Megan's Quest

Chapters

Saying Goodbye
Megan, Warrior Woman!
The Quest Begins!
Ambush!
Rest at the Royal Paradise
Intermission 1: Ergonomically Terrific

Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye

A warm wind blew across the fields and plains of Oklahoma, as two figures drove back towards the quiet, dusty ranch . Two young blonde women, both obviously in their twenties, made their way out of the beat up old red Chevy pickup, and walked through the screen door into the house. the younger sister merely sat down at the table, while the elder put some coffee on to brew.

"Thank you for coming back to help me with this whole mess, Molly. I'm really grateful for that." The sister in the red flannel shirt and jeans commented. "It's been total chaos trying to take care of this place since dad died."

"No problem, Meg, that's what sisters are for!" The sister in the professional grey jacket and matching miniskirt, replied. "I'm just glad the farm is going to someone who'll take good care of it and the horses from now on."

The two sisters sat at the old wooden kitchen table silently for a few minutes, sipping thier decaf and staring across the table at each other. It was finally the elder who spoke up.

"So, I suppose you'll be heading back to New York now, huh?" The elder asked her sibling, taking a sip from her mug. "Got to get back to that fancy apartment and cushy reporter's job, before too much country air makes you sick or something!"

"Now dammit, Megan! I didn't come all the way out here to get in that argument again." Molly replied angrily, glaring across the table at her sister. "I wanted to ask you about what your going to be doing with your future, now that you won't be running the ranch anymore. " She smiled at her sister. "Why don't you come back to New York with me, and we could get you a nice-"

"I'm sorry, Molly. But New York really doesn't hold much appeal for me." Megan said with a sigh, as she got up from her chair. . "I'm not a city slicker, like you are. I'm afraid this country girl's staying in the country."

"Megan, you're twenty-two years old, and you've barely been off of the farm in years. It's time you do something with your life." Molly argued, getting up from the table, and walking over to put a hand on her sister's shoulder. "There's nothing left for you in this little hick town, and you need to think about your future."

"That's one thing, little sis, that you're totally right about." Megan replied, as she looked out the window. "I've been given a new job offer, it involves the ponies-"

"Urgh! What is it with you and ponies, Megan?!" Molly snapped, walking across the room away from her sister in disgust. "Why are you so obsessed with those smelly and dirty brutes! Isn't it bad enough we lost Danny to that nonsense?!"

"I'm sorry Molly, but I have to live my own life." She looked back across the room, giving her sister a 'this matter is settled' stare. "I've enjoyed seeing you again, Molly. But I think it's time you headed home."

The younger woman stared at her sister for a moment, before turning and pushing her way out the screen door. Megan only sighed, as she heard the rookie reporter's car start up, and zoom away.

...

Goodbye Molly. I know you mean well, but you were right. There is nothing left for me here, and it's the time for me to go."

It was several months since saying good to her sister, and Megan was staring out at the ranch one last time. She was going to miss this place, both the land and the animals, but she could remain here no longer. Walking back into the house, Megan Williams makes her way back into her room, and stares at herself in the full length vanity mirror- the one lone of furniture that had not been boxed up or sold. Reaching into a satchel Surprise had brought her from over the rainbow, Megan nodded to her refection in the mirror. She had been preparing for this little personal ritual, and she decided that it was time that her metamorphosis should begin.

Standing in front of the mirror, Megan began shedding all of her garments, tossing every scrap of cloth aside like a piece of dead skin. Reaching into the satchel, Megan pulled out the dress and other garments than her pony friends had brought from Ponyland's human kingdom, Megan began to dress in the new clothing. Slipping on the undergarments, bustier, petticoats and beautiful blue ball gown, the young woman was amazed as she gazed back into the mirror once more. Megan of earth had been cast away like a dead husk, and Megan of Ponyland had emerged in the form of this lovely new chrysalis that gazed back at her from the glass.

Making her way out into the field, Megan Williams tossed her old clothes and belongings into the burning barrel- along with all of the disappointments, heartbreaks, and misery of an over polluted, greedy and uncaring world that had failed to live up to her expectations. Slowly walking her way towards the rainbow at the edge of the property, a blue winged formed came zipping down the colored band to meet the young woman.

"Ah, Salutations Megan!" The creature greeted her. "I trust that you have seen to all of your details, and you are ready to depart?"

"You're absolutely right, Wind Whistler!" Megan Williams replied, climbing on the creatures’ back. "Let's go home!"

Megan, Warrior Woman!

Megan, Warrior Woman!

"Megan!"

"Yay Megan! Woohoo!"

"Welcome back, Megan!"

As Wind Whistler landed in the courtyard outside Dream Castle, Megan found more then a dozen ponies galloping around and prancing happily through the meadow, eager to welcome their dear friend home. So many dear friends from over the years- Gingerbread, Sweet Stuff, Masquerade, and Paradise- mares she new by heart. These were ponies whom Megan had been on a thousand adventures together with, ponies whom she had protected, and they had protected her.

"Hay, good ta see ya, Megs!" A boisterous voice called out from the crowd, as a white mare with a green mane with a red streak in it. "How ya been?

"Hey Gusty," Megan called back, smiling back. "It's good to see you again."

An over energetic tomboy with a short temper, Megan knew this unicorn with the autumn leaf cutie mark all too well. Adventurous and grouchy, Gusty had gotten Megan and the other ponies both into- and out of- trouble more times than the former cowgirl could count. It was good to see such a familiar face from her childhood here, reaffirming her decision to leave her old life behind.

"Welcome back, Megan,." A slightly timid voice called out from the back of the group, one Megan recognized instantly. "Welcome back."

Her face brightening, Megan waded through the small crowd of ponies, and made her way to the white earth mare with the red heart cutie mark.

"Sundance..." Megan exclaimed, hugging the pony tightly. "Oh Sundance... it's so wonderful to see you again!"

While all of the ponies who had gathered were near and dear to her heart, Sundance had been Megan's most frequent companion and friend during her many visits to Ponyland. She was the pony who Megan had helped find her confidence, and Sundance was the pony who had carried the girl on her back through a thousand fantastical journeys. The two friends went together, everywhere. And were inseparable as any two friends could be.

"It's wonderful to see you again, all of you!" The young woman declared, embracing several of the ponies all at once. "It feels so good to be back home again!"

Megan and the Ponies crossed the drawbridge into the castle, where many more ponies lined the hallways to greet her. Dream Valley's castle guards raised their hooves in salute as she passed, a gesture of respect to Dream Valley's greatest human friend. Finally, the ponies all escorted the young woman to the room perpared for her, then departed to lave her to settle in, save for Sundance.

...

"Wow, Majesty sure thinks highly of me to give me such nice quarters." Megan sighed, looking around at the white lace canopy bed and lovely embroidered curtains. "This place looks like something out of a fairy tale!"

"She's very grateful for everything you've done for Dream Valley, just like the rest of us are." Sundance exclaimed, sitting Megan down in front of the room's vanity mirror. "You've done so much for us over the years, ever since Firefly first brought you here to fight Tirek."

"I'm really not that Special, Sundance. I just did what needed to be done." Megan replied, as her pony friend picked up the brush off the vanity, and began brushing Megan's long, silky hair. "So anyway, how are things in Dream Valley these days?"

"Oh, the ususal. Ponies getting into trouble, ponies getting out of trouble." The white earth pony giggled, getting the tangles out of her golden locks.. "A few weeks we did have four young mares disappear the castle- Firefly's daughter, Shady's little girl, Fizzy's offspring, and Twilight Shine's niece- all just vanished one evening while playing pony polo."

"Why, that's terrible!" Megan exclaimed, looking back at the mare. "Is the queen doing anything to look for them?"

"Majesty is having Masquerade launch a full investigation." Sundance replied, getting Megan to turn back around, and going back to work on her hair. "She thinks a group of goblins might be involved, but we really can't be sure yet."

"Well, as long as something's being done about it." Megan replied anxiously, settling back into her chair. "I need to start accepting the fact you ponies can take care of yourselves."

There was a few moments of silence, before Sundance finally spoke again. "Megan, why did you want to give up your life over in the human world? I mean, you just walked away from the world where you grew up, without even looking back."

"Oh Sundance, why wouldn't I give it up?" Megan groaned, rolling her eyes. "Nasty smog, filthy pollution, greedy and selfish people who only care about themselves, and how big a pile on money they can hoard up. I'd much rather have Ponyland's fresh air and sunshine!"

Okay, as long as you're sure." Sundance replied knowingly, finishing up brushing her friend's hair. "I was just making sure you're doing what you're doing for the right reasons."

Puzzled, Megan was about to ask her what she meant, when a knock came at the door

"Come in." Megan called out, looking back at the doorway.

The door swung open, and a regal white unicorn in a golden crown trotted into the room. Sundance immediately bowed, and Megan rose and curtseyed to the royal monarch of Dream Valley.

"Oh, hello your highness!" Megan greeted Queen Majesty. "Thank you so much for the wonderful room, and for letting me live here in Dream Valley!"

"Ah, Lady Megan! It's so great to have you here with us once again!" The queen inclined her head to the young woman respectfully. "We hope your life in Dream Valley will be a prosperous one, and it should please you to know that we have arranged a banquet in honor of your arrival, to be held one hundred days hence. And all of your great friends and allies from all across Ponyland shall be invited!"

"Why thank you, great Majesty! I'm truly flattered!" Megan said gratefully, curtseying again. "But I was wondering if I could help out around here in Dream Castle, in some way."

"We have considered this, oh great champion of Ponykind." The monarch replied with a smile. "We wish for you, along with your friends Wind Whistler, Gusty, and Sundance, to embark on a great quest for ponykind. We trust that you will be able you handle with much courage and a warriors skill, as you have handled such situations many times before."

"I-I am honored you think so highly of me, your Excellency." Megan replied politely. "But I hardly see myself as a warrior, and I wouldn't dream of asking my friends to join me on any kind of a perilous quest!"

"You don't need to ask us, Megan!" Sundance replied happily, nuzzling the young woman. "Windy, Gusty and I would follow you to the ends of the world!"

"Thanks Sundance." Megan smiled down at her, petting the pony's head. "That really means a lot to me."

"We are aware that you are not much of a warrior, Lady Megan. It is therefore why we expended a great deal of resources and magic, to have the royal smith ponies craft for you an enchanted suit of armor that will protect you from all harm."

"Great Majesty, that sounds like a wonderful gift!" Megan replied happily.

"Indeed! This armor’s enchantment will allow you to breathe underwater, as well as survive comfortably in harshest environments. We have been working on this gift for you for over a year, and it would be nearly impossible to replicate another artifact of it's kind of it's kind." Majesty said proudly. "And since we did not know much about making human armor, we relied heavily on advice from your brother."

"My queen, words alone cannot express my gratitude for this gift!" Megan exclaimed, as Majesty handed the young woman a black diamond choker. "But tell me, how do I activate it?"

"Merely place the choker upon your neck, and you will don the armor in it's full glory." Majesty bowed to the former cowgirl. "Consider it a thank you gift, for all you have done for ponykind." She turned and trotted back out the door. "Good night, Lady Megan, we shall see you in my throne room tomorrow, where you and your companions shall be given your quest."

After the queen was gone, Megan and Sundance were left staring at the enchanted diamond choker.

"Wow, my own suit of enchanted armor!" Megan exclaimed, remembering hearing about the magic armor from those Dungeons and Dragons games her brother used to play. "What do you think it is, Sundance? Chain mail armor? Full plate?"

"Gee, I don't know Megan. It's usually the soldier ponies who know about stuff like armor and combat." Sundance replied. "Why don't you just try it on?"

"All right, I will." Megan replied, snapping the choker around her neck. Suddenly there was a flash of light, and the former cowgirl felt an almost electric sensation shoot all through he body. Suddenly, Megan felt stronger, faster, and more powerful than she had ever had before! The armor even shifted around her appearance, making her a much taller and intimidating looking warrior!

"This is great!" Megan yelled. "Sundance, I feel wonderful!"

But as the light faded, Megan found her pony friend staring at her with eyes wide in shock. And it was then that the cowgirl felt something was off.

"Sunny, why do I feel a draft in here?" Megan asked, unnerved by the look on the mare's face. "And why does my back hurt all of a sudden?"

"M-Megan? You better take a look in the mirror." Her pale friend replied, turning a shade paler. "I don't think you're gonna like this...at all."

"Huh?" Megan spun around to gaze in the vanity. And what gazed back from her reflection reminded her of the main female characters from her brother's favorite video games, Gauntlet and Golden Axe. And it was then that the twenty two year old felt the revenge of a little brother, whom she had sent to bed early one too many times as a kid.

"DANNY I'M GONNA $%&!-ING KILL YOU!"

The Quest Begins!

The Quest Begins!

"Megan, would you please slow up!?" Sundance called after her friend in exasperation, as the three ponies tried to follow the woman with the enchanted armor-enhanced reflexes up the forested mountain path. "I know you're upset, but even I can't keep up with you when you're going at this pace!"

"I don't see why you're havin' so much trouble keepin up, Sunny!" Gusty laughed, teleporting her way up the path in short jumps. "It's really no prob for a unicorn!"

"Megan, I can comprehend you're upset, but I fail to see exactly why." Wind Whistler exclaimed, flying up and stopping right in front of the cowgirl- turned warrior maiden. "I mean, we ponies trot, swim and fly around with no garments covering us at all!"

"Can't see what I'm upset, Wind Whistler!?! This freaking armor is why I'm upset!" Megan stopped, angrily gesturing down to the winged valkyrie helmet, metal shoulder pads, and purple cloth bikini she was wearing. "I can't believe Queen Majesty listened to that idiot!" She looked down at her outfit. "Now thanks to my hormonal brother, I'm going to be fighting ogres and dragons in a thong!"

"Actually Megan, you could use this unwanted situation to your tactical advantage." The blue Pegasus replied, in her usual analytical way. "From my understanding of human nature, your newly acquired exceptionally-large bosom, combined with the generous cleavage and total backside posterior exposure that the armor you're wearing gives you, can be used as excellent distraction tool when fighting ...evil... wizards?"

Wind Whistler slowly trailed off, when she noticed Megan shooting her a murderous glare. As the warrior woman stormed off, Gusty teleported up beside the blue Pegasus.

"Damn, you just don't know when ta shut up, do ya Windy?" The white unicorn laughed hysterically. "Man, you should go back ta pony nerd school, and study human feelings some more."

"Would both of you please knock it off!" Sundance snapped, looking back up at their human friend. "Now Megan, are you sure this is the way Majesty said we should go?"

"Yes, the queen said we should take the Northern pass through the Unicorn run." Megan grumbled, looking back at the three ponies. "The first clue to the whereabouts of the starlight lantern there."

...

"I wish for you to retrieve the third starlight lantern." Queen Majesty told the three ponies and one human woman before her throne. "So that we may shine it's light to the other races of Ponyland."

"The Starlight what now?" Gusty asked, not understanding what the queen was talking about.

"I think I've heard of it." Sundance replied. "Isn't it some kind of dream tool that Twilight uses in her dream walking abilities?"

"Yes, my little ponies, that is correct." Queen Majesty explained. Levitating a book of pony ledgends and lore up from the arm rest of her throne, Majesty read;

"Throughout the Confederacy of Ponyland, there are many valuable treasures and artifacts, items of great power crafted in the ancient days of Ponykind. Among these many wonders are three powerful relics are the glittering beacons called the Shining Star Lanterns. These wondrous golden lanterns, carved from the Crystalline husk of the dead Tree of Harmony by Queen Sky Skimmer after she felled it, the three lanterns glitter with a sea of a thousand enchanted stars within them. The lanterns have the power to grant a pony's dreams and wishes, by inspiring them to take their initiative in their lives to change their circumstances.

One of these lanterns lies here within Dream Castle, where Twilight Shine-Firehooves uses it to sort through the dreams of the sleeping ponies of Ponyland, and sift through their dreams and ensure that no nightmares disturb thier slumber. The second lantern was given to the Moon Dreamers, a tribe of fair folk who oversee the dreams of the mortal races, keeping out the night terrors that the witch Scowlene tries to torment them with. But the third lantern... that treasure was long ago taken by an enchanter known as the Star Sorcerer, who managed by trickery to sneak into Dream Valley and steal this treasure away from ponykind."

Majesty levitated the book aside, and looked down at the adventurers standing before her. "I want you to return this treasure to us, no matter where it may now lie. The sinister star sorcerer may be long dead, but I believe clues as to where he took the Starlight lantern may lie in the archives at the royal paradise "

"Do not fear, my good sovereign." Wind Whistler told her confidently. "I am certain we will be able to return this holy relic without much difficulty."

"The Royal Paradise shouldn't be far." Sundance added, as she trotted up to stand beside Megan again. "Besides, how much trouble can we run into on just the first leg of our journey?"

The four companions continued to make their way through the forested mountain path, when the ponies swore they heard the rustling of the branches and trees around them. Seeing her equine friends taking a defensive stance, Megan drew the sword from the scabbard on her back.

"Ladies, I think we're in some real trouble here!" The warrior maiden exclaimed, holding her blade at the ready. What occurred next happened so fast, that the ponies and person involved barely had time to register it.

"GRAAAAHHHHH!" A green blur screamed, lunging out from the shadows, and zooming straight towards the ponies with a swinging blade in hand. Reacted with her armor enchanted reflexes, Megan swiftly brought her own blade down with a loud THWACK, lopping the attacker's head off , and sending it bouncing across the path.

"Good job, Megan!" Wind Whistler called, looking over at the severed head of what they now saw was a goblin. "You handled that blade like an expert swordswoman!"

"Wha... how did I just do that?!" Megan exclaimed in shock and horror, looking down at what was both her first time ever using a sword, and her first kill. "I've never done anything like that before!"

"Well, you'd better be ready ta do it again, Megs!" Gusty replied, as the three ponies formed a defensive circle around the warrior maiden. "Because it seems our little guest here didn't come alone!"

And as the mares and Megan looked around them at the forest, they saw an entire swarm of the gruesome monsters emerging from the shadows...

Ambush!

Ambush!

"Girls, fan out and take them!" Megan yelled, swinging her sword upwards again. The goblins charged directly at the trio of ponies, and were met with the same ferocity they put out. .

One of the green-skinned monsters took a swing at Gusty, who swiftly teleported to the side to avoid the blow. "Leave my friends alone, ya bozo!" The creature snarled and lunged again, and this time she winked behind him. Creating a small but powerful burst of air with her horn, the unicorn sent the little runt flying through the air, and face first into a tree . "Have a nice trip, boys!" Gusty yelled defiantly, sticking her tongue out at them. "See ya next fall!"

"Get away from me, you nasty savages!" Sundance wailed, as three goblins jumped and tried to grab her. Leaping out of the way, the earth mare back-kicked the three brutes with her hind legs, sending them sprawling across the ground. As more of the green-skinned and pointy eared brutes poured in on the terrified pony, she went into a frenzy- wildly bucking, kicking and screaming like a feral horse gone mad. She kicked and trampled six or seven of the disgusting creatures, causing many more of them to scurry away.

High above the others, Wind Whistler ducked, dodged, and darted through the air. Narrowly missing getting hit by the various crude spears and daggers her attackers hurled at her. "Good fellows, I must take note of the fact that your aim is very crude and imprecise. Please, allow me to show you th correct manner in which to accomplish your goal." Diving right between two of them, the Pegasus got each of the idiots to hurl thier spears at her. Quickly zipping upward, the pony genius avoided the projectiles, and each goblin got the tip of the other's poisoned spear.

"See, that's how a victory is accomplished." The blue pony said with a satisfied sigh, as her two assailants collapsed. "Sometimes, even I am amazed at how idiotic these creatures can be."

In the center of the fray, Megan swung and hacked away at the attackers, hacking off limbs left and right. The goblins attempted to swarm her with their superior numbers, but were driven back by her powerful blows.

"M-megan?" Gusty called out, in a break during the melee. "You never used a sword much before! How the heck are you doing that?!?"

"I don’t know, it's just... coming to me!" The warrior maiden yelled back, cleaving another goblin in half. "But if it keeps these monsters from hurting my friends, then I'll gladly take it!"

Enraged, the brutes swarmed in on the party again. As the goblins poured in on Megan, one's spear acutally managed to strike at the warrior maiden's left side, the spear tip only shattered against her bare skin.

"Well, what do you know!" Megan thought to herself in surprise. "This cruddy armor's magic aura does protect me, after all!"

"Flee! The warrior goddess and her magic steeds cannot be hurt!" One of the goblins squealed, dropping his broken spear and running away in terror. "Flee, before she curses us all!"

The panicked brutes all scurried away in terror, leaving the exhausted but victorious party behind them.

"Yeah, you'd better run!" Gusty, yelled after them. "And don't come back, ya hear me?"

"Good job, girls!" Megan yelled triumphantly, sheathing her sword again. "I knew we could drive them off!"

"Ohh, Megan! Look at all this neat stuff they left behind!" Sundance exclaimed, digging around at the various small bags and purses they left behind or dropped during the fight. "Maybe we could use some of this stuff?"

"I this package in particular looks interesting!" Wind Whistler noted, as they came upon a large net, with something large moving around in it. "I think this is what the goblins were attacking when we stumbled upon them!"

As the other three came over, the blue Pegasus untangled the net. There, on the ground, lay what appeared to be a full sized human knight in full plate mail armor, coughing and gagging for air. On his chest plate was the royal symbol of King Scorpan's court, and a finally crafted broadsword lay in the net beside him.

"Why's it's a knight from the human kingdom!" Sundance exclaimed, as the brown-haired warrior stood up and took off his helmet. "But what's he doing out here on the unicorn run?"

As soon as the night got his helm off and gazed upon Megan, his eyes went wide and he fell to his knees. "Oh great warrior maiden, I thanketh thee and they noble steeds for saving me from certain death at the hands of those uncouth ruffians!" The knight looked at the ground. "They did catch me by surprise, and though I was able to slay nearly a dozen of them, the little savages did have the advantages in numbers!"

"Oh- don't worry about it, there's nothing to..." Megan stared into those blue eyes of his for a second- those familiar, well meaning (and handsome, Megan thought to herself) big brown eyes, and Megan suddenly recognized the figure standing before her.

"Alonzo?" The warrior maiden asked in shock. "Alonzo, is that you?"

"Megan! Is it really you?" The knight looked up in shock, quickly recognizing the voice. "It is you! Thank the fates that you came to my aid!"

"Hey, it's our would-be dragon slayer!" Gusty exclaimed with a chuckle. "The one who nearly killed Spike!"

"Would be dragon slayer? Huh?" Sundance asked, puzzled. "Who the heck is this Sir Alonzo?"

"He was a human squire, that Megan and some of the other ponies helped years ago." Wind Whistler explained, fling up behind the earth pony. "They were trying to help him do a good deed, so that he could become a knight!"

"What are you doing all the way out here, Alonzo?" Megan asked, helping the knight back onto his feet. "The unicorn run is way outside of the human kingdom's jurisdiction in Ponyland."

"I am here because my king's wizard, Moppet the wise, received a message from Queen Majesty via magic mirror, that I would be needed for a great quest to aid a group of her ponies. I was told to meet the group as they traveled north towards the Royal Paradise." The knight looked to Megan again. "But I had no idea you'd be traveling along with them."

"Well, we are on a great quest, and I suppose you could accompany us on our journey." The warrior maiden replied, motioning for him to follow. "I'll explain everything that's happened along the way."

"I am honored to accompany you, Lady Megan." He bowed to her, before picking up his sword. "And I swaer I shall do my utmost, to help protect you and your friends from any harm on your quest!"

"Him? Protecting us? Who just saved who?" Gusty burst out laughing, before Wind Whistler smacked her up alongside the back of her head.

But as the little group continued it's way north, little did they realized they were being watched from afar...

...

Far, far away at the volcano of gloom, a hideous yet familiar form was watching them through a bubbling cauldron.

"Bah, those goblin mercenaries were totally useless for the money I paid for them!" The old witch snarled. "I believe it's time to deal with things in a more direct matter!"

The old witch had battled with the ponies many times before , but with the new prize that had recently come to light again- well, Hydia just couldn't risk losing to them again this time! Moving away from the cauldron, the old witch yelled down the volcano's corridor

"REEKA! DRAGGLE! GET IN HERE!” The old toothless crone yelled down the hallway. “I've got a job for the two of you!"

Rest at the Royal Paradise

Rest at the Royal Paradise

"Wow, this place is incredible!" Alonzo said in awe, as the little group walked through the golden archway flanked by the giant Celestia and Luna statues. "I've never seen it's like in all the cities of men!"

"What? Oh yeah, it's wonderful, isn't it?" Megan replied nonchalantly, having been here many times before.

"The Royal Paradise is always a wonderful place to visit, being the political center of the entire confederacy, and it's outlying kingdoms." Wind Whistler offered, flapping above the other two. "Why I do intend to bring my own daughter here, given the chance."

"Awww geez Windbag, do ya have ta sound like some Bright Valley travel agent?" Gusty snorted, looking up at her Pegasus friend in annoyance. "I'll admit it's a nice place, but why's it have ta be so flanking crowded?"

"A lot of ponies come here to do business, Gusty." Sundance replied, trying to shove her way through the crowds, and keep up with her friends. "Now let's just all try to stay together, and not get lost in all these ponies, okay?"

The capital city of the Royal Paradise spread out before them- proud, regal, and showing the strength of a confederacy that had lasted for more than five hundred years. The cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings of the citadel glistened in the sun, and the sounds of bartering and commerce from a thousand voices filled their ears. All around them, flutter ponies, Pegasus, unicorns, and earth ponies trotted about the street, going about matters both business and political. As they passed the two slightly out-of-place humans, the two could hear a mixture of comments from the crowd.

"That's odd, what are humans doing at the Royal Paradise this time of day?"

"Oh wow, isn't that the legendary Megan? I heard she helped the princess ponies save Ponyland!"

"Oh great, Dream Valley's pet human is here. Just what the capital needs."

"Zounds, it seems our presence had drawn quite a bit of attention." Alonzo noted, looking at all the ponies around them. "do they always act this way when our kind is around?"

"There are always like this, pay no attention to it." Megan replied, as the five companions made their way up towards the keep at the very center of the citadel. "You'll get used to it, after enough visits here to the Royal Paradise."

The two humans and three ponies were greeted by a royal servant, who bowed politely, and led them into the main hall. There, they were greeted by the sight of a wide and beautiful chamber stretching out before them.

"Honored senior and senioritas, please wait here." The orange servant pony bowed to the group, before trotting out towards the hallway. "One of their highnesses will be with you shortly."

As they were left alone in the chamber, the ponies and people looked around at all the fantastic art or architecture.

"This is... oh my heavens..." The human knight was left speechless, as he stared up at the colorful mosaics and beuatiful golden chandeliers. "How can ponies make such wonderful architecture, without any hands or-"

"We have other attributes that help us, Alonzo, in regards to both magic and Pegasus flight." Sundance snorted indignantly at their human friend. "Don't sell our species short just because we lack fingers or opposable thumbs."

"Not to mention our advanced technical skills, and extremely advanced intellects." Wind Whistler added smugly. "While I do admire the exotic and unique cultures and civilizations you humans have built, we ponies have accomplished a great deal that we can be proud of, as well."

"Yeah, and we've been around a lot longer than you guys, as well." Gusty blurted out, talking in her usual insensitive manner. "While we were building castles and cities , your ancestors were getting themselves tossed out of the Horsemaster's gardens for eating an apple."

"Lady Gusty, that in no way to talk to our human guests!" A lavender mare with a turquoise mane snorted, coming down the grand staircase at the far end of the chamber. "A mare should conduct herself with far more dignity and tact, than you are doing at the present moment!"

Turning to face the source of the voice, the three ponies quickly bowed to the unicorn with the damsel hat, and Sir Alonzo quickly fell to one knee, kneeling on his sword. Only Megan remained standing, as the royal pony trotted up to the band of travelers.

"Princess Amethyst Sparkle, so wonderful to see you again!" Megan declared, inclining her head to the princess pony. "I didn't expect it to be you here to greet us!"

"Actually, it's Queen Amethyst, at the moment." The mare corrected her. "With my fellow princess ponies at the Equinia games in New Equestria, I've been left as the confederacy's sole monarch."

"Good ta see ya again, Amy! How ya been since that mess with the lava demo-OOF!" Gusty replied with a grin, before Wind Whistler cut her off with a hoof to the stomach.

"Queen Sparkle, we have come here, seeking information concerning the whereabouts of the lost Starlight lantern, which was taken in the time of-"

"I am fully aware of what you seek, sir knight." The queen replied, raising a hoof to interrupt him. "the treasure ye seek lies beyond the black mountains, in the troll fortress near Furbobia."

"T-the fortress of Darkness!?" Wind Whistler sputtered out, her eyes going wide. "But how in the world did the lantern end up out there?"

That I shall be more than happy to explain over dinner, my good Lady Whistler." The queen motioned them all towards a pony servant, who was waiting on the stairs. "For now, Rayito here will show you to your rooms, where you may get freshened up before we speak again."

"Right this way, senior and senioritas." The same stallion with the sun ray burst symbol exclaimed, pointing up the stairs with a hoof. "I have already taken de liberty of drawing all of you warm bathwater, and prepared towels, and fresh clothes for de senior."

"Great, I feel like I could use some freshening up!" Sundance giggled, as the other two mares and Alonzo followed the servant up the stairs.

"One moment, Mistress Megan." The queen stopped the human woman, raising a hoof. "While I am pleased to see you, I must question your... odd attire. No offense Megan... but you resemble a human wench plying her trade in the red light district."

"You can thank my brother, for that, your highness." Megan groaned, rolling her eyes. "He told the ponies of Dream Valley that this was what warrior women wore into battle."

"Wait, this is the special armor Majesty commissioned for you as a gift?!" The queen cocked her head curiously. "Mistress Megan, please remove the headpiece."

"All right, your highness, if you say so." she reached up, and took the winged circlet off of her head. "But I really don't see what- EEP!"

It wasn't that her armor changed, for it remained exactly as it had been. Rather, a whole another layer of clothing appeared over top the thong bikini- namely, a short blue battle skirt and top. White ruffled lace poked out of the sleeves, skirt bottom, and skirt top. And a thin layer of light armor covered the skirt and top.

"Wait, what, HOW!?" Megan sputtered in disbelief, looking down at herself.

"Just as I thought, t'was a circlet of invisibility." The queen sighed, shaking her head. "It was being used to make the outer layer of your armor invisible. A trick of your brother's, no doubt." She looked the new layer over. "I suppose you like dislike this design even more than the previous one."

"Don't like it!?" Megan asked incredulously, looking down at her wardrobe. "Your highness, I'm never taking this off!"

Intermission 1: Ergonomically Terrific

Intermission 1: Ergonomically Terrific

Here now is the first of many intermission chapters, where we will get insight on this tale's supporting cast. And to start us off, is a certain logical genius pony....

Salutations, readers! My nomenclature is Wind Whistler, and my function is Dream Valley's resident chief scientist and engineer. My mate is the fire stallion chief, and my daughter is the little filly, Moondream. My appearance consist of a blue coat and pink mane, along with a pair of asymmetrical wings and a three whistle cutie mark. I am normally the mare all other ponies come to with their technical problems. I'm also the mare all other ponies believe has no feelings.

My upbringing was an unremarkable one. Born in Dream Castle, my father was a royal guard whose life functions had ceased before I was old enough to know him. My mother, Wind Wisher, was a former singer and celebrity from Bright Valley. If you were to dig through some old magazines from that town, I'm certain you'd see a young pink earth mare with a purple and aqua mane and pinwheel cutie mark. wearing a stage show tiara and translucent skirt. Her star having long since faded by the time of my birth, she was determined to keep living in the spotlight through me.

When it was discovered that I held the same signing talent, I was immediately put into a rigorous routine of lessons and signing practice from my third birthday. I was a different pony at that impressionable age, a singing and whistling airhead who just thought all the glitter and singing and pretty outfits and spending time with mommy was fun. I also did not realize how jealous my parental unit was of my singing voice, even as she attempted to mold me into a miniature version of herself. Still, I excelled at my special talent, making it into the Dream Valley's foals choir by the time I was five- a record bested by the only superior singer in the castle to me, Medley.

That's not to say I didn't have a life outside the performances, however. There was school and friends, of course, My mother was intelligent enough to know I needed some normalcy if I was to develop properly. I was one of the ditzy girls then, and my best friends were Fizzy and Gusty. I had no concern with any sort of intellectual pursuits in those days- can you actually believe I once told my teacher 'gee, math is hard for fillies'? Urgh. My greatest concern during that time was going to the mall in bright valley with the other girls, going on a shopping spree, and getting my hooves done up in the wildest colors.

Then the teenage years hit, and I discovered colts. Now, I was never the filly about town that Firefly was; but I did have my share of amorous pursuits in my youth. Most exciting was Four Speed, who would take me four rides in that big, powerful machine of his, the humans called a truck. We'd go racing across the hills and rocks at an accelerated pace, and I admired how he could control the speed and power of that awesome engine. We then experimented with ways to back the back windows of his truck fog up, and Four Speed discovered that I was far faster than that truck of his...

*Ahem*, yes, well... suffice to say I was content with my life as an oblivious ditz, until the day my 'benefactors' entered my life. That day left this filly changed forever, and I abandoned the path of shallow emotion for the path of logic. To my advantage, my grades improved astronomically, and my academic progress excelled. But my personal life went to pieces around me. Where once I had been more outgoing and sympathetic when one of the girls was going though their teenage dramas, now I would simply sit back and assess the situation with analytical logic. Four Speed terminated our relationship when I was able to rebuild his engine better than he could.

"I don't wanna date a computer on four legs." He told me, ignoring my extremely wordy pleas.

But perhaps the most injurious occurrence was my mother's reaction, once she learned my special talent for singing was gone. My teachers said I was concentrating too much on the technical aspects of the music, and not 'putting my heart into the music' or some such sentimental nonsense. She abandoned me as I turned away from my artistic pursuits, and started reading the technical books in the castle library. Mother was never able to accept, that I had become the only pony in history to ever change special talents at the start of my adult life.

Most of my friends abandoned me, declaring I had become an emotionless machine. Only Fizzy stayed with me, still acting as if I had never changed at all. Gusty, my one time best friend, felt betrayed and took every opportunity to remind me of my lack of emotions. I buried myself in my work and made many great innovations for Dream Valley. Queen Majesty was so impressed, she gave me the castle's abandoned underground lab to work in. It didn't take long for this Pegasus to get the facility up and running again, and I was soon going about the task of creating many wonders. But despite all my achievements, I still felt a gaping hole in my life, and logic dictated it was from the solitude my new enlightened state had caused me.

Ergo, the solution demanded was an end to my solitude- I soon decided it was time to start a family of my own. Chief, the white earth stallion who was the chief of Dream castle's fire and Rescue, seemed like a logical candidate. So when he showed great affection towards me at a moonlight dance on the deck of Captain Barnacle's ship, I consented to a lifebond with him. The birth of our daughter heralded a series of new goals and challenges, which I was confident my intellect could overcome. Having a family has been a very rewarding and enriching experience.

But there are times I worry. My voice never rises above it's boring monotone, barely reflecting the anger, or joy, or sadness I'm feeling inside. When Moondreamer was growing up, it was always her godmother Fizzy who held her, or comforted her when she cried. No instinctual maternal reaction came to me. I've heard the other mares gossiping, saying that they heard from the stallions that- that Chief has stated that when we are- when we are together... it's like kissing and making love to a machine, automatically going through the motions. I know he would never state this hypothesis, but even the suggestion has caused me undue emotional distress.

Logically, it really doesn't bother an organic computer like myself, why should I care about the primitive emotional reflexes my fellow ponies are afflicted with? I am beyond such petty concerns as sentiment and love, What these walking piles of biological pulp think or feel about me is irrelevant. I don't need these lesser ponies, or their useless 'feelings' to survive. I can function autonomously without their moronic friendship, and am in fact function better of without them.

Every time I tell myself that, I almost believe it... until my heart slowly starts to break, and I hate myself for even thinking it. I love Chief, and Fizzy, and my baby more than life itself, more than any of these silly ponies could ever know. They have no idea how painful it is to see my little baby cry after she's hurt her leg from falling off the swing. And when she needs a mother's affection, the only thing that can come of of my mouth is logical statistics listing why she is not injured that badly. Those monsters... they took my ability to express my feelings, and I am unable to tell the ponies I care about how much I love them.

Maybe… it's better this way. Maybe now, I really am nothing more than a biological machine.