Brave new lives
No one knows from day to day what will come
it is in these uncertainties that new life springs within each of us
the fear and the excitement bring into us these new feelings that form
it is here that we truly feel alive
Anomaly
Out beyond the Everfree in an untouched clearing of small pebbles and dull lifeless crystals a breeze started to swirl disturbing the ground and picking up a swirl of dust within the midsummer warmth, uncharacteristically for such a beautiful warm day there was no sound of wildlife, as if they could sense something was wrong this day, something was starting and forming. if anypony was around they would feel f sparking within their fur. an energy was forming where this dust swirled amongst the pebbles, the crystals started their glow coming to life and beginning to pulse with an unknown power. sparks began in a central location a few feet above the swirling dust and prismatic light started glowing and building. a beautiful sight if there was any to observe it. miles away beyond the other side of the Everfree there was one object that sparked to life, within the basement of a library hallowed out in an oaktree there was a magical machine that recorded all magical developments within the immediate vicinity of the town of ponyville and its neighbouring forest of the Everfree. the machine was taking readings, whirling with life, needle and ink jolting lines across the page that spiralled out of it. lights flashing and dials dancing, quite a spectacle to behold but the owner was unfortunately out at the time of this magical imergance.
Twilight Sparkle was enjoying the mild midsummer warmth as she walked through the town of Ponyville, her home for these past four years, the buildings seem to sparkle with colourful life in the mid day sun, as did Twilights lovely lavender coat her Alicorn wings folded neatly at her side her saddlebag riding comfotably on her hips with her cutiemark portrayed as a violet start adorned with four surrounding stars on both sides marking that as her personal saddlebag. Her darker purple mane flowed in the gentle comforting midsummer breeze as she walked back to her library home, having just finished a trip to quills and sofas for some new quills, her everpresant trusty assistant trotted beside her, the purple baby dragon with green spines and eyes, her trusty assistant since she hatched him as an entry exam to Celestias school for gifted unicorns, her baby brother in heart.
"Ya know, I don't think I have every seen them sell a single sofa." spoke the baby dragon as they progressed back to their library home. "You would think he would just give up on the sofa's and just sell the quills and parchments, Celestia knows with you in town he would never be out of business."
The Alicorn chuckled slightly at the comment. "Not sure how I should take that Spike." Twilight tried to suppress a smile as she responded. "Although you do have a point. we have been going through a lot of them lately."
Spike thought back to the six foot checklist from earlier that morning and his claw subconsciously ached. "Yeah can't imagine why that is." he mused to himself a quiet running joke for the overly prepared Alicorn seemed slightly, or maybe a little more than slightly, obsessed with structure and order within their lives, everything was catalogued and prearranged, every day planned. it was just a way of life, was the perfect environment for magic to flourish, which was probably why she was so skilled with her magic. Her structure was also a sign of the intelligence that Twilight possessed, she was without a doubt the smartest pony that Spike has ever met. One of the things that the baby dragon looked up to his adopted sister for.
In the back of Twilights mind something sparked, she was unsure what this feeling was but within her innate magical senses something stirred. She caught sight of Spike sniffing the air at that same moment, he then shrugged as if he had imagined something and continued on. Twilight was unsure, there was a feeling in her stomach that she just could not shake. she would have to check her machines in the basement. then another feeling entered her stomach and it spoke it out with a gurgle, the machines could wait till after lunch she decided. Spike looked up at her with the sound of the gurgle.
Twilight blushed. "Heh, guess we better fix lunch when we get back".
Spike chuckled then his own stomach responded as if in reply to Twilights stomach's earlier statement. "Yeah I guess so." said the baby dragon licking his lips thoughtfully "Ya know some sapphire cupcakes would be perfect, I might have some left from that last gem hunting trip with Rarity." at the mention of her name a slight dreamy look entered the baby dragons eyes as he envisioned the alabaster mare with that brilliant styled violet mane, she seamed to sparkle as he envisioned her, fluttering her shining blue eyes. lost in thought he almost ran into the mailbox of Golden Oaks Library, catching himself and shaking his head clear he sidestepped looking a little flushed he glanced up at the lavender Alicorn to see if she had noticed. She just slightly smiled almost knowingly and rolled her eyes as her horn flashed with light magical energy coating it in a soft purple aura she opened the door the aura dancing on the door nob and the entered their Oak tree home.
The oak tree Library had amongst its branches well placed windows to catch the light as Celestias charge, the sun that lights the day, makes its trek through the sky, this gave a pleasant light within the library, enough to read easily by as well as cast a calming atmosphere within. a table greeted those entering, it bore a large wooden unicorn head on it as a centerpeice to the main room, bookshelves adorned the walls reaching the trees' ceiling, to the right there was a wooden staircase built into the tree wall that wound upwards to hollowed out opening to the upper rooms. to the left there was a large door that lead to a storage room that held some yet to be restored older volumes that Twilight has been slowly restoring as she found time between her studies into further magics and her continuing studies into friendship. to the right at the base of the stairs there was another door, this one led down to the basement where the alchemical research as well as machines reading anything from ponys' synaptic functions to environmental and magical variances. it was up the stairs that led to the living quarters, bedroom and kitchen. on her way towards the stairs Twilight lifted the saddlebag off her back with the telltale flash of the light purple blue aura from her horn, lowering it onto the central table bearing the wooden unicorn head that stood just about a foot higher than Twilights own head. 'she could sort out the contents of the saddlebag after eating' she reasoned with herself.
Spike headed directly for the stairs leading towards the living quarters and ultimately his stash of sapphires for a batch of delicious cupcakes. that is if his mouth behaves this time and lets him finish baking them. as he headed off to his secret, yet not so secret, stashing place for his gems Twilight started busying herself with making a daisy lettuce sandwich. their kitchen was small, never being intended for more than one maybe two ponies at most, a few cub bards over head with a vase of water sitting atop a counter a small table, a magicaly operated cooling box to the left end of the counter held perishable goods that needed to be kept cool, the enchantment barely audible to an untrained ear hummed as it did its spellwork keeping her daisies and vegetables fresh for days longer than normally, to the left of the counter was the oven and stovetop, running on more basic heating enchantments, these remained dormant until activated by the runes being clicked into place by hoof or claw via turning of dials on the face. pulling the lettuce and daisies from the cooling box floating them in the air by magical grip she placed the items on the table, with another spark the breadbox on the counter beside the coolingbox opened and she floated two slices from the box to the counter closing the box with nary a thought as the slices left the box. in a dance of purple blue aura the objects combined before Twilights eyes any remaining unused ingredients were floated back to their homes within the cooling box and Twilight floater her meal to one of the cushions on the floor opposite side of the living quarters were she satiated her growingly impatient stomach. Spike having gathered his sapphires busied himself grabbing ingredients listed within a book he propped open to one of his marked pages and began the task of making what Twilight could only classify as a mess.
Completing her lunch she went back downstairs. with her stomach no longer complaining she once again had that nagging sensation crop back up in her mind and decided to check on her instruments in the basement, proceeding through the door leading down into the darker part of her home her ears could pickout the sounds of needle on parchment as well as the whirl of gears and beeping of instruments. 'This should be interesting?' she thought to herself as she continued down 'I wonder what started this off', as she rounded the downward sweep of stair she seen the source of all the sounds. her magical energy detection device was alive with readings like she had never seen before! an excitement bred within wonderment rose within her. 'Oh my!' 'This is going to be great!' 'I have never seen such readings before!' she marvelled to herself as she pulled the spiralling parchment from the face of the machine. eyes darting from side to side she looked up at the gauges and noted the readings, eyes going wide with bewilderment at what the numbers were telling her. "This is remarkable!" she exclaimed outloud to the room full of machines and equipment. levitating a notepad and quill she kept down amongst the machines for moments like this she jotted down the readings. there was a readout giving co-ordinates that she paid extra attention making sure she read the numbers correctly. she didn't want to miss read it and land her miles off target. "According to these readings this is a totally new magical energy!, I have to study it first -hoof!" she stated excitedly. "Oh, I must also inform princess Celestia of these developments." as an afterthought, "that is if the unicorns in Canterlot aren't receiving these same reading?" thinking about it for a moment she decided that she should go ahead with the letter to inform the princess, she was after all her old mentor and should be appraised.
Running up the stairs with papers trailing her in a purple blue aura she called for Spike "Spike!, Spiiike."
"Coming Twilight." the baby dragon replied with a sigh walking down the stairs with a mixing bowl in claw, chefs hat upon his head and sapphire glowing lips.
"Spike take a note." she stated entering the main library in a rush of papers.
Spike in one motion discarded the mixing bowl and chefs hat producing a scroll and quill in there place ready to write every word his adopted big sister assured forth.
"Dear Princess Celestia" started Twilight while she folded the papers she brought with her from the basement. "I have enclosed readings that I have just now taken from my Magical Detection Device, they clearly indicate a spike of unknown magical energy coming from the far side of the Everfree forest. It is my intention to precede to the location of the disturbance and get some first-hoof readings of the source of this energy. the discovery of this magnitude could be unprecedented and to much to pass up. your loyal student always Twilight Sparkle." she let out a breath as she finished. Spike subconsciously repeating as he wrote. being an Alicorn and princess herself she still did not feel right when sending letter to Celestia naming herself Princess Twilight, maybe one day she would, but not yet.
"And done." stated Spike as he scribbled Twilights name.
"send these with it." Twilight said as she floated the readouts she had just finished folding along with a copy of the readings she took on her notepad.
Spike rolled these in as he closed the scroll with a ribbon and wax seal, going to the window he popped it open and breathed out his magical green flames disintegrating the scroll and its contents into the wind, sending them on their way to the princess.
It was an explosion of purple and blue as items flew through the air on their way to the saddlebags that once again rode on the Alicorns lower back. notepad, parchment, quills, magical reading instruments, reference books. and a map of the Everfree, not that the Everfree was every properly maped, but even a rough maping was better than nothing.
She must inform her friends as well, thought Twilight, 'Possibly she could get help, at least with the packing of all this equiptment'. but she could not dally to long with explanations to them, she had no idea how long... whatever this is will last! She did not think this would be a dangerous undertaking but you never knew when progressing through, or above, the Everfree forest. 'Her Balloon!' hopefully she would have enough time to get it ready. it would be a pain to fly all her equipment there on her back, plus it would be nice to have the company of her friends.
"Spike," she called out in a rush "can you get the balloon ready, I am going to see if the girls will come with me."
"Sure thing Twilight." her number one assistant called out from the storage room already anticipating her wishes he was half done pulling said balloon from its place in storage.
her first stop was Sugarcube Corner to see if her overly excitable friend Pinkie Pie would join already anticipating the exuberant agreement in the adventure. being just down the road from the library she arrived fairly quick to the front door of the large colourful gingerbread looking shop/house of the Cakes and Pinkie Pie, their resident babysitter, shop aid, and party caterer. entering the shop she was glad to see that her Pink flamboyant earth pony friend was not alone, an orange coated yellow mane'd earth pony wearing a cowboy hat was at the counter as well. 'Good,' thought Twilight 'That saves me a trip out to sweet apple acres'. the Orange earth pony was wearing a saddlebag bearing three apples on it, being her cutiemark this established it to be her personnal saddlebag. walking up to the counter Twilight greeted her two friends.
"Hey Applejack, Hi Pinkie. Glad you are both here, I have some very exciting new and was wondering if your girls can come with me, it is very exciting see my machines picked up this strange energy reading that seems to be.." she was caught up in her excitment and beginning to babble on leaving the other two standing staring at her. the cowpony held her hoof out to her babbleing friend.
"Woah, slow down there sugarcube" the country accent a little thick in Applejack drawl. "Now whats this about a strange energy?"
"See thats what I am trying to tell you" replied the enthusiastic Alicorn "My machines picked something up on the other side of the Everfree and was hoping you girls could accompany me to check it out and take some readings." she smiled up at the two earth ponies. the Pink one behind the counters large blue eyes were beaming with excitement.
"OH YAY!, THIS SOUNDS LIKE FUN!" the pink one shouted leaping into the air bouncing and bubbling with enthusiasm at the thought of another adventure with her friends.
"Sure thing Twi." replied Applejack "Ah'll just stop by the farm to drop these off and grab a few things, than meechya back at the library in a few." seeing the rush in Twilights face she understood that she had better hurry so out the door she went on her way to the farm to do as she just said leaving Twilight and the overyly enthusiastic pink party pony.
"Oh Twilight this is going to be so much fun!" bounced the pink ball of energy. "I better start packing myself!" she stopped and thought, then called to the door to her right leading into the kitchen and preproom for all the baked goods "I'm going to be gone for a while Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Twilights for some energy thingies we are going to look at." she stopped and a thought occurred to her "I wonder what strange energy might taste like, hmmmm. better bring some frosting." and she bounced up the stairs to her left and out of sight.
Twilight rolled her eyes, 'only pinkie would be concerned with the flavour of energy'. "well two down and three more to go." she said aloud to herself. turning to leave a blue mare with pink hair was entering from way of the preproom any Twilight gave her a quick farewell "See ya Mrs. Cake."
"Oh goodbye twilight dear." said the earthpony as Twilight exited the building and continued down the road to Carousel Boutique to talk to her fashionista friend.
The boutique was built with Canterlot fashion in mind. large circular with columns for awning support. as she entered a bell chimed and she heard a sophisticated and slightly annoyed voice coming from the back room. "Just a minute, Be right out." the inside of the boutique was spacious with varying pony shaped figures bearing dresses and gowns of an assortment of fashions and styles. some with bonnets and others with clasps to drape down the ears. emerging from the back came Rarity, the Alabaster unicorn mare. "And how may I he.., why hello Twilight" seeing her friend her tone went from business to genuinely friendly. "And what brings you in today?"
"Hey there Rarity, I have some exiting news." as Twilight burst into explanation the fashionista patiently waited for her friend to finish, somewhat marveling at the way Twilight could speak so fast without taking a breath. When Twilight finished she asked "So would you like to join me?, Spike is preping the balloon now."
"Oh Darling, you know how I would love to come along. but I am seriously behind on some orders that I simply can not put off." seeing the sad dejected look coming across Twilights face Rarity just could not leave it at that. "Oh I am sure I could probably make up some excuse as long as it is just for the evening, Celestia knows I need to get out having been cooped up in here the past day, very well I will gather a few things for the day." Rarity amended submitting to the Alicorn before her.
Twilight beamed hugging her friend in excitement "Oh Thank you Rarity, this will be so much fun!" she squealed
Gently hugging Twilight back she smiled "I am sure it will be Darling, now I simply must get a few things sorted before we go."
"Of course. and I still need to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash" quickly stated Twilight as she released the fashionista and began to turn to leave
"I seen Fluttershy just a few minutes ago," stated Rarity "I think she said that she had some business in town, shouldn't be to hard to find."
"Thanks Rarity." replied Twilight glancing back as she left the unicorn to her Preparations
Exiting the Boutique Twilight looked around for signs of the Canary coloured pegasus mare, heading towards the bustling marketplace she figured would be her best bet, just passing the town fountain she caught sight of her target, and what luck, she appeared to conversing with a cyan pegasus with a prismatic mane. smiling to herself as she approached she called out to her last two friends "Hey Rainbow, Fluttershy, I was just looking for your two."
Hearing her voice the two turned towards her, the Canary yellow one slightly hiding behind her long pink mane a hint of fear in her one showing eye at some unknown threat calling out her name, seeing it was one of her friends and not some monstrous oppressor she calmed slightly but still kept herself guarded by her pink flowing mane.
"Oh, hey Twilight." the soft timid voice softly squeaked from behind the pink mane.
"Whats up Twi." Spoke the Cyan pegasus with confidence in her voice, a complete opposite of her timid yellow friend.
With a smile she broke into explanation for the third time today, this time able to keep it to the pertinent information having babbled the first to times enough to get most of it out of her system. "So I was hoping you girls could join me."
"Sounds kinda lame and sciency". exclaimed the daredevil Cyan pony "But I suppose I could still come along, nothing else really happening. and who knows with it being in the Everfree we might see some action."
"Oh, I don't know." A small amount of fear at the mention of the Everfree forest shown in the timid pegasus' eyes "Sounds like it might be kinda dangerous," she was looking apprehensive and so unsure of herself.
"It won't be that bad Fluttershy." stated Dash a little dryly " 'sides, I'll be there so nothing will dare to happen." Dash said the last with an air of overconfidence.
"If you say so Dash." softly said the yellow pegasus almost under her breath "well ok, I'll come to, just hope everything turns out alright."
"Thats great!" exclaimed Twilight, "Its so great all of us will be able to do this together, Its been a while since we all had an adventure together." Rainbow was smiling over at her a odd look in her eye but Twilight didn't really notice, Dash would get those looks sometime with Twilight, and Twilight just would brush it off as Dash being Dash.
Dash couldn't help but stare at the lavender mare Alicorn as she turned to leave heading back to her library 'I'm just admiring her form is all' she told herself 'after all she is a very lovely Alicorn, nothing more.' she had caught herself staring more and more often, each time she convinced herself she was just noticing her friends beauty. 'Twilight is my friend, and nothing more'....'can be nothing more' she noted sadly to herself.'plus come on, she is such an egghead'. lost in her inner turmoil she barely heard the soft timid almost whispering voice of the pegasus standing beside her.
"..... should probably get heading to the library, Twilight did look to be in a hurry after all. I don't think she would want to be kept waiting, you know how Twilight can get when she gets anxious." softly spoke the timid pony
"Huh?" Dash said snapping back from her thoughts "Oh right, yeah better start getting ready huh." she lifted off the ground hovering a few feet of the ground before her timid companion. "Well I'll head that way then."
"Ok Rainbow. meet you there after I let my animal friends know where I'll be. I don't want them to worry." the timid one started walking back to her cottage at the far end of town, avoiding eye contact with passerbyers.
Rainbow Dash had known Fluttershy since they were fillies at flight school, the timid pegasus had always been so shy and susceptible to bullies, but every now and then there was such strength that pegasus could draw on when her friends were in danger. if only she could draw on that strength the rest of the time. shaking her head she flew up to grab a cloud and move it over to the library to catch a quick nap while waiting for the others to be ready to head out on this little adventure with Twilight. 'It will be nice to spend some time together as a group again' Dash thought as she flew the cloud over to an optimal napping position above the library. thinking back they really have not done anything together since getting dragged into Spikes comic book in the castle of the twin sisters, chuckling at the memory of having those cool weather powers 'yeah that was pretty awesome'. Yawning she let her eyes close and she drifted into the comfort of a nap upon the soft cloud.
Fifteen minutes and everything was ready, the equipment loaded and so was everypony, lifting off into the air in the large brown basket, giant purple balloon overhead and pinkie manning the controls to the flame with enthusiasm, Dash and Fluttershy pulled the basket across the sky in hopes of ariving sooner Twilight being afraid that the... whatever it was... would still be there by the time they arived, having never had such reading before that she has ever heard or read about, she had no clue how long to expect it to still be there or what they might find. the Princess had replied while she was off gathering her party of friends to come with her, Spike had been waiting with the letter when she got back. The princess had understood her desire to investigate and agreed that indeed if it was what it appeared in her notes and reading then it could be a prominent discovery and further investigation was merited, but she also advised to be wary. Twilight was a princess as well and should be cautious. with that last part Twilight just rolled her eyes mentioning under her breath that she is no more important than any other pony, or at least she does not think herself as such. but she had every intention of airing on the side of caution.
The flight over the Everfree was one of ominous beauty, the old dark forest bellow them wild and fertile, colourful birds darting in and out of the giant dark trees. to the far side in the direction of their travel Twilight thought she could make out something that almost shined, somewhat prismatic in colour but to far off to fully make out, in the back of her head she could feel the slight tingle that she had felt earlier that day, the tingle was starting to get stronger. or so it seemed.
Dash could have sworn that she was starting to feel some tingling sensation in her wings the closer they came to far side of the Everfree. her sharp Pegasus eyes caught sight of the anomaly ahead of them, the prismatic colour sparking out. it was still far off but Pegasi have very sharp vision, and Dashs' was sharper than most "Waoh" she let slip as she looked ahead at the Anomaly.
"You see something Dash?" asked the lavender Alicorn hearing her.
"Yeah, up ahead there is... something.." the Cyan Pegasus responded "It beautiful." adding as side thought she asked "Anypony else feel a... tingle?, it seems to be getting stronger the closer we get to that..... something."
Fluttershy started at the thought with a slight gasp. Twilight nodded "I thought it was just me."
"Ahll Ah feel is sky sick." interjected the uncomfortable cowpony trying not to look over the edge and longing for her hooves to be back on the solid ground. Pinkie just giggled and went back to the flame controls.
Twilight wasn't to surprised that the athletic daredevil pony was able to feel the sensation. being the ever athlete in the air she has a greater sensitivity to her body and surroundings. if you stop and think about it, it just makes sense, her attunement was one of the things she admired about her friend, if only she had that much focus and understanding in other aspects of life... like paying attention when ponys are talking to you and describing things other than flying, or the Wonderbolts, she swears that pony really has a one tracked mind. at least she was able to get interested in Daring Doo novels so that added a little something more to the fliers life, maybe it could open the doors to other books Twilight hoped.
Over the next five minutes the Anomaly took shape as they approached, appearing to grow in size, it was briliant with colour, four feet tall oval spanning three feet in girth, egg shaped with greater depth of colours at its center. what appeared to Twilight as magical energy was sparking from its center. exiting the basket the moment they hit ground none of the ponies gould pry their eyes away from the Anomaly.
"Its just... just... so lovely" gasped the fashionista as she looked up at it in awe.
Without looking away Twilights horn flashed and she pulled some equipment from her saddlebag to get some closer readings. she slowly approached closer to the anomaly, bringing herself to within a foot of it she could feel a warmth eradiating from it. bringing the piece of equipment up in front of her, it was a square boxy looking device with gauges on the front giving her magnetic variance readouts as well as various energy readings. every gauge was dancing but one. the raw energy output dial was locked at its maximum.
"Oh my gosh!" exclaimed Twilight. "I have never seen anything like this before, I wonder what it means" her horn sparked as she gently prodded the field being careful not to breach any barrier that may be holding the raw power her gauge was reading back, she only wanted to feel what might contain such power.
Dashs' senses where going wild, something about this was very wrong. she could feel a buildup within her wings the moment Twi had started moving towards the Anomaly and now could not take her eyes off the lavender pony, she could tell something was up. every fiber in her was screaming to get the egghead away from it, she knew that Twilight would be to wrapped up to see if something was going to go wrong.
"Careful there Sug." spoke Applejack eventually feeling the same as Dash herself was. "Ah got a might bad feeling about that thing."
"Don't worry Applejack I Kno..." was all Twilight could get out before a Cyan Pegasus impacted her.
Dash had seen it and just hoped it was not to late. she launched herself at Twilight with everything she had to try to get her away from the Anomaly as the barrier broke and a blast of prismatic light erupted from the center of the oval of colours. it all happened in slow motion she was inches from the lavender mare and could see the arch of light starting to envelope her friend, it was blinding. then the wave rushed over Dash and her fur felt aflame as she impacted Twilight rolling to were her back was to the Anomaly protecting her best friend from whatever dangers existed within that prismatic light. the last thing she heard before the light and heat were to much was Fluttershy screaming, then all was black and silent.
Aftermath
"RAINBOW DASH!" a volume few have ever heard was released from the yellow Pegasus, she was frantic. seeing the cyan Pegasus take flight rushing towards the doomed Twilight the rest could only watch in horror as the prismatic light erupted around their friends with a bright flash. and then there was nothing but a slight scorch on the ground where their friends had once been. The anomaly had vanished.
It was shocked horror. no sound, even the wildlife seemed to take a moment of silence for the lost souls. then there were sobs and tears. Fluttershy broke first, rushing forwards as if to be standing over the last spot she seen here dear friends Twilight and Rainbow Dash would make all the difference. make them understand how much they really did mean to her. she fell to the ground, legs askew head hovering over the black scorch mark that was all that remained, tears falling in deep meaningful sobs.
Rarity came forward, placing her hoof on Fluttershys' shoulder. tears falling from her own eyes mingleing with those of her friends.
"Oh Rarity," sobbed the timid Pegasus clasping the Alabaster hoof with her own "They just can't be gone. They just can't " tears falling more swiftly now.
They really can't be gone, was the very thought coming from the pink earth pony as well as she stared disbelievingly at the scorched spot on the ground. Her pinkie sense never went off, it always goes off, there was no warning that somepony was going to vanish.. or worse.. die. Come on pinkie think, they gotta still be around, unless.... the horror striking her.. your broken!, they really are gone and you are broken so you couldn't stop it! Deflating visibly within her inner turmoil.
"Oh Twilight." The orange earth pony sobbed out slowly stepping forward, "It just cahn't be, just cahn't." swallowing back some of the pain seeing Fluttershy was in dire need of more comfort than Rarity was able to give within her own grief, Applejack approached the traumatized Pegasus to her left and embraced the poor creature, gently stroking her mane while the tears rolled down her own face. "Let it out Sug, we are here. just let it out."
The pink earth pony being brought out of her inner turmoil by the motion of Applejack , now seeing the embrace ran up herself and brought her three grieving friends into her arms and let the waterworks start flowing, unable to hold it back anymore. the pain was still deep in all four survivors hearts, but the closeness of each other helped ease the burden on their heavy hearts.
The monarch Goddess of the sun, beautiful alabaster coat, long flowing mane the colours of the sky, was standing on the castle balcony looking out towards the Everfree forest far in the distance. she had sensed the discharge of a great magic and her heart twinged. something was wrong, she had felt the arrival of the strange energy even before Twilight, her one time protege and now fellow princess, had sent the correspondence. there had been something that troubled her about this anomaly. never before in her long life had she felt something like it, but Twilight was right investigation was needed, she just hoped that Twilight had been cautious. but she could still not shake this sinking feeling that something had gone horribly wrong.
"Captain Gladious." the princess called out.
"You Majesty." called the captain of the royal guard as he enter bowing.
"Contact the unicorn council and inform them I would like any information they can give regarding the Anomaly princess Twilight had discovered." she stated while turning to enter the castle. "I would also like a carriage prepared to leave for ponyville within the hour. I feel I may be needed." looking back over her shoulder she added under her breath "I just hope I am wrong."
The flight back to Ponyville was a somber one. Fluttershy had been able to reduce her tears to small whimpers and light sobs. Applejack had her hat in her hooves slowly rotating it while looking blankly through the floor of the basket into nothingness. The alabaster unicorn, Rarity, was looking down at the whimpering pegasus, pain deep in the moist eyes mixed with a look of deep compassion towards the grieving Fluttershy. The pink earth pony was again lost within herself as she once again was manning the controls to the balloon as it followed its path back. A thought struck Pinkie, Oh my gosh.... Spike!.... what about Spike!.... he had stayed back at the library and did not know what had happened. "Oh no." she croaked out "Poor poor Spike." and the tears began to fall once more clouding the vision for the next ten minutes of the flight.
Landing in Ponyville an eager baby dragon was awaiting the arrival of his adopted sister and friend. an arrival that didn't come leaving his heart to sink.
The Canterlot magical research department was alive with activity. the princess having sent ahead princess Twilights notes and readings. an elder unicorn with a tan weathered coat from age, he was supervising the findings and preparing his report for the princess. his tired blue eyes showing wisdom from his years of study into the magical as well as the scientific, his grey mane was streaked with white, another sign of his years. A younger cream coloured unicorn ran up to him, her red mane falling breafly into her eyes as she stopped in front of the elder unicorn, she was levitating a clipboard beside her. "These are the final readings we received before the anomaly vanished." she said hurriedly passing the elder the clipboard. he eyed the figures nodding then looked up.
"Very well. I will take these to her Majesty." he stated turning to leave. "I want an expedition put together and ready to leave when I return." he eyes dropped back to the figures on the clipboard. "I want to investigate the site of this, I am sure the princess would agree." leaving the building he headed to the castle at a brisk trot. he had heard that the princess had plans to head to Ponyville and was wanting his report as soon as possible, probably wanting to speak with her protege, he figured. that young pony is the brightest he had ever had the privilege to meet. up until her change into an Alicorn he always hoped that she would join their research department, and possibly head it when he himself retired. but that was only wishful thinking and now that she is a princess herself quite impossible. he nodded to the guards as he passed and entered the castle, heading to the throne room he could see that the preparations for the princess' departure were complete and his report was the last that they needed before she heads out, swallowing he nodded to the guards at the throne rooms large double doors, they light with the two unicorns magic and swung open.
"Your Majesty." he said bowing as he entered, she was standing by the throne with a scroll levitated in front of her, a worried look in her eyes that she banished the moment he had entered. "I have that report for you as request." he stopped eight feet back from the stairs leading up to her throne and waited patiently for her acknowledgment. She nodded to him lowering her scroll and taking his report in her magical aura. glancing over it she sighed, the readings confirmed her suspicions. The discharge was caused by Alicorn magic disrupting the anomaly. it was Twilight.
Lost
Rainbow Dash hadn't known how long she had been laying there. the pain and burning still echoed through her body, images of lavender body illuminated by a blinding prismatic light where burned into her vision "uhg." a moan echoed through her head leaving behind a throbbing sensation. at first she did not know the source of the moan until she heard it echo again and relized it was coming from herself. "mmfm." she groaned as she tryed to get herself up onto her hooves, attempting to open her eyes all she could make out was a light blur of grey and white. Then a thought hit her "Twi?" that was right, the last thing she did was leap at her friend to get her away from... oh no.. the light.. the anomaly! blinking to try and clear her vision shapes started to form and she could make out a few feet away the still body of a lavender Alicorn laying on its side amongst the gravel and pebbles that covered the side of the mountain they were on. The landscape didn't matter to Dash at that moment. her aches and pains were thrown out of her mind, she had to check on Twilight. She had to make sure she was ok. that was all that mattered in that moment.
Rushing forward she knelt over the still form of her friend, eyes wild with fear for the Alicorn. watching her chest she seen it rise and fall and a brief relief washed over the cyan Pegasus. "She is alive" letting out the breath she did not realize she was holding in. then the pain was back, her head throbbed and spots formed in her vision from the hurried movements. wincing she lay back down next to Twilight in an attempt to let her nerves settle and the throbbing subside. the immediate danger passed and Dash started to take note of her surroundings. they were no longer near the Everfree forest that was very apparent. the ground was different. it looked like they were on the side of some mountain looking out over a very different, much older forest. the tree's looked somewhat larger, darker. in fact everything seemed just a little darker. the smell was different as well. looking up the mountain she could make out a cave in the distance, it would probably be a good place to recover once they were able to get to their hooves, and figure this out. dash closed her eyes and let herself drift and recover next to her friend. there was no way she could carry her in her condition so it was best to just recover.
Twilight began to stir "Uhhhh, my head." she groaned "My horn feels like its on fire." hearing her friend was awakening Dash lifted her head looking over at the lavender Alicorn. Twilight was blinking the fog out of her eyes and began taking in her surroundings. "What happened, where are we." here eyes rested on Dash and they went wide. "Where are the others?!"
"I think they are still back in the Everfree." replied the cyan Pegasus. "I have no idea where we are though Twi." seeing her friend was recovering and going to be alright she felt a burst of anger rise "Twi, what did you do!." getting to her hooves she glared down at the Alicorn, "You should have been more careful!..." trailing off she looked a little downcast "I could have lost you."
Looking up with sadness and pain in her eyes the lavender Alicorns' mouth was forming...I'm sorry, but the words never came. she could not force out the breath for it, her breath was caught within the silent sobs. seeing how her friend was taking this the Pegasus softened and her heart sank for the pain she had just imparted to her friend. "Twi, I'm...." she cast her head sideways looking off in the direction of the dark forest bellow them but eyes not focusing on anything "I'm...." she let out a deep side and closed her eyes. then raising her head she looked into Twilights eyes.
Seeing the pain in the Cyan Pegesus' magenta eyes Twilight smiled a sad small smile "Its ok rainbow. I understand." she looked down and tried to clear her aching head enough to think on their situation, there surroundings were nothing like anywhere she was familiar with, taking not of the cave above them on the mountain "Do you think we can make it up there" she asked out loud to distract themselves from the current awkwardness. Wincing as she stood, the pain in her head and horn throbbing a bit. "I think I can move as long as I take it slow enough." the Alicorn commented to her own question.
"Yeah I think I can make it." The Pegasus tested her wings for a moment, just a little ache remained, inspecting them she seen the edges of her primaries were only slightly scorched, but otherwise everything looked to be in order. Nothing a good preening couldn't fix. Dash spread her wings and with a few good flaps lifted herself off the ground. hovering along side her friend as the slowly climbed to the cave. the cyan Pegasus always did prefer to be in the air rather than land bound. A thought occurred to the pegasus and she started to chuckle, "Um, Twi."
"Yes Rainbow?"
Still snickering to herself "Um. How will you survive with out your books?, Egghead." and with that she couldn't help but be full on laughing in spite of their situation. Twilight just groaned, rolled her eyes, and continued her progress to the cave.
Tears
Twilight and Dash were huddled together for warmth in the cold damp cave, nights here seem to be colder than in Equestria, Twilight had tried earlier to create a fire with her magic but all she was able to achieve was to give herself a worse headache, it seemed that when the raw energy was released it had caused a feedback through her horn, or that's the best explanation she could come up with. the burning sensation at the base of her horn has slowly been subsiding. she looked up at the sleeping pegasus, Rainbow Dash had a goofy grin on her sleeping face, her wing draped over Twilight, seeing this Twilight giggled a bit then snuggled in closer, enjoying the feeling of closeness to her friend.
Dashs' eyes shot open, her senses alive with warning, the cave was dark, it still being night, there was still enough moonlight to see by. At the mouth of the cave silhouetted in the moonlight she could make out a large winged form, at least eight feet tall, its stance was threatening as it stood there looking in at the two ponies. Dash nudged the sleeping alicorn curled up against her "Twi, wake up, we gotta get outa here." the beast was silent as it watched the panicking pegasus attempting to stir her sleeping friend.
"Dash its still dark." moaned Twilight slowly opening her eyes to glare at Dash "whats so important?"
Seeing the panic in her eyes Twilight looked in the direction of Dashes wide eyes seeing the beast. a very large red cat with leathery red wings staring at them with hunger in its large green eyes. folding in its wings it crouched down close to the ground, working its shoulders to loosen them up and readied itself for the attack.
"Twi, we gotta fly, now!"
With lightning speed it lept at the two ponies, claws extended, fangs bare. Dash didn't think, she only reacted. Within less than a second she flared her wings wrapping her hooves tightly around Twilight, she launched them to the side just barely missing the claws of the beast. Twilight recovering from the surprise awakening seeing the danger they were in got herself to her feet untangling herself from Dash. Flaring her own wings she put herself into a defensive stance, channeling all the magic she could to her horn, feeling the burn at the base flare up instantly causing a throb in her head. Her horn sputtered, a single spark was all that she could muster out. "This isn't good."
The beast landed, flared its wings out using them to turn its body to propel itself off its hind legs and launch itself at the ponies before they could fully recover, Dash seeing that Twilights magic was still out knew that it was up to her to get them out of this and launched herself at the giant cat causing it to stop its second attack to paw the pegasus out to the air. years of training to be a wonderbolt has kept Dash at the top of her game, this cat had nothing on her for speed or reflexes and Dash was able to dance around its paws. Twilight seeing Dash having the beasts attention seized the opportunity to run for the opening of the cave. one of its prey attempting to escape the beast lept towards the lavender alicorn ignoring the annoying pegasus as it buzzed around it in an attempt to distract it and save its friend.
"Hey you big ugly. its me you want!, come on try and hit me!" Dash yelled at the beast as she dove in to kick the side of the cats head.
The strike was enough to buy Twilight enough time to dodge back and avoid the cats claws, but the strike left Dash vulnerable and the beast took full advantage swiping her with it paw sending her flying into the cave wall.
"Rainbow!"
Dazed, Dash shook her head to clear the stars from her vision. the beast had Twilight backed into a corner, panicking Dash looked around for anything to distract the cat and get Twilight out of the situation, then she seen her answer. The cave ceiling was covered with stalactites, if she could knock one loose it might be enough to distract and daze the cat and allow Twilight to get away. Leaping up she put everything she had into the strike at the base of the stalactite causing it to jar loos and fall onto the unsuspecting cat just as it started its pounce.
The sound of the impact was a sickening crack followed by a cry that will haunt Rainbow Dashs' nights, the stalactite had impacted the cat right behind the shoulders separating the vertebrae and breaking the spinal cord leaving the cat paralyzed and in agony. In shocked horror at what she had done Rainbow Dash landed mouth gaping, eyes wide unable to break away from the sight before her. The giant cat just lay there wailing an unearthly cry. a cry that will echo in Dashs' nights.
Twilight walked up to the pegasus and put her hoof around her "Come on, lets go Rainbow." the pegasus closed her mouth still staring at the wailing form before her. Twilight seeing that something had to be done stepped between Dash and the dieing cat, lifting Dashs head with her hoof gently under Dashs chin so that dash was looking in her eyes she spoke softly "Come on Rainbow, lets go." The pegasus nodded slowly not breaking eye contact with the alicorn as she got to her hooves.
They left the cave in silence. Dash was trying her best to not listen to the wails and cries coming from the cave. The events were replayed over and over in Dashs' mind. She launched herself at the stalactite, it fell, then the sound. That horrible sound. Dash broke, she could not hold it off any longer and she fell to the ground sobbing uncontrollably.
Twilight had seen the look in Dashs eyes and knew that it was coming. She wanted to get them out of the cave before it did. Seeing her break she took her into her arms running, her hoof through Dashs mane as she cried. She leaned forward and started kissing the tears from Dashs eyes and drying her cheeks.
Arriving in Ponyville the princess landed the chariot just outside the library, seeing the door ajar she approached slowly, she could hear the sobbing before she got to the door. Peaking her head around she seen a pink pony holding a purple and green baby dragon. both crying hysterically in each others arms. by the pool formed beneath them it would appear that they had been at this for a while. stepping inside and slowly walking up she gently put a hoof on the pink ponies shoulder causing the sobbing to slowly die down and reveal the blue shimmering eyes of pinkie pie.
"Twilight?" asked the princess already knowing the answer "is she..."
"..gone" pinkie coughed out between sobs "She and Dashie." tears whelming up at the sides of her eyes again.
"I see" replied the princess, sadness in her eyes.
"Princess, I failed them!" exclaimed the pink pony "I didn't feel it coming and I should have!" her tears starting to get hysterical again.
"My dear little pony, there are things that happen that no one can predict or even be prepared for" looking down at pinkie with sadness and compassion in her eyes "What matters is the time you spent with her, for those moments are the ones that made her life meaningful. and in the end that is all we ever have." the princess was saying this not just to the pink pony but also to herself. In all the years she has been alive she has had many of losses, this speech was one that she had to tell herself each time.
Her words seemed to have helped the pink pony, she was able to stop her crying and now looked down at nothing in thought. "Thank you princess" she finally said after a moment of silence.
Looking over at the baby dragon the princess extended her hoof for an embrace that spike accepted enthusiastically. "Spike would you care to join me in Canterlot? You are welcome to stay with me as long as you like."
"Thank you princess, I would like that very much." he replied softly with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Looking out one of the windows of the library she caught sight of the Everfree forest and her mind drifted to the team that was in route to investigate, silently she held out hope that they would bring back evidence that Twilight and Dash had somehow survived. After allowing herself a few moments of foolish hoping she turned her attention back to the baby dragon. "Now get your things, we will be heading back to Canterlot here soon." she turned to look at the pink pony who was getting to her hooves "Thank you for being such a good friend to Twilight and Spike both Pinkie Pie,"
"Thank you for letting Twilight stay with us here in Ponyville Princess." and the sad pink pony left the library and heading off to Sugarcube Corner.
The team of six unicorns had arrived at the sight a total of six hours after the anomaly had discharged, there was still some residual energy in the air and the elder unicorn was taking readings with a boxy looking device not unlike the one Twilight had used hours earlier. frowning at the readings he scribbled a few figures onto a notepad he was hovering next to him in a blue aura. a younger unicorn ran up to him hovering a boxy device that appeared scorched.
"Professor Bulb!, we found this and a notepad a few feet from the epicenter" said the younger unicorn hovering the device and notepad over to him. Taking the device in his magic he eyed the readouts. They appeared to be frozen to what he could only gather was the moment of discharge.
He looked the figures over with a hint of disbelief. could it be?, it was there, a very familiar spike of magic. "She must have done it on instinct." he said under his breath.
"Professor?"
"Look here" pointing at the last figures on Twilights device "That is the energy signature of a teleportation spell!" the elder unicorn eyed the younger one as what he just said dawned on him "they may yet still be alive!"