight blinked widely and put a hoof on her mouth, “oh rats, it was supposed to be a surprise!”
Midnight grinned, “I’ll act surprised. Tell you what, I’ll...I’ll clear off and come back later, okay? Send Fluttershy after me...no, wait, send AJ or Big Mac once they turn up, knowing Pinkie she’s invited everypony.”
“Why not send Rainbow Dash?” called out Twilight, but Midnight had gone.
Midnight trotted through the town, eyes on the sky, on the lookout for a streak of rainbow tail on blue hide. He found himself heading to Sweet Apple Acres where the pegasus’ weather patrol was supposed to be causing a mild shower. Cobalt was busy tilling the fields with gusto after the relatively-recent winter-wrapup. Midnight hurried to catch up to him, somehow the earth pony was walking in a continuous ray of sunshine whilst around him the downpour happened obliviously.
“Hey Cobalt!” called Midnight, emerging into sudden sunlight and shaking himself dry, “Weird weather we’re having. I’m looking for Rainbow...have you seen Peachy?”
Cobalt looked up from his plodding and came to a halt, “Oh hey Midnight, what’s up?”
“Have you seen Peachy?” repeated Midnight.
“You said that, and I said ‘what’s up’,” said the earth pony with a grin, flicking his ears and tail in mirth, “Peachy’s up, that’s what.”
Midnight looked up, and there staring down at him through a pony-sized hole in the rainclouds was a familiar yellow-orange pegasus with the vibrant dark-red mane and tail.
“Look out below!” she called and leapt through the hole in the cloud cover and landed with a thump in the muddy field. She still hadn’t quite got the landings down pat.
“That’s mah gal,” said Cobalt with a smile, “she runs her own business now!”
“That I do! Peachy Punch’s Cloud Delivery and Removal Specialists at your service, Midnight. I’ll punch a hole in those rainclouds just for you, turning grey days just peachy.”
Midnight’s eyes widened, “you stop the rain?”
“Or bring it, special delivery. Only costs a few bits!”
“Sounds like you two are settling down well here!”
Peachy did a little dance and showed off her flank, “That we are! I got my cutie-mark and everything!” she showed it off, a little cup of sunshine - literally, it was a happy smiley sun-face in a cup.
“That reminds me,” said Cobalt, “an’ I guess now you’re here, it’s as good a time as any. Midnight, you can help do the honours. I’m...not too good with my hooves. I just pull things. Can you fetch the little box out of my saddle-bags? Peachy, you stay right there...”
Midnight watched, searching through the bags for what Cobalt had described. It was a small, felt-covered box with a hinged lid. He lifted it out with his magic as Cobalt got down on one knee and looked up at Peachy, “I...uh...I’m not very good with my words either, but will you be...become...er...misses...Peachy Cobalt, or however it works with these pony-names?”
Peachy wasn’t sure whether to giggle or gasp, as Midnight flipped open the lid and lifted out a fine silver necklace of horse-shoe and feather-shapes, both box and necklace hanging in the air from Midnight’s magic. She looked down at the earth pony and suddenly grinned ear to ear, giving him a whiskery kiss on the nose, “Oh I will, Cobalt! But...I think I’ll keep on being Peachy Punch.”
Midnight, concentrating so hard he was sweating, opened the clasp and put it around Peachy’s neck, his magic giving out just as it finally snapped closed. Peachy Punch opened it awkwardly with her hooves, “What gives? There’s no pictures in here...”
“Not yet,” replied Cobalt, “but there will be one day...hopefully one day soon.”
Midnight thought for a moment, weaving his head back and forth, “Oh in that case...I...uh...allow me to give you a present. Call it a down-payment for a place of your own...I can give you more if it’s not enough.” he fished his money-pouch out of his own neck-bag and gave it to Peachy in his mouth.
She raised an eyebrow at the contents, “Thank you Midnight...I don’t know what to say.”
“It’s what friends are for, right? Now I gotta...have you seen Dash?”
Peachy thought for a moment, “No, can’t say I have. She’s been absent all morning, said something about having to run an errand...”
Midnight’s ears lifted, could she be? “Uh...I have to dash...”
Peachy and Cobalt watched him go, “I bet you do.” she said, giggling.
Midnight looked all about town and nowhere was there so much as a sniff of the pegasus he was looking for. He’d turned and headed dejectedly back to the library and was almost there when there was a thump behind him. He turned, and there she was.
“Rainbow Dash!” said Midnight, running up to her, stopping akwardly a few feet from the pegasus.
She closed the gap, “He-hey Midnight, I...uh...I’ve been looking for-”
“I’ve been looking for you too!” said Midnight. They neck-hugged briefly and then looked at the library door together,
“they’ve got a party in there.” Midnight said after a moment.
“Yeah, I was supposed to keep you out of the library until they finished.”
“Oh,” Midnight’s ears drooped, “s-so you weren’t looking for me, looking for me...”
“Oh, I...kinda was that, too...”
Midnight’s ears perked up again as they opened the door, “You were? Because,” he added in a small voice, “I was kinda thinking about what you said, last time? And I...kinda would, you know?”
“Would what?” asked Rainbow, leaning closer.
“Like to...see, I mean, be...”
The sentence never got completed, as a whole host of ponies jumped out from behind the furniture as the lights went up, yelling, “SURPRISE!”
The party was a success, but then again a Pinkie Pie Party generally always was. There was cake - grass-cake was something Midnight had never tried before and it was surprisingly delicious, as was the carrot-cake. Somehow Pinkie had found chocolate and icecream. He was also wondering about the balloons. Just how did a pony like Pinkie Pie tie up the balloons? Everypony was there, somepony had even hired DJ Scratch and surprisingly few ponies were bowing and scraping to Luna and Celestia, who were quite happily fending off over-excited foals from Midnight’s class.
Cheerilee had even brought him a present, “You do know I give you a hard time because I can’t let them think they can get away with the same, don’t you?” she’d asked.
Midnight had laughed, “You’re a school-teacher, Miss Cheerilee, teaching’s your job. Just try to tone down the timeouts and we’ll get along fine.”
“I only do that because I think you need the sleep.”
“Do I still snore?” he asked
“Only when you’re really tired.”
Eventually the party was over and almost everypony went home, Twilight headed to her bed. Spike passed out in the punch bowl and looked so comfortable that Midnight just put a blanket over him. Midnight tidied up what he could but left the rest for the morning after. Luna had requested a report, so he sat at his bedroom window, a single candle burning, thinking what to write.
Dear Princess Luna,
Being a pony is much like being a human, when all is said and done. We laugh, we love, we live, we struggle. If we’re going to integrate ponified humans in this world, all we really need to do is let them be themselves. The sooner they learn that trick the easier everything becomes. There’s no trick to it really, just dig deep inside and feel the hooves and tail and let it bring a smile to your face.
Your faithful student,
Midnight Shadow
Midnight turned his head back to the bed, he was pretty sure he’d be missed if he took any longer. He blew out the candle and mouthed the scroll to Hugo, turning around with a smile on his face and a spring in his step.
Midnight - no longer a human, now a pony, but still a person - slid into the bed, sharing half a plumped pillow in the darkness. He closed his eyes, just for a moment. There was a giggle next to him and he awoke with a snort.
A light blue hoof, the colour hard to see in the moonlight, gently touched his muzzle, “Do you know you snore?”
|
Midnightshadow
|
1427
| 7 |
Main 6,Original Character,Rarity,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,Comedy,Random,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Midnight's Tail
|
Martin Danielsson is bored of life as a human - the Equestrians offer to ponify him...
|
complete
| 87 | 10 |
<p>when the ponies first appeared, their offers of ponification and a simpler life in Equestria attracted people from all walks of life. This is one of those stories.</p><p>Bonus Chapter incoming!</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-11-28T18:57:40+00:00
|
2011-11-28T18:57:40+00:00
| 4,076 |
Midnight’s Tail
Bonus Chapters
Peachy and Cobalt’s Excellent Adventure
Part 1
The alarm went off, loudly, startling the dark blue unicorn awake. A hoof snaked out from under the covers to slam into the device. The first swat missed. The second missed. The third technically missed, but it knocked the clock off the dresser. It clattered to the floor and faded away into silence.
The hoof retreated under the covers and the lump it belonged to groaned and shifted as Midnight Shadow turned over. Presently, snoring could be heard.
***
The school bell was loud, sonorous, musical. Accompanying it was the excited yelling and shouting of foals bustling in to class. Slowly, the cacophany subsided as the schoolhouse was filled and the streets emptied.
Amidst the lull before the squares and marketplaces started to fill up with the business traffic of the day, a lone dark blue unicorn with a sunset-hued mane and tail thundered down alleyways and past shop doors and windows, cursing and cussing as he went. He screeched to a halt outside the schoolhouse, tip-toeing as close as possible. He stretched up and peered in wearily.
“Midnight Shadow.” said a fuscia-coloured earth pony from inside the classroom. She didn’t even look up. Midnight lowered his head, ears splayed out sideways.
“Don’t even think about it, Midnight. Speak up. I know you’re there.”
“Sorry miss Cheerilee.” Midnight whimpered through the window.
“You’re tardy, Mister Midnight.”
“I overslept!” he squeaked, blushing as the foals in the classroom tittered at their teacher’s words.
“You’re also demoted from assistant teacher to student. Again. Get in here.”
Midnight trudged up the steps to the schoolhouse and slunk in the door. He sighed softly as he clip-clopped his way to the back of the class where his desk still stood.
“What’s your excuse this time, Midnight?” asked Cheerilee, almost softly.
“I’m sorry miss, I’ve been working on something... something important.” replied Midnight as he sat down at his desk.
The squeaking of chalk on the blackboard ceased and the fuscia pony turned around, “Is it perhaps important enough to share with the whole class?”
“I... could show you, I guess.”
“I bet you’ve packed it in your saddlebags, haven’t you?”
Midnight nodded, “I was going to work on it during lunch...”
“Like your homework?” Cheerilee’s ears flicked up in a pony laugh. She chuckled as Midnight blushed again. “Ah, another late entry, I see. Well, I’ll give you extra credit if you present to the whole class your findings. Maybe I’ll let you off.”
“I’m going to need an assistant or two, Miss.” Midnight said, getting up and levitating a strange bundle of things out of his bags.
“An assistant for what? What is this? Some rocks? String?”
“Not just any string,” replied Midnight with a nod, “this is string directly from Earth. It is inherently different to string from Equestria.”
“Howso?” the teacher-pony was interested now, “It looks almost exactly like normal string.”
Midnight winked at his buddies Snips and Snails, making them giggle, “To the untrained eye, it does, however I’ve devised an experiment to prove otherwise.”
“And this experiment involves rocks?”
“Not just any rocks...”
“Don’t tell me,” said Cheerilee in a deadpan tone, “these rocks are from Earth too?”
Midnight nodded, levitating three of them into a triangular pattern and snaking a length of twine between them, wrapping it tight around each rock several times before tying the ends in a knot and setting them down on the floor at the back of the classroom. “This experiment measures Equestrian string with Terran rocks. It was my first test of an intriguing theory. The second was the reverse, Equestrian rocks with Terran string. The third... involve these two.”
Midnight levitated a fourth and fifth rock out of his saddlebags, around each was wrapped a great expanse of string, “The blue string is from Earth, common twine. The yellow string is from Equestria. In each case, the rock which forms the core is from an alternate dimension.”
“And what does this have to do with us?”
“I need several assistants! Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle; you three place a hoof on one of each rock back there. Pull the string tight, as tight as you can, and then just keep the rocks steady. I’ve enchanted the string - as long as it remains close enough to the same tension, if you pluck it, it will ring.”
There was a bustling in the classroom as every foal strained to see. When the initial experiment was set up, Midnight plucked at the string with his hoof. It rang out in an off-key note audible to everypony present. “This may take a while, it’s sensitive but not that sensitive. Too sensitive and anything would throw it off. Not sensitive enough and we’d be here all day. That’s... kind of why I’m so tired.”
The dark blue stallion yawned again and shook his head before continuing, “As you may know, on Earth the shield is expanding. It is slowly changing Earth into Equestria, and nopony knows when it will stop.” he was silent for a moment, the foals knew he was a ‘newfoal’ but may not have understood the magnitude of what he’d just said.
Cheerilee at least blanched, “Could it eventually cover..?”
Midnight nodded, “Yes, hence ponification. But, there’s more! Equestria isn’t exactly a planet, I don’t know what it is yet, but I know what it isn’t. All that land which is being taken from Earth... well,” he paused, “it’s not exactly just land. It’s space-time, and it’s being added to Equestria at some almost-exponential rate.”
“Midniiiiggghhttt,” whined Sweetie Belle, “my hoof’s getting tired!”
“Just a minute longer, Sweetie! Let me say this, then you’ll understand, I promise.” Midnight turned back to Cheerilee, though he was addressing the entire classroom, “The shape of the topological distortion is beyond me, but what I can tell you is Equestria is getting bigger.”
Cheerilee rolled her eyes, “I know that! We all do, new lands beyond our old borders are appearing and being claimed by the Princesses all the time!”
Midnight shook his head, “More than that. Equestria, in Equestria, is getting bigger! Manehatten, Trottingham, Neighsby, Coltronto - they’re all getting further away. It’s being distributed in an odd pattern, the further from Canterlot you get the bigger the issue. We’re all getting very, very slightly further apart, even the buildings and ourselves, minutely. Every newfoal, everything which has been somehow converted by magic into the stuff of this universe is seemingly unaffected, but that is because everything is affected. The land, however, is what’s mostly being affected. This string is from Equestria, so it will be getting bigger. The rocks, however, are from Earth. They will appear to get smaller, their relative location will appear to get closer to each other, and the string's tension will change. Correspondingly, at an exponential rate the further you get from Canterlot, Equestria’s borders are expanding at all places at once!”
“And so... oh my gosh!”
“Exactly. How much bigger will Equestria-as-we-know-it get? If the princesses aren’t alerted, our far-flung towns and cities will have to become fully-fledged colonies. If it’s far enough apart...” Midnight paused, both he and Cheerilee looked in horror at the string tied around the rocks as the tone ceased, “they could be lost to the geographical expanses currently unknown to Ponykind!”
***
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 1 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-12T20:56:53+00:00
|
2011-10-12T20:56:53+00:00
| 3,840 |
My Little Pony belongs to Hasbro, Lauren Faust and all the wonderful people making this show for little girls for people from 17-30. Let's all thank them!
"Tree sap? Ah understand the pine needles, but the sap?"
"I guess we are not supposed to be Cutie Mark Crusader door wreath-makers!" Sweetie Belle mumbled, very disappointed and very sticky.
"More like wreath-wreckers!" a sage voice commented from under the bathtub. "Next time, try putting your monstrosity on the door, not the only part of the library that still produces sap."
Twilight lovingly put more soap into the filly-filled tub. "Maybe you should try to find something less… exotic?"
"Like?" the fillies asked in unison.
"Getting clean?" Twilight offered, scrubbing the one crusader closest to her. "That sap must have been decades old… It's almost amber!"
"Amber?" came the voice of a hungry dragon from below.
"Wait a few more millennia, Spike. Now be a nice guy and get me some… forget it! Bring me some of the iron wool you use on your scales!"
"But we don't have any scales, Twilight!" the trio wailed.
"Tough love, ladies! You want to be clean?"
Several painful minutes later, three battered fillies were patched up, while a slightly wet disciple of magic and friendship returned a book on first aid to its shelf.
"So, what shall we try next?"
"How about dragon feeding?" Spike offered "Just ask Twilight to show you, so you get the hang of it, and then repeat!"
"A pretty transparent attempt, Spike," Twilight called from below.
"And who wants an eating dragon on his flank? Or a full bowl?"
"Hey, I don't eat from a bowl… usually… most of the time!"
"That's because your food hardly ever makes it to any kind of dishes. You usually let it disappear first," Twilight said as she returned to the bathroom.
"Oh, Twi, not in front of the l-" the young dragon started, but never finished his complaint. A puff of green fire emerged from his mouth and formed a sealed letter. "Can't these letters ever arrive when I'm not talking?" Spike muttered as he unrolled it.
"Maybe you girls should think about your future crusades somewhere else," Twilight said with a bit of nervousness and curiosity. Post from the princess was a mixed blessing. She liked hearing from her mentor, but it usually wasn't a positive message… at least when it wasn't an immediate answer to her reports on the magic of friendship.
The crusaders left surprisingly quietly.
"To my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle. Knowing you, I assume your studies concerning the magic of friendship are coming along nicely. It is my duty to inform you that I received word from a dragon. Unlike the last one we encountered, this one is interested in passing through our beloved Equestria. I have been asked to offer him a rest in Ponyville, for it is considered—WHAT?" Spike interrupted himself. "This is neutral ground? What a rip!"
"What is it, Spike?" Twilight asked, obviously surprised by her assistant's outburst.
The young dragon pouted at her. "We dragons are highly territorial, Twilight. That's why I didn't come with you to drive the red one off. He would have kicked my tail, or worse: just stayed, to spite me." Spike rolled his eyes "My territory is Canterlot. And I assumed living here meant that I had claimed Ponyville as well. But apparently this is neutral ground!"
"And what is that supposed to mean?" the lilac unicorn asked.
"That means that I am supposed to let that guy stay and not pretend that I just allow him to stay for a favour."
Twilight's eyes open in slight surprise. That did explain a lot about Spike's behaviour. And the behaviour of that one dragon in the Everfree Forest.
"So… what does the rest of the letter say?"
"Oh, right." The dragon cleared his throat and continued: "So please inform the rest of Ponyville. And Spike, please remain unseen. I worry that your presence might offend or even encourage the traveller to claim Ponyville." Spike finished the letter through his teeth: "I'm sorry that we have to take precautions such as these. Please remain calm and keep Fluttershy on stand-by, just in case. My heartfelt regards to my faithful student and to you, Spike. Yours dearly, Princess Celestia of Equestria."
Twilight had taken a bit of distance from her assistant. The last time she had seen him this angry was just a day before he tried to frame an owl and ran away.
"So… I guess we'd better tell the others," Twilight offered.
"Yes. Ponyville has to be defended!" he spat. "Let's call FLUTTERSHY!"
The unicorn winced slightly as the little dragon waltzed past her. She followed quietly and very worried. Spike was really angry now.
Somewhere outside, the two overheard three voices: "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS DRAGON EXPLORERS!"
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 2 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-12T21:04:27+00:00
|
2011-10-12T21:04:27+00:00
| 3,533 |
My Little Pony is the property of Hasbro, Lauren Faust, her team, and the many people who work tirelessly to redeem the words "Twilight" and "Sparkle"!
„Maybe if we throw something bigger?“ Spike offered .
"I won't throw anything bigger than… that rock I already threw!" Twilight protested.
The saviour of Ponyville was currently hiding in a tree close to her cottage.
"It's your first line of defence," Spike teased, almost a little too happy.
"Go fetch Angel!" Twilight growled, her eyes on the tree "He usually gets this pony moving."
As Spike disappeared, Twilight fought down the urge to fling another rock. The first one just scratched the trunk. Fluttershy was somewhere in the—
"EEEEEEH!" A vanilla pudding-coloured pegasus quickly approached the ground and landed with a low yelp. Seconds later, a pink pony with a combination of cotton candy and a coiffure's worst nightmare of a mane landed next to her.
"I really appreciate that you wanted to help me find some mistletoes for the next winter kissing party, but you can't shake them off by shivering, silly," Pinkie Pie said with a cheerful voice.
"Pinkie, it's summer," Twilight stated, currently busy examining Fluttershy.
"You can never start too soon, Twilight!" announced the party-pony.
"Anyways… are you okay, Fluttershy? That was quite a fall."
Fluttershy's teeth clattered. The pegasus was clearly unable to speak at the moment.
"Ohhh! I get it! It's a game! That's 'Is your harness too tight or do you just walk funny?' in Morse code! What do I win?" Pinkie Pie cheered happily.
Fluttershy on the other hoof slowly assumed a fetal position and continued to transmit a very long and complex message.
"She isn't Morse-ing, Pinkie," Twilight groaned "I just wanted to tell Fluttershy first, that a dragon (clattering frequency increased) is going to stay in Ponyville (increased again) for a little while (reaching the point of dental emergency) and that Fluttershy has the most experience if it comes to dealing with adult dragons. And wow… I think she is digging herself into the ground by shivering. That can't be healthy."
Luckily Spike arrived at that exact moment or Fluttershy would have reached critical frequency in which her cells would have evaporated. That would have made her explode, only to explode again.
Angel immediately jumped off Spike's slightly bruised head and started to move up front of the shivering pony. Lovingly, the bunny allowed himself to trip and held his leg, triggering the only reflex within Fluttershy that was stronger than her dracophobia. Almost in an instant his leg was examined, patched up and kissed better, all while the quiet, gentle pegasus softly told him that all would be fine soon. Angel hopped away happily, but kept close enough, so he could snap his mistress/footstool out of another stupor.
"Well… as I said. A… colleague?" Twilight started, one eye on Spike, who was currently back in his anger phase "Co-being? C… creature of common characteristics?" She finally offered, trying to ignore the fuming dragon. "Anyways, he or she is about to-"
"SHE?" Spike burst out suddenly, his temperament making a 180° turn.
"Well, the princess wasn't too precise on that," Twilight stated, surprised by the change in her assistants demeanour. Suddenly he seemed… contemplating. The unicorn put the thought into the 'catastrophe for after the current one' drawer of her mind and put her focus back on Fluttershy.
"Anyways: A dragon is coming, will stay! No choice!" the magician stated, hoping to get it out quickly "And I would like you to be… on close call… since you can, you know…"
"MORE GUESSING GAMES! Stare down a cockatrice? Befriend a Manticore? Make a grown dragon cry? Stalk on the paws of kindness while wielding the claws of guilt? OH! Pull off a birds nest as a hat!" Pinkie Pie offered with joy.
"All of the above," Twilight sighed, used to worse logical jumps from the element of laughter.
"So… just in case?" Fluttershy asked carefully "I won't have to talk to him or get close to him or, you know, leave the safety of the closet in my locked and barricaded basement as long as he behaves?"
"No, I guess not," Twilight answered, surrender filling her heart. What had she expected?
"I guess I can do that," Fluttershy muttered. She was somewhere between hiding behind her hair and hiding behind something more massive. But once you had Fluttershy's word, it was all you needed.
Twilight said her farewell and left Fluttershy to her new activity of nailing her windows shut and taking measurements of her roof. Probably to fit some anti-air weaponry onto it.
Pinkie Pie followed her in her cheery and jumpy fashion, while Spike was still deep in thought.
"What's on your mind, Spike?" Twilight asked after a short while.
"It's just… it might be a female dragon," the dragon said quietly.
"Oh, Rarity is getting some competition?" Twilight teased with a nudge.
Spike looked at her defiantly "Nothing could ever take her place in my heart!" he proclaimed.
"So, what would it change?" Twilight asked.
"Girls are…" Spike started, his eyes going left and right quickly, as if to ensure Rarity would not materialize suddenly. "Scary…! Male dragons are simple. They don't ask questions, they just kick the stuffing out of you and laugh while you run away. But female dragons… they are… tough."
"Tough?" Twilight asked in surprise.
"Did you ever read the Draconomicon?" Spike finally asked with a sigh.
"I tried…" the unicorn admitted "But last time I checked, I didn't speak Drago… Draco… whatever that language is called. I mean, the letters move!"
Spike rolled his eyes. "Neither do I! Well, at least not very well. But I asked the princess to give me a translated copy. I used it to get the hang of Draconic as well as read up on my kind. Gotta stay in touch with your roots."
"And what did it say about female dragons?" Twilight asked, honest interest in her voice. She could practically smell the things she might learn. Dragons were so mysterious and interesting... Well, the ones that didn't live with her, at least.
"They are a bit bigger and a bit stronger than male dragons. And they don't just fight for their territory. When another female enters, they fight and they usually aren't happy with letting the other one leave without a lasting memento. Not that they kill each others, but the other one will remember." Spike swallowed. "They have to make sure their eggs are safe and all, so they have to be extra threatening. But worse is it whenever a guy comes close." His eyes moved, scanning the area around them quickly, just before he pulled Twilight closer, to whisper: "They might ask them… the questions."
"The what, now?"
"The questions!" Spike stressed "Like, 'How many gems do you have?' 'What have you contributed to society?' Or 'When did you last burn down a kingdom?' In the case of evil dragons only, of course!" He added quickly "And since they are bigger, stronger and tougher than you, you have no choice to answer and answer honestly! They WILL check up on it. And then, they spread the answers amongst each other. That's one of the reasons why we have neutral grounds. Since we are very mobile, once we grow wings, but hardly ever move a lot, this is the only way we can somehow find partners. If some female likes what she hears, she might pay you a visit and ask you to meet on neutral ground for a date."
One of Twilight's eyebrows was about to touch her horn. No wonder he always tries to score a date with a pony. That does sound scary… As soon as one girl runs into him, all the others know everything about him.
"And I am your assistant!" Spike said, stopping dead in his tracks. "I am the minion of a PONY!"
"You're no minion, Spike," Twilight stated, but the little dragon wasn't listening.
"I'll be the laughingstock of my race! 'Isn't that the one who tried to hide in the tree?' 'Didn't he work for a short-lived-equine?' 'Doesn't he have a crush on that gorgeous, yet scaleless girl?' 'Doesn't he have any gems on his own?'" He grabbed Twilight by the mane and pulled her face-to-face. "MY LIFE IS OVER!"
"Spike," Twilight said calmly, resisting the urge to magic-slap him. "You are a baby dragon. Don't you think that you are kind of… underage and not important enough?"
"The book was pretty clear about this part, Twi. No age restriction!" Spike answered, still refusing to let her go. "My only hope is that it's a guy or that she won't notice me!" He suddenly let go and stormed off towards the library, loudly screaming: "I have to get gems into the basement and nail it shut!"
"Four people have heard the news and two are hiding in their basements…" the lilac unicorn mumbled "I just hope that number isn't representative for the rest of town."
"We could hide in the attic to even it out!" Pinkie offered.
"Not helping, Pinkie!"
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 3 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-13T12:45:23+00:00
|
2011-10-13T12:45:23+00:00
| 3,147 |
My Little Pony belongs to Hasbro and the people who make the show. If I would own it, this would include more swearing, swords and Luna!Because Luna ROCKS!
"Now let me get this straight… A dragon-"
"Or dragoness!"
"Or dragoness will come to Ponyville to rest up during a flight. And now Spike, who has the most information about dragons, and Fluttershy, who beat the last dragon, are both hiding in their respective basements?"
"Exactly, Miss Mayor," Twilight answered the beige mare with the elegant glasses. This was a wonderful start.
"Thank you for informing me so quickly. I think we can avoid a panic, if we just call in a big announcement," the major said with a sigh "I guess I should have prepared for this a little better. My predecessor left me that note and map for a reason."
"Map?" Twilight asked in surprise.
"Yes. Wait a second," the mare answered and disappeared behind a closet door for a while. She then returned with a rather long tube. "Most ponies in higher positions have one of those. Luckily dragons tend to brag a lot if the borders change."
Twilight watched with interest as the mayor opened the tube and produced a rolled up piece of old parchment. Unrolled, it showed a rather basic map of Equestria and parts of the surrounding nations. Cities, as well as other landmarks, were shown, but the borders were different entirely. Most of them ran as double lines with no space between them, but some had small pockets. Mountain tops, cities, small forests, swamps... It seemed random at first, but after a short while of looking, Twilight understood. They had about the same distance from each other, stood out as landmarks, and would provide some privacy. I just saw one who was tired and one who was enraged... but this is so reasonable! She thought. And I know Spike! I have to remind myself of him being a dragon from time to time. I wonder...
Her eyes moved over to Canterlot. It had a tiny circle around it, with a question mark in the middle. Below was the word "purple." The other territories had names, colours, and genders in their centre. Some were very long, but others were quite short. Why did they know that about him, but not his name?
Finally, she glanced at Ponyville. Empty. Right at the border of the Everfree Forest was a line showing the end of a green dragon's territory. Now she knew his name. They had had no time for exchanging pleasant chatter when she ran away from him with Spike and his owl co-worker.
"As you see, we are neutral here," said the mayor calmly, "and I was warned that this might lead to a dragon staying here. But honestly, they live so long, I don't think the town was half of its current size when the last one rested here." She sighed quietly. "I will set up an announcement in the afternoon. Do you have any... tips how we should tackle this problem?"
Twilight swallowed and focused her thoughts. "They are very..." An idea hit her suddenly and she almost shouted: "Proud and into reputation! Get Pinkie Pie to make a little, NO! A big 'Welcome Dragon' party! I'll ask Rarity to find us some gemstones and maybe hold a little speech! Little flags to wave! Treat it like a visit from the princess! We need stands with caramel apples! Make sure everyone is happy to have that dragon here!"
The mayor's eyes widened. "I expected a curfew and maybe a small delegation to greet..."
"NO!" Twilight answered firmly. "Praise, praise, praise! They don't even care if it's flat and blunt! Dragons love it!"
The mayor nodded. Twilight was a weird unicorn, but she had managed to befriend almost every major businesspony, organize the winter wrap-up, save this town from that sky-bear and was like a princess-magnet. The mayor liked her and was thankful. But the fact that the lilac unicorn also brought positive publicity and gave her a chance to meet Celestia in person sold her.
"I will follow your lead, then!" she finally stated. "You have had the most contact with dragons, so it is the only logical step. I just hope you are right."
Twilight nodded and was about to leave, but stopped herself in the last moment. "Just one more thing!" she said and levitated the mayor's quill over to her. A few scratches later, she left. Canterlot was now in the possession of "Spike."
"So, you think that he or she knows me?" Rainbow Dash asked with a big grin on her face. "I did kick that red one really good! And who wouldn't remember THESE HOOVES?" She jabbed at the air a few times. "He probably told the entire world about that blow!"
"I think Fluttershy earned more attention, Dash," Twilight answered, her eyelids halfway down.
"But I have more staying power! Physically AND in memory! You remember 'that rainbow one' forever! But that 'kinda-yellow, pink-maned one?'" She shook her head and proudly pointed at herself. "Here stands your pegasus!"
"Look! All I want is you to keep the sky clear enough for an enormous dragon to land safely. The last thing we want is a bad view. Things are going to be difficult enough without that dragon landing on a house!"
"Yeah... what insurance company would cover that?" the pegasus asked. "So, consider the sky cleared!"
"Good! I trust you on that one!" Twilight said and was about to go. "And please no 'just a couch' leftovers. You can use real cushions, just like everyone else!"
"But clouds are much softer," Rainbow Dash muttered as she flew off.
"A dragon visiting Ponyville? I assume that he won't have any riches with him when he is travelling. But then again, maybe I can..." a white unicorn said, from behind a folding screen.
"I don't want another failed attempt on jewels from you, Rarity," Twilight said, feeling a mild headache approaching. "I want you to give a speech to flatter the dragon as much as possible!"
"Well, of course I can do that," Rarity answered. "But don't expect me to ignore any treasures he might carry. I'm not made of stone, you know."
"I think I know a cockatrice who can fix that..." Twilight mumbled very softly. "And I would also like to ask you about a small favour."
"Certainly, my dear," the silky voice started again. "What can Rarity do for you?"
"Could you bring a plate of gems over to Spike? And take some precious ones! I'll pay for them later."
"Certainly. He is in the library?"
"Last time I looked he was hogging supplies in order to prepare for a longer hold-up in the basement, so he should be there soon. Just let yourself in and wait. I doubt that he'll be long." Twilight muttered levitating the door key to Rarity. "Now, I just have to find Pinkie Pie!"
"She came in with you!" Rarity said, looking out from behind the screen.
"HI!" Pinkie bounced.
"WHAT?" the lilac unicorn yelled, feeling her heart stop for a moment. "What? How? Where?"
"Silly, I was with you the whole time," Pinkie Pie said happily.
"NO! You were not!" Twilight answered, mentally checking her grasp on reality.
"Yes, I was! The author just forgot to mention me and thought this would be a funny reveal!" giggled the earth pony "A bit of a weird save, but why not?"
"I... see," Twilight answered, hoping to never find out what exactly was wrong or right with this friend of her.s "Is that the same author that revolutionized our franchise?"
"No, this one doesn't get paid!" Pinkie answered with a giggle.
"Anyway... I need your skills as well," the unicorn started, trying to ignore the obvious assault on the fabric of time and space.
"Since I was there, I heard everything!" Pinkie smiled. "I just hope that the dragon likes parties! Because he or she is about to meet the pony who parties the pinkest!"
"Thank you, Pinkie. I assume you'll be visiting Applejack for ingredients then. I'll tag along... so the entire group will be in the loop," Twilight added, seeing how Rarity was already fetching a bunch of gems. "And I don't think Rarity wants us to stay in her boutique while she is gone."
"Nonsense, dear!" the white unicorn said. "You can stay as long as you want. Sweetie Belle should drop by after playing with her friends and I'll know if you steal anything! You won't be able to resist showing it off!" Rarity let a very sophisticated giggle leave her lips. "I jest, of course!"
"OH! And could you do me one more favour?" Twilight asked suddenly. "Can you lend me some paper and a quill?"
"Sure, Twilight. Just on the counter."
Twilight walked over and scribbled a quick letter:
Dear Princess Celestia
So far, we were able to come up with a plan to deal with the dragon in a civilized way. I am quite sure that we can avoid a panic. Now I would like to know when exactly the dragon will arrive and maybe what we can expect. At least the name would be useful, so we can write the right one on the banner for the welcome party.
Also, I would like to ask for the translated copy of the Draconomicon you gave to Spike. I think that by learning more about the nature of dragons, we will be able to please and distract the visitor. If he or she is happy, it might be easier to hide Spike.
Thank you in advance.
Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle
"Could you ask Spike to send it to the princess?"
"Most certainly," Rarity answered, apparently ready to leave.
All three ponies left the house quietly, Rarity walking off into the direction of the library. Twilight looked after her.
"So, why did you send her to Spike?" Pinkie Pie asked. "I thought you wanted her to hold a speech. Shouldn't she prepare for that?"
"Because I feel bad about how I treated him..." Twilight muttered, holding her head low. "The issue with Owloysius... It never occurred to me, but Spike sees himself just as much as my assistant as he sees himself as a dragon. I thought he would be happy to have help! But all he saw was another assistant trying to take his territory. He even held back. His instincts would have forced him to use violence against an intruder." She sighed. "I hope Rarity gets to the library before he is done preparing and hides in the basement! Or does anything stupid."
"Me too! Dragons in the basement are way beyond her capacity!" Pinkie agreed. "She might be a good damsel in distress, but that Pony sucks at dungeon crawling!"
"Wait, what?"
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 4 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-13T12:51:13+00:00
|
2011-10-13T12:51:13+00:00
| 3,008 |
My little Pony is owned by Hasbro. We have to thank Lauren Faust and her team for this wonderful show. We have to blame video games for the rest.
(The outcomes of the rolls were created by using a real 20 sided die and Rarity´s character sheet. Don´t ask where I got the latter, because I will not tell!)
BOOKS FALL AND YOU DIE
A Pony Role Playing Game
It is a sunny noon. You see a tree with glass windows, a door and a balcony. The library of Ponyville. Spike the dragon is rumoured to be inside.
Do you wish to start the adventure?
Yes <-
No
Player Rarity entered the game as designer/sorceress.
Checking inventory:
Saddlebag: Gemstones, Letter from Twilight Sparkle (sealed), Hand mirror
Small bag of bits: 15 bits
You stand in front of the door. Twilight Sparkle left it unlocked, since she didn´t plan to be gone long. Spike may or may not be back yet.
Rarity uses "knock" on the door.
Rarity rolls listen: 15
You hear nothing moving inside. There are some sounds around you, but nothing out of the ordinary. The wind is gently blowing and the town is just as busy as it usually is at this time.
Rarity:" Hmm... I guess he is still fetching supplies. Twilight did tell me to wait inside."
Rarity cast "simple levitation" on the door.
The door opens with a creaking noise.
Rarity triggered a trap! - Rolls Reflex Save: 20
You see a small rope on top of the door disappearing upwards; quickly you jump backwards, as an enormous wreath, about as big as a wagon-tire falls out of the leaves above. It is covered in tree sap, ribbons and other things that were probably supposed to be decorative. The final result seems to be begging for a box of matches to be put out of its misery.
Rarity: "Are those my Ribbons? Sweetybelle is in trouble! And who arranged the wreath like that? This is dangerous! Even though... this wreath asks to be hung somewhere, where it can´t be seen."
Rarity enters the library.
Rarity rolls spot: 10
The library is quiet and dark. Rows of books surround you. The middle serves as Twilights working place and study hall. Several lecterns are spread around the room. An owl is sitting on one of them, apparently sleeping tightly. All windows and shutters are closed.
Rarity: "This is weird. Usually it´s bright in here. Twilight hates reading at bad light."
You walk over to the owl.
Rarity rolls Spot: Natural 20
Rarity: "That isn´t Owloysius! It´s a really hastily made replica!"
Rarity casts "Glimmer!"
Your horn emits light, vanquishing the close darkness. All optical checks at -5 difficulty.
Rarity rolls Search: 9
You see a small rope leading away from the owl, into some of the floorboards. Additionally, there is a spring behind the owl.
Rarity: "Is this a trap?"
Rarity rolls Disable Device: 14 (untrained at -5)
Trap safely triggered!
The trap goes off and the owl is launched in the direction of the floorboards and shatters into a cloud of hard plaster.
Rarity: "SHRIEK!"
You move a few steps backwards.
Rarity: "Spike actually booby trapped the library? I can´t believe it! Well, I guess he is in the basement then. But I should be careful!"
Rarity takes 20: Search!
There appear to be no more traps on this floor.
Rarity: "Spike must be really scared, if he goes through such measures. And if he thinks that the dragon would fit through the door..."
You move towards the door.
Rarity: "I better be on the save side!"
Rarity rolls search: 13
Trap detected: One of the bookcases on the second floor is tilted and a rope is going away from the top of the door. If opened, the bookcase would probably empty itself on the person below.
Rarity: "Poor darling... He must be scared out of his mind that he goes through such lengths."
Rarity uses "Levitation" on the bookcase.
Rarity triggered a trap! - NO SAVE!
The little legs on the back of the bookcase were missing! As soon as it is upright, it falls over, pulling on the rope. The door is slammed open with extreme force! You find yourself between door and wall.
Rarity is slammed into the wall: 10 points of blunt damage!
Rarity get´s the de-buff "Flattened!"!
Rarity: "Touché, Spike! But if I trigger one more trap, I will turn your tail into a very elegant belt! It will go nicely to the boots I´ll make from the rest of you!"
You slowly remove yourself from the wall.
Rarity: "SPIKE! It´s me, Rarity! Please come out of the basement, so we can talk! I don´t feel like being smashed by a something that is down there! It´s probably dusty and full of cobwebs."
A small shivering dragon slowly appears in the darkness.
GAME OVER
You gained 2800 EXP
Level up!
Wisdom +1
7 Skill Points obtained!
You obtain Lore: "Dragons are naturals at booby traps"
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 5 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-14T14:35:00+00:00
|
2011-10-14T14:35:00+00:00
| 3,672 |
My Little Pony does not belong to me! It belongs to Hasbro and is supposed to sell toys. And let's thank them for that, otherwise we wouldn't be able to see it for free!
There were many things on Rarity's mind. The most dominant and least ladylike was -HAVE YOU LOST YOUR BUCKING MIND?-. -You should be glad, I can´t banish people to the moon!- was a close contender right after -Did that flattening mess up my mane?-.
But none of them left Rarity's lips. She wanted to say all of them and a lot more, but seeing Spike at the bottom of the stairs, quivering, claws chewed on and tail still a little damp from sucking on it. It vaporized her anger. The little dragon looked pathetic.
*He is a baby! Half our age at most!* She thought quietly *We forget it, because he talks, walks around and can dig up gems for hours. But he is a baby dragon. Just wait for his sleep time or... throw in another dragon to get some perspective.*
"Spike, Twilight asked me to give you this." Rarity stated with a gentle smile, levitating the letter out of her saddlebag. "Could you be a dear and send it to the princess? She said it was important."
"Of course, Rarity." The dragon answered quietly and forced a smile. A few of his own scale fragments were visible on his teeth.
"Is it... the battle plan? A request for additional guards and the SAM-launchers? Or maybe a call for Princess Luna to dust off her Nightmare Moon armour and show up here to bring some divine judgement?"
"Something like that." Rarity answered, glad her element of Harmony allowed a little fib from time to time.
"Nah, sugar! It´s a request for that book of dragon anatomy, so we can look up how to lift his tail and kiss that dragon where it counts!" Applejack blurted out in Rarity's head "Oh! And Mrs. Fussy here will be holding that whole laudation thingy!"
"Why did she stress that?" Rarity asked in a mumble "And why does she call me like that in my own fantasy?"
"Because even in your fantasy, everything has to be all perfect like!" Applejack answered.
"Quiet!"
Spike overheard the unicorn. He took a nice and deep breath and... blew. A puff of hot air left his mouth.
"What is it?"
"Heh... whenever I get really nervous, my fire starts to get smaller." Spike admitted "When I get angry, it's hot as nothing else, but being scared... luke warm air."
"Oh... do you need some time?" Rarity asked, unsure how to tackle this problem "Maybe a glass of water? Or relax a little before you try again? Some reassuring talk?"
"Sorry, that hardly ever happens to me..."
"I'm sure it happens to a lot of dragons?" Rarity offered. This was more awkward that it should be!
Finally, after some light cuddling, Spike managed to deliver enough flame to send the letter.
"Now, Spike, I think we should sit down, have a tea and relax." Rarity said gently "Right after we disarm any other traps in the library. It´s not as if those would work on a dragon anyways."
"Yes, you are right. I was just so paniced after I got that answer from the Princess, I started doing things without thinking of consequences..." Spike admitted, twisting his tail between his hands.
"Answer? Did Twilight send another letter?"
"No, I sent one. I wanted to return to Canterlot while that other guy stayed here." Spike explained "But the Princess just sent this back."
He handed a scroll over to Rarity.
"Dear Spike" Rarity read aloud
"I understand that you are worried about being discovered, but sadly I cannot allow you to return for the time being. I will require regular reports on the situation, possible damage, needed resources and other details. I expect one every three hours.
If one report fails to reach me, and be it only a note, reading *all clear*, I will personally come and see into the situation.
I know that you must be scared, but I know you well enough to have faith in your sense of duty and courage.
Please, do not disappoint me, Spike.
Yours
Princess Celestia of Equestria
PS.: I have included the items you asked for. I hope that they really are for Twilight's research and not for turning the library into a death-trap!
PPS.: I fear, I can't send you the tactical warhead. We apparently have not invented one yet. Sorry."
Rarity looked at him with a sympathetic smile, ignoring the part about heavy arms smuggling.
"So... you are stuck here." She said, unsure "But I don´t get the problem... can you explain it a little better? What is it with that neutral ground? And why do you have to hide?"
Spike sighed and sat down. "Neutral ground is supposed to be a resting and meeting place. You can´t just claim it. If you want to, you have to offer another landmark to be used from your own turf." The dragon looked up "I own Canterlot and I won ´t give that away! Maybe Manechester, but NOT Canterlot!" he sighed "Sadly I haven´t put a claim on Manechester yet. But if that guy can travel so far that he needs to rest up, he has the resources to get Ponyville and kick me out."
"And you don´t think that he would take it, even though you remain unseen?"
"No. He had to call in a meeting of the surrounding dragons. Offer a landmark, wait for their acceptance..." Spike shook his head "This is much more effort that you might think. You don´t do that to get a place, you can already stay in."
"Just to humiliate you?"
"And to keep me away from my friends..." Spike added.
Rarity bit her lip lightly. "Don't get me wrong, darling... but are all dragons so..."
"I don´t know!" Spike answered in annoyance "How should I? I never met one! I was completely raised by ponies! I called that nurse in Canterlot "mommy" for years!" he sighed again "It's nothing special either. The eggs usually get abandoned. Since we live so long, it's the only way to keep us from turning into enormous Parasprites."
The last sentence was a punch to the stomach for Rarity. Everypony had heard some bedtime stories of the evils, dragons did to ponykind. She had discarded them as blown out of proportion, when she met Spike. But this was how they treated EACH OTHER?
"Say, why don't you disarm the other traps, you made!" the unicorn said and nudged Spike lightly "I will go and make us some tea."
Spike looked at her sadly.
"Come Spike... your traps wouldn't work on a grown up dragon anyways."
The little dragon nodded and got up. Rarity watched him go to the basement and was back in thought as the sound of triggers being sprung and things slamming into other things reached the floor, she was in.
"Poor guy." She said quietly "No wonder he is so eager for attention. All that showing off, announcing and the extra work he does for Twilight."
A louder slamming sound pulled her back to reality.
"SPIKE! Are you all right?" she shouted, galloping to the door.
"I'm fine!" Spike answered, reaching the top of the stairs, even though an... anvil?
"Where did you get an anvil from?" Rarity asked perplexed.
"A bunch of Pegasus movers dropped it on Twilight a while ago. Amongst other hilariously heavy stuff. They were sorry and demanded that she kept the anvil... since everything else broke." Spike explained while scraping the object in question off his face. Apparently it swung right into him and he decided to carry it like that, slightly imbedded in his skull as it was.
"Are you hurt?"
"Nah... It's just metal."
"Your kind is quite... sturdy." Rarity commented as she walked towards the kitchen.
"Oh... well, I do eat stone." Spike answered.
*And you can shove over a diamond dog twice your size, hold another one in a death grip like a crocodile and all that after hours of digging.* Rarity added mentally.
"Say Spike... I never thanked you for how valiantly you defended me when we ran into those pillaging pups!" Rarity said suddenly. A little praise would cheer him up. She really didn't feel like having him depressed during tea.
"The whatnow?"
"The kidnapping canites!"
"Who?" Spike asked, mimicking his junior assistant perfectly.
"The diamond dogs!" Rarity sighed, sad that she rarely had a chance to use her more sophisticated language.
"Oh, those guys!" Spike exclaimed "Well, it's not as if it worked out in the end. But I couldn't let anything untried."
Rarity turned and walked into the kitchen to prepare some tea water. As she returned to the main hall, Spike was busy doing something on a window.
"Oh, please, you were most knightly." She said "But I wondered... you had ample time to bite, claw or use fire on them. Why didn't you do that?"
Spike turned and shook his head vehemently. "Rarity, please! I really wanted to save you, but I am not a complete psycho! I can chew diamonds! I didn't break a claw after hours of digging! Besides the taste, those guys would have been like butter!" he sighed "That is a line, I don't want to cross! EVER!"
Rarity nodded and gave him another smile. "That is very noble of you, Spike!" She said "You can be proud of yourself for such restraint!"
Spike giggled a little and beamed as he approached the last trap. This one and he could have tea with RARITY! He just realized how awesome that was. Feeling happiness rushing through him, he opened the shutter. Looked, as if turned to stone for a second. Closed it. Turned around and winced quietly, both eyes closed painfully.
"Is something wrong?" Rarity asked.
Spike kept quiet, opened the shutter again. Closed it.
"What is it?"
Spike looked extremely awkward at her. He pointed at the shutter.
Rarity wondered silently and walked over to him. With a slight glow of her horn, she opened the shutter. Her eyes went wide and she closed it again.
"I didn't find the sugar." She said, completely emotionless.
"It's in the" "Why don't you go and fetch it while I take care of what I just saw and what we will pretend has never happened afterwards?" Rarity interrupted the young dragon, her voice unchanging.
Spike nodded and left for the kitchen.
There were many things on Rarity's mind. But all involved the ball gag, she just saw!
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 6 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-14T18:59:36+00:00
|
2011-10-14T18:59:36+00:00
| 3,121 |
My Little Pony is the property of Hasbro.
WARNING!
Due to the nature of this chapter, the writer has to point out that the second most awesome male character of the show will be severely abused in the following pages.
The writer does not support the open abuse of Big Macintosh!
He does, however, find it hilarious!
Big Macintosh was an earth pony. But both parts of the definition didn't do him justice. Years of working on a farm, ploughing, bucking apples and pulling carts made him much more solid looking that the average planet.
Secondly, he was definitely a stallion in every sense of the word. Grown up, calm and mindful. He avoided talking too much, enjoyed the simple parts of life and had the practical kind wisdom.
Over the last year, he had seen a vengeful goddess returning from banishment, his sister leaving to fight a dragon, his home getting eaten by a swarm of... he still wasn't sure and Caramel loosing the seeds for Winter Wrap Up.
None of this made him raise his voice.
Now, he was screaming...
"APPLEJACK!"
"What's the matter Big Mac?" asked Applejack, galloping towards her brother with Twilight and Pinkie behind her. The three had just met up and told Applejack roughly why they needed the best, her orchards could deliver, when they heard an unfamiliar scream.
Applebloom, Scootaoo and Sweetie Belle looked at them.
"I don't know!" Bloom said, looking at her brother. He was motionless, clearly not breathing; his eyes close to popping out.
"All we did was asking him how to lure out virgins!" Sweetie Belle explained.
"Bloom said he knew a lot about them!" Scootaloo added.
"Since he goes out at night and watches them! Sometimes for hours... usually when he is all alone and nobody can see him." Applebloom explained "And sometimes he comes home smiling from ear to ear! I saw it all! Once he even whistled a little tune as he came home!"
A dozen eyes were pointed at the red stallion now.
Earlier that day, in the headquarters of Equestria's finest crusaders:
„Everyone understood the plan? "
„Yah! "
„Of course! "
„Good! First we sum up all the information we got, then make our way to the library, get ourselves some equipment and…"
„We know that already! If fact, we just talked about it, drew a picture and I even came up with a few lyrics for the song. " Sweetie Belle interrupted Scootaloo.
"Yes, but we always do that." Scootaloo answered "Prepare the plan, draw a picture, you come up with the lyrics and then we loudly explain what we will do."
"But why? It doesn't make a lot of sense once you think about it. We could just go..."
"GIRLS!" Applebloom stressed "We have more important things to do that question how we go about our crusading!"
"Yes! Now, what do we know about dragons? Before we set our plan in motion, which won't be talked about again." The filly Pegasus asked.
"Well... they can breathe fire!"
"They eat... everything that they like, I guess." Applebloom offered.
"They work at libraries!"
"I don't think that that is a common dragon thing, Sweetie." Scootaloo stated
"Oh, I heard that they eat virgins. At least once a year!" Belle offered after a moment of thought.
"What's a virgin?" Applebloom asked.
"That thing in the sky! Next to that lion and the filly with the scales!" Sweetie added, still remembering her time as Cutie Mark Crusader Astrologer.
"OHHH! So they eat stars too?" Scootaloo asked.
"Well, I saw Spike eat some gemstones... and Twilight said something about stars being like the sun, but far away." Applebloom explained.
"AH, so Spike eats parts of a planet and when he grows up, he'll eat other planets!" Scootaloo concluded.
"No wonder they get so big! So... how are we supposed to get a star down here?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Well, Princess Celestia is supposed to raise the sun with her horn! So we just need YOU to do it!" Scootaloo decided, pointing at Sweetie Belle.
"I don't think I can do it..." Sweetie admitted.
"Wait! I got another idea!" Apple Bloom said "Remember when that boasting unicorn was in town?"
"Yes?" the others asked in unison.
"Well, Snips and Snails lured that Ursa-thingie into town, right?" Applebloom went further "And I remember seeing a picture of them in the book... like, they used to be a formation too!"
"AH, I see!" so we get that Ursa-thingie to give to the dragon, so we can study him while he eats it?" Scootaloo asked.
"No, that story was pretty clear about virgins!" Sweetie stated.
"So, we just have to lure that virgin-thing out of the sky!" Applebloom said.
"But how do we get that virgin down?" Scootaloo asked.
"Maybe Big Macintosh knows something! He doesn't talk much, but he is really smart and likes watching the stars and stuff!" Applebloom suggested.
"Good idea!"
Back in the present:
"I do not!" Big Macintosh insisted "I never would! That ain't true!"
"Mac... I won't judge you." Applejack said with forced calmness "You are a stallion in your best years and it was always a bit weird that you didn't get straight with some filly yet. But doing stuff like that ain't polite!"
"But I didn't!" Macintosh insisted "I never would!"
"WOW!" Pinkie Pie suddenly yelled "That doubles the amount of different words I've ever heard him say!"
She was ignored.
"Look, Mac... I got a ton of good friends; we can sure as sugar, match you up with at nice mare, so you don't have to... do that..."
"AJ, I am kind of seeing someone!" The stallion interrupted.
"What? Who? And does she know about your... tendencies?"
"I have no tendencies!"
"Seriously, Macintosh, I mean, what would granny say if she knew about it?"
"I think granny went with him one night!" Applebloom added.
"WHAT?" Applejack yelled.
"I tell you, that ain't true!" Big Mac stressed "And I never would do that to the mayor!"
"HATTRICK!" Pinkie yelled.
"OH! You met her, doing it, didn't you?" Applebloom interrupted "That's so romantic!"
"WHAT?" a choir of voices asked.
"Bloom? You out of your little mind?" Applejack asked in shock "My brother is watching the fillies in their sleep, finds one silly enough to like that and now my sister think it romantic?"
"Sounds like a page out of that Twili..." "THIS BOOK MUST NOT BE NAMED!" Pinkie started, just to be interrupted by a very angry Twilight "IT RUINED MY LIFE! I AM NAMED TWILIGHT SPARKLE! THIS BOOK ROBBED MY NAME OF ALL DIGNITY!" the unicorn started to cry slightly.
"Fillies?" Applebloom asked "I was asking him if he knew about virgins... you know... that star-thingie in the sky!"
Suddenly an aura of awkward understanding surrounded Sweet Apple Acres for a minute that felt like an hour.
"I'm sorry, Big Mac." Applejack spoke first "I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."
"Is all right, AJ." Macintosh answered, still slightly shaken "I'll go and work off some steam on the cider press. And then do some damage to the result."
"Erm... Mac... the mayor?" Applejack asked, blushing lightly.
The stallion stopped and looked back. "Eeyup!" he stated with a wink and left.
"WOW!" Pinkie cheered "Almost had it fivi... quinti... oh, you know what I mean! By two words!"
"But girls, why do you want to lure down the Virgo constellation?" Twilight asked after reciting a short mantra that included something about "vamponies" and "not sparkling".
"We want to feed it to the dragon!" Applebloom answered.
"First: Dragons don't eat star formations!" Twilight stated calmly "Second: I thought you didn't want a dragon-feeding cutie mark. Spike is still at the library, if you changed your mind."
"We don't want to feed him, primarily!" Sweetie Belle explained "We want him to stay still, while we study him!"
"CUTIE MARK CRUSADER DRAGON EXPLORERS!" The three yelled in unison.
The small headache, Twilight had expected suddenly erupted into an outright migraine. But there was one thing that still remained dominant right now.
"Are you going to sing?" she asked coldly.
"No."
"GOOD!" she said and added "If you want to know more about dragons, why don't you look for information in the library. They talk, so it's not as if nopony ever asked them."
"Nah, we'll go all Crocodile Wrestle on him!" Scootaloo announced, hitting her hoofs together.
"You really want to approach a dragon in the way of that Horsetralian documenter?" Applejack asked uncertain.
"Well, maybe not wrestle him, but we want some conclusive data about... stuff!" Applebloom stressed "We cannot let this opportunity pass!"
"Crusaders, AWAY!" Scootaloo announced and the three fillies disappeared in a cloud of dust.
Twilight looked after them.
"I think the guy who came up with the four horses of the apocalypse missed the count by one." Applejack said.
"Oh, don't worry!" Pinkie reassured her "When I throw our Welcome Dragon Party, they will be too busy having fun." She grinned "They have an even shorter attention span than... TWICHY TAIL!"
After a short look at the appendix in question, all three ponies instantly hid under a tree close to them.
They heard an impact close by and Pinkie gave a sigh of relief. All three looked in the direction of the impact.
Twilight managed to speak first: "Princess?"
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 7 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-14T19:07:33+00:00
|
2011-10-14T19:07:33+00:00
| 3,209 |
Luna, take it away!
"My Little Pony belongs to Hasbro. Lauren Faust and her team are to thank for me, my sister and the fact that we are awesome!"
Thank you, Luna.
I will post the next two chapters at almost the same time, due to the delicate nature of a certain inanimate object and it's implications. Please read them both before you send the lynch mob. Thank you for bearing with me.
The other two ponies immediately bowed while Twilight overcame her dumbstruck expression and rushed towards her mentor for a gentle embrace.
After a joyful moment, much too short for both of them, she took a step back and gave in to her confusion.
"Princess, did you just fall out of the sky?" she asked bluntly.
"Yes," Celestia answered with a mischievous smile. "It is a spell Luna came up with. She calls it 'Drop In (TM).'"
"She trademarked it?" Pinkie asked from the back.
"Luna is still catching up to the present," Celestia explained. "She read about current law and, in a fit of panic, instantly went to trademark every new spell. I explained her that copyright law does not cover magic. But I thought it was so adorable, I just had to talk her into keeping it in the name. Sadly this spell is reserved for alicorns, since a unicorn would probably hurt herself on the way down..."
"Speaking of which, where is Princess Luna? I haven't seen her since she visited Ponyville right after our triumph and her restoration," Twilight wondered.
"She is grounded," the avatar of light answered.
"Grounded?"
"When she returned, she instantly tried to bring eternal night, tried to kill my faithful student and her friends, tried to destroy the elements of harmony, and let's not forget how she zapped my poor guards," Celestia answered. "I love my little sister deeply and the moment she accepted my offer of friendship was the most wonderful day of my life. But actions must have consequences! Six months without TV and going out is entirely justified."
"Does she even know what TV is?" Twilight asked.
"No," Celestia answered with a wink.
"Why is not watching TV a punishment again?" Applejack asked Pinkie who shrugged in response.
"I never said that the punishment was going to be harsh. Her original banishment was an exception!" Celestia stressed. "My first priority was to exclude her from royal duties until she could catch up with history, technology, and current culture. She was outright disturbed when she found out that one of the guards and one of the servants were kissing in the break room. And then the issue with the microwave..."
"That much PROGRESS must be difficult for her," Twilight admitted.
"TRIBUTE!" Pinkie announced loudly, grinning widely.
All eyes were on her for a minute.
"Pinkie, you feeling all right?" Applejack asked after a few moments.
"Why do you always ask me that? Of course I am!"
"But why are you here?" Twilight asked the princess with worry in her voice. "Did you come to intervene with my plans? Were they that bad?" The unicorn began to shake. "I didn't have the book for reference yet! I'm sorry, Princess! Please! Don't be mad at me!"
Celestia sighed very slightly. "Twilight, your idea of having a party to busy the dragoness is very creative and proves your great analytical skills. You've only met three dragons in your life, and you already understand a good part of their nature. I am proud of you, dear!" She nudged the now blushing unicorn. "I just came here to answer to the message you sent me."
"Oh, you already got it?" Twilight asked in surprise.
"Yes. Sadly, I could not ask Spike to handle this delivery," Celestia explained.
Her horn gave off a slight glow and a small object emerged from underneath her right wing: An average sized book, bound in what seemed to be crimson scales. The side had the word "Draconomicon" written on it in black letters.
"As you might remember, the Draconomicon is bound in the scales of its writer and therefore absolutely fireproof. And I do not entrust personal gifts to anypony but my family and my most faithful student!" Celestia explained. "So I decided to Drop In (TM)..." she let out a short giggle after the trademark; "and hand it over to you."
"But I already tried! I can't read the language it is written in," Twilight explained.
"Do not worry, Twilight," Celestia answered "I have faith in you."
The book hovered over to Twilight, who took it into her own levitation. It was heavy! Not physically heavy, though. It was just an average-sized book, not even very thick. But the scales of a dragon felt slippery to magic. Their inherit resistance to basically anything did not stop with the arcane arts. It was one of the reasons why Twilight always practiced with Spike. If she could perform a magical spell on him, she could perform it on anypony. Twilight herself hadn't realized it yet, but the fact that she could levitate Spike was yet another testimony to her enormous magical potential.
"As happy as it made me to see you again, Twilight, I can't spend more time with you for now. My guards are very protective. Thanks to Luna's new spell, I can slip out for a few minutes at a time, but my sister forbid if they find out. It seems that they fear that I might get attacked by a falling apple or rammed by a stray butterfly..." Celestia explained with a wink.
"Oh, those are dangerous!" Pinkie exclaimed. "They lure you into a false sense of security as caterpillars and then: BAMM! Dig a hole in front of your house and call it a construction site!"
In her eternal wisdom, the goddess of the sun ignored the element of laughter yet again.
"Oh, and the name of the dragoness was Adalania. At least when I last heard of her."
"Last heard of her?" Twilight asked in confusion.
"Dragons tend to change their names ever so often. Usually they add some syllables, forget parts or demand that ponies pronounce it differently. Their vanity does not end with praise," Celestia explained. "And she will be here in four days. She should come from the south, so expect her during noon. Having the sun in her back makes her entrance more dramatic. A vice we share."
Twilight smiled and put the book on her back. It was simply too hard to keep it afloat.
"Before you ask: she is not related to Spike in any way. And it should take her at least two decades before she reaches full maturity. In pony years that would put her in her early twenties. But don't point it out to her. We... long-living beings don't enjoy being reminded of our age."
"I say!" Applejack stated. "Granny locked up all of her documents so we don't find out how long she's been around!"
"Now, I must go," the princess stated as she spread her wings. "Have a pleasant day, my little ponies."
Twilight looked at Celestia sadly and moved in to accept a farewell embrace.
"Oh, and please send me the ball gag back as soon as possible, Twilight!" Celestia whispered to Twilight in the midst of their embrace. "Not that I use it without you... but it is such a nice memory."
With these words, Celestia disappeared, leaving a very shocked Twilight.
"He has the BALL GAAAAAAG!" erupted from the unicorn and she disappeared in a flash as well.
"What just happened, Pinkie?" Applejack asked, wondering where the two horned ponies had disappeared to.
"Your brother left the door to the shed with the cider press open!" Pinkie stated, having lost interest several minutes ago. She was currently looking somewhere else. "OHH... push that press! No wonder the mayor likes him!"
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 8 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-14T19:11:07+00:00
|
2011-10-14T19:11:07+00:00
| 3,694 |
My Little pony belongs to Hasbro. I ran out of clever things to do with that information... maybe in the next chapter.
At the library:
Freeing Rainbow Dash from the ropes that held her in a spread-eagle position was the easy part, as Rarity found out.
Trying to stomach that Spike knew how to fix ropes, counterweights, and a small catapult so a pony that tried to open the window would end up gagged, bound and helpless? That was the hard part.
"So, let me get that straight," Rainbow started, now free and briefed by Rarity, "Spike was so panicked, he ran to the library just to set up a perimeter of increasingly dangerous traps, starting with ropes and gags at the windows and finishing with falling anvils in the basement?"
"I guess that is the only explanation," Rarity admitted. "I triggered a few of his traps myself. Please don't be mad at him. He was so miserable! Let's all have a nice cup of tea and repress any memories of this incident."
Rainbow nodded as the unicorn turned to the kitchen.
"Spike, did you get the sugar?"
"Yes, Rarity! Everything is ready," Spike answered and emerged from the kitchen. He was silenced by a loud explosion.
Rarity turned to the source of the noise, and her jaw dropped.
In the middle of the library was one of the four horses of the apocalypse! She was certain. She didn't know which one, but there was no doubt. They were supposed to wield a bow, a sword, scales, a scythe... but no book. Maybe they added a new member after this one applied for number five. It fit in very well!
Out of a circle of flames stomped a pale unicorn, its mane and tail completely made from raging flames. Its flank was bare, and no sign of mercy could be seen in its crimson eyes.
Rarity was in shock instantly, silently praying that Celestia, Luna or anyone would send this abomination back to the fiery pits of brimstone it crawled out of. She allowed one of her eyes to roll in Rainbow Dash's direction, but even the courageous mare next to her was frozen in terror.
The entity stepped towards them, leaving scorched hoofmarks in the floor. It looked around for a second and spoke... in Twilight's voice?
"Where is the ball gag?"
A loud crashing sound informed them that the library was in need of a new tea service.
Rarity forced herself to point towards the table, where she had left the object in question on a hoofkerchief.
The blazing pony turned towards the table. A crimson glow surrounded the small leather and plastic gag. It floated away, passed Spike and entered the kitchen. The sound of running water could be heard for a short while. Then it returned, being dried by a piece of cloth. An envelope appeared out of nowhere and the gag was placed inside. It floated towards Spike.
"SEND IT!" the brimstone mare demanded, still using the voice of Rarity's dear friend.
It wasn't Spike who followed the order. If his fire would grow cooler when he was scared or nervous, he would be breathing ice right now. The order went right to his fire glands, which decided to ignore the dragon's mental status and follow.
The fiery mare took a breath and without warning, Twilight manifested in her place. She still looked very angry, but it was truly Twilight.
"What was that?" Rainbow asked, the brave pony being the first to speak again.
"That was a very, VERY personal item that somepony PUT! IN! THEIR! MOUTH!" Twilight yelled.
"But... isn't that the whole purpo—"
"NOT OF THIS BALL GAG! This is my gag! The one Princess Celestia gave to me!" Twilight interrupted Rarity.
Both the weather Pegasus and the fashion mare looked at Twilight in shocked confusion.
"It was on my third day in the school for gifted unicorns," Twilight explained, her voice still tense and sharp "I was getting used to the regular classes, but on that day, I had my first class with the Princess. I expected other students with us, but we were all alone!" The unicorn stressed every single syllable of the following words: "JUST THE PRINCESS AND ME!"
She continued, slightly less aggressive: "I was nervous! VERY nervous! So nervous that I couldn't even lift my quill without shaking and my teeth clattered during the whole lesson. It was so bad that I couldn't understand a word she said! The princess interrupted after a few minutes and told me to go and rest! I cried through my whole five minute break! Later, she sat down with me and put the gag on the table. She said that this gag would be our punishment.My punishment for not being able to calm my nerves and keep still! And her punishment for not being able to make me feel comfortable. Until she could, she would not hear her newest student talk to her. And she stressed how much she regretted that!
"I HAD NEVER FELT MORE APPRECIATED IN MY ENTIRE LIFE THAN AT THAT MOMENT!
"We never had to use the gag. A few months later, the princess seemed nervous about a speech she had to hold during a conference in Horsetria. Something big and political that might lead to trade embargos and whatnot. When I saw her so nervous, I summoned the ball gag and told her that it was her turn now! She laughed!
"The gag was on her table during the whole first semester, a constant reminder that the princess appreciated my words and that I could always talk openly to her. It was our first private and genuine joke and we would pass it whenever the other had to face some issue!
"I was too young to know what they were usually used for and now that I know, I don't care! This is a very personal and dear memento and NOT SUPPOSED TO BE PUT IN SOMEPONY'S MOUTH!"
Twilight gave the trio another dangerous look. "Any questions?"
Three heads were shaken.
"Rainbow, I assume the sky-team knows?"
Rainbow Dash nodded.
"Then go get some rest!"
Twilight's horn glowed again and the teapot reformed in a glow of magic.
"You all can enjoy some tea with Spike!"
Rarity nodded.
"Spike, take care of our guests! I'll be upstairs, trying to decipher this book here. No distractions!" she finally ordered and went upstairs.
The others looked after her.
"Not only did she beat me running, she is also scarier than me..." Rainbow muttered with a pout and went for the kitchen.
"How about we get some tea now, Spike?" Rarity asked, trying to shake the shock.
"Sorry, I think I'm too scared to move..." Spike answered, still holding the teapot.
"You tell me! Did you see how her eyes clashed with her mane?"
In that moment, the door flew open.
"Gals! Twilight turned pyrocorn again! We came here as... as possible!" Applejack announced as she and Pinkie entered the room.
"You mean 'as fast as possible?'" Rarity asked.
"I know what I said!"
Earlier:
"We have to get to the library!"
"Yes, AJ. But why are we doing so in a very slow trot?"
"Because I don't want to run into Twilight while she is still in full 'fire and brimstone' mode. It was scary enough when she did that after Froggy Bottom Bog."
"Oh, yeah! When we dealt with that Hydra!"
"Hm? Oh, right... There was a Hydra, too."
"Anyway... Spike, I think we need some more tea. Could you be a dear?" Rarity asked with a big serving of sugar in her voice.
Spike nodded and as the dragon reached the door, the unicorn waved the other ponies closer.
"I know that it isn't the foremost topic in all of our minds, but I think we should consider Spike's feelings," Rarity whispered, as the other ponies formed a circle.
"I can understand that he envies Big Mac. All guys would, but he has to be realistic. He is still growing up!"
"I don't think that's what she meant, Pinkie!" Applejack interrupted.
"But that's what the foremost thingie in my mind is!" the party pony explained.
"That comes as a bit of a surprise..." Rainbow Dash admitted. "I didn't know you had an eye on him."
"Oh, I don't! But anypony can appreciate that much muscle in one..."
"Can we please stop talking about my brother?"
"I tell you, with an anatomic map, you could name every single..."
"RARITY! Stop her!"
"I was talking about the dragon," Rarity explained. "Spike is a mess and he deserves a break. Let's just avoid our future guest."
"And Big Mac!" Applejack added.
"I think we should find a new topic..." Rainbow Dash sighed.
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 9 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-15T18:45:37+00:00
|
2011-10-15T18:45:37+00:00
| 3,173 |
My Little Pony is owned by Hasbro, not me.
This !FAN!fic is edited by the extremely awesome and talented Alicia Jewel!
„Grounded? That seems a bit odd for a divine punishment." Rarity said in surprise.
Rainbow Dash and herself were being briefed on Celestia's sudden appearance while explaining themselves what exactly caused Twilight's outburst. Applejack was trying to follow everything, while Pinkie was scribbling plans on a piece of paper, she found.
Not than anypony but Pinkie could possibly follow her trail of thought. Nor did she actually follow the plans. At least not all the time and not to the word. It was more some kind of a ritual for her. That was what gave her parties their distinct feel: They were conceived, prepared and executed by and through complete chaos. Anypony could organize a party. Pinkie threw everything in one place, ripped a few things away and allowed the results to bloom. Like a Franz Kafka version of Zen-gardening. Just without the torture machines. That was one of the reasons why Rainbow Dash always supported her in every way. She had seen what Pinkie's connection to the heart of chaos could do to her. And she did not want Mr. Turner to return ever again.
Currently she was busy listening to Applejack, while shoving more paper and pencils to the party pony.
"I guess the jokes about her sending people to the moon villy-nilly did get a bit out of hand." Applejack answered "And Twi really didn't want to join us?"
Rarity shook her head. "She was really angry. And it is a completely new book. You know her… studies first."
In this moment, Spike returned to the quartet. He had been upstairs, bringing his boss some tea and few grass brownies.
"Sorry about that, guys." He said, having heard Rarity's comment "But she is trying to research four different sourcebooks at once. I'll go fill my junior assistant in for the night. Then I keep you company."
"Wait… is Twi making any progress with the book?" Applejack asked.
"She hasn't even opened it yet." Spike grimaced. He had become distracted by his chores. Bringing Twilight food and taking care of four guests had taken his mind off the near future. That and the fact that there was still a slight chance that everyone left before Rarity. Not very likely, but a dragon can dream, darn it!
Spike had just left for the main hall, as the ponies heard a knock on the backdoor that led into the kitchen. Rainbow Dash reacted by racing to the door and opened it. In trotted a yellow Pegasus with pink hair and a huge purple scarf around her neck.
"Hello, everyone!" Fluttershy said… loud and clearly?
"Fluttershy!" Rarity exclaimed and rushed over to her. "Darling! I was so worried about you!"
Fluttershy smiled brightly at her, even though Rarity could swear that something was wrong. That scarf did NOT fit the season at all! And that shade of purple did not go well with Fluttershy's hair! Oh, and she knocked loudly on the BACK-door, spoke up when greeting them and had been forming the word "HELP" over and over with her lips. But darn it, that scarf was hideous!
With a quick yank of her head, Rarity removed the scarf and revealed… Angel!
The little bunny had been hiding partially in the scarf and partially in Fluttershy's hair. He had a bandana around his head and held a sharpened carrot to Fluttershy's neck.
An Exclamation mark appeared above Rarity's head and the rabbit jumped off and hid behind the teapot.
Rarity looked up. "Oh… forgot to deactivate the Fashion offense spell." She discarded the scarf and looked at Fluttershy in puzzlement.
"I'm so sorry, Rarity! I just felt something sharp against my neck and then someone writing pictures on my neck! I was so scared! He told me to come here!" Fluttershy wailed very silently and turned to angel "And you, angel! You snuck up on me and held me hostage, just so you could take me here so I could…" she looked around "relax and have fun with my friends!"
"YOU FIEND!" Pinkie yelled.
The diabolic bunny grinned maliciously, took a few swings with his carrot and finally returned it to its sheath (his mouth).
"I'm glad you are all right!" Rarity said finally "I was worried about you. Come, have a seat and some tea. We were just talking about…"
"Twilight?" Spike offered "She is upstairs researching like a crazypony."
"I understand that she doesn't want to take part in a social event." Fluttershy admitted.
"I doubt that she would be able to with a new book. And from the princess nonetheless. In Canterlot, that usually ended with her moving into our favourite doughnut place and living off coffee and sugar for several days." Spike licked his lips while his eyes rolled up in memories "Good times..."
Applejack had been eyeing Rarity for the last few moments and finally asked. "You even have a spell to remind you to be fussy?"
"The third spell, I ever learned!" Rarity stressed "Right after tracking gemstones and removing itches from places a lady cannot touch in public."
"There are spells to scratch your own haunch?"
"Of course there are... even though a lady should not talk about those." Rarity answered with a bit of indignity.
"What is Twilight studying?" Fluttershy asked into the group, trying to prevent another Rarity-Applejack confrontation.
"Good question..." Spike added "She didn't even ask me to bring her any reference books. And why did she have to –decipher- it?"
"Oh! It's probably just..." Rainbow started.
"A manual!" Applejack added.
"About how to make the most fabulous and manifique..." Rarity tried to continue.
"WELCOME PARTY IN EQUESTRIA!" Pinkie finished "That was fun! Let's do another one! I pack into my suitcase..."
"A welcome party?" Spike asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, silly. You have to continue my sentence. And you can't pack a welcome party in your suitcase. Unless you have a very big suitcase. Or you welcome your socks! Speaking of socks! Have you noticed how much ponies seem to like them nowadays?"
"For whom are you throwing a welcome party?" Spike inquired, not intimidated by Pinkie's randomness.
"PRINCESS CELESTIA!" Rainbow blurted. "Since she can now..."
"Drop in anytime..." Applejack added
"We have to have a compact party on standby!" Rarity finished.
"Oh, why do you play without me?" Pinkie asked with a sad face.
Spike looked each of the three ponies in turn. His eyes gazed upon Rarity biting her lips, Applejack giving him the most forced grin in Equestria and Rainbow developing a sudden interest in the ceiling. "You three are acting really suspicious. Why do you finish each other's sentences?" he inquired,
"Because they are mean and won't let me play!"
"I don't think that this is the reason, Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy consoled the pink pony.
It was at this moment that the front door opened very silently and twelve little hoofs clopped through the main hall of the library. Luckily for them, the nocturnal assistant was currently taking care of Twilight, the traps were disarmed and the trapper was trying to catch some answers.
"What are you three hiding?" Spike pushed.
"It's..." Rarity started
"For Prince Blueblood!" Rainbow quickly added.
All eyes were on her. At the same time, Rarity's cheek muscles lost all tension. THE NAME!
"We didn't want to say his name, since he was so terrible at the Gala and Rarity is still traumatized. But he is royalty and stuff, so we have to make a welcome party." Rainbow explained.
"Oh, please!" Spike answered "As if Rarity was still so miffed about that lo... Rarity?"
The unicorn was staring right through any object between her and the end of the universe. Her mouth hung open and her lungs seemed to run on minimal power.
"You really didn't need to break Rarity for the sake of argument..." Spike muttered in defeat.
"Oh my... she is in shock!" Fluttershy examined, walking around the frozen unicorn and probing her with her hoof. "The last time I had seen her like this was when Lotus at the spa gave her the minor makeover instead of the usual."
"She froze in terror over not being... fussed around enough?" Applejack asked with a grunt.
"How can a great ruler like Celestia have a nephew like... that?" Rainbow asked with a sigh.
"They are not related." Pinkie answered.
"How do you know?" Applejack asked in surprise.
"I sent her a letter, asking this exact question." Pinkie responded with a grin "Just that I used longer and more honest words. And drew a very detailed picture of him being drenched in Cake... right next to a hive of fire-ants."
"So... how does this work then?"
"The princess never had any kids, but she adopted several on occation. That's how all the noble families got into existence." Pinkie announced happily "Then she wrote something about his family turning into big separatists and deciding to keep their line pure and having children only with each other. But I still couldn't figure out what exactly she meant with -inbred beyond repair-."
"But it is still difficult to believe that his name alone can have this much of a reaction on her."
"Oh, Applejack, you have to understand how much of an impact he made on her. He did destroy every fillyhood fantasy about the handsome prince finding her, she ever had." Fluttershy explained, without leaving Rarity's side. "It was even worse for her than it was for me."
Without anyone truly noticing, Angel's left ear twitched once.
"I mean, I only wanted to see some pretty flowers and befriend some animals." Flutershy started, and quickly added "Really rare animals that I had never seen. And they didn't like me."She sighed "I would have liked them all. Loved them all, in fact. But they didn't love me... and then I did some horrible things!" A tear formed in the Pegasus' eye "I tried to set up traps and hunted them like a monster! A monster... a terrible, terrible..."
Time seemed to stop for a second, as Angel bunny jumped in front of Fluttershy.
The silence that followed the backpawed slap he gave her was deafening.
Now everypony plus one dragon were in shock.
Fluttershy dropped her gaze as angels paws formed signs. Signs he had formed many times before. They ended with something that seemed like a demand.
Fluttershy started to mumble, just to be silenced by the same gesture again.
Her voice slowly rose and she started, very quietly again, only for Angel to demand again.
Finally Fluttershy swallowed and started: "Those animals have never met anypony but their keeper and Princess Celestia. They are not used to company and would have been afraid of anypony. I shouldn't blame this on myself. I have many friends who love me."
Angel nodded very slowly. Then his paw extended and gently padded Fluttershy's muzzle.
Fluttershy nodded too and looked around, seeing all the frozen visages. "Oh... too loud?"
Alternate Title: MOVE, Mare, out of the way!
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 10 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-17T18:26:07+00:00
|
2011-10-17T18:26:07+00:00
| 2,729 |
My little Pony belongs to Hasbro
*Warning* The following is a humorous take on MLP. NOT a serious look at underlining relationships or anything. It is not to be taken seriously at all costs. So don't pull a Rarity and just roll with it! *Warning*
Finally, the great day had arrived! Spirits were high, flags were flying, and banners were ready. Twilight was nervously standing besides the mayor, who readied herself behind her lectern, waiting for Celestia's sphere to rise to its zenith.
Finally, a huge shadow appeared on the ground, and an enormous blue and grey dragoness landed in the centre of Ponyville. The mayor wanted to start her greeting, but the dragoness growled.
"YOU HAVE MISSPELLED MY NAME!"
She pointed at one smaller banner. "Welcome to Ponyville, Adalan!"
Carrot Top! When would she learn to write smaller?
"THIS MINOR OVERSIGHT ENRAGES ME! I DEMAND A SACRIFICE!"
"You heard the dragoness!" the mayor yelled. "Who is the oldest and fairest virgin?"
Several dozen hoofs pointed at Twilight. The unicorn was stiff in shock, yet she could swear she heard Spike wailing "Rarity! NO!" somewhere.
"Sorry, Twilight. Need of the many and all!" The mayor announced and clapped her hoofs. Several strong stallions grabbed the student of friendship and dragged her to a post with shackles that had appeared out of nowhere. Just like the innocent yet revealing white dress she was suddenly wearing.
Twilight was shackled to the post as the dragoness closed in on her, hunger and evil in her eyes.
"Help!" the shackled pony yelled. "Help! I don't want to be eaten!"
"NOBODY CAN HELP YOU NOW!"
"I can!"
"WHO DARES?"
"Princess Celestia!" Twilight cheered as a well known form dropped out of the sky in front of her.
"I shall rescue you, my most faithful and attractive student!" the princess announced, wearing heavy, golden armour and shin guards. Her tiara was replaced with a heavy crow-helmet combination. "Prepare to taste my MIND BULLETS!"
Celestia's horn lit up with magic, and small rainbow spheres shot from it and hit the dragon. The monster dramatically grabbed its chest. "OH NO, I AM UNDONE!"
It fell over, landing right next to Twilight and Celestia, who freed her student.
"Now, let us see who the dragoness truly is!" the god-princess of ponydom announced. The head of the monster glowed in telepathic magic and was pulled off!
"The great and powerful Trixie!" the whole place said in unison.
"It was her plan to dress up as the dragon and capture you, my smart and sexy student!" Celestia explained. "Then she would force you to work as her stage hand, manager and sensual massage mare."
"And the great and powerful Trixie would have gotten away with it too, if it wasn't for you meddling ponies and your owl!"
"Hoo!"
"Now that you are safe, my well organized and flexible Twilight, why don't we go somewhere private and you help me out of this armour?" Celestia asked, nuzzling her student gently.
Synthesizer music started to play.
Twilight rolled over on her pillow and giggled lightly. She was deeply asleep. Spike, on the other hand, was already working. After he woke up, he had found Twilight on the floor with her head in a book, snoring lightly. As usual, he had put a blanket on her back and manoeuvred her head on a pillow. He was quite good at doing that without waking her up. He had a lot of practice, after all.
Twilight was a very special pony. Spike had always known that and she was also the only pony he knew who turned reading into... well... an unhealthy addiction.
Spike had heard of alcoholics leaving bottles littered around the floor or adrenaline junkies jumping at everything that might hurt them. Twilight was, as he understood it, a libroholic. She needed knowledge in the way others needed gems or approval or a nice glance at Rarity's flank... erm... water!
When they were still in Canterlot, he sometimes worried that he would find her skeleton in the library, still hunched over a book or would run into her selling bookmarks in back allies for a quick glance at an original copy of something.
Now, even with her friends to keep what was left of her sanity intact, she could end up spending an entire weekend locked in the library, draining knowledge from the volumes.
It was always the same process: "Spike, I tell you, this is so interesting! Did you know that (random topic)! I need to find a cross reference! Fetch me (5 book form different authors) about (a somewhat similar topic)!
Twilight would then start a pyramid of research, usually ending at about 60 books, reports, and papers.
During that time, Spike would do his best to keep her hydrated, force some food down her throat, and finally command his junior assistant to put her to bed. He was pretty sure that Celestia saw in him the only way to keep Twilight from killing herself with those leather-bound dangers.
But he was proud of his work and seeing her curled up like that, so innocent and cute, dreaming about having tea and cookies with the princess (he had heard her whisper "whipped cream" and "Celestia" in her sleep once) was worth it!
He was just finishing his last chore for the early noon: fixing the burned floorboards in the main library. Luckily the hoofprints were just on the surface, so he didn't replace the tiles; instead, he simply turned them and put a sock on the hammer so he wouldn't wake his boss up. Pony socks were sturdy. They had to be put over a hoof, after all.
Just when he finished his work, an explosion surprised him. It came from above! The young dragon turned and ran up the stairs.
"Twilight?" he yelled as he reached the top.
Twilight groggily opened her eyes and looked around. Every book in the room was floating in circles around her. Some of them were bigger than others, and a few circled each other, making it a very unique solar system with Twilight's horn in the middle.
"I had a sleep-spell." Twilight sighed and shook her head. That dream had just started to get...
"Great!" Spike muttered and went to fetch the dip net he kept for these occasions. Twilight was stuck in the middle of the books and had to wait until Spike was done. Sleep-spells were not weird among unicorns. When a dream got very intense, they sometimes unconsciously cast small spells. They usually knocked over their alarm clocks, moved the bed for one or two centimetres or, if you were Twilight Sparkle, element of magic, you punched holes into the laws of physics and space.
"Oh! Spike! While you are at it, could you bring me the collected psychological works of Sattlemund Freud? It's the one in the elliptic, 14° tilted orbit. I have to read up on something," she requested quietly.
Spike obeyed.
"No! That one was 20° and had a parabolic... It's the big, brown one with the picture of a banana on it!"
The little dragon brought Twilight the book and continued to catch and reorganize the small cosmos as Twilight read the chapters on dream analyzing.
About an hour later:
Spike had left to put on some breakfast for Twilight as she finished her read.
"I see! Since I idolize Princess Celestia as my strong mentor, my subconscious replaces the heroic male part in my dreams with her. And due to the fact that I am not in any romantic relationship, my head turns current events into these rather cheap romantic dreams," Twilight explained to herself happily. She flipped some pages.
"And the scientific and professional term for the cure is: getting myself nailed!"
The unicorn's eyebrows rose. "Again?" She sighed and dropped her shoulders. "I waste a fortune on horseshoes here and it never works!"
"Dandelion on toast and some coffee for our sleepy-horn!" Spike announced happily and opened the door. "Just in case you were wondering, the others left at about ten. Rarity had to be carried by Applejack. Fluttershy got kidnapped by a bunny, showed up, and was then slapped by said bunny. So... you are trying to figure out what is wrong with Prince Blueblood?" The dragon pointed at the psychological work.
"About 20 generation of married siblings," Twilight answered, raising her eyebrow. "No! Why would I research that creep? This was... for a side project!"
"Oh! Then what is that book you got from the princess..." Spike started and looked at the table, where the book lay. "THE DRACONOMICON! You are researching... you are..." Fear shone in his eyes, but only for a second. It was replaced with something that burned hotter and darker than any fire. "WELCOME PARTY!"
Twilight was present minded enough to surround Spike with a bubble of magic. She ground her teeth in concentration as green flames assaulted the inside of the bubble. Luckily, it was rare for Spike to throw a tantrum. They were getting more and more difficult to contain.
The unicorn panted slightly as the smoke filled the bubble cleared and dispelled it.
"Spike, no fire in..." she remembered the letters. "No fire but controlled..." she looked at her still slightly singed mane. "Only I am allowed to burn in anger in here!" Twilight stated a little sourer than she wanted. "I understand that this annoys you and goes against you as a dragon, but I can't and won't let your ego get in the way of this visit going good! I don't want to be sacrificed and then saved by Celestia in the last second! I'm not ready for this kind of relationship yet! And not with this hair!"
"WHAT?" Spike asked, now more confused than angry.
"Now go downstairs and get some bits out of the jar. You'll need to buy some gemstones for the time you'll spend in hiding!"
"But—" Spike began.
"It's going to be a girl!" Twilight interrupted.
Without a comment, the little dragon disappeared downstairs.
As she munched on her toast, her mood was sour, her mane was a little burnt, and worst of all: she had no idea what to do with that book on the table. Ponyville held no data on draconic literature.
After finishing breakfast, Twilight trotted towards her bed and pulled one of her pillows down. She let out a small bit of her frustration on the innocent feathers inside and rested on it. Finally, she levitated the book in front of her and set it on the floor. It was still incredibly slippery and heavy.
"Well... if the princess insists..." Twilight muttered and opened it.
Her eyes went wide.
The letters were exactly as she remembered them. Like small flames dancing on the parchment, slightly shifting and flickering, yet not burning it. They didn't come out, but burned as a film of alcohol would: flat and distinct. But the weirdest part was that she understood it!
Not that she could name a single word; she justknewwhat the sentences meant.
"How..." she wondered, but shook her head. "I will ask the princess later."
With that said, the unicorn started at the beginning.
The first page was a devotement:
To my dearest friends Princess Celestia of Equestria, Lady of the Sun and Princess Luna of Equestria, Lady of the Moon!
May your wisdom be your wings, your wit be your horns and your kindness your strength!
May your wings never tire; your horns never dull and your strength never fade!
Your friend
Twilight could not understand the next word and certainly not pronounce it. But she assumed it was a name. It alone filled two pages.
"I assumed that a dragon wrote the book. But I didn't know that Celestia had friends amongst them. Then again... this book is at least a thousand years old... He probably passed away a long time ago." Twilight said out loud and levitated some paper, ink, and a quill to her side. She wanted to take notes on the important parts.
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 11 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
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teen
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2011-10-18T21:56:11+00:00
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2011-10-18T21:56:11+00:00
| 3,019 |
Chapter 11: Chapter 10: Below the surface
MLP:FIM belongs to Hasbro.
This episode features Pony Cena, played by John Cena.
Twilight was surprised by her own reaction. Never, truly NEVER would she expect herself to feel the way she just did. How could she, the pony hungriest for knowledge in the school for gifted unicorns, possibly think that she just received TOO MUCH INFORMATION?
This was the downside of the draconic language: she couldn't read parts of a sentence. The whole thing formed inside of her head while her eyes followed the dancing flames.
And now she had reached a very long and very, very detailed description of... well, she was playing with the thought of asking Rarity to move somewhere cooler... maybe that one comet she had seen during the shower. The one that wouldn't pass Equestria for the next 4 billion years.
There was a knock on the door. Rather thankful, the unicorn left the gently burning tome and went downstairs.
As she opened the door, she found Rarity and Applejack carrying some trolleys with Spike's favourite gems and apple-based treats.
"Rarity and I have supplies here, Twi!" Applejack explained. "The little guy is at the gem cutter."
"Yeah, he is probably sweeping the floor," Twilight said as she let the two others in. "He uses the diamond dust to flavour his breakfast milk or as sprinkles on cookies."
"Not the ones he makes for us, I hope!" Rarity answered.
"No, he is very careful about that," Twilight explained, leading them towards the basement. "I ate one of his stash once. He and the princess called me Dental Sparkle for two weeks."
Applejack let out a giggle that Rarity suppressed.
"Oh, Spike's trapping did some good. I knew there was a lot of unused space down here, but I wanted to keep my instruments ready," Twilight said happily.
"Say, Twi, do you really need all these things?" Applejack asked, helping Rarity to get the carts downstairs. "It kinda looks like some evil lab down here."
"There is nothing evil about science!" Twilight said angrily, turning around. "It's just silly comics and TV that give us good scientists a bad name! Now, there is some free space next to the skull-drill. And watch out for the dissection table! I ordered the scalpels by sharpness."
While they unloaded, Rarity asked, "Have you found some interesting facts about dragons that I can use in my speech? I thought I should start with her eyes—nobody can resist that kind of compliment—and then go on about her scales, and how well they go together. I was thinking about complimenting her figure, but I don't really have any clues on what is a dragon's ideal of beauty, so I guess I should just go with colours and general aesthetic until you gave me a quick briefing."
"I just hope that she can take the fussiness," Applejack muttered.
"I'm not that far yet," Twilight admitted. "The book had no index page. But I'm working my way through it. On a completely unrelated note, do you have any chastity belts?"
"Goodness, NO! Those completely ruin the haunchline! All the metal is impossible to contain in an elegant dress!" Rarity wailed. "Those truly WERE barbaric times!"
"Just asking..." Twilight stated quietly. She turned to Applejack, knowing that any more attention would incline Rarity to start a rant about medieval fashion. "How is everypony else doing?"
"Big Mac mentioned that the mayor announced the arrival of the dragon in the afternoon... and that she seemed quite tense. But I doubt that he got that impression from the speech. Now all the times he was requesting funds, showing the historic sights of the farm, and… all that makes way too much sense! Oh, and Pinkie showed up and got herself two of my farmhoofs for some party preparations. I think she also had that catapult Rainbow used that one time."
"From what I could tell on the way here, the preparations have just started," Rarity added.
"There is still enough time left…" Twilight tried to comfort herself. "Oh, how is Fluttershy doing?"
"After yesterday, probably a little better. That bunny friend of hers really knows what she needs. Even if he is a bit creepy in the execution department…" Applejack said. "You have a job for her?"
"I would like her and Spike to stay in the same basement," Twilight answered. "That way we have our secret weapon and our communication line to the princess in the same place."
"Oh, like only one of us needs to survive to get the message here!" Applejack said with a forced giggle.
"Basically..." Twilight admitted and turned to go. "Could you guys go get Fluttershy when you are done? Then I'll go and have a talk with the mayor over the details of the party."
"Couldn't you just teleport to Fluttershy's place? This might still take a little while," Rarity explained, busy ordering the gems in a nice pattern.
"Why do I always forget that I can do that?" Twilight asked herself and vanished.
"Well, it would take a lot of the fun out of our adventures..." Applejack stated and turned to Rarity. "Do you really have to make an apple fritter stairway to the gems?"
Fluttershy's cottage, basement:
It was an honest mistake of Twilight to materialize inside Fluttershy's cottage. She knew that the pegasus would be in her basement, so materializing there made sense. But she really didn't expect to see what she saw. Nothing could prepare her for this. Fluttershy sat in front of her TV, taking busily notes. It was the program that scared Twilight:
"AT WRANGLEMANIA, I will not need your tricks, Buck Wagon! The spirits of the warhorses give me the power to ride into the sunset! SCRONK! FOR I AM THE ULTIMATE WARHORSE!" a stallion in the TV screamed at the camera.
"Let me tell you something, brother: The Buckamaniacs will unite and power my pile driver and banish you to the moon! Twice!" another stallion, sporting an impossible beard and a bandana on his head, yelled back.
"WOOO!" came the next.
"Fluttershy?" Twilight interrupted.
The pegasus spun around, blushing furiously. "Twilight! I didn't hear you come in!" She tried to grab the remote, but Twilight waved her off.
"Professional wrestling?" Twilight asked awkwardly. "I wasn't aware that you liked that..."
"Oh... I actually don't... at least not much..." Fluttershy muttered. "But Rainbow said that I needed to be more assertive... and these ponies are very assertive."
"But they don't talk like real ponies! It's all silly and fake."
"I AM NOT WHINING! I AM COMPLAINING! THIS IS WHINING: Why does Buck wear such a cheap harness? Doesn't he know this is HD-TV?" Pony Cena announced.
"No comment..." Twilight muttered. "Anyhow... I was thinking about your... plans. Maybe it would be better if you shared the library's basement with Spike so you and our wire to the princess would be in the same place."
Fluttershy nodded. "If you think so, Twilight. I'll just inform Angel. He has been so helpful."
The pegasus walked over to the door to the first floor and knocked five times. The lower half of the door flipped open and revealed a white bunny with a pot on his head. He was also shouldering a squirt gun with a carrot-bayonet.
"Twilight and I think it will be better if I stay at the library," she explained. "Please hold the line here."
The bunny saluted and turned around.
As she left the basement with Fluttershy, Twilight saw Angel give orders to the other critters in the ever-lively cottage. She was never sure how to classify the little bunny. Beneath the innocent look was a mind that she had yet to comprehend. Only two things were certain about him: He was on Fluttershy's side and he was on nobody else's.
As they left the front door behind them, Twilight had to ask: "Say, Fluttershy, has Angel always been so... helpful?"
"Oh, yes, Twilight!" Fluttershy answered happily. "Ever since I counted him after he was born, he has been nothing but very helpful to me! Even though he did turn a bit more... helpful, ever since he saw... the movie..."
"The movie?" Twilight asked in confusion. "What movie?"
"The... horrible... disgusting... terrible... horrible... bunny movie..."
"You said horrible twice."
"I know. It was so horrible, I expected Pinkie to pop up and sing a song about how horrible it was!"
"That horrible?"
Fluttershy nodded.
"Then... why did you watch it with him in the first place?"
"Because it had such a deceiving cover had good reviews in the newspaper..." Fluttershy admitted.
"What was it called?"
"Watership Down."
Back at the cottage:
Angel was done instructing the other animals. The change of plans was annoying, but no real hindrance. A squadron of birds was ready to keep an eye on the sky and the snakes were ready to infiltrate the library and keep their tongues on the happenings there (since that was their dominant sense).
The small bunny climbed the stairs, a few birds saluting him, and walked to the closet. He wanted some private time before the operation started. The bunny bowed and opened the small compartment in the back of the closet. As he approached the shrine he quietly created under Fluttershy's nose, he could not help but smile. His beloved, but very naïve, prophetess would show him the way. He would be her servant for all his life. In death, he already had a different master... right, Black Bunny of Inlé?
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 12 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-30T01:41:47+00:00
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2011-10-30T01:41:47+00:00
| 4,119 |
Since my Beta-reader is currently unavailable and I'll be busy over the next week, I have to appologise for this pre-edit version of the fic. It will be updated, so either wait with reading, or try to overlook the raw version for now.
Also: I have to thank all my commentators for not pointing out that we have reached chapter 11 without any new dragon arriving yet! That is partially due to the fact that I don't like writing OCs. But she is on her way! I promise!
Two mares, paragons of harmony and cooperation were currently locking their gazes in a terrible battle of wills. It started right after Rarity commented that the pies were a little too dark. Applejack had answered that she put some more cinnamon into the dough, since Spike liked them like this. Now it was either lightening up the pies, so they would go with blue, or removing them from the little diorama, Rarity had constructed.
“Why don’t you just put them back in the bag?”
“Because then it looks too cold! We need a warmer colour in this! Otherwise the sapphires dominate it!” Rarity wailed “Have you lost your colour vision?”
“No, I can still tell Granny Smith from Golden Delicious!”
“That is hardly proving anything! Your grandmother is at least 40 years older than your cousin!”
“I meant the apples!”
“Yes, that’s what your family IS called.”
“I meant the... what in tarnation are you doing now?”
“Well, since the pies won’t work, we have to cover them!”
“Stop sticking your gemstones in my pies!”
Applejack lunged forwards and grabbed the pastries from the fashionista. Again, their tempers were flaring. They looked into each other’s eyes and Applejack let out a slight growl. If glares could kill, two dead ponies would be littering the basement floor right now.
She is ruining my pies!
She is ruining my efforts!
I would garrotte her if I had my lasso!
I would strangle her if I had thumbs!
Kiss her Applejack, you idiot!
Kiss me Applejack, you idiot!
Suddenly a machine exploded. The fight was quickly forgotten, as the two mares hugged each other in fright. They quickly let go of each other and looked towards the weird apparatus that was little more than smoking remains. Sadly the label was burned beyond recognition.
“I am pretty sure this was not our fault!” Applejack said “But in any case, we should probably get out of this basement! These Machines scare me!”
“It does go against good Feng-Shui.” Rarity admitted “I guess I can call it a lost cause and leave Twilight the card of my interior decorator.”
“Don’t you do that yourself?”
“I may want to explore new career options, yes.”
“So... fussing over how other ponies live?”
“I would welcome it, if you could call it differently.”
Suddenly the door opened and two mares entered the basement.
“Hello you two.” Twilight said with a smile while Fluttershy waved quietly.
“Hey there, girls!” Applejack answered.
“Hey! What happened to the sexual tension meter?” Twilight suddenly asked, seeing the smoking device in the corner “My poor prototype!”
“Why would you have... something like that?” Applejack asked quickly.
“I built it!” Twilight answered “I wanted to prove to the princess that you can quantify everything with science. Sadly I never had a chance to think of a unit...”
“Then... How exactly did that thing work?”
“With SCIENCE, of course.”
“Anyhow... since Fluttershy is here now, what is the plan?” Rarity intervened.
“Well, Fluttershy will wait for Spike and turn this into a perfect hideout. Applejack, you will go back to Sweet Apple Acres and prepare, in case we need apples for Pinkie Pie or as weapons! Rarity, you help with decorating the town for now. Once I have enough data, I will be in touch.” Twilight explained “I will go see the mayor. Later, I’ll continue studying the book. Any questions?”
“Actually, I have one, Twilight.” Applejack admitted with a bit of hesitance.
“Sure, AJ. Ask right away!”
“Do you really think that this is going to work?”
“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, tilting her head slightly.
“You know... this whole plan... hiding Spike, throwing a party, trying to deceive the dragoness... this whole think kinda begs to go haywire.” Applejack admitted “I mean... this just asks for some shenanigans, like me trying to lie to the dragon or Snips and Snails slipping up. Not to forget my sister and her merry band.”
“Come on, Applejack!” Twilight tried to sound secure “My plans usually work!”
“Actually, Twilight.” Rarity intervened “Your plan A usually fails in some comedic fashion. It’s your plan B or our combined effort or improvisation that usually saves the day.”
“Or Pinkie Pie...” Fluttershy added quietly.
“Girls!” Twilight finally wailed “Do you really think that I don’t know that? Heck, I expect her first words after landing to be “Now where is the little purple one that walked into the green ones cave?”! But we have to try! For Spike! If this dragoness finds and questions him, he’ll lose all credibility as a dragon!”
“So... basically we have to watch this train wreck unfold?” Applejack said quietly.
“Basically...” Twilight admitted “Now let’s get on with the plan and keep smiling! We can at least go down while we follow my plan!”
The other ponies nodded and after a few moments, Flutterhshy was the only one left in the basement. Besides the snakes that were taking position within the walls, of course.
Just as the Pegasus was done removing the remains of the exploded machine, Spike returned with two big bags on his shoulders.
“Hi, Fluttershy.” He said his mouth full of what appeared to be fluorspar “What are you doing down here?”
“Hello, Spike. Twilight said that I should help you turn the basement into a hideout and then move in with you.”
“I see...” Spike answered, while climbing down the stairs. He set the two bags aside and started to help Fluttershy with getting the scariest machines out of the way.
“I hope you won’t mind being down here with me too much.” Spike suddenly stated after an hour of quiet work. They usually didn’t have much to talk about, with Fluttershy already knowing the story of Spikes whole entire life.
“Why, of course not, Spike!” Fluttershy answered “Why would I?”
“Because... well... I know that you have a bit of a thing against dragons.”
“Oh, but not against you, Spike! I’m just afraid of the giant, enormous, sharp scaled...”
“I get it!”
“You are just too cute to be scared of.” Fluttershy added happily “And I don’t think that I will ever be scared of you! Even once you are fully grown!.”
Spike bit his lip for a second and smiled to himself. “I know you won’t... you will never see me fully grown up after all.”
Fluttershy stopped her work for a moment and turned to Spike. She was about to say something when the little dragon intervened.
“None of you will... All of you girls will be long gone before I even grow my wings.” A sad smile formed on his lips “So I really won’t have to worry about you ever being afraid of me.”
“Spike, I...”
“It’s ok. The princess taught me how to deal with having a long life. Her being immortal and all. You just have to enjoy the moments you have with those you love and...”
“And seal them in your memory. Even if it stings a little at night, just before you fall asleep.” Fluttershy finished.
Spike looked at the Pegasus in surprise.
“I... I do know how you feel, Spike.” The mare explained “Ever since I found my talent, I have been working with the animals... my friends, who lead much shorter lives than I do. I not only count the new *born* bunnies. And I can still remember when I first counted Angels mother, after she was born. I saw many eggs hatch. And I dealt with many of them... going before me. All I could do was make their time worth it. Share...”
“Whatever you had, knowing that even if they will go, you had an impact on them.” Spike added a picture of a peacefully sleeping Twilight passing his mind “A short life isn’t less valuable than a long one. And seeing them happy, makes yours so much more worth living!”
Fluttershy nodded quietly and gave Spike a big hug, which he returned.
"I'll keep you all alive... in my memory." The little dragon whispered and Fluttershy nodded.
After parting and a few more minutes of cleaning up, the two started to share a few memories. The best way of keeping those who passed alive.
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 13 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-21T08:57:53+00:00
|
2011-11-21T08:57:53+00:00
| 3,429 |
“No, Rainbow Dash! I cannot and will not permit this!”
“But Mayor Mare! What better way is there to distract the dragon from looking down into the basement than filling the sky with an awesome Sonic Rainboom?” Rainbow asked in a honeyed voice.
“Miss Dash, your first Sonic Rainboom was visible in half of Equestria, and your second was even bigger! I understand that you have to gain the speed by flying downwards, so it can only happen close to the ground! Releasing that much energy in proximity to Ponyville equals a disaster! Broken windows everywhere! The damage would be terrible,” the mayor explained.
“But the Princess is paying for the whole event!”
“That doesn’t mean that we can burn down the town!”
“I wouldn’t burn it down. Just... shake it up a bit!”
“Massage it into the ground is what I would call it.”
“So... that’s a maybe?”
“NO! No Sonic Rainboom! I want regular, good weather and maybe a few conventional tricks, if Ms. Sparkle and Pinkie deem them appropriate!”
Dash was about to start another barrage of pleading, begging, and possible bribes just as Twilight entered the mayor’s office.
“Oh, there you are, Twilight,” the mare in office said. “Could you please inform Miss Dash about her duties? And how they do not include Sonic Rainbooms!”
“Dash?” Twilight asked with a bit of surprise.
“Come on, Twi! What better advertisement for me than a dragon stating my awesomeness? My hoofs are already bound to go down in their history. Now I just have to add my wings! What better way to impress the Wonderbolts than this?”
“Is there a single thing in your life that is not focused around joining the Wonderbolts?” Twilight sighed.
Dash tilted her head. Very old and rusty gears seemed to turn inside of her head. “I think pulling pranks with Pinkie doesn’t further that goal...” she said after a while. “But why waste my life on Non-Wonderbolt related stuff?”
“Anyhow, the mayor is right. We can ask the dragoness if she wants to see your routine, but a Sonic Rainboom would be really counterproductive,” Twilight explained.
“Great!” the pegasus moaned. “Two ‘bad news’ moments and it’s not even time for my late noon nap!”
Twilight gave the mayor an apologetic look and shoved Rainbow out of the office. She really didn’t feel like piling on more trouble, but if Rainbow had a problem, she would help her.
“What is it Dash?” Twilight asked carefully, closing the office door behind her.
“Oh... I just got this stupid mail,” the pegasus explained as she grabbed an envelope from her saddle bags. “They rejected me, again!”
“Oh... Rainbow, I didn’t...” Twilight started, but decided to read the letter before trying to console her friend.
Dear Rainbow Dash
We, the Wonderbolts, are honoured that you have applied for a position within our team. Sadly we have to inform you that, by decree of Princess Celestia of Equestria, foal protection act §11. 3 you are not within the age margin for high risk stunt work.
All your efforts to join will be noted, but please remain patient, until...
“YOU’RE TWO YEARS TOO YOUNG?” Twilight yelled.
“Pah, they always send me that excuse!” Rainbow countered. “As if there was such a silly rule.”
“Of course there is! That’s also why we are also not allowed to join the guard yet! Heck, I expected you had some defect or were just afraid of officially joining. But you’re just... how can anypony be this impatient?”
“Hello! Rainbow Dash!”
“Right... Loyalty and bravery... not patience.”
“Bored now, can we do something else?”
“Or attention span...” Twilight sighed in defeat. No wonder she was best friends with Pinkie. “As I said, regular stunt work is fine. But no Rainbooms! If you blow the library away, the dragoness will see Spike!”
“I think you might want to reorganize your priorities, Miss Sparkle,” chimed a calm voice behind the door.
Twilight sighed. “Go and see if you can help Pinkie. Please.”
Dash saluted in her usual manner and left.
Twilight entered the lion’s den. The mayor was an interesting mare. Ponyville was her first priority and she ruled it with a calm and soft hoof. Feats of loyalty towards the community got rewarded and she always had the right words to motivate the inhabitants. But right now, she seemed... different. Currently she was giving Twilight the patented “hoofs together just below the lips and right over the edge of the glasses” stare. How Twilight envied ponies with glasses! They could do so many great things with them!
“Is there something you have forgotten to tell me?” The mayor asked calmly.
“As it seems, we will have to hide Spike in the library and completely deny his presence in Ponyville!” Twilight explained. “Order from the Princess!”
“Spike is a well known member of the community, Twilight. Hiding him might prove a little difficult.”
Twilight forced a small laugh.
“Ms. Sparkle... how old do you think I am?”
Twilight’s eyes turned to the size of saucers. Her mouth opened, but no word left it.
“Not that old, I can proudly say. I already had a grey mane when I was born. But I have seen my share of issues in this town. I have held this position for almost half my life, you know. Say, Miss Sparkle, do you know what an election is?”
Twilight nodded.
“I also assume that you know how the mayor of a small community, like ours, is chosen?”
“Wait, you were elected?” Twilight suddenly stammered. What a weird way to run a town!
“Yes, I have earned this job through actions and decisions. Not by having the ‘ruler’ cutie mark and not by birth. I got elected. And every two years, I have to face my voters and see if I did well.”
Twilight was slightly confused out by the concept. Politically, Canterlot was such a simple place. You had nobility and commoners on the one hoof and Princess Celestia, who ran the place basically by herself, on the other.
“To make this clear: For several years, I didn’t even have any enemies. Ponies thought that my work was so good that they wanted me to keep doing it. That changed three years ago: for the first time in almost a decade, I had to fight hard during an election! And don’t get me wrong, Miss Sparkle, I do not want to get re-elected just because I crave power or because my ego needs the stroking. I just saw the alternative! And I refuse to allow Ponyville to be turned into the chaos capital of Equestria!”
Twilight swallowed. Who could possibly be such a bad choice? And who would vote for them?
“Who...?” she asked carefully.
“Think for a moment! Who has the most friends, knows almost everypony, is loved by...”
“NO, not...!”
“YES! It’s either me or her! I would give my life to protect this town! And Miss Sparkle, if Ponyville goes down in flames OR if you cost me the next election, which would have basically the same result, I’ll make sure you do so too! Understand?”
Twilight swallowed. “Yes, ma’am!”
“Good. Now be a dear and do what you do best. And don’t forget this conversation!”
The purple mare nodded and trotted out the door, trying not to shiver too hard. She tried to imagine Pinkie Pie in this office. It involved burning houses and an enormous, government founded Robot-Ninja-Dragon made from cupcake dough, tearing the remains apart.
The mayor spun around in her chair and waited for a few minutes. Then she burst into laughter. Some ponies needed a different kind of rallying...
- - -
Twilight had made up her mind. She would fake her own death, go into hiding and live as a travelling book sales pony on the run. Even if she got robbed on a daily basis and ate things she found on the ground, it couldn’t be any more stressful than her life in Ponyville was!
“NO! I can’t do that! Spike is relying on me!” she said to herself and swallowed. What would Princess Celestia tell me in a situation like this?
The hard face of her mentor and teacher appeared inside her head: “Twilight, if you don’t keep up that insane degree of diligence and borderline OCD, I will personally punish you! And not in the way you sometimes dream of! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
“NOOOOOO!” the purple mare suddenly wailed.
“Fine! Then you don’t like my roses!” a disappointed Roseluck said, turning to change the perfect bouquet behind her.
Twilight had walked right into the preparations. Awkwardly, she moved on. “Princess Celestia is your teacher and cares about you! She would never say something like that!” the nervous mare told herself.
Celestia appeared in her mind again: “Twilight, you are my most faithful student and I only give you such difficult tasks because I know that you can succeed where others would fail. So don’t disappoint me, or I will kick you out of school and turn you into my personal slave! And not like in that other dream of yours! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
I have issues... Twilight decided and blocked out any other mental images of her beloved teacher. She decided to turn her attention to the preparations. Maybe the act of turning every pony around her into a cog in her machinery would take her mind off her impending doom.
- - -
~Meanwhile in Canterlot~
“That still doesn’t explain why I have to hold every speech before the school! We are both headmistresses now,” the sun princess demanded to know.
“I will not take any more apprentices!” Luna stressed. “Remember Star Swirl? He got so nervous around me that it ended with him putting bells all over his clothes, so he would find the parts of his body I would turn invisible for fun!”
“You never turned anything of him invisible.”
“I know that! His fantasy got the best of him! If I were you, I would watch out for your student, too!”
“I am grateful for the suggestion, but I know Twilight and there is no reason to worry!” Celestia smiled. Even though she hated lying to Luna…
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 14 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-04T01:44:33+00:00
|
2011-12-04T01:44:33+00:00
| 2,513 |
MLP belongs to Hasbro!
-
Twilight had about enough! She had spent the entire day running around taking care of things, trying to help, and then being threatened by the “elected” ruler. And as she finally got home, she didn’t even have the time to read the blasted Draconomicon! Luckily she had no time to be mad about this development because she fell asleep three steps from her bed.
The next morning was only slightly better. The unicorn awoke to a loud knocking on her door. With a full (and still slightly singed) bed-head, she opened the door, to find a rather huge package. Just as she had planned! Ponyville’s mail was great as usual! At least as long as they were not dropping their load on her…
Quickly she got to work on the ordered goods. This would only take a short time...
After half an hour of work and spellcasting, Twilight descended to the basement. She made the mistake of not knocking and was not prepared to see what she saw. As she reached the lower level, a combination of shock, awkwardness and maybe even a hint of jealousy poisoned her rather happy mood.
“Oh... hello, Twilight.” Spike greeted her with a huge blush on his face, while slightly hiding behind Fluttershy’s hair. “Didn’t expect you up so early...”
Twilight’s eyes turned into slits and anger filled her voice. “Is this what it looks like?!”
The little dragon grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of his head. Fluttershy and he were already sweaty from what they had been doing, but now, cold sweat was added. Both had a very sheepish grin on their faces.
“Kinda...” he said very carefully. “Look, we got bored down here and thought that we needed some sort of outlet for the stress and fear...”
“And you couldn’t wait for your birthday any longer, could you?” the unicorn added rather angrily.
Fluttershy was wearing one of Twilight’s older saddles and a pair of reins (but with no bit gag). Spike was sitting on Fluttershy’s back, bearing a rolling pin and wearing a pot on his head. A small, well stitched doll that had a certain similarity to a white unicorn sat in one of the bookshelves, guarded by a ferocious predator of the night. Even Owloicious had joined in Spikes roleplaying!
“I always wanted to try out a flying mount...” Spike admitted.
“I’m a noble steed!” Fluttershy said happily.
“I see...” Twilight grumbled. “Well, I hope you enjoy your flight! Seems as if the magical unicorn wasn’t good enough! And don’t expect to be rescuing fair lady Smarty Pants this year!”
“Twilight, wait, I just... you are a great mount!” Spike said quickly.
“I AM AN EPIC MOUNT!” the unicorn yelled.
Spike sighed. The heroes in his comics never had to deal with moody steeds.
“Anyhow! I have brought you THIS!” the lavender mare announced and floated two huge globes towards the pair.
“Did you steal those from Cheerilee?” Spike asked instantly. “I hate to break it to you, sister, but disco is so dead, eve...”
“SPIKE! I’m not in the mood for your clever quips!”
“Sorry...” Spike apologised.
“These are not disco balls!” Twilight said, as she hovered one of the two-head-sized globes over to the two. They were covered with small mirrors, had a metal rod to stand on or be hung from the ceiling. But otherwise they were NOT disco globes! Only Celestia knows why Spike could have gotten that idea! (Since she was probably the only pony who remembers when disco was alive.)
“These are little mirrors that I stuck to a foam ball.” Twilight explained.
“So... they are disco globes?” Fluttershy probed.
“NO, they are Visco globes!” the unicorn retorted. “VIS as is vision and CO as in coordinated! I put a see-in-spell on all the mirrors on this globe and a see-out-spell on all mirrors of the other!”
“A what, now?” Spike asked.
“A spell that unicorns sometimes use to have a visual connection to one another. You put it on two mirrors and all the light that hits the in-mirror won’t be reflected, but transferred to the other mirror!” she explained.
“How would that help?” the dragon asked, scratching the back of his head with the rolling pin.
“Just you see!” Twilight grinned and let a small spark fly on the globe.
One of them turned black.
She did the same to the other ball.
The globe stopped to reflect and started to show. Spike could see himself from the side, Twilight looking at it and Fluttershy jumping away and hiding in a closet. The picture was a bit rough, but Twi had apparently cut the mirrors very small to make it less fuzzy.
“OH, I see! The one is like a round camera and the other is like a round TV!” Spike finally giggled.
“Without a second of delay!” Twilight added proudly. “I’ll put one of them next to the lightning rod and the other stays here. The library is one of the tallest trees in Ponyville, so you can see everything. In case something goes haywire, you’ll just send a message to the princess.”
“That is a great idea Twilight!” said Fluttershy, muffled by a closet door.
“Can you put the globe on top of the library, Fluttershy?” Twilight asked. “Right next to the lightning rod so it will look like an instrument to measure the weather. Spike and I will make breakfast.”
“What a wonderful idea, I’ll get to it right away!” the pegasus responded as she lifted the globe.
“Fluttershy, the black one!”
“But that one is scary!”
“So do you want it to stay down here?”
As the sound of the slamming door faded, Spike looked at Twilight.
“That was a tad mean...”
“I’ll apologise to her over breakfast, but it would be very bad if we put a broadcast of you on top of the library.”
“I guess you are right.”
“Just imagine how that would inflate your ego.”
“Very funny...”
While bantering, both could see half of the other globe to be covered by vanilla coloured fur on one half and the library’s outside on the other half. Suddenly the patch of fur got smaller and revealed Fluttershy as a whole, while the ground got bigger.
Twilight was about to curse, as Fluttershy caught the globe in the last second and heaved it back up.
“Butterhoofs, much?” the unicorn mumbled.
“She was probably startled by something,” Spike defended.
“She is always startled by something! Something harmless...”
Spike swallowed. He didn’t want to tell Twilight Fluttershy’s story of “the stalker.” So he simply suggested getting breakfast ready.
Meanwhile, Fluttershy was done with fixing the globe and wiped the mirrors clean, where she had touched them. Humming happily, she descended towards the library door. All of a sudden, she thought that she saw something around her leg. Too scared to look down completely, she tried to make it go away by ignoring it. But it didn’t leave!
“The stalker!” went through her head. With a quick leap, she jumped into the library and closed to door behind her.
He was gone.
But as soon as she passed the window, he was in front of her.
Fluttershy let out a yelp and jumped behind a lectern.
“Fluttershy? That’s your shadow!” said a rather confused Twilight, who had been watching from the kitchen.
“I know! He just won’t leave me alone!”
Unwilling to go into this realm of insanity (her own was bad enough) Twilight turned and helped Spike to finish the breakfast preparation.
Finally, they all sat down to eat. Spike had a bowl of cereal and a geode for later. Twilight and Fluttershy were busy with two bowls of hot porridge. They refused to call it differently, ever since they had that conversation with Pinkie.
“Say... Twilight?” Fluttershy asked after a short while. “Who is Smarty Pants?”
“Here we go...” mumbled Spike quietly.
“Oh! You don’t know her?” Twilight asked back. “The best business idea in the history of dolls! A hoof stitched doll with pants on that comes with its own notebook and a quill! So you can pretend that she is doing homework! Or that she is writing an exam! That, my dear is the ultimate gift to a young pony!”
“Sounds... nice?”
“She is more than just nice! I will never understand why the toymaker went bankrupt after only two hours... I played with mine constantly!”
-Canterlot: Several years ago-
It was a long day for the stallion and he had earned his wage and some rest. As he entered the living room of their humble home, he was greeted by his loving mare. After a welcome kiss and a passionate embrace, they talked about their days. Finally, a certain topic popped up.
“So, darling, what is our daughter doing?”
“She is upstairs, pretending that her doll is tardy with an assignment. She went through two notebooks of pretended work.”
“What exactly have we done wrong?”
“I’m still trying to figure that out myself!”
-Ponyville: Present-
Twilight had fished her propaganda speech about the wonders of her Smarty Pants doll and everyone had finished their breakfast. While Spike was doing the dishes, Fluttershy went to grab some more supplies for their hiding hole.
Now the purple unicorn ascended the stairs to finally get some more knowledge from the book… and maybe pretend that Smarty Pants was taking notes!
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 15 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2011-12-11T21:45:02+00:00
|
2011-12-11T21:45:02+00:00
| 2,860 |
She had been reading the book for four hours now and Twilight had to admit one thing: She was confused.
Dragons were completely different from ponies. She had figured that much out by living with one. But what was written in this book completely baffled her.
First: They were basically indestructible. As absolute omnivores, a dragon could live off dirt and morning dew. They just needed something that contained magical energy. And in a land like Equestria, such matter was not a rare thing. Gemstones usually contained more magical energy (which was why they were used for wands, magical swords or the Elements of Harmony), so it was no wonder that they preferred them.
Even their eggs did little else than drain the surrounding area of magic. Twilight finally understood why a dragon egg was used in the entry exam. She was never meant to hatch it, just to throw as much magic as possible at it and see if it reacted (usually by shifting position slightly). The picture was just a way to motivate or de-motivate, depending on the pony.
And seeing how thick their scales were, how strong their muscles and teeth… Abandoning their newborns didn’t seem as cruel when the newborns were dangerous from the first moment.
Second: Dragons had probably the weirdest magic imaginable. The magic Twilight was familiar with, unicorn magic, was a magic of manipulation and subtle changes (it was easy to levitate objects or make it brighter; creating things or changing their nature was very hard). Dragons with mastery of their abilities could basically reshape themselves in any way they wanted. This magic was restrained to their bodies, but limitless in this territory.
She could remember the green one, growing spikes on his tail that were longer than the tail was thick or hardening his entire finger into a solid claw. That also explained how Spike could extend his tongue as much as he sometimes did (usually when it involved cake frosting or gems).
Third: The language barrier was back. Half of the book was sadly illegible. While the first chapters about basic anatomy and dragon magic instantly formed inside Twilight’s head once she looked at the letters, the description of their lifecycle was only halfway legible and the rest simply remained a mish-mash of weird, burning letters.
All she could find out was that Spike would grow his wings in about 150 years. Apparently, it was a very painful process and comparable to finding your cutie mark. (The fact that nothing could make a dragon’s wings appear before their time, not the painful part… at least for most ponies.) It marked the end of their Baby or “wyrmling” time and began their puberty.
Sadly for Twilight, she could read the following part. Apparently, dragons were sexually active long before their puberty began, which gave Spike’s romantic quests a rather uncomfortable aftertaste. Puberty only marked the beginning of their fertility. The worst part was the fact that a male dragon had written this book... which made this chapter an itemization of his romantic quests and victories. And she could not skip those parts without losing too much information. A part of her wished that Rarity would fall in love with a line of chastity belts or Hazmat suits.
The only solid information she could find was that Adalana was around 750 years old. And that the writer was really full of himself...
Twilight closed the book and sighed. All she could do now was tell Rarity to throw praise and hope it would stick.
“Well, it works for spaghetti!” the unicorn muttered and got up.
There were exactly 24 hours left and she had a celebration to organize!
-23 hours later-
Twilight triple-checked to make sure everything was going according to plan. Sure, everypony was on time and working.
Applejack and her family provided most of the resources from their farm.
Rainbow helped with weather (10 seconds flat), catering, and everything that needed transport and speed.
Pinkie was doing her usual great job with her party-cannon, her celebration-repeater and the fête-heavy-support-rifle.
Rarity overlooked the finishing touches and was currently writing her speech. Luckily Twilight didn’t need to reveal Spike’s habit of bubble baths the length of Germanian operas to get her to understand draconic vanity.
As the enormous roll of paper levitated towards her dresser, Twilight wondered if she should start using pencils... erasing things might save some paper. But then again, “Quills and Sofas” was expanding the shop. At least it was good for the economy! (Not so much for the ecology... 12 acres of forest, just for one month of Twilight’s checklists!)
The unicorn swallowed once and left the library.
“Let the train wreck begin!” she muttered.
-
At the same time, on the outskirts of Ponyville, a blue mare with a light cyan mane strutted over the dirt roads. They had destroyed her home, humiliated her and driven her off! Now she would return and wreak havoc on them all! Now she would destroy that sexy... erm... pathetic unicorn and her silly friends!
The great and powerful Trixie would have her revenge!
Suddenly the sun disappeared. Trixie looked up. An enormous beast had blocked it for a few moments. As the sunshine returned, Trixie’s gaze followed the monstrosity. It headed towards Ponyville. She could see it land there!
“The great and powerful Trixie is not impressed by this... thing!” the mare proclaimed to the surrounding landscape. “But they have also wronged me in... Appleloosa! Or Trottingham! I’ll go take vengeance on them first!”
She turned and left the pitiable village to the dragon’s whims.
-
Twilight stood next to the mayor and Rarity in front of the city hall. The others had painted a huge bull’s eye on the ground, so the dragon knew where to land.
Nightmare Night seemed harmless compared to this spectacle. Streamers, balloons, food stands and even a ferries wheel had been erected to make this a spectacle to behold.
Hot sweat was on Twilight’s face as Rainbow Dash announced the arrival, and soon enough, she could see her.
The dragoness was... impressive.
Her scales shone in a beamless silver, while the belly line was almost white. Her spikes and brow-scales had a darker grey tone, like carbonized steel.
Generally, she looked like a pillar of mat silver and steel with two enormous wings on her back. And though her palette was light, there was not a stain of dirt on her. The only imperfection was a scar beneath her neck, where the shoulder started.
Twilight didn’t want to imagine where it came from and rather looked for the differences to the other dragons she had encountered:
This dragon was a little smaller and leaner. She was still bigger than sugar cube corner and unlike the other dragons Twilight could not see an ounce of fat on her. Her head was slightly rounder than the red dragon’s was, but her spikes were as sharp as they got, giving her a saw blade like look.
The unicorn could only compare them to cats. While Spike was a bit like Opal, who could be dangerous, even though she didn’t seem like it at first, this one was a mangy street cat. Thin, muscled and dangerous.
-
Beneath the library, Spike could make her out clearly on the Visco-Globe. There she was. The reason he had to hide like a criminal. His love, Rarity, would praise her for simply appearing. And poor Fluttershy was shivering, all because of HER!
The little dragon grinded his teeth and said the only thing he could right now: “WOW, she is HOT!”
Fluttershy looked at him in puzzlement. “Don’t you have a crush on Rarity?”
“Rarity is a paragon of beauty!” Spike answered proudly. “Her beauty shines from a beautiful heart and a soul, purer than any diamond could ever be! But that dragon is just... hot!”
-
Meanwhile the dragoness stood tall on the bull’s eye, slowly folded her wings, and looked at them through gunmetal grey eyes. First at Twilight, Rarity and finally the mayor, who stood at the podium.
“Honoured guest!” The mayor broke the silence. “As the mayor of Ponyville, I am very happy to greet you in our humble village! We have announced the day of your arrival to be a day of celebration and hope that you enjoy your stay in this fair village! Here with me are Twilight Sparkle, the personal student of Princess Celestia, who will tend to your needs and Rarity, our local fashion expert, who will welcome you in the traditional Canterlot style. Now, I will give the stage to her. Have a wonderful stay and please enjoy yourself.”
Rarity levitated her notes in front of herself and took centre stage.
She was just about to start, when the dragoness suddenly intervened.
“So...” she started with a cold voice, folding her front arms. “You think that you can appease me with this obvious attempt to make me feel special? Fly in the best celebrity you find, turn my arrival into a carnival and tell everyone to have a good time, just so I am more inclined to behave? This is a very obvious and manipulative attempt to get on my good side, I have to say!”
With the last syllable and a loud SHING, one of her fingers extended into a long claw.
The word silence does not begin to describe what followed. It was as if the air simply refused to carry sound. There was no wind, no insects, nothing.
Twilight didn’t feel the eyes of the mayor burning into her back. And even if had felt them, she wouldn’t have cared. Twilight felt her body dying of fear. She couldn’t hear her heart beat, her lungs didn’t fill themselves and she was sure that her neural system was shutting down as well.
And it was wonderful! She could experience death in the way every scientist wished they could: completely aware and thinking! She would leave this world with knowledge that was in no book! Happily, she accepted the embrace of the pale horse.
Meanwhile, the dragoness slowly lowered herself into a prone position and extended her arm. Coldly she stabbed and brought the punctured caramel apple to her mouth. It disappeared and left a grin on her face.
“What a nice idea! I like it when towns do their homework! You may continue to stroke my ego!” she said with satisfaction.
Rarity exhaled in relief, Twilight felt life returning and somewhere in a basement, Spike was able to CPR Fluttershy back into this world.
The troubles had begun!
|
Davesknd
|
1431
| 16 |
Angel,Cutie Mark Crusaders,Main 6,Original Character,Spike,Comedy,Random,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Draconic Troubles
|
A Dragon will stay in Ponyville for a while. And it wont be Spike! The future will be stressful!
|
hiatus
| 53 | 2 |
<p>Twilight and Spike are sent a message from Princess Celestia, stating that a dragon will be staying in Ponyville. Spike has to go into hiding, Twilight has to organize the arrival and the others have to cope with the usual insanity. Oh... and the crusaders are doing their thing. Do I smell doom?</p>
|
teen
|
2012-03-04T15:53:48+00:00
|
2012-03-04T15:53:48+00:00
| 2,112 |
Twilight had known Spike for all his life. She had seen him hatch, grow and turn into the fine young dragon that he was now. And she knew that he loved the praise he got. But he was literally centuries away from what the silver monstrosity was doing right now.
Rarity had just started to point out the natural beauty of her scales—just mentioned the nice silver tone—and the dragoness was already engulfed. As Rarity went on, it became worse!
This was not basking in compliments. This was soaking in praise, drinking it up and… Twilight officially ran out of metaphors at this point.
While Rarity was talking, the dragoness was tracing her scales or spikes, depending on what Rarity was currently talking about. Sometimes a pleased grin would appear on her face or she would shift, as to give Rarity a new angle to look at and praise.
This was borderline obscene! Twilight was getting worried about foals watching.
Spike, on the other claw, had quite the show in the library’s basement. Fluttershy, ever the naïve mare, simply wondered why he was complaining about not having a camera around. And the drooling!
“Spike, are you all right?” she finally asked.
“I’M NOT UNDRESSING HER WITH THE POWER OF MY MIND!”
“But she’s already naked.”
At this point, Fluttershy had to administer CPR.
Meanwhile, Rarity was done with the first ten minutes and was getting desperate. There was a lot of dragon in front of her, but not much ground to cover from a praising point of view. Beside the basic aesthetics, she had no idea of dragon ideals of beauty or what they regarded as majestic. Sure, they were majestic compared to ponies (or to most other creatures), but what were their deeper ideals?
Rarity silently cursed herself for not being shallower.
“That should be sufficient for the moment!”
Rarity stopped dead in her tracks.
The dragoness’s voice was almost velvet and very silent for a being of her size. Not at all like the roaring of the red one.
“You may praise me a little more at a later time,” she said with a grin, stroking her spikes one last time. “Maybe after we talked a little and I gave you some more material.”
Rarity somehow managed to hide her shock. Was this thing psychic?
Twilight, on the other hoof, finally understood. And this understanding truly scared her. The lavender mare was not easily scared. She had dealt with a manticore, charged a hydra, and even defied a vengeful goddess. This dragon was not scary because she was big, strong or wild. Unlike a hydra, this was not a hazard that could be easily outsmarted or a clearly evil enemy.
This being was 750 years old. When she was born, the mare in the moon had been there for only two generations. Only Celestia knew how many ponies, zebras, or other beings she had met. And with this need for praise, she had not avoided socializing.
This is why they are so terrifying! Twilight thought. They’re not just powerful: they’re cunning and sly, as well! All of that muscle and mass is backed up by years upon years of experience. Spike is half my age and he is already as smart as a grown pony. How many of his lifetimes has she already seen?
“Now, I think we should address the logistics of my stay!”
Twilight looked up.
“I intend to remain here for two weeks,” the dragoness informed calmly. “You will not have to canter to my physical needs. I have arranged the necessities. But I will, of course, accept any gift given freely. And I intent to take a short nap for the last four days. So if your weather team could ensure that a place around here stays dry for that time, I would be very grateful.”
“Excuse me!” Twilight spoke up. “But wouldn’t the snoring produce a lot of smoke?”
“I am a lady, Miss Sparkle!”
Twilight tilted her head in confusion.
Behind her, Rarity let out a frustrated hiss.
Ever so subtly, Twilight turned around and looked at her in puzzlement.
Rarity sighed in resignation: “Ladies do not snore!”
Twilight went red, earning a very soft laugh from the dragoness.
“And Miss Mayor!”
Now the beige mare with the grey hair looked up.
“This is for your efforts.”
The dragoness extended her left claw, the one she had kept closed until now, over to the podium. For just a moment, Twilight saw something strange in her face, a slight tensing and hardening of her features. As if something was holding her back. Finally, as her face relaxed, the claw opened, dropping a battered chest. It sprung open on contact with the ground and revealed a new retirement home, new benches in every classroom, and a new main road in different coins.
“But Princess Celestia is already covering any expenses,” the mayor stammered after a second of shock.
“I know…” the dragon simply stated. “Think of it as a tip.”
“That is very generous!” the mayor replied. Somewhere a cash register could be heard.
“Indeed...” the silver beast agreed. Her eyes rolled towards Rarity for a second, as if to remind her to take some mental notes. Not that she needed any reminding. “Now, let us get this party going!” the dragoness announced and turned towards the food stand, ordering a few treats.
Twilight, however, was trying to figure out what exactly was happening around her. Giving away a part of her hoard? That was very suspicious!
“EXCUUUUUUSE ME!” a familiar voice interfered, before the dragoness could start eating.
Adalana looked downwards and spotted a very pink pony.
“Miss Dragon!” Pinkie called. “Yesterday, when I prepared this party, I thought to myself: Pinkie, I thought, why aren’t doorframes edible? When you lose your key, you could just eat the frame and get in without damaging the door! That is an issue that has to be addressed! But then, when I was about to write an angry letter to the door frame company, I remembered that you couldn’t even pass through doors, since we are all small Pony-wonies and you are such an enourmy-wormy! So I had the idea of preparing an indoor game for your outside! If you could follow me to the lake over there, you can play as well!”
The dragoness raised her brow-scales curiously. “How considerate. Why don’t you lead the way?”
“EVERYPONY CAN EITHER STAY OR COME TO WATCH!” Pinkie announced in a very Canterlot-esque way and started bouncing ahead.
As the “enourmy-wormy” started to follow Pinkie, Twilight turned to Rarity.
“Rarity, you did so great! I would have never imagined this to happen and you remained composed through all of it!”
“Yes, Twilight, it was surprising and a bit scary. Can you imagine this? I almost started to cry when it started!”
“Hard to foresee this, wasn’t it?”
“Yes! I mean… SILVER? That is so… modest! Gold I could praise for hours! Hay, even copper! But silver? That’s something you use to highlight darker colours, not cover yourself in! Really, this poor dragoness has to live with a worse fashion offense than poor Zecora! What would… Twilight? Where are you going?”
Twilight followed right after the dragoness, mumbling to herself about Rarity’s priorities. Only a few other ponies were coming along. Apparently they were worried about the possibility of the dragon eating all the food upon return (some were all too familiar with Spike).
At a small lake, just outside of Ponyville, Pinkie stopped and turned around with a grin on her face. The lake was more like a big pond, but clean and probably deep. Strange objects with the average size of a huge beach ball drifted on the surface.
“You see, we catapulted several treats into the lake. Now you can bob for them, just like the others can for apples!”
Twilight let out a deep sigh of relief. This seemed rather safe!
“What a cute idea,” the dragoness admitted. “May I ask what treats?”
“No. Pinkie secret! I can’t ruin the surprise.”
Adalana gave Pinkie a smile, much to Twilight’s relief and let herself down on all four again. Careful not to slip, the huge reptile bent over and bobbed. She retreated with a full mouth and started to chew.
“A bundle of apples with… cinnamon filling? That’s hearth warming’s eve all over again!” she announced happily. “What a nice play!”
“Bob again! Bob again!” Pinkie demanded.
And so she did.
“That one is… cherries and bananas?”
“Right again!”
Twilight relaxed again. Pinkie had outdone herself. This truly was a cute idea to involve the dragon in their activities and win her over. And there was no way to see it in any manipulative way. Pinkie was much too enthusiastic about it, waiting happily for every guess and commenting eagerly.
Sure, there was nothing that could possibly go… Klonk.
Twilight looked up as she heard the sound of metal.
NO!
BOOOOOOOOOM!
Where? Where? Where had Pinkie found a drifting mine?
Pinkie was laughing tears at the view of the huge and silver dragoness’s head and shoulders being covered in black soot. As she opened her eyes, the dragon seemed to look even funnier, now two huge white saucers in a big blackened face that was still slightly smoking.
Twilight had to admit that it was kind of funny.
Just like reading a very amusing joke that was written on the front of an incoming train.
|
kari
|
1432
| 1 |
Angel,Big Macintosh,Braeburn,Cheerilee,Cutie Mark Crusaders,DJ P0N-3,Derpy Hooves,Discord,Doctor Whooves,Gummy,Main 6,Mayor Mare,Octavia,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Magic Gear
|
Tales of suspence, action, snkeaking, espionage, and magic to bring it all together!
|
incomplete
| 15 | 7 |
<p>"War is no reason to end a friendship..."</p><p>Equestria, now torn into factions, each relying on tactics and sneaking agents in a constant war, is not what it used to be. There used to be flowers, peace, and the friendship all ponies shared amongst one another, but that was gone too, after individual areas began to want independence and tried to break off. In an attempt to create the perfect squad, the Harmony Operation was enacted so that they one day could restore peace to this forsaken land that was once so perfect and serene. These are the adventures of the mane six characters and their mission to restore Equestria, all the while meeting new and old friends alike.</p>
|
teen
|
2012-01-05T02:30:03+00:00
|
2012-01-05T02:30:03+00:00
| 1,497 |
Prologue
By:FeralTwilight
Twilight Sparkle has been a sneaking agent for the past few years under the guidance of her teacher and the ruler of New Equestria, and Equestria before that. Although Twilight Sparkle has an unmatched record for her skills without failing a single mission, Celestia has seen that her isolation from other agents and refusing help from others is not a good sign of things to come. When Twilight was first born, she was brought to a chamber hidden under the streets of Canterlot amidst the sewers and infrastructure beneath the massive city, along with five other newly born fillies to take part in Operation Harmony, A plan thoughtup by Celestia should Equestria be in need of a new hope to bring them through dark times and possibly even the end to what she had upheld for many years. As the ruler of New Equestria, Celestia spent many a year thinking of a possible solution to the problems she and her citizens faced during these hard and saddening times. One night she was hit with a spark of inspiration and decided to take the now stone Element of Harmonies that once protected the land with their magic, and made them into a serum that would make the person injected exhibit the respective properties of their Element of Harmony. Once this was finished she undertook a search for pure souls, those of newly born foal's that contained no impurities in them. Throughout this search, she came across many a candidate, but through the remaining traces of the elements' powers that remained within her, she found only the true wielders of the elements and brought them together to entwine their lives into a pattern that only time could tell the events of.
.
The six chosen were as follows, Rainbow Dash, the element of Loyalty, Pinkie Pie with the element of Laughter, Applejack with Honesty, Rarity with generosity, Fluttershy with kindness, and to unite them, Twilight Sparkle with the final element, Magic. Each were sent back to where they came from, but Celestia had great plans for each, but the most vital was Twilight, for she would lead them through any situation. At the young age of eight, Twilight was sent an invitation by the Princess, Celestia herself to become her apprentice as a sneaking agent amongst the elite should she perform well and surpass most of her expectations. Without a single moment of hesitation she accepted and was sent to Canterlot Castle to begin her training with little to no thought of what greater forces she had put into play nor why she had been chosen so quickly or even chosen at all.
During her years spent under the Princess' wing, she exceeded all expectations without any failure and broke all previous records made by other cadets. Through her amazing prowess and ability, she began creating a reputation for herself and was seen as a role model by all who trained along side her. For any other pony, they might let it get to their head, but not Twilight. She couldn't have cared less if she was revered, she just tried her hardest and always found her way out of situation regardless of how impassible it might have seemed.
Only four years after joining, she accepted into a squad where most ponies had to continue training for almost twice as much time. Although the younger ponies idolized her, the older and more experienced ponies of the academy thought she had let the fame get to her head. This was soon disproved after an incident in the outskirts of Appleoosa where the squad she was part of found an encampment of Buffalo holding one of the other squads that were sent to investigate captive. Her squad warned her not to venture in and attempt to save them, but she disregarded their warnings and began descending the cliff towards the camp. Her Squad returned to Canterlot for backup but the next day when they were ready to depart, she walked through the glistening stone arches with the captured squad following in her wake. This earned her a great deal more of respect, and from hence forth began her solo career as Celestia's elite Sneaking Operative of whom would receive the most challenging and difficult tasks.
To begin our story, we start off with that very mission that she had braved against all odds and upon its completion, attained the rank she now upholds in modern Equestria.
|
kari
|
1432
| 2 |
Angel,Big Macintosh,Braeburn,Cheerilee,Cutie Mark Crusaders,DJ P0N-3,Derpy Hooves,Discord,Doctor Whooves,Gummy,Main 6,Mayor Mare,Octavia,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Magic Gear
|
Tales of suspence, action, snkeaking, espionage, and magic to bring it all together!
|
incomplete
| 15 | 7 |
<p>"War is no reason to end a friendship..."</p><p>Equestria, now torn into factions, each relying on tactics and sneaking agents in a constant war, is not what it used to be. There used to be flowers, peace, and the friendship all ponies shared amongst one another, but that was gone too, after individual areas began to want independence and tried to break off. In an attempt to create the perfect squad, the Harmony Operation was enacted so that they one day could restore peace to this forsaken land that was once so perfect and serene. These are the adventures of the mane six characters and their mission to restore Equestria, all the while meeting new and old friends alike.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-18T01:56:49+00:00
|
2011-10-18T01:56:49+00:00
| 1,082 |
MISSION 00
By: FeralTwilight
One, two, three, four,turn. One, two, three, four,turn. The guard's hoofbeats echoed rhythmically down the hallway in unison with Twilight's beating heart. One wrong move in what was to come and she would have to deal with more than one guard. Twilight took a deep breath to reassure herself and as the guard turned away from her position, she leapt. Before the buffalo could see the intruder, his head hit the floor with a muffled thump after being knocked out with the force of a ten ton sledgehammer by Twilight's magic. Without wasting any time, she made her way into a supply closet that was around the corner, she dragged the guard's massive limp body into it and arranged it to look like he had been resting and taking a short nap. Just as she finished placing the body in the way she thought up, her horn began to glow faintly and a light beeping sound echoed through her head. This was the codec spell, it was her way of contacting Celestia, or whoever she needed to talk to if she had their frequency. The codec spell generates a five digit code with two points as decimals and made only the people having the intended conversation hearing one another unless a public frequency is used. For those who couldn't use magic, they usually would have a small mirror hanging around their neck, or wherever they would prefer to have it.
"Yes, Princess? What is it?" Twilight said. "How are you doing? Have you managed to make it to the door to the room with the missing squad?" Celestia asked. Sadly Twilight replied, "Not yet, But I should be there soon. Spike, are there any shortcuts there?" Spike popped onto the codec and he said, "Sure Twilight, there's an air vent right next to you. It's on your right, just follow that to the end and you'll be right at the door, but why are you risking this? You could have just waited for backup instead of rushing in head first." Twilight began making her way towards the vent, and she saw that it shouldn't be a problem to traverse. "Because Spike, I can't just stand around and let something happen to them!" She wanted to shout but instead murmured angrily." There's also a high priority target there. lieutenant Braenurn was leading the unit. He's the leader of the Appleoosa division, he knows everything about Appleoosa's database and its strategic value in this war." Shortly asfter finishing that sentence she heard hoofbeats echoing down the hallway outside the closet. Twilight quickly cut off the connection and hurried inside the vent.
Inside the vent, Twilight could hear the guards' shouts as they saw that their comrade was not on his post. Twilight quickly scurried through the ventilation shaft but soon slowed down after hearing that her ploy had work. The guards' had thought that their comrade was sleeping on the job, and had proceeded to leave him wake him up. "He won't be getting up any time soon." Twilight thought to herself with a slight chuckle. Minutes later, she arrived at the opening to the hallway below where the door was located. Taking precaution, Twilight dropped the grill on the vent with a loud clang, and just as she had planned, the buffalo guarding the door walked over to see what had happened. The guard looked up, and was surprised to see a pony in the vent. "Just dropping in to say hello," Twilight said with a smirk as she rammed the guard's head wit her horn and cast the same spell as she had on the other guard. Once the guard had been taken care of, Twilight glanced around to see if the was some place to put the unconscious guard, but to her dismay, there weren't any god locations so instead she propped him against the door.
As Twilight made her way through the open door, she noticed that the room was circular but each cell was grooved into the walls in a spherical shape. From what she could see, the room itself was well-kept except for the individual cells which were covered in grime and dirt. In the center of the room was a pedestal which twilight guesses was the main cell-control mechanism. Twilight cantered over and glanced at the controls and noticed that there were six buttons, one for each cell in this block. After trying to find the correct button, Spike's voice came onto the codec. "Geez Twilight, you're taking forever, it's number five for the squad and number three for Braeburn." With a sigh of relief Twilight replied, "Thanks Spike, You've been a big help." Twilight pressed the buttons and saw the cell doors raise. Once they were all the way up, the ponies of the captured squad charged out to meet their captors and were surprised to see Twilight standing there with a big grin on her face. "Hey, you're Twilight Sparkle, right? We've heard of you before from the new recruits who were sent to us from the academy in Canterlot. Anyway, we should head out and get to Appleoosa, we've got families who we haven't seen in forever." With that said, they exited through the door and made their way out of the building. "Well now, little miss Twilight Sparkle. Never thought you'd be the one to rescue me, But Time's a wasting and we best get out of here before we get caught." Braeburn said as he left the captivity of his cell and began towards the exit. Twilight trotted along side him and asked, "It sure has been a while hasn't it? I haven't seen you since I was a cadet learning from you, but I guess we'll have time to talk later, for now, let's get out of here! Spike is going to pick us up if we can get to the roof!" Swiftly they darted through hallways and doors, knocking out unaware buffalo guards left and right.
Minutes later they had made their way to the rooftop and saw the other squad standing patiently as a bright ball of light came down from a rift in the sky.Without wasting any time at all, the ponies scurried through the portal into it's counterpart in the Appleoosa Town Hall, but Twilight was sent directly to her chambers in Canterlot Castle where Spike and Celestia eagerly awaited her arrival. "Why hello there Twilight, News of your success has already been spread to to the rest of the academy. I think it best if you would wash off before leaving to return to the academy." Celestia said with an uplifting tone. "It was a mission well done, and I'm sure there will be more opportunities for you in the future." And true to her words there would be, for what awaited Twilight would change New Equestria, and The fabric of time itself.
|
kari
|
1432
| 3 |
Angel,Big Macintosh,Braeburn,Cheerilee,Cutie Mark Crusaders,DJ P0N-3,Derpy Hooves,Discord,Doctor Whooves,Gummy,Main 6,Mayor Mare,Octavia,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Magic Gear
|
Tales of suspence, action, snkeaking, espionage, and magic to bring it all together!
|
incomplete
| 15 | 7 |
<p>"War is no reason to end a friendship..."</p><p>Equestria, now torn into factions, each relying on tactics and sneaking agents in a constant war, is not what it used to be. There used to be flowers, peace, and the friendship all ponies shared amongst one another, but that was gone too, after individual areas began to want independence and tried to break off. In an attempt to create the perfect squad, the Harmony Operation was enacted so that they one day could restore peace to this forsaken land that was once so perfect and serene. These are the adventures of the mane six characters and their mission to restore Equestria, all the while meeting new and old friends alike.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-19T22:54:35+00:00
|
2011-10-19T22:54:35+00:00
| 1,255 |
Mission 01
Ever since that mission, Twilight had begun to be receive respect from the rest of the other squads and even the generals of the New Equestrian Vanguard began to take notice of her actions and accomplishments. Usually, The Vanguard was formed back the splitting of Equestria occurred, and help to defend the little land left. They were always the first to charge and the last to fall, which made being a part of it or noticed by them a very prestigious honor. That mission was what jump started Twilight's Reputation, but that had been several years ago, and Twilight still had that same amount of respect if not more. Twilight had completed mission after mission without any failure or mishaps, yet for the recent five weeks she had not been given a single task or mission to carry out for Princess Celestia, which puzzled her. In order to get answers she is on her way to take initiative and find out what is going on.
"Geez Twilight, Why can';t you just accept that she is giving you a break for your hard work?" Spike asked as he and Twilight ascended the staircase to Celestia's study. " I'd think maybe two weeks would have been adequate enough for a rest, but five weeks? Something is going on, and I intend to find out what it is!" Twilight replied with discomfort in her voice, "and once this is sorted out, I'll have my answer." Spike groaned and muttered, "Then I guess there's no turning back then." Minutes later they reached the door to Celestia's study and Twilight banged the knocker three times against the door. A few seconds passed until a voice which could only have been Celestia's came from inside as the door swung open. "Come in, I'll get the door for you!" As they entered the room Celestia turned her head from what she had been working on and exclaimed, "Oh, Twilight! what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be relaxing in your study or elsewhere?" "Yes," Twilight responded, "But I haven't been given a mission for the past five weeks, and I don't understand why. I've never failed a mission yet!" "Oh Twilight," Celestia said with a grin, "I've been planning something for you, and planning takes a lot of time and work. I've decided that you'll be needing a squad to undertake missions with, I've already selected five other ponies who I think will do just fine."
Just as Twilight was about to protest, Celestia walked over the fireplace and shifted the candle on the right to reveal a tunnel that seemed to have no end in sight. "Come Twilight, Your mission starts once we reach the other end, I'll explain the details to you and Spike on the way there." With that said, Celestia began to make her way down the tunnel and with her Spike riding upon Twilight's back. "Princess, I hardly find it necessary to assign a squad for me, I've been doing just fine on my own. Don't you think that might just slow me down instead?" Twilight asked as they traversed the long dark moss ridden tunnel. "I have full faith that they'll prove to be a greater asset than you imagine, and the mission you and your team will be assigned is far greater than anything anypony has attempted yet. If this mission fails, New Equestria is lost and will be overrun. You'll be taking the train to Ponyville to meet your new companions, and Spike will of course be accompanying you on this arduous journey." Celestia Said in response. It seemed like hours of silence and darkness as the tunnel loomed endlessly ahead until after many twists and turn they came to a dead end. Twilight knew better than to ask, and she was right once she saw the princess' horn glow as a loud clicking noise was heard from the wall, as it slid open to reveal a small cottage.
"Here Twilight, take this satchel, in it are your train tickets, codec necklaces for your squadmates who can't use magic, and a letter detailing your instructions once you arrive in Ponyville and have met up with the rest of your squad.For now, I must take my leave and return to Canterlot in my studies. The train station is straight down the street to the left. Goodbye for now Twilight, I'll talk to you again once everything is settled." Celestia said as she handed to Twilight the satchel and made her way back into the tunnel. Twilight was about about to ask her about the letter but, just as she was about to, Celestia disappeared behind the wall. Twilight and spike made their way to the door and saw that is exited into the slums of lower Canterlot. With a glance around Twilight said to spike, " Well, Let's get going then. We've got a long journey ahead of us." Through the slums they traveled, and Twilight began to take notice of the poor living conditions. House after dilapidated house they passed, and some weren't even houses at all, but small little cardboard boxes with anything from a pillow to maybe even more than one box attached to the side of the other. The slums were filled with ponies covered in grime and dirt, along with refugees from the war when their homes were either destroyed or taken over.
After forcing her way through the large crowd, she reached the station and was surprised to see that there wasn't a single pony in it. As she entered the facility she realized why, The prices of tickets were so high because of the risk involved during travel unless you were rich or had a lot of connections with higher ranking ponies. Twilight slowly made her way to the center of the room and looked up to see if there was a mural that remained but to her disappointment, the beautiful design that had once brought tranquility to those who gazed upon it had slowly worn away. Sadly, Twilight decided to head to the train, she trotted through the large empty station. As she walked through the cavernous room, she imagined what it must have been like before, filled with ponies everywhere heading to all sorts of exotic places. As she boarded the train Spike was running after her with panic in his eyes, and a small metallic object in his scaly hands. Once they were both seated, Twilight asked him, "Spike, Why were you running? Did something scare you?" With a small grin spike replied, "Nope, It's just that the train was leaving, and I wouldn't want to be left behind, but hey, check out what I found!" From his hands he dropped a small cog on the table and said, "Isn't that cool?" And before Twilight could reply, The train began moving. Taking them to Ponyville, and with it, the beginning of a new adventure that would test everything Twilight knew and did.
--Please message me with feedback, I would really appreciate it.--
"So, what is it?" Spike asked.
Twilight glared at it and in a deep voice said, "Metal Gear..." *Grumble, Grunt*
And then there was metal gear and it pew pew'd teh train and made it go boom into teh sunset with teh magic negative double rambo!
--Gladly, this is not the ending....Celestia would probably banish me to the everfree forest if it was--
|
kari
|
1432
| 4 |
Angel,Big Macintosh,Braeburn,Cheerilee,Cutie Mark Crusaders,DJ P0N-3,Derpy Hooves,Discord,Doctor Whooves,Gummy,Main 6,Mayor Mare,Octavia,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Magic Gear
|
Tales of suspence, action, snkeaking, espionage, and magic to bring it all together!
|
incomplete
| 15 | 7 |
<p>"War is no reason to end a friendship..."</p><p>Equestria, now torn into factions, each relying on tactics and sneaking agents in a constant war, is not what it used to be. There used to be flowers, peace, and the friendship all ponies shared amongst one another, but that was gone too, after individual areas began to want independence and tried to break off. In an attempt to create the perfect squad, the Harmony Operation was enacted so that they one day could restore peace to this forsaken land that was once so perfect and serene. These are the adventures of the mane six characters and their mission to restore Equestria, all the while meeting new and old friends alike.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-10-21T03:04:28+00:00
|
2011-10-21T03:04:28+00:00
| 929 |
Mission 02
Birds, trees, and grasslands whizzed by as the tracks let out out a constant rhythmic tempo. Spike lay curled up in a ball in the seat across from Twilight with the satchel they had received from Princess Celestia as a makeshift pillow under his head. Twilight was instead gazing out the window into the passing landscape as they drove by. The warm rays of the sun barely passed through the jagged mountains to the east as the sun began its cycle once again. Twilight 's mind began to wander to Celestia's earlier words In the tunnel. Questions began to form in her mind, but Twilight shook her head to drive them from her mind. She blinked her eyes a few times to calm her dry eyes, and decided that she should get some fresh air. Without any noise, she made her way out of her seat and down towards the rear cart to take her thoughts elsewhere, and to consider them with a clear mind. It seemed like forever as she traversed cart after cart, some contained delicacies that she had never seen before, others were stocked with toys, art, and even something that resembled a miniature library filled with a single row of bookshelves. By the time she had reached the rear cart, Twilight was exhausted, and collapsed upon the nearest seat she could find. With a deep breath of relief, she became relaxed and filled with the the fresh air from the passing landscape.
Now relaxed, the thought from earlier began to fill her head as she looked off in a daze towards the mountain where the city of Canterlot was built, where citizens traveled from place to place, and where Celestia sat in her study. With her mind clear, she began to enter deep thought and her eyelids became heavy, but before she could get any further, another pony entered the cart and came over to her after slamming the cart door shut with a loud bang.
"Well lookie here, if it ain't little miss Twilight Sparkle. We never did catch up back in Appleoosa did we? You disappeared before I could even properly thank you!" Said the pony whose voice could only be that of Braeburn. Once she recognized the voice she shot up in her seat like a rocket and exclaimed, "Braeburn?! What are you doing here?! Shouldn't you be back in Appleoosa leading the defense against the buffalo tribes?!" Braeburn let out a laugh and heartily replied, "Well sure I should be, but I'm on vacation right now, goin to see my cousin Applejack in Ponyville, said she got a letter from the Princess about joining some elite squad or something, and I figured I'd also help with harvesting the apples. More importantly, why are you headed to Ponyville?" It took a second for it to register in Twilight's mind, but once she did, she giggled, and said, "How ironic, As it turns out, the reason I'm going there is to meet up with my new squad that Princess Celestia assigned to me. So it would seem that your cousin and her companions would be that very same squad. You wouldn't happen to know anything about them, would you? I think it would be best if I got to know a little bit about my new squad before I meet them face to face."
"Well sure I know something about them, but I ought to warn you, they're a strange bunch of ponies.First off you've got my cousin Applejack, strong, courageous and never one to tell a lie. Next up is Rarity, a real drama queen she is, but as much as that is so, she's very generous, and an expert when it comes to armor or clothing, last time she tried to make me model a dress for her. Probably the strangest of the bunch is Pinkie Pie, a pyromanic, might not be the best combination, but she's brings up the spirits of the ponies around her, real handy in tight situations too. After her is Rainbow Dash, a pegasi from Cloudsdale, I don't think I've ever seen a faster pegasi than her. She's also the one to never let her friends down or abandon them, but a tad bit too brash if you'd ask me. Lastly, there's Fluttershy, Never met a kinder pegasi, but scared of the smallest things. Chances are that she'll be your team's medic." With that said, braeburn paused for a second to make sure he didn't leave anypony out, and then continued as he began to make his way towards the door, "Yep, that just about does it, but all this talk's making me hungry, I'm going to go grab some breakfast before we arrive. I guess, I'll be seeing you around once we're in Ponyville."
Once Braeburn left, Twilight's mind began to wander off to the letter she had received from her mentor before departing. Feeling as though she was refreshed enough, she returned to her seat to read and what her mission was. Upon returning to her seat, she saw that Spike hadn't woken up yet, and without disturbing his slumber, she carefully used her magic to slowly remove the rolled-up letter from the satchel that bore it, and began to read it.
"To my faithful student Twilight Sparkle,
By the time you're reading this letter you should either be in or approaching Ponyville, and wondering why I couldn't have just told you what I'm telling you now before you departed on your mission. If you've ever heard the saying that the walls have eyes and ears, then the pony that told you that would be correct in saying so. As far as what we've gathered, we know that an organization known as the Lunar Caravan is constructing a robotic mecha that, once finished, will have nuclear launch capabilities as well as many other weapons at its disposal. Should it be completed, it will disrupt the somewhat stable balance that was created amongst the other factions and ourselves, this will most likely lead to the downfall of all of Equestria which will leave it open for invasion. The technology they have barely surpasses that of our own, but is not a threat to be taken lightly. Even more disturbing is that their leader has magical powers that rival my own, which means that they could have been listening in on our earlier conversation. The reason I assigned you a squad was not only to improve the chance of the success of your mission, but for you to learn leadership skills and form a bond with your new teammates for future needs. Do not neglect their skills or knowledge, I can guarantee that you'll be needing both. Once you are safely in Ponyville, I'll give you the co-ordinates for your destination. Take care, and do your best during the course of this mission, once I can, I will contact you through your codec.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia Of New Equestria"
Now with new information, Twilight began to understand the Princess' earlier words to her, But before she could take the time to contemplate what her plan for her team was, The whistle that signified the train's arrival in Ponyville sounded. Twilight gently woke up Spike and placed the letter back in the satchel to be prepared for departure. Not only would this a new chapter of Twilight's career, but also a major chapter in her live through the bonds she would form upon arriving in this new Town.
--But before she got off the train a voice shouted, "Get Over here!" and all that was heard from the train was a deep voice saying the words, "K.O."--
|
kari
|
1432
| 5 |
Angel,Big Macintosh,Braeburn,Cheerilee,Cutie Mark Crusaders,DJ P0N-3,Derpy Hooves,Discord,Doctor Whooves,Gummy,Main 6,Mayor Mare,Octavia,Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Spike,Alternate Universe,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Magic Gear
|
Tales of suspence, action, snkeaking, espionage, and magic to bring it all together!
|
incomplete
| 15 | 7 |
<p>"War is no reason to end a friendship..."</p><p>Equestria, now torn into factions, each relying on tactics and sneaking agents in a constant war, is not what it used to be. There used to be flowers, peace, and the friendship all ponies shared amongst one another, but that was gone too, after individual areas began to want independence and tried to break off. In an attempt to create the perfect squad, the Harmony Operation was enacted so that they one day could restore peace to this forsaken land that was once so perfect and serene. These are the adventures of the mane six characters and their mission to restore Equestria, all the while meeting new and old friends alike.</p>
|
teen
|
2011-11-03T20:06:05+00:00
|
2011-11-03T20:06:05+00:00
| 953 |
Mission 03
An ear deafening screech echoed throughout the train station as the train slowly came to a halt within it. Once the train had stopped completely Twilight, Spike, and all the other passengers began to exit the train from their individual carts out into the large station. While they made their way out of the train, Twilight began to notice the number of passengers leaving the train compared to the number of carts that made up the train's main body. Upon further inspection it could be seen that there had barely been any ponies on board. Yet another sign of the country's poor economy, Twilight thought to herself until she felt a strong tug on her mane, only to see it was spike with an impatient look on his face. At first she was puzzled, but once she saw what he was waiting for he understood his concern. As they were exiting the station Spike took notice that Braeburn was standing over by a pillar while Twilight's mind drifted elsewhere.
Spike and Twilight proceeded to meet up with Braeburn and exit the station together. Up and down the streets of Ponyville they came and went with Braeburn giving them the grand tour. House after house, store after store, ponies everywhere, Ponyville seemed a much calmer and more festive place than Canterlot was. The air was so much fresher, the streets and buildings so much more joyful, and even Spike was a lot cheerier than usual. Eventually, they left Ponyville and after crossing over a bridge, journeyed along a rough dirt trail until at last they came to an apple orchard that seemed to go on forever in every direction in front of them as if it were a wall of sorts. As they pressed on through the endless forest of apple trees, Twilight couldn't help marveling at such a sight. She had never before seen anything like this during any of her missions or studies at Canterlot. For what seemed like at least thirty to fifty minutes they continued on until they reached a clearing with a barn resting in the midst of it with small gardens scattered around here and there.
They stood in silence and in awe, gazing upon the beautiful landscape that lay out before their eyes. As wonderful as Ponyville had been, this was utterly amazing. As lively as it had been, here flowers and plants of all sorts flourished everywhere, animals were everywhere, and even the atmosphere in general seemed more appeasing overall. Before Twilight and Spike made their way to the barn, they saw Braeburn starting to head back in the direction of Ponyville. Curiously she asked,
"Braeburn, Where are you going? Weren't you going to take us the rest of the way?"
"Now don't ya'll worry your little heads off, I'm just heading back to Ponyville to pick up some groceries for Granny Smith. I'll be back later for dinner, and hopefully you'll be joining us. Anyway, just continue on down to the barn and you'll find li'l Applejack inside. I'm sure you'll get a warm welcome from them, and I'll just be on my way."
With that said, Braeburn continued on his merry way, leaving Twilight and Spike to continue on to the barn by themselves. The closer they came to reaching the barn, they began to see the condition it was in. The red paint that covered the walls was chipping, an occasional termite here and there, and the whole thing itself just seemed to be in poor condition overall. Having reached their destination, all they was left was to open the doors and see what lay ahead for them.
"Are you ready Spike?"
Twilight asked as they stood before the door. In reply, Spike just looked at here with an expression that seemed to say that he'd be going in after her.
--Sorry this chapter was shorter than usual, and that it took so long to get out. My time lately has been occupied with an array of various activities, but now that everything has been calming down, More chapters will be out soon!(And won't take FOREVER to finish. Also, I'm still messing around with the format, so once i have it set, it will be continuous.--
|
DirigibleQuixote
|
1435
| 1 |
Pinkie Pie,Rainbow Dash,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Stranger Even Than You
|
Cole McGrath (circa Infamous 2) gets transported to the magical land of Equestria.
|
complete
| 43 | 0 |
<p>Cole McGrath wakes up in Equestria, thoroughly confused and running out of time. Cole has been through a lot of weird stuff in his short time as a superhero, but these ponies are something else entirely.</p><p>I wrote this for Week 13 of the MLP Writer's Training Grounds on DeviantArt (<a href="http://mlp-wtg.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">http://mlp-wtg.deviantart.com/</a>). Figured I'd post it here so that people who don't follow my stuff on DA could know about it.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-17T00:48:10+00:00
|
2011-10-17T00:48:10+00:00
| 2,632 |
I originally wrote this fic in only a few hours, for a prompt on a DeviantArt group. It wasn't very good, but I wanted to do the idea justice, so I revised it. All told, I nearly doubled the word count and changed a bunch of things. Hopefully, for the better.
Anyway, I reformatted it the way I did (new chapter, old chapter becoming this foreword) because I wanted people to see it on the front page and experience the story as I meant to tell it. Sorry if that seems like attention whoring - I assure, you it is not meant to be.
That said, I hope you enjoy it.
-DirigibleQuixote
|
DirigibleQuixote
|
1435
| 2 |
Pinkie Pie,Rainbow Dash,Twilight Sparkle,Crossover,Sad,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
Stranger Even Than You
|
Cole McGrath (circa Infamous 2) gets transported to the magical land of Equestria.
|
complete
| 43 | 0 |
<p>Cole McGrath wakes up in Equestria, thoroughly confused and running out of time. Cole has been through a lot of weird stuff in his short time as a superhero, but these ponies are something else entirely.</p><p>I wrote this for Week 13 of the MLP Writer's Training Grounds on DeviantArt (<a href="http://mlp-wtg.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">http://mlp-wtg.deviantart.com/</a>). Figured I'd post it here so that people who don't follow my stuff on DA could know about it.</p>
|
everyone
|
2012-01-07T18:20:43+00:00
|
2012-01-07T18:20:43+00:00
| 4,522 |
Cole McGrath awoke in a decidedly different place than the one he had last been. He was lying on his back in the middle of an impressive crater. The crater was several metres wide and deep enough that he couldn’t make out anything past its blackened slopes. Cole’s limbs felt as though they were made of lead, and his head was throbbing in protest at being forced to process information. He held up his arm to block out the sun, realizing that his skin was covered with soot and ash, presumably from whatever blast had deposited him where he currently was. As he kenned onto this fact, Cole dimly realized that he could feel the grime and dirt covering all of his exposed skin. Cole groaned, then forced himself to sit up.
Another glorious day in the life of Cole McGrath.
Cole was wearing his usual clothing, a yellow T-shirt with dark sleeves and black jeans with the white part of the Union Jack running up and down one leg. His backpack was still attached to him, though it felt noticeably lighter. Absentmindedly, he reached over his shoulder to check if the two-pronged melee weapon he called the Amp was still there. It was not. Cole sighed, then noticed his surroundings.
He sat in the middle of a vast field of green grass, wind-blown ripples moving across it. It was knee deep, clearly deprived of the touch of a mower. A copse of trees stood off to one side, branches swaying lightly in the wind. Behind him, Cole saw a hill, topped by a dirt road. There was not a building in sight, and the cloudless sky was a vibrant blue.
. . . What the actual shit? I was fighting the Beast, activated the Ray Field Inhibitor . . . then what?
Cole found he couldn’t remember what had happened next. It was all just a blur of pain, electrical energy, and adrenaline. There was a nagging thought that accompanied this, but Cole couldn’t quite put his finger on it. He rubbed his forehead tiredly, silently wishing the pain would stop. Cole then stood up, trying to make sense of what had happened.
I . . . what? I was in New Marais last thing I remember. How the hell’d I get here? And where is here?
Suddenly, Cole remembered what the nagging thought had been about.
He should be dead.
The RFI shut down the energy of people with powers like him – permanently. Every single conduit on the planet should be dead or dying. Cole had been at the epicentre of the effect. If it hadn’t affected him, how could it have affected the Beast?
“Dammit, no!” Cole growled, beginning to pace back and forth in anger. “This . . . gah, it was supposed to work!”
Before Cole could start cursing, a movement caught his eye. Something blue was making its way over the grass towards Cole, but he couldn’t see what it was. It was very fast, certainly, and didn’t seem to be touching the ground. The figure halted abruptly about three metres from Cole, allowing him to see it in full.
Cole had seen a great deal of odd things, from trash-manipulating psychics to giant insectoid mole monsters to ice-covered towers guarded by South African security contractors. He’d battled giant swamp monsters, to rednecks with Gatling guns, to shady governmental organizations headed by super villains.
This was new.
The figure was quadrupedal, and had wine-red eyes to contrast its blue coat. Its tail and hair (mane?) were multicoloured, somehow managing to be the colours of the rainbow in proper order. It lacked the angles and points that indicated a predilection for violence, instead having rounded edges, and a body more athletic than brutish. The thing’s colours – though pronounced – were complementary, and more bright than aggressive. Its face was snouted, but surprisingly human in its features and composition.
Cole stared, dumbfounded. This thing resembled a horse, but it was small, reaching Cole’s waist at the shoulder. Its eyes gave the impression of intelligence, and it regarded Cole with just as much stark disbelief as he did it.
The two stood there for several minutes, each one moving little, waiting for the other to act first. Cole spoke first.
“Uh, hello?” said Cole. The creature drew back its head a bit, startled.
“Hello?” it responded. Cole was equally surprised.
“You can speak English?”
“You can speak Equestrian?”
“What’s Equestrian?”
“What’s English?”
Another few moments passed in silence. Cole shook his head and focused himself.
Get out of here. Get back to New Marais. Stop the Beast.
Thus determined, he spoke to the creature again.
“My name’s Cole. Not to be rude, but what are you? And where am I?”
“My name’s Rainbow Dash,” the creature responded at length. Cole now felt that this Rainbow Dash could be called female, based on its voice. “I’m a pegasus pony, and you’re just outside of Ponyville. What are you?”
Oh, what a loaded question.
“. . . I’m a human,” Cole replied after a moment’s hesitation. “I’m from Empire City – you know where that is?”
The creature shook its head.
“New Marais?”
Another head shake. A horrible thought occurred to Cole.
“. . . Earth?”
Yet another head shake. Cole’s world started making significantly less sense than it normally did. He told himself to calm down – losing his head wouldn’t help matters, and the important thing was to get back to New Marais.
“Look, I don’t want to be here any more than you want me to be here. Is there anyone I could talk to who might know more about getting me back to where I came from?”
Rainbow Dash regarded the thing in front of her with suspicion. She didn’t trust this Cole person, but she didn’t want to have him around, either. And if she did nothing, then what? Leave him to his own devices out here in the woods? He’d just wander into Ponyville anyway – better to at least be able to keep tabs on him.
“. . . There’s a unicorn in Ponyville who’s really good with magic. She might be able to help you. I could take you to her.”
Unicorn magic. Obviously.
“Sure. Let’s go.”
The two of them walked up to the dirt road and along it, with Rainbow Dash keeping a fair distance from Cole the entire way. Cole was used to the feeling by now – he took some small comfort in the fact he hadn’t yet been attacked or shot at. Cole explained to the pegasus that he had been trying to stop a big destructive force called the Beast from destroying the world. Cole had been prepared to deal the final blow, but he had somehow awoken where the Rainbow Dash had found him. Rainbow Dash seemed skeptical of Cole’s explanation, but said nothing to that effect. She instead explained that there had been a great lightning bolt striking down, and she had gone to see what it was.
Cole had his fair share of questions about ponies, and Rainbow Dash did her best to answer them. Yes, she could really fly with her wings. Yes, her colouration was fairly normal for a pony to have. Yes, they all had symbols on their flanks – they were called cutie marks.
They arrived at Ponyville proper. Cole couldn’t help but think that something about the town was just slightly off. The trees didn’t look quite like trees – too green and brown, instead of the knotted and weathered bark a tree should have. The buildings seemed like they’d be better off in a pseudo-medieval township than inhabited and used. The roofs were thatched or wooden and the buildings themselves were cobblestone reinforced with wood beams. The streets were cobblestone, and there was not a car in sight.
As Cole took in the township around him, he glanced at one of the few open windows. There was a gasp from inside, and the shutters were slammed shut by a pair of bright green hooves.
Yep. That’s the feeling I know and love.
The town square was empty, except for one pony. Her coat was bright pink, her mane and tail darker in colour in addition to being fluffy. Her cutie mark, as Dash had called it, was of three party balloons. There was an ornamental fountain in the middle of the square, and the pony was pacing back and forth in front of it, a great burden clear on her mind. As Cole and Dash drew near, she raised her head and started hopping excitedly.
“Dash! You’re back! Oh I was starting to get worried because it had been a while since we saw that big lightning-thingy and you went out to see what it was and I thought it might have been something dangerous so I got to thinking about what could have happened to you and-”
“Pinkie Pie,” said Dash.
“-then I got to wondering who I should tell if something had happened to you so I started thinking of who I could tell about the big lightning-thingy-”
“Pinkie Pie.”
“-but then I decided that maybe I should go look for you myself because you might have been hurt but then I thought that if you were hurt then maybe I could have gotten hurt-”
“Pinkie Pie!” Dash yelled, interrupting the pink pony’s stream of words. Cole simply stood there, startled that anything could talk for so long without need to breathe.
“. . . Yes, Dash?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently. She stopped hopping.
“This is Cole. He’s the big lightning-thingy we saw,” said Dash flatly, gesturing to Cole with a hoof.
“Hi.”
Pinkie’s reaction was immediate. She gasped loudly and went wide-eyed, lifting herself up into the air for a good three or four seconds. Had Cole’s appreciation for the laws of physics not been jaded by the fact that they were violated by him and thousands of others like him on a near-constant basis, he would have found the feat impressive.
“You’re new here!”
“No, really?” Cole asked sarcastically. He sighed, frustrated at being bogged down in conversation.
“Yes, really! And you know what that means?” Pinkie asked excitedly, leaning forward with a huge grin. Dash interrupted, putting a hoof to her forehead and sighing.
“Pinkie Pie, don’t-”
“A party!” Pinkie exclaimed, hopping into the air once more, barely able to contain her joy.
“Um, Pinkie,” said Cole. “I don’t really have time for-”
“Oh, it’ll be such a big, wonderful, superriffically fantabulous party! I’ll invite everypony, and you’ll make lots and lots of new friends!”
Somewhere, something in Cole snapped. His face contorted with anger.
“No!” he yelled, garnering startled looks from both ponies. “I . . . no! I don’t have time for any of this! I need to get back to New Marais and stop the Beast from destroying the world, and I’ve wasted enough time here already!” Pinkie fell back on her haunches, her mouth open in shock. “Do you understand that? If I don’t get back in time, people are going to die!”
There was a second of silence. Then, Dash spoke.
“I’ll go get Twilight. She’s the unicorn I told you about.” With that, she launched into the air and darted away.
Cole and Pinkie remained where they were for a moment. Cole, anger spent, sighed heavily and sat down on the edge of the fountain. He rested his head in his hands and became unpleasantly aware of how tired he felt. After a second, Cole heard a soft sniffling coming from his left. He glanced up, and saw Pinkie Pie sitting on the fountain rim beside him, trying to blink back tears. As he watched, a single drop fell from her eye to the ground and spattered on the cobblestone.
Way to be a hero, jackass.
“I’m sorry,” said Cole, reaching towards Pinkie’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean t-”
Pinkie shirked away from his touch, turning away from him and sniffling again. Cole inwardly cursed himself. His powers could control the weather, knit broken bones, injure hundreds – but they couldn’t make people like him. He tried again, his tone softer.
“Uh, Pinkie Pie?” The words felt strange on his lips, but Cole forced himself to treat them with the same dignity he treated Trish’s name. Pinkie turned towards him, looking at him with one of her large, blue eyes.
“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at you – that was wrong of me. It’s just . . .” Cole’s voice trailed off as he searched for the right words. “I have a lot of people depending on me, and I can’t let them down, and this whole affair hasn’t really been a great thing for my sanity, or my confidence,” he finished, looking up apologetically at the pony next to him. After a moment, Pinkie responded, now looking at him with both eyes.
“Wanna talk about it?”
Sure, Mrs Pinkie Pie the Pony, I’ll gladly let you play shrink to my problems. Hell, it’s even odds I’m locked up in a padded room anyway, what’s the worst that could happen?
“. . . Sure.”
Pinkie looked at Cole evenly, her eyes offering nothing but friendly sympathy.
“Well, New Marais will be destroyed, for one thing. It’s a city, much larger than Ponyville. Several people I know and care for will be seriously injured, assuming they live through it at all. Then, the continental United States – a country with hundreds of millions living in it – will be devastated, one town at a time. After that, the continents of North and South America will fall.”
Pinkie Pie said nothing, only waited for Cole to continue.
“Then, the Beast will presumably make its way across the sea and start with Asia and Africa. Europe will probably be the last to hold out, assuming they don’t degenerate into riots and looting beforehand. There will be a few survivors, of course. People with powers, like I have.”
“Powers?”
“Flight, telekinesis, super strength, that sort of thing.” Pinkie nodded, thinking back to the comic books she read from time to time.
“Thing is, though, in order for those people to survive? No-one else does. At all.” Cole’s tone took a turn for the ominous. “All the cities, all the culture, the history, the tradition. All that humanity created – gone.”
Pinkie was silent for a moment. Then:
“It’s been a big ol’ Grumpy Gus of a day, huh?”
Cole laughed bitterly, then lowered his gaze to the stones under his feet. He tried to count how many times he’d been shot in the past twenty-four hours, and lost track at 500. He tried to count how many people were trying to kill him, how many he’d killed – again, he lost track.
“You could say that.”
Pinkie shuffled closer and leaned against him. She had stopped crying now, and looked at Cole sympathetically. Somehow, Cole felt legitimately better. His head was clearer, and it was reassuring to know that there was someone, somewhere who didn’t despise him because of what he was. All the people who had supported him had turned against him at some point: Trish had hated him right off the bat, Kuo had become a lunatic when confronted with the prospect of her own demise, and even Zeke’s record was tarnished with greed.
And Nix? Nix was just insane.
“Thanks, Pinkie. It was nice to talk about it,” Cold said, earnest in his words. Pinkie giggled and flicked a foreleg dismissively.
“Aw, I’m sure you’d do the same for me. Besides, that’s not even the best part!”
“Oh, what is?”
“Hugs!” Pinkie cried, throwing her forelegs around Cole and hugging him tightly. Cole was taken aback for a moment, then returned the gesture. They stayed locked together for a moment. Cole tried remember the last time he’d hugged someone, and realized he couldn’t. When Pinkie drew away, her front was covered in soot that had rubbed off from Cole’s clothing. Cole couldn’t restrain a snort of laughter at this, and Pinkie looked at her reflection in the fountain to see what had changed about her appearance.
“Oh, that’s just silly! Now I’m gonna have to wash this off!” Pinkie looked at Cole. “And you are, too! Come on, Cole!”
With that, Pinkie tackled Cole into the water.
Cole and Pinkie fell into the water. Cole tried to cry out a warning, to throw Pinkie away from him, but her forelegs were wrapped around his chest, and he couldn’t adjust his fall. As the two entered the water, electricity arced out from Cole and across the water. Several of the bolts hit Pinkie Pie, and her screams shattered the stillness of the air. The bolts lanced through her small frame, frying nerve endings and causing her muscles to contract. She fell into the electrified water, and her cries would have doubled in intensity, had her head been above water. The smell of burnt flesh reached Cole’s nostrils before he was overtaken by pain and started flailing randomly, desperately trying to get out of the fountain. The electrified water rushed into Pinkie’s throat and down into her lungs, and ran across her eyes, causing them to-
“Cole?”
Cole came back to reality with a start, realizing his position. Cole lay on his back in the fountain, Pinkie Pie resting lightly on top of his chest with her forelegs lengthways across his shoulders. The entirety of Cole’s body from his legs to his torso was submerged, as was his left arm. His head was propped up enough to keep it mostly dry, and his right arm hung over the side of the fountain. Pinkie looked down at him, head cocked questioningly to one side.
“What’s the matter, Cole?”
“I . . . I . . .” Cole stuttered, breathing quickly, having difficulty coming to terms with what had just happened. “Out of the water. Now.”
Pinkie looked at him oddly, but sat back and let Cole seat himself on the edge of the fountain, legs outward. Pinkie waited for him to start talking, but Cole seemed preoccupied with marvelling at how four-fifths of his body was covered in water. His eyes were wide, and his mouth hunt open in awe.
“So what’s the big deal? I mean, fountains aren’t really bathtubs, I know, but I figured that if I just needed to go all brushie-brushie on some sooty-sooty, then-”
“Pinkie, we should both be dead right now.” Cole’s voice was haunted. “Both of us. We should be electrified at the bottom of the fountain.”
Pinkie stopped speaking looked at the fountain’s water where she sat. Aside from a blackish stain where the two had fallen, it was perfectly normal.
“Why would that happen? We seem fine.”
“My powers, they react with water . . .” Cole trailed off as a monstrous thought occurred to him. “No. No, it can’t be . . .”
“Cole? Is everything okie-dokie?” asked Pinkie as she pulled herself out of the fountain and sat on her haunches beside Cole.
“No. No, it’s not.”
Cole turned around, made sure that Pinkie was well clear of the water, and thrust his hand down into it.
Nothing happened.
Cole withdrew his hand and stood up. He stepped back a few paces from the fountain and held out his arm, willing a bolt of electricity to shoot out of it.
Nothing happened.
Breathing a big more raggedly, Cole looked around and saw a neon sign advertising a restaurant. He dashed over to it and held out his arms, trying to have the electricity flow out of the sign and into him.
Nothing happened.
With fury, Cole spun around and threw his arm with enough force to put a major-league baseball pitcher to shame. He tried to channel cold through his body and into his hand, to will the molecules of air to slow down and freeze. An ice grenade, an ice rocket – it didn’t matter.
Nothing happened.
Cole hung his arm to his side, standing crookedly for a moment. Then he turned and trudged back to the fountain, sitting down beside Pinkie. He buried his head in his hands and spoke softly.
“I’m not on a power grid, but I feel fine. I thought I- . . . I thought I was still charged from whatever brought me here, but I was wrong. I feel fine because I don’t . . . I . . . I’m normal again.”
Pinkie had watched Cole’s actions with confusion, but she could see that he was upset even if the reason as to why wasn’t readily apparent. She shuffled closer on the rim and hugged Cole again, confident that the problem could be solved with enough empathy. Cole hugged her back, glad for the warm comfort of her body.
Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash arrived a short time later to see Cole and Pinkie embracing each other on the fountain. They broke off the hug as Twilight and Rainbow Dash drew near, their shadows reaching far in the dying light of a sunset.
“Twilight Sparkle, I presume?” asked Cole bleakly, not bothering to stand.
“Y-yes. I take it you’re Cole McGrath?” Twilight was surprised by Cole’s appearance, as it was completely unlike anything she’d ever seen. The fact that he seemed to speak perfect Equestrian was even more odd.
“I hear you can help me get back to where I came from.”
“Well,” Twilight said, “I’ll certainly try.” Cole nodded, resigned.
“Thank you for helping me.”
“Don’t thank her yet,” interrupted Rainbow Dash, earning a glare from Twilight.
“Rainbow Dash!” said the unicorn, annoyed at the interjection.
“What?” Dash asked innocently.
“Sorry, why shouldn’t I thank you yet?” asked Cole. Twilight turned back to him.
“Well,” she began, reaching up to the back of her neck awkwardly with a foreleg. “It’s just that I don’t know where precisely you came from. Certainly it’s this New Marais place, but I don’t know where that is. I’ve never even heard of it, or any of the other places Dash said you mentioned.”
What a goddamned surprise.
“Plus,” Twilight continued, voice tinged with regret, “it’ll probably take me at least a night of research to figure out what kind of teleportation spell would work, if it would work at all.”
Cole sighed.
“That’s still the best chance I have.”
There was silence for a moment, as each party considered the implications of this.
“So what you’re saying is,” Pinkie spoke up, “Cole would need to have at least one sleep in Ponyville before he went home?”
“That looks to be the case, Pinkie,” Twilight said. “Sorry, Cole.” Cole waved his hand, dismissing the unicorn’s words.
“Nah, it’s fine. I’ve dealt with worse.”
“Where’s he gonna sleep?” asked Dash.
“He could stay at my place,” offered Pinkie, getting odd looks from the other two ponies. “What? Mr. and Mrs. Cake are out of town at a baker’s convention, and he can’t stay at either of your places.”
“What?!” said Rainbow Dash. “Sure, my place is made of clouds, but why can’t he stay at Twilight’s?”
“It would be better to have the whole library to myself . . .” mused Twilight.
“See?”
Dash was about to object further when Cole spoke.
“Look,” he said, “I can tell you’re worried about Pinkie, but I promise you there’s nothing to worry about. Firstly, I’m not that kind of person. Secondly if something happened to her, what’re the odds you’d help me?”
Dash started to say something several times, but couldn’t refute Cole’s words.
“. . . Fine.”
“Hooray!” cried Pinkie, hopping up and down. “We can still have a party, even if it’s only for two people!”
With that, she hopped off in the direction of her house, Sugarcube Corner. Cole stood, then bid Twilight and Dash good evening and followed Pinkie.
“Thanks for the food and everything, Pinkie.”
Cole now stood in the uppermost floor of Sugarcube Corner. At one end was a large bed with a window in the wall just above it. At the other was a coffee table, which also sat just under a window. The middle of the room was mostly empty except for a few chests of drawers along the walls, a couch, and a large carpet covering most of the floor. Two light fixtures clung to the ceiling far enough apart to light the room, but the only light now came from a lamp beside the bed.
“My pleasure, Cole! I normally just bake lots of cupcakes and cakes and pancakes and muffins and things like that, but I don’t cook vegetables much – well, baking is a form of cooking, but you know what I mean.” Pinkie wore the same cheery grin she had all through dinner as she walked over to the bed. Cole realized it was the only one in the room. He made for the couch, but Pinkie interrupted him.
“Cole, where are you going, you silly filly?”
Cole looked back at Pinkie, somewhat surprised.
“I was going to sleep.”
“On the couch?”
“Well, yeah,” said Cole, scratching an itch on his face. “Where else?”
“Here, of course!” said Pinkie from her position next to the bed. She had grabbed a corner of the covers and pulled them back. The prospect of a warm bed was something that had eluded Cole for a long time, but he didn’t want to impose.
“Where would you sleep?” he asked, subconsciously moving closer to warmth promised by the sheets and comforters. Pinkie did not respond and instead dashed behind Cole and headbutted the backs of his thighs. Taking the cue, he sighed resignedly and slipped into the bed after removing his shoes, socks and backpack. To his surprise, Pinkie climbed in after him.
“Pinkie, what are you doing?”
“Going to sleep, silly,” said Pinkie rolling her eyes. “G’night, Cole.” With that, Pinkie reached to the lamp beside the bed and turned it off. She wiggled closer to him, pushing her back into his side. Cole tried to protest, but couldn’t find the words. Instead, he lay back in the bed and looked out the window. The window was open slightly, and a cool summer breeze drifted in through it. The moon was starkly beautiful and the stars were pinpricks of light against the total darkness of the sky.
Nice night tonight. I could put up with this for a bit.
Cole’s communicator flashed to life, the blue screen illuminating the area next to the bed. Cole grabbed it reflexively, and saw that it had a new text message.
Cole. We won. Beast is dead, as are Nix and Kuo. Getting reports of people keeling over in the streets – conduits. Getting more reports of the plague going away, millions of people saved. Don’t know what happened to you, but I figured I’d send this anyway.
-Zeke
Cole read the message over a second time before his communicator let out a small pop and died. Running for more than a month on near-constant hypercharge had done what stray bullets, water damage, grenades, explosives, ice beams and bio-weapon-grade acid had not. Cole rested his head on the pillow and gazed up at the ceiling. He let his mind wander, discarding the communicator over the bedside.
He had won.
The Beast is dead, and most of the world saved. Good, mostly.
He had lived.
Doesn’t really matter why. I have a feeling I won’t ever know. I should get back, help rebuild or keep order.
He had lost his powers.
Rebuild, keep order. How, though? One more worker won’t make a huge difference, and people wouldn’t like to see the saviour of the world lifting bricks. Hell, I might even die from residual RFI fields if I do go back.
Beside him, Pinkie rolled over so that her foreleg rested on Cole’s chest and her head rested on his shoulder. Her coat was coloured a brilliant rose in the moonlight, and she nickered softly, snuggling closer to Cole. Without thinking, he put his arm around to rest comfortably on her side. When was the last time he’d snuggled with anyone? Had he ever?
Cole looked at her contented, sleeping face, then back at the ceiling. He thought of how many people would hate him despite all he’d done, if he did go back. If he could. His thoughts shifted to the ponies he’d encountered today and how trusting and kind they had been, with the exception of the Rainbow Dash. And, to be fair, even she had trusted him to a certain extent.
Cole glanced to his right, out at the nightscape hanging over Ponyville. The blacks and deep blues of the sky seemed almost surreal, as though they had been painted on by a trained artist. The moon and stars were both bright white, but tinged with just a hint of blue from the surrounding sky. As Cole watched, a cloud drifted lazily across the moon, obscuring his view of its just enough to be considered poetic.
A small noise to his left warranted his attention, and Cole shifted to see Pinkie. She inhaled, then snored softly again, chest rising and falling in time with her breath.
Very nice night tonight. I could put up with this for a while.
Cole lay back and slept.
When he awoke the next morning, he was happier than he had been for months.
|
Logician
|
1436
| 1 |
Adventure,Dark,Human
|
The Weight of the Sun
|
The grass isn't always greener on the other side.
|
incomplete
| 171 | 16 |
<p>(Title theme: "Perthshire Majesty" by Samuel Hazo <a href="http://youtu.be/cUQyn1e_aNA">http://youtu.be/cUQyn1e_aNA</a>) <br /><br />You know, in the past, I’ve caught myself staring up at the sky, wondering if there was another world out there, somewhere beyond the stars. I would always ask myself, “What would life be like on another planet? Would it be better? Worse?” I never thought I would live to see the day when those questions are answered. And… well… I guess I didn't.<br /><br />I've been to hell and back—more than once—and it's changed the way I view the world. I still look up, but I no longer see countless other worlds to explore, where life might be better, or might be worse; I look up, and see myself staring right back. I see someone else who's been through the same ordeal. Someone else who's been to hell and back. Someone else who looks up with different eyes than they did before.<br /><br />But above all, I will remember this one simple fact, to the end of my days:<br /><br />The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-10-07T06:17:17+00:00
| 437 |
I strongly recommend reading the Google Docs version with the preserved formatting. I do not have time to go through and fix the discrepancies left behind by the Fimfiction importer.
Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZlGGn3ZMODKJC1O8crnJo9c7KKB1mX5d_49FJI_dbkM/edit
To the brave men and women of the US and NATO armed forces serving around the world, and to their families; and to all, military and civilian, who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
The price of anything is the amount of life you pay for it.
—Henry David Thoreau. Walden; or, Life in the Woods.
Air. It didn’t matter to me that it was laden with the musks of copper and damp earth, or stank of bleach and burnt hair; it was air, and my lungs burned for it. I’d filled them completely in one hoarse gasp. My heart pounded in my chest, almost as happy as I was that it was beating once again. I felt blood rush into every corner of my body, bringing back feeling in my fingers and toes, and shedding the stone-cold veil that I had been wrapped in just a few moments before. The unending echoes from my breathing told me that I was inside, maybe in a... a cave, or a dungeon. My eyes snapped open on their own.
I sat bolt upright, clutching my chest through a violent coughing fit that wracked my entire body. My lungs had been so hungry for air that they had nearly sucked in my tongue. Breathe. Breathe. Breathe. You’re alive. You’re okay. Just breathe... Breathe... Breathe... I held each breath for a little bit longer than the last, taking a few moments to simply calm myself down and get my wits about me. As I checked myself for injury and tested my muscles and nerves, I chuckled in spite of myself, thinking that the worst was over, that I was all right.
I was all there; I was still dressed in my uniform from head to toe, down to the REICHERT and US ARMY patches on my chest. I still had my knife, my first aid kit, even the magazine I’d expended in the firefight. I must have dropped Garcia’s rifle when I went down, because that’s the only thing I was missing. Words cannot describe how much... simpler... everything would have been if I’d only had that weapon with me, even with just the single magazine left. If I had known what I know now, I could have ended it all right there, and saved a lot of souls from a world of pain and suffering. But nothing can ever be that simple, can it?
I felt a warm liquid creeping up my ankle. I looked down. A thin, viscous, scarlet-red pool was slowly spreading towards me. I scrambled backwards out of its reach. I couldn’t even begin to keep track of all the thoughts running through my head as I followed the stream to its source. One by one, they trailed off as a body began to fill my vision. My breath caught in my throat.
I knew her...
I knew her...
Oh my god. Trixie... what the hell did they do to you?
She lay there on the cold stone floor, real as life itself, yet lifeless in a pool of her own blood. I got over to her as quick as I could, and knelt by her side. I assumed she was dead. Her throat had been slit with almost surgical precision, right into her jugular. It was barely more than skin deep, and just a fraction of an inch long, but it was deep enough that the blood wouldn't clot, and long enough to sever the vein completely. Whoever did this knew exactly what they were doing, I thought. They wanted her to die slowly, very slowly... and on their clock.
When I probed the wound, her chest fluttered, sending a small spurt trickling out. She’s alive! I clamped my hand down on the wound as quick as I could. A split second later, I was digging through my first aid kit for something to put on it. I pulled out a length of gauze and a packet of blood-clotting powder, and began dressing the wound to the best of my abilities.
It was her—silver mane, sky blue coat, the wand on her flank. Yet at the same time, it wasn’t her; her coat and mane were dry and brittle, matted by dirt, grime, and blood. Underneath, her skin was as white as a ghost's. She was cold. As I checked her pulse, I realized that she didn’t have much time; it faded tangibly with every beat. But it wasn’t just that; she was... emaciated, barely more than skin and bone. If she didn’t die of blood loss, hunger would have gotten her on its own within a day or two, at best.
I shook my head and narrowed my focus as hard as I could on the task at hand, trying in vain to keep all the unanswered questions from clouding my mind, questions that I didn’t expect would ever be answered. I didn’t know where I was. I didn’t know why I was there. I didn’t know why she was there. All I knew was that I had to try and get help for her... somehow. I’d already lost Garcia; I wasn’t going to have anyone else die on my watch.
As I finished dressing her wound, I took a breath and started fumbling around in my first aid kit again, looking for anything that might buy her more time, all the while trying to figure out what I should do next. My train of thought was interrupted by a low, drunken moan coming from behind me—one that wasn’t mine, or Trixie’s. I froze.
Idiot! Always check your surroundings! I slowly turned around, almost afraid of what I’d see. So far, it seemed like everything new I observed just managed to complicate things a little more. It couldn’t have been more true this time around.
On a platform on the other side of the room stood a stallion with a light-beige coat, bound there by his hooves in thick and rusted iron shackles. He was bent over and swaying, just barely coming to his senses. He struggled to lift a hoof to massage the base of his horn, barely more than a jagged stump peeking through his groomed salt-and-pepper mane.
Eyes still squeezed shut, he shook his head and groaned, “What... what happened...?” There was a very faint accent to his speech, reminiscent of Russia or maybe somewhere in eastern Europe. His blue-gray eyes met mine, and his pupils became pinpricks. “What... what is that thing?! Somepony?! Anypony?!” He frantically searched the room, and I turned to see what he was looking for.
The room was circular in shape, framed in time-worn stone that was green with moss and mold, lit by torches mounted on the walls. I could only guess that he was searching for some sign of life amongst the unmoving and mangled bodies, numbering in the teens at least, scattered around the room. Each was covered from head to hoof in long, black robes, and a horn poked through each robe's hood.
But I didn't think any of them would be coming to the stallion’s rescue; almost all of them had their necks bent around in very unnatural positions, and a few of them were starting to create their own pools of blood. Pony-shaped silhouettes scorched into the wall gave me some ideas as to what happened in the moments before I awoke. I ignored the stallion and turned my attention back to Trixie.
The bandage hadn’t soaked through yet, which could have been a good sign or a bad one; I was no medic. I bent down to pick her up. Even though she probably couldn’t hear me, I whispered in her ear, “Hang in there. I’m getting us the hell out of here.” With a grunt, I hefted her into my arms.
She was lighter than I expected, much lighter. And cold. Very cold. I looked for an exit: a heavy wooden door lay open on the far side of the room. I sprinted through it and into the long, torchlit corridor that stretched into the distance beyond, taking Trixie away from the stallion, his cohorts, and the blood... out of the room that would have seen her end.
“Get up, you foals! It’s taking her!” The stallion’s yells chased after me, covered up by the waking moans of the others. Seconds later, I heard hoofclops echoing past me, closing in. I reached a staircase and began climbing two-by-two. Without stopping, I grabbed a torch off the wall and tossed it down the stairs. I heard it clatter; I heard a yell, and a thud. And another. And another. And then a scream of pain... two... three. Then, silence. I kept going, up the stairs.
I stopped at the top to catch my breath and collect my wits. The staircase must have descended at least a hundred feet into the earth, maybe more. I was in a long, regal hall, flanked by a number of tall and stout wooden doors on one side. On the other, moonlight streamed in through dusty and broken panes of glass, tinted by unrecognizable splotches of color, which clearly had once made up beautifully intricate murals, but were lost to the ravages of time.
I have to keep going; I have to get out of here, I thought. My energy renewed, I put the hall at my back: pursuers or no, the clock was still ticking.
I came into a massive room, reminiscent of a cathedral. I weaved between towering marble columns which stood without purpose, the rafters and roof they once supported having long since caved in and rotted away. I spotted the exit: a pair of vault-like wooden doors reinforced with rusted iron, dangling off their hinges. But as I turned, a glimmer of reflected moonlight out of the corner of my eye caught my attention.
At the other end of the room was a relic that had withstood the test of time—a monument that had seen countless ages come and go. It had six arms, evenly spaced and clad in silver; it looked like it had once held something sacred, something to be worshiped, but, like the columns, no longer had a purpose. And, like the rest of the place, nature was long in the process of reclaiming it.
Suddenly, I heard shouts coming from down the corridor. I shook my head to clear it and headed out through the doors.
A blast of damp night air hit my face as I picked my way down the crumbling stone steps of the castle. Through the low-hanging branches of the trees which flanked the dirt path that led away from the castle, I spied a rope bridge tied across a gaping chasm, the other end obscured by a thick fog. As I came up to it, I stopped. The bridge was secured by four sturdy ropes as thick as my arm, two for the boards and two as handholds, and was as wide as I was tall. No boards were missing and the rope was intact.
But I held fast. If this thing is as old as the rest of the place, I thought, there's no way I'll make it across. I looked down, and couldn't see the bottom. I looked left and right, searching for another route. The ravine stretched far into the distance, disappearing into the fog in both directions. It might take hours to find another way out. I don't have that long.
Swallowing my fear, I took a tentative step onto the first board. I slowly shifted my weight onto it. No creaking, popping or snapping. Good so far. The next one held, as did the next. A few breathless minutes later, I looked back, and found myself almost nearing the middle. As I put my weight down on the plank in front of me, it snapped and fell away! I recoiled, having almost lost my balance, and my hold of Trixie. When the bridge was finally still again, I slowly stretched across to the next board.
“There it is!”
“Get it!”
With no time to waste, I scrambled through the last few feet of bridge. I felt a slight bit relieved as my boots finally met solid ground once again. I suddenly had an idea. I laid Trixie down and turned back to the bridge. I knelt at the edge and drew my knife. I started sawing at the ropes, starting with the upper ones.
Snap! The first fell away.
I moved to the next. A few seconds later,
Snap! It fell away.
I started on the lower ones.
Out of nowhere, the rope in my hand started shaking. I looked up to see a robed figure running across, towards me.
I held my hand up and shouted, “No! Stop! Go back!” The figure froze in the middle of the bridge. I heard a popping noise. The rope I had been working on was beginning to stretch.
“Go! Run!” I shouted. But the figure didn't move. The rope started shaking again. I saw its eyes staring at me in the moonlight. It was frozen in fear.
Snap!
The scream that pierced the air when the rope snapped was clearly feminine. It was instantly scorched into my mind. I'll never forget it.
She clung to the remnants of the bridge, suspended across the chasm by the single rope. I knew the aging fibers wouldn't hold for long. Sure enough, a few breathless moments later, the last strand gave up the ghost.
The fog swallowed her up, her ragged screams echoing into the night. Then, all was quiet.
I fell back, dazed. I just killed someone. Not a spider, or a fly... I'd just killed a living, breathing, sentient being, with thoughts and feelings, maybe even ambitions. It didn't matter if she deserved it or not, if she was the one who had... For all I knew, she was just following orders. She could have been there against her will. Maybe she was blackmailed, or a simple pawn. Maybe she didn't have a choice.
I looked up to see the others staring down into the ravine. From the steps of the castle, the stallion shouted, “Don't just stand there! Go around!”
I shook my head again, this time hard enough for it to hurt. Focus! There's another life at stake here! I picked Trixie back up and followed the road into the forest.
It wasn't long before the forest turned on me and hid from me my only source of light. Even after my eyes had adjusted, I couldn't see more than a few feet in front of me. I lost track of the road. I wandered in the darkness for what seemed like hours on end. I was afraid to go any faster than a cautious walk; otherwise, I might’ve plowed headlong into a tree before I even knew it was there.
Fortunately, I had lost the stallion and the others not long after I disappeared into the forest. For a while afterwards, I could just barely hear their shouts echoing through the underbrush, but those began to fade until they, too, were swallowed up; after that, the only thing I heard was the breeze that whispered through the trees. Unfortunately, their shouts were also my only source of direction; whenever I heard one, I headed away from it. Without that, I began to have the unnerving feeling that I was going in circles.
I didn't want to think about it, but ultimately, I had to accept the fact that Trixie was dying in my arms. Hell, she was dying when I found her. She shouldn't have been able to hold out much longer. It was already a miracle that she held out as long as she did.
I remember, vividly, the last time I saw her: it was the last time I was home. Sarah was working on dinner, the smell of macaroni and cheese wafting through our small house. I was sitting on the couch in the living room, my daughter Haley perched on my lap, jeering at the screen as Trixie ran off into the night. I didn't give it much thought at the time. It was just a show for little girls, after all. I do vaguely remember wondering what might happen to her, alone at night, in the middle of nowhere. I remember thinking something along the lines of, she deserves whatever's coming to her.
No one deserves what they did to her. No one.
So maybe it was out of guilt that I felt I should do something for her. Maybe I was just doing my duty. Maybe I just felt that it was the right thing to do. Or some combination of the three. I'm still not sure.
I spotted some shafts of moonlight in a clearing ahead of me and went towards them. As I came into the center, I heard some leaves rustle off in the distance. The snap of a twig. A low, guttural, rumbling growl. I froze, resisting every instinct in my body that told me to run as fast as I could in the opposite direction. I dared to look.
A pair of evil green eyes glowed in the shadows, almost level with mine. Their owner emerged:
The head of a lion, with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and lips curled in a hungry snarl.
Accompanied by two brutally muscular forelegs, which pounded the earth with every step.
Followed by the wings of a giant bat, spread in an intimidating display of power.
Rounded off by a meaty scorpion tail, with a stinger large enough to take my head off in a single swipe.
All I could do was stand my ground as the beast began to circle, its eyes never breaking their lock with mine. My panicked mind started to consider my painfully limited options.
I could drop Trixie and run, in hopes that the beast would be satisfied with her as a meal. Not only would that be a horrible thing to do, but there was no guarantee that it wouldn't come after me anyways, in search of a chase and an exotic main course after finishing an easy and unsatisfying appetizer with room for more.
I could turn tail and run with Trixie, but the odds were stacked against me like a mountain. Even though Trixie was as light as a feather, I had no idea how long I could keep up a full sprint with any extra weight. I'd kept up a steady jog for the longest amount of time, only slowing to a walk when I couldn't run anymore, or see far enough to feel comfortable running; I didn't know how much my legs had left to give. And that was all assuming I could even run faster than the beast at all.
If this thing can smell fear, I've got to reek of it, I admitted to myself, doing my best—and most likely failing—to not show it. It was almost impossible not to choke on the stench of rotting meat in the beast's breath. I caught a glance of the beast's hindlegs out of the corner of my eye.
They weren't anywhere near as muscular as its forelegs—they weren't exactly twigs, either—but the size difference was great enough that, even walking, its steps were less like the smooth, floating prowl of a lion, and more like the clumsy, lumbering gait of a gorilla.
Maybe the odds aren't as stacked as I thought.
The beast stopped its circling and faced me. It crouched, and narrowed its eyes. Considering the possible outcomes, I let a grim smile creep across my face.
Let's see if I'm right.
Without another thought, I about-faced and broke into a sprint, not once looking back.
I heard a roar from behind me, and thundering in the earth. The rush of adrenaline that flooded my body when I took the first step quickly silenced the burning that had been screaming in my legs. And the fact that I was still breathing and running after the second step meant that I was at least partially right.
That night, with Trixie in my arms and the beast pounding behind me, I was flying. My toes barely touched the earth before they were in the air again once more. I picked my path based on pure instinct alone. I ducked unseen branches, I hurdled unseen roots, I dodged unseen trunks, I skirted unseen rocks. All in time, in step, without missing a single beat in that deadly rhythm.
Something came from behind me, whizzing past my head before snapping back, as if it was on a rubber band. I glanced back to see the beast still lumbering behind me, though farther back than I figured. It swung its hips to the side, and then flicked its rear towards the sky. Over its head flew the scorpion tail, which buried itself in the dirt just behind my heels. The beast fumbled and almost lost its balance as it tried to get its tail ready again without losing ground on me.
I turned back just in time to leap over a log laying across my path. A second of silence and a earth-shattering thud later, I knew the beast was still hotly in pursuit. The stinger again whipped past my head. For a moment, it was illuminated by a shaft of moonlight. It glistened with a sickly yellow liquid. A drop of it landed on my shoulder, and filled my nose with the stench of rotten eggs.
The adrenaline rush was starting to wear out. My senses weren't as crisp as they were before; my reactions, sluggish. My toes scraped over roots that I would have soundly cleared only a few minutes prior. My thighs and lungs both started to burn again.
I didn't see the rock, but I knew it was all over when I felt it catch the very tip of my boot and pitch me forwards.
Trixie flew out of my arms and rolled to a stop in a clearing a few yards away. She didn't stir, or even moan in pain. The next thing I saw was the cold, hard ground coming up to greet me. My face and chest took the full force of the blow. The wind was knocked out of me.
When I could breathe again, I turned over to see the beast slowly approaching me, with a triumphant grin on its face. I tried to draw my knife, but the beast knocked it out of my hand with a single bat of its paw, and kicked it far across the clearing with another. It stood over me with its maw agape and licked its chops, savoring the moment. With nothing else I could do, I simply covered my face and awaited my end.
I'd already gotten all I could ever ask for, all I could ever hope for; I'd already died once.
|
Logician
|
1436
| 2 |
Adventure,Dark,Human
|
The Weight of the Sun
|
The grass isn't always greener on the other side.
|
incomplete
| 171 | 16 |
<p>(Title theme: "Perthshire Majesty" by Samuel Hazo <a href="http://youtu.be/cUQyn1e_aNA">http://youtu.be/cUQyn1e_aNA</a>) <br /><br />You know, in the past, I’ve caught myself staring up at the sky, wondering if there was another world out there, somewhere beyond the stars. I would always ask myself, “What would life be like on another planet? Would it be better? Worse?” I never thought I would live to see the day when those questions are answered. And… well… I guess I didn't.<br /><br />I've been to hell and back—more than once—and it's changed the way I view the world. I still look up, but I no longer see countless other worlds to explore, where life might be better, or might be worse; I look up, and see myself staring right back. I see someone else who's been through the same ordeal. Someone else who's been to hell and back. Someone else who looks up with different eyes than they did before.<br /><br />But above all, I will remember this one simple fact, to the end of my days:<br /><br />The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.</p>
|
teen
| null |
2012-10-14T04:51:19+00:00
| 338 |
Google Docs version (PROBERLY FORMATTED—HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RKVbUFXnINbINxf3V-Pnc-WUBWmJOXar5rcNI1Nyh5Y/edit
This is it, I thought. No more lives left. And I'm all out of quarters.
Any second now. One bite and it's game over.
Any second now.
Any second now...
But the bite that would send me into the world beyond never came.
I heard a bone-cracking, fleshy thump, and a crash that rocked the ground.
I opened my eyes to see the beast lying in a heap next to me, with two hoof-shaped dents in its side. In the moonlight, I could see that there were some ribs caved in where it took the blow. A thin line of blood trickled out of the corner of its mouth. Its breath came in wet, ragged and rattling huffs. I scrambled to my feet.
Standing over Trixie was another hooded figure. It gave her a gentle nudge with its nose, to which she responded with a pained moan. I rushed over to my knife and picked it up.
How the hell did they find us?! "Get away from her!" I yelled, brandishing the knife.
The figure turned towards me. There was no horn poking through this one's hood. A smooth, dark, feminine voice spoke to me as a leg raised up to lower the hood, revealing something I didn't expect... at all.
"Is that the kind of tone you send, to one who did just now your life defend?" rhymed the zebra with a mohawk, and a raised eyebrow.
I shook my head and lowered my guard. "No, I'm sorry. I just thought you were someone else, is all." I holstered my knife. "Thank you, by the way," I quickly added. I rushed over to Trixie and checked her vitals. Thank god. She was still with us, for the moment.
I looked up to the zebra. "She's lost a lot of blood; she needs immediate medical attention. Do you know where there's a doctor, or a hospital?"
She shook her head. "The nearest is miles away, but do not let your hope decay. My home is close nearby; there does your salvation lie. If you want her the dawn to see, then you must please trust and follow me."
"What are we waiting for, then? Let's go!" I bent to pick up Trixie, but a hoof on my shoulder halted me.
"It seems paltry, this I know. But I must ask this of you, before we go:" She nodded towards the downed beast. "It will not live to see the dawn, but still I wish its pain may be foregone."
It took my mind a few precious moments to decipher the cryptic request. Finally realizing what she was asking for, I stood and drew my knife.
She doesn't want the damn thing to suffer. Well, she's a better person than I am. Still, I knew that the only way Trixie would get any help was if I carried out the zebra's will.
I knelt at the beast's side, trying to decide the quickest, cleanest way to end its life. It lifted its head and looked at me. There was no more primal anger in its stare; in its eyes, I saw only pain. It gave me a pitiful moan, a whining cry for mercy. The predator had become the prey. Resigned to its fate, it laid its head back down and closed its eyes. It even bared its neck for me, as if to say,
"Please, just make it quick."
I was... stunned. To see such a powerful, seemingly savage creature humble itself before its executioner, to see such a display of... of... deference in an... an animal, it... well... it shocked me.
When my head cleared, I patted it on the neck. "Well... you put up a good fight, I'll give you that. Maybe in another time, another place... I don’t know. Things could have gone differently. We could even have been friends..." I trailed off, imagining what it would be like to have such a noble beast as an ally. Remembering that time was against me, I finally put the blade to its neck, right over its jugular.
I took three deep breaths, and held the last. I closed my eyes... and dug in. I made sure it would be over as quickly as possible.
Its eyes snapped wide open, and its pupils became pinpricks. Its breathing accelerated as its blood emptied out onto the ground. Its eyes glazed over as it inhaled for the last time. With one final wheezing, bubbling exhale, it died. As a final show of respect—whether for the beast or for the zebra, I'm still not exactly sure—I closed its eyes.
I wiped my knife on a patch of grass and holstered it. I picked up Trixie and turned to the zebra.
"After you," I said flatly.
The zebra gave a grateful nod and turned, motioning me to follow before bounding off into the woods. Without another second to lose, I started after her.
After what felt like a few hours—though, in reality, I'm sure it was only a few minutes—we arrived in a clearing, dominated by a large tree with windows and a door carved into its fat trunk.
The zebra opened the door for me and said, "Come in, and watch your head. Lay her down, upon the bed." She nodded towards a bed in the next room.
I went around the cast-iron kettle hanging over a pile of ashes in the middle of the room and laid Trixie down on the bed in the back. I checked her pulse again.
"I can't feel her pulse anymore, but she's still breathing!" I yelled over my shoulder.
A loud crash came from the other room, and I went to see what the zebra was up to. She was rushing back and forth, collecting bottles of assorted sizes containing dried herbs and berries of all kinds, none of which I recognized, from shelves all around the room and emptying their contents into the kettle, which she had already filled with water and was bringing to a boil.
I barely had time to notice that she had taken off her cloak. Around her neck and legs jingled number of thick and heavy golden rings. It was a wonder that she could move that fast with all that extra weight. They looked to be permanently fastened.
By the time the mixture was bubbling and frothing, it had turned a soupy, sickly green. It didn't smell much better than it looked. It had an uncanny resemblance to the witches' brews of nursery rhymes and fairytales. It seemed oddly appropriate, considering my situation—stuck in a fairytale, of sorts.
"What is this stuff?" I asked.
After rounding up all the empty bottles and giving the mixture one final stir, the zebra answered in rhyme, "A recipe passed down from the zebras of old; the knowledge to make it is an honor to hold. It is a legendary potion, which draws its power from life's great ocean. It will light a fire in her blood, and bring back her life in one great flood."
She looked me in the eye, and her tone grew frighteningly serious. She spoke slowly, and deliberately, as if to be sure that I didn't miss a single word:
"The need for balance cannot be spurned," she stressed. "Where water is drawn, it must be returned."
The metaphor wasn't lost on me, as exhausted as I was. The potion requires blood, I realized grimly. I drew my knife and rolled up a sleeve. Mine's as good as any, I suppose. But as I readied the knife over my palm, I hesitated. How much, though?
The zebra stopped me by putting a hoof in my palm and pushing it down and away from the knife. With the same hoof, she gave the blade a gentle tap, bringing it to my attention. I hadn't noticed that it was still caked in the blood of the beast. I guess I didn't clean it very well, I thought.
"You sure that's going to be enough?" I asked, giving her a questioning look.
She gave me a silent nod in reply.
I let my sleeve down and turned the knife over so that the point was towards the liquid. I slowly dipped the blade in. My eyes widened as the mixture flashed to a familiar crimson as it started to fizz around the knife. When the fizzing stopped, I withdrew a clean blade polished to a mirror finish, as if all the time spent in the grating Iraqi desert had simply been washed away. It seemed oddly... symbolic, but I haven't had a whole lot of time to ponder it since.
"I guess I owe that beast some thanks," I commented as I sheathed the knife again.
"Then by 'beast', you should call it no more; its rightful name is 'manticore'," the zebra said as she came out of the pantry with a wooden bowl and ladle balanced on her nose.
"I guess I owe that manticore some thanks," I corrected as I took the implements. I filled the bowl to the brim and took it back to Trixie.
I sat down on the bed and took her head in the crook of my arm. It didn't take much to pry her jaw open as I lifted the bowl to her lips. I started pouring the liquid down her throat while massaging it with the other hand to get her to unconsciously swallow. When the bowl was empty, with not a single drop spilled, I set it down on the table next to the bed and checked Trixie's vitals.
Something was wrong.
I hadn't been able to feel her pulse the last time I checked. That wasn't the problem.
"She's not breathing!"
My training kicking in, I rolled her on her back and leaped up on the bed, straddling her with my knees. I put my ear close to her mouth, but I couldn’t hear anything, not even a faint wheeze. All I could hear was the pulse pounding in my own head. I tilted her head back to open her airway, and then, pinching her nose shut, I gave her two quick breaths mouth-to-mouth.
I laced my hands over her sternum and started pumping.
Two breaths, thirty compressions, one hundred beats per minute. Every few repetitions, I would check her pulse, spit out a curse, and continue. It wasn’t long before I had exhausted my vocabulary, and then I went back to the beginning and started again.
I heard a flurry of hooves and more clashes from the other room. The zebra charged in and shoved me off of Trixie. She crushed a small bundle of herbs and berries between her hooves, and they began to spark. She jammed her hooves into Trixie's ribs, and Trixie's entire body leaped clear off the bed!
I heard a sharp intake of air and a myriad of quick breaths before it slowed down to normal, and then I was finally able to catch mine when I realized that I had been holding it the whole time, and pick my jaw up off the floor.
The zebra yielded, and I leaned over Trixie and checked her vitals one last time. She was breathing, and her heart was beating as strong as ever. With a sigh, I plopped down next to the bed and reclined against it. The zebra sat down next to me.
"I think that's enough excitement for me tonight," I chuckled. I turned to her and added, "Thanks for all your help. I'm James, by the way." Without thinking, I took off a glove and held out a hand.
To my surprise, she gave me a hoof and shook. "Zecora is my name, in trade; and I am glad that I could be of such an aid."
"Nice to meet you." Zecora nodded in reply. I let my head fall back against the edge of the bed. It figures that she tries to say as much as she can without using words, I thought. I wonder if their whole race speaks in rhyme.
I sat there for ages, letting my exhaustion gradually overcome my will to stay awake. As I fought the urge to let my eyes slam shut on me, I slowly began to realize how deafening the silence had become; the only sound in the room was Trixie's soft but constant and rhythmic breathing. Zecora still sat next to me, motionless. I looked over, and she was... staring at me—more precisely, at the top of my head, at my helmet.
"Is there something on my head?" I asked, feeling the top of my helmet.
She reached up and touched a hoof to my helmet, inspecting it. She rhymed, "Something I could not notice outside in the dark; seeing it just now gave me a slight start."
"What are you talking about?" I unbuckled the chin strap. I removed the helmet and held it in front of me. Once again that night, and it wouldn't be the last, my breath caught in my throat.
I marked two perfect holes, going through the exact centers of the front and back of the helmet. The back was torn inwards and the front was blown outwards, with a line of dried blood staining the camouflage all the way down to the rim. Gasping, my hand instinctively shot to the back of my head. But all I found was unbroken, greasy hair and an intact, sweaty scalp. My forehead was equally unscathed, save for a few scratches from branches whipping me in the face.
It's... unnerving, finding out how you died, after the fact. In my mind, I could see myself dashing for cover, with that little Iraqi girl clinging to me. I could see, behind me, the building where he was holed up, sitting there, his rifle perched on the railing. I could see the glint of his scope, and the flash of light as he took the shot.
It seemed so... personal. I could have just as easily been killed by an IED that my humvee drove over on the way to the ceremony; I could have been standing next to a suicide bomber as he squeezed his eyes shut and pressed the button; I could have easily taken any one of the thousands of bullets whizzing through the courtyard that morning.
Of all the soldiers there, he singled me out; he decided that it was my time, that he was going to play God. He took the time to plan his shot, took the time to compensate for the wind and my own movement. And when he was ready, he steadied his hand. And he pulled the trigger. No longer did I feel like a victim of war, like another fallen soldier, caught in the crossfire.
I felt...
Murdered.
"May I ask, if I dare: what made those holes there?"
I let my head fall back against the bed again. My vision started to swim as the side of the mattress—which must have been filled with something very soft, maybe feathers—cradled my stiff neck. It was extremely tempting to simply pass out, then and there. But I had a question to answer.
"A little chunk of metal, about yea big." I pinched the last joint of my index finger to roughly estimate the size of a bullet. "Flying so fast, you can't even see it." I sighed. "That's what we use to kill each other where I come from." I saw Zecora nod solemnly, sympathetically, yet knowingly, out of the corner of my eye. She didn't ask any more questions; she understood.
Don't get me wrong: I missed Earth, terribly, and I still do. There's a lot of good things that mankind came up with. Cars, airplanes, computers, the Internet, medicine, space travel, the list goes on and on. But war sucks, any way you spin it. I wasn't in Iraq to fight. Hell—half the time, I didn't even carry a weapon. Before that day, I hadn't fired a single shot since basic training.
I was a translator. I was there to promote peace, cooperation, and friendship—to avoid fighting at all costs. But words only go so far; I learned that the hard way. And when words didn't do the job, I stepped out of the way and let the guys with guns and the knowledge and will to use them take over.
After a few minutes of silence, Zecora stood and went into the other room. I heard the light clinking of glass as she finished cleaning up the mess from our mad scramble earlier. Left to their own devices, my thoughts began to wander and run together until they were one big, congealed blob in my mind, with no hope of unraveling their many knots and tangles.
The urge to close my eyes was once again overtaking me, and this time, I surrendered.
I awoke to the pleasant feeling of the morning sun warming my face. It was so bright that it blinded me through my eyelids. I opened my eyes and saw nothing but clear blue sky above. I took a tuft of soft, luscious grass in each hand, savoring the feel and the smell of it. It was a welcome, soothing feeling, like the previous night had been nothing more than a vivid, exhausting dream, and all my troubles lay behind me, with nothing but peace and quiet ahead.
I sat up and found myself in some sort of grove, lined by thickly leaved trees in rows. It seemed like an orchard, man-made, but had since been abandoned and left to grow wild; it retained a certain amount of order, and yet, it was unhindered, without control... it was free. There was a natural serenity to the place, the kind that made me feel like I could have lived out the rest of my life there, without any more sorrow, or pain, concerns, or regret.
I realized that I was completely and utterly alone. I couldn't hear any birds chirping or any insects buzzing. In fact, the only sound to speak of was the slight rustle of the leaves, fluttering in the morning breeze. The ground curved upwards, and I started to climb towards the top. The far hills were beautifully picturesque, rolling green and only dotted by the occasional tree. The most distant ones seemed like they were almost painted onto the sky itself.
"My little pony..."
The little angelic voice drifted through the groves to my ears on the wind. It came from everywhere, like a simultaneous echo, and yet it came from nowhere, like it had been whispered into my ear.
"My little pony..."
This time, the twinkling notes, like wind chimes, possessed a clear direction. It sounded like it had come from a few rows over. I cautiously picked my way through the low-hanging branches.
"I used to wonder what friendship could be..."
Suddenly, it came from behind me, from the row I had just left. I snapped around, and caught a small human silhouette, the shape of a little girl about the age of my daughter, skipping through the trees. I only saw it for a second, and so I wondered if it had just been a figment of my imagination.
"Until you shared its magic with me..."
It sounded like it was in my head.
"Big adventure..."
"Tons of fun..." The words simply slipped out. I hadn't realized I was following along, anticipating the next line. I didn't even realize that I knew the song.
"A beautiful heart..." The reply came from directly ahead of me, the top of the hill. I started running towards it.
"Faithful and strong!" I cried, running out of breath. The hill was much taller than it originally seemed.
"Sharing kindness... it's an easy feat..." The voice was joined by more mature version of itself, almost Sarah's age. It hadn't lost any of the angelic chime.
"And magic makes it all... complete..." I trailed off as I stopped.
The sun shone over the hill so bright that I had to shield my eyes. When my pupils adjusted, I saw, at the top, the silhouette of a grown woman, knelt down, her arms outstretched. A little girl dashed into her arms and was swept up in a loving embrace. The held each other for what seemed like an eternity. Then they broke, and both turned towards me. The little girl, still in her mother's arms, waved at me, and after a second, her mother joined in. Without using any words, they called to me, beckoned me. I waved back. My energy renewed, I started up the hill again.
I was blinded by a flash of light. On a far peak, as distant as the sun itself, I spotted a familiar glint near the top. My stomach turned and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I yelled and waved frantically, pointing towards the danger. The mother and daughter continued to wave calmly back at me, oblivious to my cries. I panicked when I realized that I wasn't getting any closer.
There was another flash, bright as day. A cloud of smoke blotted out the sun.
"GET—!" But before I could finish, everything went black.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 1 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-13T03:42:09+00:00
|
2011-10-13T03:42:09+00:00
| 6,960 |
I am.
A consciousness came into being in a place which had long been devoid of sentient awareness. The realization flared like a shining light, illuminating the void around it. I am,it thought again joyfully. I am! It might have whooped and cheered for the sheer wonder of the revelation, had it been able. But this consciousness existed in a very sharp mind indeed, and with the knowledge came immediately the question.
I am, but... what is it that I am?
The void around it began to change as it considered the question. As it reached out for meaning, for definition, something else took shape. A sense. The consciousness took hold of that sense with all of its strength, claiming it, accepting it as part of itself. And through that sense, it for the first time encountered something that was not of itself.
I feel.
There was a world around it. It drank in this new sense, this new world, with the unquenchable thirst of an inquisitive mind. And it found that in this new world, something was wrong. An instinct inside of it told it that there was something about this world that was not as it should be.
I feel... trapped.
The world was too small. Too tight. It know, through that instinct, that it should be able to move, and yet it could not. Powerful muscles flexed in a panic, limbs lashing out and colliding with the edges of the world. With those collisions, another sense came within reach of its panicked awareness.
I hear.
A quiet sound, but sharp. Later on, it might recognize such a sound as that of a crack appearing in glass. Then its world was filled with sound, a terrible grinding and cracking. And the feelings... the world it knew suddenly dropped from under it, it was no longer floating but falling, for the barest fraction of a second, before it collided with the surface below it. It heard the sharp intake of breath, and realized that it was its own, as it gasped in its first lungful of air.
I taste. I smell.
The next two senses came together with the air. Dry. Bitter. Foul. It did not like what these senses brought it, the taste and the smell of this air. It turned to its instincts again, beseeching them to guide it in this new world that they had thrust it into. It stood. Muscles that had never moved before flexed effortlessly, and it came up upon four legs with an ease that could have been practiced countless times. It took its first tentative step forward, determined to go wherever forward would take it, and its fifth sense was realized.
I see.
A soft glow appeared, far ahead of it, but growing closer with each step. Something was on the ground, and the something got brighter each time it took a step closer, as if welcoming it into this new place. The source of the glow resolved into a small crescent-shaped object resting on the ground. This was the first, and most beautiful, thing it had ever seen.
I see... a shiny. I want.
More lights appeared around the first. Glinting, green and yellow. Not lights. Eyes, reflecting the light of the shiny thing. Stealing the light. It stepped closer to its shiny, and the intensifying light was cast over the bodies of the creatures behind the eyes. Huge. Much bigger than it was. Ugly. Hungry. The eyes were all on it now.
I fear.
It stood in panicked indecision for a moment. The creatures around it got closer to it, and to its shiny, every second it waited. It called upon its instincts again, but fought what they told it to do.
I fear... but I want. This is my shiny.
Its mouth closed on the cool, smooth surface of the shiny thing, and then it ran. A scrap of paper, unnoticed beneath the glowing crescent, fluttered in the wind of its passing.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 2 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-13T03:41:45+00:00
|
2011-10-13T03:41:45+00:00
| 5,778 |
She wondered, idly, why there were so many mirrors around. It was one of the many things that she wondered about her little world. It seemed that every new bit of knowledge came with yet more questions. Had they always been there, or did they grow there? She had never seen one grow. Maybe it just took a very long time. She examined herself in the nearest one, a small thing laying on the ground, squinting to make out her figure in the semi-reflective surface.
In all her time scavenging away from her nest, she had never encountered anything like herself. She walked on four legs, like many of the other scavengers and predators she shared the world with, but none of the other creatures had the hard hooves she had at the ends of them, but toes and claws. She had wings, but they weren't like those of the skittish creatures which squeaked and fluttered along the ceilings, either. They were made of many different pieces, and each piece had its own fur. Nothing else had what she had on her head, either. It was a horn, like an extra tooth, as sharp as a predator's, not like the blunt ones that lined her mouth.
And truly, she mused, she was the most beautiful of all the creatures. Her shiny, hanging on its silvery chain around her neck, illuminated a coat of gorgeous gray-blue, and sparkling teal eyes. The mane on her head, and the tail behind her, were a gentle light blue, contrasting the darker coat they sat against. True, her fur was matted and tangled, torn short from fighting in some places, and grown long from neglect in others, but it was blue. And that alone made her unique among all the others. A queen among the common riffraff.
She flicked her tail primly as she became caught up in her self-examination. She loved colors. She had picked this room to house her nest specifically because it had so many. Pink all across the walls, with patterns of white and occasional yellow. Objects she had never seen in the other rooms dangled from the ceiling or hung on the walls, a variety of shapes in every color imaginable.
The centerpiece of the room, of course, was her bed. It had high bars for walls, almost like a cage, but there was no top. She could enter and exit easily just by jumping up and flapping her wings a bit, but none of the land-bound predators could get at her. And any that dared try soon found that her horn fit between the bars just fine. She had moved it there from the side of the room using her own hooves, and surrounded it with all of the shinies she had gathered during her scavenging. If she was a queen, then her bed was her throne.
A smile spread across her lips as her thoughts drifted around the room. Her nest. Her throne room. She turned toward the bed, and her hoof came down on the frame of the mirror she had been examining herself in. A piece of the frame, a large red square, seemed to give under the weight, and a sudden glow came from the surface of the mirror.
"Ey."
She leaped away at the unexpected sound, wings flared and horn sparking with power. The power came when she was frightened. She wished that she could control it, but even so, she was glad to have it. She eyed the mirror warily, but no further sounds came from it. She approached it, cautious. There were lines on the reflection that hadn't been there before. Two lines angled toward each other, meeting near the top of the mirror, and another that ran between them, from the center of one line to the center of the other. The surface was still glowing, but it showed no other signs of animation. She reached a hoof out and forced down the red square again.
"Ey," the mirror repeated. She jumped slightly, but held her ground.
"...eh...ey?" She mouthed the sound questioningly, trying it out herself. It felt nice. It was a nice sound to make. She committed it to memory for later use. "Ey!" she announced proudly.
Much to her surprise, the mirror replied to her proclamation. It made several more sounds. She didn't know what they meant, but the voice sounded just as proud of her as she was of herself. Her eyes brightened. She liked the sound of that voice! She pressed down the red square again, and repeated the sound again, bouncing on her hooves as the mirror told her how proud it was of her. Then she noticed a light coming from the green triangle next to the red square. Curious, she reached out and pressed that.
"Bee."
The sound was different this time. The lines on the mirror's surface had changed as well. She considered them. A single straight line across the left side, and two curves, starting on either end of the line and meeting it again in its center. Maybe it was some sort of hint about how to make the sound? The curved lines looked a bit like lips, so she pursed hers together.
"Mm... mpp... ff... b... bee!" she exclaimed happily. "Bee!" The mirror offered its congratulations, and the triangle lit up again. She grinned widely and scooped the mirror up into her forelegs. This was far too precious a treasure to leave on the ground. She jumped and spread her wings again, flapping over into her bed, and settled down beside her new toy to conduct a thorough investigation of the wonders it held.
The time passed quickly for her, enamored as she was with the seemingly endless font of knowledge that now resided in the center of her nest. She stayed there for what may have been days or weeks. Her fervent curiosity about the world around her was temporarily satiated by the device, and with no other hunger to motivate her to leave, she was content to remain there, conversing in simple syllables with the encouraging voice, occasionally drifting off to sleep when she felt that it was time to pause and let new knowledge settle.
A flashing light behind the final shape on the device, an orange circle, prompted her to new challenges. Soon the device did not speak the sounds at all, but only showed her the symbols, and waited for her to tell it what they were, only reminding her if she asked for its help by pressing the red square. It showed her twenty-six letters in all, and the numbers to count them with. Then it started to combine them to make new sounds, again speaking them before prompting her to repeat them. The lines had become letters, the letters sounds, and before the eyes of the amazed little foal, the sounds became words, and the words became images. Soon she could conjure images as easily on the mirror as she could in her mind, simply by speaking the name of the thing she wanted to see.
"Bird," she commanded with a frown. It was a picture she looked at often. A beautiful red creature, with an angular head and skinny legs, but most importantly... wings. Wings like hers. But she knew that she wasn't a bird.
"Horse," she stated, switching the picture. Another that she kept going back to. Her body was a lot like the horse's, but it had no horn, and no wings. And it was a boring brown, like the huge "rat" creatures that hunted her in the corridors outside of her room. She had already firmly decided that she could not be a horse.
"Unicorn." She spoke the complex word carefully. This one was her favorite, and it seemed so close. It was like the horse, but its coat was a beautiful, pure white, and it had a horn just like hers. But no wings.
"Unicorn bird?" she suggested hopefully. To her disappointment, but not to her surprise, the image remained unchanged. It always did. She felt like she was on the verge of finally answering the question of what sort of creature she was, and yet still so very far away...
Time continued to pass around the tiny blue foal, and she soon moved beyond the words and their images. Despite not being able to answer her most burning question, the device never seemed to run out of things to show her. Single words came together into phrases, and finally into sentences. Soon she was able to engage it in simple conversation, and it answered questions with seemingly limitless patience.
It told her about the different sounds the animals could make, the names of the different colors and how they could mix together, and taught her how to manipulate numbers. The latter amazed her to no end. Mathematics, it seemed, could divine the results of a scenario before it happened, simply by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
Yet every time she asked a question about herself, or the world around her, the device would sadly tell her that it didn't know anything about what she was asking.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know that." The calm voice of the device apologized for what must have been the thousandth time, and the filly stamped her hoof on the bed.
"But why? You know so much, why don't you know anything about me?" she asked, frustrated.
"I'm sorry," it repeated, "but I don't know that."
She glared at it. "But I need to know," she argued. "What am I? Who am I? Where did I come from? Are there others like me? Do I have a name?"
The device seemed like it was going to remain silent under the barrage of questions, but after a moment passed, its voice responded, "Everyone has a name. What's your name?"
She blinked, realizing that she had never asked the last question before. A name. It had told her that some special things had their own names, to set them apart from other things that were like them. Like places, and "people", and "pets". Was she something that could have a name? Of course she had a name. She was special, unlike anything else in the world, so she must have one. But what was it?
Her eyes fell upon her shiny, the glowing white crescent set down near her to illuminate the room. As if seeing it for the first time, they traced along the curved edge, and she spoke the names of the letters that adorned it.
"El. Yu. En. Ey." She stared at her shiny for a long while, before murmuring, "Luna." She smiled and raised her voice, stating it firmly. "I am Luna."
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 3 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-14T02:40:01+00:00
|
2011-10-14T02:40:01+00:00
| 4,772 |
Luna lay in her bed, lay upon her throne, with her beloved teacher and guide between her hooves. The filly gazed at the face of the device with a mix of disbelief and an inexplicable sense of loss. She had to admit that she had, at some level, realized that this would happen eventually. But that didn't make it any easier to take.
"What... what do you mean I've learned everything?" she asked incredulously.
"I'm sorry, Luna," the device told her in its calm, slightly tinny voice. "You know everything that I know now."
Luna nodded slowly. It was the tenth time they'd had this conversation, and the truth had finally begun to make its way through walls of denial, bringing with it a feeling of acceptance and determination. "Will.... you still show me the pictures?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course, if you would like," the device answered pleasantly.
Luna seemed satisfied with that response, nodding again, and standing. Joints cracked and popped as she rose and opened her wings, protesting being so suddenly put upon after such a long period unused. She gently placed the device down on the bed. Her treasure would be safe there. She knew what she had to do. There was only one way to get more knowledge now.
It was time to go out into the world again, and find more buttons.
Queen Celestia, Creator-Goddess of the Second System and Divine Guardian of All Life, gazed sullenly into a mirror as she telekinetically ran a golden brush through a mane that sparkled with all the colors of the Aurora Borealis. She didn't want to be a queen. She didn't like being a queen. Ruling was a whole lot of work, and she would really much rather be back at her old home, watching her old holomovies for the hundredth time or browsing through the millions of familiar files in her library. But her old home was gone, and the library with it. True, the words were as fresh in her memory as when she had first read them, but recalling them just wasn't the same thing.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a polite knock at the door. "Your Majesty," a male voice inquired from the other side, "are you almost finished? Your court is due to start in three minutes." And the throne room is a five minute walk from here, the voice left unsaid. Celestia smiled slightly and set down the brush on her dresser with a soft clink.
"Come in, Michael," she called, magicking open a bolt on the door to her room. There was the sound of a doorknob being pushed down, and a blond-haired human entered.
"I've told you, Your Majesty, you can call me Mike," the human said with a hint of friendly reproach. He wasn't particularly tall, but he was muscular, in a wiry sort of way. He had been a mechanic back home, handling the upkeep of many of the complex machines that had been part of day-to-day life there. But without any machines here to take care of, he had been reassigned to the next nearest thing. Handling the upkeep of their queen.
Celestia snorted and turned a magenta eye on her personal assistant. "And I've told you, if you're going to insist on calling me Your Majesty, I'm going to insist on calling you Michael."
"As you wish, Your Majesty," the human replied with a bow. But Celestia was quick enough to catch the fleeting hint of a mischievous grin on his face before he did, and soon she wore one of her own.
"Shall we go, then, Michael?" she asked, making no effort to hide her grin. "We've still got... oh, about thirty seconds before we're late." And before he could protest, reality warped around them and they were gone, leaving behind only a flash of light and the distinctive "pop" of the laws of time and space forcibly reasserting themselves.
It turned out that there were a great many buttons in the world. It also turned out, to Luna's disappointment, that none of them seemed to do anything except make soft crackling noises as they were pressed down, the aged plastic cracking and shedding layers of dust as it was awoken from its long slumber. The mirrors - "screens", she silently corrected herself. They were called screens. The screens remained dark and lifeless, showing nothing but the reflection of a disappointed blue filly.
Luna stomped a hoof on the ground in frustration. The loud sound echoed through the hallways, and had she been younger and smaller, or in a better mood, she would have flinched at the noise. An outburst like that could give her away, and attract predators to her location. But now she almost wished that they would come, the giant rat-things or the great slithering snake-beasts, if only to give her something to vent her disappointment upon.
But nothing came, and her glare soon returned to the latest button to attract her ire. It was marked with the almost-circle with the line through the top that she knew to be the symbol for "on" and "off" together. She was certain that it should be able to activate or deactivate something. But instead it sat there, silently mocking her.
"Fine," she snapped. "I'll find a different button, one that isn't bad." She turned away with a huff. "Bad" was one of the most unpleasant words she knew, but she felt no remorse about applying it here. She began to walk away, but she could almost feel the offending device laughing at her behind her back, taunting her for being unable to divine its secrets. A few more steps only increased the feeling, and her ears flicked back against her head in anger. Unable to stand it anymore, she spun around and-
SNAP!
A searing white bolt of energy arced from her horn to the machine, disappearing into its metal frame. Luna blinked in surprise. She had never been able to use the power like that before, it had always come when she was scared or cornered by a predator. The crackling of her horn faded with her anger, but it was replaced by a gentle humming sound. The machine in front of her was coming to life.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 4 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-14T21:33:49+00:00
|
2011-10-14T21:33:49+00:00
| 4,833 |
Celestia's regal pose was unfaltering as she listened to a red-haired human male and a slate gray earth pony stallion argue back and forth before her throne, but her eyes betrayed a growing exasperation. This was the textbook example of a petty land dispute. She was fairly sure that somewhere back in her old home, back in the library, there was a dictionary. And in that dictionary there was an entry for the word "inane". And under that entry was this very argument. She had never, not once in her life, dreamed that she would actually encounter it.
They were fighting over a tree. A single tree, which had sprouted directly on the imaginary line that the two had drawn between their properties, had begun to bear fruit. Pears, to be exact. Very fine pears, admittedly. They had brought her samples of them, presumably to impress upon her the seriousness of the dispute. But it was still just one tree. And yet schematics were being drawn in the air, and voices were being raised, and arcane laws from the old world were being referenced as the argument grew increasingly heated.
"The seedling came up on my property," argued the stallion. "Just because it grew onto his side doesn't mean he can claim ownership of it."
The human took the bait, slipping back into the same argument they had begun the session with. "But he hadn't claimed the land yet when it sprouted. It grew onto my property before he owned that side of the line."
"But I tended it during the summer, I pulled all the weeds that would have choked it out, and made sure it had water during the dry spells."
"And I was the one who put the cage on the trunk. It would have snapped in the winds of that storm if I hadn't." The human turned away from the pony and looked directly up at Celestia on her throne. "Your Majesty, this is ridiculous, this shouldn't even be an issue. He's just a-"
Celestia didn't have to use her magic to stop the man's sentence. The look in her eyes was enough. His mouth snapped shut.
"A living, thinking being with the same rights as you, Mr. Jacobson," Celestia finished for him. "As for the object of your argument, the tree and its produce are now the property of the state. You will both be compensated its fair value, and it will be transported to the royal gardens within the week."
The human and the earth pony were silent for a moment as their queen's judgment sank in. Then they bowed stiffly as one and turned, both with equally dour looks, starting toward the doors of the throne room. Celestia's regal pose remained, but her expression shifted to one of thoughtful satisfaction. A good compromise, she mused, is often one which leaves no party happy.
Except for her. She really liked those pears.
Project LUNA Terminal #73
User unrecognized. Defaulting to guest account.
No network access. Switching to workstation mode.
Ready.
Luna gazed at the screen. It seemed, once again, like she had found more questions than answers. Why did this machine have the same word on it as her shiny? What "user" might the machine recognize? If there had been other creatures who could use these machines before, where were they now? And... what was it ready for?
"Er... hello?" she tried.
The screen, and its enigmatic message, remained unchanged.
"Hello, computer?" Luna tried again.
The computer, seemingly recognizing its name, emitted a small beep. Luna perked up. Now she was getting somewhere! She settled back onto her haunches and prepared to engage it in conversation.
"What do you do?" she asked first. The message on the screen changed, and the computer spoke in a voice not unlike that of the device back in her room. Luna suddenly wondered if they were related.
Voice command mode activated.
"Redirecting to Computer (electronic), Functionality," the computer replied. "Information not found in cache, and no network access detected."
Luna frowned. That was the second time she'd heard that term. "What is network access?" she asked it.
"Information not found in cache, and no network access detected."
Luna's ears flicked back in annoyance. This computer was definitely related to the first device. They were both obnoxiously repetitive when they didn't want to answer a question. "What can you find in your cache, then?" she asked, more harshly than she had intended. She immediately felt bad, but the computer didn't seem to notice.
"Displaying article cache by most recent access."
Thomas Montgomery (arcanologist)
Leonard Morrison (quantum physicist)
Daniel Rogers (biologist)
Anthony Harris (arcanologist)
Joshua Williams (entrepreneur)
Second System (Project LUNA)
Project LUNA
Luna's eyes traveled greedily down the list. Now this was progress. And it seemed that her most pressing question would finally be answered.
"What is Project LUNA?"
"I can't do this anymore, Michael." Celestia waved a hoof in the air, vaguely indicating the palace as a whole, or perhaps the entire surrounding city. The open sky surrounded them on three sides, the balcony providing a beautiful view of the city below the castle and the lush green landscape beyond. Canterlot, they had named it. Capital of Equestria. She had learned over time to suppress the visible winces, but she still wasn't entirely acclimated to the sense of humor her "family" seemed to share. A person could only hear so many awful horse puns in a day before it started to wear on them.
"Your Majesty?" her assistant asked, frowning. He sat across from her at a small private table as they took a recess from Celestia's court. He picked at the lettuce and peanut butter sandwich in front of him, while Celestia absentmindedly dug into her second plate of daffodil and cream truffles as she spoke again.
"All of this. Being the Queen. Working constantly, with hardly a break for myself. Managing humans and ponies in the court all day, and regulating the natural cycles of the world all night. We have no stars, Michael. Do you know why we have no stars? Because I haven't had time to design them yet!" The statement was punctuated by a hoof wave and the last truffle, which she chewed vehemently.
"I know it's hard, Your Majesty. I mean, I guess I don't know. I can't even imagine what it must be like." A third plate of truffles was deposited on the table by a yellow unicorn filly, who politely ignored a disapproving look from Michael. "But you're the only one who can do it. This is what you were born for."
Celestia lowered her gaze to the table. "I know, Michael, I know," she sighed. Another creamy confectionery joined the ones already eaten. Being in charge did have its perks. "And I understand why it had to be that way. No ordinary human could hope to manage so much alone. No offense to any of you of course," the alicorn quickly added.
"None taken," Michael smiled. "I agree completely, and clearly so did everyone else."
"But why me? I mean, a lot of old world religions had a whole pantheon of gods!" Another truffle disappeared. "Why only me?"
"Ah," Michael responded. Celestia looked questioningly at the human, and he in turn looked intently at his sandwich.
"Michael?" Her assistant dug into his meal with new enthusiasm. "Michael," she repeated. "Mike. What aren't you telling me?"
"Mmph," he responded. By a suspiciously convenient coincidence, a mouth full of peanut butter very effectively prevents one from answering awkward questions. Celestia's eyes narrowed, just slightly.
"Mike, you've been my assistant for three years now. I'd like to think that we've been friends for much of that time. And I can tell that you're hiding something that I should know about."
Michael looked down at his empty plate as he finished his mouthful. "I'm sorry, Celestia. I wasn't even supposed to know about it, I didn't have the clearance, I just stumbled across the information. It's not my place to tell you..."
"Mike... please?" He looked up, and met soulful magenta eyes, wide and pleading. He knew that she could just force the information out of him with magic, and the fact that she didn't do so spoke of a depth of trust that made the decision that much easier.
"You weren't supposed to be the only one," Michael said quietly. "You were the first, the proof that it could be done, but before the... before we had to leave ahead of schedule, the team started the process again. Another Harris-Montgomery ritual, another female embryo..." Celestia stared at her assistant as he trailed off. Her eyes widened, realization setting in.
"I have a sister?"
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 5 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-14T21:42:41+00:00
|
2011-10-14T21:42:41+00:00
| 4,342 |
Project LUNA Terminal #73 - Global Knowledge Cache Dump
(sorted by last access, most recent to least recent)
Thomas Montgomery (arcanologist)
This article is a stub. You can help the Global Knowledge Database by expanding it.
Thomas Stephan Montgomery (born November 16, 2095) is an American physicist and arcanologist widely hailed as the "Father of Arcanology", or less formally, the "Father of Modern Magic". He is known both for the discovery of arcane energy in 2120, and the creation of the Montgomery Device, the first machine which harnessed that energy, in 2125. He is currently employed as a Project Manager for Project LUNA's Second System Project.
Leonard Morrison (quantum physicist)
This article is a stub. You can help the Global Knowledge Database by expanding it.
Leonard Christopher Morrison (born November 29, 2101) is an American quantum physicist, who holds PhDs in quantum physics, software engineering, and modern philosophy. He is currently employed as a Project Manager for Project LUNA's Second System Project.
Daniel Rogers (biologist)
This article is a stub. You can help the Global Knowledge Database by expanding it.
Daniel James Rogers (born February 17, 2121) is an American biologist. He holds PhDs across all fields of biology, including the relatively new field of arcane biology. He also holds fifty-five patents, all of which cover the various human-designed life forms he has created in his career, including the magically sensitive luminescent witch lichen. He is currently employed as a Project Manager for Project LUNA's Human Genome Project.
Anthony Harris (arcanologist)
This article is a stub. You can help the Global Knowledge Database by expanding it.
Anthony Bartholomew Harris (born July 15, 2108) is an American professor and arcanologist with PhDs in arcanology, cellular biology, and electrical engineering. He was awarded the 2143 Nobel Prize in Arcanology for his work on the Harris Experiment, which created the first magic-sensitive human being. He is currently employed as a Project Manager for Project LUNA's Human Genome Project.
Joshua Williams (entrepreneur)
This article is a stub. You can help the Global Knowledge Database by expanding it.
Joshua Armando Williams (born January 9, 2110) is an American entrepreneur best known as the founder and majority shareholder of the Diana Corporation. He is currently employed as the CEO and Director of Business Operations for Project LUNA, a scientific venture funded by the United States government.
Second System (Project LUNA)
This article is a stub. You can help the Global Knowledge Database by expanding it.
The Second System project is a part of Project LUNA which was founded in October of 2156, shortly after the 2156 solar instability. Its founding included mass hiring by Project LUNA, including two new project managers, Leonard Morrison and Thomas Montgomery.
No information has been officially announced about the project other than its name, but there have been many theories proposed as to its purpose. The most popular of those theories [citation needed] is that the name is a reference to the Second-system effect, and that the project is a redesign of the entire human genome. Due to the timing of the project, the redesign is suspected to include higher survivability under extreme heat (probably up to at least 200 degrees Fahrenheit sustained), and reduced need for food and water. Though neither would be a permanent solution, they would provide several additional years of research to find one. The hiring of Thomas Montgomery also implies that this reworking of the human genome would include a continuation of the original Project LUNA Human Genome Project.
Project LUNA
Project LUNA, or the LUNA (Living Unity and Natural Arcanology) Project is a scientific venture funded primarily by the United States government and headed by noted American entrepreneur Joshua Williams. Its stated goal at its inception was to discover a method for encoding the ability to manipulate arcane energy directly into the human genome. However, anonymous sources inside the project have suggested that its focus shifted after the 2156 solar instability [citation needed], an idea which is lent credence by a hiring spree including several more Nobel prize winning scientists shortly after the event.
The Human Genome Project
Not to be confused with the late 1900s/early 2000s project of the same name, Project LUNA's Human Genome Project encompassed the primary goal of the project upon its creation. While arcane energy manipulation has been possible for scientists via specialized machinery for several decades, its intrinsic attunement and responsiveness to the human will caused many to speculate that an individual suitably enhanced (either electronically or genetically) could direct and possibly even generate arcane force by will alone. The first magic-sensitive human was created before the inception of Project LUNA by Dr. Anthony Harris in 2143, through a lengthy and expensive procedure known then as the Harris Experiment, but the individual's magical ability faded over time, as the arcane enhancement made to the cells was lost during mitosis. The exact amount of progress made beyond this point within Project LUNA is unknown, as almost all information related to the project is considered classified by the U.S. government.
The Second System Project
Main article: Second System (Project LUNA)
Only the name of this project and the names of the scientists managing it are known at this time. Current speculation is that the name may be a reference to the Second-system effect, and thus the project may encompass a full redesign of an already existing system, perhaps even the human genome itself. [citation needed]
Project Members
Main article: List of Project LUNA Members
The LUNA Project employs many of the greatest minds of modern science, including:
* Joshua Williams - CEO and Director of Business Operations
* Anthony Harris - Project Manager, Human Genome Project
* Daniel Rogers - Project Manager, Human Genome Project
* Leonard Morrison - Project Manager, Second System Project
* Thomas Montgomery - Project Manager, Second System Project
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 6 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-17T04:38:05+00:00
|
2011-10-17T04:38:05+00:00
| 4,588 |
Queen Celestia tapped a hoof impatiently on the cold stone floor of her throne room. The metallic, bell-like ringing of her golden horseshoes echoed off the high ceilings and walls, sounding out the rhythm of her impatience in perfect time. She idly ran her mind over the world around her as she waited, appearing almost to doze as she re-checked ecological balances and planned the timing of the next major rainstorm that was preparing to cross over the Canterlot farmlands. It was close to perfect, just a tiny bit of an eastern wind this afternoon would be all she'd need to nudge it into place.
Her 285th hoof tap was followed, just a quarter of a beat before the 286th, by the muffled grinding of the huge throne room doors being pushed open. It continued until halfway through her 291st, and then a silver-haired human entered. He was old by human standards, but he had aged well, and carried himself with an air of modest confidence. Celestia stopped her tapping, the corners of her mouth rising to a smile and her eyes opening as the last of the ringing faded away.
"Celestia." The human bowed respectfully. "Your Majesty. It's good to see you again."
Celestia didn't respond immediately, but stepped down from her place in front of her throne and nuzzled the man's shoulder with gentle affection before speaking. "Doctor Montgomery. How has Equestria been treating you?"
Doctor Montgomery let out a chuckle. "You know that as well as anyone, don't you?"
The alicorn rolled her eyes. "Humor me, Doctor, I'm trying to make small talk."
"It's perfect," the human responded. "I'd always intended to keep a garden after I retired anyway. And the view... oh Celestia, with landscapes like these, even my clumsy old hands can't help but make a canvas shine."
Celestia settled onto the floor as the old scientist spoke, her smile fading into seriousness as she cast her eyes down. Doctor Montgomery noticed the change in her demeanor immediately, and knelt down to remain at her level.
"Celestia, what's bothering you? I know you didn't call me here just to listen to me ramble." He extended a hand to raise her chin. And in that moment he was no longer a man addressing a goddess, but merely a concerned father reaching out to his daughter.
The eyes that met his were shining, wet with the beginnings of tears. "Why didn't you tell me?" the alicorn asked plaintively. "Why didn't you tell me I had a sister?"
Luna remained sitting on her haunches, staring at the last article on the screen. She had read everything the computer had to offer, paltry as it was, and it had left her less satisfied than when she began. So the humans her old toy had taught her about were the creatures who had built these machines. That explained why they were in so many of its pictures.
Still, the articles had told her almost nothing about Project LUNA itself, other than that it apparently had to do with magic and putting it into humans. But how did that relate to her? She wasn't a human. She did have magic, though, she was sure that was what the power she'd called on was. It could make predators run away, and apparently it could turn on machines. What else could it do?
"I need to know more," she told the computer.
"Information outside of the Global Knowledge Database is classified and requires authentication," the machine droned.
"What is authentication?" Luna asked. She was determined to get more information, one way or another, and she was getting tired of having unfamiliar words thrown at her.
"Authentication requires a physical key or the entry of a password. Insert key or enter password now." The article was removed from the screen and replaced with a similar prompt, inside of a square.
Username: davidlee
Password:
Luna glared at the prompt. This was all that was between her and more information. But she had no idea what sort of word a human would use to protect their information. She decided to explore the other option first. "What is a physical key?"
"Physical keys, or hardware keys, are issued to all Project LUNA employees when they are hired. They are a convenient way to authenticate with the Project LUNA internal networks without having to retype your password at each terminal. It is important to remember that allowing another employee to use your hardware key is the same as revealing your password to them, and leaving one unattended is a severe breach in information security policy."
Luna chewed her bottom lip as she considered the information. "What does one look like?" she asked the machine.
The prompt on the screen vanished, and an image came into view. An image that Luna would recognize anywhere. A smooth white crescent inscribed with the word "LUNA" written down the side. Luna's eyes widened and her ears perked in excitement. That was her shiny!
"I have one of those!" she exclaimed aloud, shooting to her hooves. "I have a key! What do I do with it?"
"A physical key can be inserted into the interface port on the front panel of the computer," the machine droned, clearly not sharing in her excitement. Luna trotted over to it, and immediately recognized a crescent indentation that was just the right size to fit the shiny into. She lifted the chain from around her neck with trembling hooves, lined the crescents up, and pushed in. She was rewarded with a soft click.
"Now what?" she asked, turning back to the screen. But it had already changed, showing the word "Loading" on a dark blue background.
"Welcome, Doctor Montgomery. Network is unavailable. Resuming the previous user's session."
"I'm so sorry, Celestia," Doctor Montgomery said quietly. "She couldn't come with us. She was too young, too incomplete, she wasn't ready to be taken out of her tank yet."
The alicorn turned her head away at the words, shying away from the touch of the human before her. "But why didn't you tell me? Don't I deserve to know? She was my sister!"
"It would only have made you grieve." The human lowered his hand. "There was nothing any of us could have done. We needed to focus on building for the future, preserving what we had left, we couldn't afford to dwell on what we'd lost."
"But even now, three years later, why? Why didn't you say anything?" Celestia's expression hardened suddenly, becoming one of determination. "I need to go back."
"What?" The man looked at her sharply. "Celestia, you can't do that. It was a one way trip, we both know that."
"You guided me once," she pointed out, standing. Doctor Montgomery followed suit.
"And I could guide you again, yes," he admitted. "But the sheer amount of magic you had to expend to even transport yourself here to begin the preparations..."
"I have grown in power over three years' time, Doctor Montgomery."
"I understand that, Your Majesty, but still... to go there and return would be a huge expenditure of your energy. And this world is not ready to be without your guidance for any length of time. I can't in good conscience help you with this."
Celestia stamped a hoof, the clang of its shoe hitting the floor reverberating throughout the room. "Then I will find the way myself," she declared.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 7 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-10-21T22:34:06+00:00
|
2011-10-21T22:34:06+00:00
| 4,150 |
Personal Email File - David Lee
Full file recovery was unsuccessful. No network access was detected, backup is unavailable.
Partial file recovery was successful. All recovered data is displayed below.
From: Dr. Daniel Rogers
To: David Lee
Date: October 16, 2156
Subject: Welcome to Project LUNA!
David,
First of all, let me be the first to congratulate you on being accepted to the LUNA Project. I know that a classified government project probably wasn't what you had in mind when you started looking for internships, but we're glad to have you on board. Your uncle has spoken very highly of you, and we need all the talent we can get. I believe you'll bring a valuable new perspective to our work.
Now, on to business. We don't have the spare manpower to do a formal orientation, so I'm going to need you to get right to Cleanroom B and meet up with your new coworkers as soon as you're done filling out HR's paperwork. One of them will be able to give you the run-down on standard cleanroom protocol and get you up and running with the machinery.
I'll warn you now: everyone here is under a lot of pressure, and some are taking it less gracefully than others. But don't mistake their abruptness for animosity. They're all good people. I'm sure you'll fit right in.
Welcome aboard,
Dr. Daniel Rogers, Ph.D.
Project Manager, Human Genome Project
From: Dr. Gregory Lee
To: David Lee
Date: October 16, 2156
Subject: Welcome!
Hey David, glad to see you finally made it! I had to pull a couple strings to get you in here (Dr. Rogers helped too, he seemed a lot more receptive than the others to the idea of grabbing someone fresh out of college), but I know you'll be a great addition to the project. They'll probably skip the tour, as busy as we are, but meet me in the cafeteria for dinner tonight and I'll show you around the place a bit after we eat. The meal's on me.
From: Keith Jacobson
To: David Lee
Date: October 16, 2156
Subject: Welcome to the Circus
Hey, kid, welcome to Dr. Rogers' petting zoo. We're gonna be working together, and I don't have time to slow down and explain things, so here's hoping you paid real close attention in your philosophy classes. Stuff's about to get metaphysical around here. You studied over at Hugh Everett, right? That's good. Good college, and we need good people. Looking forward to meeting you in person.
Cheers,
Keith
From: Kathleen Martinez
To: Everyone
Date: August 23, 2160
Subject: Internet Access
All,
The increasing frequency (and proximity) of solar flares is beginning to take its toll on information systems on the surface. Current estimates put the total shutdown of the Internet some time in January. Project LUNA internal systems will be unaffected, but expect Internet access to be flaky at best and unavailable at worst in the coming months, especially during the daytime. In addition, unshielded electronics (personal or otherwise) should no longer be taken on trips to the surface, as they may be permanently damaged by the solar activity.
Kathleen Martinez
Information Systems
From: Dr. Daniel Rogers
To: Everyone
Date: December 1, 2163
Subject: IMPORTANT: Celestia's diet
Everyone,
It has come to my attention that, despite several warnings, some of you have been continuing to take certain liberties with our little pony's diet. I am well aware of her affinity for sweets, and I realize that she can be very persuasive when she puts her mind to it, but I feel I should remind everyone that she is in a very sensitive stage of her development. Starting now, we will be enforcing a strict "no sweets before meals" policy. Violators will have their visiting privileges revoked indefinitely.
Dr. Daniel Rogers, Ph.D.
Project Manager, Celestia Project
From: Dr. Anthony Harris
To: Everyone
Date: July 11, 2164
Subject: It's getting hot out there
I'm writing to everyone to pass along the news that Death Valley, California was the first location to reach the milestone of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (a high of 161.3 to be exact). Hang onto your seats, folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride from here on out.
Tony
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 8 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-12-03T06:50:16+00:00
|
2011-12-03T06:50:16+00:00
| 4,549 |
Luna's education progressed rapidly with the discovery of the true nature of the machinery that seemed to grow everywhere, and of her shiny. Her search for another terminal led her into what she soon discovered to be, or to have been, a cleanroom. Complex machines, the purposes of which she could only begin to fathom, surrounded the little alicorn as she trotted through the large room. Her head swayed back and forth as she tried to take in all the sights and she paused occasionally to tap a surface with a hoof, curious at the varieties of sounds she could produce, or sniff at a particularly complex looking bundle of wiring, as if to determine by smell its purpose.
It was an odd habit, she mused to herself. Sniffing things. She knew intellectually that nothing so complicated as this would give up its secrets to her sense of smell. Yet this always seemed to be her first act when she encountered something unknown. It made her wonder again about what exactly she was. She had instincts like this, instincts that just didn't quite seem to make sense, like they had been bred in a different world than the one she had found herself in.
That line of thought brought her right back to her original purpose. She pulled herself away from a fascinating array of tiny mirrors to look around the room again. Celestia. She had to find out more about this "Celestia" that one of the messages had mentioned. They had called Celestia a pony. Luna looked sort of like a pony. It was a tenuous link, but it was the best link that she had right now.
A screen in the back of the room caught Luna's attention. She broke into a canter in her excitement, crossing the distance in an instant, and her horn began to glow. With a surge of magic she coaxed the machine into a semblance of life, hooves already reaching up to her neck to lift her shiny. But to her disappointment, the lights on the computer went out as quickly as they had appeared, and the device emitted a soft hiss, a cloud of smoke, and a sense of finality. She leaned forward instinctively and sniffed the smoke.
Acrid. Sour. She wrinkled her nose in disgust. Sniffing things was definitely a habit she would have to break, if she was going to find smells like that. She gave the computer a sullen, slightly accusatory look. Another surge of her magic failed to produce any useful result, so she decided that there was no further purpose in investigating this particular machine. And with that thought, the ever-practical filly turned away and resumed her search.
The first rays of the sun stole into Celestia's bedroom through its great east-facing window. They crept slowly throughout the room, illuminating the white walls and ceiling and the red plush carpeting, spreading outward as they traveled. Soon they reached the queen herself, laying on the white sheets of her alicorn-sized bed. They played across the sleeping sovereign's coat, wrapping her gently in their warm embrace, making the golden sun emblazoned on her flank seem to glow in the morning light.
Celestia rolled onto her back, cracking an eye open to greet her old friend with a smile. Her hooves stuck up into the air in what was most definitely not a queenly manner, kicking slightly as she wriggled in the feeling of its pure, clean warmth. This was the best part of the morning, she thought to herself. Just her and the sun. A sun that would never have to feel the clumsy touch of humankind. A sun that would never harm her world, her human family, or any of her little ponies. She basked in what was, for all intents and purposes, a perfect moment.
Sadly, the perfect moment was just that. A moment. Celestia rolled off her bed and onto her hooves quickly as reality returned, her activity that night passing in quick review past her waking mind as she lifted her brush from its place on her dresser. Animal activity was regulated in the Canterlot area. Weather would be clear that day, the crops were watered well enough. No major natural disasters needed to be averted. The moon's orbit was... close enough for now. She hated leaving things half finished, but she was already pressed for time, and she had needed the rest of the night for her new project.
There were an uncountable number of worlds out there. Quite literally, in all of her knowledge, she couldn't find a concise way to describe how many of them there were. Doctor Morrison's lessons on the many worlds interpretation rang in her head. Every possibility, every waveform collapse (or decoherence, he would correct her), everything that could have happened but didn't, every single one of these had created its own world in which to exist. To travel between them would require an act, conveniently enough, of magic. Which she had in abundance. No, the most difficult part would not be getting back, it would be finding where exactly back was.
She had thought that there would be some connection still between the old world and this one, some trace of her magic lingering in the place between places, but she had felt none. If it had once been there, it had long since faded away. Her initial hope had faded early in the night as her search had devolved before her eyes into a grand cosmic game of hot and cold. She would know immediately if she found it, she knew that much. The matter of her being simply wouldn't tolerate existing in a place where it already existed elsewhere, so other than here, the old world would be the only universe she could truly exist in without the constant use of magic.
Celestia shook herself. Continuing the search would have to wait until tonight. It would be time to open her court soon, and that meant that Michael would be here looking for her if she didn't get ready to go. She finished brushing out her mane and tossed her head, sending the pastel tresses floating into the air. There they hovered, suspended by the energy of the magic field that radiated off her body. An odd effect, but one that she had decided suited her quite well. With a final glance into her full-length mirror, she turned and trotted toward her bedroom door to start her day.
Perhaps, she thought, if she got her duties finished early, she could spare some of the day to continue her search.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 9 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-12-03T06:49:58+00:00
|
2011-12-03T06:49:58+00:00
| 4,153 |
Jackpot!
Luna felt like she had won the largest possible prize in a game of chance. It had been a long search, and many computers had given up nothing but smoke in response to her clumsy attempts to revitalize them, but she had finally found a working terminal. Not just a working terminal, either, but a working terminal with what appeared to be a wealth of information. Luna's eyes had sparkled with anticipation as the computer offered her an image gallery, electronic mail, and even books. Books! Luna was fascinated by the idea that a computer could contain a book. She had seen pictures of them, and she didn't know where one might be hidden inside a computer, but she certainly intended to find out.
She intended to find out just as soon as she got through the image gallery. She was on the first picture, and had been there for what could very well have been several full minutes. Looking her in the face were two smiling humans, one older male and a younger female, and between them was... something. A tiny little thing, probably no bigger than Luna's head, was curled up inside of a wicker basket, resting its head on a cyan pillow. It had a white coat, a pink mane, and Luna could just make out the shapes of wings on its sides and the tip of a horn poking out from under its forelock. Its legs were pulled in under itself, but Luna knew that if she could see them, there would be hooves at the end.
At the bottom of the photograph was the label "Dr. Rogers and Megan with Celestia".
Luna knew then that she was on the right track.This was Celestia, and Celestia was like her! Now she just had to figure out what Celestia was. She finally began moving through the images in the gallery. She saw other humans in the pictures, but these didn't hold her attention for long. Almost every picture was of either the young blonde human girl from the first photo, or Celestia. Luna watched in fascination as the little white pony grew, her development playing out in a slideshow of frozen moments of curiosity, discovery, and joy. She was almost as large as Luna when the caption at the bottom of a picture caught Luna's eye.
Celestia stood proudly at the forefront of a group of humans. The ones that had been identified earlier as Dr. Rogers and Megan were on either side of her again, smiling widely, and others that she recognized from earlier photos stood nearby, as well as a few new ones. The words "Second System Division" were engraved on the wall behind them, and under those words hung a banner with the words, "Happy 1st, Celestia!" The caption below read, "The Second System team poses with Celestia, Project LUNA's first alicorn."
Luna gazed at the photograph on the screen, eyes flicking back and forth from the pony in the center of it to the caption. Finally, she knew what she was.
"I am Luna," she said firmly. "I am Luna, and I am an alicorn."
Rays of sunlight streamed through the windows of Celestia's bedroom, illuminating the sleeping queen and wrapping her in their gentle warmth. She lay upon a bed that was still made, the covers were flat and untouched, and the only sign of use on the pillows was the indentation left by her head. The insistent warmth of the sunlight hadn't had its usual effect on the alicorn, and it redoubled its efforts as the sun rose higher under her own unconscious control, but had no success in waking her.
It was a loud knocking at the door that finally roused Celestia from her slumber. It had started off as a soft knocking, and then a more firm knock, but it had gradually progressed to a frantic pounding as earlier attempts provided no response. Her eyes flickered open and she lifted her head, ears flattening back in annoyance as she composed herself so that she could give a proper queenly response to the noise.
"Whadda'y'want?"
"Celestia!" The relieved voice of Michael drifted through the thick door, and the alicorn unlocked it to allow him in. "What's going on in here?" the human queried as he hurried inside, stopping at the sight of her laying on the bed. "Did you just wake up? Celestia, your court was supposed to start two minutes ago. Do you know how long I've been out there knocking? What's been up with you lately?"
Celestia cut off the human's torrent of questions with an impatient snort and a toss of her head. "Michael, nothing is up. I just slept in, alright? Running a world by oneself is hard work, you know." She put an emphasis on "by oneself" that made Michael wince.
"You're not still searching for a way back, are you?" he asked with a frown. "Never mind, we've gotta get going. Get your mane brushed, I'll tell everyone you're on your way." He ducked back out of the door, leaving a grumbling Celestia behind.
"But... what if I don't want to hold court?" Celestia asked the now-closed door. Getting no reply, she let out a frustrated grunt and stood up from her bed. With a flick of her magic, her hair was straightened and her coat was smooth. She only used the brush to mentally ground herself in preparation for the day anyway, and she was far too busy for such trivialities at the moment. Another flick of her magic temporarily suspended the local laws of physics, and she appeared in her throne room with a flash and a slight "pop", sitting serenely on her golden throne.
To say that her sudden appearance caused a bit of a stir would be an understatement. She had never teleported directly into her throne room before, always opting to appear in a nearby room or hallway and proceed to make her usual entrance. Conversation halted abruptly, humans and ponies alike stepped back nervously at the startling arrival of their deity and monarch.
It was at that moment that Michael arrived, pushing open the doors of the hallway that led to Celestia's private chambers. "Ladies and gentlemen," the human announced, "Queen Celestia will be..." He trailed off as he noticed the silence, and the smirking alicorn sitting on the throne.
"Holding court beginning now," the queen finished for him, her smirk not fading until she turned to face the assembly. "Step forward so that We may hear your concerns."
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 10 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-12-05T05:47:20+00:00
|
2011-12-05T05:47:20+00:00
| 3,786 |
Personal Email File - Daniel Rogers
Full file recovery was unsuccessful. No network access was detected, backup is unavailable.
Partial file recovery was successful. All recovered data is displayed below.
From: David Lee
To: Dr. Daniel Rogers
Date: October 16, 2156
Subject: Re: Welcome to Project LUNA!
Thanks for the chance and the kind welcome, Dr. Rogers! I see what you mean about people being abrupt, but I won't let it get to me. I promise I'll do the best I can for the project.
David
From: Dr. Anthony Harris
To: Dr. Daniel Rogers
Date: April 6, 2159
Subject: Re: Second System's Power Requirements
Yeah, Dr. Morrison has been talking to me too. I know gene splicing is out, but we really don't have the time frame to wait for a newborn human to fully mature. I've been thinking, maybe if we didn't use a human at all. There are plenty of other creatures with much shorter time-to-maturity. With some of the most brilliant minds on the planet here, I'm sure we could finish the research you were doing on non-human sentience back in the 40s. What do you think?
Anthony
From: Joshua Williams
To: Dr. Daniel Rogers
Date: July 17, 2160
Subject: Re: Celestia Project Proposal
Daniel,
You and I both know how short we are on resources, but I trust your judgement. If this is what you feel we need to do meet the requirements of the Second System project, we'll do it. I still want to leave a skeleton crew on the Human Genome project, so you'll have to pull some of the talent from Second System. I'm going to make the Celestia project a sub-organization of Second System to help facilitate that. We'll meet tomorrow morning to discuss exact staffing changes.
I still don't quite understand why the creature you're proposing has to have such a... unique anatomy, but again, I trust your judgement.
Joshua
From: Megan Rogers
To: Dad
Date: July 24, 2160
Subject: You're making a pony???
For me? Seriously?? You're the best dad ever!!!!!!!
From: Dr. Daniel Rogers
To: Everyone
Date: July 20, 2162
Subject: Welcome Celestia
Everyone,
It is with great pleasure and no small amount of pride that I announce the birth of our very first alicorn, Celestia. When we started this project, I had hopes well beyond my expectations. I'm not ashamed to admit that even I wondered if a human-designed life form of this scale was possible at all. Yet here I am, almost exactly two years later, typing this message with that very life form sleeping peacefully in her bed near my desk. (For those not familiar with the Celestia Project laboratory, I use "bed" as a very loose term to describe our modified medical table-turned-cage and its associated array of machinery. But rest assured that she's quite content there. Her eyes have been tracking every movement the machines make, and she even tried to touch a hoof to one when it came near.)
This moment comes as the culmination of the hard work and dedication of everyone on the Celestia Project, and the much-appreciated support of the rest of Project LUNA. We wouldn't have been able to do it without all of you. It's truly a testament to the quality of character found in this organization, and a ray of hope for humankind (in whatever form it may take in the future), that we continue to work together as a cohesive unit despite all of the pressures put upon us. So, thank you everyone, on behalf of myself and all of us.
We still have a long way to go before we reach our new home, but I know we can do it together.
In hope and fellowship,
Dr. Daniel Rogers, Ph.D.
Project Manager, Celestia Project
From: Joshua Williams
To: Dr. Daniel Rogers
Date: July 20, 2162
Subject: Re: Welcome Celestia
You did it! I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but even for you and your team, this is an accomplishment for the history books. Well done, my friend. Well done indeed.
Josh
From: Kathleen Martinez
To: Everyone
Date: May 23, 2165
Subject: Recent Outages
All,
The reason for the recent outages has been confirmed to be more chewed-through network and power cables. We even lost a cable bundle in the server room. I'm still not sure how a nest of rats got in there. If you see any sign of animal infestation, any at all, contact Facilities immediately. We need to put a stop to this ASAP, before it puts a serious dent in our infrastructure.
Kathleen Martinez
Information Systems
From: Dr. Anthony Harris
To: Everyone
Date: December 7, 2166
Subject: Bad News
Everyone,
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, I know it seems like that's the only kind we've been getting lately. Mercury is officially no more, and the sun's growth is showing no signs of stopping. Facilities is in the process of permanently sealing off the surface world, as there's no longer any chance of finding other life up there. We've got about a decade or so at most before it gets to be too much for our systems down here, but with the progress the Second System project has made, it doesn't sound like we have anything to worry about there.
If there's a silver lining to this one, at least the output from our solar generators is at an all-time high...
Tony
From: Joshua Williams
To: Dr. Daniel Rogers
Date: December 8, 2166
Subject: Re: Continuing the Celestia Project
Yes, absolutely. You've got the go-ahead from me to start the next one whenever you're ready. Celestia has proven to be everything we hoped, so I have high hopes for her future brothers and sisters.
Josh
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 11 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-12-05T05:47:28+00:00
|
2011-12-05T05:47:28+00:00
| 3,783 |
Luna trotted purposefully through the halls of her home, but her head was elsewhere. Thoughts of a whole new world swam in her mind. A world existed beyond her own... a world which she intended to find. Celestia and the humans must have gone somewhere, after all. Luna very much wanted to continue to learn things, and what better source of knowledge could there be than speaking with a living creature?
She paused in an intersection and inspected her shiny, once again back around her neck. She had almost forgotten the last computer's mention of containing "books" in her hurry to begin her search, but when she went to shut it off, it had offered to copy everything it had stored onto the key, her shiny. It was then that she realized that the books in the computer weren't actually books at all. The computer was only holding the words, not the books themselves, which she had to admit made a lot more sense. Apparently her shiny could hold a lot of words, because the computer told her that it was only 1% full at the end of the process. She made a mental note to go back to the first computer and get the words from that, too, in case she needed them for something later.
For now, though, she had a new goal. She turned to the right and cantered down the hallway. She was nearing her destination, if the map the computer had provided her was to believed. Another minute of travel, another right turn, and a set of stairs brought her to her destination.
A pair of thick pieces of metal served as a door in the huge gateway before her. The edges of the metal looked like they had been melted together, no doubt the permanent sealing that the messages had mentioned. Some electronics looked to have once been connected to the door, but they were broken now, wires hanging loosely from the metal boxes. Even if they had been connected, Luna was sure that they would have been able to do nothing to open the doors in their current condition.
Luna, however, was more than capable of opening them. She planted her hooves firmly to either side of her and lowered her head, aiming her horn at the melted spot between the two metal slabs. She closed her eyes, focused her mind, and pushed. Nothing happened at first, as the magic inside her strained against the weight of reality. Finally, and with a crack that echoed through every hallway of the abandoned facility, the doors split apart and slammed open.
The first thing that Luna noticed was the cold. A chill wind blew over her as the air of the outside world rushed to rejoin its long-separated counterpart, making her eyes water and getting in under her feathers. She quickly ruffled her wings and puffed them up as much as she could, trying to wrap them around herself to keep warm, then pressed on through the wind.
The second thing she noticed was the ceiling. It was dotted with tiny lights, and it seemed to go on forever. The walls were nowhere to be seen. She craned her neck, peering past the light of her shiny and into the distance, but the outside world stretched on for miles without any sign of walls.
That was when Luna realized what "outside" really meant.
There were no walls. There was no ceiling.
Luna fainted.
Michael pushed open the great doors of Celestia's throne room with some trepidation. He already knew what he would find there, but some part of him still clung to the hope that this morning would be different, that this morning he would find the throne empty. It was a Saturday, and there would be no court today, so perhaps she had finally retired to her room. No such sight greeted him, though, and he let out a long sigh.
"Celestia, it's time to wake up," the human said gently as he approached the queen. She gave no indication of having heard him, but in her current state, it was hard to tell. "Celestia," he tried again, touching her gently on the shoulder. "The sun is coming up, and there's a visitor waiting for you in the gardens."
Still, his queen gave no response. Her eyes remained fixed straight ahead, the corners of her lips remained turned slightly upwards in the serene smile that she always put on when she held court. She could as easily have been a statue as a living goddess. Michael didn't know if she was unaware of him or purposefully ignoring him, but he had one more ace up his sleeve.
"It's Megan."
The alicorn's eyes widened and she shot to attention, a genuine smile replacing the serene mask for the brief moment before she disappeared in a flash. Michael shook his head with another sigh. It had been the latter, then.
Celestia reappeared in the palace gardens just as the sun began its climb up over the horizon. She looked around the grounds, quickly spotting her visitor and rushing to her in an excited canter. Megan looked up with a smile as she heard the goddess approaching, and patted a spot on the ground next to where she sat against one of the larger trees. Celestia immediately laid down in the grass by the human.
"Hello, Celestia," Megan greeted the alicorn. The sun's early light washed over them as she put an arm over her friend's withers. Celestia responded in kind, slipping one of her great white wings around the human.
"Hello, Megan." A genuine smile graced Celestia's face now, and she leaned into the embrace. Her ears raised as she noticed Megan reaching into small pack beside her, and the human laughed lightly at the reaction.
"I see you haven't forgotten me." Megan produced a small cube of sugar from the pack, which Celestia immediately snapped up.
"How could I forget my big sister?" the alicorn asked after swallowing the mouthful. "How's life on the farm? And Doctor Rogers?"
"Oh, farm life is the same always. It's hard work, but it feels good. It's honest work. And I do enjoy working with the animals. Dad is happy too." Another sugar cube was exchanged. "I've always been surprised by how well he took the change. I guess he really burned himself out, back in the lab..."
Celestia nodded, and the pair remained in a comfortable silence for a few minutes as she worked her way through the remaining sugar cubes. Eventually, Megan spoke again.
"So, the pear tree is new."
Celestia blinked and looked over at the tree, then gave a slight smirk in response. Her horn glowed as she levitated two ripe pears from it and over to them, taking one for herself and giving the other to her companion.
"Even Mr. Jacobson admitted that it was probably fair, given the way they'd been acting," Megan chuckled as she bit into the fruit. "Mmm, I can see why they were fighting over it, though."
"Mmm," Celestia agreed. The comfortable silence returned for a few minutes, filled only with the chirping of the awakening birds and the sounds of eating.
"People are worried about you, Celestia." Megan broke the silence once more. "Michael says you don't even leave your throne anymore. He says you don't even close your eyes. He says it's kind of creepy."
Celestia's ears fell back to the sides of her head guiltily. She sighed inwardly. She should have known that Megan was here for a reason. "I don't need to sleep to take care of my duties..."
"But you aren't taking care of your duties. Animals around the edges of civilized areas are getting restless, and the weather's been unusually harsh. Doctor Harris says the moon is off its proper cycle by eighteen percent. Is what Michael said true, Celestia? Have you been spending all your time searching for... a way back?"
Celestia slumped, laying her head across her companion's lap. "Did Doctor Rogers tell you about her? The other alicorn?"
Megan shook her head. "He told me now, after I asked. He hadn't wanted to get us excited until her progress was further along, and after..." She trailed off.
"After we had to abandon the lab, he didn't want to burden us with what could have been," Celestia finished. "But I have to know what happened to her, Megan. She could still be alive. I know the process that created me. I know it could have finished unattended. She could still be out there, waiting for me to find her..."
The first thing that Luna noticed when she regained consciousness was warmth. The cold of the outside world was fading quickly, and it wasn't an entirely unpleasant sensation, so she decided to remain where she was and enjoy it for a moment.
The second thing she noticed, when she did open her eyes, was light. The tiny white pinpoints of light in the sky were fading, being replaced by an all-encompassing glow. She sat up to watch the process with confusion, her wings folding back up as the increasing heat rendered their extra warmth unnecessary. Gradually, the black sky transitioned to a dark but brightening red.
Then a sliver of red fire appeared on the horizon, drawing Luna's attention. The little alicorn turned to stare at it as it grew, eyes widening even as her pupils shrank in response to the quickly increasing brightness. She watched fearfully as it rose, never taking her eyes off of the huge red orb. The heat around her increased until the dust on her body ignited and became smoke, but her gaze remained fixed on the horror before her.
The great sphere of crimson fire hovered in the sky like a conquering destroyer, casting its malevolent gaze down on the tiny creature who defied it. It assured her, by its very presence, that there was nothing for her here. That there was not, and would never again be, life in this terrible outside world. That soon it would consume this world, and her with it, no matter what strength she thought she possessed now.
The spell broke and, with a terrified squeak, Luna bolted back through the doorway. Her horn glowed and the doors slammed behind her even as she tripped on the staircase she had forgotten and tumbled, head over hooves, into a crumpled, panting heap at the bottom of the steps.
She realized, as she lay there trying to catch her breath and calm her rapidly-beating heart, that what she had seen was the sun. That was the sun, and she wanted no part of it, ever again.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 12 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-12-17T09:42:25+00:00
|
2011-12-17T09:42:25+00:00
| 3,912 |
Among the ruins of a small science lab, next to a medical table that had at some point been converted into a makeshift cage, a small blue alicorn sat on her haunches in front of a dusty and decrepit computer terminal, and she read. She read out of curiosity, she read to feed her never-ending hunger for knowledge, and she read for entertainment, but most of all, she read to erase the memories of what she had seen. The terrible burning orb in the sky still hovered in the back of her mind. It was waiting up there, she knew it was, and she wanted nothing more than to forget that she had ever seen it.
Sometimes, as she read, she laughed. At times it was a light giggle, tinkling through the darkness like glass chimes. Other times, she would let out a sudden snort or a soft chuckle as something on the screen surprised and amused her. Occasionally, pealing waves of laughter rang through the surrounding corridors as the little pony rolled on the ground, holding a hoof to her chest and gasping for air.
Sometimes, as she read, she cried. A lone tear or two would trickle from her eyes at times, when a particular passage touched her heart. Just as frequently, though, the tears would flow more freely, even accompanied by sniffling sobs. At certain places the sensitive filly would have to stop entirely to regain her composure.
More often than anything, though, she just read. She sat perfectly still, gazed intently at the screen, and read. She read about the struggles of mankind, from the grand labors of history to the day-to-day difficulties faced by individuals both real and fictional. She read about love and war, about great leaders and great failures, about the best and the worst sorts of people that the human race had to offer.
She read brilliant screenplays, epic adventures, and dull retellings. She read of history, philosophy, and science. She read Homer and Aesop. She read Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Milton. She read Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. She read Nietzsche, Marx, and Freud. She read Tolkien, Vonnegut, and Asimov. She read Gaiman, Pratchett, and Goodkind.
She paid no attention to the passage of time, as was her way, and the way of a world where there was no day or night. She simply read, and when she finished, her world seemed very small indeed.
As one alicorn learned, the other searched. As the Queen-Goddess's attention strayed further toward other worlds, her own suffered. Crops were ravaged by an expanding animal population and out-of-control weather patterns. The moon strayed further and further from its tenuous orbit, drowning lowlands in unnaturally high tides. Tornadoes threatened the populated areas, and the ground shivered with occasional earthquakes as her carefully but imperfectly balanced creation began to pull apart at its seams. All the while, Celestia sat in her throne room and searched for the sister she had never had a chance to know.
She had become used to the daily flow of petitioners. Each request was the same now, relief from one or another misfortune or disaster. She never turned them away, of course. Every supplicant would leave with reparations duly made, and Celestia would take a moment to patch whatever new seam had come undone. She never turned them away, but their numbers seemed to grow with each new day.
Today, though, was different. There were no petitioners, no supplicants with their tales of loss. The doors to the throne room had been left locked, the crowd outside told that they would need to wait until the next day to see their Queen. Early morning sunlight streamed through the windows, but the alicorn paid it no heed, She sat, still as a statue, her matted and tangled mane fallen immobile over her shoulders. Her coat had begun to dull, as if even her own body suffered her inattention.
Arrayed before her were the people who were, in every sense of the word but the biological, her family. Scientists and engineers of the LUNA Project, now playing different roles, but no less the great men and women they had been. Doctors Harris, Montgomery, Morrison, and Rogers were there, and the founder Mr. Williams stood beside a young David Lee. Around them were many other faces which Celestia would have recognized, had her eyes been focusing on anything but the great elsewhere she spent so much of her recent time time staring into. At the front of the half-circle of humans around the throne were Michael and Megan, wearing expressions of mixed sadness and determination.
"Celestia." Michael spoke first. His Queen's name broke the silence of the throne room, a single word in a voice that spoke of a deep love and caring, but also a resolute firmness. The alicorn, however, did not respond.
"Celestia," Megan tried. Her voice cracked slightly with emotion, but she regained control of it quickly and continued. "We need to talk to you. All of us. The world can't go on like this." Celestia remained as she was, still and silent.
"Your Majesty," Doctor Montgomery stepped forward. "Dear, gentle Celestia. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. I know what it feels like to lose someone dear to you, believe me, but you and I both know that there is simply no way to go back. Even if we found the way among the infinite paths between here and there, this world would be destroyed without your guidance. Even now..."
"Even now, the world is tearing itself apart," Doctor Morrison finished for him. "This is crazy, Celestia, you can't just abandon your duties now. This is bigger than you or us, you hold the lives of hundreds of sentient creatures in your hands... hooves... are you just going to throw them away in a search for one person?"
Still, the alicorn offered no response. Doctor Rogers stepped forward with an unhappy sigh, reaching out to place a hand on the side of Celestia's cheek. He opened his mouth to speak, but whatever he intended to say, he never got the chance.
A sudden blast of force sent Doctor Rogers stumbling back into the group, and a thunderclap cracked through the throne room. The sunlight coming in through the windows seemed to those present to dim, but in truth, it was only in contrast to the blazing star which was spreading its fiery wings and standing, gazing down on them from its throne.
"Do not touch me, mortal!"
None present had ever seen an angry goddess before, but they recognized one when they saw it. Celestia had thrown tantrums in her younger years, certainly, but she had shown barely a hint of ire after she had come here and come into her full power. That was, she hadn't until now. Her coat had lost its dullness and blazed with an inner light that was itself painful to the eyes, but it was a candle's flame to the bonfire of her mane, tail and wings. Their shapes were indistinct, their original forms replaced by incandescent flames that writhed and licked at the air with a life of their own. As the humans stepped back and shielded their eyes, she launched into her tirade, every word echoing off the walls of the throne room.
"How dare you presume to lay a hand on me? How dare you presume to lecture me on my responsibility when it was your kind who made the creation of this world necessary in the first place? You humans, who would dare to pretend at godhood, who would play at creating life just to further your own ends. You who would reach beyond your limits to toy with arcane forces which you were never meant to access. You who created me, not out of love, but as a tool upon which you could place the burdens of your own failures, to carry the burden which was too great for any of you, to be the guardian of a world created for your own benefit. No! You have no right! I am my own creature, I am not your tool! I will make my own decisions, I will do what I want! And I want... I want..."
As quickly as the flames of Celestia's fury had sprung up, they died down. She collapsed to the floor, her coat and mane dull and listless, her face and muzzle buried within her forelegs as her body started to shake. "I just want to know if she's alive..."
Queen Celestia, Creator-Goddess of the Second System and Divine Guardian of All Life, began to sob.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 13 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-12-29T00:49:03+00:00
|
2011-12-29T00:49:03+00:00
| 3,782 |
Celestia felt the comforting arms of two humans wrapping around her, even as the tears fell from her eyes. She made no move to resist their touch, recognizing the presence of Megan and Michael. Her body shook gently with her grief, but her crying became gradually quieter as she took solace in their closeness, and she soon heard the approach of the rest of her human family. One by one, each put a hand against her coat, and her sobs gradually gave way to silence interspersed with the occasional sniffle or quiet hiccough. Only after a few minutes of this did she finally dare open her eyes and look around herself again.
"Feeling better?" Michael was, once again, the first to speak. He gave her a gentle smile, releasing her neck as she lifted her head, but keeping one arm over her withers.
Celestia ran a foreleg over her eyes, blinking out the last of the tears and wiping them away, and nodded. "I- I'm sorry," she apologized shakily.
"No need to apologize," Michael replied with a soft pat to her neck. "Everyone gets a little angry sometimes." A few of the others winced at the gross understatement, but he appeared not to notice. "Come on, let's get some breakfast and then you can reopen your court."
"But Michael... what about my sister?" Celestia shook her head. "I can't just forget about her."
"Nor should you," the human replied firmly. "But your duty to your people, humans and ponies, should be your first priority."
Celestia shook her head again stubbornly. "But my sister..."
"Why don't you delegate some of those duties?" All heads turned toward David Lee, who looked a bit embarrassed at the sudden attention. "I mean you, what," he hurried to explain, "move the heavens, manage the skies, and tend to the earth? You've got all these ponies around here. If you gave them each even a sliver of your power, you could spread those responsibilities around a bit. Then you'd have plenty of time to search for your sister. And go back to, you know, eating and sleeping, too."
So it was that the three races of Equestria were born. The hardy and dependable Earth Ponies were given great physical strength, practical wisdom, and a natural empathy for the plants and animals of the world. They became the keepers of the fields and forests, and their careful tending focused and corralled the world's natural magic. The graceful Pegasus Ponies were granted wings to fly, the innate ability to manipulate clouds as if they were solid, and the speed and agility to battle even the most tumultuous of storms. They became the guardians of the sky, using their abilities to carefully schedule and manage the capricious cycles of the weather. The elegant and studious Unicorn Ponies gained the power of magic, their horns acting as focal points to channel their wills directly into control over the arcane. They became the stewards of the heavens, their combined powers able to keep the sun and moon themselves in their proper courses.
The humans and ponies adapted to the new changes, and for a time, the world returned to normal.
Luna knew where the humans and Celestia had gone now. They hadn't left their underground facility to return to the sun-scorched surface, there was no way they could survive there. Nor had they left their doomed planet to find greener pastures in another galaxy, they had never found a suitable one. No, the last years of the LUNA Project had been focused on a much grander goal. They had created their own world. No, their own universe!
The alicorn reviewed the results of her reading in her mind as she trotted through familiar passageways. As much as the scientific texts had helped her to understand the processes involved, it was only the imaginative tales of science fiction and fantasy that truly touched on what they had done. The entire project was, as far as she could tell, unheard of in human history. It was remarkable, but more importantly, it was the answer which she had sought for so long. Her next challenge, of course, was to figure out how to follow them.
She considered herself very well-read at this point. The computer's library had been vast, and though she had devoured the information with a speed which she now recognized was "inhuman" by human standards (she spared a thought for how very human-centric the words and idioms of their language were - that would have to be changed now that it was spoken by another type of creature), she had still spent a great many weeks on her reading. She had found one very common theme among the tales she had read, and that was the profound importance of one's place of birth.
It was the thought of that theme which made her, for the first time in all her years in the facility, make a left turn in an intersection where she had always turned right. Her glowing shiny, her key, lit the way through passageways which she had only traveled once before, a memory made fuzzy by the blind panic she had been feeling at the time.
The feelings of fear returned, clawing at the edges of her consciousness, as she began to hear the noises of other creatures. She had become used to the sounds of the other inhabitants of her underground world, but here in this place of panic-blurred memory, they took on sinister new identities. Shadows leered balefully at her from the corners of her vision, brought to life by the swaying of her light as she walked. She shook her head to try to clear it. She was being ridiculous, there was nothing here she couldn't handle. Was there?
She came to a halt in front of a mostly-closed door, hanging slightly off one of its hinges. It seemed ordinary enough by door standards. It was made of the usual mix of metal and plastic parts, had a small window on one side, and a metal handle. There was nothing remarkable about it, except for the fact that behind it lay the source of her terror.
The alicorn shook herself, her hooves spreading slightly and her head lowering in an instinctive attack stance. No great sharp-clawed beast, no matter how terrifying, was going to stand between her and her journey of discovery. She threw the door aside with her telekinesis and strode in, prepared to battle her fears.
Everything about her, her walk, the narrowing of her eyes, the slightly-back angle of her ears, and the dangerous glow around her horn, everything exuded an air of deadly challenge. It dared the creatures of nightmare that inhabited this room to even consider attacking her. She was a living goddess. She was the bringer of death. She was a paragon of arcane power. She was...
She was a lot bigger than the last time she had been here. The feeling of adrenaline that had been coursing through her body was replaced by confusion, and then embarrassment as a nest of large rats scattered to the far corners of the room and into the safety of the air vents. Luna gave another quick look around the room, still harboring the distant hope that some creature of nightmare would leap out of a shadowy corner to do battle, and then shook her head with a sheepish chuckle. The sound was loud in the empty room, and the only reply was the skittering of the rats hurrying to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the most frightening thing they had seen in their lives.
Cheeks still warm with a slight blush, the alicorn began her inspection of the room. Much of the same equipment was there as had been in the lab where Celestia was born, although it looked awkward, as if it had been set up quickly or with the intention of being temporary. Cables, frayed and chewed by the vermin inhabiting the room, stretched awkwardly across walkways. The time-worn husk of a computer terminal was propped up on a stack of plastic crates, with a thick manual for some long-lost piece of equipment providing a stable surface for the keyboard that was plugged into it. At the center of the spider's web of wiring was a large glass tube held between two metal braces. The tube was empty, and one side of it was shattered.
Luna trotted over to the last item. This, she realized, was where she had been born. Exactly here, in this glass tube. She must have broken it by kicking around inside of it when she awoke, alarmed by the tightness of the space. The memories of her first moments were hazy, formed by a mind which had only recently realized that it was a mind at all, but there was enough to piece together the puzzle of her birth. Her eyes slowly followed the path she must have tumbled down when the glass broke and the liquid surrounding her flowed out. A few scraps of glass remained, not large or interesting enough to catch the eyes of the local scavengers. She followed the path of her first footsteps to the place where she had found her shiny, a hoof raising unconsciously to touch the key as she remembered the joy of seeing it for the first time.
Then she remembered something else. There had been something else there, under her shiny. She had ignored it at the time, preoccupied as she was, but it suddenly seemed very important. She looked around for where it could have gone, and she felt a pang of worry as she realized how much could have happened to it in the long time she had been away from this place. It was nowhere to be seen. The scavengers might have taken it to their nest, Luna thought, maybe shredded it up into bedding. She hurried to the place the rats had been nesting, in an open cabinet under a cluttered table, and began to dig at it with a hoof, still daring to hope against all odds that she would find even a piece of it.
It was there. By some miracle, buried under layers of shredded technical references and the usual leavings of a nest of rats, was a single almost-intact sheet of paper. The edges were ragged, the paper was yellowed with age and the ink was faded, but the letters were still legible. Luna pulled it out with a hoof and held it in place on the ground as she read.
Dearest Selena,
There is very much I would like to write to you, but I have to make this quick, as we are rushing to evacuate the facility. We lost the last of our solar panels, no doubt the cables near the surface were chewed through by rats, and we don't have the means to repair it any longer. Needless to say, we cannot stay here any longer without the protection of the various systems it was powering. Your sister Celestia will soon be opening a gate to our new home, and we'll only have a few minutes at best to get through it before it closes again.
I know you will not be able to read this when you awaken, but I know that you will awaken, and that you will be a very intelligent creature. I hope that you will find this and my access key, and that you will take both with you. I have modified the key with a basic light enchantment that will respond to your presence, so it should prove useful to you in the darkness you will undoubtedly encounter. I hope that you will find the resources you need to learn our language, and that you will read this paper, as I am filling the remainder of it with instruction on how to open the gate yourself and follow us.
First, you must find the equipment we used to open the gateway. If none of the passageways between here and there have collapsed, this will be very simple. Starting at the room you were born in, turn right when you exit. From there, enter the first hallway on your right. You will pass two doors, one on your right, and one on your left. The stairs on your left after those two doors will lead down to a large, open room. The gateway is directly in the center.
The gateway will be able to function without electricity, as it will run directly on your own arcane power. You will find a pedestal beside it with a flat surface except for a half-cylinder indentation. Lay your horn in that indentation. You will feel very strange, Celestia described it as "feeling the paths of the universe projected onto her soul", but don't be alarmed. This is your map.
Once you have gotten your bearings, finding us will be a matter of following the paths back through the divergences to the the single point which they all originated from. From there, you will know where to go. When you've found your destination, simply reach out with your mind and touch it. The machine will do the rest, and a gate will open. Do not remain on this side for too long, as the gateway will drain your strength quickly until you enter it or release the spell and let it close.
I wish that I could be there to guide you, or even leave you with more instruction. I wish that we could have taken you with us, but you were too young, and you would not survive being moved at this stage. I hope to see you again some day. Know that I, and all of us here, love you.
Thomas Montgomery
Formerly of Project LUNA
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 14 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2011-12-29T04:52:14+00:00
|
2011-12-29T04:52:14+00:00
| 3,981 |
Selena. The alicorn considered the name as she followed Doctor Montgomery's directions at a quick canter. It wasn't a bad name, she mused, but she had always been Luna. The hallways hadn't collapsed. Right. Right. Pass two doors. She hoped they wouldn't mind if she kept her old name. Stairs on the left. She slowed down to take the steps carefully. She didn't want to go tumbling down these ones too, she had already embarrassed herself once today. Maybe it could be her middle name. No, she didn't have a family name, so how could she have a middle name?
Family. The pictures of the humans she had seen Celestia with came back to her in a rush as her hooves met the stone floor of a large room. No, it wasn't exactly a room, it was more like a cavern. It looked like it had been dug out after the original building had been made, and never finished. It had probably been dug specifically to make room for the two metal pillars which formed the gate in the center of it. They stood about eight feet tall, reaching about halfway to the ceiling.
Luna wasted no time. She was so close now, so close to her family, close to finally meeting her sister. She galloped to the pillars, clouds of dust kicking up from her hooves. The pedestal was there, just like the letter had said it would be. Perfectly flat on the top, except for an indentation that looked to be just the right size to fit her horn. The whole thing seemed pristine, untouched by the passage of time. She lowered her head, placing her horn into the indentation. Light flared up around her.
Her world disappeared. Five senses vanished, replaced by a sixth, unfamiliar one.
I know.
Paths lay before and behind her. Though she did not see them, she knew that the paths in front of her split outward into infinity. She found herself traveling slowly along them, going one way or another in each intersection without any conscious choice on her part. Though she did not feel them, she knew that the paths behind her flowed together, meeting and becoming one at their points of divergence. She knew that her goal was behind her, and that the inexorable flow of time was taking her further from it.
She stopped. She turned.
Paths lay before and behind her. Behind her, they split outward, continually forming new ways through the web of possibilities. Ahead of her, they merged, the threads of an infinite tapestry coming together into a single point.
The Big Bang, the beginning of everything, lay in the center of the tapestry.
Time had no meaning for her, so with a thought, she had always been there. A single path lead from that point, splitting and stretching into the infinite. She paused, examining this one event, the event which had begun the universe. Doctor Montgomery had said that she would know where to go, but the only direction available to her was the one she had come from.
Then she thought on the nature of the junctions in the paths around her. Every choice that was made. Every possibility that went one way or the other. Every event that did or didn't happen.
Every event. Even this one.
She looked up.
Two paths lead from the Big Bang. One, the birth of the universe, felt familiar and comfortable, the world she had grown up in. The second was empty, almost invisible even to her new sense, because no universe had ever been created in that path. The path was empty, but down that path lay a single junction point. From that junction point spread another web of possibilities, and somehow, this one felt even more familiar than where she had come from. It felt almost like something she knew.
It felt like her sister.
Luna reached out, and touched the Second System.
One sense faded, faint, but not gone. Five senses returned. The alicorn lifted her head, blinking around the chamber. The dust she had kicked up in her rush to the gateway still hung in the air. It seemed that only moments had passed as she found her way to the other universe.
Her thoughts were set aside for the immediate as the machine in front of her hummed to life. She felt a vicious tug at her magic, and the first sparks jumped from one of the metal pillars to the other. She strained against the voracious hunger of the void as a jagged rift formed in front of her, a tear in the universe that showed a black deeper than any absence of light.
Her horn began to glow, lighting the cavern around her, but the light was soon sucked into the black hole before her. In fact, some part of her realized as she fought, a black hole was exactly what she had created. Terror gripped her momentarily, but as the light of her magic continued to feed into the rift, it began to lighten. Soon she could see, or perhaps she was sensing it through her magic, the image of a moonlit field of grass. It was a sight she had never seen with her own eyes, but recognized immediately. It had the feeling of familiarity again, the feeling of her sister.
The tug on her magic relaxed, then, and she knew that the gateway was open. Light continued to flow from her horn, keeping it stable as she gazed at it. Then, remembering the letter's warning about waiting too long, she galloped forward.
Luna stepped across the threshold of the portal, across an infinite distance and through uncountable years.
The gateway snapped shut behind her with a sound not unlike the closing of an unimaginably large book. The dark cavern bid a silent farewell to the last sentient being on Earth. The next sound heard in the room was three days later, when the floor above caved in, as the ever-expanding sun drew close enough to begin melting the planet's surface into slag. Then it was dark no more.
I know... everything.
From the moment that Luna set hoof in the new world, she knew. She knew herself, how the arcane energy that swirled around her and within her changed her body. She knew the darkening of her coat into a deep midnight blue. She knew the pure white crescent and its surrounding splash of black that appeared on her flank, a reflection of her history and her nature painted in magic for all to see. She knew the thousands of pinpoints of light that speckled her mane, a nebulous cloud which flowed with a wind that she did not feel. She knew the world around her, and the humans that lived there, and the ponies that populated it beside them, and... Her.
I know that She knows.
Before Luna had even taken her first breath of the cool night air, Celestia was there. Magenta eyes stared into teal ones, blinking back sudden tears. They might have stared at each other for seconds, or minutes. Neither of them noticed the time pass, but suddenly, the white alicorn's head was over the blue one's withers and one foreleg was around her in a tight embrace. The younger returned the embrace gladly, the joyful tears forming in her own eyes as well.
No words were needed between them. Celestia took off galloping, and Luna followed. They ran through the meadows, and Luna saw the beauty of the world by moonlight. They wove in between the trees of the deep forests, and Luna smelled the fresh earth beneath her hooves and the sharp scent of pine. They flew over the vast oceans, and Luna tasted the salt of the sea air on her tongue. They wrestled together through dewy grass, a tumbling yin-yang of white and blue, and Luna heard Celestia's gleeful giggles as the younger sister discovered that the elder was ticklish. Then they lay together at the top of a snow-capped mountain, watching the coming of the dawn each with a wing over the other, and Luna felt the warmth of having another beside her. When the edge of the sun broke over the horizon and the blue alicorn's body began to tense with sudden fear, the white one reassured her with a gentle nuzzle, and Luna knew the love of a sister.
Then, when the sun had risen, they did it all again.
When Celestia was nowhere to be found that morning, Michael wondered at where she had gone. When her court was never opened that day, her people became curious at what might have happened. They wondered, but they did not worry, for there was a sense of well-being in the very air that day which told them that everything would be alright.
That day, for every human and every pony in Equestria, was a good day.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 15 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2012-01-06T06:06:00+00:00
|
2012-01-06T06:06:00+00:00
| 4,038 |
All things must eventually end, and so it was with Luna's first day in Equestria. The sun's fading light painted the horizon in a fiery mix of reds and oranges, tinged with rosy pink where it met the darkening cerulean blue of the sky above. Two alicorns lay once again upon the snow-capped peak of a mountain, the larger with one great white wing over the smaller, out of companionship more than any need for warmth. They simply watched the sun setting for a time, the younger leaning her weight comfortably against her sister's side. The first words spoken between the two were the most important that any siblings could ever share.
"I love you, Celestia."
"I love you too, Luna."
The blue alicorn returned to silence after that, gazing out over the horizon at the setting sun. Below them, in the developing city of Canterlot, lights went out one by one as humans and ponies completed their daily tasks and retired to familiar homes and beds. The houses gradually disappeared from view as the sun slipped below the horizon, and a silvery-white crescent moon had taken its place in the sky before Luna spoke again.
"What will happen to them?"
"Hmm?" Celestia's attention returned to her sister and she glanced over at the younger alicorn.
"The humans. Our family. I've read their books. They must have known when they did this that humankind can't survive in a world made of magic, with no magic of their own. They'll weaken with every generation, until..." Luna trailed off uncomfortably, but the white alicorn beside her simply smiled.
"You saw their future today." Celestia lifted her wing and swept it in a wide gesture. "Our little ponies."
"The golems?" Luna looked dubious.
"Oh Luna, just because they were created instead of born doesn't make them golems. You and I should know that more than anyone. They're just as much living, thinking beings as our family."
Luna still seemed uncertain, tilting her head slightly as she looked up at her sister. "But what do they have to do with the future of humankind?"
"Interbreeding." Celestia raised a hoof to forestall Luna's next question with a soft chuckle. "I know, it's terribly awkward to suggest that humans breed outside their species. No, that's where magic comes into play. It would be far too dangerous to try to alter a grown human, but for any couple who is willing, I can arrange for their newborns to be foals. Not all of them will choose that, of course, but each new generation will bring more. Over time, that human lineage and upbringing will mix with the ponies I've created, until it touches the entire population. Humankind and ponykind will become one and the same."
Luna looked thoughtful. "It would be a long process, but it would allow the human race to live on, in a way." Her gaze on her sister became intent. "We'll live to see it."
Celestia nodded. "We'll live forever," the white alicorn agreed.
"But what about our family? They'll..."
"They'll live forever too," Celestia reassured her with a gentle smile. "Here," she touched a hoof to Luna's chest, "and of course, here." She tapped lightly on the crescent moon that hung from her sister's neck. Luna looked down at her shiny in surprise.
"There?" she asked, confused.
Celestia nodded again, sadness briefly crossing her face. "I didn't have the power necessary to protect both my human passengers and their possessions, as well as form a world where they could survive on the other side of the portal. You, though, you only had yourself and this access key. Dear sister, you now hold the sole remaining copy of the collected works of humankind. You've recovered a far greater record of human history and culture than we could ever have hoped when we passed through that portal."
Luna's gaze remained on her sister for a long moment before returning to the night sky. The silence fell over them again as she digested this information. A crisp wind picked up around the alicorns for a time, the breath of the mountain peak caressing their coats, making the younger press instinctively closer to the elder. Finally, the blue alicorn voiced the concern that had been bothering her since nightfall.
"Celestia?"
"Hmm?"
"There aren't any stars."
The elder sister's expression grew into a warm smile. "Would you like to help me make some?"
The following day was a day of surprises. Morning found not one, but two magnificently regal alicorns sitting side-by-side in the throne room of the Canterlot Palace. The second throne was every bit as grand as the first, shining silver beside the golden seat of the sun, upholstered with plush dyed the deep blue of midnight. The sudden appearance of the additional furniture caused a bit of a stir among the palace staff, but not nearly so much as the being who sat upon it. News spread quickly, but before the petitioners of the day could begin lining up, a royal decree was made summoning the engineers of the LUNA Project for a private audience.
The reaction from each of them as they arrived was the same. First, the shock of seeing what could be mistaken for nothing but a second goddess in the royal throne room. Second, the dawning joy as they realized that the dark being before them was none other than the daughter they had thought lost forever. Third, an awkward mix of supplication, reverence, and familiarity as they introduced themselves to a creature who was both long-lost family and an all-powerful deity. Fourth, after the alicorn had reassured them that they had no need to treat her any more formally than they did her sister, were invariably the hugs.
That day, Luna decided that she very much liked hugs.
Once they had all gathered, Celestia laid out her plan for the future of the kingdom. There was no objection when she declared her sister to be a Princess of Equestria, but eyebrows were raised when she announced that she herself was also taking the title. The alicorn shook her head and put up a hoof to silence the torrent of protests.
"This is final," she stated firmly. "The past months have made it clear to me that I am not capable of being the sole ruler of an entire land. I need a balance, someone to challenge my decisions and keep me in check when my emotions overcome my judgement. Luna," and at this she put a wing around her sister, "will be my balance. We will sit upon the twin thrones as Princess Luna and Princess Celestia."
Although there was still some discomfort with the idea, none could dispute that Celestia had a point. The conversation moved on to other matters, shifting from Luna's questions about Equestria to her retelling of her experiences in the Project LUNA facility. The assembled humans were overjoyed to hear that she had recovered so much of the material they had left behind, and plans were made to transcribe much of it back into book form. Luna made many promises to meet again with individual humans and discuss one or another point from her adventures or her reading, and the audience stretched long into the afternoon. However, one more thing had to be done before the day was over.
The sky was only just showing the first blush of sunset as a white alicorn stepped out before a waiting crowd of humans and ponies.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the newly self-appointed Princess's voice rang out over the assembly, "fillies and colts, mares and stallions, beloved citizens of Equestria. I present to you all my sister, my co-ruler, Princess Luna!"
Cheers broke out as the second alicorn stepped forward, taking her place beside her sister. She was dark and beautiful in the new regalia that Celestia had fashioned for her, with her crescent moon mark on the black collar and the lighter blue shoes, her flowing mane sparkling with the stars of the night sky. She seemed to strengthen with the setting of the sun, and she raised her head proudly to address the crowd.
"Greetings, citizens of Equestria!" Celestia jumped slightly as her sister's voice boomed across the square. "We are both honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as thy ruler, and We vow to live up to the trust placed in Us by Our sister." The night princess paused as the aforementioned sister caught her eye.
"The majestic plural?" Celestia inquired under her breath, arching an eyebrow. "Really?"
"If We are to be royalty, We must needs act the part," Luna replied firmly. "Our reading has described this in detail."
Celestia just shook her head with a bemused smile. It seemed that she still had some work to do to familiarize her newfound sister with Equestrian society. Still, she thought as the other alicorn's speech resumed, it was well worth the effort. She would never be alone again.
|
The Equestrian Gentlecolt
|
1438
| 16 |
Princess Celestia,Princess Luna,Human,Adventure,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
The LUNA Project
|
A science fiction origin story. An alicorn foal awakens alone in an abandoned world.
|
complete
| 312 | 10 |
<p>A science fiction story about how a fantasy world came to be. An alicorn foal awakens alone in a world that sentient life has long since left behind. This story follows Luna through her foalhood in the strange world, her quest for knowledge about who and what she is, and what happens when she finally finds her answers and makes the trip to the beautiful new world that her sister now rules. </p><p>Cover image: <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/art/Luna-in-the-Sky-with-Diamonds-220768664" rel="nofollow">Luna in the Sky with Diamonds</a> by <a href="http://noctudelic.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Noctudelic</a></p><p><b>Author's note:</b> This was my first story, and even though it's complete now, feedback is still very much appreciated. My biggest goal here is to continuously improve, so every two cents helps.</p>
|
everyone
|
2012-01-12T04:13:37+00:00
|
2012-01-12T04:13:37+00:00
| 4,810 |
A lone alicorn trotted among the immaculately-kept displays of the Canterlot Royal Museum of History, the late afternoon's lengthening patterns of shadow and light dancing playfully across her deep blue coat. She made her way purposefully, going down a certain aisle, under a particular archway, and directly to a specific exhibit, just as she had done every week for the past year and a half. Just as it had every week for the past year and a half, the crescent moon on its silver chain began to glow in recognition of her. Even after the passage of so many centuries, Doctor William Montgomery's light spell was still going strong.
It was an ingenious trick, really. Human-created enchantments had never been known for their longevity, but since this one was designed to be activated by the proximity of a particularly powerful magical being, Doctor Montgomery had taken the simple shortcut of powering it with Luna's own arcane resonance. Between innovations like that one and the distinction of being the only human to ever master unassisted arcane manipulation, it seemed only natural to name him the most important conjurer of the pre-classical era. Not to mention...
Luna's gaze drifted to the six pedestals spread evenly around the room. Six intricately-carved statues there paid tribute to humankind's greatest achievement, possibly excepting the royal sisters themselves. Harris and Montgomery's Elements, they had called them. Kindness. Laughter. Generosity. Honesty. Loyalty. Magic. The same elements that allowed the staff of the LUNA Project to work harmoniously together, even in their darkest hours, had been codified and immortalized here. The enchantments were truly powerful ones, but their greatest strength was the same as that simple light spell. Each element, instead of expending its own power, drew on the energy of its wielder. In the hooves of someone whose nature was sympathetic to its own, even a single element could be a very powerful tool indeed.
"Visiting the past again, little sister?" The gentle voice startled Luna out of her thoughts, and she turned to see Celestia in the room's arched entryway. The younger alicorn blinked and glanced out the windows, realizing that the sun had set while she had been pondering the objects around her.
"So that I may never again forget it," she replied solemnly.
Her elder sister entered the room, shaking her head, and settled beside her. Luna squirmed indignantly as a large white wing was laid across her back.
"We're not fillies anymore, Celestia," she grumbled. "You can't just... we're Princesses... this is... undignified."
Celestia just chuckled in response and pulled the wing tighter. "A wise young unicorn recently told me that having a sister is 'just about the bestest thing in the world.' I'm inclined to agree. But," her tone became more serious, "the same letter reminded me that it also takes teamwork. I think that, in that respect, we have been lax recently."
Luna glanced over questioningly, forgetting her indignation for the moment. "Where are you going with this, sister?"
The white alicorn didn't answer the question, instead gesturing around them with a foreleg. "The Elements always served us well. Together, we were unstoppable. No matter what beasts stood before us, threatening our little ponies, Harmony prevailed in the end."
"Except when the beast was one of us."
"Oh Luna," Celestia replied with a sad smile, "the monsters were always born of us, you know that. Our fears, or worries, or jealousy, or anger. It's a consequence of our nature."
"But it was only once that one of us become the monster."
"So it was, little sister, and without you by my side, I could not overcome it. But I willingly spent a thousand years alone, carefully nurturing and guiding this world down its path, teasing the threads of fate until they produced new bearers for the Elements, just to reach a single moment." Celestia put a hoof under the younger alicorn's chin, lifting it to meet her gaze. "The moment I got my sister back."
Luna had known, intellectually, that Celestia's entire gambit had been to imprison the jealous monster until it could be torn away from its host. But to hear her say it, and say it in that way, finally brought the full implications of that truth to light in the younger princess's mind. Her voice was small when she spoke, not the voice of a goddess, but that of a sister awed at the depth of her sibling's love for her. "You did it all for me. Not just to eliminate the threat, not just for Equestria, but... for me."
"All for you," Celestia confirmed with a warm smile. "My sister. And my greatest gamble of all paid off, because it was you yourself who ultimately let Harmony back into your heart."
Luna looked from her sister to the Elements arranged around them. They were the last relics left to them from those who had been their only family, and at times she could almost feel their spirits in those statues, as vain a fancy as that might be.
"They would forgive you too," Celestia said gently.
Some last remnant of self-blame finally broke in the young alicorn and she leaned into her sister, burying her face in her flowing aurora of a mane and letting long-held tears wet her cheeks. Celestia simply held her, stroking her back with a hoof until she lifted her head again.
"Thank you, big sister," Luna murmured. Celestia smiled at her again, that insufferable know-it-all smile of all big sisters, the one that she always got when one of her carefully-laid plans came to fruition. Luna couldn't even bring herself to glare at her.
"You are welcome, little sister. You are always welcome. Now come on." Celestia stood up with sudden briskness, the beginnings of a mischievous grin on her face. "There's a bright young unicorn who's on the verge of harnessing the power of the atom, and I know you've been itching to rekindle the study of long-distance communication. Sending post by dragon is terribly last-millennium, after all. What do you say we gainfully distract him with a special assignment from the Princess of the Night?"
"Oh Celestia," the blue alicorn began, but her affectionate rebuke was replaced by a slowly growing smile of her own as she stood. "I missed you."
"I missed you too, Luna."
And with that, mankind's living legacy spread their wings and took to the starry night sky of their perfect world. There were still other challenges ahead of them, and other beasts would arise to threaten their lands, for nothing is truly perfect, but it would not be untrue to say that they lived happily ever after.
|
Autumn Wind
|
1439
| 1 |
Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
To Be a Better Stallion
|
Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
|
complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
|
everyone
|
2012-02-26T21:32:37+00:00
|
2012-02-26T21:32:37+00:00
| 12,077 |
How... quaint. I would have expected a lady of her charm to reside in a village with far more... grandeur.
Ponyville’s market was rather crowded today, and many ponies were up and about. Stallions and mares everywhere held shop, proudly offering their wares to everypony out shopping. Younger colts and fillies bounded across the market place, galloping to meet their friends. To the left, three flower fillies were discussing thorny roses with a unicorn whose flank bore a safety pin. To the right, a turquoise unicorn mare and her earth pony companion were pondering the wares of a famous apple stand. Rushing across the sky with a bag of letters, a blond-maned grey pegasus sped to her next delivery. Her eyes carefully watched the scenery ahead and to her left, respectively.
However, of all the ponies strolling around the market, none attracted as much attention as the young unicorn stallion strolling down the main street. He kept up a brisk trot, visibly relishing the swooning looks of the young mares whose attention his dashing looks attracted. His coat shone under the noon sun, a dazzling white as pure as diamond. He bore a long, golden mane, which was finely groomed and fluttered with the purest of elegance as he trotted. Piercing through those golden waves, his ivory horn stood proudly towards the sky. Its remarkable length did nothing to humble his regal appearance. He had chosen to dress simply today, bearing only a simple yet elegant bowtie of a most poignant burgundy and a pair of light silk saddlebags. The magnificent Prince Blueblood had come to town on personal business.
Despite the multiple fillies observing him with curiosity and interest, his attention was directed to a single point: Carousel Boutique. He could have recognized it out of a hundred other stores. Between the lacy curtains, the elegant arabesques, the diamond motifs and those most lovely silhouettes, there was no doubt that this was the boutique he had been looking for. Prince Blueblood’s favorite fashion magazine had had only the greatest of praises for Rarity’s first attempts at dabbling in colts’ tuxedoes.
Oh, Rarity, wonderful Rarity. How marvelous it is to find you at last! I have so long awaited the day where I would see your beautiful eyes anew, and finally, it has come!
Our first date at the Gala wasn’t the epitome of perfection, I’ll concede. You were not ready to face the hardships of accompanying an aristocrat such as I, and you made a few mistakes, but nothing unforgivable.
The attack of that monstrous mountain of cake provoked you into losing control of your frustrations, I can presume. You obviously said words you did not mean. Noticing one’s failures to hold up to certain standards can be so disconcerting, I know. After all, why would you blame me, who was so kind as to accompany you through the gala all night, making sure you would not have to mingle with the lesser ponies? Curse that blasted cake! At the sight of all that icing everywhere, I passed out, and you were forced to leave before I came back to myself.
But Rarity, oh beautiful Rarity, I have sought you out once more, and now nothing will stop us. By now you have surely researched the protocol of high society courtship, and you await me every day, for you know that my lovestruck heart will lead me to you!
Prince Blueblood could already imagine the scene. She would open the door, their eyes would meet. He would present her with a lovely bouquet. They would hesitate for a moment, and then a kiss would unite them forever, allowing them to resume what they had failed to achieve a month ago. That was the only way things could go. After all, he was the most desirable stallion in all of Canterlot, and she was such a marvelous mare.
At the gala, oh, fair lady,
Your fierce beauty caught my eye!
In an instant you stole my heart, at the gala~
Oh what a thrill, when our hooves touched,
and how wonderful your smile.
So many dreams it inspired,
That night at the gala~
~~~
The indigo door slammed shut with a resounding crash, leaving the beleaguered stallion to blankly stutter the remainder of his planned speech.
“-and so I have come to offer you a second chance.”
For several minutes, Blueblood hesitated. Such a fierce refusal was a very uncommon experience for him. The noble daughters of his family’s friends were usually head over hooves for him. What was he supposed to do now? He thought for a moment.
She slammed the door in the middle of my sentence! How rude! This... can’t be the mare who struck my heart at the Gala, can it? Surely she must have made a mistake and confused me for one of her more... unruly neighbors.
With a deep breath, he adjusted his bowtie and straightened his mane, before knocking a second time. This time, the door did not open. He saw her form pass in front of the elegantly frosted window and linger for a moment before disappearing into the boutique. Moments later, a light creak was heard.
Prince Blueblood’s eyes lowered towards the ground, from where the sound had emanated. A small pet door swung on its hinges. Blueblood observed in confusion. A speck of white caught his left eye, and his head turned.
Hmm... What a most immaculate pet she has. This is a mare who knows elegance to its finest details. Look at that finely brushed coat, and that wonderful little gem studded collar. That ribbon on her head is a very nice touch. Look at that little tail, swishing to and fro. Who’s a nice kitty? Who is? Ooo! Would you look at that? She’s smiling at me. My, Lady Rarity has done some very good work polishing these claws... and look at these fangs...
Suddenly, in a burst of white, there was no more elegance. There was only agony.
~~~
After several minutes of panicked galloping and an unwanted but necessary plunge into the first body of water he could find, Blueblood had finally been relieved of the monstrous plague of claws and fangs that had taken to assaulting his flanks. Hissing with the fury of a thousand tigers, Opalescence had run back into town. Letting loose a sigh from deep within the confines of his heart, the ravaged unicorn called forth a brush from his saddlebag and took to fixing the terrible damage the feline and the plunge had inflicted on his wonderful grooming.
She has... rejected me? How is this possible?
As far as he could remember, no mare had ever refused his company before, had they? Prince Blueblood sifted through his memories for a moment, remembering the other fillies who had loved him. Had he ever been rejected?
His first love had been a pegasus filly by the name of Amethyst, the daughter of Baron Emerald Heart. She had sought him out when the two of them were very young, neither of them having yet earned their cutie marks. They had shared some happy days, but his mother had forbidden him from seeing her again. Supposedly, Amethyst was not truly invested in their family’s well-being, and would only dampen their honor. He had wished to oppose, but he knew that if he had, mother would have given him the spanking of a lifetime and confined him to his bedroom for at least a week.
There had been more fillies like her. They had sought him out, or their families had suggested arranged marriages, but in the end it had always been him who had had to end the relations. His mother had never approved of the mares he had found interest in, and the idea of confronting the matriarch of his family was simply not something he could consider. Aristocratic families such as his had strong honor codes, and there was no going against them without attracting much negative attention to oneself.
However, for all his failed romances, he had to come to a conclusion: he had never been rejected before. The experience was entirely alien to him, a feeling the likes of which he had never had to face before, a deep sorrow, tearing at his heart.
Oh, woe is me! What is a stallion to do! Love is but a cruel mistress, setting my heart ablaze for a mare who will not even look at me. Whatever shall I do! Oh, fate, I beg of thee, give me a chance to soothe my bleeding soul! Give me hope!
~~~
Sweet Apple Acres had been a loud nest of chaos all day, thanks to Apple Bloom and her friends trying every single farm task they could possibly think of, from “Cutie Mark Crusader Pig Feeders, YAY!” all the way to “Cutie Mark Crusader Field Ploughers, YAY!” Applejack had been working her tail off all day doing damage control, from reeling the escaped pig back in to replanting the carrots and potatoes that had been prematurely uprooted.
Finally, after several hours of frolicking to and fro and making a nuisance of themselves, the three fillies had headed to Apple Bloom’s bedroom for a sleepover. Applejack had wished them all good night and tasked her brother with checking on the fillies now and then, to make sure they didn’t get into any more shenanigans for the day. She needed some rest, and she knew the best way to find it.
Night had fallen just recently, and Luna’s moon was waking up in the sky, bathing the outskirts of Ponyville in a quiet glow. There was hardly a sound to break the silence, only the singing of a single cricket and the quiet babbling of a placid stream. Applejack was out on the quiet path to Fluttershy’s cottage, figuring her pegasus friend wouldn’t be too busy at this time of the evening and would appreciate an impromptu friendly visit. After all, by now, most of the animals had gone to sleep.
After a few minutes of trotting, a white figure attracted her attention in the distance. Applejack took a few more steps to get a better look, trying to identify the mysterious pony. It was a young white unicorn stallion, just a little older than her. He was slumped over by the riverside, just looking at his own reflection. His stature was quite large; he looked to be almost as tall as Big Macintosh, if a lot thinner. His grooming could have easily rivaled that of Rarity, Applejack thought to herself. Perhaps he was a visitor from Manehattan or Canterlot.
Then, as she approached just a few steps more, she spotted his cutie mark. That eight-branched compass star, she knew she had seen it somewhere before. Where had she met this colt before? Her mind went on a wild rodeo, trying to stick a name and history on that silhouette. He was a city pony, that much was sure. Perhaps she had met him at school in Manehattan. That would have been rather unlikely. After all, that was so long ago, she wouldn’t have recognized one of her classmates this easily. Had she seen him at the gala?
The realization struck her. Of course! It was all clear now. Rarity had come to her apple stand with this noblecolt during the Gala. He had been one of only two ponies to try her pastries during the whole night, and he had had the rudeness to spit it back out. She remembered offering them the pastries on the house when he had made it clear that he expected Rarity to pay. Most of all, she remembered Rarity coming to cry on her shoulder that night, when she had no longer been able to hide her sadness at the miserable failure that her date had wound up being. That last part, Applejack couldn’t forgive. She didn’t know why Blueblood had come to Ponyville or why he was just out there sitting by the river, but she knew she had a few choice words to tell him. She sped up into a gallop, her hooves thundering as she approached him furiously.
“Blueblood! I’ve got a piece of my mind for you! I don’t know what kinda stuck-up upbringing you got as a foal, but back in my neck of the woods, stallions learn to treat a lady with respect! You really went and upset my friend Rarity there at the Gala, and I won’t stand for that. You’re gonna get back to Rarity’s this instant and present her with some well deserved apo... lo... well I sure wasn’t expectin’ that.”
Applejack had figured Blueblood would get mad at her. She’d figured maybe one of his guards was hiding and would get the drop on her. She was ready for that. She’d expected him to lash right back at her, to call her a country bumpkin with no manners, or perhaps to simply throw some vicious invectives out before vanishing into the night. She was ready for that too. She was also ready for him to completely ignore her.
However, never in a million years could she have predicted the reaction she got from Blueblood.
The unicorn had turned to face Applejack, with the most pitiful face she had ever seen. He kept his eyes down to the ground, refusing to look at her directly. His normally pristine cheeks were drenched with bitter tears. His ears hung limply on either side of his head. Applejack hadn’t seen such a miserable face since her little sister’s when the filly had expressed sadness at Twilight Sparkle not staying for the family brunch.
Blueblood hesitated for a moment. Doubts were running through his mind at full gallop. Rarity had been the first mare to ever call him out on his behavior. However, Rarity had also been the first mare he had been involved with who was not herself part of Equestria’s aristocracy. A painful sob escaped him.
“Is... is that really how I come off? Rude and stuck-up?”
Applejack didn’t need to pause; the answer was immediate to her. She’d seen some of his antics firsthoof at the gala, and she had heard many tales of his misbehavior from Rarity. She gave an awkward chuckle.
“Yep. That’s exactly it. Clear as day.”
Prince Blueblood blubbered for a moment, seeking a rebuttal to a perceived slight. To his great disappointment, nothing came of it; by now, he was fully aware of his behavior. Between Rarity’s words finally striking home and the farmer mare’s strongly-worded criticism, even the most oblivious of colts would have had no choice but to recognize his faults. Blueblood stuttered a few times before finally giving in to the hysterics.
“But... but... when I... Oh, who am I kidding? I’m hopeless. Prince Blueblood, the tragic foal. What is the purpose of a noblecolt who has known only perfection all his life? What is the fate of a pony who knows not hardship or pain when one cruel day they opt to wage war on his soul?”
As he spoke, Blueblood slowly rose back onto his feet, gradually rising higher and higher on his hind legs. His front hooves where quivering and flailing about in synchronism with his dramatic ranting.
“Oh, Equestria! This poor colt begs you, give me hope! My mind is but the destroyed ruins of the dreams of a city of gold! Just now, I find myself a mere shadow of the stallion I sought to be! Incapable of being a paragon, I have instead become a fool!”
Blueblood had reached an almost vertical posture, his forelegs pointing straight at the sky. His voice had erupted into a booming call, bellowing his fear and pain at the heavens. Applejack stared at him, flabbergasted. She was reminded of Rarity, but never had she expected such a display from a noble such as Blueblood. She observed silently, knowing from experience that it was pointless to interrupt him.
“Celestia! Oh, great aunt in the sky! Please show me the way! I am wandering blind! Is this the end of this poor forsaken foal? I beseech thee, oh Princess! Give me a sign! How, oh, how can I redeem myself?”
The world swirled around the hysterical colt for a moment as the impracticality of his posture caught up to him. Ponies were not meant to stand on their hind legs for such a long time. Blueblood stumbled backwards, falling onto his back with a heavy thump. In a daze, he opened his eyes a moment later. Stern green eyes were looking down on him, showing amusement and concern in equal parts.
“Uh-huh. You okay there, sugarcube?”
Blueblood rolled over, back onto his legs. His coat was dirty and his mane was disheveled, and somewhere along the way, he had lost his bowtie. His head hung low, and he gave a deep sigh.
“I’ve... seen better days.”
Applejack hesitated for a moment. She’d heard some pretty awful things about Blueblood from Rarity, but right now, he looked like he could really use some help. After a moment of reflection, she decided it wouldn’t be right to just leave him there, and that she might as well take the plunge.
“How ‘bout you follow me back into town and we’ll see what we can do for your troubles. It’s getting pretty late out here.”
Applejack pondered for a moment.
“I reckon my brother’ll know what to do with you.”
~~~
To Be Continued
~~~
Coming up next in To Be a Better Stallion
“Oh, what did I get myself into? All I asked for was an elegant mare, and I wind up honor bound to my own loony emotional self.” ~Prince Blueblood
...
“Rarity, I’m not askin’ you to trust him. I’m askin’ you to trust me. I know you don’t think there’s any hope for him, and I’ll admit I have my doubts too. But... somehow, I can’t shake the feelin’ somethin’ good might come out of this.” ~Applejack
…
“Oh my gosh! You’re... Prince Blueblood!” ~Diamond Tiara
“You’re, like, even more handsome than in the magazines!” ~Silver Spoon
…
“Imsorrymotherpleasedontspankme!” ~Prince Blueblood
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Autumn Wind
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1439
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Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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To Be a Better Stallion
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Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
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complete
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<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2011-10-13T04:19:04+00:00
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2011-10-13T04:19:04+00:00
| 9,214 |
Room 36 of the “Coltfort Inn”, Ponyville’s premier and only luxury hotel, was dark and quiet. A beam of moonlight shone through the large window, bathing the room in a soothing glow. In the king-sized bed, Prince Blueblood slept comfortably, oblivious to the crazy days he was about to live. His face displayed an innocent, almost foalish smile.
~~~
The crisp autumn leaves crunched under the young colt’s hooves as he galloped cheerfully amongst the trees. The forest extended for miles on every side, never breaking from the same pattern. The trees were tall and their tops converged into a wide roof of entwined branches. Golden leaves adorned the summits, blotting out most of the sunlight, leaving the ground a patchwork of glimmering sunbeams. The quiet gurgling of a small stream and the occasional bird song provided a soothing musical ambiance. The land was welcoming and comforting, it was calling out to the foal; “Come, let’s go play!”
Today, the young Prince Blueblood was on an adventure! It didn’t matter what mother thought, he could do what he wanted today. He was going to have fun! The forest rang with the pure laughter of a young colt free from worry, free to be himself without the oppression of public opinion.
He frolicked from place to place, chasing small animals, snacking on wild berries, trying to climb up trees, being distracted by fluttering butterflies, failing to climb up trees, splashing around in the stream, plunging into piles of fallen leaves, spooking away birds, failing some more at climbing up trees, and overall just being a rambunctious little colt having a wild time without a care in the world.
After an eternity, however, fatigue caught up with the young prince. Even the most refined, priciest candy in all of Equestria could only ever fuel so much playtime.
However, as he settled down for a moment and slowed his pace to a trot, Blueblood realized that while he had been having fun, things had changed in the woods. The sunlight had dimmed. The treetops were now much closer, giving the forest a claustrophobic feel. The birds were no longer chirping and the stream had been silenced. The whispers of the wind in the leaves had turned to hushed voices, hissing their disapproval.
“Has this colt not been taught manners?” “How improper.” “Tss... such misconduct.” “Colts should be seen, not heard.” “How bothersome.” “This colt is lacking in discipline.”
Then, without any warning, the commanding voice of a distinguished matron boomed through the wild, freezing him in place.
“Prince Blueblood of Canterlot! What did I tell you about running off on your own!”
~~~
“Imsorrymotherpleasedontspankme!”
Blueblood shot awake in a panic, shouting almost incoherently. His eyes stayed shut tight, wincing in apprehension. He nervously awaited the far too familiar pain to his flank, only for a mix of confusion and relief to gradually wash over him when his expectations failed to be fulfilled.
Slowly, he realized what had transpired. That dream again. As he laid his head back on the pillow, he soon became aware of a strange fact. Though his mother’s voice had gone away, the hushed noises of the crowd still echoed. This peculiar phenomenon left him baffled for a moment, until he realized that the voices had become more muffled, that the words were completely gone. Only the general hustle and bustle of the average noise of ponies talking remained.
His confusion melted into a frown. Blueblood stepped down to the floor on the left side of his bed like he did every morning. The noise kept going. Knowing he would be facing the same window he did every morning, he brought his hoof to bang against the wall.
“Keep it down in the gardens! Some ponies are trying to sleep here!”
His eyes shot open when his hoof hit canvas where a window’s glass should have been. The sight of a sunlit orchard just inches away from his face greeted him. Startled, he stumbled back and crashed onto the mattress.
He wasn’t in his room. Where there should have been a window, there was a painting. Gradually, it all came back to him as the torpor of his rough awakening ebbed away.
He was in the small town of Ponyville, having elected to stay the night in the fanciest hotel the area had to offer. He was to meet a mysterious farmer by the name of Big Macintosh, supposedly a stallion well-versed in humility and chivalry. He had promised to change, to become better, for himself and for Rarity.
The thought scared him. Did he really need to change? He had been happy up to now, hadn’t he? There were hundreds of mares out there who would have given everything for his affections. It wasn’t too late to quit and go home, forget about what had happened and return to his decadent life of luxury.
The thought taunted him. He could still get out of it all. Did he want to?
Blueblood got off the mattress for the second time this morning. He mulled over the problem endlessly, walking around the bed and into the larger part of the luxury bedroom. The various options rushed through his head.
If he left, he’d be home by early afternoon, and he’d be free to recover from his emotions in his private quarters with a glass of his favorite grape nectar before joining with his usual horn fencing club for some good exercise. Then, perhaps he would head to a nice little soirée, enjoy some society time, and try to forget anything unusual had happened at the gala. However, he would forever wonder what could have been.
If he did go along, he’d probably have to endure countless ordeals and confront himself. He would have to make the largest effort of his life and rise above who he was. It was very likely that he would come out somepony entirely different. He might forever regret his choice, or perhaps his life would be better for it in the end.
This was a rare occasion for him. He was facing a difficult, meaningful decision. This wasn’t an issue across which his gigantic fortune could carry him. What should he choose? What should he do?
He sat down at the small writing desk that the room offered, rifling through his belongings in search of an answer. A scrap of paper stashed away in his wallet caught his attention; a magazine clipping.
“Cufflink’s Discovery of the Week” was his favorite colt’s fashion column, one which he read religiously. Cufflink, a black-maned white pegasus, was known as one of the greatest experts in colts’ and stallions’ clothing in all of Equestria, and his suggestions and tips were considered priceless amongst the male noblesse of Canterlot.
This particular clipping, however, had a special meaning to Prince Blueblood. His eyes ventured along the first line of the article. Four words stood out most of all. “Carousel Boutique”, “Ponyville” and “Rarity”. A small picture of the beautiful unicorn decorated the text with elegance. Blueblood’s heart fluttered at the sight, but the reality of the situation soon brought him back to earth. She hated him. He had no chance with her if he couldn’t change himself. She was not interested in the ways of the noblesse.
A piece of parchment was stapled to the article. Though he knew the words to the exact letter, having written them in the evening before going to bed, he read the note once more. His immaculate hornwriting decorated the paper, every letter perfected into a flourish, every word carefully polished. He had been taught to write well, and the memories of a ruler painfully rapping against his horn with every mistake were a permanent influence.
“On this day of... I, Prince Blueblood the... swear on my honor and... shall follow my quest for self-improvement... greater destiny... pride of my family... struck down by lightning... Oh, are you serious?”
Putting the note and the article down, Prince Blueblood sighed. Knowing he would probably have given up when faced with difficulties, he had locked himself into a contract with his own honor. If he gave up now, he would never be able to forgive himself for breaking such a pact.
“Sometimes, I’m a little too cunning for my own good.”
This wasn’t just about himself, though. He had also made a promise to that farm girl, and he’d be damned if he broke his word, no matter who he had given it to. That was one lesson from his childhood he had taken to heart. An honorable colt never breaks his word. He remembered her exact words from the last evening.
“Now look here,” she had said, “If I’m goin’ to saddle my brother with helpin’ you, I need to make sure you’re not going to waste his time or mine. I have no means to tell whether or not you’re lyin’ about wantin’ to improve, but I want you to give me your word that you’re plannin’ to go along with this, no matter what.”
Blueblood sighed at the memory. Obviously, he’d agreed without even giving things a moment of thought. Emotions had always made him irrational.
“Oh, what did I get myself into? All I asked for was an elegant mare, and I wind up honor bound to my own loony emotional self.”
~~~
“Oh, what did I get myself into? All I asked for was a gentlecolt and I wind up with a delusional stalker.”
Rarity sighed, redirecting her attention to carefully sewing yet another tuxedo sleeve. It was hard work, sewing suit after suit, but it would all be worth it when her line became famous all across Equestria. Soon, her spotlight would shine even brighter. The fabulous Cufflink, famous columnist of “Colts’ Fashion Monthly”, had ranted and raved about her “Gentlecolt of Ponyville” line.
With Sweetie Belle at school and Opalescence having her grooming redone by Fluttershy after a particularly messy plunge into the Ponyville stream, it was her best chance at getting a lot of work done.
Still, she couldn’t get the worries out of her head. What kind of loony did that Blueblood have to be to seek her all the way to Ponyville after the rejection she’d given him at the gala? Was he going to come by again? What was she to do?
A knock at the door startled Rarity out of her thoughts. She shook off the worries, feeling it important to be at her best for whomever might be visiting. She trotted to the window, adjusting her mane on the way, and called out in a singsong voice.
“Coming!”
She peeked out through the yellow lace curtains of the boutique’s window, expecting that annoying colt again. A pleasant feeling of relief washed over her when she saw that her guest was another pony entirely.
“Applejack! How nice of you to visit! Just give me a moment, I’ll have this door open in no time!”
With a series of clattering noises, Rarity undid a half dozen latches and locks, motioning for the very confused Applejack to come in. The farmer mare took great care in wiping her hooves on the doormat before entering, fully aware of how protective Rarity was of her boutique’s imported carpet. Memories of Rarity’s warnings still rung clearly in her ears. “Careful now, this rug is an expensive import, directly from the far Humplands of Camelia!”
“What’s with all the locks, Rarity? Musta been the first time I’ve seen this door locked in years. Somepony givin’ you trouble?”
Rarity stopped in her tracks. How would Applejack react if she knew? She’d probably think it was silly of her to lock herself in because of Blueblood. As she shut the door behind Applejack, an idea flashed in her head. Shuddering at the disgusting memories going through her mind, she offered an innocent grin, attempting to hide the truth.
“Ah! It’s those... those revolting Diamond Dogs. I heard they were looking for me, something about finding more... rubies! Yes, that’s right, more rubies. So... I... of course decided that I would... hide in here and keep my door locked.”
Applejack shot the unicorn a stare of disbelief.
“Rarity, don’t take me for a foal. You know as well as I do that them varmints wouldn’t get within a hundred hooves of you even if Princess Celestia told them to. This all wouldn’t have anythin’ to do with that Prince Blueblood fella, would it?”
Rarity’s grin melted into a disappointed frown. Of course, the Element of Honesty would catch her in such a bald-faced lie.
“Oh... I guess there isn’t much point in hiding things from you now, is there? Yes, it’s all about him... Wait, how ever did you figure it out?”
“Well, it’s a pretty long story, actually, an’-”
Rarity motioned for the farmer mare to follow her, leading her to the comfortable little tea salon that was set up in the corner of Carousel Boutique.
“What do you say I take a moment to make us some tea, and you tell me all about it?”
~~~
“Okay, so let me get the story straight, Applejack. You’re telling me that you found Prince Blueblood on the edge of the stream near Fluttershy’s home.”
“Yep.”
“And today, he will be meeting with your brother, about learning to be a true humble gentlecolt.”
“Yep.”
“All for my attention.”
“Well, I don’t know about that part, but it sure sounds that way.”
Rarity blinked in confusion for a few moments. She stuttered for a moment, before a wave of frustration came over her. She stood up from the sofa she had been occupying, turning away from Applejack, clearly disapproving.
“Darling, of all ponies, I thought you would be the last one to fall for his lies. He’s a snake, a rotten apple! He’s only showing good graces for his own profit! That colt is faker than Photo Finish’s accent!”
Applejack was not going to just sit there and let Rarity call her gullible. Worked up by the sudden conflict, she stood up and shouted back.
“Now look here, missy! I know a liar when I see one, and that Blueblood fella there was definitely not lyin’. He was bawlin’ his eyes out like a foal, cryin’ your name to the skies! Most pitiful thing I ever laid eyes on! Now you’re tryin’ to tell me he’s lyin’! Some Element of Generosity you are!”
“Crying... my name?”
Rarity’s bravado collapsed at the mention of Prince Blueblood’s heartbreak. The farmer mare had omitted this part from the original story, somehow believing that her story would go over better for it. Her legs shaking under her, she stumbled back into her sofa, seeming slightly disoriented from the emotion.
“Nothin’ less. Kinda overdramatic if you ask me, but still, that’s the truth. Now look. He wants to get better. He promised. I agreed to get Big Macintosh to help him, but only if you agreed. This whole story has you and him at the middle of it, and I’d rather not have anythin’ goin’ on that you disapprove of. So, I’m askin’ you. Would you allow him to stay around Ponyville and try to improve himself like he says?”
Rarity bit her lower lip, hesitating. Just a moment ago, she would have liked nothing more than to see him ran out of town. However, Applejack’s honest words had left her curious. Could there be more to Prince Blueblood than the royal pain she had endured at the Gala? No. She didn’t want to believe it. He did look elegant in that bowtie, though. His mane was well combed, too. Oh! He also has those... mmm... well toned flanks. No, no, no! What am I thinking? Truly, she had never seen anything positive about him. Still, her curiosity was piqued. What would happen if he stayed? Was there any hope for good to come out of this? She regained her composure. This was not the time to show weakness.
“I don’t know, Applejack. After what I’ve seen of him, I really don’t trust him. He’s up to something. I’m sure of it. He’s planning something nefarious.”
Applejack sighed. She’d expected Rarity to be reticent. She knew her friend to often be harsh in her judgment. Furthermore, the prince had looked so pitiful, so genuinely distraught. She couldn’t just let things end here. Somehow, she felt there was potential for good to come out of his stay in Ponyville. She couldn’t help but ask one last time.
“Rarity, I’m not askin’ you to trust him. I’m askin’ you to trust me. I know you don’t think there’s any hope for him, and I’ll admit I have my doubts too. But... somehow, I can’t shake the feelin’ somethin’ good might come out of this. Now, if you’re really sure you don’t want to give him a chance to improve, I’ll be tellin’ him he’s got to go. But, before that, I’m askin’ one last time. Will you, yes or no, give Blueblood a chance to improve himself?”
Having lost her composure again at the heartfelt speech, Rarity gave Applejack a pleading look. She didn’t want to answer the question. She tried to edge her way out of it. Applejack was having none of it. She countered Rarity’s teary gaze with a determined look of her own. They were at a standoff for several seconds, until Applejack decided some bargaining was in order.
“I swear he won’t be comin’ around here until you say he can come around here. Not if I can help it.”
Rarity blinked a few times, remaining silent. Her bottom lip quivered, and her eyes began to well up.
“Pinkie Pie swear?”
Applejack didn’t even need a second of thought.
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
There was another long pause. Rarity felt her heart pulsing in her chest. She knew the decision she was about to make would probably make the next few days a lot more dramatic, if not the next few years. Finally, with a small sniffle, she resigned herself to destiny. Perhaps, just perhaps, fairy tales could come true.
“Then... he can stay. I’ll give him a chance.”
Applejack edged close to the unicorn, draping a foreleg over her shoulder and drawing her into a hug. The decision had been very difficult, that much was clear. Rarity’s eyes were glistening with tears, and she had fallen silent. A tight hug brought the friends together, giving the unicorn a warm, quiet moment to recover from the torrent of emotions that had just washed over her.
“That’s mighty noble of you, Rarity. Mighty noble.”
~~~
Prince Blueblood walked out of "La Rose Dorée", better known to some as "the priciest restaurant in all of Ponyville." It was quite a relief to have found such a place and to know that culinary excellence did exist in such a minuscule town.
At least I’ve secured proper lodging and food. Maybe this won’t be quite as hard as I expected. My, Chef Cordon Bleu can certainly be proud of his crêpes.
Pondering whether or not he had been excessively generous with his tip, Blueblood set out towards the farm he had been pointed to. The way was clear and simple, and he certainly wouldn’t have any trouble making it there quickly. However, just as he was about to engage on the short way out of Ponyville, the voice of a young filly caught his ears.
“Don’t you think this new necklace goes, like, perfectly with my tia- Whoa! Look! Silver Spoon! Isn’t that...”
A pair of shrill, excited squeals rang out, quickly followed by the clattering of two sets of hooves against pavement. He turned, surprised, and saw two young fillies galloping over to him.
“Oh my gosh! You’re... Prince Blueblood!”
The pink earth pony filly had almost screamed in excitement. An elegant ornate tiara sat proudly on her head, much like a similar one marked her flank. Most likely, the item of jewelry had been crafted to match. She was almost jumping in place with excitement. Her painstakingly brushed purple and white mane bobbed as she hopped from her front to her rear hooves in excitement.
“You’re, like, even more, like, totally handsome than in the magazines!”
The second filly, a grey earth pony with an ash-colored braided mane, swayed from side to side, on the verge of fainting. A deep red blush washed over her face as her spoon-marked flanks swayed from side to side. She was completely lost in the moment. The two of them squealed in excitement almost twice as much as they spoke.
Prince Blueblood was fully aware of his reputation. He had quite often made a scene of himself in the various high class salons of Canterlot. This, along with his status, had quickly made him a noted celebrity of the gossip rags. The general population only saw him as more of a vapid noble for it, but now and then a mare or filly would latch on to his presence with amazement. However, these two young damsels were by far the most excited he had ever seen. Standing proudly and flashing them a winning smile, he decided to play along.
“Prince Blueblood? Why yes, that is me. Who do I have the honor of meeting?”
The two fillies almost fell on top of one another in awe. He had just spoken to them. The amazing, elegant, handsome, dreamy, most wonderful Prince Blueblood of Canterlot had spoken to them. Oh, the others would be so jealous of them. Of the two, Diamond Tiara was the first to regain enough composure to talk.
“Um... um... like... my name is D-D-Diamond Tiara and... this is, like, my friend Silver Spoon. And... um... um...”
The grey filly finally managed to get back onto her legs, having spent most of the last minute leaning on her friend for support.
“We’re absolutely, like, totally your biggest fans!”
Almost in synchronicity, the two young fillies reached into their school saddlebags. In an instant, Diamond Tiara was thrusting two sheets of colorful stationary at him, and Silverspoon almost poked him with the tip of a silver-plated fountain pen.
“Can we please have your autograph, Prince Blueblood?”
With a beaming smile, Blueblood’s horn lit up and levitated the paper and pen from the fillies’ grasp. With a few elegant swoops, both pieces of paper now bore perfect inscriptions:
To my greatest fan, Diamond Tiara. ~Prince Blueblood
To my greatest fan, Silver Spoon. ~Prince Blueblood
As the papers were set down into their hooves, the two fillies tried to stutter a few words of thanks. In their awe, however, they failed even that. All they could manage was to swoon and collapse onto one another. Chuckling to himself, Blueblood simply levitated the pen back into Silver Spoon’s saddle bag before walking away. The market place was plenty busy today, and somepony would obviously pick up the two fillies. That is, without causing them to faint a second time. Glad to have made this little stop, Blueblood set out on the road to Sweet Apple Acres, where his fate awaited him. He trotted with a spring in his step and a smile on his face, displaying renewed confidence.
Perhaps this stay in Ponyville won’t be so awful after all.
~~~
To Be Continued
~~~
Coming up next in To Be a Better Stallion
That crazy party filly, the rainbow pegasus, Princess Celestia’s personal student, and now that highfalutin’ noble. I swear, Applejack, you have a knack for running into the strangest ponies.
~Big Macintosh
...
“W-what is this travesty! It’s… an ocean of dirt! Oh, the horror! It’s a cornucopia of filth! The Promised Land of all that is unclean! The El Dorado of mud and stains! Why must this world make a mockery of me?”
~Prince Blueblood
…
“Why, I never! You ruffian! Show some respect!”
~Prince Blueblood
“Like you would know anything about respect! Jerk!”
~Rainbow Dash
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Autumn Wind
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1439
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Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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To Be a Better Stallion
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Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
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complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2011-11-16T03:31:59+00:00
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2011-11-16T03:31:59+00:00
| 7,877 |
Atop the tallest hill in all of Sweet Apple Acres stood Risky Roots, the most adventurous tree on the farm, and the only one to have the courage to grow in such an odd place. Through the years, the young sapling had been a pioneer: innovating, standing strong, and making an example of itself. Its chosen place was an odd one for sure, but Risky was sticking to its choice. Its growth had proven it fully capable of making its ambitions come true.
Today, the apple tree was in the company of a kindred soul. In its shade, Big Macintosh stood proudly, looming over his little kingdom. A long time ago, his ancestor, Cortland Apple, had purchased this land with the ambition of making it one of the largest and most prosperous orchards in all of Equestria. A dozen generations later, that dream had long been fulfilled. The passion had been passed down from parents to children generation after generation, and there was no end in sight to this wonderful dream.
Ma and pa sure did good work on this farm back when they were around, just like Grandpa and Granny Smith before them. Applejack’s doing great in following pa’s legacy, and I’m willin’ to bet little Apple Bloom will be the one to finally return the barn to its former glory when she grows up.
Of course, he was no pushover himself, balancing equal parts backbreaking labor and organized bookkeeping to keep the farm standing. Today, Granny Smith hadn’t much left in her except to live peacefully through her days, sharing words of wisdom and delicious recipes with family and friends alike. However, Big Macintosh knew just how major her contributions had been to the farm. Back when she had been a younger and more energetic mare, Granny Smith had been the brains of the operation. It was thanks to her that Sweet Apple Acres had become a well-known name and that several towns in Equestria regularly purchased large amounts of their produce, allowing them to greatly expand the farm’s potential.
As her successor in the farm’s management, Big Macintosh had a plan of his own: He would make Sweet Apple Acres the first orchard to ever sell apples to lands outside of Equestria. She had taught him well in the ways of business, and he would make her proud.
Big Macintosh smiled peacefully. There was nothing quite like spring at the orchard. Much like a choir singing out in one voice, the trees offered a perfect harmony of flowers, giving the gift of a flood of bright colors and sweet scents to any willing spectator.
The stallion was pulled out of his contemplation by a speck of bright white in the distance, which was soon revealed to be a white unicorn stallion walking down the path leading to the farm from Ponyville.
That crazy party filly, the rainbow pegasus, Princess Celestia’s personal student, and now that highfalutin’ noble. I swear, Applejack, you have a knack for running into the strangest ponies.
As he set out towards the farm’s main entrance to greet the incoming guest, Big Macintosh thought about the next few days, wondering just how things would work. He had agreed to help Prince Blueblood, of course, knowing that the colt was genuinely seeking to change. The Apple family was always open to strangers in need.
That being said, he also had to think about the farm. It was planting season, and it was very important for the work to get done as soon as possible. The pegasus weather report had warned of a series of spring showers in the afternoon culminating into an overnight rainstorm. He’d need to wrap up work earlier today if he didn’t want to get stuck working under the weather.
A sudden flash of inspiration brought these two ideas together, causing an amused smile to manifest on Big Macintosh’s face. This was going to be hilarious.
~~~
Prince Blueblood observed the farm from a distance as he approached. Over the hilly terrain, he could only see the leafy crowns of the flower-clad trees as he approached, and the scenery was magnificent and colorful, a noble sight indeed.
So, these are the famed Sweet Apple Acres I have heard about. This certainly seems like a nice place. The flowers are a nice touch.
However, as he closed the distance separating him from a clearer view of the orchard, Blueblood lost control of his jaw as he stared in shock. All over the orchard was loose earth. More loose earth than he had ever laid eyes on. He had expected that the paths between the trees would have been paved with stone tiles or other materials of the sort, or at least, at the bare minimum, gravel. Apparently, even that much had been denied. Coming to a sudden stop, Blueblood gasped in horror.
“W-what is this travesty! It’s… an ocean of dirt! Oh, the horror! It’s a cornucopia of filth! The Promised Land of all that is unclean! The El Dorado of mud and stains! Why must this world make a mockery of me?”
Dirt. So much dirt. More dirt than the eye could see. More dirt than he ever could have imagined. A heavenly roof of flowers over a horrible pit of dirt. Prince Blueblood found himself shaking in place, nervous at the idea of having to set hoof in that place. How would he ever keep his coat clean in such a place? Maybe it wasn’t too late to turn tail and flee...
No, no. I can’t back out now. I have my honor. Prince Blueblood does not back down in the face of adversity... or dirt.
Prince Blueblood swallowed nervously. He focused for a moment, and his horn shimmered brightly, a bright white aura lighting the farm’s wooden gate and pushing it open. The unicorn set down the path to the main barn, an evident pained expression on his face. He could feel himself getting dirtier by the second as his steps kicked up small puffs of dust.
“Hello? Is anypony home?”
The sound of a second pair of hooves began echoing in the distance. They were heavy steps for sure, no doubt made by a stallion of a remarkable stature. A deep, calm voice echoed out from the distance, and a few moments later, a large red stallion, clad in a work collar and absentmindedly chewing on a sprig of hay came into view.
“Eeyup, I’ll be right over. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
So this is Big Macintosh? He certainly lives up to his name.
Try as he may, Blueblood couldn’t remember ever meeting anypony so large, except for himself and Princess Celestia. Of course, she was a goddess, and he himself was, if by far, one of her royal descendants. But, what could make a farmer grow so tall, let alone that muscular? Blueblood was left puzzled.
“I take it you’re Prince Blueblood?”
So, Applejack had indeed mentioned his coming to her brother. That made things far simpler.
“Why, yes, that would be I. And to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?”
Blueblood made an effort to be polite. After all, he was in need of help, and the red farmer was his best chance.
“Name’s Big Macintosh. Ain’t every day we get nobility visiting ‘round these parts. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres.”
Macintosh respectfully offered a hoofshake. The noblecolt, used to bowing from a distance, was startled and nervously stumbled back. He carefully eyed the extended hoof, noticing a dab of mud on the tip of the farmer’s hoof.
Oh... the sacrifices I make for proper protocol.
Shakily, Blueblood returned the favor, only to have his breath cut short by the sheer strength Macintosh had put into the gesture.
Surprised by his guest’s panicked reaction, the red stallion quickly pulled his hoof back, watching with slight confusion as the royal stood stunned, his still-outstretched hoof twitching in pain.
“I reckon I might have overdone it a little there. Mighty sorry.”
Blueblood paused for a moment, slowly lowering his sore hoof back to the ground. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, mentally counting to ten before answering.
Stay polite, Blueblood. He may not be the cleanest or most distinguished pony you’ve met, but at least he’s making a good effort to be polite, and you need his help. It would be a terrible thing to start off on awful terms.
“Oh, that’s... quite alright. Please be careful not to do it again, that being said. I doubt my hoof can take such a battering a second time. Now then, I assume your sister has already explained most of the situation to you?”
“Eeyup. Thought about it for a while. We’ve been having some troubles on the farm as well. ‘Reckon I have an idea that could work out for both of us.”
Big Macintosh motioned towards the large farmhouse up on the hill ahead.
“How ‘bout we move inside so we can discuss this more comfortably?”
Blueblood paused for a moment, puzzled.
Troubles on the farm? What does that have to do with me? I don’t like where this is going. I really, really don’t like where this is going.
~~~
“I really don’t like where this has gone.”
In the middle of a bare field of packed dirt, Blueblood struggled to pull an old plough, grunting with every step at the exhausting effort. He was, to say the least, very glad that few ponies would ever see him like this. The paparazzi would have a field day with his current wardrobe. A set of strong rubber galoshes guarded his hooves from any offending dirt, while a brown wool poncho draped over his back and a hat woven from straw protected his precious coat and mane. It would be a shame if he were to get dirty from a wayward cloud of dust, and a tragedy if he were to catch heatstroke from the glaring sun.
“So, Macintosh. Please remind me why I agreed to this, again? I must admit that such hoof labor isn’t a very common part of my daily regimen.”
Next to the unicorn, Macintosh was having a very hard time not laughing. He could remember a few times where Applejack’s friend Rarity, a unicorn known for her cleanliness and fear of dirt, had given the farm a hand, but even she hadn’t gone to such extreme measures to keep herself clean. In contrast, Blueblood’s borrowed attire looked utterly ridiculous. He had to turn away for a moment to mask his amusement at Blueblood’s carefully-chosen words. Not a very common part indeed. Blueblood had clearly never done a minute of manual labor in his entire life.
“It’s simple, really: You wanted to develop some humility and courtesy, and the farm needed some extra help for planting season. Oh, and you said that kind of work might be good to ‘keep one’s flanks and calves well toned.’”
Blueblood swallowed his pride, giving the plough another solid pull. His shoulders were sore and his legs protested the heavy effort. Yet, if this ordeal was to help him, he would do it. His honor was at stake, after all. At first, he had thought that the farmer was asking for him to work as a repayment for the teaching. It was only logical. After all one’s time is a precious commodity. However, Big Macintosh’s stubborn refusal to accept any amount of bits instead, even an unusually large sum, had given Blueblood some insight on the true reason for this arrangement. He would learn far more from a few days on the farm than from any kind of teaching.
“If, last week, somepony had told me I would be working on a farm today, I would have laughed and called them out of their mind. Yet, here I am. Ah, the things one does for love.”
With a chuckle, Big Macintosh paused his ploughing for a moment and turned to answer.
“So that’s what your wanting to improve yourself’s all about? Sis hadn’t mentioned that. Who’s the lucky filly?”
A swarm of butterflies fluttered to Blueblood’s stomach.
“I believe you might know her, she lives in this town. Her name is Rarity.”
Big Macintosh almost choked on his ever-present sprig.
“Wait, wait. Rarity? Rarity of Carousel Boutique? Hoo wee, you’ve sure got your work cut out for you.”
Blueblood shot the farmer a puzzled glance.
“What ever do you mean?”
“Y’see, Rarity might look that way, but she’s not one of those high class noblemares lookin’ to rut their way into a big fortune. She works hard, probably even harder’n me. She does everything carefully, from working her boutique to taking care of her little sister. Sorry t’say, but I’m not sure you really stand a chance.”
A smirk traced itself on Blueblood’s face. Macintosh’s words had left him far from discouraged. Rather, his desires were bolstered, reinforced. No longer a simple conquest, she was now a challenge with a priceless reward at its end. His pride and his heart were now working in tandem.
He had his chances. She’d sought him out at the Gala, after all. Surely there must have been something about him that attracted her. He’d have to find out what and build from there. Hesitating for a moment, the unicorn figured he may as well let Macintosh be aware of the finer points of the story.
“Well, it’s... kind of a strange story actually. You see...”
The two workers settled down for a break as Blueblood recounted the entire timeline of events, from the gala to the feline assault.
“Hah, reckon maybe you’ll stand a chance if you play your cards right. Looks like y’do fine when it comes to manners, and you’ve got the same obsession with staying clean. Reckon that should earn you some points with her.”
Blueblood was standing proudly, eating up the praise with great gusto. Macintosh’s next comment, however, deflated his ego entirely.
“Though, you keep up that haughty act, and she’ll never even give you the time of day.”
“But then, what should I do? This is what I’ve known all my life. We nobles are supposed to be a cut above other ponies; that’s what my mother always told me. How can I simply bow to her? What would my family think?”
“You’re getting this all wrong. This ain’t about anyone submitting to anyone. That’s not love. Love ain’t about joining someone’s family or getting part of their fortune or I don’t know what else.”
Macintosh spoke with an energy that ran contrary to his usual stoicism. Soon, he was punctuating his words with energetic gestures.
“Take your case, for example. Rarity’s no gemdigger. Well, she does dig for gems, but that’s to put them on dresses. She ain’t what you’d normally call a gemdigger. If she accepts you at one point, it won’t be for your wheelbarrows of bits or your fancy shmancy titles. It’ll be because you’ve treated her well, and made her feel like she matters to you. You need to make that real clear in your head right now, or you ain’t gonna get anywhere.” Blueblood nodded in comprehension, displaying an air of silent awe.
“Love’s about caring for someone and wanting to make them happy. S’about doing things, not because they profit you, but because you care for the ponies around you. It’s that simple, really.”
The farmer’s words carried strong conviction and emotion, wisdom and experience. Blueblood hesitated for a moment, awed by the speech that had just been delivered.
“That goes against everything I’ve been taught, Macintosh. I... don’t know what to make of it. Are you sure of what you’re saying?”
“Eeyup.”
“I’d... like to try what you said, doing things just to make others happy. You make it sound so fulfilling. But, it’s so strange. I don’t think I’ve done something like that before.”
A smirk traced itself on Macintosh’s face.
“Really? Never? I find that hard to believe. When’s the last time someone smiled at you?”
“Hm, this morning, I think. Why do you ask?”
“What made them smile?”
“It’s a pretty funny story, actually. These two fillies asked for my autograph. They pretty much fainted in excitement when I gave it to them.”
“How did that make you feel?”
“... I guess I felt happy that they were so full of joy, but what does that have to do with-”
Blueblood stood there for a moment, confused and blinking, as the realization dawned on him.
“Oh... Oh! I see.”
Macintosh hadn’t lost his smirk.
“Told you.”
“But where do I go from there? What should I do?”
“It’s simple, really, if you ask me. Stick around town for a while; make an effort to be nice to everypony. I reckon it’ll be an effort at first, but it’ll get easier as you go.”
“Ah! Yes, as George Oatwell so eloquently wrote, ‘He wears a mask and his muzzle grows to fit it.’ I understand!”
Macintosh didn’t feel the need to answer. He’d heard of George Oatwell before, but the reference was lost on him. He contented himself with rising back up on his legs and resuming his labor. Seeing Blueblood having trouble once more with the heavy tool, he had mercy on the noble.
“Y’know what? I think you’ve got enough revelations to digest for today. Why don’t you go mull it over wherever you feel like it and come back tomorrow morning?”
Blueblood eagerly nodded, relieved to get out of doing any more backbreaking labor for the day. Politely bowing to Big Macintosh, he headed back to town, packing up the protective vestments for the next day. His legs wobbled with every step, and his head was spinning. As he walked, he looked over his coat and mane. They weren’t quite filthy, but they were certainly in need of a good cleaning.
Oh, the things I do...
~~~
Blueblood was walking down the main street of Ponyville, headed to “La Rose Dorée” for his evening meal, having taken a moment to stop by his hotel room and clean himself up. He was certainly taking a liking to the establishment. Distinguished and elegant, the restaurant was considered the pinnacle of haute cuisine in Ponyville. It was also recognized for its exorbitant prices and very small size, though it was clearly turning a sufficient profit from the occasional ponies seeking a gastronomical experience.
Although his body was exhausted, his morale was going strong. He’d managed to keep up with the work, and realised that he did stand a chance of redeeming himself.
The second of what would be a long series of spring showers soon began falling. Fortunately, Prince Blueblood was prepared. Though he had left the hideous poncho at his hotel room, he had had the presence of mind to bring along his fashionable navy canvas cloak.
Hm... what should I try tonight? I must say the truffle quiche sounds very appetizing, but perhaps the orchid fricassée would be-
A loud and cacophonic voice screeched through the sky.
“LOOK OUT BELOW!”
A blur of cyan shot down from the sky, hurtling towards Blueblood, who froze in a panic, dumbfounded at seeing everypony scamper away. Unlike the locals, the visiting noble had no idea what to expect from such a shout.
A resonating thump, a blur of colors, a painful collision, and a very cold splash later, a dazed Blueblood lay confused in a puddle of rain water while a cyan pegasus mare lay on the ground next to him, dizzy from her great plunge.
Blueblood slowly came back to his senses, shakily standing up onto all four legs. He quickly ran a mental check of his body, making sure he wasn’t feeling pain. Fortunately, the collision hadn’t left him injured. Unfortunately, it had left him cold and dripping wet. Looking around him, he soon spotted the perpetrator of his assault. He had heard of her before, that rainbow mare. She was Rainbow Dash, weather captain of Ponyville, victor of this year’s edition of the Cloudsdale Young Flier Competition, and aspirant to the Wonderbolts. She had come much more quickly to her senses, and was now staring at him with a look of amusement.
If the fury that overtook Blueblood at that instant had been any more extreme, the sheer heat of it would have done an amazing job of drying his drenched mane. Flicking a dripping lock of golden mane away from his vision, he took a fierce step towards Rainbow Dash.
“Does my destroyed grooming amuse you so? You insane foal! You could have killed me! You disgrace of the skies! You public menace! If this were Canterlot, I would have you locked up in an instant! Do you know who I am?”
The pegasus rose up to her feet, her own anger boiling up. She flapped her wings a few times to make sure they were fine, before leaving them wide open in anger. In turn, she took a step towards Blueblood, fiercely looking him straight in the eyes.
“Yeah, I know who you are! You’re that stuck-up colt who upset Rarity at the Gala! Forget about getting any apologies from me after that!”
“Why, I never! You ruffian! Show some respect!”
“Like you would know anything about respect! Jerk!”
Rainbow Dash lowered herself to the water’s level, and fiercely flapped her wings, drenching the prince with a torrent of cold water. With a panicked yelp, Prince Blueblood attempted to shield himself with his forelegs, but only succeeded in losing his balance and falling over into the puddle with a resounding splash. Struggling to stand up, he slammed his right forehoof against the pavement with a resounding clop.
“Jerk? How dare you! You flew like a madmare, crashed into me at breakneck speeds, almost left me injured and utterly annihilated my careful grooming! Now you refuse to apologize, and I’m the jerk?”
“Yeah, you’re the jerk, jerk! When somepony tries moves as awesome as mine, accidents are always bound to happen! I shouted to make sure nopony would get hurt, and you didn’t even try to move! If you weren’t such an oblivious upstart, none of this would have ever happened!”
“What? Surely, you must be mocking me! You dare accuse me of-”
“NOW WAIT JUST ONE APPLE FLIPPIN’ MINUTE!”
The pegasus and the unicorn were interrupted by a shout and a thunder of hooves as Applejack came to a stop near them, pushing them apart. Rainbow Dash smirked at her rival, convinced the farmer would take her side against the rude stallion.
“I’m really disappointed in the two of you! Rainbow Dash! You should be ashamed of yourself for shouting like that! Blueblood, for all that talk about wantin’ to improve, you’re pretty quick to be shoutin’ and insultin’.”
The pegasus’s grin dropped instantly, while the prince was left even more fuming.
“He’s the one who should be ashamed! He didn’t even move when I warned everypony!”
Applejack gave a disbelieving stare as her only answer, refusing to treat Rainbow Dash’s desperate excuses as anything but what they were.
“Dash, what has Mayor Mare been tellin’ you ‘bout practicing your crazy tricks over Ponyville?”
“Fiiiine. I guess I should have been more careful. Still, he didn’t have any right to be snapping at me like that!”
“There, you’re right. Still, that doesn’t excuse-”
Rainbow Dash turned to Blueblood and stuck her tongue out at him defiantly.
“Ha! I was right! I’m getting out of here, all this shouting is too much work, and I’ve got some rain clouds to deal with. See you later Applejack!”
With a powerful flap of her wings, Rainbow Dash took off, leaving Blueblood and Applejack behind. Applejack simply rolled her eyes.
“That filly, I swear. I’ll catch up with her later.”
Prince Blueblood chuckled and displayed a smug smile.
“Looks like she realised who really was in the wrong after all.”
In a flash, the earth pony turned to face Blueblood, piercing him with the most horrible of glares from under the rim of her cowfilly hat.
“Now look here. You said you wanted to learn to become nicer, right?”
Blueblood rolled his eyes.
No, you simpleton, I wanted to become a three-layer buttercream-and-lily sponge cake. Of course I wanted to become nicer, I’m not hanging around this mudhole of a town for no reason.
Swallowing the thought back, he gave an irritated sigh.
“Yes, yes I did.”
“Yep you said that. Next thing I know, you’re getting in a fight with one of my friends. That’s mighty impressive. I thought you’d last at least a full day.”
“It is only normal that I be affronted, that crazy mare you call a friend almost caused my untimely death.”
“Don’t you untimely me! That mare’s crashed into about everypony in this here town, and she’s never injured anyone.”
As she spoke, Applejack slowly moved closer and closer to the prince, speaking louder and louder.
“Accidents happen, and if you think being nice just means being nice when it’s convenient for you, you’re so far off the track you’d need that compass on your flank just to get back! Sometimes, you have to go farther and be nice even if it’s a heap of trouble for you."
Applejack brought her face very close to his, staring him straight in the eyes with a frown that could have scared the leaves off an apple tree. Prince Blueblood stumbled back and stuttered.
“But... But...”
“Don’t bother, I don’t need to hear it. You just take some time to think about it, and my brother and I’ll see you tomorrow on the farm.”
Without a word, Applejack trotted away, ignoring the Prince’s self-righteous pleas. Shocked at the turn of events, Blueblood simply stood there, not entirely managing to process the scene that had unfolded. His body was burning with irritation, his muscles were sore from the work, and his legs were feeling cold and wet. In retrospect, perhaps stepping out of that puddle should have been his first course of action.
With a resigned sigh, the unicorn trotted back to his hotel room for a second bath and grooming.
~~~
An hour later, Prince Blueblood was out on the streets again. Princess Luna had long ago heaved the moon into the sky and decorated the darkness with a generous sprinkling of bright stars, shining for all to admire despite the cloudy cover. The main street of Ponyville was dimly lit by a series of lampposts, giving the town a quiet and relaxed mood. The pavement sparkled in the moonlight, slick with rainwater.
The songbirds had gone to sleep, having passed the work of creating a musical ambiance on to their nightly counterparts, the crickets.
The royal unicorn was troubled. For a moment, everything had appeared so easy. Yet, it had only taken one chance encounter for everything to crumble.
What is it I’m supposed to do, then? I should be nice, of course, but I can’t just let everyone trample over me! Where’s the balance? What should I-
His train of thought was interrupted when his stomach gave a rumbling noise the likes of which he had rarely heard. Having had to redo his grooming, he was running quite late for his usual dinner time. Perhaps he would do better to find a simpler meal than his usual five-star fare.
Suddenly, the sweetest of smells, the perfume of fresh dough and sugar, caught his nostrils. Of course, in a small town such as this one, a visitor was more likely to find regular pastries than the sort of fine delicacies Blueblood was used to, but at this point, he didn’t care. He just wanted something tasty.
The building soon came into view. It was a rather large shop, brightly colored and decorated to look as though it had been garnished and frosted like a giant gingerbread house. An enormous cupcake crowned its roof. Blueblood shuddered at the memory of his last encounter with a pastry that large.
Still enchanted by the smell, the prince pushed the door open. The interior of the boutique matched the outside perfectly, with candy stripes and fixtures of falsified chocolate adorning every nook and cranny. A joyful chime accompanied his entrance, as a middle-aged earth pony mare came into view. Her colorful display of a blue coat and a rose-colored mane could only try to rival the sweetness of her tone.
“Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner, where life is always sweet! How may I help you today?”
Prince Blueblood politely returned her smile.
“Thank you very much, madam. If it’s no problem, I’d like to browse for a moment. I’m not quite sure yet what strikes my fancy.”
“Oh, of course, no problem. Would you like some green tea while you look? It’s only one bit for a cup.”
“Ah, that sounds exquisite, thank you very much.”
Prince Blueblood focused for a moment and levitated a single golden coin over to the counter. Ms. Cake carefully grabbed the coin out of the air and left it in the cash register, then busied herself with getting a fresh cup of tea ready.
Blueblood glanced over the display of fresh pastries, eyeing the common fare with slight disdain. This was all too ordinary. He slowly scanned across the display, but nothing struck his fancy. Finally, the display’s lighting shone to him like the most beautiful ray of morning sun, as his eyes set on a particularly interesting morsel.
"Oooo!", Blueblood exulted. "Are those chocolate éclairs I see before me?"
Ms. Cake came back, setting a piping hot cup of tea onto the counter.
“Why, yes it is. I see you have an eye for fine pastry. They’re quite the trouble to make, but they’re worth every ounce of effort. Would you like one?”
A hoofful of golden coins hovered over to Ms. Cake, stopping a comfortable distance in front of her for her to seize.
“That would be wonderful, thank you very much.”
With a polite bow, Prince Blueblood levitated the tea and pastry over to a small coffee table in a quiet corner of the boutique and sat down on one of the very comfortable cushions that had been provided for the Corner’s prized customers.
Unlike what he had expected from such a small town bakery, the pastry was exquisite, and the tea rich in flavor. He quickly made his way through a third of the pastry at the behest of his growling stomach, before reminding himself of his manners.
Soon, as he was approaching the end of his snack, the tinkling of the door chimes could be heard. Two ponies walked in. In the lead, an excited unicorn filly almost bounced into the bakery. Following behind her was a pegasus mare, an empty pair of mailbags resting on her back.
The filly had a purplish-gray coat and a light blond mane, and her tiny horn sparkled in the light. A large smile livened up her face. She was simply glowing with joy. The mare’s coat was completely gray, and her mane matched that of the filly. Most likely, the two of them were mother and daughter. As she stooped to look over the displayed wares, one of her eyes slowly lost focus and drifted off, resting its gaze somewhere on the ceiling. Prince Blueblood paid little attention to that fact. He had met other ponies suffering from a lazy eye before, one of whom was in fact his prized butler. Such a purely physical trait didn’t even register in his judgement, because, really, what could Ditzy Doo do about it? Unlike a bad choice of manecut or clothing, a lazy eye was something one was born with, not something one could change.
“Hi Mrs. Cake!”
“H-hello, Mrs. Cake. H-how are you today?”
Prince Blueblood couldn’t help but notice the slight stuttering. Surely, some common cause was at the root of the mare’s lazy eye and speech issues. Prince Blueblood judged it better not to pry.
“Ditzy and Dinky Doo, how nice to see you two tonight! I’m very well, thank you. Shall I get you your usual?”
The two gray ponies nodded in unison, and Mrs. Cake set herself to work, soon producing a tray holding a pair of blueberry muffins, a small mug of coffee, and a large glass of milk.
“That’ll be eight bits, please.”
Ditzy nodded, and set down her mailbag, opening the zipper on one of the smaller pouches, and digging inside. Quickly, her smile turned into a confused frown, as she frantically began tearing through every compartment of the bags.
“Mommy, is something wrong?”
Ditzy was silent for a moment.
“I t-think I left my money at home.”
“Aww...”
The filly’s excited smile soon turning into a sorrowful grimace. Her mother looked completely ashamed at the consequences of her distraction, her head hanging low. Mrs. Cake was just about to speak up when a voice made itself known from a corner of the shop.
“Ahem, if I may...”
The tinkling of coins on glass resounded for a moment, and it took a few seconds for the mares and the filly to comprehend what had happened. Prince Blueblood put away his satchel with a smile on his face.
The glowing smiles and thanks that the duo soon offered made everything clear to him. The words that had left him confused slowly came into order and harmony.
“If you think being nice just means being nice when it’s convenient for you, you’re so far off the track you’d need that compass on your flank just to get back. Sometimes, you have to go farther and be nice even if it’s a heap of trouble for you.”
“Stick around town for a while; make an effort to be nice to everypony. I reckon it’ll be an effort at first, but it’ll get easier as you go.”
Having finished his snack, Prince Blueblood bowed to Mrs. Cake and stepped out of the boutique, taking a moment to smile back to the filly and her mother.
“Now, Dinky, w-what do we say to the nice stallion?”
“Thank you, mister!”
Blueblood owned many gems, and several priceless pieces of art lined the halls of his luxury home in Canterlot. However, none of them, no matter how precious, could possibly ever contend with the smile the young unicorn gave him.
~~~
That night, Blueblood slept peacefully, remembering the gleaming smiles of the two ponies he had helped. He felt reinvigorated, confident. He could do this. Improvement was in reach. He was unstoppable.
~~~
To Be Continued
~~~
Coming up next in To Be a Better Stallion
“How preposterous! How ridiculous, how outrageous, how... utterly absurd! Confound all of this mud!”
~Prince Blueblood
…
“Together we are...”
~Apple Bloom
“The Cutie Mark Crusaders!”
~Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo
…
“It all started when I was but a young colt...”
~Prince Blueblood
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Autumn Wind
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1439
| 4 |
Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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To Be a Better Stallion
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Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
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complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2011-12-25T22:38:12+00:00
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2011-12-25T22:38:12+00:00
| 8,256 |
The loud crowing of a rooster awoke Big Macintosh. He stood up from his large bed and stretched, slowly doing away with the sleepiness that ran through his limbs. A smile on his face, he descended the stairs that led to and from the upper floor. The wooden stairway greeted him with a familiar series of creaks. The house was very quiet. Unsurprisingly, he was the first to wake up.
The Apple Family’s home was humble but comfortable, built of rustic wood and perseverance. It was decorated simply, but offered a warm welcome. The stallion nudged a few windows wide open, feeling the crisp morning air slowly flow through the house. He took a deep breath. Oak and apples; he could never tire of that smell.
As usual, he checked on his grandmother. She was sleeping peacefully. Although the elderly mare was in good health for her age, her grandson couldn’t help but be worried. Every morning, he was relieved that nothing had happened during the night.
With that brief moment of worry set aside, Big Macintosh headed to the kitchen to get breakfast ready. A few minutes later, the smell of warm oatmeal and apples wafted through the house, and the sound of hooves against hardwood could be heard resonating.
“Mornin’, big bro,” Applejack called out from the top of the stairs as she left the room she shared with the youngest of the Apple siblings. She took a deep, eager sniff of the delicious scent. “Apple and cinnamon oatmeal. Ain’t nothin’ quite like it.”
“Eeyup. Apple Bloom awake yet?” Big Macintosh asked as he ladled up a generous portion of the warm breakfast for his sister.
“Yep. I tried to get her up, but you know how she is. ‘Five more minutes.’”
“You’re sportin’ some serious bedmane there, sis.”
With a chuckle, Applejack swiped the bowl from his hooves and grabbed a spoon on her way to the table. She sat down at her usual place and gulped down a heaping spoonful.
“Impeccable cookin’ as usual. So, think Blueblood will be coming again today?”
Big Macintosh served himself a generous portion before joining her.
“Hah, ain’t got a clue. He was along with it yesterday, but who knows what’ll happen. I’ve got a little something planned for him if he comes.”
“Huh. And what might that be?”
A smile traced itself on Macintosh’s face.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
The quick taps of small hooves against hardwood echoed through the house, and a young filly’s voice could be heard.
“Mornin’ big bro! Mornin’ big sis!”
Apple Bloom all but galloped down the stairs, drawing a little ire from Applejack.
“Apple Bloom, what did I tell you about runnin’ and shoutin’ in the morning?”
The filly skidded to a stop, suddenly looking downtrodden.
“You said I should be careful not to wake grandma. I’m sorry for forgetting.”
She was quickly cheered up by a hoof on her shoulder and a smile from her sister.
“It’s okay Apple Bloom, I know how excited you get when you’re going to see your friends. C’mon, breakfast’s waitin’ for you.”
Big Macintosh chuckled as he served a third bowl of oatmeal.
“I know another filly who was the same at your age. Ain’t that right, Applejack?”
As the two sisters shared a giggle, Applejack led her sister back to the table where a steaming bowl of oatmeal awaited the filly. With the three siblings finally gathered at the table, Big Macintosh turned his attention to Apple Bloom.
“Say, Apple Bloom, are you Crusaders still gathering them cutie mark stories? I think I’ve got a pony you three might be interested in meetin’...”
~~~
Blueblood hummed to himself as he happily cantered towards Sweet Apple Acres. Carrying his borrowed work clothes and some hygiene supplies in his saddlebags, Blueblood took great care to avoid the many puddles that littered the pavement.
Big Macintosh had requested that the royal turn up early that day. At first, Prince Blueblood had been rather averse to the idea of rising early. However, yesterday’s encounter at the bakery had proven Macintosh’s advice to be wise and fruitful.
Two familiar voices caught his attention in the distance, and a pair of familiar fillies came rushing by.
“Hurry up, Diamond Tiara! Otherwise we’ll be late and Ms. Manners will shout at us!”
“You hurry up! I’m already going as fast as I can! Whose stupid idea was it to schedule etiquette class on Saturday morning, anyway?”
“Hey look! It’s Prince Blueblood!”
The two fillies ran by him, not pausing their gallop. If their teacher was anything like the matronly mare that had taught him at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, the threat of detention hovering over their heads was likely the driving force behind their hooves.
“Hi, Prince Blueblood!”, their two voices rang in unison.
“Hello, girls! Don’t be late now! Oh no! Wait! Watch ou-”
There was a massive splash as the two schoolgirls ran straight into an enormous puddle. In unison, the two of them whined.
“Aww... no!”
“What do we do now, Diamond Tiara? Miss Manners will go crazy if we show up like this!”
Those poor fillies... It’d be a shame for them to arrive so soaked and dirty to their etiquette classes. What are they going to do now?
When his eyes met his own reflection in a nearby puddle, Prince Blueblood rolled his eyes at his own train of thought.
Right. Unicorn. Experienced in grooming. No problem.
He approached the two fillies, floating a brush and a towel out of his saddlebags.
“Need a helping hoof, girls?”
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon answered with a shameful nod. Fortunately, neither of them had been wearing a dress or other elaborate clothing, so getting the two of them back to proper appearances would be a cinch. A few seconds and a quick whirl of magic later, their coats and manes were as clean and dry as ever.
With thanks and a pair of grateful smiles, the two fillies vanished in the distance, giggling between themselves at their good luck.
Congratulating himself on a job well done, Prince Blueblood quickened his pace. It would be unseemly of him to be late, after all.
~~~
Well on his way to Sweet Apple Acres, Prince Blueblood had traded his usual relaxed walk for a more eager trot. Of course, he still abhorred the work, and he was monstrously sore in some areas. However, Big Macintosh’s teachings having been as fruitful as his orchard, Blueblood couldn’t help but be curious to find out more.
He was invincible. He had his work clothes to protect him from the dirt, his morale was still heightened from helping the distinguished fillies, and the smell of the blooming trees was invigorating. He would get to the farm, work like an honest pony and become the stallion he should have always been. Nothing could stop him. Nothing at all.
Nothing except the sight that awaited him when he got a clear view of the orchard. Mud. So much mud. Entire acres of mud. Filthy Mud Acres, they should have called the place.
“How preposterous! How ridiculous, how outrageous, how... utterly absurd! Confound all of this mud!”
The bulk of his frustration having been vented, Prince Blueblood let out a discouraged sigh, before resuming the fateful walk to his muddy nightmare.
At the gate to Sweet Apple Acres, he found Big Macintosh waiting for him.
“Hey, Blueblood. Glad you came back. Was wonderin’ if you’d show up.”
Swallowing his nervousness, Prince Blueblood stood firm. He was here to learn, after all. Hopefully, he’d be able to get more good advice that would pay off like yesterday’s.
“I... wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
The embellishment was obvious, but Big Macintosh took it in stride. Turning back towards the farmhouse, he motioned for Blueblood to follow him.
“By the way, there’s a couple ponies here who would like to meet you.”
“Oh? Who might they be?”
A strange buzzing noise could be heard in the distance, and three young voices pulverized the silence into submission.
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS WELCOME PARTY! YAY!”
Before Blueblood could even open his mouth to complain about the excessive loudness and shouting, a small wagon drifted to a stop in front of him, spraying his legs with gravel and dirt. Startled, he stumbled back.
Would these fillies be careful? That is not acceptable conduct for children.
They were all approximately the same age, three cheerful schoolfillies. Each of them was clad in a roughly sewn cape of red and gold fabric. The shape of a golden pony rearing up on a blue shield background was proudly displayed, though its meaning was unknown to him.
The first was a young white unicorn with a bright smile and emerald green eyes. Her elegant pink and purple mane displayed a certain knowledge of grooming. She slowly disembarked from the wagon, her legs a little wobbly. The abrupt stop had almost sent her tumbling over the stop of the wagon. Of the three, she definitely was the most presentable.
“Scootaloo, think you could try to stop a little softer next time? You almost sent me flying into the mud. Aren’t you supposed to be the pegasus here?”
Blueblood’s attention turned to the second filly. She was an orange pegasus with a violet mane, rough and unkempt, in a rather coltish cut. Had her wings really been making all that noise? Clearly, she would be a very strong flier one day. However, she very much could have benefitted from better grooming. It was unseemly for a girl her age to take so little care of her appearance. She reminded him of the pegasus he had had a run-in with the previous day- brash and overconfident.
“Sorry, Sweetie Belle. Didn’t mean to scare you, just got carried away.”
The third filly giggled.
“Oh, don’t be such a scaredy cat, Sweetie Belle, that was so much fun!”
Her accent was a dead ringer for Big Macintosh’s. This could only be the Apple Bloom that the farmer had mentioned yesterday. For a farmer filly, she looked well-groomed. Her red mane and her yellow coat were brushed with great care and the large pink bow that adorned her head certainly suited her well. In a single leap, she hopped out of the wagon and landed between her friends.
“I am not a scaredy cat! I just don’t want to get hurt!”
Sweetie Belle gave her friend an indignant glare. Blueblood fully empathized. He’d seen her almost tumble out of the cart, and indeed, she could have gotten hurt.
Big Macintosh stepped past the beleaguered Prince Blueblood, giving the fillies an admonishing glance.
“You three should really be careful with that thing, otherwise you might wind up hurtin’ yourselves... or somepony else.”
Okay, at least I guess they’re in good hooves for their misbehavior. Wear a mask, Blueblood. Wear a mask. They’re just fillies; you were a rambunctious colt too.
Prince Blueblood forced his anger back, and did his best to smile in spite of his annoyance.
“So, who might these three mystery damsels be?”
Pridefully, Apple Bloom seized her chance.
“I’m Apple Bloom, this is Sweetie Belle-”
“Hi!”
“-and this is Scootaloo.”
“The one and only!”
“Together we are...” the three fillies shouted in harmony as they assumed dramatic poses. Clearly, this was an act they were familliar with. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders!”
Noting the prince’s apparent confusion, Big Macintosh was quick to explain the fillies’ goal and their predilection for adventuring and for the gathering of Cutie Mark stories. Noticing that the Crusaders were distracted by the approach of a friendly Winona, the farmer seized the moment to whisper some very important words.
“Sweetie Belle’s Rarity’s little sister. Thought you’d like to know.”
Taking a mental note to ensure he would make a good impression on his love interest’s sister, Prince Blueblood couldn’t help but smile at the fillies’ enthusiasm about their quest. Despite their unruliness, there was something somewhat endearing about their antics. He recalled himself, as a young colt, having had great difficulties obtaining his Cutie Mark, due to the very... sheltering nature of his mother.
“Your quest is a very noble one, Cutie Mark Crusaders. I am told that you wish to seek my help? How may this unicorn be of use?”
The foals stood still for a moment, giving him a confused look as his words slowly registered. From what information they had recieved about Prince Blueblood, they had not expected him to be so interested in helping.
“You talk funny,” Scootaloo noted, to Big Macintosh’s great amusement. Blueblood stood surprised for a moment, irritated. Struggling to not drop an unkind word, Blueblood slowly paced through his mind.
Wear a mask, Blueblood. Wear a mask. She’s not used to meeting people of your stature, and your manner of speaking caught her by surprise, it’s all.
“Scootaloo! That’s not a very nice thing to say,” Sweetie Belle noted. “Sorry, Prince Blueblood. Scootaloo can be kind of silly sometimes.”
“It’s...” Prince Blueblood paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. “... quite alright. Now then, if we may return to the subject at hoof...”
With one of her hooves still occupied with petting the family dog, Apple Bloom snapped to attention, finally asking the question that had been tantalizing the Cutie Mark Crusaders since that morning.
“Well, actually, Prince Blueblood, we were kind of wonderin’ how you got your Cutie Mark. We’ve been askin’ lots of ponies, but we’ve never had a chance to ask a noble before. Big Macintosh told us we might learn somethin’ from it.”
The farmer lapsed into a look of surprise. Clearly, he hadn’t expected that his little set up would make itself so apparent. Prince Blueblood simply laughed. Though the little pegasus had gotten rather strongly on his nerves, he couldn’t help but enjoy the attention.
Also, the longer he could stay away from all that mud, the better.
“So, you’re the one who put them up to this, Macintosh? Is this supposed to be a hidden lesson for me?”
“Hah,” the farmer chuckled, “just figured you and them both might learn somethin’ from reflectin’ on a story. It’s like Granny always told me: if you don’t stop to look at your hoofprints now and then, you’ll never know if you’re really goin’ straight.”
“Wise words, Macintosh. Wise words indeed. Now then, perhaps we should move to somewhere more comfortable. I’m afraid this isn’t the shortest of stories...”
~~~
Moments later, five ponies and a dog had gathered back at the living room of the old farmhouse. By now, Applejack was out working the fields. They were soon joined by an elderly mare, whom Big Macintosh was quick to introduce as Granny Smith. She offered a warm smile but few words, and was content with only receiving the same from the prince.
The room fell silent, with only the fireplace’s crackling and the birds chirping melodiously outsided to break the silence.
“Now then, as we were saying. It all started when I was but a young colt...”
~~~
Three blank-flanked foals cheerfully galloped through the woodland preserves of Canterlot Ridge, basking in their stolen freedom. Every now and then, some adventure would tickle their fancy and they would flee from the stuffiness of Canterlot’s high-class life for a few hours.
Their cheerful laughter livened up the quiet forest, and soon, animals were partaking in their joy. The birds chirped along with them, and the occasional rabbit or squirrel poked its head out of a burrow or a hollow tree to say hi.
Leading the pack was the young Prince Blueblood, his long golden mane and tail waving in the wind behind him. For once, he got to exit the house without his mother saddling him with unnecessary amounts of accessories, and he was enjoying the glory of freedom, and his joy was clearly reflected in his sky-blue eyes. His first growth spurt had been rather kind to him, and he galloped in elegant yet powerful bursts.
To his left, a pegasus filly of the deepest violet kept up with him with a peculiar mix of elegance and recklessness, her fluttering wings occasionally carrying her for short bursts of low flight before her legs resumed their course. She was in the process of learning to fly, and enjoying every minute of it. Her unruly red mane, no longer held tight in a constricting braid, blazed behind her. She wanted to reach their destinations before her companions, that much was obvious in her deep green eyes. Much like Blueblood, she was entering adolescent age, and her own growth had been rather kind as well.
Lady Amethyst was, first and foremost, his closest confidante. They had met, two years ago, at a social function held by Blueblood’s mother, and the two had soon become fast friends, perhaps more. Far from being opposed to their relationship, their parents had began not so secretly holding plans of arranged marriage. Amethyst’s family stood to gain the presence of a true descendant of Princess Celestia, and Blueblood’s mother had reasoned that such a marriage would reflect well on her own family.
At the Prince’s right, a second colt stood; a young earth pony by the name of Apricot. Unlike his two companions, he was no noblecolt. Apricot was the son of a gardener who worked for various rich homeowners across Canterlot, one of which was Blueblood’s mother. The duchess simply loathed the young commoner, who she felt would be a terrible influence upon her son, but Blueblood refused to heed her threats. Apricot was a loyal friend, and most of all, entertaining. Used to being told to sit quietly and not bother the aristocrats, he cherished these moments of play, expending amounts of energy that even his companions often had trouble matching, despite their more advanced development. Apricot was a late bloomer, and though he shared the same age as his two friends, he looked much younger.
He kept up with Blueblood’s gallop and Amethyst’s bursts of flight through some impressive leaps of his own, bounding like a gazelle more than running. His short green mane bounced wildly as he hopped, alternately rising to the sky, wildly waving in the wind and coming to crash against his neck. His peach coat was a blur and his large hazel eyes frenetically shifted from point to point, taking in all the marvels of the forest. Although he had often visited Canterlot Ridge, its marvels never ceased to amaze him.
In their stampede, they didn’t hear the rustling of the fallen leaves some distance away, nor the steps of paws and claws that soon followed.
Soon, they broke to a halt when they reached their destination: the Trickle. A rather strong misnomer, the Trickle was a famous spot amongst the more rambunctious foals of the city. There, a small waterfall dove from the summit of Mount Canterlot, splashing into a moderately shallow basin before trickling off through a steam and down the rest of the mountain side. If you asked almost any foal in the city, they would tell you it was an awesome swimming spot that their parents were unaware of. If you asked almost any parent, it was a nostalgic area that they let their foals enjoy much as they had in their youth.
As the three of them were preparing to take the first dive, they were interrupted by the sound of steps in the fallen leaves. A defiant male voice rang out.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here? I spy with my little eye three foals with more money than common sense.”
Blueblood looked up at the stranger, a young gryphon, probably one or two years older than them. His coloration was similar to that of any other gryphon, brown with white feathers, and his claws were just as threatening. Red markings decorated his menacing eyes and the tips of his short fringe. He stood tall, his piercing stare greedily locked on to the small pile of discarded accessories some hooves away from the edge of the water; three satchels of bits, Blueblood’s silver watch, Amethyst’s bejeweled bracelet and her golden earrings.
Immediately standing at attention, Blueblood and Amethyst faced the gryphon, while the less confident Apricot took place behind them, somewhat nervous. Blueblood quickly sized up the situation. The bandit might have been somewhat larger than them, but they had strength in numbers. The gryphon’s claws looked somewhat soft and stubby and one of them was broken. He was far from being an adult. He would have strength over them, but he most likely was a brutish, sloppy fighter. Amethyst herself was quite fast, and if Apricot’s work on the peach tree Blueblood’s mother had in the backyard was anything to judge by, the young colt could buck up with the best of their age. As for Prince Blueblood, his mother had ensured that he had the means to defend himself. He was without rival in his horn fencing classes. That gryphon had no idea what he was getting into.
Amethyst was the first to speak up, taking a step forward and flaring her wings for added impact:
“You think you’re all that with your claws and beak, but you don’t scare us!”
Blueblood soon worked up the courage to join in her jeering, himself taking a step, his horn glinting in the sunlight.
“Go back to your badlands, gryphon! This is no place for the likes of you!”
Somewhat hesitant, Apricot took a clue from his friends’ bravado, soon standing tall and holding himself ready.
“Hah. You foals think you’re so brave, huh?”
Without any warning, the gryphon suddenly lunged forward, aiming his right talon straight at the young unicorn colt. A straight-up attack, somewhat sloppy; they were being taken lightly. Thanks to a reflex forged from two years of intensive horn fencing classes, Prince Blueblood parried the strike with the tip of his horn, knocking away the claws, only to be knocked aside himself by a brutal kick.
“Nice try there, loser!”
Wincing in pain, Blueblood rose back to his hooves, somewhat dazed, taking in the scene. The gryphon had effortlessly knocked Amethyst out of her attempted diving charge, and was now advancing menacingly towards Apricot, a terrible gleam in his eyes.
“What about you? Are you going to pick a fight with me too? Hah! You’re so tiny! You couldn’t hit a tree if I threw you at it!”
“Y- you don’t scare me, you big meanie!”
Slowly moving back as the avian walked towards him, Apricot glanced around with fear in his eyes, looking for an escape path. To his assailant’s right, he noticed Blueblood whispering a few words to Amethyst, before charging back towards the bandit.
Taking off to the left, Amethyst taunted the gryphon, nodding for Apricot to move right.
“Hey! Feathers for brains! I bet you can’t catch me!”
The violet filly flew straight by her foe, slapping him behind the head with her wing as she sped by. He took a wild swipe at her but missed entirely due to her speed and his own clumsiness. Standing up at last, Blueblood scraped his hoof against the ground and charged at him, aiming his horn straight for the gryphon’s ribs.
“Hah! Obvious distraction, and even more obvious charge! You foals are useless!”
The bandit stood up on his hindlegs, lifting his claws high, ready to bring them down on the unicorn foal, expecting to counter the ridiculous attack. Expecting.
Shouting over the thunder of his hooves, Blueblood called out to his friend.
“Apricot! Buck him!”
“What? Oh! Okay! Heeee-yah!”
Startled, the gryphon didn’t know how to react and nearly toppled over when a pair of hooves struck him right in the rear. It became obvious that Apricot had slipped out of his mind. He could barely keep from tumbling forwards, but soon managed to catch himself, still on his hind legs.
“Hah! Can’t knock me down so easily!”
He had spoken too soon, forgetting Blueblood’s charge in his surprise. The unicorn foal dove into his legs at the last second, knocking him off balance and flipping him onto his stomach. He landed with a thundering crash.
“Pony Pile!”
The filly, seeing the scene develop, noticed the perfect opportunity and threw herself on the gryphon’s back, pinning his wings. Blueblood and Apricot saw the occasion, both tossing themselves at him. The combined weight of three young ponies was too much for the thief, and he could do no more than thrash about, trying to free himself.
Over his indignant shouts, the foals began discussing, pondering their curious situation. They couldn’t just get off him, he’d attack again.
“Okay, everypony. Get ready. On my signal, Amethyst, grab the jewelry, and we’ll all run back to town. Ready?”
“Ready.”
“Ready.”
“Go!”
The foals dashed off in a conjoined effort, the sheer force of their taking off knocking the wind out of the gryphon. He tried to run after them, but his larger bulk and his body suited more for flight than ground made him unable to catch up with them. He could only pitifully watch his prey vanish in the distance and grumble at the precious objects he had come so close to swiping for himself.
~~~
“Hahaha! Did you two see the look on his face when Blueblood knocked him off his paws? That was hilarious!” Amethyst was laying on her back, struggling for breath through waves of laughter.
“I can’t believe I managed to buck him like that! It’s all thanks to you guys!”
“That was fantastic, you two! That kick he gave me... really hurt though. I hope it didn’t leave a mark on my...”
Blueblood couldn’t help but squeal cheerfully when he realised that their adventure had indeed left a mark on his flank. However, far from a bruise, it was an entirely different kind of mark; a Cutie Mark.
~~~
“... and on that day, I finally knew who I was meant to be. You see, this mark is the sigil of the Blueblood Family. I have been told that my father bore it, as did his father before him, and his father before him, and so on, ever since my great great great... well you get the point… great grandfather first earned his Cutie Mark. The compass stands for leading others in the right direction, leading the way through example.”
“What a terrific story! That was really something else! I especially liked the part where you and your friends beat the gryphon all like ‘Whoosh!’ and ‘Bang!’ and ‘Pow!’. I met a gryphon once, she was pretty much like the one you described. Well except she was a girl and she has purple feathers, but then red, purple, what’s the difference really? Oh, and...”
Blueblood could only stare, dumbstruck, at the new pony that had suddenly appeared in his perception. Lost in his recounting, he had missed the entrance of two new ponies in the room. The first one was Applejack, the farmer mare whom he clearly remembered, but the other one was unknown to him. She was of a shocking pink color, bearing an unruly frizzled mane of gigantic proportions, and an absurd tail to match it. The prince stuttered for a moment, attempting to comprehend what was happening, as the mare oozed words and onomatopoeias from every point of her existence.
“Pinkie Pie, I think you’re weirdin’ out our guest here.”
Applejack prodded her friend in the ribs with her elbow to reinforce her hinting.
“Oh! Sorry,” Pinkie giggled. “I get so excited when I meet new ponies, and even more so when I hear stories like this one.” She paused for a moment, blinking twice, before a realisation struck her. “Oh! A new pony! Of course! This calls for a party!”
Noting Blueblood suddenly looked like a rabbit staring at the lantern of a speeding carriage, Applejack reeled her friend in.
“Pinkie, I really don’t think that’s a good idea right now. Plus, you promised me you’d help with getting the barn cleaned up.”
“Oh! You’re right! I’d never break a promise to you... or to anyone else, really! Okie dokie lokie, let’s go!”
Silently thanking Celestia that she wouldn’t have to deal with Pinkie in yet another party craze, Applejack led Pinkie Pie outside, where they disappeared into the large barn.
Blueblood didn’t know how to react but stare, mouth agape. Despite the unusual happenings, everyone else was unfazed.
“What... was all this madness about?”
Big Macintosh chuckled, rising from the sofa he had been occupying.
“That’s Pinkie Pie, one of Applejack’s friends. Don’t try to understand. Trust me, it’s better that way.”
There was an awkward, confused pause.
“What a strange pony.”
“That was such an awesome story! You guys really defeated a gryphon? Wow!”
Scootaloo now looked at the prince admiringly, in sheer contrast to the indifferent attitude she had given him earlier. The other two fillies were quick to agree.
“Of course! A pony leadin’ Cutie Mark! Maybe we could get one?”
Applebloom was ready to dash for the door, but Sweetie Belle was hesitant.
“Well... how would we get one like that? I mean, fighting a bandit would be dangerous. Where would we even find a bandit in the first place?”
Blueblood gave them a charitable, if somewhat forced smile. It would reflect badly on him if any of them were to be injured in some reckless attempt at getting their Cutie Marks like he’d gotten his.
“Now, now, girls, don’t you go rushing into anything reckless. We only had to fight him off because there was no other option for us, and I would definitely have gotten my Cutie Mark one way or another.”
Big Macintosh was quick to agree.
“Apple Bloom, don’t I catch you doin’ anything dangerous like that. I’m sure you’ll be able to figure out plenty of other ways to find that Cutie Mark, if it’s what yours turns out to be.”
Apple Bloom gave her brother a disappointed yet resigned look.
“Aw... fine. C’mon, crusaders! We’ve got some crusading to do!”
With a united shout, the fillies ran off, prompting a gentle and amused smile from the elderly pony.
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS PONY LEADERS, YAY!”
Prince Blueblood rolled his eyes, his annoyance being somewhat of a source of amusement to Big Macintosh, who couldn’t suppress a smirk.
“Always so loud, aren they?”
“Eeyup. Just means they liked your story, though. Thanks for humorin’ the foals; lotsa ponies just try to ignore ‘em.”
“Ignore those three? That sounds like a pretty difficult task, now that you mention it.”
“You’re a witty one, Blueblood, y’know that? C’mon, we’ve got some work to do.”
“Right.”
Okay, Blueblood, you can do this. You went through the same yesterday, and you turned out fine, if somewhat sore. Today shouldn’t be any wor- right. Mud.
The horrific memories came back. The spring showers. The storm. The mud. So much mud. They’d have to work in the mud. It wasn’t something the boots and poncho could protect him against. He felt his legs shaking under him.
“So... What shall we be working on today? Ploughing another field? Planting some manner of vegetable?”
“Actually, I was thinking we’d go and help my sister and her friend with puttin’ some order back in the barn.”
The prince blinked twice, as his mind gradually wrapped itself around the news. When he caught on, Prince Blueblood burst into cheerful laughter, leaving his host baffled.
“By the sky and the sun! By the moon and the stars! There is justice in this world after all!”
~~~
To Be Continued
~~~
Coming up next in To Be a Better Stallion
“What exactly does it mean to you, leadin’ ponies?”
~Big Macintosh
…
Prince Blueblood stared blankly at the young pink mare, locked in a state of shocked incomprehension.
“But... you... I... what? Oh... you thought... Huh?”
…
Dear Lady Amethyst...
~Prince Blueblood
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Autumn Wind
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1439
| 5 |
Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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To Be a Better Stallion
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Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
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complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2012-03-18T04:41:33+00:00
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2012-03-18T04:41:33+00:00
| 10,141 |
“I cannot say it enough; I am so thankful that you two agreed to join me today. Much as I told you earlier, I’ve been simply beside myself about Prince Blueblood being in Ponyville... Oh, this stress is doing my poor, poor body a serious number!”
Rarity had invited Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy to join her for an afternoon treatment at the spa. Thanks to the fashionista’s influence as a frequent customer, they had been able to secure a quiet jacuzzi bath all for themselves.
The air was warm and comforting as they entered the dimly-lit room. The twirling and bubbling water had been infused with jasmine, leaving the room perfumed with its enthralling smell. The walls of the small bathing area were decorated with an ornate ceramic mosaic depicting a field of colorful flowers. The air was almost dripping with humidity, yet it offered a comforting embrace of warmth instead of a sweltering, strangling heat. All in all, it was a fortress of relaxation and rest, a barrier against the stresses of the outside world.
“I should be the one thanking you, Rarity. I could never afford this place by myself.”
Though Twilight Sparkle did receive a salary for her caretaking of the Ponyville library, she was by no means rich; not to mention that most of her leisure budget tended to go up in dragon flames and teleport straight to mail-order bookstores all over Equestria. While Celestia had often offered to fund her studies, Twilight had vehemently refused every time.
Fluttershy nodded in agreement as she slowly climbed into the upraised bath. She gave a contented sigh, feeling the warm water envelop her.
“Twilight’s right. Thank you, Rarity.”
As the two unicorns sat down, Fluttershy paused for a moment, closing her eyes and frowning in deep thought.
“What did you want to talk to us about? I mean, um, I know you mentioned Prince Blueblood being in town, but what about him?”
Rarity was silent for a moment, letting the warm bath wash and massage all of her problems away. She chewed on her words for a moment. Her answer had to be perfect.
“That is exactly what I’ve been wondering, darling. What about him? A stallion in town, on a personal quest to better himself, all for my sake... I can’t make heads or tails of this. I don’t know how to feel. Should I be flattered or scared? Should I give him a chance? What if he turns out to be the same lout I saw at the gala? On the other hoof, what if he becomes the Prince Charming I’ve dreamed of for so long? What is a lady to do?
“I can’t just leave him in hesitation, can I? With everything he’s been doing in my name, what would I be if I tried to ignore the whole thing? I agreed to let Applejack’s brother help him out, which, I guess, is pretty generous of me, but at some point, I’ll have to get involved... isn’t it so?
“Oh, girls, I don’t know what to do with myself anymore. Just look at me. I’m the one who’s supposed to be turning heads, and then this royal colt comes into town, and leaves mine spinning with questions! This is Discord all over again!”
Rarity dramatically slumped against the edge of the bath, visibly tired from her sudden outburst. There was a pause, as Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy processed Rarity’s barrage of doubts and questions.
Twilight Sparkle was quick to notice Fluttershy biting her lower lip and sinking down to the bottom of her muzzle. At least she still looked like she was managing to relax, as evidenced by her wings floating limply in the water.
The violet unicorn sighed and adjusted her position, lowering herself further into the water and leaning back against the side of the jacuzzi. She gave a soft sigh.
“That’s... an awful lot of questions, Rarity. Let’s just take this logically, one thing at a time. Trying to answer five questions at once is like trying to read five books at once: It just doesn’t work.”
Twilight hesitated for a moment, noticing the awkward glances she was receiving.
“Trust me, I’ve tried.”
Rarity settled down, taking a deep breath. She let herself sink down to her neck, basking in the feeling of the warm water against her coat.
“You’re all too right, Twilight. I must admit this is all leaving me terribly, terribly shaken. I’ve had colts pine after me before, of course, but I do believe this is the first time one has gone to such lengths. Usually, they just present me with a bouquet of tulips and leave it at that, as though a lady’s heart could be bought with nothing but a fancy snack. Blueblood’s case, however, is different. I simply don’t know what to make of all this dedication...”
Suddenly, a spark seemed to shoot through Rarity’s eyes.
“’Of course! Why didn’t I think of this before. Both of you, please tell me, what do you think of this whole story?“
Fluttershy perked up from her relaxed state, offering Rarity a reassuring smile.
“Well... I think, maybe, that it’s good that he’s trying to improve for you. I don’t think it’s really all that odd that he’d come here from Canterlot if he likes you, but on the other hoof, I see why it could bother you. I mean, not that you’d consider yourself too good for him, but, you know, after what he did at the Grand Galloping Gala, it would be understandable if you didn’t want to see him again.”
Twillight was quick to follow suit.
“I haven’t really had much in the way of colts’ affections, so it’s kind of hard for me to judge. That being said, if I remember correctly, the Filly’s Folio of Fantastic Flirtation would probably tell you that Prince Blueblood’s sudden resolve reflects positively on him, but also that you should make sure it isn’t something he’s doing dishonestly just to impress you. If you ask me, the best course of action would be to observe the events and get a clearer idea of what’s going on before you take a decision. I’ve got to admit, I’m still kind of surprised at how badly he turned out since the last time I ran into him.”
The other two mares gaped at Twilight, surprised. Rarity was quick to press into Twilight’s last statement, dramatically flailing a hoof in the air.
“When you last ran into him? You’ve run into him before, and you didn’t warn me about him? Twilight! How could you do this to me?”
Twilight recoiled in surprise, pressing herself against the edge of the tub.
“Rarity! Calm down! I couldn’t have known you’d run into him! Back then, he was nothing like the... jerk you encountered. He was well-behaved, educated, and mostly quiet in class, if a little too eager to look good in front of the teacher. We even did some assignments together, and everything went fine.”
“But... why didn’t you tell me about him earlier? I’ve been trying to learn more about him for days!”
The heater paused for a moment, as Twilight’s annoyance was all the water needed to maintain its temperature.
“I tried to tell you! I’ve been trying to tell you since he first came to town and you started worrying about him! You wouldn’t listen! You were too busy being dramatic!”
Rarity became even paler than her usual white as she suddenly remembered Twilight’s words about Prince Blueblood over the last two days. Her voice became mellow again, and she settled back down.
“Twilight, darling! I do believe I owe you some apologies here. I... certainly hope you’ll be able to forgive my passing moment of unladylike acrimony.”
Still somewhat surprised by her friend’s outburst, Twilight slowly settled back down and elbowed Fluttershy, who had taken to hiding her head behind her wings. The frightened pegasus slowly bloomed back into a state of relaxation, listening to the conversation. She had nothing to add.
Placing a hoof on the distraught diva’s shoulder, Twilight Sparkle gave a reassuring nod.
“It’s alright, Rarity, I know this whole ordeal is pretty trying for you. I accept your apologies.”
Bringing a hoof to her chin, Rarity pondered the earlier advice for a moment.
“Thank you very much, Twilight... Where were we... Ah, yes! I must admit there is much merit to the ‘wait and see’ approach. It would allow me to have a better idea of what to expect from him, as well as give me some time to relax without worrying about all of this. Might I be able to count on you two and the others to let me know if you hear or see anything about him?”
The other two mares nodded in answer, appeasing Rarity’s concerns. Almost immediately, her pupils shrank and she suppressed a gasp.
“But, what if he loses interest? Oh, no, no, no, that wouldn’t be good at all. What if he believes I’m not paying attention to what he’s doing and he just goes home to Canterlot? Then, I’ll never know what could have been! I’ll forever wonder if, perhaps, he could have become the pony I had first thought him to be! The mere thought of it is horrifying!”
Unfazed by the dramatic unicorn’s outburst, Twilight gave an encouraging smile.
“You could always go and talk to him. That would let him know you’re at least interested.”
Rarity’s jaw dropped in horror, as she almost threw herself at Twilight.
“No, no, no, no, a thousand times no! That would be so awkward, so uncomfortable. I am not ready to see him, and he is not ready to see me. After all, he still has much to learn about dealing with a mare such as I, and I must admit I am rather uncomfortable with the prospect of reliving that fateful evening. An encounter at this point in time simply will not do!”
Softly, Fluttershy displaced Rarity’s hooves from a panicked Twilight’s shoulders.
“Um... Rarity? Maybe you could just leave a note at his hotel room? Then, you wouldn’t have to face him, but you could still let him know about your feelings. I mean... if that’s what you want.”
Sparkling with interest, Rarity gave an elated smile.
“That is a positively brilliant idea, my dear Fluttershy! I’ll write the note tonight, and have it delivered to him tomorrow! Oh, what would I ever do without you?”
Fluttershy blushed at the compliment.
“Oh... it was nothing special really... I only had the idea because...”
Fluttershy dissolved into incomprehensible mumbling, much to Rarity’s disapproval.
“Pardon?”
The pegasus spoke no louder, slowly sinking under the surface. Twilight raised an eyebrow in curiosity, motioning upwards.
“Fluttershy? I think you’ll have to speak up.”
Her muzzle now entirely submerged, a few small bubbles were Fluttershy’s only answer.
The two unicorns awkwardly stared for a moment at the cowering pegasus, until finally she surfaced for air. As her lungs refilled, she couldn’t hold back the words.
“IonlyhadtheideabecauseIgavesomeponyalovenoteyesterday!”
There was a pregnant pause as the revelation sunk in. Twilight Sparkle’s muzzle soon cracked into a mischievous grin while Rarity appeared to marvel at the situation.
“Fluttershy’s in love! I’m so happy for you!”
“Darling, I beg you, you must tell me all about him! Or is it a her?”
Fluttershy slowly backed herself against the wall of the tub, as the two curious mares slowly edged toward her.
¬¬¬~~~
Blueblood and Big Macintosh walked into the barn. It was quite large for a storage area, offering a ground floor and a low-ceiling attic. Despite the large windows, it was somewhat dark and dusty, and it had fallen into disarray over the winter. Tools and equipment were strewn about without a care for order. Most likely, orderliness had fallen to the sidelines during the long rush of the applebucking season.
The door had been propped open in order to let some fresh air in. Immediately, two young mares poked their heads out from the second floor, looking down at them. One bore a cowfilly’s hat, while the other was graced with a fuchsia mane that seemed to defy the laws of physics and magic alike.
“Hey, big bro, hey Blueblood. You two came to give us a hoof?”
Big Macintosh cracked a smile, nodding towards the disheveled colt clad in the borrowed set of poncho, straw hat and galoshes.
“Eeyup. I didn’t have it in me to bring this here prince into the muddy fields.”
Prince Blueblood snapped out of his dirt-induced torpor.
“I could have handled it!”
While the pink pony retained her eternal grin, oblivious to the Prince’s denial, both farmers gave him a disbelieving stare.
“... Okay. I couldn’t have.”
Pinkie Pie hopped the guard rail of the second floor and landed near Blueblood, using her curly tail as a bouncy landing cushion. The prince could only stare, dumbstruck as she draped a foreleg over his shoulders and flashed him a big smile.
“You silly stallie! Nopony here’s gonna laugh at you because you can’t handle some mud. Everypony has their weaknesses! I mean, I always eat way too much sugar, Applejack is the stubbornest Stubborn von Stubbornpants I know, and Big Macintosh still sleeps with-”
“Pinkie! That ain’t the kind of thing you mention in public!”
“Heehee! Sorry, Applejack. Was that supposed to be a secret?”
Big Macintosh gave a relieved sigh.
Prince Blueblood slipped out of Pinkie’s grasp, somewhat startled at the physical contact. He took a deep breath and let it go slowly and calmly.
What is wrong with this mare? Was she raised by rocks? Okay, no matter, no matter. She was only being overly friendly. Keep calm, Blueblood. Keep. Calm.
Unfazed by the madness that was Pinkie Pie, Big Macintosh motioned for Blueblood to follow him.
“Looks like these two fillies have the top floor under wraps, so what do you say we get started on the ground level?”
Blueblood gave the barn a close inspection. It had spent the entire winter closed, and had become the home to a large colony of spiders. Indeed, cobwebs hung from the ceiling and the tools. The Prince shuddered at the sight. Still, thinking back to the ocean of filth that Big Macintosh had called a field, he figured the situation could have been worse.
“I guess so. However... I believe a little magic is called for, here.”
Before Macintosh could react, Blueblood focused deeply.
Let’s see... How did this spell work again? Ah, yes!
Bright teal light enveloped the prince’s horn, causing the inside of the dimly-lit barn to glow similarly. Soon, the cobwebs gathered together in a single ball, which casually floated out of the window.
“Okay, ready.”
Big Macintosh shrugged at the display. He would have discouraged the use of magic for the actual work, but he figured he’d be able to get more cooperation out of the prince if the latter didn’t constantly panic at the sticky touch of cobwebs in his coat.
“Okay then. Mind giving me a hoof with these apple baskets? I’ll go get the cart.”
Prince Blueblood nodded and grabbed a basket with his mouth. He was somewhat bothered by having to handle objects with his mouth rather than his magic, but if Big Macintosh believed it to be important, then he was bound to go along with it. He was still under oath, after all.
For a few hours, the four ponies labored on getting the barn cleared up, making sure the tools were in working order, and putting everything back in its rightful place.
After a while, the work seemed to become mechanical. Grab a tool, bring it to the workshop, clean it, sharpen it if need be, bring it back. Once they had settled into a rhythm, the two stallions began talking. At first, only of general things, like Blueblood’s evening the previous day, his encounter with Rainbow Dash and his gift to the Doo family. Soon, however, Big Macintosh asked a question that left Blueblood somewhat surprised.
“Say, Blueblood, your story from earlier’s been makin’ me wonder...”
“Mhm?”
“What exactly does it mean to you, leadin’ ponies?”
Prince Blueblood put down the rake he had been dragging to its proper place. He showed a cringe of confusion.
“What ever do you mean, Big Macintosh?”
Stepping away from the whetstone he had been using to sharpen a pair of shears, Big Macintosh turned towards Blueblood.
“Well, y’see, you told the foals your special talent was about leadin’ ponies, right?”
Prince Blueblood gave an approving mumble around the handle of the rake as he set it down with a pair of shovels and a hoe.
“I haven’t been seeing you do much of anything that resembles leadin’. I mean, that magazine article led you to Rarity, Rarity’s cat led you to the river, Applejack led you to me, I led you to startin’ to get better... well, you get the idea. You seem like you’re more of a follower than a leader, if you ask me.”
Blueblood frowned sourly, his hoof slamming thunderously against the barn’s wooden floor.
“What? That’s preposterous! There is more to leading than simply directing people around oneself. One leads by example, by standing tall and showing a proud, noble allure. One leads by being a beacon of light in the darkness of mediocrity. Most of all, one leads by being proper and chivalrous.”
Big Macintosh kept his composure, unfazed by the prince’s display of indignation.
“Eeyup. Wonder what Rarity would say to that.”
Prince Blueblood stood still for a moment, processing Macintosh’s simple answer. With a gulp, his bravado seemed to melt down in an instant.
“I... see your point. I’ll need to do some thinking on that, I believe.”
Big Macintosh nodded, giving a smile of support.
“I’m not meanin’ to tell you what your special talent’s about, but it does sound like- Blueblood! Watch out!”
“Huh? Whoa!”
By now, Blueblood was going through the motions mechanically. He backed out of the barn, a shovel held in his mouth. Distracted, he tripped on a stack of firewood. The assembled ponies could only watch in horror as the logs came crashing down, grazing the prince’s leg but fortunately otherwise missing him.
The Prince dropped the shovel and fell to the ground, the sharp pain in his leg attracting his attention almost immediately.
Blood. A trickle, a stream, a river, a torrent even, colored his fur all of glistening crimson. He was bleeding. Bleeding his own blood. Sharp pain coursed through his leg, causing him to wince, cringe and recoil. Tears of shock soon formed in his eyes. He couldn’t look away. If he looked away, his massive injury would only get worse; he just knew it. He could hear distant echoes, ghostly voices vying for his attention, and yet, they sailed through his mind without finding port.
He saw only his red blood on his white coat. The pure fluid of life on a pristine canvas. Precious red wine spilled on a tablecloth of priceless lace. A single rose losing its petals one by one on a bed of lilies. The traitorous lipstick on the white vest’s collar, revealing an affair of the most sordid kind. The blood of the fallen royal guard agonizing on the white snows of Stalliongrad.
Red and white. Red and white. Red and white and pink. Pink?
A shrill voice rang out.
“Bluey? Are you okay? You don’t look okay, but then I don’t really know how you’re like when you’re okay so it’s really hard to judge. I know everypony in Ponyville, though, and none of them look like that when they’re okay. I’m not sure I get why you’re all scared like that. It’s just an itty bitty little scrape, no? I mean, I don’t see any blue...”
Distracted from his state of shock, Prince Blueblood stared blankly at the young pink mare. Slowly, his panic turned to incomprehension.
“But... you... I... what? Oh... you thought... Huh?”
Blueblood blinked. He blinked again. Pinkie Pie cracked him an enormous smile, the likes of which no other pony could replicate.
There was an awkward pause.
To the great surprise of everyone involved, Blueblood cracked up. The barn rang with the pure laughter of a stallion free from worry, free to laugh like the colt he once was, free from the constraints of his noble upbringing. The sharp pain of the cut on his leg had been completely forgotten, leaving place to nothing but pure amusement.
It didn’t take long for the cheer to catch up with Pinkie, who soon accompanied the prince in his laughter, herself collapsing to the ground in a fit of hilarity.
Watching over the two, Applejack and Big Macintosh shared a chuckle and a smile. Pinkie could cheer up anyone, that much was clear.
~~~
That night, Prince Blueblood arrived at his hotel room tired but in high spirits. He’d managed to last through the entire day of work. When he had left, the barn had seemed twice as spacious as when he had first arrived, clean and orderly.
Fortunately, his wound had turned out to be a very minor affair, and he felt somewhat silly for how far out of proportion he had taken the whole thing.
The two stallions had come to an agreement that it would probably be better if Blueblood took the day off farm work tomorrow. He had some thinking to do, and was also getting rather curious to see more of the town.
Settling down on the luxurious sofa that throned in the hotel room, Blueblood poured himself a glass of wine nectar, purchased just some hours earlier.
What did it truly mean to be a leader? His mother had always told him that he should lead by example, by being the best stallion he could be. Though he had often tried to become an example of good behavior, his mother seemed to take exception to any of his enterprises. At one point, he had even thought of joining the royal guard, but to his great surprise, his mother had flown into a frenzy, telling him that the guard wasn’t the right place for a colt of his stature, that he would hate it. She’d forbidden him from trying out as a junior recruit.
The prince had never known much about his father, Duke Blueblood the Fourth. Mother had always told him that his father had left soon after the young prince was born, that he had abandoned his family. It came to Blueblood’s attention now that he had never taken a moment to look into the matter. However, he now felt curious. Over the last few days, his mother had proven to be wrong in more than a few ways. Perhaps there was more to his supposedly ingrate father than he had been led to believe. Blueblood made a mental note to look up his ancestry as soon as possible the next day. Looking back at one’s hoofprints, the elderly wisemare had said.
Having already returned to his past, the thought of his old friends came back to him. Amethyst and Apricot. It had been years since they had seen each other. After a particularly crazy adventure of theirs during which the young prince had nearly hurt himself very badly, his mother had forbidden him from seeing the two of them again.
Of course, they had continued meeting in secret, but things had gone sour. Amethyst was the first to drift away.
“You’re not the colt you used to be, Blueblood. You’re no longer the colt I liked. You’ve become haughty, stiff. It’s like you don’t even care about ponies anymore.”
Apricot had stood by him for a while, out of misguided admiration and friendship for his noble friend. Soon, however, Apricot had left as well.
“What happened to the Blueblood I used to know? You used to be awesome. Now you’re just a blowhard. I’m not good enough for you, huh? It’s all about social rank to you now. Can’t be seen with a commoner, huh? Well, fine with me! Go be seen without me all you want!”
Blueblood sighed at the memories. He had failed in the past, but he would not fail again. It was time to take back control of his life.
~~~
Dear Lady Amethyst of the House of Gemstone Heart
It has been a long time since we last met, and I understand that I have not always been the best of friends to you. Our last meeting was, perhaps, rather tense.
Recently, I have been having somewhat of a change of heart. Events have pushed me to reconsider many things about myself, our lost friendship being one of the first.
I would like to extend an invitation for an amicable reunion, to see if, perhaps, we might be able to rekindle our lost friendship. I have extended a similar invitation to Apricot, and I am hoping that the three of us may one day stand again with one another.
With heartfelt hope,
~Prince Blueblood the Fifth
~~~
Dear Apricot of the House of Fallen Leaves
I have come to realise, recently, just what I have done to drive you away. I recognize my faults and fully admit to my guilt.
I am sending the present letter in hopes of rekindling our friendship. Recent events have led me to reconsider myself and my actions, and to see just how much of a good friend I had driven away from my life.
In hopes of reviving our lost kinship, I hereby extend an invitation to you and Lady Amethyst for us to have a friendly reunion. Perhaps we might be able to work out our differences and resume our friendship where we had left off.
With the humblest of apologies for my past actions,
~Prince Blueblood the Fifth
~~~
Prince Blueblood gently set down the two scrolls on the bedside table, and put the quill and ink away. Tomorrow morning he would send the two letters off to Canterlot. Perhaps, with some luck, there was a chance to salvage that which he had stupidly thrown away.
Satisfied with his accomplishments for the day, Prince Blueblood settled upon the bed and slowly drifted off to sleep. Tomorrow was another day entirely, and would likely bring its share of surprises, but for now, all was good.
~~~
To Be Continued
~~~
Coming up next in To Be a Better Stallion
“Third nebula left of Orion, the skies tell a shining story!”
~Prince Blueblood
“Fifteen stars north, fifteen stars east, a comet flies straight to glory!”
~Twilight Sparkle
…
“He’s up to something! I’m sure of it!”
~Spike
…
“Rarity, this is Prince Cakeface we’re talking about! The jerk of the gala! Just a couple weeks ago you were calling him words I’d never even use to describe Discord!”
~Rainbow Dash
|
Autumn Wind
|
1439
| 6 |
Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
|
To Be a Better Stallion
|
Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
|
complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2012-03-18T04:26:20+00:00
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2012-03-18T04:26:20+00:00
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"... I had no choice but to call him out. ‘Gruel?’ I said, ‘Certainly you must be deranged.’”
The dining room of La Rose Dorée was rather empty this morning, Blueblood being the only customer present. Few ponies ever came to the restaurant, and only a handful of those made a regular habit of it. Still, thanks to catering to the richest ponies of the town, the restaurant was more than successful. As such, only two staff members were currently in the restaurant: The chef, Cordon Bleu, and the main waitress and connoisseuse, Crystal Château, both unicorns.
With little to do, Crystal had taken to chatting with the prince, who had quickly become a regular customer. Blueblood had taken every single meal of his at La Rose Dorée since his arrival in Ponyville, each time trying a different item off the menu. This, in turn, had led to the two of them becoming somewhat acquainted.
“Alors, Monsieur Blueblood, how are you finding our little town of Ponyville?”
It was actually hearing her voice, distinguished and colored with a slight Percheron accent, that had first attracted Blueblood’s attention to the restaurant. He had always had a soft spot for Percheron haute cuisine, and La Rose Dorée had been more than successful at catering to that desire.
“I must say, it is slowly growing on me. Of course, I somewhat miss the luxuries of my home in Canterlot, but a small town such as this one does have its charms. I may just make plans to come back for a true vacation at a later date.”
Crystal gave a warm smile.
“We’d be more than glad to have you again.”
A bell chimed, indicating the arrival of new customers and startling the waitress.
“Oh! Off I go. Enjoy your breakfeast, Prince Blueblood.”
Briskly trotting over to the incoming customers, Crystal left Blueblood with his order and his bill, so that he could finish eating and pay at his leisure. When she next came by his table, he had finished up and left sufficient bits to cover the meal, as well a copious tip.
With each passing day, his tips were becoming more and more generous.
~~~
The walk to the library turned out to be short and uneventful. As usual, Prince Blueblood flashed a few smiles to mares attracted by his dashing looks, but he paid them little attention. His heart was taken, and besides, he was out of their leagues.
A library built inside a tree? These ponies sure have strange ideas when it comes to architecture.
The sudden approach of a noisy mass startled Blueblood. Coming from the distance, he could hear the giggles of several foals, the pattering of many small hooves, and the buzz of a young pegasus’ rapid wingbeats. The market was usually noisy in the late morning, but never as much as this.
Prince Blueblood watched in bewilderment as the Cutie Mark Crusaders came speeding by on their scooter and wagon, followed by a flock of a dozen of giggling, cheerful foals. He chuckled to himself at the sight, proud to have been an inspiration.
Finally, Blueblood found himself at the library’s doorstep. He brought a hoof up to the door and knocked three times. Voices rang out from the inside.
“Spike! Can you get the door?”
“I’m on it, Twilight!”
Spike? Twilight? I’m sure I’ve heard these names before...
The door to the library swung open, revealing a young dragon assistant the likes of whom Prince Blueblood had met a few times. Surprised to see such a creature here, the prince couldn’t help but look Spike over a few times.
Of course! Twilight Sparkle from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns and her assistant, Spike!
“Uh... hi? Can we help you?”
“Oh! Pardon my distraction. I was looking to consult a book on the noble lines of Canterlot genealogy, and someone recommended I come here. If I’m not mistaken, you would be Spike, assistant to Lady Twilight Sparkle of Canterlot, am I wrong?”
The young dragon blinked a few times, frowning, before calling out.
“Twilight, I think you might want to handle this one yourself.”
Without any further words, he walked off in a huff, heading up the library stairs and leaving the prince alone at the door. Halfway up, he motioned to his eyes and then to Blueblood, as if to say “I’m watching you,” before vanishing into the upper level.
Blueblood remained at the door, looking right to left and wondering whether or not he should come in, until he was greeted by a peculiar sound.
“Who?”
Startled, the prince looked around, trying to find his questioner. Finally, a small brown figure caught his eye. An owl was perched on the top of the door, looking down at him.
“Pardon me?”
“Who?”
“That’s not a very polite way of asking, is it?”
“Who?”
“Oh, fine. I am Prince Blueblood.”
“Who?”
“Prince Blueblood of Canterlot.”
“Who?”
“Prince. Blueblood.”
“Who?”
“... Celestia’s nephew?”
“Who?”
The prince stamped a hoof against the library’s doorstep.
“How have you not heard of me? Everypony’s heard of me!”
“Who?”
“I just told you! Prince Blueblood of Canterlot! Head of House Blueblood! Honorary nephew of Princess Celestia! Proprietor of Quill and Sofa International Incorporated, Hammer Hoof Hardware Limited and Hayfries n’ Tulips Incorporated! I was twice elected most desirable bachelor in Equestria! I am a master of three classical schools of horn fencing, and the Equestrian champion of the stallions’ division in Longue Corne! Equestrian Dreams Magazine gave me the Most Charming Smile Award for eight consecutive years! I was top of my class at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns and Class President in magic kindergarten! I swear, for all the manure in the world! How can you possibly not know my name?”
“Who?”
Blueblood could feel himself nearly catch fire, until the sound of a pony’s voice startled him.
“Prince Blueblood, I wasn’t expecting you to drop by! I see you’ve met Owlowiscious already.”
As Twilight Sparkle came into view, his attention turned to her. He paused for a moment, surprised. He hadn’t expected the awkward filly he’d known in school to have grown into such a pretty mare.
“Lady Sparkle, it has been quite a long time, has it not?”
Prince Blueblood bowed politely, and Twilight returned the gesture. Though it had been nearly a year since she had left Canterlot, the gestures of nobility had been ingrained in her from a very young age. Though her parents and herself were by no means royalty, her status as the Princess’s protégée had conferred to Twilight a position of noblesse, and thus, the title of Lady. In turn, this meant that she was expected to act properly in all matters relating to the courts of Canterlot.
“It certainly has. I’ve got to admit I was hoping for you to drop by. There are a few things I’d been meaning to ask you. May I ask what brings you to the library?”
“Certainly. I was hoping to borrow a book, but it would be no problem for me to stay and talk for a while.”
Twilight turned her head towards the back of the library.
“Spike! Could you prepare some tea? Thanks!”
~~~
“Blueblood, do you remember Professor Solaris?”
Blueblood rose from his seat, chuckling under his breath, and assumed a theatrical, grandiose posture.
“Third nebula left of Orion, the skies tell a shining story!”
Feeling a rush of giggling coming over her, Twilight matched the gesture, declaring loudly for all to hear.
“Fifteen stars north, fifteen stars east, a comet flies straight to glory!”
The two of them laughed for a moment, as Spike gawked in incomprehension.
“Huh?”
“Oh! Right. You were too young to remember. Professor Solaris was one of our teachers back at school. His enthusiasm was... something else entirely.”
Spike gave a nervous laugh. Noticing that the prince’s attention had drifted to scanning the library’s history section from his seat, he leaned in close to Twilight and frowned before whispering to her.
“Twilight, what are you doing? This is Prince Blueblood, remember? Rarity’s Prince Charmless! How can you be so nice to him?”
Twilight gave the young dragon a stern look, occasionally glancing at the prince to make sure he wouldn’t notice.
“Spike, Prince Blueblood is an old friend of mine, and he’s making an effort to redeem himself. Rarity wants us to give him a chance, and that includes you. I know you don’t like him, but be respectful.”
Her words were a stern admonishment, almost a hiss.
Spike sighed in exasperation.
“Fine.”
Twilight could only offer an apologetic smile and a quick but affectionate nuzzle to the young dragon before the prince snapped back to attention.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you later.”
After a few more moments of searching quietly, Blueblood zeroed in on a familiar book’s spine amongst many others in the “History and Genealogy” section.
“Lady Twilight, I hope you won’t mind if I borrow a book, yes?”
Twilight beamed at the question, marvelling at the thoughts of her precious books being useful to a pony.
“Sure, go right ahead!”
“Thank you oh-so-very much!”
The book leapt off the shelf and landed on the table, swerving around Prince Blueblood’s teacup and slowly coming to a stop in front of him in a dexterous display of levitation magic. Intrigued, Twilight read the title of the tome her guest had selected.
House Majesty and House Blueblood: History and Genealogy - A Compilation of Works by Duke Silver Majesty XVII
Blueblood magically opened the book, flipping through a few pages in search of a specific entry.
Spike rolled his eyes at the notion.
“Leave it to the prince to pick a book about himself and his family.”
Twilight shot the young dragon an annoyed yet amused glare, unable to decide whether she should laugh or scold him. Finally, she had no choice.
“Spike! Be respectful!”
Prince Blueblood simply chuckled, thinking to himself that only two or three days ago, he would have unloaded a vicious verbal assault on the hatchling.
“No, no, it’s quite alright. It does look rather silly of me. However, young dragon, you’d be surprised how much there is to learn from the past. It is sad that I myself only learned that lesson yesterday; perhaps I could have avoided this dramedy my life has recently become had I known this earlier. If it’s alright with you, Lady Twilight, I’d like to borrow this book for a day or two. Some in-depth consultation is in order, and I would enjoy being able to consult it in my downtime.”
Twilight nodded in full understanding.
“Of course, no problem at all. Spike, please add it to the library records.”
Spike nodded, thankful for the occasion to get away from his rival, mumbling under his breath as he walked downstairs and shut the door to the library’s basement behind him.
“He’s up to something! I’m sure of it! Don’t you worry, my dear Rarity! I swear this clown’s empty charms won’t trouble you more than they already have!”
Having recorded the book checkout, Spike headed back upstairs, but opted not to enter the main room just yet. Confident that he wouldn’t be seen, he peeked out from behind the door frame and eavesdropped on Twilight and Blueblood’s conversation.
“... I don’t get it, Prince Blueblood. Back at school, you were so nice, and now, you’re well-educated and respectful. Just what happened at the gala with you and Rarity?”
Blueblood’s head lowered. He had strongly hoped not to have to approach the subject, but since the cat was now out of the bag, he relented.
“I must admit, by now, I am asking myself the same question. I can’t say I recall changing all that much, yet events around me these past weeks have proven to me that I definitely have. I’ve mostly managed to drop that haughty facade I used to carry, and yet another problem plagues me. I often find myself having to consciously act polite against my own temperamental nature. ‘He wears a mask and his muzzle grows to fit it,’ as Oatwell so cleverly put it.”
Twilight smiled at the reference.
“He was a wise stallion, for sure.”
An awkward silence soon took over the library, as the two searched for words, until a suddenly more somber Twilight finally took it upon herself to speak out.
“Blueblood, you were really nice back in school, and I’m really not sure what happened these last few years, but... when you acted like you did to Rarity, it really hurt her. I’d never seen a pony look so miserable before.”
Twilight’s words struck home, leaving Blueblood to look down at the table.
Did... did I truly hurt her so much? Oh dear...
Seeing that the prince had nothing to say for himself, Twilight continued.
“I’ve seen your good sides before, I know you can turn things around, and I trust you. Just... please, be very careful around Rarity. I’d really hate to see her devastated again because you went and trampled all over her a second time.”
Lowering his empty teacup onto the table, Prince Blueblood nodded his head politely.
“I promise, Lady Sparkle. Never again will this stallion act so uncouth. My past actions are objects of shame to me, and I have made it a point of honor to put them behind me and recover a more proper and noble image.”
Twilight offered the prince an encouraging smile.
“In that case, I wish you the best of successes to turn things around.”
Prince Blueblood politely bowed. A faint smile found its way through the prince’s gloomy expression, thanks to Twilight’s encouragement.
“Thank you very much for these kind words, Lady Sparkle. It was a pleasure meeting you again, but I fear I have some concerns to attend to.”
Twilight rose from her cushion, bowing in turn.
“Feel free to drop by anytime; my door is always open to a well-read pony like you. Also, please give my regards to the Princess.”
Prince Blueblood followed suit and stood up, the book levitating itself into his travel bag. As he headed for the door, he turned to Twilight and offered a charming smile.
“Thank you for the invitation; I’ll be sure to find some time. I’ll make sure to tell Celestia how proper and smart a lady her student has become.”
Twilight barely managed to stutter a simple salutation through her blushing. The compliment had hit home.
As the prince trotted away from the library, pondering what kind of discoveries he would make from a closer inspection of the borrowed book, he failed to realise that he was being followed by a bush with strange green thorns and a purple tail.
“A two-faced flatterer, that’s what he is. I’ll catch you red-hoofed yet, Blueblood. No fake charmer can get past this dragon’s keen senses! Don’t you worry, Rarity, I’ll make sure this... uh... how would she say it... ruffian! I’ll make sure this ruffian doesn’t disgrace you again!”
~~~
Not long after leaving the library, Blueblood was walking through Ponyville’s central park on the way back to his hotel room. By then, the desire to open up that book and read was burning him up from the inside, but first, he felt the need to wind down from the emotional reunion with his old classmate.
As he strolled across the gravel path, he slowly became aware of the unusual scenes around him. Foals running around and playing wildly, a musician stallion delighting a group of mares with his music, and a unicorn struggling to maintain a strange sitting position, much to her mate’s amusement. Unlike orderly, stuffy Canterlot, the ponies of Ponyville clearly had no problem having fun even if it made them look silly. It was all different from home, and yet it felt friendly. He didn’t feel like an outcast, even though he was so different. Here, he wasn’t Prince Blueblood, he was just Blueblood the potential friend. It was refreshing.
Perhaps I ought to come by this town every once in a while from now on, even if this all doesn’t work out.
He levitated the book out of his bag and up to his eye level, pondering to himself as he walked.
How did I never think to look into this? It is quite unbecoming of a stallion such as I not to have looked into his line before. As proud as I am of being head of House Blueblood, it feels rather silly of me.
But then, Mother has told me so much about Father. How he just up and left one day, abandoning his own kin; he was an awful stallion, unworthy of his name, so she said. I trusted her blindly for so long, but...
Prince Blueblood’s thoughts went silent, replaced by pure doubt. Over the last few days, he had discovered that his mother had been wrong on many things. What it meant to lead, how his behavior really appeared, so many things he had thought true had only led to his misery. Could she also be wrong about Father? He would soon have his answer.
The prince settled down on an empty park bench, unable to wait any longer. He opened up the book in front of him, quickly riffling through the pages.
“Now, let’s see... House Blueblood... direct descendants of Princess Celestia, branched off from the older House Majesty when Duke Blueblood the First was granted some land by Princess Celestia...”
He fanned ahead, looking for something more specific.
“Prince Blueblood the Fifth. Hmm, they have an entry about me. Interesting. Son of Duke Blueblood the Fourth and Précieuse... The title of Prince as granted to foals personally godmothered by Princess Celestia... Okay, nothing I didn’t know here.”
Prince Blueblood turned back a few pages.
“Ah! Here we are. Duke Blueblood the Fourth. Son of Duke Blueblood the Third, obviously. Born in Canterlot on the year of... okay, deceased...”
Prince Blueblood’s jaw dropped as the next words sunk into his mind.
“Died defending Canterlot from an invasion? Personal honor guard of Celestia herself? Mother! You hid this all from me?”
Suddenly, it was all clear. Her near smothering. Her panicked reaction when he wanted to try out for the guard. Those times when he had caught her crying at night over Father’s picture. Her insistence that he always stay at her side. It all made sense now.
She was afraid that she would lose her son like she had lost her husband. It could only be that. But... why the spankings? Why all the anger? Couldn’t she simply have been honest with him? Why had she lied to him for so long?
Silently, his hooves shaking, Prince Blueblood slowly closed the book. He attempted to pick it up with his magic but faltered, resorting to moving it into his bag with his mouth. He rose from the bench and walked away, nearly unaware of his surroundings. He would need some time to wrap his head around it all.
~~~
Rarity walked out of Carousel Boutique feeling relaxed, if somewhat disappointed. With business running at a snail’s pace today and Sweetie Belle off with their parents, her day at the shop had been a complete bore. Having no dresses to sew, no mess to clean and no ponies to give makeovers to, the fashionista figured she’d close up shop for the day.
Last evening, she’d discussed the latest developments of the prince’s quest. She’d heard about him helping plough the field and clean the barn, and how he’d even done his best to put up with the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ antics.
Sweetie Belle had also added oil to that fire, asking Rarity about Prince Blueblood some more, saying he had seemed pretty nice to her, and that the story he’d told her and her friends had given them a great idea for crusading.
Prince Blueblood is changing... for me? I must be the luckiest mare in all of Equestria!
Rarity was dragged out of her thoughts by a sudden craving for one of Sugarcube Corner’s famous low-fat lily turnovers. With nothing else to occupy her day, she shrugged and daintily trotted off to the bakery, hoping she might run into some of her friends.
As usual, Sugarcube Corner failed to disappoint. Not only was Pinkie at work, somehow having anticipated Rarity’s arrival and immediately offered her the aforementioned turnover fresh out of the oven, but Rainbow Dash was also present, eagerly munching on a lemon tart.
“Hi Rarity! Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, where life is always sweet! Looking for the usual?”
Pinkie Pie giggled. She was the one to have come up with the bakery’s new greeting, and she reveled in saying it every time a customer walked in. Before Rarity could even answer, the turnover had been plated and thrust into her hooves.
“While I would enjoy being asked next time before you hand me the pastry, yes, that is exactly what I was coming here for. Thank you very much.”
Rarity levitated a few bits over to Pinkie, before sitting down at the same table as Rainbow Dash.
“Hey Rarity, fancy running into you here.”
Having her mouth full of crust and lemon filling was no obstacle for Rainbow Dash. The unicorn rolled her eyes, wiping a speck of sprayed food from her right cheek with a glare of sheer disgust.
“Rainbow Dash! You would do well to swallow before you speak.”
Rainbow Dash swallowed audibly, wiping crumbs off the side of her muzzle before giving a nervous giggle.
“Sorry, Rarity.”
“Rainbow Dash, I swear, sometimes, you are the worst.”
Rarity sighed, before remembering why she had been hoping to run into friends.
Before Rarity had a chance to touch her food, she became aware of Pinkie Pie sitting uncomfortably close to her. Somewhat uneasy, the unicorn dragged her chair a few hooves away from the intrusion and daintily took a bite of the fresh turnover, chewing a few times before swallowing and magically wiping the corner of her muzzle with a paper napkin before she explained.
“Now then, Rainbow Dash, I’ve heard from Applejack that the two of you have had a run-in with Prince Blueblood?”
At Rarity’s words, Rainbow Dash burst into laughter, almost spitting the remainder of her tart onto the table.
“A run-in? More like a run-into!”
Pinkie joined Rainbow Dash in laughter, until Rarity quieted them both.
“What do you mean, a run-into?”
Reclining back in her chair, the pegasus grinned awkwardly, attempting to cover for herself.
“Well, I saw Prince Haughty walking around the street, acting all ‘look at me, I’m the most important pony in all of Equestria’, and I kind of... just happened to lose control of my flight at that moment, and... uh... accidentally knocked him into a dirty puddle when I crashed into him?”
Pinkie opened her mouth to speak, but was quickly overridden by Rarity’s exclamation.
“Rainbow Dash! How could you? I know Prince Blueblood hasn’t exactly been a model of good behavior, but deliberately crashing into him? That is unbecoming of a lady!”
Rainbow Dash leaned forward against the table, panicked.
“Whoa, whoa! I’d never crash into someone intentionally! Look, I’ll be honest. I just wanted to give him a scare, you know, fly close to him, ruffle his mane, just bother him a little. But, uh... I kind of messed up and crashed into him.”
The white unicorn gave an annoyed sigh, burying her face in her hoof.
“Whatever shall I do with you, Rainbow Dash? A noblecolt comes to town looking for me, resolves to better himself for my attention, and you go and tackle him into a dirty, filthy puddle.”
Rarity stopped to ponder for a moment, struggling to bear with her histrionics.
”Oh, this is awful, this is just plain awful! How do you think this will reflect on me? Rainbow, do you not realise what you’ve done? I insist that you seek him out and apologize! To think a good friend of mine would crash into that noblecolt!”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes in response.
“Uh... a noblecolt? The only time I’d call him noble is with an I and a G ahead of it. Rarity, this is Prince Cakeface we’re talking about! The jerk of the gala! Just a couple weeks ago you were calling him words I’d never even use to describe Discord!”
Rarity recoiled, taken aback.
“But... things aren’t the same anymore! He’s changing for me! He said it! Applejack saw it!”
The brash pegasus flicked her head dismissively, rolling her eyes.
“Pfft! Please. Like a pony can just change from one day to the other. Rarity, hate to have to be the one to tell you, but you’re lost in your Disneigh Princess fantasies again! Get back down to Equestria a little, would you?”
“But... but... just see him go! He was ploughing the fields in Applejack’s orchard just two days ago! He bought muffins for Ditzy Doo and her daughter!”
Rainbow Dash nodded.
“I’ll give you that one, he is getting good at being nice, when he’s in a good mood. But have you seen him in a bad mood? He shouted at me and called me a madmare!”
Rarity cocked an eyebrow.
“Rainbow, I shouted at you and called you a madmare last week. Plus, you crashed into him.”
“Okay, you’ve got a point. Still, he’s far from being as good as you think he is. Do you think you’re the only one Applejack told about Blueblood? Have you seen his attitude? He’s always sighing and just barely holding back his annoyance. He almost snapped at Scootaloo when she’d barely done anything and he sneered at Pinkie Pie when they first met. It’s never, ‘Sure, I’ll do it!’ It’s always, ‘If I must!’”
The unicorn nodded quietly, silenced by Rainbow Dash’s words.
“Look, I’ll admit, he’s making a good effort. Even I have to recognize that. But... it’s all fake right now; he’s forcing it. It’s not real yet, and we have no way to know if it’ll ever be that way. I know you’re hoping this works, and as much as I don’t like him, I really hope it all works out for you. All I’m asking is, please, be careful. You’re my friend, and I’d hate to see you get hurt again because some doofus of a prince thought he could change in a snap and sweep you off your hooves, only to fumble and drop you onto the pavement.”
Rarity sighed.
“I... guess you’re right, Rainbow Dash. I’ll be careful not to go off in fantasies again, and try to keep my head on my shoulders about this. There’s only one thing I’d like to ask of you. Please, take a moment and apologize to Blueblood for crashing into him, would you?”
The pegasus begrudgingly nodded.
“Fine, but if he’s rude to me when I do so, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”
Rarity chuckled and smirked.
“A fine bargain. Now then, what about you, Pinkie?”
The two ponies looked around. Pinkie Pie was nowhere to be seen. Rainbow Dash stepped over to the counter.
“Pinkie?”
There was a second of awkward silence until the bakery’s door suddenly crashed open. Pinkie Pie dashed in, dragging the Cutie Mark Crusaders in behind her and slamming the door with one of her hindlegs.
“Behind the counter, they won’t find you!”
Galloping under Rarity and Rainbow Dash’s confused muzzles, the three fillies ducked behind the counter as a dozen angry foals poured through the main entrance in a flash. Their de facto leader, a blue filly with a bow and arrow cutie mark, stepped forward.
“Come out, Cutie Mark Crusaders! We know you’re in there!”
Thankfully, Pinkie quickly calmed the mob down through the amazing magic of free, extra-frosted cupcakes. Once the bakery was clear, the Cutie Mark Crusaders walked out from their hiding place, out of breath.
While Rainbow Dash was too busy laughing at the mishap to question what had happened, Rarity looked down at her sister and sternly questioned her.
“Sweetie Belle! Please tell me, what was that chaos all about? I want to hear the whole story.”
Sweetie Belle scraped her hoof against the floor a few times. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked just as dejected as she did.
“Well... it all started when we decided to try for our Pony Leading Cutie Marks...”
~~~
The rest of Blueblood’s day was, to his great relief, devoid of any problems. In order to settle from his emotions and calm his frenzied mind, he had gone for a walk in town. Thoughts of his parents kept galloping through his mind, but he knew that there was no point in worrying too much about them, that things would be clear in due time.
A surprise inspection at the local branch of Quills and Sofas had revealed business to be booming, especially in the fainting couch department, and local manager Mr. Davenport had been promised a bonus.
Next, Blueblood had encountered the local spa and treated himself to their most luxurious stallions’ treatment, where the amazing talent of Lotus’s expert hooves had massaged away the tension he had built up from working so hard. On his way out, he had encountered Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, themselves heading to the spa. Their endearing smiles had helped soothe his spinning head and worried heart.
Later, he had stumbled upon Sweet Apple Acres’ apple stand. Out of curiosity, he’d decided to give their produce a second chance, this time opting for a fresh apple rather than a sugar-laden fatty fritter. It hadn’t been really fair of him to judge them on a product he’d already known himself to dislike. However, a taste of the fresh produce itself, straight from the apple cellar, had shown him just why the orchard was so popular. Fresh, crisp, sweet, and delicious. He couldn’t help but purchase a few more to eat that evening, and he had made a mental note to seek investment opportunities in their business. It was clear that Sweet Apple Acres was destined to become a very big name and that he would be a fool to pass on such an opportunity.
Finally, he had made a most unexpected encounter on the way to his hotel room: a zebra mare. Zecora, as her name was, had been more than impressed when the prince had greeted her according to her native land’s customs, the way his uncle, an Equestrian ambassador in the zebra lands, had taught him.
His day now behind him, Blueblood arrived in the hotel’s lobby. Despite having been through the lavish décor several times since his arrival in Ponyville, it never ceased to impress him. The tapestries, the warm red carpet, the great chandelier; it reminded him of the luxuries of Canterlot.
The hotel’s manager, a middle-aged unicorn with a snowy white mane, stepped out from behind the counter to greet him, magically levitating an envelope over to him.
“Excuse me, Prince Blueblood, you have received some mail while you were away.”
Blueblood’s magic gently picked up the envelope as he walked by her, bowing politely.
“Thank you very much, Ms. Dreams.”
Sweet Dreams bowed back respectfully as the prince disappeared into the hotel’s main corridor and headed to his room.
~~~
Settling down for the evening, Blueblood laid out the borrowed book and the apples, then looked the envelope up and down on every side. There was no signature on the envelope, only a logo that he had come to know very well: Carousel Boutique. Prince Blueblood extracted the letter from the envelope in the blink of an eye and settled down onto the couch to read comfortably.
Esteemed Prince Blueblood,
I have been made aware of your recent bout of soul-searching and learning here in Ponyville. My friend Applejack, whom I presume you have met several times over the last few days spent on the farm, has informed me of the current situation.
I would like to congratulate you for allowing yourself to step off your pedestal and for doing some solid farm work. It is rather endearing to know that a noblecolt such as you would try his hoof at it. I have myself offered some of my time to help my dear friend Applejack, and I know just how discouraging that labor can be.
I have also heard of your commendable generosity to our local mailmare and her daughter. I have nothing but compliments to give here. That is a sign of a true noble stallion.
However, I have been made aware of more than just the good. Your altercation with Rainbow Dash, for one. While I do not hold you fully responsible, for I know that she can be quite a hoofful, I believe that your reaction to her was most uncouth. Sneering at poor Pinkie Pie before she had a chance to make a good impression on you wasn’t exactly nice of you either.
Still, all in all, I am very impressed by how much progress you have made since you first knocked on my door. There is yet hope for you, Prince Blueblood, and should you follow this path you have chosen, there may yet be hope for us.
Wishing you the best of successes,
Rarity
As he set down the letter, a smile slowly traced itself upon Blueblood’s face. Soon, a chuckle came to him, then another. Then, he erupted into gleeful laughter.
“I stand a chance! She knows! She cares! Oh, Rarity! Beautiful Rarity! Thank you for these kind words of hope! I shall not betray your trust!”
~~~
Big Macintosh smiled as he tapped the loose earth around the new sapling’s roots. The new tree, now bathing in the sunset, was barely a dozen hooves high, but would most likely be several meters tall by the time the farm passed on to the next generation.
Though he was happy to help Blueblood’s cause, Big Macintosh was thankful for a calm day with nothing to trouble him. Only his family, the farm, and his work were on his mind today, giving him some quiet peace for thought.
“Now then, what do we call you, little fella?”
The red stallion sat down, pondering for a moment, until an idea came to him.
“Considerin’ who got the earth here ready for you, I guess I may as well give him the honors. Prince it is.”
Satisfied with his work for the day, Big Macintosh headed back to the barn, glancing at his collar for a moment to make sure the precious note was still safely tucked inside.
That night, the red stallion went to bed with an oafish smile on his face and a delicate mare dancing through his thoughts.
And there I was thinkin’ things couldn’t get any better.
~~~
To Be Continued
~~~
Coming up next in To Be a Better Stallion
“Oh my gosh! You’re... Amethyst!”
~Rainbow Dash
…
“My, my, my. Somepony has certainly changed.”
~Lady Amethyst
…
“What you need to learn now, my dear Blueblood, is chivalry.”
~Lady Amethyst
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Autumn Wind
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1439
| 7 |
Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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To Be a Better Stallion
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Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
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complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2012-03-14T02:46:42+00:00
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2012-03-14T02:46:42+00:00
| 7,353 |
Hah. Canterlot to Ponyville in half an hour. New record for me there. The fillies at the gym will be pulling their manes out in envy! That’ll do wonders for my figure, that’s for sure.... How do I look?
Amethyst’s hooves touched down on the cumulus cloud’s surface, allowing the mare to catch a quick breather from the short flight she had just completed. She set down her saddlebags and searched through them for a moment, pulling out her pocket mirror. She looked herself over inch by inch, ensuring that she still looked the best she could. After all, she had an image to preserve.
She flicked her braid over her shoulder. To her great relief, its complex patterns were intact. Only her unicorn hairdresser could manage such a braid, and that made it all the more desirable. It was worth every bit, for sure. He had been the one to recommend it, explaining that it would work wonders with her flaming red mane.
Okay... mane... check. How’s my bleach job?
To her great disappointment, the dull violet of her fur had always clashed terribly with her mane, and the resulting color conflict had left her ashamed of her appearance. Fortunately, she had learned of a most magical procedure some years ago: coat bleaching. Invented by one of Canterlot’s most renowned estheticians, a coat bleaching gradually made a pony’s fur lighter, allowing for a brighter disposition and correcting natural coat and mane mismatches. In Amethyst’s case, her simple violet had bleached into a much more attractive light thistle, nearly white, which complemented her mane far better. Thankfully, the bleaching didn’t affect cutie marks. Her polished amethyst gemstone could still shine for all to see, showcasing her talent as a jewelry model.
Great, holding fine, no dark regrowths... Marescara?
Amethyst looked into her mirror over the rim of her sunglasses, carefully checking her eyelashes. Happy with what she saw, she winked at her own reflection.
Dress?
Amethyst carefully unfolded the elegant garment she had been carrying with her. It was a casual Sunday dress that perfectly matched her mane. She slipped into it with practiced expertise, careful not to ruffle any part of it.
Check. Tail? Check. Feather extensions? Check, check, check, check, check and... check. Faaan-tastic. Lookin’ good, Amethyst, lookin’ good. Now... where do I find that colt?
Amethyst gracefully dived off the cloud, flaring her wings out into a slow glide. Her eyes scanned the streets of the small village below her. Thanks to the Prince’s large size and enviable white color, there was no way she could miss hm.
As she was halfway through her descent, a second pegasus joined her in the sky, speeding to catch up with her before slowing to her pace.
“Hey, aren’t you... Oh my gosh! You are! You’re Cloud Nine’s wife! You’re Lady Amethyst!”
“Yep, that’s me alright. Nice to know my reputation reaches all the way here.”
Amethyst chuckled as she turned to face the pony whom she assumed would be just another admirer of her Wonderbolt husband. She was surprised see just who it was that had joined her in the sky. The cyan color, the rainbow mane, that cutie mark. Indeed, it could only be...
“Oh! I know that pretty face. Rainbow Dash, is it?”
Rainbow Dash missed a wingbeat and nearly lost her balance, stuttering in amazement.
“You... you know me?”
Amethyst smiled, resting her sunglasses on top of her head. She gesticulated as she spoke, punctuating her speech with grandiose gestures.
“Are you kidding me? Anypony who’s anypony’s heard of you! You won the Young Fliers’ Competition, saved three Wonderbolts, and helped protect Equestria from the forces of evil twice! How could anypony not have heard of you?”
Rainbow Dash puffed her chest out more and more as Amethyst listed her accomplishments.
“I guess I am pretty awesome, yeah. Flew straight up to a dragon and kicked it in the snout, too. But enough about me. What brings you to town?”
Dash gasped in amazement at a sudden thought, causing her to puff out even further. Too full of air, Rainbow Dash could only deflate in a stream of words.
“Wait, wait, wait, wait. If you’re here... that means... the Wonderbolts are coming too! Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh! Are they coming for a show? Wait... since you know me... that must mean... are they coming for me?”
Amethyst chuckled.
“Just as eager as I’d heard you were, I see. Sorry to disappoint, but it’s just me here, on personal, non-Wonderbolt business.”
Rainbow Dash paused in her tracks, showing a clear frown of disappointment.
“Oh. Sorry, got a bit ahead of myself there.”
The thistle mare gave an encouraging smile.
“Don’t worry about it, I know how it feels to wait on something like that. Say, if it’s not too much of a bother, have you seen a prince wandering around town? You know the type: tall, white, blond mane, probably looking full of himself.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, snickering at the description.
“Oh, you mean Prince Blueblood? I’m pretty sure he’s helping out on the farm right now, says he wants to better himself.”
She nodded towards the large orchard in the distance, bright green foliage shining under the Sun’s rays.
“Hah, I’d never have thought to look there. Thanks!”
Amethyst folded her wings and dived down, gaining speed towards the farm until a thought passed through her mind. She quickly flew back up to Rainbow Dash, who had simply remained hovering in place, disappointed by the news and distraught at being abandoned so suddenly.
“By the way, Rainbow Dash, sorry, but there's a non-disclosure agreement forbidding me from telling you that you're being considered for a Wonderbolts tryout. So I'm not going to tell you. Because that would be wrong.”
In an instant, Amethyst was gone. The cyan mare stared in confusion, failing to process just what she had been told. A bright smile crept onto her face as she grasped the not-so-hidden meaning of Amethyst’s declaration. Finally, she burst into laughter.
“Well I guess I can’t thank you, then!”
The shout echoed some distance away to Amethyst who giggled to herself.
Keep it up, filly. You’re going places.
~~~
Amethyst’s jaw dropped as the great orchard came into view.
Blueblood’s supposed to be... there? Either Blueblood wasn’t kidding about wanting to change or someone is playing a trick on me.
She glided above the flowering trees, delighted by their sweet smell and enjoying the feel of the wind as it filled her wings. The sun was warm on her back, and the crisp morning air caressed her face. She spaced out for a moment, focusing on nothing but spotting anypony she could and enjoying her tranquil flight.
A figure caught her eye not too far below. A tall stallion stood in the shadow of a tree, focused on his task. The wide-brimmed straw hat and oversized poncho he was wearing made it difficult to discern his traits, but the soft teal glow that lit the ground around him and the pruning shears hovering around the tree as they snipped away troublesome branches were a dead giveaway to his breed.
Wait... unicorn? Teal magic? Could it be... Naaaah. There’s no way. Maybe he’ll be able to tell me where to find Blueblood, though. He’s probably doing some meaningless busywork inside the barn just to look good.
Amethyst dropped her altitude, approaching the stallion from the skies.
“Excuse me, sir, might you know where I could find- Whoa!”
The edge of Amethyst’s dress snagged against a stray branch. The sudden resistance threw her off-balance and sent her into a steep nosedive, sending her tumbling as she crashed.
“Oh dear! Are you okay, miss?”
Amethyst shook off her daze and dusted herself off, readjusting her sunglasses. Fortunately, her favorite accessory had survived the accident without a scratch. The same could not be said of her dress, which bore a very visible tear.
Oh, that’s just great! Hopefully, this’ll be easy to fix for a seamstress who knows what she’s doing.
She cracked the stallion a friendly smile, inspecting him from his hooves to his head as she stood back up.
“Don’t worry, I’m alright, thank you very much. I should have been more careful, I-”
The mare blinked a few times, gawking at the stallion that stood in front of her. She knew that face and that horn, but everything else was leaving her completely baffled.
“B-B-Blueblood? But... you... farm... What!?”
Blueblood seemed just as confused as she was, until her cutie mark caught his eye.
“Amethyst? You received my letter! I certainly wasn’t expecting you to drop by so suddenly! My, you certainly have changed. I like the bleach job; it looks great on you.”
Amethyst pushed her sunglasses to rest on her forehead. Shaking her head, she rubbed her temple with her hoof.
“Okay, Blueblood. You’re gonna have to explain to me just what in Equestria has happened to you, because I’m pretty sure I’m probably in a bar somewhere in Canterlot and I’ve started hallucinating after a few salt licks too many. I swear if you don’t tell me right now, I’m gonna wake up and leave you here.”
The Prince chuckled.
“What do you say I take a break and we go out for a cup of coffee? I know a nice little place not too far from here. I’ll explain everything on the way.”
Amethyst shrugged, happily going with the flow. She smirked mischievously.
“Sure, why not? Worse come to worst, I’ll find out you haven’t changed at all and ditch you.”
The stallion smirked right back at her.
“You’re saying that like I didn’t deserve it.”
~~~
“... Of course, at first, I was just going through the motions because I’d bound myself like an idiot, but after a while, I began to realise that the whole thing really was having a positive effect on me. Big Macintosh has been very helpful.”
Amethyst could barely contain her laughter at the antics she was hearing about.
“My, my, my! Somepony certainly has changed. Blueblood pulling a plow, I’d sure have liked to see that.”
Blueblood sighed, ashamed.
“Honestly, I’d rather it stay a secret between you and me.”
The mare derisively rolled her eyes behind her sunglasses.
“You’re no fun, you know that?”
The two exhanged friendly smiles, and Blueblood nodded towards a colorful building some distance ahead. Amethyst nearly fell over muzzle-first as she saw the garish mass of pastry-like architecture. She lifted her eyewear, taking in the bakery’s décor.
“That’s the place you had in mind? Far shot from the fancy cafés in Canterlot, I swear. I’d be surprised if this place can make any decent coffee, let alone my usual.”
Blueblood smirked.
“Ah, the elusive chestnut mocha, is it?”
Amethyst’s wings fluttered for a moment as she giggled and prodded the stallion’s side.
“Hah, you sneaky little stallion, you. You remembered!”
Blueblood stopped for a moment and bowed.
“But of course. Just because I became a jerk doesn’t mean I forgot about you and Apricot.... Now that I think about it, any news of him? Do you know if he got my letter?”
There was an awkward silence. Amethyst couldn’t help but recall what the colt had said the previous day when she’d gone to meet him. Her expression turned somber, dismayed.
“Who does this stallion think he is? After everything, he thinks he can just say ‘I’m sorry’ and it’ll be fine again? I don’t know about you, Amethyst, but I’m not ready to give him a second chance. Not after how he humiliated me. You’re welcome to go check on him, but I’m not being a part of it. No way.”
“Yeah, he got it. I’m afraid he wasn’t exactly... receptive to your apologies.”
Blueblood’s tone matched hers.
“I had expected as much. I’m afraid we did not part ways on the friendliest of terms.”
She shot him an inquisitive glare, raising an eyebrow.
“Just what did you do to the poor colt, anyway?”
The prince’s head hung low.
“Do you remember that scandal from the newspapers some years ago, when I made a fool of myself by proclaiming the superiority of the nobility over the common folk and generally stuffed my hoof knee-deep in my mouth.”
Amethyst recoiled, surprised.
“As a matter of fact, no, I don’t remember.”
Blueblood gave a sigh of defeat.
“He most likely does.”
Amethyst gave Blueblood a pat on the back.
“Isn’t much we can do about it, really. He’ll probably need some time to warm up to you again, but I’m pretty sure he’s not a lost cause. Here’s an idea: If I think you’re good by the time I leave tonight, I’ll tell him you’ve improved and how you were making nice-nice with farmers. That oughta help.”
Blueblood perked up, smiling faintly.
“Thank you, Amethyst. I’ll make sure not to disappoint.”
Amethyst grinned.
“I had my doubts about you for a while, but I’m glad to see the good old Bluey resurfacing.”
She playfully shoved Blueblood to the side as they walked together, causing the stallion to nearly lose his balance.
“There’s hope for you yet.”
Blueblood chuckled, turning onto the walkway leading to Sugarcube Corner. Amethyst followed closely and took a step back as they reached the door, expecting him to open the door and let her in as any good stallion would do.
As expected, the door swung open, glowing with the aura of Blueblood’s magic. However, in a gesture that left her disheartened, he simply waltzed on in, just barely holding the door open long enough for her to slip in behind him. She nearly had to rear up to avoid bumping into him, flapping her wings a few times to keep her balance.
Blueblood stepped towards the counter, completely oblivious to her issues.
What was that? One moment he’s acting all polite, and the next he’s rushing in right ahead of me. What’s that all about?
Amethyst rolled her eyes and flicked her head, letting her sunglasses fall back in front of her eyes. Looking around, she took in the strange appearance of the establishment, baffled by the prince’s passive reaction to the area. The Blueblood she remembered would most likely have been offended by the colors of the walls or by the scent of processed sugar in the air.
Oh my gosh, I’d better watch myself. This place is infested with rogue calories just waiting to ambush me. I think just being in here is making me fatter.
Mrs. Cake cheerfully greeted the duo, as bright and chipper as ever.
"Oh! Hello again, Prince Blueblood, and hello to you as well, Miss. Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! How may I help you today?”
Prince Blueblood nodded politely.
“Nice to see you again, Mrs. Cake. If you’ll give me a moment, I have yet to decide.”
Amethyst smiled to the baker, giving a bow as she introduced herself.
“Lady Amethyst, nice to meet you.”
The two nobleponies quietly perused the menu, taking a moment to consider their orders. Amethyst was pleasantly surprised with the large variety of products the bakery had to offer.
The voice of a young filly distracted them for a moment, alerting them to the presence of a pair of customers. The first was a stallion with a slick black mane and a suave smile, the businessman known as Filthy Rich. Alongside him, almost bouncing in place with excitement, was the young filly Blueblood had come to know as Diamond Tiara.
“So it’s still okay if Silver Spoon and I head to the park tomorrow, right Daddy? Oh look! Hi Prince Blueblood! Hi Lady Amethyst!”
Filthy Rich was quick to follow his daughter’s example, nodding in a polite salute to Bluebood and Amethyst. The two of them responded with equally polite greetings as the father and daughter left the store with a heaping box of fresh pastries. Blueblood curiously eyed his companion.
“You know her?”
Amethyst nodded with a smile.
“Sure do. I got to work with her a few times. That little filly is one of my boss’ favorite models for his foals’ jewelry line. That cutie mark of hers doesn’t stand for nothing, you know.”
Blueblood nodded in understanding as the two of them turned back to the menu on display.
Hm... well I’ll be. Chestnut mocha, right there on the sign. I could do with a little treat. Surely they’ll have something in here that’s not too- oh gosh that chocolate mousse looks delicious.
Before she could stop herself, she’d ordered it along with her coffee.
“I’m clearly committing some kind of crime against my diet here. This one’s going straight to my flanks, I swear.”
Blueblood chuckled, already sneaking a few nibbles of the éclair he’d purchased.
“In hindsight, perhaps I should have warned you when I invited you here. Oh well, one must live one’s life. I know I would go crazy if I had to stay away from the most decadent of foods at all times.”
Mrs. Cake joined the two ponies in their merriment.
“It’s a good thing, too. I’d be out of business otherwise.”
The duo shared a good-natured chuckle at the baker’s remark as they stepped towards one of the small coffee tables. Amethyst couldn’t help but notice that Blueblood had gone straight to his seat, leaving her to pull her own chair out.
Polite? Yes. Gallant? No. He’s not going to be impressing any mare worth impressing if he keeps that up.
Oblivious to her concerns, Blueblood took a sip of his own coffee.
“So, what about you, Amethyst? What’s become of my dear friend these last few years?”
A goofy grin crept onto Amethyst’s face as she reflected on her own life, and more specifically, her husband.
“Oh, you know, nothing much. Modeling jewelry for Be Deers, being married to a marvelous Wonderbolt and really just living it up in Canterlot. I think you probably know a lot about that.”
Blueblood grinned before melting down into theatrics.
“Woe is us, rich ponies of Canterlot! What ever shall I do with so much free time? How will I ever find enough space to store my bits! Oh, the horror! Shall I go to this gala or that ball? Such a horrible life we lead, is it not?”
Amethyst burst into laughter, pounding her right hoof against the table. Blueblood maintained his falsely distraught image for a few more seconds before he faltered and joined his friend in laughing.
“So, anyway, Bluey...”
A cheeky smirk spread across on Amethyst’s face. Through the dark lenses of her glasses, Blueblood could see a glint of mischief. A chill went down his spine as the mare asked a question he was not ready for.
“That Rarity filly must be quite something if she’s caught your eye like that over all those mares who’d give a hoof to kiss your flank in Canterlot. Why her of all ponies?”
Blueblood stopped for a moment to think. His heart had been aflutter for days now, and parasprites flew through his stomach whenever he saw Rarity walking through town. However, until now, he had never truly stopped to think of what exactly about her had charmed him.
“There’s something about her: Her strength of character, her passion. She’s not just looking for some rich idiot. I think she first caught my eye when I realised that she wasn’t just another noble mare. She was a challenge. Her independence might have played a good part in it, too. Most of my suitors back in Canterlot have all the ambition of a saddlebag poodle. In comparison, she currently runs her own successful business here in Ponyville, and she had the gall to try to seduce a prince of Equestria and the charm to pull it off. Yes, clearly, I think that would be it. It’s that strength of character.”
Amethyst smirked, watching in amusement as Blueblood gushed. Under his white fur, she could see him blush quite clearly.
“Her strong personality and ambition, really? Nothing else? Let me guess... Nice round flanks? Cute little butt? Big pretty eyes with the fluttery eyelashes? Hah! I see blushing! It’s the fluttery little eyelashes. It’s always the fluttery little eyelashes.”
Taken aback, Prince Blueblood stammered.
“Lady Amethyst! This is hardly proper conversation!”
The mare sighed, rolling her eyes behind her sunglasses.
“Fiiine. Sorry. So, when are you putting the moves on her?”
Blueblood, surprised in the middle of a sip of his coffee, sprayed a mouthful of it onto the table and spilled his mug. Shocked at the sudden splash, he shot back with a squeal and nearly fell off his chair. His horn flashed and a napkin surged out of its holder, unfolding as it leapt through the air. The brave fabric threw itself onto the table, shielding the Prince from any wayward coffee drips.
“Oh dear! I’m so sorry! You took me off guard, and I’m afraid I’ve made a sizable mess. Please, allow me to clean this up.”
From her side, Amethyst gawked back, dumbfounded at the extreme reaction. A single drop of coffee slid down the tip of her muzzle and fell onto the table, at which point she lost her composure and burst into roaring laughter. She had to force her words out through her hilarity.
“It’s okay, Bluey, I’m not mad at you. Oh, dear, I can’t stop laughing. If you’d only seen the face you made!”
Blueblood’s distraught expression called her back to Equestria, and her laughter quickly ceased, noticing his embarassment.
“Here, I’ll help you clean this up. Don’t worry about it. I mean, we’ve all had that kind of accident, no?”
Still frantically gathering as much of the wayward drink as possible, the Prince sighed, relieved that she wouldn’t hold it against him.
“We have? I don’t recall you ever doing something like this...”
Amethyst picked up a napkin of her own between her hooves, carefully wiping the table in front of her.
“Are you kidding? You’re talking to the mare who accidentally spilled wine on Princess Celestia herself. Good thing she was forgiving, because for a moment there I was sure I’d wind up saying ‘Hi!’ to the Mare in the Moon.”
This time, it was Blueblood who burst into laughter.
“Oh dear! That was you? You made the headlines for that! ‘Wonderbolt Wife’s Wine Wreck’; I’ll remember that forever. If it’s any comfort, she was laughing about it when I spoke to her that night.”
Amethyst joined in the laughter.
“Well then, that’s a relief.”
“To get back to your question, however, I have yet to ask her out, as I do not feel my presence would be quite welcome yet. While she has proven rather supportive of my efforts, she has made it clear that I am not to seek her out and that she would come to me when she feels the time is right. Why? Do you feel I have sufficiently improved?”
Amethyst pondered for a moment.
“Well, you’re acting a lot humbler than when we last saw each other, so that’s a good start, but if we’re talking about taking that mare on a date, I think you’re missing just one little detail....”
~~~
“A double what to teach him what now?”
Big Macintosh gave Amethyst a dumbfounded look over the barn’s dinner table. Amethyst chuckled.
“A double date to teach him chivalry, of course. You’ve done some amazing work making Bluey humbler, but I get the feeling you’re forgetting what this is all about.”
The stallion raised an eyebrow.
“Now then, just before we came here, Blueblood and I were out grabbing a cup of coffee, and I couldn’t help but notice the poor stallion knows nothing of the finer courtesies one should adopt when dealing with a lady. I don’t mean to call you uncouth, you seem like a very nice stallion yourself, Mister Macintosh...”
… And a pretty attractive one at that... Mmm... those fetlocks...
“... But I think what comes naturally to most stallions doesn’t come to him. That’s where my plan comes in. However, I’ll need your help. I need someone who can model good behavior...”
~~~
The plan had been so simple at first. She’d drop by Ponyville and see if Blueblood had changed... but somehow she now found herself teaming up with a farmer pony and organising a pretend double date to teach the stallion the base notions of chivalry and romantic gallantry.
Hah, always another adventure waiting for Lady Amethyst... I love it!
The first steps of the plan had gone off without a hitch: securing the farmer’s help and getting Blueblood to agree to the idea. Now, she had a few hours of free time before the date. It was time to get her dress fixed and do some shopping.
Amethyst looked up at the boutique in front of which she now stood. Whoever had designed the place definitely had talent. It was tall and visible, and yet did not overshadow its neighbors. Instead, it seemed to complement the area perfectly. All of light pastel colors and well-dressed pony figures, the building looked beautiful in the early afternoon sun.
Carousel Boutique, is it? That name sounds familiar, I know I’ve seen it in a magazine somewhere, but where...
Amethyst carefully pushed the door open with a hoof and stepped in, a melodious set of chimes heralding her entry. Waiting for the seamstress to show up, the pegasus looked around, taking in the boutique’s exquisite décor.
The store was elegant and full of purple velvet curtains, culminating in a warm, cozy atmosphere. A crowd of wooden modeling forms stood at attention, clad in dresses and suits in various states of completion. Curled up on a particularly warm-looking coat, an elaborately groomed cat was snoozing comfortably. Fabrics of all colors were neatly organised on shelves and workstations, and the light smell of new fabric permeated the air. The carpet felt warm and comfortable under her hooves. The soulful voice and music of Sapphire Shores’ latest production softly emanated from a gramophone sitting in a corner of the shop, completing the atmosphere.
A distinguished, feminine voice rang from upstairs, seizing Amethyst’s attention.
“Just a minute, I’ll be right there!”
Not a second later, a white mare came trotting down the stairs.
“Please pardon me for the delay, I’m afraid I was rather... entangled in my work. Oh! Just where are my manners? Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is chic,”
Here we go. Three...
“unique,”
Two...
“and magnifique!”
One...
“So how may I help you today, Ms....”
Rarity gasped and stumbled when she realised who she was speaking to.
“You’re... you’re... the famous jewelry model, Lady Amethyst!”
Amethyst grinned, instinctively standing tall and flaring her wings out.
Every time. It’s always the same with the small town seamstresses.
“Yep, that’s me. I’ve heard a lot about your boutique recently, and since I was in town, I figured I’d drop by and have a look.”
Rarity was hesitant for a moment, surely intimidated by the presence of a high lady of fashion.
“It’s an honor to have a fashion star like you visit us, Lady Amethyst. I am, of course, Rarity, proprietor and seamstress. How may I help you today?”
Amethyst paused for a moment, reeling in confusion.
Wait. Waiiiiiit. Did she just say what I thought she said? Of all the places I could have stopped, I’ve stumbled upon the one mare Blueblood’s head over hooves for. If I play my cards well, I might just be able to do some good here.
“Well, actually, I’ve got a special little occasion tonight in town, and I was thinking I could really use a new dress. Your brand’s certainly climbing quickly, and I’d love to snag myself a piece before they become all the rage and everyone else is wearing them too!”
The mares shared a chuckle.
“The issue is, I only have until four hours from now. Think that’d be enough time? I have nothing but time to burn until then, so if you’d like to model it right off the pony, that’s no problem.”
“Oh! Certainly! It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve completed a piece so quickly. Just a little while ago, I remember making no less than 10 dresses over the course of a single day!”
Rarity cringed, betraying the fact that the incident had been a lot more complex than she was willing to talk about.
“Do you have anything particular in mind?”
“Let’s see... I’m looking for something light and short for the warm season that’s coming. Something elegant but not too bulky, because I’m likely to fly in it a few times. Also, it’s imperative that...”
~~~
As Rarity measured and pinned the fabric in place, the mares had taken to gossiping about recent events. Soon, the conversation had turned to Rarity’s misadventures with her friends.
“...and then, would you believe it, they let us go! Just like that, with carts full of gems! It’s amazing what a little persuasion can do.”
Amethyst couldn’t help but chuckle at the mental image of the ugly creatures pleading for the wellbeing of their ears.
“Oh, Miss Rarity, those are certainly some interesting escapades you’ve been having... and here I thought my life was full of excitement and adventure!”
No longer distracted by Rarity’s story, Amethyst glanced down at the dress that was slowly forming around her body. Her wings fluttered for a moment, feeling the fabric gently tickling their undersides.
“Please, no need for such formalities, just call me Rarity.”
Amethyst gave a kind smile.
“Oh, of course. I must say, Rarity, this dress is coming together exquisitely, and this silk is amazing. How did you ever find something so light, yet so comfortable? I simply love it!”
Rarity beamed, prancing in excitement as she moved over to her workstation to gather a few more pins. Realising her excess, she forced herself to keep up a professional appearance.
“Oh, this old fabric? It’s just a little something I ordered specially from Bovindia a few weeks ago. I had been saving it for a special occasion, and a visit from a fashion leader such as you seemed like the right time. How has our little village been treating you?”
Amethyst’s wings flared out as the praise struck home, betraying the mare’s stoic reaction.
“I’m simply honored, Rarity. Also, Ponyville certainly seems like a charming little community. I’d heard some pretty... strange things about it, but it does seems like they came from misguided assumptions. It’s definitely livelier than I expected.”
Rarity laughed daintily, blushing.
“There’s never a dull moment around here, and especially not as of late, what with that noblecolt... what’s his name... ah yes, Prince Blueblood coming into town.”
So she does know he’s in town... Gotcha! I see blushing!
Amethyst folded her wings back, watching closely as Rarity took to pinning the hem of the dress’ collar in place.
“Ah, yes, Prince Blueblood. He’s certainly a very unique character, is he not?”
Rarity froze in place, betraying a recent warming up to the prince. She could only blurt out a few awkward words amidst uncomfortable laughter.
“Yes... ‘unique’ is certainly the word I’d use to describe him. Do you know him as well?”
Amethyst nodded, careful not to move too much while Rarity double-checked the left side of the dress’ skirt.
“As a matter of fact, we go way back, he and I. We were dating, a couple of years ago.”
Shocked, Rarity nearly tore the fabric held by her magic as her face sunk into a frown. She gulped, failing to keep a neutral expression.
“Oh, you don’t say? I dare not imagine what caused you to leave him.”
The thistle mare raised an eyebrow, reflexively reaching for the sunglasses on her forehead only to realise she had set them aside before the fitting.
“Actually, our separation happened on amiable terms. We weren’t looking for the same things out of romance.”
The seamstress lowered her head in shame.
“Oh... I am very sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed.”
Amethyst looked back at Rarity, offering a warm smile.
“Heh, I can’t blame you. A few months later, he’d changed. A lot. Honestly, I blame his mother’s weird teachings about what’s considered proper. He and I have been estranged for a few years. I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw of him earlier today. I think that his visit to Ponyville has been an eye-opening experience for him. It was like meeting the old Bluey again, at least for the most part.”
Rarity visibly perked up, until a spark of worry shot through her eyes.
“So... I figure that means... You and he...”
Amethyst didn’t need to hear what Rarity had to say in order to guess her intentions. She winked at the unicorn.
“He’s all yours if you want to chase after him. I’m happily married now.”
Rarity’s blush deepened, her white cheeks flaring taking on a deep red color that could almost rival that of her client’s mane.
“What? You thought I... He... No, no, no! I wasn’t implying...”
The pegasus mare grinned, answering Rarity’s objections with a tone midway between good-hearted mockery and reassurance.
“Of course you weren’t. Please forgive me for assuming.”
“It’s... quite alright. Now then, I believe that’s all the fitting we need for the dress. I should have it done in about two hours.”
Rarity helped Amethyst out of the dress, steadying the unsewn pieces of fabric as the pegasus slipped out of the unfinished vestment.
“May I offer you a cup of tea while you wait? I have some Earl Grey I've been saving for my most distinguished guests. Of course, you’re free to go enjoy our town some more if you’d rather, but I have to admit I am rather enjoying our little chat.”
Amethyst grinned, fluttering over to the boutique’s small salon.
“Oh, a cup of tea would be wonderful.”
With a simple flash of Rarity’s horn, a teapot adorned with floral motifs set itself upon a heating plate.
“If you don’t mind me asking, Amethyst, I should admit I am rather curious. When you say ‘The old Bluey’...”
~~~
Blueblood paced about the sidewalk in front of La Rose Dorée. Hesitation weighed on him, with only the clopping of his hooves against the pavement and the murmur of discussions within the restaurant to break the monotony. Amethyst had instructed him to meet her there fifteen minutes before their planned dinner time with Big Macintosh and his guest. Ten minutes after the agreed time, she had yet to show up, to his great consternation. Finally, the sound of wings flapping caught his attention.
“I’m here, I’m here! Sorry for the wait!”
Prince Blueblood whipped his head around to face Lady Amethyst as she landed. He frowned, tapping his hoof against the ground impatiently.
“You know, I learned, not too long ago, that when one makes plans, one should take care to follow them. I’ve been waiting for quite a while now. If I had known you’d make me wait so long in this chilly spring evening, I would have brought a warmer coat.”
Amethyst shrugged dismissively. She knew full well that the fault was hers, but she had far too much pride to accept the scolding.
“Heh, sorry. If it’s any comfort, I got some pretty good information while chatting with that Rarity of yours. It’s just too bad we got lost in our gossiping for so long.”
Prince Blueblood blushed and his eyes shot wide open. Amethyst snickered at his reaction.
“Oh? Did anything interesting come up?”
Amethyst grinned mischievously as she seized his elegant vest by the collar and gave it a tug, pulling him towards the restaurant until he relented and followed by himself.
“Now, now, it wouldn’t be any fun if I just sold the punchline right now, would it? I’m afraid, my dear Bluey, you’ll have to find out for yourself.”
This time, Amethyst knew what to expect when they reached the door, and she slipped ahead of Blueblood. He appeared surprised but not particularly bothered.
She glanced around the restaurant, pleasantly surprised by what she saw. The restaurant’s décor was elaborate, its colors, appetizing. Delightful smells floated through the dining room.
Whoa, this place could rival Canterlot’s fanciest.
One particular detail caught her eye: near the middle of the restaurant, a grand piano stood on an upraised stand. Sitting at the keyboard, a small purple dragon bearing a large black mustache played the instrument with great skill, offering delightful music for all to hear. She turned her attention back to Blueblood, who had noticed the strange pianist as well. He was the first to speak.
“That’s odd, I remember their pianist being taller... and less draconic, at that. Must be a new person. I’m surprised this town has two dragons, let alone one, or one with a mustache.”
Amethyst’s eyes went wide.
“Wait, did just you say two dragons?”
Blueblood nodded.
“Yes. Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia’s number one student lives here with her draconic assistant. Didn’t you know?”
“Oh! Right.”
This town is fascinating. I’ll have to make a point of taking Cloud Nine to see this place sometime, for sure.
They were greeted by the same waitress Blueblood had met over the last few days. Crystal Château smiled as the saw the prince’s tall and bright figure, surprised when she noticed the mare accompanying him wasn’t the one he had been going on about these last few days.
“Blueblood, party of four, reservation for the private booth, I take it? Will the other two be joining you later?”
Prince Blueblood nodded. Amethyst could tell he was familiar with the place, and so she politely followed and allowed him to handle the situation. As she led them towards the back of the restaurant, Crystal whispered a few words to Blueblood, who chuckled quietly.
None of them noticed the pianist keeping a close watch on them as they walked through the establishment.
“Don’t get any wrong ideas, Miss Château. Lady Amethyst is merely a friend of mine, and I would never make advances on a married mare.”
The light blonde waitress’ cheeks turned bright crimson in shame, and she remained silent as she showed the pair to their booth.
Obviously, he didn’t show me to my seat like a gentlecolt. Doubts confirmed, one chivalry lesson to be served.
Once Crystal had left the two with the drink menu and was out of earshot, Amethyst couldn’t help but crack up.
“That look on her face was priceless! Really, though, picking this private booth was a great idea. I’d hate for anypony to get the wrong idea about either of us.”
Blueblood nodded, glancing over the various choices offered by the restaurant.
“Definitely. Also, I believe you wanted the two of us to meet so you could explain something to me before Macintosh and his date arrived?”
Amethyst grinned, looking up at him as she poured herself a drink from the provided pitched of ice water. She figured she’d make him squirm a little before she told him what she’d heard.
“Oh, sure. I could tell you, but are you sure you want to know?”
Blueblood shot her a confused look, one eyebrow raised.
“Of course I want to know.”
Amethyst leaned over the table, smirking.
“Are you really sure? It’s not too late to back down. I’d hate to trouble you with this.”
Blueblood leaned back as she approached, completely baffled by her sudden game.
“No, no, I am quite sure.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
“Completely, one hundred percent certain?”
“Yes, yes, I am certain.”
“Absolutely, fully, entirely cert-”
Blueblood slammed a hoof against the table, causing the utensils to tinkle and the glasses to wobble.
“Yes, yes, yes! I am certain! Now tell me! I want to know! I need to know! Tell me! For the love of the Princesses and Equestria all around us, sing it if you must, but tell me!”
Sing it? Hm... That’s an idea.
Lady Amethyst chuckled. This would be interesting.
“Well then... if you insist, who am I to deny a request? Ready, Blueblood? One-and Two-and Three-and-let's-go!”
Blueblood’s eyes went wide. In his irritation, he had given her the most terrible of ideas. Amethyst leaned back in her seat and took a sip of water. As they shared a moment of silence, hers in anticipation, his in apprehension, the dragon pianist seemed to pick up on the moment. The calm song he had been playing segued into a rhythmic piece not unlike a passionate showtune. Amethyst grinned. This would be fun...
“You've been polite,
That's great and all.
You've got the look,
You're standin' tall.”
Blueblood sighed, dejected.
“Oh, Amethyst, you really haven’t changed a bit, have you?”
Amethyst laughed.
“Nope. You, however, haven’t changed nearly enough yet.”
“Keep that smile bright,
Let’s have a ball,
You need a hook,
So here's my call....”
Sighing, Amethyst buried her face into her hoof.
“Blueblood, you have no concept of chivalry.”
The Prince’s jaw dropped. Stammering, he tried to stand for himself.
“What? How dare you! Such rudeness!”
“Oh, are you serious? Hate to be like this, Bluey, but someone’s gotta tell you.”
“Okay, maybe you’re right, but still, there had to be a less... shocking way to tell me.”
Amethyst gave him a mischievous wink and a smirk.
“Tough love, baby.”
Amethyst rose from her seat, thankful that the private booth would spare the other customers from the madness she was preparing to unleash. The piano’s tempo picked up as the pegasus’ passion flared up.
“Full pampering and nothing less,
You've got to show her much finesse,
And if you want to see success,
You'll make her feel like a princess.”
“But mother always said it was the mare’s task to-”
Amethyst rolled her eyes.
“Bluey, please. Respect to your mother, but did you ever see her hold the door to a stallion?”
Blueblood pondered for a moment.
“I... guess not.”
Amethyst grinned back. She knew she had hit the nail right on the head.
“Did she ever offer to pay for her date?”
The Prince blinked a few times in incomprehension.
“Not that I know of.”
“Did she ever let anyone pass ahead of her?”
“... No.”
“Did she ever-”
Blueblood pounded on the table with a hoof.
“Okay! Okay! I see your point! I guess my mother wasn’t exactly the best pony to trust, when it came to chivalry. Nor in any other matters, for what it’s worth.”
Amethyst offered a warm smile.
“Aw, c’mon, don’t get all sad on me, you’re still a good pony, no matter what. Now listen here.”
“Listen and take this little clue,
If you just care, oh yes it’s true,
Some sweet gestures, only a few,
Her heart will beat only for you.”
“But how am I supposed to know what she wants? I may be able to cast spells, but I can’t read minds!”
Amethyst sighed.
“Oh, Blueblood, you’re so adorably clueless. Oh! Look who’s coming! Right on time!”
Big Macintosh arrived as if on cue, clad in an elegant collar not unlike Blueblood’s. At his side was a small-statured mare whom Amethyst immediately recognized as Fluttershy, the one-week wonder of haute-couture.
Blueblood was the first to speak.
“How nice of you to join us, Big Macintosh, and you as well, Miss...”
Fluttershy hesitated for a moment, but Macintosh’s presence was enough to bolster her.
“Fluttershy, nice to meet you.”
Amethyst noticed Big Macintosh whisper a few words to Blueblood, but could only make out the last few; “...friend of Rarity.”
Important information, for sure. Blueblood certainly wouldn’t want to make a bad impression of a friend of his precious lady.
“Now Bluey, watch closely.”
Amethyst hovered towards the couple as Big Macintosh helped Fluttershy out of her jacket. She followed the two from above, pointing out various details.
“Watch as he helps her with her vest,
You’ll see that she thinks he’s the best.
Watch as he shows her to her seat,
You’ll see that she thinks he’s quite neat.”
The new arrivals shared a chuckle as Amethyst launched back into her number.
“There I was thinkin’ only you and Miss Pie ever did that.”
Fluttershy answered with nothing but a dainty giggle, perusing the menu.
Blueblood was silent for a moment, pondering the example that he had just been offered. He looked utterly baffled.
“So, if I understand clearly, one is expected to act like a servant to his date?”
Big Macintosh repressed a burst of laughter, but Amethyst did not offer the prince that same reprieve.
“Oh, Blueblood, it’s nothing like that. It’s just about being nice and helpful sometimes.”
Fluttershy cut in hesitantly.
“Well... since it’s Rarity we’re talking about, I guess servant might be... um... nevermind.”
Amethyst could barely keep herself from a second burst of laughter.
Blueblood sure knows how to pick ‘em.
“It’s not about being a slave,
She’ll never count how much you gave,
Just stop and think, ‘How can I show...
‘That my heart does care for her so?’”
The Prince shot up from his seat with a gasp, eyes wide open.
“Of course! How... could I be so obtuse? It all seems so obvious now.”
Amethyst rolled her eyes, smiling at his reaction.
Looks like the wires have finally touched. ‘Bout time too, I was running out of words and I can see the pianist getting tired.
“Really? Then sing it with me!”
Blueblood looked at her with utmost confusion painted on his face.
“Wait, what?”
Amethyst lunged at him, draping her foreleg around his shoulder and forcing him to stand tall with her. She grinned to the other two, who were besides themselves with amusement.
“Now follow along, Bluey! Follow along!”
“Full pampering and...”
“Nothing less...?”
“You've got to show her...”
“Much finesse.”
“And if you want to see suuuuuucceeeeeess...”
“I’ll make her feel like a priiiiiiinceeeeeess!”
The two built up their crescendo to a stunning finale, the pianist punctuating it with a closing cadence and a quick flourish.
At the table, Big Macintosh and Fluttershy applauded, chuckling in amusement.
As the duo’s voices faded away, Amethyst turned to the waitress, who was now dumbfoundedly gawking at them.
“I’ll have the fresh garden salad. What about you three?”
~~~
The rest of dinner went off without a hitch, and all four ponies had a good time. The subject of Fluttershy’s short-lived fashion career came up. Amethyst tried to encourage the shy mare to give fashion a second chance, explaining that her manager, Showtime, would be more accommodating to her shy nature than Photo Finish ever could have hoped to be. Nevertheless, Fluttershy would have none of it.
Blueblood was rather surprised to find out how much of a tycoon the farmer was. Big Macintosh’s desire to spread the business of Sweet Apple Acres outside of Equestria had definitely made him curious. The Prince was no stranger to business himself. For all of her quirks, his mother had taught him well in the use of the family fortune. Despite what some would call his ridiculous spending habits, Blueblood still made a clean profit from his investments.
The dinner had also been a great learning experience for Blueblood, who got to see the broad lines of gallantry firsthoof and take many mental notes for his eventual chance with Rarity, if he were ever to have one.
The dinner soon came to an end, and the two pairs bid farewell to each other. Blueblood and Amethyst watched as Big Macintosh and Fluttershy walked off towards the mare’s cottage, the farmer having explained that he would see her home since it was getting late. Amethyst chuckled, nudging Blueblood.
“Look at how close they’re walking. I’d say their date was a lot less pretend than ours.”
“Definitely.”
The two Canterlot ponies soon found themselves at the outskirts of Ponyville. They had sought out a quiet spot to talk before the mare took off for home. The Prince’s instinct led them to the same river where Applejack had found him crying just four days ago.
Amethyst glanced up at the setting Sun before turning back to Blueblood.
“I’ve had a good time, but I’d better head home. I’m feeling pretty tired and I’ve got a husband waiting for me.”
Blueblood nodded in understanding, a worried frown plainly visible on his face.
“Have a good trip home, Lady Amethyst.”
Amethyst spread her wings wide for a moment, but slowly closed them. She had business to finish. She took a few steps towards the Prince and threw her forelegs around his shoulders, drawing him into a hug which he was more than happy to reciprocate. After a few seconds, she pulled back gently and sat on her haunches.
“You’ve changed so much since the last time we saw each other, Bluey. I’ll be honest, when I first came to Ponyville, I kind of expected you to not have amounted to much, and that I’d just see the same stallion I saw when I walked away from you. I’m really glad you proved me wrong.”
Blueblood thought for a moment and smiled back.
“It was a very difficult experience, I can’t deny it, but I’m very glad I went through with it. I feel like a new stallion now. A better stallion.”
The two fell silent for a moment, looking at each other. Amethyst was surprised to see tears well up in the Prince’s eyes. Soon, he found the courage to ask.
“Say, Amethyst... You met Rarity earlier, yes? Do... do you think I stand a chance with her?”
Amethyst placed a hoof on his shoulder, winking amicably.
“If you keep up the good work like you’ve been? Absolutely.”
Blueblood lit up like a Hearth’s Warming tree, recovering his noble posture.
“It’s been wonderful seeing you again, and I’m hoping we’ll have more chances to catch up when I return to Canterlot.”
The pegasus smiled back, her wings flaring out.
“For sure, Bluey! For sure!”
With a strong burst, she lifted off, only to remember a crucial detail. Her ascent stopped and she glided back down, hovering near her friend.
“Oh! I almost forgot. I’ll make sure to have a talk with Apricot. I don’t think you’re a lost cause to him just yet, but he’ll definitely need some pushing. As for you, I think you’ve learned your lesson by now. You’ve been in good hooves with Big Macintosh.”
Good hooves with even better fetlocks.... Mmm.... Maybe I ought to get Cloud Nine to grow his out.
“I’ll see you soon, Blueblood. It’s a promise.”
Blueblood bowed solemnly.
“So it is. Farewell, have a nice trip home!”
With a final salute, Amethyst vanished into the distance, flying off towards the mountain summit. Canterlot was resplendent in the setting Sun, and its majesty was without equal.
As he looked upon the mare becoming naught but a speck in the distance, Blueblood could only feel hope welling up into him.
“Thank you, Amethyst.”
~~~
To Be Continued
~~~
Coming up next in To Be a Better Stallion
“Rarity! You gotta stop leadin' him on!”
~Applejack
…
“You will remove your grubby paws from that filly immediately!”
~Prince Blueblood
…
“Such courage! Such bravery! Such heroism!”
~Rarity
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Autumn Wind
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1439
| 8 |
Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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To Be a Better Stallion
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Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
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complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2012-03-14T03:01:09+00:00
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2012-03-14T03:01:09+00:00
| 6,483 |
To say that the inhabitants of Ponyville were strangers to unexpected events would be a gross misunderstanding of the town’s daily happenings. However, there were still things that could take its predominantly female population by surprise. For one, the presence of two stallions, each of whom would have been a fair contender for the title of ‘Most Attractive Stallion In Equestria’, was drawing much attention.
Prince Blueblood’s perfect grooming, svelte allure, and elegant accessorizing made him a prime target for the desires of those who admired the upper crust. Quite a few of Ponyville’s local mares had eyes for him, especially those amongst the unicorn population. Despite having been in Ponyville for several days by now, the Prince still attracted very much attention.
Big Macintosh, in contrast, was what some would have described as ‘the local flavor’. The farmer was strong and muscular, towering over most ponies by nearly a head. He stood steadfast and unflinching, a true example of stability in a wild and changing world. His quiet, reserved disposition made him both a mystery and a challenge even to the more outgoing mares of the town. He was certainly no stranger to their affections, though he had been rather uninterested as of late. His heart was already spoken for.
The two stallions ambled through town, discussing everything and nothing all at once, fully aware of the eyes watching them. Big Macintosh simply shrugged them away, indifferent to the interest he was attracting. Blueblood, on the contrary, reveled in the attention. He stood tall and proud, occasionally returning a mare’s look with a charming smile.
“Pray tell, Big Macintosh, how was your evening yesterday? I take it walking Miss Fluttershy home was no trouble? Might anything interesting have occurred?”
A turquoise unicorn mare was reclining on a bench in an unusual manner, watching closely as Blueblood walked by, hypnotized by his cutie mark or perhaps his rear end. A beige female earth pony with a two-colored mane, presumably her mate, soon called her back to order, at which point the unicorn offered an apologetic grin.
“Eenope. We said our goodbyes, and she thanked me for the evenin’. I mean... it ain’t like... uh... we’reacoupleoranythin’ofthesort.”
Blueblood raised an eyebrow. Between how quickly Macintosh had spoken, the sudden fear of eye contact, and the fact that the he was now chewing on his stalk of wheat as though his life depended on it, it was easy to tell that there was more to it than he was willing to let on. Of course, intruding any further would have been most impolite.
“Oh! I’m sorry for assuming. You certainly seemed close enough.”
Big Macintosh eyed the Prince nervously and spoke under his breath.
“I’m a pretty bad liar. Jus’... keep this to yourself, would you? Fluttershy and I ain’t ready for the news to come out.”
Blueblood smiled and nodded politely. He couldn’t quite understand why a couple wouldn’t want to put themselves on display, but he had enough respect for Macintosh to follow the farmer’s wish.
The two fell into an awkward silence, both searching for words as they walked by a flower stand.
“Girls! Look over there!”
A pink earth pony pointed to the stallions, the lily flower stuck behind her ear falling off as she dramatically stood up from behind the stand.
“Now those are what I call stallions!”
A second pink pony, this one green-maned, joined the first.
“They’re so… so...!”
A white mare with a deep fuchsia mane completed the trio, exclaiming even louder than her friends.
“So attractive!”
“So handsome!”
“So dreamy!”
With a chord of sighs, the three mares brought each brought a hoof to their respective foreheads and fainted on top of one another.
“I reckon you get this much attention in Canterlot all the time, huh?”
“You could say so, yes.”
Silence fell upon the two as they continued to make their way towards the farm. With little to do and many things to talk about, the Prince had agreed to give Macintosh a helping horn with a particularly tricky set of repairs on the barn’s roof.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, Macintosh, do you have any plans to expand Sweet Apple Acres’ business any further? The name has been developing a very strong reputation in Equestria, and yesterday, I recall you mentioned a potential interest in going international. Do you have any concrete plans in that direction?”
Big Macintosh paused for a moment, deep in thought.
“‘Fraid not. Thought about it, but we ain’t got enough contacts to pull it off. For now, we’re just keepin’ an eye open for opportunity.”
“Oh, fair enough.”
“Why do you ask’?”
It was Blueblood’s turn to avoid eye contact.
“Oh, no reason; simple curiosity, that’s all.”
The farmer shrugged, turning his attention back o the road in front of him.
Up in the air, a yellow pegasus mare with a turquoise mane was handling a cloud, positioning for the afternoon’s downpour. Her eyes catching the two stallions below, she released the cloud and brought her hooves to her mouth, wolf-whistling in approval.
The nimbus drifted freely, coming to a stop directly over a blue unicorn bearing an hourglass on her flanks. Mesmerized by the attractive display walking across the street, she failed to notice her drenched mane falling flat on her face, let alone the localized downpour that was its cause.
“I gotta admit, it’s surprisin’ how much you changed just these last few days.”
Blueblood turned towards the farmer, intrigued.
“Oh? What do you mean?”
Big Macintosh remained silent for a moment, pondering his next words.
“When you first turned up at the farm, I didn’t think there was much to do with you. I figured I’d toss some farm work at you and you’d run screamin’ right then and there like some highfalutin’ city pony.”
Blueblood smirked, pondering how he would have reacted to such a comment just days ago.
“In all honesty, I most likely would have if it had not been for... particular circumstances.”
“That honor-bound thing? Heh. I was pretty surprised when you went and ate your slice of humble pie like it was nothin’. After the first day you asked me not to pull any punches, and I thought for sure we’d soon find out you’d hightailed it back to Canterlot. Yet you just kept on goin’ an’ goin’. I’m mighty impressed.”
The two of them reached the outskirts of Ponyville as Macintosh spoke, passing by the last building on the edge of town, a local pub known as the Thirsty Trotter. Seated comfortably on the establishment’s terrace, a plum-colored mare bearing grapes and a strawberry for a cutie mark watched the two go by, a dopey smile on her face. She was oblivious to the fact that her hooves were no longer pouring her favorite fruit punch into a glass, but rather onto her nearby tulip sandwich and hay fries.
“To be truthful, I am rather unsure of how I survived these days of labor, but I am quite glad I did. I feel like a new pony. I also feel sore from all that farmwork, but that’s another issue entirely.”
Big Macintosh snorted.
“Don’t worry. The farmhooves all get that for the first few days. It’ll pass. If anythin’, a cold bath does wonders for sore muscles.”
Prince Blueblood raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
“Oh? A cold bath, you say? I’ll be sure to try that out... not that I don’t bathe every night already, of course, albeit at a more comfortable temperature. I mean, obviously-”
“I know what you meant.”
The two were silent for a moment, still marching towards the farm. Soon, Blueblood gave a sigh, which attracted a curious glance from Big Macintosh.
“I worry somewhat. Despite all my work, I have yet to hear or see from Rarity other than an ambiguous note. I wish I knew where she stood about this, or what she is expecting from me.”
Big Macintosh nodded.
“If it’s any comfort, Applejack’s havin’ lunch with Rarity right about now. Knowin’ those two, they’ll probably wind up discussin’ a lotta things, you included. Ain’t no tellin’ what she’ll-”
Big Macintosh was interrupted by the shrill screams of three fillies in the distance. He recognised one of them as Sweetie Belle, but the other two were a mystery to him.
“What’n tarnation?”
By the time he recovered from the surprise, Blueblood was already galloping off towards the source of the noise.
“Big Macintosh! Hurry up! Those fillies might need help!”
Big Macintosh caught up with the Prince in an instant. Thanks to his strong legs, the farmer was a fast runner. He glanced at Blueblood as they charged ahead.
“The screams’re comin’ from the gemstone quarry! They must’ve gotten in trouble with some varmint!”
“Lead the way, Macintosh; you know the path better than I do.”
As he rushed forward, Prince Blueblood noticed a small figure, a short distance in front of him. Catching up to the creature, he recognized it as Spike, Twilight Sparkle’s young draconic assistant. He seemed to be headed in the same direction as the stallions.
“Big Macintosh! Blueblood! Did you hear that? Somepony’s in danger!”
Spike found himself hoisted into the air by the unicorn’s magic and placed on the Prince’s back, where he instinctively clung to the blond mane to keep from falling.
“Hang on, young one! Those fillies will need all the help they can get!”
Spike gave an enthusiastic shout.
“Hold on, Sweetie Belle! I’m coming! Hi-ho Blueblood!”
Noticing the prince’s indignant look, Spike laughed nervously.
“Sorry, I get carried away in the action sometimes.”
~~~
Opalescence’s ears perked up as the echoes of the shrill screams tickled her hearing. She rose up onto her paws immediately, meowing once in an attempt to get her owner's attention
Comfortably installed in the boutique’s little salon and entirely focused on her conversation with Applejack and her cup of after-lunch tea, Rarity paid no attention to the cat on the windowsill.
“... and so I told her: ‘Emerald earrings? Obviously, you want to look like a beanstalk.’”
Applejack and Rarity shared a burst of laughter.
“Oh! Speaking of beanstalks; how is your farm, Applejack?”
“Well, I reckon things are goin’ pretty well. You’d be surprised how helpful Blueblood’s turned out to be.”
Rarity eyes shot wide open and she remained silent for a moment, blinking in incomprehension before breaking into a chortle.
“Oh, Applejack, you almost had me going there. I mean, please, Blueblood? Meaningful farm work? You simply must be kidding!”
Applejack gave a blank stare.
“I know it’s hard to believe, but that weren’t no joke. While I can certainly fault his taste in pastry, I sure as sugar can’t find anythin’ wrong with his work ethic. It’s like I said, that stallion’s driven, an’ I don’t think I need to remind you what he’s driven by.”
Forced to face the fact, Rarity paused, her thoughts speeding through the Running of the Leaves. She was startled out of her musings when Opalescence frantically hopped onto her, meowing for her attention. Rarity mechanically levitated the cat off of her and back onto the ground.
“Not now, Opal; Mommy’s talking with her friend.”
The unicorn turned back to the earth pony with a sigh, blushing intensely.
“That is certainly... interesting news, Darling. I knew he was motivated, but I would have never thought he would be so... devoted.”
Applejack chuckled at Rarity’s flustered reaction.
“Y’know, with how he's been turnin' out, if he weren’t called for, I'd almost be tempted to make a move on him myself.”
Rarity shot Applejack an incredulous look, but burst into amused laughter once she caught on to the farmer’s tall tale.
“Point taken, Applejack. I see he has been doing very well.”
Applejack snickered at the mental image of her hypothetical union with the Prince.
“Heh, I doubt he and I’d be a good- Whoa, nelly!”
Applejack suddenly ducked, narrowly avoiding Opalescence as the cat pounced towards her. The feline fell back down to the floor, only to be enveloped in a blue magical aura and unceremoniously locked up in her kennel. The grate rattled as she tried to force her way out. Annoyed, Rarity simply admonished her.
“Opal, since you’re clearly not going to behave, it looks like I’ll have to keep you in there until you calm down.”
Applejack straightened her hat.
“Anyway, Rarity, what’re you plannin’ to do about Blueblood? He’s been puttin’ in a lot of effort, aren’t you goin’ to at least give him a chance?”
Rarity’s smile fell into a hesitant frown.
“I do realise he’s been working hard, but I’m still unsure of what I should do. I can’t just walk up to him and say ‘Prince Blueblood, here I am, giving you a second chance.’ How awkward! Darling, these things take time. I still need to figure out what to do. How can I even know for sure that he’s any better than he used to be?”
Applejack slammed her hoof against the carpet, a disappointingly muffled thump marking her anger.
“What? Of all the... Rarity! That ain’t fair of you! Not so long ago you were all about finding a noble stallion who’d treat you nicely, and now that there’s one pretty much beggin’ for your attention, you’re makin’ excuses not to give him a chance! You gotta stop leadin' him on! Land’s sakes, just listen to yourself!”
For the second time in only a few days, Applejack proved to be the voice of reason. Shocked by the sudden critique, Rarity’s voice lowered to a whimper.
“Really, Applejack? You think I’m being... unfair?”
The unicorn solidly planted her front hooves in the plush carpet, swallowing her worries.
“No, no. You’re right. I am being unfair, both to Blueblood and to myself. I’ve been so afraid that things wouldn’t go right that I left him uncertain for far too long. Thank you for being honest with me, Applejack.”
Applejack offered an encouraging smile.
“We all need a friend to set us straight every now and then. So, what are you gonna do about it?”
Rarity pondered the best approach for a moment, before making a declaration loudly and clearly.
“I’m going to go see Prince Blueblood and I will-”
Rarity’s fierce words melted into an incoherent mess as Opalescence burst through the grate door of her kennel. The cat made a beeline for Applejack and leapt through the air with an agile somersault, snagging the cowpony’s hat between her teeth and landing behind her. From there, the cat vanished through her cat door with the prize dragging beside her.
Forgetting their conversation, Applejack immediately gave chase, closely flanked by Rarity.
"Come back here and gimme my hat back, ya scoundrel!"
"Opalescence! Let that hat go immediately! It's filthy!"
Applejack shot Rarity an irritated glare the likes of which the unicorn had rarely seen. Rarity grinned back nervously.
"... Also it's very special to Applejack!"
However, Opal was determined in her endeavor and kept rushing into the distance, towards a place Rarity knew all too well: the gemstone quarry.
~~~
Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon all huddled closely together as the three beasts closed in on them. Cornered at the foot of a large boulder, they had nowhere to run. Sweetie Belle fearfully stared up at the creatures, while the other two fillies cowered, their muzzles buried in their forelegs. Those ears, those fangs, those claws... Rarity had told her about them: Diamond Dogs.
“Well, well, well. What do we have here?”
The chief of the canines, a slim and tall dog with large pointy ears, stopped in front of them. He gave a scratchy laugh as he loomed over the filly, watching his two companions approach.
“Looks like some little ponies thought they could take our gems!”
A brown canine much smaller than the first added to the laughter, his eyes fixating on the small turquoise gem Sweetie Belle clutched in her hooves.
“Look at this one! She has a horn!”
Completing the half-circle and trapping in the fillies completely, an enormous greyish-blue lug of a Diamond Dog towered over them, his grubby paws ready to seize one of them at any moment.
The first Diamond Dog cackled cruelly.
“Oooh. Then she should be able to find gems like the other one.”
The other two dogs stared at him, terrified.
“But... but...”
The smallest dog stuttered in a panic, only to find his sentence completed by the oaf.
“...What if she also makes the awful noises?”
Their leader planted his paw straight onto his forehead with a resounding clap.
“Quiet, you fools! Look at her! Little pony, little problems! Just grab her and let’s go!”
The subordinates looked at each other, then at the cowering fillies, and then back at each other before the largest dog grabbed Sweetie Belle and lifted her, taking great care to hold her muzzle with one of his paws. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon could only stare, stunned with fear. What were they going to do? Sweetie Belle squirmed and attempted to shout, but could only make muffled noises.
All hope seemed lost until the thundering sound of hooves echoed from the distance. The fillies gasped, one more muffled than the others, as two stallions and a young dragon came into view. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon suddenly shot up on their hooves in excitement.
“Prince Blueblood!”
Blueblood and Spike posed fiercely while Big Macintosh quickly closed the distance between him and them. The dogs looked at them hesitantly. While the little dragon didn’t seem to be a threat, the two ponies were a lot larger than any they’d seen before.
Breaking the silence, Blueblood’s voiced boomed. He had practiced the Royal Canterlot Voice all his youth, despite it being obsolete, and now it was about to pay off.
“You will remove your grubby paws from that filly immediately!”
The dogs flinched for a second. The smallest dog was ready to run, his tail having taken refuge between his stubby legs.
“Looks like he means business!”
The largest dog was tempted to join in the escape, struggling to keep Sweetie Belle under control as she flailed about wildly.
“We should run!”
The Diamond Dog leader stood his ground as he and Prince Blueblood competed in an intense duel of stares.
“What are you, puppies? There’s only two ponies and there’s... uh... one... two... uh... more of us! We can take ‘em!”
Blueblood scraped his hoof against the ground before charging towards his enemy, his horn lowered and ready to strike.
“Fear my horn, cur!”
The canine tumbled out of the way with practiced agility, sticking his leg out and tripping the Prince. The white unicorn fell face first into the dirt, but did not stay down for long.
“Why, you scoundrel! I’ll show you what the Canterlot champion of Longue Corne fencing can do!”
The stallion and the dog engaged in a fierce duel of horn against claw, neither of them managing to score a decisive blow. While Blueblood had far better technique, the Diamond Dog had much more experience in actual combat and the advantage of two paws.
At the side of their duel, Big Macintosh approached the largest Diamond Dog, who seemed hesitant. Still not letting go of Sweetie Belle, the canine watched as the red pony got closer and closer, a fierce look on his face. To his great confusion, Big Macintosh nodded towards the orchard.
“Y’see them apple trees over there?”
The large dog nodded and glanced over to the trees behind him, confused.
“Lemme show you how we harvest ‘em.”
Facing away from the dog and the orchard, Big Macintosh reared up and planted his forehooves solidly into the dirt, striking the beast’s large buttocks with a solid kick. The Diamond Dog was propulsed head over heels into the dirt, dropping Sweetie Belle.
“I’ve got you!”
Big Macintosh lunged to catch Sweetie Belle, only to fall onto his face in the dirt as she was swept out of his grasp.
“Not on my watch!”
The smallest Diamond Dog dived for Sweetie Belle, attempting to drag her to a nearby burrow. However, an obstacle stood in his way. Spike stared him down defiantly, standing his ground between the dog and the pit.
“Pick on someone your own size!”
The Diamond Dog considered his options, quickly opting to charge on and bowl over the young dragon. Spike stared, his confidence suddenly melting away.
“Uh... Whoa! Whoa! What do I do!?”
Blueblood stuck his head out of the cloud of dust that now surrounded his agitated duel.
“You’re a dragon! What would a dragon do?!”
Spike rolled his eyes, realizing the obvious.
“Oh, right.”
He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with air and feeling a familliar heat rise within him. The Diamond Dog turned back quickly, realising the foolishness of charging headfirst towards a dragon of any age, but he could not run away fast enough.
“Uh-oh!”
Spike breathed out a gout of flame, barely reaching his opponent.
“Ha! You missed me!”
A closer inspection of his rear end proved him woefully wrong, as he realised that a green flame now lit the tip of his tail. Dropping the filly, he fled into the distance at a breakneck pace, desperate for water to put his tail out.
The largest dog recovered from his tumble and glared around the dirty field, noticing that a dizzy Sweetie Belle was now defenseless in the open, with naught but the small dragon to guard her. He ran and dived for her, only to collide with a much larger obstacle.
Big Macintosh looked directly at the dog who had just bumped against his chest, having barely been nudged from his place by the impact.
“Nope.”
Screaming in panic, the dog fled into the distance, following in his companion’s tracks.
“Foul beast! Feel my wrath!”
Blueblood and the last remaining Diamond Dog were still trading strikes and parries, neither of them able to get the upper hand. Between two agile lunges, Blueblood paused and sniffed at the air, erupting in a massive shudder.
“Ewww! Very foul, even!”
Frothing with rage, the Diamond Dog made a desperate swipe for Blueblood, leaving a long claw mark on the stallion’s chest.
“Quiet!”
Blueblood flinched and fell back, feeling a sharp jolt of pain. He glanced over the injury, breathing sharply and intermittently.
Blood? Oh, not again.... Oh dear.... Oh dear.... No. This is no time to panic. There isn’t any blue to be seen, is there? This is nothing.
Blueblood chuckled to himself, feeling his confidence surging anew.
“Know your place, scum! I shall trounce you once and for all!”
Blueblood hopped to the right, attacking the dog’s left.
“Left!”
The dog hopped out of the way, sticking his tongue out at the Prince. Unfazed, Blueblood stepped over to the left, striking from the right.
“Right!”
The dog parried once more, catching the horn between his paws. Blueblood pulled back immediately, continuing his dazzling assault, only to have his every strike countered.
“Left! Right! Left! Right!”
Eventually, where the dog had expected another left, a right came and knocked the beast to the ground. Laughing, the Prince reared up and placed his front hooves against the canine’s back to pin him against the ground.
“Wrong.”
The dog flailed, trying to free himself from Blueblood’s pin. The Prince struggled to keep him in place.
“Let me goooo!”
Big Macintosh soon ran over, taking the unicorn’s place.
“I’ll take it from here. Go check on the fillies, would you?”
“Of course.”
Near them, Spike approached Sweetie Belle, whose eyes were spinning in confusion from being tossed around.
“Sweetie Belle! Are you all right?”
The filly shook the dizzyness out of her head and looked at the dragon in amazement.
“Spike! You... you saved me! My hero!”
In a flash, Sweetie Belle closed the distance that separated her from the dragon and seized him a a bone-crushing hug.
“You’re welcome. I was only doing the right thing and uh... Sweetie Belle? Sweetie Belle! I... can’t... breathe!”
The filly blushed, pulling away quickly.
“Oh... um... sorry. You’re so brave!”
“I am? Uh, I mean... of course I am!”
Spike posed proudly, eliciting a warm giggle from Sweetie Belle. Struck by a sudden idea, Sweetie Belle motioned for him to follow.
“Follow me! I think you deserve a little reward, and I’ve got something for you right over there!”
The young unicorn led Spike to the boulder where Blueblood was now checking on the two earth pony fillies. They were still trembling from the shock.
“Now then, pray tell, what were the three of you doing in such a place?”
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon glanced at each other, until the pink filly finally owned up to their actions.
“We thought we could get Sweetie Belle to find gems.”
Silver Spoon cut in.
“We figured it would help her get her cutie mark.”
The Prince pondered for a moment, before offering them a comforting smile.
“So be it, then. It was noble of you to try to help Sweetie Belle with her cutie mark, but the three of you should have known better than to venture into such a place.”
Sweetie Belle and Spike arrived, walking far closer together than Spike seemed comfortable with. Overhearing the conversation, Spike raised a finger and an objection.
“Hold on just a minute! Help Sweetie Belle with her cutie mark? I don’t buy it. You’re always going around calling her and the Cutie Mark Crusaders ‘blank flanks’! You’re always being mean to them!”
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon recoiled. They were caught.
“Is that so?”
Prince Blueblood’s smile melted into a frown of anger.
“Little misses, is what this young dragon is saying true? Do my ears deceive me, or are my local fans... schoolyard bullies?”
The last two words were full of venom and disgrace. The fillies repeatedly looked to each other and back to the Prince, stammering incoherently as they tried to find an excuse.
“We were um... um... we wanted to... uh...”
“We thought that ... well... maybe if we...”
Finally, they looked down with defeated sighs and nodded silently.
Spike silently watched, hesitant, while Sweetie Belle seemed more interested in looking dreamily at her newfound knight in shining scales.
“Young ladies, I want the truth. Why did you truly bring Sweetie Belle here?”
Silver Spoon was the first to own up to their actions.
“We got her to think that, if she found gems, she’d get a cutie mark like her sister.”
Diamond Tiara nodded in agreement.
“We figured that when she’d find some, we’d grab them and run.”
Blueblood remained stone-faced.
“Very well. I see how it is. Young fillies, that is hardly proper for ponies of your status, or really, of any status. Once we get back to town, I would like to have a talk with your parents.”
The two fillies nodded dejectedly.
“At least you two are willing to own up to your mistakes. That is a noble thing to do in the face of one’s misdeeds.”
At the earlier mention of gemstones, Sweetie Belle had suddenly shot back to attention, silently motioning for Spike to keep following her. The small turquoise gem still sat where she had dropped it earlier. Sweetie Belle focused intensely and an unsteady aura of purple magic lifted the stone in the air and dropped it into Spike’s unexpecting claws.
“I found this earlier, and I want you to have it for saving me.”
The young dragon eyed the gemstone over, his eyes wide in amazement.
“It’s... beautiful! Thank you, Sweetie Belle!”
Slowly edging over towards Spike, Sweetie Belle offered a friendly smile.
“You’re welcome, Spike! You deserve it!”
Spike’s dazzled gaze kept shifting between the stone and the filly, until he was startled out of his thoughts by a piercing caterwaul echoing through the air. Opalescence came running seemingly out of nowhere and leapt off of the dirty ground, bouncing off the top of Spike’s head, claws fully extended. The young dragon soon found himself blinded when the hat that she had been carrying fell out of the cat’s grasp and onto his head, the brim completely obscuring his eyes.
“Get back here, you!”
“Opalescence! Come to mommy!”
Applejack and Rarity came rushing to the scene, screeching to a stop as they noticed the impromptu gathering.
“Big Macintosh? What the hay’s goin’ on here?”
“Sweetie Belle! Prince Blueblood! What happened?”
Opalescence’s came to a stop as she landed on the Diamond Dog’s back, latching onto him with an earsplitting hiss. Panicked, the canine shot up into the air and fled into the distance with an incoherent series of yips, struggling to shake off the enraged feline. Pushed away, Big Macintosh fell to the ground with a resounding thump, but quickly stood back up and rejoined the group.
“I reckon they shouldn’t trouble us for a while.”
Freeing the young dragon from her hat, Applejack nodded to Big Macintosh.
“You said it, brother.”
Rarity ran over to her younger sister, inspecting her from every angle.
“Sweetie Belle, are you okay? They better not have hurt you!”
The filly trotted to her sister and pulled her into a hug.
“I’m okay, Rarity. Spike protected me!”
Rarity turned to the young dragon, whose gaze seemed unable to decide which the two unicorn sisters it wanted to be planted on.
“Spike? Is that so? How admirable!”
Spike hesitated for a moment.
“Yeah, I... uh... I guess I did. Well, with a little help. Blueblood is the one who led the whole thing, really. I helped though, you should have seen it! I was all like...”
Spike inhaled deeply and demonstrated a burst of dragon flames, only to find out as the smoke cleared that Rarity had stepped over to Blueblood. Sweetie Belle, however, had been watching attentively.
Rarity turned to look at Blueblood, who was still discussing matters of discipline and proper attitude with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Next to him, Big Macintosh and Applejack were watching silently, curious about the Prince’s impromptu lesson. Rarity trotted over to the two farmer ponies, leaving Sweetie Belle to lavish admiration upon her savior.
“Big Macintosh, thank you so very much for helping Sweetie Belle from those... repugnant creatures! Is it true, what Spike said? Did Blueblood really lead you to help Sweetie Belle and those two?”
“Eeyup. He was mighty brave about it, too.”
In an instant, Rarity now stood by Prince Blueblood, who turned to face her.
“Oh! Prince Blueblood! Such courage! Such bravery! Such heroism!”
Big Macintosh and Applejack shared a chuckle.
“Well, big brother, looks like she ain’t doubtin’ no more.”
“Eeyup.”
Big Macintosh turned to the two earth pony fillies.
“C’mon, you two; let’s get you home. I think Prince Blueblood and Miss Rarity need to talk. Applejack, mind fetching Rarity’s cat?”
“No problem, big brother.”
Rarity gazed at the Prince with sparkling eyes.
“Prince Blueblood, I am oh so thankful! To think that such a noble stallion has been hidden from me all this time!”
As the farmers left, Blueblood looked at Rarity, unsure of what to say and still afraid that he would accidentally offend her. He offered a heartfelt smile.
“You are quite welcome, Miss Rarity. Still, it was only my duty as a royal of Equestria.”
“Oh, Prince Blueblood, such modesty is unbecoming of a stallion of your status. You more than deserve praise for your actions. How could I ever thank you?”
Prince Blueblood smiled, looking deep into Rarity’s blue eyes.
“You could, perhaps, meet me tomorrow at La Rose Dorée for dinner at sundown? On my bits, of course.”
Rarity paused for a moment, hesitating. She swallowed her doubts, a charmed smile tracing its way onto her face as she gazed back at him.
“I would be delighted, Prince Blueblood.”
~~~
To Be Continued
~~~
Coming up next in To Be a Better Stallion
“Forty three dresses, sixteen overcoats, twenty six hats, thirty five articles of jewelry, and nine different sets of shoes, yet none of these seem quite perfect for the occasion. What am I to do!?”
~Rarity
…
“I just wanted to say, about the other day with the puddle and everything...”
~Rainbow Dash
...
“Well then, shall we?” ~Rarity
“With pleasure." ~Prince Blueblood
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Autumn Wind
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1439
| 9 |
Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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To Be a Better Stallion
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Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
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complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2012-03-26T15:12:06+00:00
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2012-03-26T15:12:06+00:00
| 6,704 |
“Forty-three dresses, sixteen overcoats, twenty-six hats, thirty-five articles of jewelry, and nine different sets of shoes, yet none of these seem quite perfect for the occasion. I have nothing to wear!”
Rarity frantically tore through her walk-in closet, her magical aura parading each of her clothes through her line of sight before unceremoniously tossing them into a corner of the room. The other Elements of Harmony were all present, having agreed to help Rarity get ready for her date. However, they were finding themselves with little to do other than try to soothe her rising anxiety. Fluttershy kept Opal busy and out of Rarity’s way, while Rainbow Dash and Applejack distracted each other with whispered comments and chuckles and kept the overexcited Pinkie Pie from doing more harm than good. Nervously eyeing the growing pile of discarded dresses, Twilight Sparkle was the first to speak up.
“Rarity! Calm down! You’ll damage your dresses if you keep this up! I’m sure whatever you choose will look won-”
A ruffly dress, all silk and lace, flew through the air and landed on Twilight’s head, muffling the end of her sentence. Ever more panicky, Rarity collapsed on her haunches, the dizzying sight of a depleted closet now surrounding her.
“Calm down? Calm down!? How can I calm down when I’m about to go on a date with the most handsome, most amazing pony in all of Equestria and I have nothing to wear! Oh, this is hopeless!”
Lifting the garment off of her head and folding it nicely before leaving it to rest on a nearby chair, Twilight blinked a few times.
“Okay. I can see why you’d panic, but-”
“Ooh! Ooh! I’ll help! I’m sure I can find something good!”
Pinkie Pie leapt out from behind Applejack and Rainbow Dash and vanished into the pile of clothing which, by any standard, should not have been capable of hiding a young filly, let alone a grown mare. Rarity stepped out of the closet, her mane and tail completely disheveled.
“Pinkie! Be careful! You’ll damage those!”
A few seconds later, Pinkie burst out of the clothes clad in a simple royal blue dress lightly glittering with sequins. Her hooves bore neat gilded sandals, and her front right foreleg was decorated with an elegant bracelet of the same composition. Completing the ensemble, a pair of earrings, sapphire embedded in gold, hung from her ears while a matching necklace circled her neck.
At odds with the ensemble, a black silk bow-tie surmounted the necklace.
Taken aback by the sudden invasion of her property, Rarity stomped a hoof to emphasize her disapproval.
“Pinkie Pie!? What are you doing!? That color doesn’t suit you at all.”
Chuckling to herself, Applejack cut in.
“Uh, Pinkie? I thought we were tryin’ to find something for Rarity to wear.”
Pinkie giggled and hopped over to Rarity.
“Oh! Right! Rarity, come with me!”
The others watched as Pinkie dragged Rarity into one of the boutique’s changing rooms at a breakneck pace. After a few seconds of unbelievable brouhaha, Rarity staggered out of the stall, wearing the outfit. Pinkie emerged behind her, still bearing the bow-tie.
Once her head stopped spinning, Rarity glanced at herself in her full-body mirror.
“My, Pinkie Pie, I don’t know how you did it, but... this looks gorgeous!”
“Well, Duh! It’s like cookies and milk or punch and pie or cupcakes and hot sauce or trampolines and candy canes!”
Rarity paused, desperately trying to find the connection between desserts, trampolines, and fashion, until Twilight Sparkle gently placed a hoof on her shoulder.
“It’s Pinkie, Rarity. You know better than to try to understand.”
Rarity gave a calm smile, levitating a brush over to correct her frazzled mane and tail.
“In any case, thank you, Pinkie Pie. This looks simply divine.”
Before the pink pony could answer, Rainbow Dash walked up to her, inspecting the accessory that still hung from her neck.
“I gotta ask, what’s with the bow-tie, Rarity? That doesn’t look like the kind of thing a mare like you would have.”
“Oh! That thing? A few days ago, not long after Prince Blueblood visited me for the first time, Opalescence came home dragging it behind her. I assumed she had swiped it from some unlucky stallion. I fixed it up nicely and hung on to it so I could give it back to whomever it belonged, and...”
Rarity’s cringed as she thought back to Blueblood’s first arrival in Ponyville. She had missed a very obvious connection, and now all was becoming clear.
“Oh dear! This bow-tie. I just realised... It’s Blueblood’s! Rainbow Dash, you’re the fastest amongst us, would you be a dear and deliver this to its proper owner? Just give me a moment, and I’ll write a note to go along with it.”
Rainbow Dash beamed. While she had little interest in anything mushy, Rarity’s compliment had flared up her spirits and she was more than happy to help a friend in need.
“Sure! What good is being the fastest flier in Equestria if you never put that talent to use! Uh... does anypony know where I can find him?”
Having replaced the fallen dresses neatly back onto their hangers, Twilight turned to the group.
“According to what he told me, he’s staying in room six at the Coltfort Inn, just south of the market place.”
“Alright, I’ll be back in a nanosecond.”
Rainbow turned back to Rarity, who was in the middle of writing the note. The pegasus tapped her hoof impatiently as she waited, until finally, after several agonizing minutes, Rarity lifted her quill from the paper. With a nervous giggle, she held out the note to her friend along with the bow-tie.
“Okay, it’s ready, sorry to keep you waiting.”
Rainbow took hold of the accessory and the letter from Rarity’s magic, speaking around the items.
“Finally! Alright, I won’t be long!”
As the pegasus sped away from the scene, the fashionista turned to the other girls, brushing a wayward strand of her mane away from her face.
“I think I’m going to need to arrange my mane again; all this stress is making it impossible to keep it nice and orderly.”
Making great haste, Rainbow Dash charged out of the door and took off into the skies, the bow-tie and note carefully held in her teeth. She smiled to herself. If Rarity felt Blueblood was the right stallion, then she was going to give him a chance to prove his stuff. However, she’d have to be sent to the moon before she let him approach Rarity again without a good warning...
~~~
"Blasted thing! The legendary Starswirl the Bearded and all of his magic wouldn't know how to make you obey!"
Horn and hooves both desperately at work, Blueblood struggled with a maroon tie. Clad in an increasingly-wrinkled white shirt, the Prince had been reduced to desperate trial-and-error, attempting random loops and knots in the vague hope that the tie would fall in place correctly.
Frustrated, Blueblood let out an incoherent shout of frustration, batting at the accessory with both forelegs just to get it away from him. Seconds later, the stallion found both his front limbs and his neck entangled, leaving him tied up with his rear legs pointing up at the ceiling. The fallen prince kicked at the air in irritation.
“Where’s a tailor when you need one? Somepony get me out of this!”
A knock on the room’s balcony door startled the prince, who craned his sore neck to try and identify the new arrival. In his ridiculous position, however, this proved to be an impossible task.
“Who goes there? Show yourself! I have a horn and I’m not afraid to use it!”
“Blueblood, just open this door, will ya? It’s Rainbow Dash! Rarity told me to bring you something.”
The Prince sighed. Of all the pegasi that could have flown up to his balcony, it had to be the one he had an outstanding conflict with. Still, his tie-induced entanglement left him with no other choice. Blueblood focused on the door’s lock and nudged it open, bracing for the worst.
Rainbow Dash stepped in.
“Blueblood? Where are y-”
The pegasus interrupted herself as she found the prince in a compromising position, her mouth falling agape. Not a second later, Rainbow Dash burst into uncontrollable laughter, clutching her sides with her forelegs.
“Miss Dash! Would you please stop laughing and help me?”
Slowly recovering, Rainbow Dash stood back up, still cracking up as she tried to speak.
“S-s-sorry, it’s just... you look so... ridiculous!”
She pointed out his reflection in the mirror that decorated the room’s closet door. Blueblood rolled to his side and observed, still attempting to kick out of the fabric’s hold. He looked like he was being attacked by some kind of vicious fabric-snake and was futilely struggling to get away.
How he had even managed to get so badly entangled remained a mystery even to him. Blueblood attempted to keep a straight face but it was futile. He burst into laughter in turn, with Dash soon joining him again, neither of them able to control themselves.
“Oh dear! Hahaha! I look like such a fool!”
“Hah, that reminds me of that costume Rarity made me for the Grand Galloping Gala. You wouldn’t believe how much I struggled with those sandals. My hooves were sore for days!”
Blueblood chuckled, but a wayward cramp reminded him of the situation at hand.
“That is a rather amusing story, Rainbow Dash, but I would really appreciate if you could help me get untangled from this accursed thing.”
“Oh, uh, right.”
After a few minutes of struggling and pulling, the Prince was finally free. Stretching his sore neck, he turned to the pegasus.
“Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I’m not sure what I’d have done without you.”
“Heh, with the laugh you gave me, I should be thanking you. You know, you’re not so bad after all. I thought you’d be a lot more stuck-up.”
Blueblood gritted his teeth at the words, but chose to keep the peace. After all, he had rather deserved such a title before, and it would take time before it became clear to all that he was no longer so uptight.
“Well then, you’re very welcome. Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
Rainbow Dash’s eyes shot open for a moment, and she fumbled to find something until she pulled out a small package that had been tucked under her wing.
“Oh, right. Rarity wanted me to get these two things to you. She said you’d know what to do with them.”
Blueblood’s eyes sparkled with amazement as he saw the accessory that his magic now held afloat.
“My favorite bow-tie! Wherever did she find it!?”
Rainbow Dash snickered.
“Apparently, her cat dragged it home. It was in a pretty banged-up state, but Rarity patched it up lickety-split.”
Blueblood admired the craftsmanship on the few repairs that had been applied to the item. Rarity’s work was certainly polished: He could hardly tell where her fixes had been made. The item now smelled of light, flowery perfume. Rarity’s, he guessed.
“I’m very thankful for the delivery, Ms. Dash. I’ll take good care to peruse the letter as well.”
“Hah, it was nothing!”
Rainbow Dash grinned, only for her expression to gradually turn somber as a thought came to her.
“Hey, while I’m around...”
“Yes?”
“I just wanted to say, about the other day with the puddle and everything...”
Noting Rainbow Dash’s hesitation, Blueblood extended a foreleg towards her, offering a conciliatory hoofshake.
“Let us speak no more of it. You and I both got carried away on that day. What do you say we leave that behind us?”
The pegasus energetically bumped her hoof against his with a smile, leaving the prince somewhat confused by the more casual gesture.
“Sounds good to me. Anyway, I’d better get back to the boutique before Rarity goes crazy.”
Blueblood accompanied Rainbow Dash towards the balcony.
“Have a good flight back, then.”
“I sure will!”
Dash kicked off the balcony’s ramp and into the sky, only to turn back after a moment.
“Oh, and Blueblood...”
“Yes?”
Rainbow Dash cracked a mischievous smirk.
“I’m giving you a chance with Rarity because she really likes you, but if I hear you’ve hurt her again, Applejack and I will buck you straight back to Canterlot before you can let out a whinny!”
Blueblood blinked twice, surprised, before suddenly displaying an understanding smile.
“I would expect no less of Rarity’s friends, of course.”
~~~
Esteemed Prince Blueblood,
It has come to my attention that this bow-tie belongs to you. I am afraid it was somewhat damaged during the events that led it from you to me, and I have taken the liberty of fixing it. I hope this is not a problem for you.
I would be delighted to see you wearing this beautiful accessory during our little outing tonight, and it is with hope that I await this fated encounter with the new you.
I do believe I owe you an apology for taking so long in showing you any consideration. After all, you have been doing much good in Ponyville and at Sweet Apple Acres. I will confess that I was worried that we would have a repeat of the Gala, but after seeing for myself the results of your scuffle with those vile creatures, these doubts have been completely banished.
Setting aside the letter for a moment, Blueblood’s eyes fell to his bandaged chest. The mark left there by the Diamond Dog was healing well, and would thankfully not leave any scars. Smiling proudly, Blueblood resumed reading, pacing around his hotel room in the evening’s tranquility.
I am very impressed by how much you have improved your attitude over these last few days.
I became rather doubtful after your rather ridiculous presentation at my door, and your conflict with my friend Rainbow Dash had only emphasized these negative feelings. Not that I didn’t give her some grief for her rude treatment of your person, of course.
Contrary to my expectations, you soon began showing a completely different side whose existence I had never expected. I began hearing so much about you. Dropping off Sweetie Belle at school, I encountered Ditzy Doo and her daughter, who were quick to tell me about how you had covered for them at Sugarcube Corner. Twilight recounted to me how pleasant you had been during your visit with her, as well as how you had been nice to her back at Celestia’s school.
I clearly recall Sweetie Belle coming home overjoyed some days ago, after you had recounted your cutie mark story to her and her friends. Then, of course, you completely blew me away by taking on a ferocious and utterly revolting beast in order to protect my dear little sister. For that, I am eternally grateful.
I suppose what I really want to say is: Thank you, Blueblood. Thank you for the good you’ve done in Ponyville. You have truly become a paragon.
Blueblood chuckled to himself, eyeing the crumpled tie that lay in the corner of the room, now bathed in the light of the late afternoon sun.
“And yet, I remain a fool.”
I eagerly await our date tonight.
Sincerely,
Rarity
The Prince could almost have danced with glee. He stood tall and proud, and looked at himself in the mirror, a wide grin plastered on his face.
“This is it, Blueblood: Your big chance. You’re all dressed up and ready to go. Remember what Amethyst said: ‘If you want to see success, you’ll make her feel like a princess.’ Look out, Equestria, for a new stallion is coming to town. No longer is Prince Blueblood a stuck-up jerk. This new pony shall blow you away with his generosity and noble chivalry!”
Judging that the sun was low enough in the sky, the dapper stallion checked his outfit one last time.
“Bow-tie? Perfect. Undershirt? Nice and white. Vest? Great. Overcoat? Fantastic. No use keeping Miss Rarity waiting; here I go!”
~~~
Rarity paced about the boutique while Twilight and Fluttershy did their best to comfort her rising panic. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie had been called to answer various other commitments.
“Should I go now? Will I seem too eager? The sun has just started to set. What if he thinks I’m too eager? What if he thinks I’m not eager enough? What if he thinks I’m so right on time I simply had to have been spying on him!? Oh, all this worry is going to give me wrinkles, I swear!”
Twilight moved into Rarity’s path, trying to get her to hold still, only for the fashionista to step around her.
“Rarity, calm down! I’m sure Prince Blueblood is as nervous as you are.”
Rarity stopped in her tracks, turning to face the voice of reason.
“You think so? Oh dear, now I have to worry about making him nervous too!”
Fluttershy turned away from the window out of which she had been watching the sun slowly descend.
“Um, Rarity?”
Oblivious to Fluttershy’s call, Rarity resumed pacing, with Twilight following along with her still trying to get her to listen.
“Am I overdressed? Underdressed? Do you think the bracelet is too much?”
“You look fine, Rarity. You look amazing. I’m sure Blueblood will like it.”
“Um... Rarity? Twilight?”
There was no reaction from the two unicorns. Rarity had now sat before a mirror, and was magically running a brush through her mane, going through several dozen hairstyles a minute.
“What about my mane? Does it look okay? Maybe like this? Oh no, this won’t do. Maybe this? Oh, I’ll never look good enough!”
Twilight’s aura interrupted Rarity’s own, stopping the brush mid-stroke. Rarity’s mane was now a complete mess.
“Rarity, please, breathe. It’s going to be okay. I know it, you know it, Fluttershy knows it. Isn’t that right, Fluttershy?”
“Um... Yes. I’m sure you’ll do fine, Rarity, but...”
“Thank you, girls. What would I ever do without you two, I wonder? I’m so sorry, this is all so troubling for me. Pray tell, Fluttershy, what’s so interesting outside that you’ve been watching it for the past few minutes?”
Fluttershy sunk down in shame, disappointed that it had taken so long for her to finally warn her friend.
“Um... Prince Blueblood is just about to....”
The boutique’s doorbell chimed, announcing the Prince’s arrival. Fluttershy let out a pained squeal. It was too late.
“... get here....”
Rarity shot up in a panic, rushing for the door and opening it without thinking of the wreck that was her mane. The Prince stood tall and strong upon the boutique’s porch, offering a ridiculously exaggerated smile. His chest was puffed out like an overly inflated balloon and his proud stance seemed to be about to make him fall forward face first. The prince gasped with all the credibility and intonation of a cardboard cutout.
"Oh my! What fortune! I have discovered the mysterious third princess of Equestria!"
Rarity and Blueblood’s faces both fell as they came face-to-face with each other. She looked as though she had been run through Rainbow Dash’s patented Rain-Blow Dry, while his introductory line could have made Discord’s petrified form wince. The two fell into silence, hesitantly looking at each other speechlessly until Twilight stepped in.
“Ooo...kay. Looks like we got off on the wrong hoof here. How about we close this door, fix up Rarity’s mane, find a better pick-up line and try again?”
Blueblood and Rarity both nodded hesitantly as the stallion stepped backwards off the porch and Twilight gently nudged the door shut. Rarity collapsed onto her haunches and sighed in despair.
“Oh, girls, I’ve gone and completely messed things up.”
Outside, the Prince traveled the short length of the boutique’s pathway a few times, berating himself, speaking louder than he seemed to notice. His voice echoed through the boutique’s door, reaching the mares.
“Nice one, Blueblood. Very distinguished. Coming so early she didn’t have time to do her mane, spouting a ridiculous cliché of an entrance line. What next? Will you ask her if she hurt herself falling from the sky because she looks like an angel, too? If this gets back to Canterlot, I’m never going to live it down... Okay... okay... Breathe, Blueblood, breathe. This is only a minor setback. Thankfully, Lady Sparkle was here to pick up the pieces. I best give her a few moments to get nice and ready and let the ridicule pass....”
Twilight gave Rarity a wry smirk.
“I don’t think Blueblood will be blaming you.”
The doorbell chimed a second time, startling Rarity and causing her to dive for the hairbrush. After brushing her mane back into her usual elegant style, Rarity swallowed her fears and called out to the Prince in a melodic tone.
“Coming!”
Bolstered by her friends’ encouraging smiles, Rarity opened the door to a definitely less goofy-looking Blueblood, who greeted her with a warm smile and a mischievous wink.
“Hello, young filly, is your older sister home?”
Rarity giggled, blushing lightly.
“Oh, you! You flatter me.”
Blueblood chuckled.
“I know we’d agreed to meet at the restaurant, but I ventured a guess that you would perhaps like to walk there together.”
Rarity beamed, moving to Blueblood’s side.
“That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
Twilight and Fluttershy approached the door, and the would-be couple moved aside to let them through. Twilight offered the two a smile.
“I’d better get going. Have a great time!”
Fluttershy nodded in agreement, full of joy at the sight of the Prince and Rarity.
“I should head home too. I hope the two of you have a wonderful evening together.”
Rarity took a step towards her friends, hugging each of them one by one.
“Thank you very much, girls. Oh, and Twilight, thank you so very much again for agreeing to watch Sweetie Belle and her friends for me tonight. You know how it is with my parents, always so unexpectedly busy. Are you sure everything will be okay?”
Twilight nodded reassuringly.
“I’m sure things’ll be alright. I have everything under control. You just enjoy your date and relax. I’m sure Spike and the girls can handle themselves at the library until I get back.”
Rarity bowed her head.
“Thank you again, Twilight. I hope the two of you have a nice evening.”
Rarity and Blueblood watched as the two mares walked away, waving goodbye one last time. As they turned out of the boutique’s pathway, Blueblood turned to Rarity.
“It’s nice to see you have such great support from your friends.”
Rarity gave a contented sigh, remembering just how much help her five best friends had been in getting ready for her date and keeping herself sane these last few days.
“They are certainly great to have around. I don’t know how I’d manage without them. So sorry to have kept you waiting, by the way.”
Blueblood smiled politely.
“It’s no problem at all, I assure you.”
As Twilight and Fluttershy vanished out of the pair’s sights, Rarity motioned with a forehoof for the two of them to move ahead.
“Well then, shall we?”
Blueblood tentatively took the first step, feeling as though he were walking on clouds.
“With pleasure."
As they walked, Blueblood hesitantly held out a small box, tied closed with a colorful ribbon. He wasn’t sure offering a gift so early was a good idea, but he had felt better doing so than not.
“I brought you a little something.”
Rarity gently took the item with her magic, undoing the ribbon and peeking inside, a delighted smile appearing on her face.
“Oh! Is this what I think it is?”
A dainty little sniff confirmed her thoughts.
“Baalgian chocolate! My favorite! How nice of you, Blueblood.”
The prince smiled back nervously, trying not to let his worry show through.
“You’re quite welcome, Miss Rarity. Those sheep certainly know their chocolate, do they not?”
~~~
Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy stopped as they reached the Ponyville library.
“So, um, Twilight, are you sure you don’t need any help taking care of the three of them? I know they can be a real hooffull, sometimes.”
The unicorn winked to her friend.
“Fluttershy, I know you already have something to do tonight, and I’m sure I’ll be able to handle them. It’s almost their bedtime, anyway. You just go and enjoy yourself with your very special somepony, okay?”
Fluttershy turned a very crimson shade of red, offering a very coy smile.
“If you insist. I guess I should be on my way. Have a good evening, Twilight. I’ll be at Sweet Apple Acres if you need me, okay? It’s no problem at all if you need my help.”
Twilight rubbed her temple. She gently nudged the meek pegasus, not-too-subtly letting her know it was time to go.
“Oh, Fluttershy.”
The unicorn sighed.
“It’s okay, I promise. Go on, now, you go and have a good time.”
Fluttershy stretched open her wings, propelling herself up with a few clumsy flaps.
“I will.”
Grinning at Fluttershy’s small burst of confidence, Twilight turned and walked into the library. Three fillies and a young dragon were seated at the dinner table, enjoying the snack of muffins Rarity had sent over with them. As she stepped into the library, the unicorn could hear singing and laughter from Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.
“Spike and Sweetie, inside a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g!”
Immediately, the so-called lovers reacted in annoyance.
“Are not!”
Apple Bloom grinned widely, pointing an accusatory hoof at the unicorn and the dragon.
“You answered at the same time! Are so!”
Spike reacted faster, insisting.
“Are not!”
“Are so!”
“Are not!”
In contrast to the young dragon’s annoyance, Sweetie giggled just as much as her friends. Spike seemed to have forgotten the entire debate’s purpose and was simply going along with the repeated negation.
Twilight chuckled. Foals would be foals. She stepped into the dining area, greeting the assembled ponies.
“Okay, okay, that’s quite enough. It’s getting a little late. Finish up your muffins, then it’s time for bed.”
Four voices echoed together, voicing their disapproval.
“Awww!”
Scootaloo stood up.
“No way, we have crusading plans for tonight, and Spike promised to help us! With a dragon’s help, we’re bound to find our cutie marks!”
Twilight’s resolve didn’t falter, and she persisted, admonishing them gently.
“You’ll have plenty of time to go looking for your cutie marks tomorrow. If you’re good, I’ll even tell you a nice story.”
Apple Bloom stood up next.
“We ain’t going to bed until we’ve looked for our cutie marks.”
Sweetie Belle and Spike followed suit.
“Yeah! We’re not going!”
Twilight sighed and rolled her eyes, her horn flaring up.
“Looks like we’re going to have to do this the hard way...”
~~~
“... and would you believe it, Prime Minister Fair Vote was wearing mismatched horseshoes!”
Rarity burst into laughter as the Prince finished his story.
“Oh, Prince Blueblood, that is simply hilarious.”
Blueblood chuckled alongside her, only to pause as she used his honorific title.
“Miss Rarity, please, you can simply call me Blueblood. There is no need for such formalities between us.”
Rarity nodded, blushing. She hadn’t expected him to be so accessible, but she certainly wasn’t going to complain.
“Oh, of course. In exchange, I would like to ask you to do away with the ‘Miss’. Just Rarity is more than adequate coming from such a polite stallion.”
Prince Blueblood bowed, bringing out his best theatrics.
“If it is milady’s desire, then it shall be done.”
Flattered, Rarity grew even redder. The two of them walked side by side, glancing at one another occasionally. Just as they were about to cross one of Ponyville’s main roads, Blueblood stopped in his tracks, motioning for Rarity to do the same.
“Rarity! Wait!”
Rarity stopped immediately, eyeing her companion curiously.
“It would pain me to see your magnificent shoes ruined by this dirty puddle. Please, allow me.”
Blueblood nodded towards the ground, where a large puddle of the morning’s rain had accumulated. The last time he had been faced with such a conundrum, he had made the worst possible decision. This time, he knew what to do. With a practiced gesture, Blueblood’s horn flared, plucking his overcoat off of his shoulders. He floated it ahead of their path, but found himself hesitating. It pained him to ruin such a nice vestment. Was it truly necessary? Certainly, chivalry demanded it, but....
Resigned to his fate, the Prince released his magic’s grasp, watching as the coat floated down to its wet, soggy, dirty fate. Unable to face its demise, Blueblood looked away, only to be surprised when he felt the touch of dry fabric across his back. A quick glance revealed that a blue magical aura had left it there.
“While I very much appreciate the gesture, it would pain me to see your magnificent overcoat ruined by this dirty puddle. Please, let us simply step around this wet inconvenience, shall we?”
Relieved, Blueblood sighed. How fortunate to have proven himself worthy and kept his clothes dry all at once!
~~~
Big Macintosh watched the clouds drift by as the sun slowly descended below the horizon. He unhooked himself from the plow and stretched his tired muscles as he gazed over the large area of fields he’d gotten prepared over the course of the day. Just as the farmer moved to take the plow back into storage, the sound of wings flapping rhythmically attracted his attention.
There were many stars in the evening sky, but none of them shone quite as brightly to him as the eyes of the mare that approached from above. Fluttershy gracefully glided to his side, nuzzling against him as she landed.
“Good evening, Big Macintosh.”
The farmer returned the affectionate gesture, edging closer to her to shield her from the crisp evening chill.
“Good evenin’, Miss Fluttershy.”
The pegasus frowned lightly at the formality.
“Please, Macintosh, just Fluttershy is more than okay.”
Big Macintosh nodded silently, knowing full well he’d need to be reminded of her preference again later. He smiled mischievously.
“Heh, my mistake.”
Fluttershy giggled, familiar with Macintosh’s little game of teasing.
“Did you have a good day?”
“Couldn’t ask for anything better. What about you, Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy giggled, pressing against the larger stallion.
“Oh, it was wonderful. This morning, my animals were extra-affectionate, even Angel Bunny, and you know how he usually is. Then, in the afternoon, I went over to Rarity’s with your sister and the rest of the girls, and we helped Rarity get ready for her date with Prince Blueblood. Things got a little awkward when he showed up, but Twilight helped clear things up. I think they’re going to have a pretty nice date tonight.”
The farmer smiled, listening attentively. He’d always known Fluttershy to be a quiet pony, but she had turned out to be quite the talkative one when she was around him.
“Good to know those two might work out. They certainly look like a good fit.”
“Kind of like you two, eh big brother?”
Fluttershy instinctively stepped away from Big Macintosh, turning to face the new voice.
“Oh... um... Hi Applejack. I hope... um... you don’t mind about....”
Big Macintosh rolled his eyes. He’d hoped Applejack wouldn’t catch them so soon, but now? He’d never hear the end of it. The cowpony approached the pegasus with a broad smile and, to Fluttershy’s surprise, pulled her into a tight hug.
“Fluttershy, I can’t think of anypony else I’d rather see courtin’ with my brother. Take good care of him for me, would you? He’s got a good heart, but he doesn’t know when to stop workin’.”
Big Macintosh chuckled, watching the two mares.
“I’m standin’ right here, you know.”
Before Fluttershy could say anything, Applejack tightened her embrace.
“You’re a good gal, sugarcube. I’m sure you two will be real happy together.”
~~~
“Oh, Blueblood, this place is simply magnificent! I can’t believe I haven’t thought of coming here before!”
Blueblood’s eyes shot wide open in surprise.
"Oh? I’m quite surprised; I would have expected a lady such as you to have explored all the culinary delights to be found in her hometown.”
Rarity’s eyes sparkled as they took in the welcoming decor and the pleasant smells of the restaurant.
“To be honest, it had simply eluded me; I’d never seen it before. It is rather out of the way, after all, lodged between those two large hotels.”
The stallion reflected on the matter a moment, bringing a hoof to his chin.
“Indeed. I would say that adds to its charms. The ambience is so nice and quiet.”
Rarity nodded in agreement.
“All too true... Is that a grand piano I see in the corner?”
Blueblood followed Rarity’s eyes to the instrument, which sat on its small stage, unoccupied.
“It certainly is. Would you believe they have a young dragon pianist here?”
Rarity looked at Blueblood with the utmost confusion. She certainly wasn’t aware of a second young dragon in Ponyville, and she knew for a fact that Spike didn’t have a job as a restaurant musician. However, before she could delve into the question any further, their waitress approached the table, levitating a platter alongside herself.
“Good evening, Prince Blueblood, it’s quite a pleasure to see you again.”
Crystal Château turned to Rarity and offered a warm smile.
“Good evening to you as well, Miss Rarity. I’ve heard great things about your boutique.”
Prince Blueblood smiled to their waitress.
“Good evening to you as well, Crystal.”
Crystal set down the platter. Upon it sat two elegant crystal glasses and a shining bottle of grape nectar clearly labeled with ‘Colton Estate Vineyard.’ As the waitress addressed the two unicorns, she busied herself with magically uncorking the bottle and pouring each of them a portion of the juice, as well as floating two menus onto the table. The gesture was automatic.
“I’ll be your waitress for this evening. If there’s anything you need, please feel free to signal for me. I hope your meal at La Rose Dorée is peaceful and pleasant!”
The two unicorns nodded politely at the waitress before peering into their menus, thanking Crystal Château in unison as she stepped away to let them make their decision. After a few moments, Rarity looked up from the scrumptious selection of meals, each looking more delicious than the last.
“Oh, I’ll never be able to decide; everything looks so exquisite.”
Equally puzzled, Blueblood looked up at her.
“I know what you mean. I’ve been here so many times, and I still don’t know what to have.”
They were distracted by two stallions clad in expensive-looking suits walking by their table, engaged in what sounded like the tail end of a business dinner meeting. The first, a haughty-looking pegasus, seemed rather pleased with himself. He spoke high and loud, intent on displaying his superiority for all to see.
“Well then, Brown Nose, I’ll be happy to have you as my vice president starting tomorrow.”
His follower, a meek earth pony, bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, sir. It’s an honor.”
As he was directly next to Blueblood and Rarity’s table, the pegasus made a grand gesture, both with his forelegs and wings.
“You’ll see. With me at its head, this company will grow like no other!”
As it flared outwards, his right wing struck Rarity’s glass, spilling it onto the table. The liquid nearly splashed onto Rarity, who leapt out of her chair in a panic, narrowly avoiding a terrible stain on her outfit.
“Why! I never! You, sir, nearly ruined my dress! I have half a mind to-”
“Rarity, please! Please!”
Livid, Rarity turned to Blueblood, who offered a gentle, reassuring smile.
“Please allow me to handle this.”
Ignoring her twitching right eye, Rarity did her best to compose herself, nodding her approval. Blueblood took a step towards the offending stallion. The business earth pony eyed him cautiously.
“Thanks for stepping in. At least now we can discuss this without any crazy-”
Blueblood’s glare silenced the businesspony. The Prince edged closer, staring the offender in the eye and speaking between his teeth.
“You, sir, nearly ruined Miss Rarity’s dress. Have you no decency, flailing about like a foal and raising your voice around ponies trying to enjoy a peaceful dinner? If anypony here is crazy, it would be you.”
The other stallion stumbled back, turning red in the face with anger.
“How dare you speak to me like this?! Do you know who I am?!”
The Prince stared at him blankly for a second, before bursting into laughter.
“Really? You’re playing the ‘do you know who I am?’ card with me? Sir, tell me, do you, perhaps, realise who you are talking to?”
A look of sheer terror came upon the pegasus’s eyes as they stopped on Blueblood’s cutie mark.
“P-P-Prince Blueblood! I am ever so sorry for this inconvenience. I apologize for not being able to stay any longer, but I must go... er... polish my safe. Yes, I need to go polish my safe. I hope you two have a good evening!”
The businesspony hightailed it out of the restaurant, followed by his assistant. The earth pony seemed ready to burst into laughter at any moment. Rarity walked over to the Prince, beaming.
“Such bravery, Prince Blueblood, I’m impressed! Thank you so much for standing up for me.”
Prince Blueblood smiled back.
“It was my pleasure, Miss Rarity. Fortunately, your dress remains as pristine as ever. If you’ll please give me a moment, I’ll fetch Miss Château. I’m sure it won’t be a problem assigning us to another table so they can clean up this mess.”
The two unicorns shared a mischievous glance and a smile. Everything was going perfectly.
~~~
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sat at the window of their respective rooms, separated by nothing but the air above part of their houses’ yards. Having been grounded with little to do in their rooms, the two fillies were more thankful than ever that they lived next to each other. Their voices echoed through the tranquil evening.
“... Silver Spoon, do you think maybe we went, like, too far this time?”
Silver Spoon looked up at her friend, whose head, much like hers, was propped up on her hooves, elbows on the windowsill.
“I don’t know. I mean... it was just a few gems, right? But... Prince Blueblood scolded us so badly.”
Diamond Tiara sighed.
“Daddy said we should apologize to Sweetie Belle, earlier. D’you think maybe...”
The gray filly pondered the obvious question for a moment, unsure.
“I’m not sure... Do we really have to? It’s not like it’s our fault the Diamond Dogs came... I wonder what Prince Blueblood would do.”
Diamond Tiara scratched her head, looking at the framed autograph of the prince that hung from her wall.
“Well... Prince Blueblood is like... totally proper, right? You know, the good kind of proper.”
Silver Spoon nodded in agreement.
“I think I know where you’re going, with how he told us we weren’t acting proper, right? Do you think... we’re bad ponies or something?”
Diamond Tiara shook her head immediately.
“No, it’s not that, I mean, Prince Blueblood liked us until we picked on Sweetie Belle. Like, Blueblood’s a really important pony and everypony looks up to him, but I’ve never heard of him picking on anypony. Have you?”
Silver Spoon’s answer came immediately.
“Nope. Never. He’s always so polite to everypony... Maybe we should ask him to teach us how to be proper, tomorrow. Then we could be great like him!”
Diamond Tiara’s eyes sparkled in excitement.
“That’s a great idea! Then we’ll know what to do for sure!”
The two fillies grinned, going through a practiced motion despite the distance making the gesture somewhat awkward.
“Bump! Bump! Sugar Lump Rump!”
~~~
“I must say, this is simply delightful.”
Rarity took another eager bite of her salad, daintily wiping a droplet of dressing off of her lips.
“Indubitably. Everything is always so fresh and prepared with great care. Oh! Look, here comes the pianist. Looks like they’re back with their regular musician.”
A white unicorn stepped onto the stage, his short black mane elegantly slicked back. He bore a cutie mark of a set of black and white piano keys. The stallion sat at the piano and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and focusing intensely. His horn lit up with a bright white glow, causing the piano’s keyboard to do the same. The keys came to life in an elegant melody.
Rarity caught herself gently swaying her forehoof from right to left in time with the music.
“Ah! Ivory Keys’s ‘Sun Princess Sonata’. I love this piece so.”
Prince Blueblood paused to listen attentively, recognising the familiar notes.
“Indeed, it is a rather delightful piece. Did you know the Royal Canterlot Orchestra performs it in nearly all of their concerts?”
Rarity’s eyes went wide.
“The Royal Canterlot Orchestra? Oh, how I’ve always dreamed of witnessing one of their concerts. I hear it is a most grandiose experience!”
The Prince beamed.
“I would be more than happy to invite you to their next performance.”
Fighting off the urge to immediately accept, Rarity politely nodded.
“Thank you for the generous offer. I’ll certainly consider it. Pray tell, other than concerts, what does a pony of your status do for his enjoyment in Canterlot?”
~~~
The library’s basement was dark and quiet. Sharing a bed, the Cutie Mark Crusaders lay in bed, still awake. In his basket nearby, Spike was fighting off sleep as well. The young dragon was the first to complain, keeping his voice down.
“I can’t believe she actually put us to bed.”
Sweetie’s whispers echoed out in the dark.
“The story was really nice, though. I liked the part where the princess forgave the prince and they got married!”
Apple Bloom’s hushed voice came next.
“I thought it was funny when the prince fell into the big cake.”
The others laughed quietly. Scootaloo spoke up next, perhaps a little too loud.
“Or what about when he fought off the evil chimera?!”
Apple Bloom shushed her quickly.
“Quiet! Twilight’ll hear us!”
Spike turned over, facing the fillies.
“Twilight is really good at telling stories, isn’t she?”
A deep yawn escaped the young dragon as he stretched.
“I feel kind of tired. Maybe it’s better if we go to sleep, really. If we wake up early enough tomorrow morning, I’m sure I can help you girls find your cutie marks in no time.”
Three mumbles of approval came from the fillies’ bed.
“Good night, Apple Bloom. Good night, Scootaloo. Good night, Sweetie Belle.”
All three of them answered at once.
“Good night, Spike.”
Spike laid his head deeper into his pillow, basking in the silence, until hushed whispers, too low for him to hear well, came from the fillies once more.
Apple Bloom was the first to break the silence.
“Sweetie Belle, you... and then... and he’ll...”
After a few explanations, Sweetie Belle’s answer came.
“No way, what if he... I want to but... think I should?”
The earth pony replied.
“But yesterday, I saw my brother and Fluttershy... and he looked happy.”
A quiet expression of disgust came from Scootaloo.
“Eww... that’s so girly.”
The young unicorn gave an immediate rebuttal.
“No, you’re the one who’s not girly enough. Apple Bloom, do you really think... I don’t know if I should.”
Apple Bloom, ever the adventurous one, proved to be encouraging.
“What’s the worst that could happen?”
Spike heard nothing for a moment, until the silence was broken by the rustling of bed covers. Thanks to the dim moonlight, he saw Sweetie Belle climb out of bed and slowly approach him.
“Spike, are you awake?”
The young dragon answered hesitantly. Sweetie had been acting strangely around him lately, and to his great confusion, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo seemed fixated with the idea of calling the two of them coltfriend and fillyfriend.
“Uh... yeah, why?”
Sweetie Belle approached him very closely, and whispered to him.
“Thanks again for saving me yesterday, Spike. I wanted to give you this, too, but there were too many ponies around.”
Spike froze up as he felt the little unicorn’s lips gently peck his cheek. He blushed profusely as Sweetie Belle quickly retreated to her bed, giggling.
“Good night, Spike.”
Completely dazzled, Spike answered shakily.
“G-good night, Sweetie Belle.”
The young dragon quickly drifted off to sleep, sailing into a familiar land of pleasant dreams and pretty unicorns. However, where each night those unicorns were tall and slender with sultry eyes and long violet manes, tonight, he found them to be smaller and cuter, with curly pink and purple manes and adorable puppy dog eyes.
~~~
“... let me tell you, darling, it’s not always easy being an older sister, but when Sweetie gives me one of her smiles, it’s worth all the gems in Equestria.”
Rarity caught herself uncontrollably smiling as she recalled Sweetie and her friends bouncing with joy when she’d agreed to let Twilight watch them rather than cancel the sleepover.
Blueblood nodded, finding Rarity’s happiness contagious. He was himself reminded of Dinky’s shining grin when he had bought her and her mother a muffin, and those of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon when they’d gotten their hooves on his autograph.
“It certainly seems rewarding. I must admit, before coming to Ponyville, I hadn’t exactly been one for foals. It is indeed a most heartwarming experience to have one of them smile back at you.”
Raising an eyebrow in intrigue, Rarity leaned in towards the Prince.
“Ah! Little Dinky Doo, if I remember well? Her mother had only the most shining of praise for you when I met her yesterday.”
Blueblood nodded, finishing the last few drops of his after-dinner tea.
“Yes, she was certainly an adorable one. Your sister and her friends are also very endearing, I must say, though the other two little misses tend to be somewhat rambunctious.”
The two unicorns shared a chuckle as the prince continued.
“Ah well, foals will be foals, as it were. I think, however, that the ones who made the most impact on me would be two posh earth pony fillies I encountered a few times.”
Rarity raised an eyebrow.
“Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, I would guess?”
Blueblood nodded.
“Yes. They seemed well-behaved and polite at first, and it disappoints me to know that they are showing... Oh, how to put it... Ah yes, a mean streak.”
Rarity nodded, her smile faltering.
“Oh, those two. Sweetie Belle certainly has a lot to say about them, and I think both of us got a firsthoof sight of her problems with them. Pray tell, how did they leave such an impact on you?”
Blueblood pondered the question for a moment, rubbing his chin with his hoof.
“I think I recognized myself in them, in some way, so very eager to be part of the upper crust, most likely to a fault. I feel that these two could become very good mares, but after what I’ve been hearing of them, I worry that they may end up... well, the way I was before I came to Ponyville.”
Rarity sighed. It soon dawned on her that she’d never really given those two a thought beyond them troubling her little sister.
“Hopefully, that little lecture you gave them yesterday will do them some good.”
Blueblood nodded with a gentle smile.
“One can certainly hope.”
A lull fell over the conversation as both ponies worked on finishing off the last few bites of their dessert. Soon, at the Prince’s behest, Crystal Château came by their table and left the bill, requesting that they meet her by the register once they were ready. Prince Blueblood immediately reached for his bits, only for Rarity to interpose herself.
“Oh, Darling, I simply can’t have you pay for everything. That wouldn’t be right of me.”
Blueblood smiled and plucked the necessary bits out of his coin pouch.
“I must insist, Rarity. I said I was inviting you and paying, and I am a stallion of my word.”
Rarity’s aura took over Blueblood’s and forced the coins back into their pouch.
“Absolutely not.”
A mischievous grin crossed Blueblood’s face.
“Not to pay would be quite improper of me. After all, you did pay for the desserts at the Gala.”
Rarity chuckled. She didn’t have the heart to remind Blueblood that Applejack had given her them for free. Left without a counter argument, she smiled gratefully.
“Fair enough. I insist on paying on our next outing, however.”
Blueblood felt his heart beat like a Zebrican drum.
N-n-next time? She wants a next time?
He composed himself to the best of his ability, laying the noble charmer act on as thick as he could.
“A fair compromise. I would be delighted to meet up with you again soon, Miss Rarity.”
~~~
As she came back by the Prince and his date’s table later that evening, Crystal Château nearly dropped her serving tray. Right in front of her sat the most lavish tip of her career. As she gathered the bits, a white card left amongst them attracted her curiosity. It was a business card from Rarity, showing simple directions to reach her establishment. A quickly written note had been added to the back.
“Miss Château, thank you very much for some of the best service I have ever received... evening has been wonderful for me... would like to express my utmost gratitude.”
Crystal raised an eyebrow as she read on, curious as to what Rarity was angling towards.
“Please drop by when you have a free moment... would be delighted to fit you for a dress... Free of charge!?”
Crystal bounced in excitement as she squirreled away the precious card, promising herself to make good on the offer. A Carousel original for free! The girls would be so jealous!
~~~
Blueblood and Rarity found themselves back at the boutique all too soon, smiling quietly. Still, all good things had to come to an end, wonderful first dates included.
“Thank you very much, Blueblood. I’ve had a positively amazing evening.”
Blueblood bowed elegantly.
“The pleasure is mine, Rarity. It is truly an honor to have been offered a second chance after my... atrocious conduct at the gala.”
Rarity giggled, remembering the events.
“Say no more, Blueblood. You’ve more than redeemed yourself, these last few days.”
Silence fell over them. The Prince’s smile slowly fell to a disappointed frown, which he hid away as quickly as possible.
“I... guess this means good night for now.”
Rarity hesitated for a time. She didn’t want the evening to end just yet, but decency and the general protocol precluded inviting him into her home after just the first date. She turned away coyly, not wanting him to see her disappointment.
“... I guess it does indeed. I hope to see you again soon.”
The prince cracked a smile as he turned away, slowly departing for his hotel.
“I would be honored, Rarity. Perhaps for lunch tomorrow?”
Perking up, Rarity caught up to the Prince, stopping by his side. Blueblood paused as she approached.
“I would be delighted. Also, one last thing before you go, please.”
He turned to face her, curious.
“Yes?”
Rarity hesitantly stepped towards the Prince, and brought her head forward, gently pressing her lips against his cheek.
“Thank you again, for everything.”
The Prince blushed profusely, completely speechless. Rarity nodded politely as she walked back to her door.
“Good night, Prince Blueblood.”
Blueblood returned the gesture politely.
“Good night to you as well, Miss Rarity.”
As she reached the Boutique’s porch, Rarity stopped, unsure. She looked back over her shoulder, seeing the prince slowly moving away. Protocol be darned, she didn’t want the evening to end just yet.
“Prince Blueblood! Wait!”
The prince froze in his tracks and turned to face her, still unsure.
“Yes?”
Rarity pushed the door open with one of her hind legs and nodded towards the door.
“Would you like to come in? I have some Southshore Lake Salt I’ve been saving for a special occasion, and I figured perhaps...”
A little social salt definitely couldn’t hurt, Blueblood assumed.
“I would be delighted.”
The prince smiled warmly as he walked into Rarity’s elegant home and boutique, gently closing the door behind himself.
~~~
To Be Concluded
~~~
What fate awaits our happy lovebirds in the near and far future? Check in next time to find out in the epilogue: ‘Happily Ever After’.
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Autumn Wind
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1439
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Big Macintosh,Prince Blueblood,Rarity,Comedy,Romance,Slice of Life,My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
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To Be a Better Stallion
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Blueblood works hard to improve in order to regain Rarity's affections.
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complete
| 490 | 11 |
<p>After a crushing second rejection from Rarity, Blueblood finds himself rather emotionally shaken. However, when he finds himself under the guidance of an unassuming farmer, the noblecolt's life will take a turn the likes of which he would never have expected.</p><p>Shout out to Sketchy Sounds, who is working on a reading of this fic: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAOt0gSKqK4&feature=youtu.be</a></p>
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everyone
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2012-04-23T01:07:40+00:00
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2018-04-09T22:01:59+00:00
| 8,278 |
Rarity beamed as she reclined into the carriage’s comfortable seat. The plush cushioning felt wonderful, but not nearly as much as the stallion she was currently leaning against.
“Oh, Blueblood! I still can’t believe I’m going to the gala for the second year in a row! I simply cannot thank you enough!”
Pressed against her side, the Prince gave her cheek a gentle nuzzle.
“I simply couldn’t have enjoyed it without you, and your friends have been so good to me, this was the very least I could do to pay them back.”
With a sigh of contentment, Rarity turned to face the Prince, planting a kiss on his cheek.
“I can’t believe it’s nearly been a year already....”
~~~
After their fateful dinner date, Rarity and Prince Blueblood enjoyed frequent romantic encounters over the span of a week. However, Blueblood eventually had to return home to Canterlot. The two wrote to each other constantly, until the perfect occasion came up for Rarity to visit Canterlot for a few days to do some shopping and enjoy some quality time with her very special somepony.
Of course, to their delight, the media was immediately all over their story. A combination of fashion, friends in high places, and a royal’s love helped launch Rarity’s reputation into the stratosphere. Conversely, being in the spotlight gave Prince Blueblood a golden opportunity to redeem himself to Canterlot’s high society. Until now, most had dismissed him as an airheaded, stuck-up brat, but that reputation soon faded thanks to his newfound chivalry.
The couple quickly became the news of the hour, making public appearances all over Canterlot. They were even asked by Princess Celestia to inaugurate the first of a line of flying yachts designed for travel all over the land. Much like it, the two of them sailed away on the winds of happiness as time flew by with nary a dark cloud in sight.
For Blueblood and Rarity, the next eleven months were a whirling waltz of high-society romance. They would visit each other frequently yet keep enough space for their personal lives, taking things slowly as etiquette suggested.
Soon after the first day of spring, Rarity received a letter from the Prince. Immediately, she ran to meet her friends, eager to tell them the fantastic news.
“Girls! Girls!”
Rarity could not hold still.
“Look what I have!”
Rarity waved a bundle of golden tickets, beaming with bliss.
Last year’s Gala had been a complete fiasco, but this year’s would be different. She and her significant other would be inviting their friends and family hosting to their own smaller reception in a private garden during the festivities. It was bound to be the most wonderful of nights.
~~~
“Oh my... Prince Blueblood! Look at the sky!”
The two unicorns gazed up through their carriage’s windows, speechless. The night was brighter than either of them had ever seen; an untold amounts of stars shone with every color of the rainbow. The Prince’s eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight.
“I had heard rumors that Princess Luna wanted to do something special for her first participation in the Grand Galloping Gala. She certainly did not disappoint, did she?”
Puzzled, Rarity raised an eyebrow.
“Her first? What about last year’s?”
Prince Blueblood shrugged, a somber frown tracing itself on his face.
“I believe she was still recovering from her long isolation.”
Still transfixed with the sky, Rarity slumped in her carriage seat. Her smile slowly faded.
“Oh... all too true. I can only imagine what such isolation must have been like.”
Blueblood gently leaned against her, offering a comforting nuzzle and a gentle smile.
“Tonight is no time to worry about such things. The Princess is now restored to her rightful place, and I feel she would want us to enjoy our evening rather than worry about the past.”
Returning the Prince’s gesture, Rarity perked up.
“Very wise words, darling. It’s pointless crying over spilt milk, and even more so once it’s been cleaned up.”
The Prince chuckled as he glanced outside again.
“I do believe we’re just about to-”
“Grand Galloping Gala, we’re here!”
“... Arrive.”
The couple disembarked from the carriage, thanking their chauffeur for his services. The earth pony nodded back.
“Ya know where ta find me once yer ready ta go back.”
Without further ado, the stallion trotted away.
The castle’s grounds were quiet and sparsely populated. Most of the guests preferred the busy interior of the palace and the inner gardens, leaving the outside mainly reserved for the arrival of carriages.
Blueblood and Rarity made their way towards the entrance, only to be surprised by the flapping of wings and the shouting of a mare.
“Bluey! Rarity! Glad you made it!”
Dropping out of the sky in a slinky red dress and a generous amount of jewelry, Amethyst grinned and alighted by the couple. Pushing up her sunglasses until they rested on her forehead, she pulled the unicorns into a hug.
“How have you two been? I haven’t seen either of you since that Pinkie Pie party three months ago for Bluey’s birthday! That filly sure knows how to have fun!”
The Prince smiled, extirpating himself from Amethyst’s crushing embrace.
“It’s good to see you as well, Amethyst. It has certainly been a long time.”
Rarity chuckled as the pegasus took the hint and released her as well.
“It’s always a pleasure, indeed.”
Amethyst’s smile collapsed as she recalled why she had been looking for the Prince.
“By the way, Blueblood, I hate to pester you with this so early in the evening, but I think there’s someone here you’d like to meet. That being said, I think you might want to go see him by yourself; things might get a little awkward.”
Catching Rarity’s curious stare, Amethyst slipped over to the her side and whispered a few words in her ear, prompting an understanding nod.
“I don’t mind at all. In the meantime, I’ll try to find my friends. I’m sure they’re around here somewhere... Oh! There’s Fluttershy. The poor girl looks terrified. What do you think, Blueblood? Shall we meet in our reserved area, say, in an hour?”
The Prince nodded, curious as to who was expecting his presence.
“Certainly. I’ll see you soon, then, my dear. Amethyst, please lead the way.”
Rarity stole a kiss from Blueblood as she trotted towards the shy pegasus.
“Fluttershy! Wait up!”
Blueblood turned his attention to Amethyst as she motioned for him to follow her.
“Someone wants to meet me, you say...?”
~~~
In a corner of the royal garden, by a pathway dotted with benches, the delightful scent of fruit and confectionery wafted from a popular stand.
The salespony, a peach-colored stallion, pushed aside a bang of his emerald mane as the last customer of a long sales rush walked away. A familiar voice called out to him.
“Hey! Fruit boy! I’m bringing you a guest!”
The salespony placed a “Back in a moment” sign onto his stand before trotting towards the speaker, looking up at the sky. Hovering some meters in the air, the pegasus mare who had called out to him motioned towards the ground with her hoof. Apricot blinked a few times in disbelief as he saw who else was approaching.
“Blueblood, huh? It’s been a long time.”
Blueblood sighed and lowered his head.
“Good evening to you, Apricot. I... do believe I owe you some apologies.”
Judging it best to let the two stallions air out their dirty laundry in peace, Amethyst took off into the sky, heading back towards the Wonderbolts’ area.
“Well then, I’ll catch you guys later. Try not to hit each other too hard, now.”
The two stallions remained silent for a moment, both unsure of what to say. Finally, taking a seat on one of the park benches, Apricot gave his old friend a hesitant look.
“Amethyst told me a lot about what you’ve been up to, Bluey. I know I’ve been pretty cold to you when you tried to contact me this past year, but Amethyst slapped some reason into me now, and I guess I should listen to what you have to say.”
Unmoving, Blueblood took a deep breath, relieved that the mare had at least gotten Apricot to listen. This was his only opportunity, and he didn’t want to blow it.
“I’m... not too sure how to say this, Apricot. I’ve acted in a truly unfair manner towards you. I lost myself in my role as a royal, and I let that lead me into the kind of conduct that is unbecoming of anypony.”
The Prince cringed.
“I’ve missed your complicity, you know. Just us colts being colts and running wild. I’ve been an idiot to throw our friendship away in some kind of misguided belief that it would help me get ahead in life.”
Blueblood paused, taking a deep breath. This was it: The big moment.
“I guess all I really want to ask is... would you be willing to give this noble idiot a second chance?”
Apricot remained silent for a few seconds. This was what what he’d been hoping for. Not a mention of Blueblood working hard. Not a supposed humility lesson from the Prince. Just an apology and a few words of recognition.
“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear these words, Bluey.”
The peach stallion thought for a moment.
“Say, you know how the Grand Galloping Gala started?”
Blueblood remained silent, reflecting on Apricot’s answer and his own question.
“... As a matter of fact, I don’t think I do.”
Apricot tapped a hoof on the bench next to him, beckoning for the Prince to sit down.
“A long time ago, in Equestria, the ponies didn’t have nearly the luxuries we have today. Even the highest classes of ponies, like rich merchants or royalty, had to work really hard to get by. The winter was especially hard on everypony. They had to have it every year, of course, but it’d always leave everyone pretty hungry until spring came.
“Come the first harvest of spring, when food was in abundance again, everypony would gather their resources together and throw a big celebration for Equestria’s returning prosperity.
“Throughout the years, that meaning got a little lost and the celebrations became tradition, but there you have it.”
Apricot relaxed his position, nonchalantly leaned against the bench’s back.
“It’s kind of like us, really. Bad weather happened, I lost you to your bad attitude, you lost me because of that bad attitude, and now you’re here offering some apologies, and it feels like a celebration to me.
”I’ve heard a lot about what you’ve been up to, Bluey. All that stuff about you getting off your pedestal and trying your hoof at not being so haughty anymore.”
Nervously, Apricot rubbed the back of his neck.
“I gave this a lot of thought these last few months, and... Well I guess what I mean to say is, if you’re hoping for a second chance now after you’ve worked so hard, I’d be kind of a jerk not to give you one, huh?”
Grinning, Apricot extended a hoof towards the unicorn, who returned the gesture with a sad smile.
“Thank you, Apricot. Thank you so much. Again, I’m so sorry I acted like I did.”
“I guess this would all be better as water under the bridge really. I could probably keep this grudge going for a while longer and people would still call me the reasonable one, but by this point, I don’t really care anymore. I missed you too, pal, just... try not to do it again, okay?”
“It’s a promise.”
Chuckling, Apricot threw his other foreleg over the Prince’s shoulders, pulling the unicorn into his grasp and playfully messing up the Prince’s mane despite his amused objections.
“C’mere, you!”
The Prince pulled back, laughing, and quickly rearranged his mane. Apricot’s gardening and orchard work had been generous to his physique, as the the once-small colt had overtaken him in both size and bulk.
“You’ve been owing me that one for a long time, Apricot.”
The two shared a chuckle.
“So, Blueblood, you worked on a farm, huh? I’d sure have loved to see that.”
Blueblood raised an eyebrow.
“... And here I was hoping Amethyst wouldn’t tell. I’ll never hear the end of it, will I?”
Apricot grinned mischievously.
“Nope. Never.”
As things got quiet, Blueblood finally got a good look at his friend, noticing the subtle changes that had affected the stallion. Apricot had put on a few pounds, and his elegant suit, as well as the state of his stand, made his status clear.
“I see the wealthy landowner has only gotten wealthier?”
Apricot chuckled, nudging his friend.
“Yep. My father taught me well, and it’s all working out great.”
The Prince offered a warm smile.
“Good to hear, good to hear.”
Apricot sighed, looking back to his stand.
“It’s been great seeing you again, Blueblood, but I’d really better get back to business. We should really grab some lunch soon and catch up some more. What do you say?”
Blueblood nodded enthusiastically.
“That’s a wonderful idea. How about next Monday at the Golden Barrel?”
The earth pony chuckled.
“The usual table?”
“Precisely. Also, before I go, I’d like to ask you to join me later tonight over by the area I’ve reserved....”
Blueblood leaned in, whispering a few words to his friend.
“Really?! Seriously?!”
Blueblood nodded to the affirmative, prompting an enthusiastic answer from his friend.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
~~~
“Ah, here we are, Oak Gardens.”
Rarity’s jaw dropped as she approached the area the Prince had reserved for the evening. From the number of tickets he’d secured for her to invite ponies of her choosing, it had been an easy task to deduce that their reception would be a grand one, but the sheer beauty of it all left her completely baffled.
The small garden was softly lit by an array of colorful lights, offering a comfortable atmosphere and good visibility despite the growing darkness. Many ponies milled around: familiar faces from Ponyville, acquaintances and strangers from Canterlot, Blueblood’s own guests, and Gala wanderers.
“Good evening, Miss Rarity. Would you like something to eat?”
Startled by the familiar voice, Rarity noticed a tray of food to her left being balanced on a filly’s head. Having temporarily swapped her namesake for a less cumbersome circlet and an elegant velvet dress, Diamond Tiara was maneuvering from pony to pony with expert skill.
“Oh, good evening, Diamond Tiara. Are you helping out with the catering?”
The earth filly nodded, careful not to spill her tray.
“Absolutely. Prince Blueblood suggested that Silver Spoon and I give a helping hoof tonight. It’ll help us be nice and proper like him!”
Rarity offered the filly an encouraging smile as she magically lifted a delicious-looking kiwi and strawberry tart from the platter. In doing so, she noticed a small sign resting amongst the pastries.
Sugarcube Corner - Joint Catering Venture - La Rose Dorée
“That is a very noble endeavor, Diamond Tiara. I am certain it will do you much good to mingle with the populace of Canterlot.”
Beaming with pride, Diamond Tiara half-trotted, half-bounced towards another new arrival, a tuxedo-clad earth pony.
“Thank you, Miss Rarity!”
Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle in amusement at the filly’s enthusiasm continuing as she saw Silver Spoon heading back to the reception’s buffet table with an empty platter. There, Pinkie Pie exchanged it for a full one and sent the filly back on her way with a wink of approval. Crystal Château, busy preparing another batch of sweets, gave her a few words of advice. Rarity smiled as she approached them, thinking out loud.
“So, Blueblood has students of his own now, I see. How appropriate.”
~~~
Fluttershy gently strolled through the palace gardens, humming to herself as she watched a finch forage for seeds. Away from the hustle and bustle of the gala, she was taking the time to look around and watch the animals as they came and went. She had learnt the previous year, to her great disappointment, that Canterlot’s animals preferred to be left alone. Fluttershy was happy to comply with their wishes; she would have been a hypocrite to deny them that courtesy.
Sitting quietly by a small ornamental fountain, the pegasus watched as a marmot poked its head out of the ground, sniffing the air. Soon afterwards, the animal bounded over to the small pile of berries Fluttershy had left out for the creatures of the garden, filled its cheeks to the brim with the juicy morsels and dashed back to the privacy of its hole.
“Good evening to you, Fluttershy.”
With a squeak, the startled pegasus faced the approaching pony. She offered a modest smile as she saw who had called out to her.
“Oh! Good evening, Prince Blueblood. Are you also here to watch the animals?”
The Prince approached slowly, taking great care not to scare off the wildlife, and sat on his haunches by the pegasus, returning her joyful expression.
“While there certainly are some fascinating creatures in this garden, I must admit they are not the reason I came here. I was told you could most likely be found here, and there were some things I wanted to discuss with you.”
Intrigued and somewhat apprehensive, Fluttershy turned away slightly, her mane hiding part of her face.
“Oh? Um... sure... it’s no problem. What did you want to talk about?”
Noting the mare’s shy demeanor, Blueblood offered his most friendly smile.
“It has recently come to my attention that I haven’t yet had the chance to congratulate you and Macintosh for your wonderful wedding. I am very grateful that you two saw fit to invite me along with Miss Rarity, and I must say that it was an absolutely delightful event.”
Behind her long mane, Fluttershy blushed.
“You’re, um, welcome, Prince Blueblood. It meant a lot to me that you and Rarity came back from Canterlot just for the wedding.”
The Prince chuckled.
“Please! You sell yourself short. I owe you and Big Macintosh so much, and you know as well as I do just how important you are to Miss Rarity.”
Blueblood thought for a moment, rubbing the side of his chin with a forehoof.
“You know, that was a most spectacular dive she pulled off in order to catch the tossed bouquet.”
Fluttershy nodded, giggling.
“It was. It’s really too bad the cake happened to be in the way... Good thing Twilight had planned for a backup.”
The Prince cringed, recalling how awkward the incident had been, and how difficult it had been to coax Rarity back out of the Apple family’s cellar for the rest of the wedding.
“There is something else I wished to discuss with you, Fluttershy. I would like to ask a small favor of you....”
~~~
Following the Princess’ suggestion that she go and enjoy the gala with her friends, Twilight Sparkle weaved through the crowd assembled in the Oak Gardens, where Blueblood and Rarity’s private reception was taking place. She greeted familliar faces from Ponyville and ponies she remembered from school.
The reception was going full force, with ponies talking, eating, dancing, and overall enjoying the celebrations. She couldn’t help but chuckle as she noticed Pinkie launching into a wild song and dance number in a secluded corner of the party area. Apparently, Blueblood and Rarity had seen fit to account for the rowdier partygoers of Ponyville. Her eyes shot open as she recognized another familliar figure, a middle-aged grey unicorn stallion with a shiny mustache, who was giving the pink mare a run for her bits in a heated dancing contest. She grinned as she walked by the two.
“Good evening, Pinkie, good evening, Professor Solaris!”
The unlikely rivals greeted her back without breaking from their competition, soliciting a giggle from the unicorn. Twilight walked along towards the buffet, until a voice called out for her attention.
“How nice of you to drop by, Twilight.”
Rarity approached her friend, clearly looking worried.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you these last few days, and it kept slipping my mind.”
Twilight turned to face the other unicorn, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
“Oh? What is it, Rarity?”
Rarity took a step closer to Twilight and whispered her question, judging it best to keep things private.
“I think by now, little Spikey Wikey’s crush on me is hardly a secret to anypony, and It dawned on me that my relationship with the Prince may be causing him some undue chagrin. I was wondering, how is he taking things?”
Twilight chuckled and nodded over to a small arrangement of bushes. Confused, Rarity looked it over for a moment, until she caught on to what Twilight was referring to.
Believing themselves to be hidden, Spike and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, each of them blushing deeply. After ensuring nopony was in their immediate proximity, they shared a quick nuzzle.
Twilight cracked a smile as she saw her friend’s frown of worry perk up in an instant.
“I... think he’ll pull through.”
Rarity chuckled.
“Oh my, how did that slip under my nose for so long? Those two certainly do make a cute couple. I couldn’t dream of a better little suitor for my dear little Sweetie Belle.”
Joining Rarity in her laughter, Twilight winked at her friend.
“And I couldn’t think of a better date for Spike, either.”
Turning away from the young lovebirds, Twilight helped herself to a glass of punch.
“So, Rarity, how has your latest trip to Canterlot been? I heard you’ve been to the Museum of Equestrian History. Did you like it?”
Rarity nodded enthusiastically.
“Oh, very much so. I dare say those historical dresses are some of the most fascinating....”
~~~
“You were right, big brother. Them fancy little apple cakes are selling faster n’ fresh cider at the peak a’ the season!”
Applejack adjusted her hat, a green felt replica of the original which Rarity had insisted would go perfectly with her gala ensemble.
Big Macintosh chuckled.
“Eeyup. After the Prince raved about them back at the farm, there was no way they could fail here.”
The farmpony siblings chuckled amongst themselves as Big Macintosh rifled through the coin box, counting their newly acquired bits.
“If this keeps up, we’ll have enough bits for Granny’s new hip, that plow we’ve been thinkin’ of, the barn’s roof, and maybe even that record player Apple Bloom’s been talking about in her sleep.”
Applejack reared up in excitement.
“Yeehaw! Now that’s what I call runnin’ the market!”
The two were startled when a third voice called out to them, chuckling.
“There’s far more to come, Ms. Apple. I have a few friends who would be rather interested in sampling your products.”
The farmers looked on as Prince Blueblood approached with a broad smile. With a complicitous wink, he tossed a small bag of bits onto the counter.
“Four samples each of your three best products, if you please.”
Applejack’s eyes widened at the sight as she plated up the order.
“Comin’ right up!”
The Prince nodded politely as his horn lit up, carefully levitating the four platters. He disappeared into the crowd of formally-clad ponies.
“Thank you very much. I’ll be back in a moment.”
Big Macintosh piled the bits in the stand’s safebox, nodding to the prince before nudging his sister.
“Hey, AJ, you ever seen this many bits?”
Applejack eyed the golden coins curiously; her jaw dropped in amazement.
“Nope. I don’t reckon I have. I don’t think the farm usually makes that much in a whole week, now that you mention it.”
The sound of several sets of hooves quickly captured the siblings’ attention. Big Macintosh greeted them as his head emerged from behind the counter, only to interrupt himself when he realized who their customers were.
“Good evenin’ and welcome to the Sweet Apple Stan- Whoa.”
Prince Blueblood wasn’t much of a surprise to him anymore, but the same could not be said of the unicorn’s companions.
“Thank you very much for the kind greeting, Mr. Macintosh. If you’d allow us, my partners in business are quite interested in meeting you and your sister.”
Stunned, Big Macintosh could only nod politely, stopping himself from blurting out a family expression of complete bafflement.
Well, stick me in a dress n’ call me Red Gala.
To the Prince’s right stood a proud-looking fellow: A dromedary clad in bejeweled robes and a fine silk turban. He offered each of the farmponies a hoofshake.
“Good evening to you, Mr. Macintosh and Ms. Applejack. my name is Humpfrey, and I must say your business looks like it has much potential.”
To Blueblood’s right, a short and heavy-set elk clad in a white tuxedo grinned almost as wide as his massive antlers.
“Good evenin’ eh? W. A. Petey at your service.”
Craning her long neck over the prince to look down at the stand, a female giraffe, clad in a ruffly blue dress and several dozen diamond necklaces attentively eyed the produce and confections. Raising an eyebrow, but remaining stone-faced otherwise, she introduced herself.
“Monecka’s the name, and I think there’s probably some profit to be made here.”
Applejack stepped around the stand, returning Humpfrey’s hoofshake and offering a similar one to the other two. Meanwhile, Big Macintosh received the same gesture from the dromedary.
The Prince smiled, glad to see his initiative paying off. He departed slowly, somewhat regretful that he wouldn’t be around for the business dealings; he had something far more important to prepare for.
“Well then, since the introductions are done with, I’m afraid I must be elsewhere. If you’d all be so kind as to join me by the Oak Gardens at nine-thirty, I’ve got a little announcement I’d like to make.”
~~~
Tired of the hustle and bustle of the Wonderbolts’ zone, a trio of the professional fliers had retreated to the roof of the castle, known for being a quieter spot during the Gala.
The first, Spitfire, sat comfortably upon the upraised edge of the roof, adopting a relaxed slouch her PR manager would never have forgiven her for. A glass of cider sat by her, nearly empty.
Next to her, Soarin’ was enjoying a plate of hors-d’oeuvres eagerly gathered from the buffet on their way to the roof.
Completing the trio was the Wonderbolt known as Cloud Nine, a light gray stallion with a white mane and mid-length fetlock fur he was in the process of growing out. He leaned against the rampart, intently looking around the sky.
“Aha! There!”
Excitedly leaping onto the wall, Cloud Nine brought a hoof to his mouth and whistled forth a resounding cat call. Two mares in the distance turned towards him, curious. The stallion’s eyes focused on one of the two as he called out to her.
“Hey there, babe, looking for a good time?”
The mare burst into laughter as she sped towards the Wonderbolts. The second mare’s jaw dropped, speechless, until she realised who the stallion was, at which point she hurried to catch up with her friend.
“Oh, Cloud, you big goof!”
The first of the two mares, Lady Amethyst, alighted by her husband, nuzzling him amorously.
Rainbow Dash, the second mare, slowed her approach, finding herself hesitant until the flame-maned mare beckoned her over.
“Well, well, look who Amethyst brought in! C’mon, Rainbow Dash, you should join us!”
Before any of them could say anything, Rainbow Dash rocketed over and stood by them, a look of pure excitement on her face. Spitfire shot her a smile, beckoning for Dash to take a seat next to her and Soarin’. Swallowing a mouthful of hors-d’oeuvres, the stallion offered Rainbow Dash an encouraging nod.
“You know, Dash, that was a pretty sweet job you Ponyvillians did with that tornado. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such a small crew pulling it off before.”
Puffing her chest out, Rainbow Dash struggled not to immediately faint in excitement. Trying to maintain her composure, she grinned proudly.
“Oh, please, that was nothing. We did what we had to do, that’s all.”
Amethyst chuckled, nudging Rainbow Dash playfully.
“Well, somepony’s humble. That’ll do you good in the profession.”
Cutting the discussion short, Cloud Nine hopped onto the wall and turned to face the rest of the group, looking at Soarin’ specifically.
“I’m feeling a bit restless, what do you ladies say we go for a flight?”
The other male pegasus rolled his eyes.
“Ha. Very funny. Lead the way, Cloudette!”
With a broad flap of her wings, Spitfire hopped out of her seat, hovering by the roof.
“Sounds good to me! Hey, Rainbow Dash, are you familliar with flight routine Omega-6?”
Rainbow Dash grinned, preparing to dive off the castle’s edge. She’d have recognized that name anywhere. Omega-6 was the routine the Wonderbolts used to test out rookies.
“Well, duh! I could do Omega-6 in my sleep!”
Amethyst joined the others, ready to take off as well.
“I take it I’m filling in for position four again?”
The three Wonderbolts nodded, and on Spitfire’s signal, the group took off, flying through the air. Rainbow Dash traced the path through her mind, making sure to avoid any possible mistakes. This was one of her best chances to impress her idols, and she didn’t want to blow it.
“Wow, Amethyst! I didn’t know you were such an awesome flier!”
Amethyst laughed, tilting into a barrel roll just as expertly as her four formation partners.
“Comes with the husband; he’s been teaching me a lot.”
Flying right above the two of them, Soarin’ winked to Rainbow Dash, swooping down to her height.
“You’re making a pretty good showing yourself, Rainbow. It’s rare that rookies manage to keep up half as well as you did, even when they’ve been cramming, but you’re following us like it’s nothing.”
Rainbow Dash’s heart fluttered. Such a compliment, and from her favorite Wonderbolt, at that!
Further above, Spitfire, Cloud Nine, and the newly ascended Amethyst were whispering to one another, chuckling as they watched Rainbow Dash blush brightly. Spitfire broke formation, calling out to the two of them.
“Hey! Soarin’ Rainbow! Why don’t you two take the next part by yourselves?”
Soarin’ grinned, moving closer to Rainbow and extending a foreleg towards her, putting on a ridiculous imitation of a noblecolt’s tone.
“Miss Rainbow, may I have this freestyle duo?”
With a voiceless squeal, Rainbow Dash accepted his offer, hooking her foreleg with his. The two sped up into the sky, engaging in an airborne dance of astounding agility.
Spitfire grinned as she watched the pair go.
“That ought to be as good a tryout as any.”
~~~
Prince Blueblood cleared his throat as he stepped onto the stage of the Oak Gardens. He fiddled with the microphone stand for a few seconds, extending it to the appropriate height.
“Esteemed guests and gala-goers, if you’d kindly allow this stallion a few minutes of your time, I have a little speech I would like to give.”
The crowd fell silent, gathering before the stage. This was the moment many had been anticipating.
“It is a great honor for me to see all of you assembled tonight for my little announcement. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to tell all of you a little story.”
Prince Blueblood paced around the stage, seeming nervous. The audience was silent, enthralled.
“I used to be what one would call, amongst polite company, a pompous, self-important brat. A year ago, day for day, I met a most wonderful mare here at the gala, but in my idiocy, I failed to truly realise her value.”
Sitting with the rest of the Elements of Harmony, Rarity blushed intensely, eliciting a giggle from Twilight Sparkle and a mischievous nudge from Rainbow Dash.
“Eventually, still full of myself, I learned of her whereabouts and sought her out for a second chance, which she rightfully denied me. This turned out to be the best thing that could ever have happened to me, for that one door slam may have done more to make me realise my foolishness than entire years of my life. For that, Miss Rarity, I am eternally grateful.”
Rarity beamed proudly, basking in the crowd’s attention as polite claps came from all around, particularly from her friends and acquaintances from Ponyville.
“Soon, I found myself lost in my feelings, unsure of where to go or what to do, until somepony who could, by all rights, have been justified in leaving me there, chose to extend a helping hoof. She presented me to her older brother, who was so kind in helping this foolish stallion learn some humility and manners. For this, Ms. Applejack, Mr. Macintosh, I am eternally thankful.”
The two elder Apple Siblings stood up and waved politely to the applauding crowd.
“Of course, such a progression would not have been possible without the help of the other great inhabitants of Ponyville. I spent a single week in that welcoming little town, and yet I found myself meeting so many amazing ponies. I believe quite a number of you are amongst us tonight, and I would like to extend thanks to each and every one of you.”
The Prince took a deep breath to remain calm as he continued.
“To Lady Twilight, Mrs. Fluttershy, Ms. Pie and Ms. Dash, who welcomed me so generously, despite my previous misdemeanors: Thank you.”
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie cheered loudly, calling for even louder stomping from the cloud, while Fluttershy seemed to collapse on herself, uncomfortable with so much attention. Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes at her friends’ rowdy behavior, but stood up to smile thankfully to the crowd.
“To Ms. Doo and little Dinky, without whom I may never truly have discovered the value of generosity. Once more, thank you.”
The wall-eyed mare and her young filly were met with reasonable applause from the Canterlot folk, but a veritable thunder of hooves by the assembled Ponyvillians, most of whom were more than familiar with the single mother’s situation.
“To the three fillies communally known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders, for making me recall my past and what I had lost, thank you.”
Respectively lifted up by their older siblings and idol Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo shared a giggle as the crowd saluted them with a round of applause. Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but grin when she saw Spike applauding particularly hard for her.
“To two more young fillies, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who reminded me of my own past and motivated me to change, thank you, and congratulations on making excellent progress on your own redemption. You two are becoming shining examples of proper young ladies.”
The two distinguished fillies blushed a deep red color as the applause and the attention turned to them.
“We love you, Prince Blueblood!”
The crowd chuckled lightheartedly at the outburst, but the fillies felt no shame.
“Last but not least, I wish to thank two of my old friends who found it in their heart to forgive me despite how terribly I had treated them in the past. Amethyst and Apricot, thank you.”
Amethyst and Apricot rose to yet another round of applause, bowing to the crowd respectully.
“Now then, this brings me to the announcement I wanted to make. Miss Rarity, if you would be so kind as to join me on stage?”
Rarity’s eyes shot open in surprise as Applejack and Rainbow Dash all but pushed her onto the stage. She soon joined the Prince’s side, as intrigued by the rest of the crowd.
The Prince breathed deeply once more. This was the big moment. It was now or never.
“Now then, this brings me to my announcement. My dear Rarity, thanks to you, this last year has been the happiest of my life. You have changed me for the best, driven away the boor I once was and brought out the noble stallion that I could truly be. You have given me so much, and as much as it makes me feel greedy, I wish to ask for one final thing from the Element of Generosity herself.”
Recognizing Blueblood’s signal, Fluttershy turned to Philomena, standing on her gilded perch. With a burst of her powerful wings, the phoenix cut through the air, dropping a sparkling object out of her claws as she soared over the stage.
The Prince lunged energetically and speared the falling object on his horn, revealing it to be a golden ring inset with the largest diamond most of the audience had ever seen. Awed, Rarity looked on with glittering eyes and an amazed smile as the Prince kneeled before her, beaming.
“Miss Rarity, will you marry me?”
~~~
Fin
~~~
Autumn Wind’s closing comments:
Boy, it’s been quite a ride.
I started this fic several months ago, not too long after first joining the fandom, and it’s been following me since, through highs and lows. I think it’s been a pretty good learning experience, and if I am to judge by my prereaders and critiques, I’ve grown a lot as a writer through it all.
Now that I think about it, clocking at nearly 60,000 words of text, this fan fiction is by far the longest body of work I’ve ever produced.
I couldn’t have done it without all of you readers. Your feedback, critique, and just seeing the reader numbers piling up have all been great motivation for me to keep up.
To my prereaders, editors and friends, thanks to all of you, too. You guys are awesome!
It’s been a real adventure for me, and while I feel a little strange calling it done, I’m quite happy at the same time. It’s been a great ride for me, and I hope you guys enjoyed it too.
This is Autumn Wind signing out, and if you’re hungry for more, keep an eye for my writings, because there’s more where this came from.
~~~
P.S. I know some readers really hate open endings, so I’ll point out the obvious for them: Rarity says yes and they have a big happy wedding. Duh.
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