The Secret Elementby Blue SkyChaptersBlendingNightmare MoonThe Everfree ForestThe Ancient RuinsPrincess Luna's VisitFlying HighSecret is outBlending"Here we go," I muttered quietly to myself. The birds chirped around me, and a cool wind blew through the hills as I approached the quaint town. The only other noise was the loud thumping of my bulky cart as it rolled over the cobblestone road. My silvery coat almost glistened, especially with water droplets still clinging to it from this morning's fog. However, the humidity had done nothing for my already frizzy mane. In fact, I had to hold the top portion out of my eyes in an elongated bun. Still, the small white band wasn't enough to contain the critical extra two inches, so a second tie was required. This one fell over the side of my neck, and draped down my shoulder. The rest of my wild mane cascaded down the same side, making the bundle hard to distinguish. My tail had grown so long that a similar style was required. I used a third white tie to loop it back in on itself to keep it from dragging on the ground. Still, there was so much excess that it continued to escape containment and drape back down to tickle my ankles. In contrast to my fuzzy hair, I had otherwise sharp and distinct features. My nose was particularly curved and pointed, and I had ears to match. My deep sapphire eyes were crystal clear. I was long legged though not particularly taller than most ponies, but I maintained a slim frame. My cutie mark looked large against such petite features. It portrayed a simple paintbrush, tipped with an unusual tongue of white flame. It stood out in front of the dark purple paint puddle backdrop. I wasn't like most ponies. I didn't belong to any of the four known types; I was not an earth pony or pegasus, unicorn or even an alicorn. I was a thestral. That meant I was a pony with dragon wings. For centuries, all the other pony types thought of us as evil creatures . It wasn't my fault that my ancestors had attacked Equestria. While I didn't take pride in what they had done, I knew why they did it. They were caught in the middle, never belonging to either dragon kind or pony kind. Ponies never full accepted them due to their fear of dragons, and dragons wouldn't accept them because they were the 'weak half-lings.' They wanted acceptance, so they went about taking it by force. Of course, Celestia and Luna responded in kind, banishing them to the farthest corners of the Everfree Forest. That's where I was brought up. Fortunately, I had the ability to disguise myself by hiding my wings. All thestrals can. Most just hated the other pony types so much they would not go anywhere near their towns. Back with the other thestrals, hate hung thick in the air like smoke. It was pointless. I, on the other hoof, wanted to move amongst these other ponies permanently. I would appear as a simple earth pony here in town. If I looked like one of them, I could build up a life for myself here. This was my chance to start over. I'd packed up my few belongings and left. This small cart was inadequate for the large, awkward size of the canvases in the back, making it appear like I had more inside than I really did. A few jars of paint clanked at the bottom, and brushes rolled to and fro with each bump. I had found my talent in the arts. There was a small house on the outskirts of this town that I had my eye . It was peaceful and quiet, but not too far for ponies to come out to. It was just large enough for me to live in while converting the front half into a shop. While I was a great artist, there wasn't much demand for paintings, so I intended to start up an art supply store instead. Growing up in the Everfree, I'd had to make most of the paints myself. I had just enough bits saved up to purchase the house. It was a bit run down, but I'd soon fix that. The name of this town was Ponyville. I'd chosen it mostly because it was so close to the Everfree, but I also liked the small size. When I spied on it from afar, I always appreciated the tightly knit community that resided here. They were very accepting, and more or less friendly. If I was going to join the other pony types, this was the place to do it. I took a shaky breath as I entered town. I instantly put myself on the defensive, just waiting for one of the locals to cast me a funny look Then I chided myself. I looked just like any of them. They had no reason to cast me any dirty glances. If they did, it was obviously because I was new. Even I had stopped to stare if I spotted somepony unfamiliar back at home. The town was just waking, but the streets were soon bustling with activity once again. I smiled back whenever I received a friendly nod or "Good morning." My spirits soared as I headed to the address of the realtor selling the house I was interested in. To my delight, he was friendly, and made the whole matter easy. After briefly negotiating the price, the deal was closed before I knew what was happening. I got the impression he just wanted the place off of his hooves. That suited me just fine. Now that I had secured a place to sleep tonight, I was free to explore my new hometown. I stopped at my new home just long enough to deposit my load. As much as I would have liked to settle in, I was itching to meet my new neighbors. Besides, my stomach was pleading for breakfast. I trotted back into the plaza, taking in my new environment. I took care to note where a few of the important stores were before stopping at a bakery, Sugar Cube Corner. They had pastries I had never heard of, and some that were considered delicacies in the far reaches of the Everfree. I ordered a slice of cinnamon crumble cake and a glass of milk for breakfast. These were delivered rather promptly by the pony who introduced herself as Mrs. Cake, a slightly pudgy blue earth pony with a pink mane and tail. The way she kept her hair twirled reminded me of cupcake frosting. I learned that she co-owned the bakery with her husband, Mr. Cake. He was just the opposite from his wife, being a tall lanky stallion with a yellow coat, orange mane and tail and rigid, square features. I took a seat at the small table by the window, relishing each bite of sugary cake. It wasn't long before a bright pink pony bounced noisily into the bakery. Her cutie mark consisted of three balloons, blue and yellow. Her mane was a darker shade of pink than her coat, but it was incredibly frizzy, as was her tail. She seemed intent on making sure everypony was aware of her presence. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" she squealed. Her voice was high pitched, only adding to the effect. Mrs. Cake was just bringing out a fresh batch of scones. "Good morning, Pinkie Pie. I'm afraid there isn't much for you to do this morning; we just finished the first batch of brownies… but I do have a fresh muffin basket sitting on the counter in the back. Would you mind taking it to Ditzy before it gets cold?" "Sure thing, Mrs. Cake!" I assumed the mare must work here, because she bounced right on into the back. I couldn't help but smile at her energy as she bounded past with her eyes closed. It wasn't long before she returned with the basket in her mouth. However, she stopped dead in her tracks as she came back around, eyes locked on mine. The entire basket dropped from her mouth, leaving her jaw hanging agape. Fortunately, it landed right side up and no muffins were spilled. However, I was beginning to become uncomfortable under her wide-eyed stare. I felt my ears flatten involuntarily. Finally, she gasped like she was trying to fit an entire oxygen tank's worth of air in her lungs. My eyes widened further, if that was possible, when she zoomed up to my side in half a second flat. I brought my hoof instinctively up to my face, which was probably the only thing keeping her from touching noses with me. "Hi! You must be new here. I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name?" "Uh… Acrylic," I finally managed, putting my hoof down. She likewise backed off ever so slightly. The way this pony talked a mile a minute was throwing me off, as if her hyperactive personality wouldn't do that. "Acrylic, huh? You must be a painter pony! I like your cutie mark. I haven't seen one like that before." She was now intently staring at my flank, scrutinizing the flaming brush. "Uh, thanks." "What does the fire mean?" "Well… I like to think it symbolizes my burning hatred of blank pages," I chuckled. I knew the fire on my paintbrush really represented white thestral fire, but she didn't. "Ha ha! That's funny! So, Acrylic, what are you doing in Ponyville?" "I just moved here, actually," I truthfully answered, downing the last few drops of milk from the glass. Pinkie's eyes grew large once more, and she sucked in another tankful of air. "Gotta go!" she exclaimed, zooming back out the door. She returned just as quickly to retrieve the forgotten basket, but was gone in a flash. I took a moment to recover from the sudden meeting before eventually shaking it off. After breakfast, I took my few meager coins to Sofas and Quills in search of reasonably priced furniture for my new residence. I was just about to make a selection when an orange mare trotted into the store alongside a buff red stallion and a small yellow filly. The stallion seemed to know exactly where he was going, and headed straight for the back where the storekeeper had disappeared. The filly chased after him, and the mare waited out in the lobby. I was the only other pony in the shop, and spotting me, she trotted over. "Nice day, ain't it?" She had a strong southern accent, which was reinforced by the worn Stetson sitting atop her blond mane. It was loosely tied at the end with a red band, as was her tail, and raggedy bangs hung over crisp green eyes. Freckles gave her a cute but kind appearance. Three red apples formed her cutie mark. At first glance, she appeared to have a rather average build. The longer I looked at her, though, the more I got the impression that serious power rippled through her muscles. "Very nice," I agreed with a nod. "My name's Applejack. Say, I haven't seen you 'round here before." "I just moved here. I'm Acrylic," I affirmed, offering a hoof. "Ya don't say! What brings you to Ponyville, Acrylic?" "I just liked the area," I shrugged. "Well, you're just in time for the Summer Sun Celebration. Can you believe it's just two weeks away? Princess Celestia is comin' here this year, ya know." "Is she?" My eyes widened at the fact. I genuinely hadn't known, but why would I? Thestrals had no reason to keep track of such things. "Sure is. Us Apples are in charge of the food this year. Everypony's so eager to lend a hoof for this here celebration that I'm gonna have the whole Apple family packed into my place! It's tight quarters as it is, and I need an extra couch for 'em to sleep on." "Well, tell me if you need an extra hoof," I offered. "I think we're covered, but thanks for the offer, sugar cube. If you really wanna help, you can check in with the mayor. I'm sure she'll have some use for an artsy pony like yourself." "I'll be sure to do that," I nodded. "I don't suppose you could show me where that is?" "Sure thing." I was led to the doorway, where she stopped and provided directions. "If you just take a right there, you'll find the marketplace. Turn left after you see the asparagus stall. It looks like a back alley, but that'll eventually join up with the main plaza. Town Hall's right at the center of Ponyville, so just follow the shops 'till you find it." "Thank you," I said. "It sure was nice meetin' ya, Acrylic. We Apples love makin' new friends. I'll have to introduce ya to the rest of the family sometime." "I'd like that." "Well, if ya ever need us, we're down at Sweet Apple Acres. You can as anypony for directions, if ya need." "Thanks again, Applejack." With that, I abandoned the sofa for another day and headed off in the direction she indicated while the directions were still fresh in my mind. The mayor, Ivory Scroll, was nice enough, but instantly warmed up to the newcomer upon learning that I wanted to help out with the Summer Sun Celebration. She didn't know exactly what I was capable of, other than the fact that I was crafty, but that was enough for her. I was assigned to give somepony called Rarity a hoof with the decorations. I found the white unicorn and her boutique at the far end of town. In fact, it wasn't far from my new place, just down the road a bit. She was a real fashionista, and wore her purple mane in curls that announced it to the whole world. She had the cutie mark of sparkling blue gems painted on her flank. She currently wore fashionable purple reading glasses. I found her busily sorting garments at the back. "I'll be with you in just a moment," she cheerily announced upon hearing hoofsteps echo through her shop. Though she wasn't looking my way, I nodded and waited for her to finish. "Oh, that won't do… just add glitter, perhaps? No, gems! Gems always do the trick. Now then, how can I help you?" "You're Rarity?" I clarified, just to be safe. "Yes I am. Oh, but I don't know you. Are you new here, darling?" "Yes, in fact. I just moved in this morning. My name is Acrylic." "Is that so? Well, Ponyville can always welcome another friendly face, for sure. Where are you from?" "Way, way out in the country," I stuttered, caught off guard. "The place doesn't even have a name." "Well, it must be nice to finally get back to civilization!" she exclaimed, trying to sound polite but failing to muffle the somewhat horrified expression plastered on her face. "I like it so far," I jokingly agreed. "Now, then. Can I help you find something?" "Actually, I just came from speaking with the mayor. I wanted to help set up the Summer Sun Celebration with everypony else, and I was assigned to help you with the decorations." "Is that so? Well, I must admit, I've been procrastinating a bit. I had an idea for a new line of dresses that simply couldn't wait. I would appreciate the help. In fact, I was just getting set up. Would you care to join me in the back?" "Of course." I respectfully nodded and started off in the direction she indicated. I was halfway there when she suddenly screamed. "WAIT!" I froze, caught mid-step with two of my legs still in the air. I eyed her nervously, wondering if I'd done something wrong. She looked almost comical, about ready to pounce with her glasses slowly sliding off of her nose. She suddenly jumped up and rushed over to me. "That hat… it's perfect!" "What hat?" I was answered when a dark purple plaid beret from the mannequin behind me was suddenly levitated over my head and deposited between my curled ears. From her vantage point, I must have been lined up with the mannequin just so it looked like it was already on my head. "Oh, darling, you look absolutely stunning in it!" I figured it must be her sales pitch until I was practically thrown at one of the many vanity mirrors around the room. Even I had to admit, it looked really cute! "It accents your cutie mark just perfectly!" she went on, admiring me from afar. "You must take it!" "It does look good," I giggled. "I should say 'good' is an understatement!" "How much do you want for it?" "What? No, no, no. It fits you so well, consider it yours." "Oh, I couldn't, Rarity." "Nonsense! Consider it my welcoming gift to you." "Well, thank you, then. That's very generous." "I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, come along. The banners won't decorate themselves." ~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~ Rarity enjoyed the kind of harmless gossip I had grown up without. I enjoyed the chit chat, but kept my guard up. She seemed intent on prying information about my past from me. I often had to reply with, "I don't seem to be able to recall that," or, "That wasn't one of my best memories." I had to make up a lot of the information to keep her from thinking I had a miserable past. I hated lying, but I couldn't have her knowing I was a thestral either. I quickly picked up on Rarity's sophisticated mannerisms, and found myself mimicking such a style after only knowing her a few hours. She came to appreciate my style of artwork, even if it wasn't her forte. While she was called to the front several times by customers, she made it a point to introduce me to every one of them. She lingered a little longer with those whom I presumed were her closest friends. They included two pegasi, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. I got the idea she was close to Pinkie Pie and Applejack as well, but the cowgirl didn't come to the boutique that day. On the other hoof, when the pink mare came bouncing into the shop, she froze upon eyeing me. Avoiding me like the plague, she called Rarity over to talk privately. Though even Rarity looked slightly offended after I was denied admittance, she came back smiling, and I tried to dismiss it. Rarity called it a day at around three o' clock. She offered to walk me home, but I tried my best to refuse. Rarity was a sophisticated mare, and the shack I now called home was in no state to be seen by her critical eye just yet. She was relentless, however, and insisted. Before I knew it, she was leaving without me. I hoped that the brim of my new hat could be pulled down far enough to hide my face when she set eyes on the place. That method worked only too well. Hidden under the beret, I now had a very limited line of sight and had to follow the shuffling of her hoofsteps to guide me. I could only see the ground immediately ahead. I was surprised when she made no comment whatsoever about the state of my living space. She didn't even seem surprised. Thrilled by this fact, I fumbled with the key, and failed to notice when she didn't leave. I also didn't instantly notice the many faces packed into my living room. That's why I nearly had a heart attack when the light was switched on and they all jumped out. "SURPRISE!" Pinkie jumped out of nowhere blowing loudly on a noise maker. "Hi again! Remember me?" "Of course, Pinkie Pie," I quickly recovered, still too stunned to show any emotion on my face. The whole town must have been packed in here! "So, were you surprised? Were you?! Were you?!'' I wasn't given time to respond. "See, when we were talking at Sugar Cube Corner, you said you'd just moved here. I realized that you must not have many friends if you just got here, and that made me really, really sad! So I decided to throw you this super-duper party and invite everypony in Ponyville! See? Now you have lots and lots of friends!" "Pinkie… I don't know what to say!" I finally stuttered, a smile blooming on my face. "Aw, you don't have to say anything. NOW WHO WANTS TO PLAY PIN THE TAIL ON THE PONY?!" she excitedly screamed out to the crowd. A few ponies clopped off to join her, but most just stayed put and continued socializing. "It's a quaint little place," Rarity noted, rejoining me and looking around. It looked much better with so many ponies packed inside to hide part of the clutter. "It's about time somepony bought it. I've watched this place rot in neglect for years . It needs a bit of cleaning up, of course, but I'm sure you could tidy this place up to look absolutely dazzling!" "I've got plans," I promised, prying a paper cup loose from the top of the stack and filling it with a purple punch. "There she is- mare of the hour." I instantly recognized the thick accent, and turned around to see Applejack pushing through the crowd with her little sister scuttling along at her hooves. "Applejack, you made it!" Rarity greeted. "I was worried all of that apple bucking you needed to catch up on would keep you at home." "I wouldn't miss one of Pinkie's parties for all the apples in the world!" she declared. "And besides, I never got to introduce ya to my little sister Apple Bloom." The young yellow filly looked up at me, the pink bow in her red mane doing nothing to keep the strands out of her eyes. She tossed the bangs aside before looking up at me with big, golden eyes. "Hiya! My sis told me you're a painter pony. Is that true?" "It sure is," I affirmed with a wide smile. I wasn't sure what it was about them, but I felt myself more at ease around young fillies and colts than with mares or stallions my own age. Apple Bloom looked around suspiciously, and finding the area clear of eavesdroppers, beckoned me close. I let loose an amused look before bending over to accommodate her. "Do ya think you could paint me a cutie mark for the Summer Sun Celebration in two weeks?" "No, she can't," Applejack whispered, having bent over to join us. "But big sis," she whined. "Now, Apple Bloom, we talked 'bout this. Your cutie mark will appear when and only when you're ready for it." "I'm tired of waiting," she pouted, crossing her fore hooves. "But it won't be you. Ya know how I feel about lying to other ponies. Besides, what'll your classmates think when your cutie mark washes off?" "Well…" Apple Bloom rubbed the back of her head. She hadn't thought about that. "Your sister's right, Apple Bloom," I smiled. "I was a blank flank for a long time, too. It's nothing to be so ashamed of you feel you need to hide it." "Oh, okay," she finally relented. "Now why don't you go over there and join Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?" Applejack suggested. "Uh, no thanks," she vigorously shook her head. "Oh, don't be silly. Go on, now!" I saw how anxious she was about approaching the other fillies, even if Applejack didn't. I cut in just as Applejack began shoving her in their direction. "Actually, if you really don't want to go join them, maybe you could introduce me to some other ponies?" I hastily offered an escape route. Her eyes practically shone with glee at my rescue, and she jumped out of her sister's reach. "Sure thing, Acrylic! Let's go say hi to Ditzy!" I found myself being dragged around my new and unfamiliar house to meet lots of new and unfamiliar ponies. Pinkie's party lasted for the greater part of the evening. I greatly enjoyed the games and other events that had been planned. Applejack's sister got us through introductions to everypony rather quickly. While Apple Bloom stopped briefly to introduce me to Diamond Tiara and her friend Silver Spoon, I was under the impression they didn't get along too well because of how short our visit was. She was a little more at ease under the protection of an adult, but I was still only given seconds to say hello. Of course, I didn't have long with anypony at the speed she was moving us, so the games served as a way for me to more thoroughly socialize. Everypony was finally heading home at about nine for those with young ones, but some of the older ponies stayed until ten. Rarity had to leave with her little sister Sweetie Belle early, as did Applejack, but the pegasus Rainbow Dash was 'too cool for bedtime.' Fluttershy kindly offered to stay up with her, though she barely said a word the whole time. I finally made a comment about her cutie mark, and then it was hard to get her to be quiet. She kept going on and on about her animals. I listened intently and nodded now and then, but I knew next to nothing on the subject. This rambling earned a few snide comments from Rainbow Dash, but we all knew it was in good fun. Before we knew it, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and I were the only ponies left. It was quite late, but they all offered to stay and help clean up after the party. It was midnight when we finished. I don't know when they left. I must have fallen asleep on the armchair. It was the best first day I could have ever hoped for. Nightmare MoonI quickly fell into the regular routine of eating breakfast at Sugar Cube Corner before heading back to the Carousel Boutique to help with the decorations. Some days were longer than others, and sometimes we didn't work on the Summer Sun Celebration decorations at all. Sometimes I helped her with a new line of dresses. I wasn't much of a fashionista, but I toiled over the detailing until it was perfect. On these occasions, she paid me with a small gem despite my protests. I earned generous wages in such a manner, even though I was only supposed to be volunteering. The money I earned was readily put to use in refurnishing my house. My evenings were spent fixing the place up. On a few occasions, Rainbow Dash even offered to come over and help. I was forced to accept her assistance in replacing the many missing shingles on the roof; even my ladder wouldn't reach high enough. She also painted the highest points I couldn't get to. Once the white base coat was down, though, I rejected any offered assistance in working on the exterior designs. That was the fun part! It took me the entire weekend and then a few more days, but I finally got the front outer wall finished. Then and only then did I bring Rainbow Dash back to help coat it in fixative to protect the paint from getting filthy. The image it displayed the stunning colors of both dawn and dusk, with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna positioned at either end like in the old days. Between them lay the beautiful landscape of Equestria, with every type of pony I could think of positioned somewhere in between. The traditional earth pony, unicorn and Pegasus were stationed dead center, standing dutifully in the middle of it all. Off in a river I added a Hippo campus, or merpony, if you will, and a hippogryph out at the borders of gryphon territory. You could barely notice the mythical Breezies among the flowery meadow and they were tiny ponies with butterfly wings only thought to exist in legends. Disguised back in the far reaches of the Everfree I even camouflaged a thestral, though I doubted anypony would notice. It was a risky move, but I couldn't resist. Everypony marveled at the work, and my five new closest friends in particular offered praise that made me feel like I was flying. Speaking of flying, I was developing a problem. My disguise kept trying to give out on me. Suddenly, I would get the sudden urge to grow my wings back out. It wasn't voluntary, but occasionally they just sprouted. I called it a wing spring. Whenever I got the sensation, I had to excuse myself and run to find a private spot to hide out until it had run its course. It typically occurred once or twice a day, and once at night while I was asleep. This made life particularly difficult for me. On top of that, I was feeling the effects of staying on the ground for so long. I missed the sky, and longed to jump back up to soar among the clouds. I wasn't sure how much more I could take. Maybe a quick night flight wouldn't hurt every now and then. Before I knew it, the Summer Sun Celebration was upon us. Rarity had postponed one too many decorating days, and we had to pull long hours the day before to move the banners from her boutique to the rest of Ponyville. Still, it was getting done, and we'd be on time. There hadn't been much talking going on today, which was unusual for Rarity. She was too focused. "No, no, no, goodness, no!" she said again and again. I heard hoofsteps, and noted that she had a new visitor. For once, she was paying her customers no mind as she sorted through the adornments for the banners. "Good afternoon," the purple unicorn began. She had a darker purple mane and tail, streaked with pink and both were currently frazzled as though she had just lived through a tornado. Her cutie mark displayed a pink six-pointed star surrounded by smaller pricks of light. Her purple eyes were kind but businesslike as she spoke. She was accompanied by a purple baby dragon with green spines. "Oh, Acrylic, could you get that, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were." "Sure thing, Rarity. How can I help you?" I turned my attention to her customer, doing my best not to stare at her wind-matted mane. "I was actually hoping to speak with Rarity about the decorations," she said. "I see. She'll be with you in a moment." I set myself to work with another banner in an attempt to keep from staring. "Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help y- OH!" She squealed upon looking her visitor over. "Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!" "Oh, you mean my mane? It's a long story, but I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your hair." "My hair? But what about your hair?" Rarity instantly abandoned her work and dragged the newcomer out the door. "Wait, where are we going? Help!" The young dragon followed them in a rather dazed state. I also put down my ribbons and joined them to see what I could catch of the conversation. As it turned out, Rarity had brought the unicorn out to the boutique. Along the way, I'd managed to introduce myself, and learn that her name was Twilight Sparkle. Rarity's usual chit chatter hadn't allowed me to say much else, however. I was instantly put to work by Rarity to go fetch different clothing items for Twilight, as I had come to know the shop quite well. While I had procured everything she told me to, none of the outfits were accepted. Luckily, Rarity's makeover had included hairstyling, and Twilight's windblown mane returned to normal. It was kept straight, and cropped so perfectly that it looked recently cut, though by the split ends I could tell she needed one soon. "No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too... shiny. Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from." Rarity was putting poor Twilight through all of the costumes in an attempt to find her one that would suit her. I assumed she wanted to welcome Twilight with some accessory as she had me. Now she tried tightening a corset that barely allowed Twilight to breathe. "I've… been sent… from Canterlot... to…" "Huh? Canterlot? Oh, I am so envious! The glamor, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I. Well, you me and Acrylic of course." Rarity had come to think of us as best friends, even closer than our group of six. She had scooted closer to Twilight, but then made the mistake of looking down on her work. "Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" Rarity dashed off in search of the desired outfit. "You'll have to forgive her. She likes dressing up models when she's stressed. I'll go make sure she doesn't pick something too…extravagant." I trotted off to find Rarity among the sea of clothes. I'd seen a dress I personally thought would look great on Twilight, so I took it off the rack and tried to talk Rarity out of the excessive ball gown dappled in the red gems. By the time we got back, we found her to have disappeared anyway. "Oh, dear," Rarity fretted. "Do you think it was something I said?" "No, no," I assured her. "She did say that she was sent to check up on the preparations for the entire Summer Sun Celebration. She's probably busy, and needed to get back to it." "Yes, you're quite right, Acrylic. Well, we'd better get back to Town Hall." "I think we've about finished there. If you do the last finishing touches, I'll gather the remaining supplies and meet you back at the plaza." "Alright. We should start at Sugar Cube Corner and work down the street. All the shopkeepers want their stores to look fabulous for the Princess's arrival." "HEY GUYS!" Pinkie Pie burst through the door, seeming to hover in the air as she screamed for us. "What is it, Pinkie Pie? We're quite busy." "There's a new pony in town! We've got to plan a welcome party for her!" "You mean Twilight Sparkle? Yes, we've just met her. A charming pony, and from Canterlot, no less!" "Ooh, a city pony! Anyway, I'm planning a welcome party for her, but I don't know where she's staying." Pinkie Pie pouted, drawing circles on the ground with her hoof. "She's staying at the Golden Oaks Library," I offered, recalling the bit of information Rarity pried from her during our conversation. I wondered if that was how Pinkie found out where I was living. "THANKS! Pinkie bounded back out the door, but returned momentarily. "Oh, and you're both invited for a surprise party there at three o' clock sharp. Don't be late!" "You think we'll be finished by then?" I asked. "Well, we can certainly try. Come on, then. We don't want to be late for Twilight's party." Indeed, I didn't. The ponies had been so kind to me at the time of my party that I wanted to be sure and return the favor. The street decorations didn't take so long because of how spread out it all was. After we dashed back to the boutique to put things away (and by put away I mean pile in a corner for later), we headed straight for the Golden Oaks Library. Rarity had to lead the way because I didn't know where it was. According to her, it hadn't been open for years. We were the last ones in, and accidentally triggered a false alarm. Everypony jumped out and confetti spewed everywhere. When the lights came on, though, there was a painfully loud "Aww," throughout the audience. Pinkie Pie was perhaps the most disappointed by our appearance instead of Twilight. I flattened my ears. "Sorry," I mumbled. "Oh, that's okay," Pinkie bounced right back up. "Okay, everypony! R-r-r-r-reset!" She rolled her R's dramatically, as if she were directing a show. She even had the loudspeaker for it. I took part in sweeping up the confetti and stuffing it back into the cannons. The lights were turned back off, and everypony huddled in the shadows. I'd taken a spot between Rainbow Dash and Rarity, and though we were supposed to be quiet, the white unicorn kept whispering the whole time we waited. It wasn't until the door opened that she shut up. This time, we waited to make sure we had the right pony before jumping back out. "Huh. Rude much?" I heard Spike the dragon mutter. Their voices were muffled, as I was all the way at the back. "Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where's the light?" Perfectly on cue, Applejack hit the switch and we all jumped up. "SURPRISE!" As per the norm, Pinkie was the first to greet the party guest. "Surprise! Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh? Huh? Huh?" "Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet." "Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! You see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all 'Hello' and I was all," she inflated her lungs to their fullest extent, "remember? Ya see I never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!" Twilight only let out a barely audible groan. My guess was that Pinkie's mile-a-minute speech was getting to her. "And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anypony yet, and if you haven't met anypony yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went," she sucked in another of her famous deep gasps. "I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everypony in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!" Our little clique had gathered behind her, and Pinkie bounded over. Twilight had just finished pouring herself a drink, and took a big sip. When she turned around, her face was becoming red-hot and her eyes watered. "Are you all right, sugar cube?" Applejack asked. Without answering, Twilight took off, storming up the stairs. "Aww, she's so happy she's crying!" Pinkie Pie beamed. Spike picked up the jar Twilight had taken a drink from. "Hot sauce?" he read. "Ooh." Pinkie Pie tipped the bottle over to dump the stuff until it completely coated a cupcake. She then proceeded to stuff the whole thing in her mouth. "What? It's good!" We all rolled our eyes at her. I waited for Twilight to come back down for a good ten minutes before giving up and returning to the games. I hadn't really gotten a chance to actually socialize with her. Rarity had kind of taken over the whole operation. Her dragon Spike, on the other hand, I found to be extremely fun, and he took part in all the activities Pinkie Pie had planned. There was no shortage of those, because we were staying up all night in order to be ready for the Celebration early in the morning. Pinkie Pie had saved her favorite for last: pin the tail on the pony. "I wonder where that Twilight's gotten off to," Applejack wondered as the blindfold was tied around her eyes. "Yeah. She's missing out on all the fun!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I'll go see if she wants to play," Spike dutifully offered, marching off. He looked rather comical with an excessively oversized hat he'd won as a prize seated over his head. He kept bumping into ponies' legs along the way with the cover over his eyes. Spike returned just as we were all filing out the door. "Twilight didn't want to play. Hey! Where's everypony going?" he asked disappointedly. "It's time for the Summer Sun Celebration. We're going to Town Hall to watch the Princess raise the sun!" I gleefully offered. Rarity had me worked up over the event. This was my first Summer Sun Celebration. I wanted it to be the best ever! "Oh, okay! I'll get Twilight!" he dashed off faster than the first time; partly because his hat flew off in his haste. Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and I all waited for the new girl by the door, and we headed out together. We found a good spot in the center of the crowd, where it wasn't quite so packed. Rarity was not with us on the floor; as head of decorations, she had the honor of lifting the curtain for none other than the Princess herself. Fluttershy had gone to conduct her birds for the opening ceremony, but even Rainbow Dash took to the air to conserve floor space. Pinkie didn't seem at all concerned about saving space, and earned herself a wide bubble of open floor by her erratic bouncing. "Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited- well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went," she swallowed about as much air as I had seen her do yet. "But I mean really, who can top that?" I giggled out of excitement, though Twilight groaned. I tried to ignore her. I wasn't going to let her negativity spoil my first celebration. Fluttershy started her birds, and the spotlight shifted to the center of the stage. All went quiet as we waited for the ceremony to begin. "Fillies and gentlecolts," Ivory Scroll began, "as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" I stomped my hooves as loudly as I"Fillies and gentlecolts," Ivory Scroll began, "as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" I stomped my hooves as loudly as I could along with every other pony in the Town Hall. "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..." Fluttershy prepared her birds and Rarity yanked on the curtain. As the spotlight moved to the balcony platform, though, nothing but empty space was brought to light. I nickered in confusion. Everypony else was letting out frightened murmurs and gasps. The mayor was worried, so I was worried. "This can't be good." Twilight flattened her ears and sank to the floor. "Please remain calm, everypony," Ivory Scroll attempted to soothe everypony. "There must be a reasonable explanation." "Ooh, ooh! I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" Pinkie bounced. "She's gone!" Rarity reported, returning to the balcony from checking the back. "Ooh, she's good," Pinkie declared, brows furrowed in a determined, mischievous manner. Her expression changed to one of fright as her baby blue eyes returned to the balcony. She led us in squealing in terror as the swirling, writhing mass of a blue shadowy entity began to form. From it soon burst a dark black alicorn with slightly bat-shaped wings. Purple eye shadow lined her turquoise dragon-like eyes. She wore menacing, cold blue armor that left no space for her mane and tail, though that did nothing to dissuade the blue masses from sticking to her. The blue entities were formless, but gave the impression of constantly blowing hair. Her cutie mark was that of the crescent moon behind a swatch of night sky that looked suspiciously like my purple blob of paint. Even more conspicuous was how closely the mark as a whole resembled that of Princess Luna's. I tried desperately to remember the old pony tales my parents told me, but failed to recall anything helpful. "Oh no! Nightmare Moon," Twilight gasped. Spike promptly fainted and toppled off of her back. "Oh, my beloved subjects," the alicorn, hissed in an attempted sickeningly sweet voice. "It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces." "What did you do with our princess?" Rainbow Dash instantly accused. "Whoa, there, Nelly," Applejack got a grip on her tail before the pegasus charged off to do something she'd regret. The alicorn only chuckled with dry amusement. "Why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?" "Ooh! Ooh! More guessing games!" Pinkie elatedly cried. "Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty!" Applejack promptly shoved an apple in her mouth in a successful attempt to get her to be quiet. The alicorn shoved her face almost up against Fluttershy's, scaring off the birds and making the young pegasus wish she could turn invisible. "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?" She switched over to Rarity; coddling her chin with the incredibly malleable mass of energy she called a mane. "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" "I did." Twilight stepped up, and all eyes turned to her. "And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon- Nightmare Moon!" We all gasped. I'd heard her say that, but I thought it was just some kind of Canterlot outburst. I didn't think she really meant it was Nightmare Moon in front of us! Even I knew she was bad news. "Well, well, well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here." "You're here to… to…" She couldn't seem to be able to bring herself to finish the sentence. She let out a loud gulp instead. Nightmare Moon only laughed. "Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Maniacal laughter then ensued, and thunder crashed from above. Lightning ripped across the sky for emphasis as a swirling vortex of wind surrounded Nightmare Moon and made her look more terrifying than ever. I shrank back, shuddering in the alicorn's commanding presence. The Everfree ForestSeize her!" the mayor commanded. "Only she knows where the princess is!" Three of the royal guards present for the event obeyed, all of whom had wings. They charged through the air at our new queen. She didn't like that idea much. "Stand back, you foals!" Nightmare Moon tossed them back like crumpled pieces of paper with a mere wave of her mane, bringing lightning down to do the work for her. After another round of haughty laughter, she imploded on herself, transforming entirely into a swirling ball of mane energy. That done, she slithered out the door, causing everypony to scatter in her wake. I was included in that number, ducking behind a table in terror. What happened to me now? Thestrals wouldn't be very affected by the everlasting night; we were nocturnal anyway. We had adapted to the night life. Should I go back home? Then I realized how foolish I was; even thestrals would be impacted by this dramatic change, perhaps even more so than the rest of Equestria. We didn't farm in the Everfree, we merely lived off of roots and whatever else we could gather. Without sunlight, nothing edible would grow even in the tough and hardy forest. And besides, that was no longer my home. I lived here now. I wasn't going to abandon my new friends just because times got a little tough. I'd chosen my side, and I was sticking to it. That left only one option: we had to stop Nightmare Moon. I straightened back up, conquering my fear in coming out from behind the table. Not many ponies were left in Town Hall. Rainbow Dash had been one of the first to leave in an attempt to chase down the queen. Twilight was right on her heels, though she had another destination in mind. I charged out to catch up with Applejack, who was following the purple unicorn. Rarity didn't often risk sweating, but even she put such thinking to the side in this time of need and joined us. Pinkie Pie joined in the fun by bouncing along behind us, somehow still keeping up. Applejack led those of us on the ground into the library, though Rainbow Dash had already zoomed in. Twilight had not yet noticed our presence. She was scrutinizing the shelves instead. "Elements, elements, elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?" she muttered. "And just what are the Elements of Harmony?" Rainbow Dash demanded in a somewhat accusing voice. She had locked noses with Twilight, forcing her back. "And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy? Whoa!" AJ yanked her from the air to calm her down. "Simmer down, Sally," she ordered. "She ain't no spy. But she sure knows what's goin' on, don't ya, Twilight?" "I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!" "The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide," Pinkie distractedly read. "How did you find that?!" Twilight exclaimed, pushing her way over. "It was under 'E!'" Pinkie happily bounced. "Oh, right," Twilight blushed. She proceeded to levitate the book and read a passage from it. "There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now…" she gasped in the place of the actual location. "What is now…?" I prompted. "The Everfree Forest!" she stammered. We all gasped, but while everypony else's was out of fright, mine was in surprise. My eyes widened. That was my homeland! Twilight nervously headed out, the rest of us trailing after her. My mind was working through this whole mess so quickly I didn't notice we'd arrived until I bumped into AJ. The dark shadows of the Everfree forest was looming over us. "The Everfree Forest!" we all said in unison. "Whee! Let's go!" Pinkie exclaimed, starting off for the dark woods. "Not so fast." Pinkie stopped dead in her tracks. "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd really rather do this on my own." "No can do, sugar cube. We sure ain't lettin' any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone. We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple. "Uh-uh," we all agreed, trotting in without her. Pinkie was the only one that remained. "Especially if there's candy apples in there!" I heard her add. "What? Those things are good!" Pinkie then trotted up to join us, and Twilight reluctantly followed with a heavy sigh. "So… none of you have ever been in here before?" Twilight nervously asked. I felt my heart skip a beat. Should I lie, or give a half- truth? I let the others answer while I considered my options. "Ugh, Heavens no! Just look at it- it's dreadful." Rarity declared. "And it ain't natural. Folks say it don't work the same as Equestria." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Nopony knows," Rainbow Dash said in a ghostly voice in an attempt to scare our company. I rolled my eyes, mostly because I was familiar with the woods and didn't find it frightening at all. "You know why?" "Rainbow, quit it!" Applejack demanded as she started to creep along the forest floor. "Because every pony who's ever come in has never come out!" "I did," I sarcastically interjected, mostly to spite her. "WHAT?!" everypony else exclaimed. I flattened my ears. Whoops. "WHOA!" we all screamed. The ledge we had just been standing on gave out, sending everypony but our two pegasi companions sprawling down the steep slope. Rarity was lucky, and managed to stay upright as she attempted to slide to a stop. I was hopelessly bouncing down, getting more bruised and battered with every bump in the surface. Rainbow Dash grabbed Pinkie while Fluttershy slowed Rarity down by yanking on her tail. I really needed my wings, but I couldn't let them see. Come out bruised and possibly broken or come out safe but friendless? I opted for broken. They couldn't know what I really was! I had finally gotten a grip on the whole sliding issue, though I was now sliding backwards. I dug my hooves in, failing to get some traction. I saw Applejack hanging on a root as I slid down, finally slowing. Twilight hadn't been so lucky, and was now dangling off the side of the cliff. I was heading her way, and only just managed to avoid her as I toppled off the side. "Acrylic!" she screamed upon learning that my predicament was worse than hers. This was it. I had to show my dragon side or die. I began to angle myself, but narrowed my eyes instead. Maybe not. I angled myself so that I was now diving headfirst for the rock face. Once I was parallel with it, I stretched out my hooves until I was running down the vertical slope. I focused on the task at hoof, eyes narrowed, pouring all of my energy into it. I had to, if I wanted to stay alive. It was nearly time. The treetops were getting close. I heard my friends yelling for me. Even Rainbow Dash wasn't fast enough to catch me now. I closed my eyes. This was it. In a literal leap of faith, I jumped off the rock face, landing on a tree branch. As I'd hoped, it bent like rubber under my weight, and sent me shooting back off into the sky upon rebound. I had enough time disguised in the trees to briefly use my wings to angle myself the right way, but barely had time to retract them before shooting out of the thick canopies. I clutched at my beloved hat which I hadn't taken off since Rarity gave it to me, only to find that it had already been blown off. Ugh. Figures. Distracted by this discovery, I barely had time to remember to hold my breath as I landed in the pond below. I pushed off the bottom and scrambled for the surface, hooves flailing. I finally surfaced soaked to the bone and shivering with cold, but alive. I dragged myself into the grass and shook off as much water as I could. I let my friends come running over to meet me, panting with the exertion. That could have been so much easier with wings. Still, I had to smile; the extra effort paid off in the concerned faces still crowding around me. "Are you alright?" "Oh, you poor thing!" "That looked fun!" "Should I get you anything?" Fluttershy quietly offered. "What are you going to get her? We're out in the middle of the Everfree Forest!" "Acrylic! I'm sooo sorry! Fluttershy wasn't strong enough to handle Twilight by herself, and I wasn't fast enough to get you both..." Rainbow Dash bit her lip in guilt. "It's okay," I assured. "I'm fine." "Really?" Rainbow criticized every inch of my body, double checking to make sure there wasn't a scratch on me. Realizing I spoke truth, she backed off. "Oh, yeah, of course. Hey, wait a minute. That. Was. AWESOME!" she burst, doing excited loop-the-loops in the air. "Did you guys even see that? I didn't know you were such an athlete! "That was not awesome, that was CRAZY!" "It worked, didn't it?" "Alright you guys, cut it out. Acrylic's right. Everypony's safe, and that's all that matters right now." "Can you walk?" "Of course I can walk." I stood up from my warm ball to demonstrate, but regretted it as soon as the bitter cold bit into my legs. "Alright, then. We've got to keep moving. I saw the castle from up above. It's this way." "Oh, by the way," Rainbow went on, hovering above me as we moved on, "I thought you might like to have this back." She displayed Rarity's beret from behind her. I almost jumped for joy. "My hat! Thanks, Rainbow!" I eagerly snatched it out of her hoof and returned it to the top of my head like a treasure being displayed on a pedestal. "That was truly awesome! You zoomed right down the side of the cliff like you were defying gravity! Then BAM, you turned a tree branch into a diving board! How'd you do that, by the way? It takes a lot of skill to get the timing and angles right. I don't even know if I could do it! And no offense, but you don't strike me as the most athletic pony in town." "Just lucky, I guess," I quietly answered, not letting on how much knowledge I had in that field. Luckily, Rainbow didn't seem to notice. "And what about me and Fluttershy, eh? We were pretty good too. Once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, WHOOSH! Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you right in the nick of time." Twilight rolled her eyes as I noticed for the first time just how much Rainbow Dash liked using onomatopoeia. "Yes, Rainbow, I was there, and I'm very grateful, but we've got to-" Her sentence was cut off by a loud gasp. We all stopped dead in our tracks behind her as a ferocious beast appeared on the path before us. "A MANTICORE!" Twilight exclaimed. The lion-like creature reared up, releasing a thunderous bellow that seemed to shake the whole forest. I was the first to recover from shock, and thrust my head low with a loud snort to hold my ground. We dealt with these all the time back at the thestral encampment. "We've got to get past him," Twilight declared. The manticore didn't seem too happy about that. First, he charged at Rarity, who surprised me with incredible agility as she dodged the blow and planted a pitiful lady-like kick to his snout. I shook my head in disappointment, but she seemed quite proud of herself, so I kept my mouth shut. "Take that, you ruffian!" she proudly snorted. It returned with a roar so close to her face I'm surprised she didn't blow an eardrum. The force of his screech did cause slight damage to her mane, which seemed to trouble her more than the beast itself. I knew he wouldn't stop at merely destroying her hairdo, so I leapt forward to protect her. Rearing in defiance, I delivered a crushing hit on the top of his nose, the most sensitive part of a manticore's face aside from the whiskers. He howled as I ushered Rarity to the sidelines. Applejack mounted the beast and rode him like a true rodeo pony before he could come back on us. "Yee-haw! Get along, little doggie!" she gleefully cried. It soon kicked her off, but she flew through the air with such grace that she swiveled to land back on her hooves. "All yours, partner," she winked to Rainbow mid-arc. "I'm on it," the blue pegasus saluted before diving at the manticore. She spun in such tight circles around it that all we could see was a rainbow colored blur. He grumbled and gurgled in frustration, unable to catch her. "WHOA!" Finally, he stuck a scorpion tail out in her path. She just missed the stinger, but was thrown back to the ground. Landing with a hard thud, she skidded to a halt at our hooves. Those of us remaining narrowed our eyes and formed a tight wall. The manticore scraped the ground anxiously. We did the same. Twilight led us in a charge as we prepared to ward off the menace. "WAIT!" Fluttershy screamed, louder than I'd ever heard her. She had flown between us and the monster, causing us to skid to a halt before we bowled her over. Having gotten our attention, she then proceeded to calmly walk up to the manticore. It snarled, and raised claws as sharp as daggers to swipe her off of her feet. We all gasped and hid our faces, too petrified to move. No scream ever came. "Shh. It's okay," a soft voice cooed. "Oh, you poor, poor little baby." I opened my eyes along with everypony else, astounded to find her tenderly nuzzling the massive paw with a giant thorn sticking out of it. "Little?" Rainbow sarcastically echoed. "Now, this might hurt for just a second." Fluttershy gripped the intruding bur between her teeth and gave it a hard yank, tossing it to the side. The manticore furiously yowled, bringing Fluttershy up"Now, this might hurt for just a second." Fluttershy gripped the intruding bur between her teeth and gave it a hard yank, tossing it to the side. The manticore furiously yowled, bringing Fluttershy up to his level. "FLUTTERSHY!" we all screamed. Our fear was short lived, for the manticore began purring contently and fondly licked her mane in gratitude. "Aw, you're just a little old baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are! Yes you are!" she giggled. Relieved, we all trotted past to let her deal with the manticore. She had it under control. Twilight hung back to receive her after the miraculous feat. "How did you know about the thorn?" "I didn't. Sometimes, we all just need to be shown a little kindness." I shook my head, amazed at her bravery. She could make a great thestral. The others' legs were beginning to grow weary from so much walking. The stress was getting to us. Rarity had the shudders. "Eww... my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck," she shivered. As if on cue, we entered into the thickest part of the woods, and we became shrouded in shadow. "Well, I didn't mean that literally"she quietly whimpered. "That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces, and we wouldn't even know it," Twilight grumbled. I blinked my eyes a few times, allowing part of my thestral physiology to take over. My irises turned to slits, and the blue pupils glowed slightly. They were better equipped for the dark, but I kept my eyes to the ground so no one noticed the shining dragon eyes. I almost gave myself away when I looked back as Rarity bumped into me. "Oh, I didn't see you there. My apologies." I just nodded, but our whole train suddenly broke into a clamor as ponies started tripping on roots or bumping into each other. "Is that you, Rainbow?" "No, I'm right here. That's a tree. Guh!" I heard her clunking into something. "Oops, sorry." "I can't see!" "Ow!" "Oh, wait, I think I stepped in somethin'." I took a minute to step back and watch my friends colliding with each other, unsure what to do. I couldn't take the lead without exposing myself, but we wouldn't make any progress this way, either. Fluttershy's scream brought all eyes around, and I barely had time to shut my glowing eyes before they attracted attention. "It's just mud," Applejack tried to assure. When the rest of them screamed as well, AJ realized it wasn't about the puddle. I blinked back to reality with standard pony eyes, and jumped myself at first. We were in a grove of trees with luminescent bark, and the swirling patterns they created almost implied snarling faces. I screamed with the rest of them at first, heart pounding. I'd never seen anything like this before, and I was raised here! A series of giggles brought me out of my thoughts. Pinkie was making goggly faces at them. "Pinkie, what are you doing?" Twilight urged, calmed by my reminder but still incredibly anxious."Run!" Pinkie Pie just giggled again. "Oh, girls, don't you see?" Pinkie did a little shake, and began swishing her hooves to inaudible music. However, to my astonishment, faint music did start to play, coming out of nowhere, and then got louder and louder, as if by magic. It played in perfect time to Pinkie's dancing. I'd never encountered anything like this in the Everfree before, either. I really wanted to know where it was coming from. "When I was a little filly and the sun was going do-o-o-own..." She sang. "Tell me she isn't," Twilight begged. "The darkness and the shadows; they would always make me fro-o-o-own!" Pinkie concluded the verse. "She is," Rarity sadly affirmed. "I'd hide under my pillow, "From what I thought I saw, "But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way "To deal with fears at all!" "Then what is?" Rainbow interjected as though this was an ordinary conversation. I had a bad feeling I was going to be getting this a lot. "She said: 'Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall. "Learn to face your fears. "You'll see that they can't hurt you; "Just laugh to make them disappear.'' "Ha! Ha! Ha!" We gasped as Pinkie's laughter caused the menacing glowing veins to vanish, leaving an ordinary tree in its wake. Motivated to get rid of the creepy faces, the others opted to take a few extra minutes and join in the singing. "So, giggle at the ghostly "Guffaw at the grossly "Crack up at the creepy "Whoop it up with the weepy "Chortle at the kooky "Snortle at the spooky "And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna... Ahahahahaha~" Pinkie somehow got all of this out in one breath, so she took a deep breath to replenish her supply after the long spew. "Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuugh!" Pinkie's grand finale found her rolling on the grass along with the rest of us, sides aching from the laughter. Even I had gotten into the spirit of things, bouncing around with everypony else andPinkie's grand finale found her rolling on the grass along with the rest of us, sides aching from the laughter. Even I had gotten into the spirit of things, bouncing around with everypony else and even singing along. To my disappointment, the music faded as Pinkie had finished the song. I'd have to try that sometime. "We have to... keep moving," Twilight gasped between cackles. "Oh-Hee hee- Okay," Pinkie agreed, pounding the ground with her hoof in an effort to calm down. When Applejack and I finally lifted her to her hooves, she recovered, but continued to bounce with glee. Her energy made my smile stretch ever farther. Everypony else caught on, and soon we were bouncing after her, still in a fit of giggles. Pinkie took the lead this time. We had barely rounded the first row of bushes before we stopped again. We had failed to noticed the loud rushing of water over our laughter. Luckily for us, Pinkie did, and stopped in time. We all collided with her on accident. Fortunately the new predicament had gotten our giggles under control. I furrowed my brow. I didn't mind getting wet, as I had demonstrated with the pond dive, but these rapids looked hazardous. "How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie cheerily questioned. Over the deafening crash of water, we somehow picked out a distressed wailing. Twilight again took the lead as we pushed through some bushes in the direction of the cry. From there, we could see an immense purple sea serpent thrashing in the water, kicking up the deadly waves. "What a world! What a world!" it wailed, pounding the water once more. "Excuse me, sir," Twilight stepped forward. "Why are you crying?" "Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid." He resumed the horrid, screeching wailing that had drawn our attention in the first place. Unfortunately, this came with another flop into the water, sending a tidal wave crashing down on us. I shuddered, soaked once more. "Oh, give me a break," Rainbow Dash grumbled, shaking the water off. "That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack grouchily agreed. Even I had to admit, he was overreacting. "Why, of course it is." Rarity continued forward to coddle his head, now beached on land while the rest of his spindly body continued to writhe in the water. "How can you be so insensitive? Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales!" "I know," the serpent agreed with a sniff. "And your expertly coiffed mane," Rarity continued, using the flattering tactic she was so well known for. "Oh, I know, I know," the reptile went on, vanity taking hold. "Your fabulous manicure." "It's so true!" "All ruined without your beautiful mustache." This reminder triggered a fresh flow of tears. "It's true, I'm hideous!" "I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected." Eyes narrowed, she leaned in close to the serpent and took a big bite out of his chest, wrenching one of the giant purple scales out of place. This earned a loud yelp from the serpent. "OW! What did you do that for?" He looked about ready to cry again as she prepared the scale's pointed tip. "Rarity, what are you-" All of our eyes bugged out as she used the scale like a blade to slash her beautiful, perfectly kept tail down to a stump. The serpent howled in anguish, as though this crime was as terrible as slashing off the other half of his mustache. "Oh-hohohoho!" He promptly fainted. Rarity then proceeded to take the purple curls from her tail with levitation magic, and somehow affixed it to the stump of the serpent's mustache. While discolored and the curls mismatched, it returned to its proper length. "My mustache! How wonderful!" "You look smashing," Rarity assured. "Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail..." Twilight sympathetically moaned. "Oh. It's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back. "So would the mustache," Rainbow hissed. Applejack giggled, but I was still struck dumb. Rarity had just parted with her tail. Her cherished purple locks were gone! "We can cross now!" Twilight realized with a gasp. "Let's go. Ah!" She squealed as she was tossed off balance and lifted out of the water by the serpent's coils. "Allow me," the serpent offered with a bow. I gratefully hopped along with everypony else, glad I didn't have to get any wetter than I already was. The Ancient RuinsThere it is! The ancient ruins that contain the Elements of Harmony! We made it!" "Twilight! Wait for us!" Applejack called as the purple unicorn charged off. I sped to a gallop to catch up. "We're almost there! WHOA!" Just as she turned back to call to us, she failed to notice that the bridge was in fact broken, and practically ran off the side. She struggled to push herself back, but the speedy Rainbow Dash was there to pull her back up. "What is it with you and falling off of cliffs today?" she teased, spitting Twi's tail out of her mouth. Rarity and I silently giggled at the jeer. "Now what?" Pinkie Pie burst. "Duh," Rainbow called, flying over the precipice and showing off her wings. "Oh yeah!" Pinkie happily cheered as Rainbow dove beneath the fog forming in the chasm to retrieve the other end of the rope bridge. "Way to go, Rainbow!" I cheered, high-hoofing Applejack when Rarity gestured that she didn't want to get her hooves dirty. I noticed shame-facedly that my hooves were still covered in grime from my dip in the lake, and tried wiping off the muck in the dewy grass while we waited for Rainbow. I suddenly noticed that we should be crossing by now, and though there were still a few specks of dirt clinging to my ankles, joined the others to see what the holdup was. "Rainbow, what's taking so long?" Twilight called, peering with the rest of us out into the ever thickening fog. I only got a glimpse of three mysterious pegasi speaking with her at the other end before the fog became impassibly white. "Oh, no!" she gasped. "Don't listen to them!" Twilight called, voice muffled in the white. "Why? Who are they?" I inquired. "Well... I don't know..." Twilight admitted. "But they can't be good, whoever they are. Did you see those uniforms?" Rarity shuddered at the disgrace to fashion. "Anypony from the Everfree is bad news," Applejack agreed. My ears flattened, and I shrank back. "Are you okay, Acrylic?" "F-fine," I stuttered, shivering to cover up my shame. "You get cold easily, don't you?" Pinkie Pie chirped. "Yeah," I blushed. I wasn't lying. The dragon-blood in me required a hot environment. A gust of fresh air brought me out of it, and I looked over to see Rainbow clearing the fog with a few flaps of her feathered wings. We all cheered for her. "Great job, Rainbow!" "See? I'd never leave my friends hanging!" Twilight again took her place at the front as we crossed the rickety rope bridge, and I brought up the rear. Fluttershy took a few tentative steps out over it, but noticing how creaky the old thing was, hovered above it so it wouldn't crack under her weight. I longed to join her and Rainbow in the air, but I fought back the urge. Applejack's words kept ringing in my ears. 'Anypony from the Everfree is bad news.' Was that really what they thought of us? Even after all these years? Twilight fell back in sheer awe of the castle. I joined her, soaking in its ancient beauty. "Whoa," Applejack gasped, taking in the overgrown ballroom. "Well, come on, Twilight. Isn't this what you've been waiting for?" "The Elements of Harmony! We've found them! Careful, careful!" she barked as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy began moving them from the pedestals to the floor before us. "One, two, three, four... there's only five," Pinkie counted. "Yeah, where's the sixth?" Rainbow demanded. "The book said that when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth to be revealed." "What in the hay is that supposed to mean?" AJ furrowed her brow. "I'm not sure, but I have an idea. Stand back; I don't know what will happen." "Come on, y'all. She needs to concentrate." Applejack led the way out, providing a quiet work environment for Twilight. I had just gotten settled on a stone outside to pick the rest of the dirt off of me when a squeal brought us careening back. "TWILIGHT!" Rainbow was fastest, and led the way as we charged back. "The Elements!" The stone spheres had been raised up in a swirling blue vortex, obviously not caused by Twilight's magic. She jumped into the swirling void just before it vanished. "Where'd she go?" "What happened? "What?" "Twilight?" Everypony started babbling at once. "Everypony, calm down," I tried, Applejack stomping a hoof in emphasis. "Acrylic's right, y'all, we won't find her sittin' 'round down here." "Well, what do you suggest we do, Applejack?" Rarity demanded. "I... uh..." struck at a loss for words, Applejack bashfully hid her face with the trusty leather stetson. Ponies resumed running around in panicked circles. "Twilight, where are you?" Applejack pleaded to the open air. "Look!" Rarity called, positioned at a crumbling window lacking its glass cover. A tower off in the near distance was glowing, shining with magic like a beacon. "There!" "Well, what are we waiting for, y'all? Twilight needs our help." "YEAH!" Pinkie exclaimed in a battle cry, charging ahead. I was determined not to be found at the back this time, but again ended up forced into the rear as everypony fell into a single file line up the stairwell. It was a long climb up, and the ascension seemed to take an eon. Pinkie Pie and Applejack were in front, and began calling for Twilight as soon as they saw the top of the steps. The rest of us followed suit. "Twilight?" "Don't worry Twilight; we're here!" "We're coming, Twilight!" We found her facing off with Nightmare Moon, Elements shattered to crystalline chips. "You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that?" Twilight whipped around, having found new energy in our arrival. "Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of the Elements are right here!" The shards at Nightmare Moon's hooves began to rattle, glow, and finally hover in the air around her. "What?" she gasped. "Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty!" A few of the crystals flew through the air and began spinning around the orange earth pony. She gasped with glee as Twilight went on. "Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness!" At first, the pale yellow pegasus shied away from the crystals encircling her, but accepted them as Applejack had. "Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter!" Pinkie eagerly bounced as she received her batch of crystals. "Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity." I found myself beaming as Rarity received her crystals. I furrowed my brow when I remembered that there were only six elements, but seven of us. Who would go without one? Twilight wasn't bothered by this as she went on. "And Rainbow Dash, who would not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of Loyalty!" Rainbow's chest puffed with pride. "The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!" I took a step back, not wanting to bask in their glory. "You still don't have the sixth Element," Nightmare Moon reminded, suspiciously eyeing the two of us remaining ponies, wondering who would wield the sixth element. "The spark didn't work." "Oh, but it did," Twilight smiled. "A different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... are my friends!" In a flash of light, a sixth Element appeared over Twilight's head, faintly resembling the shape of her six-pointed star cutie mark. "You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth Element: the Element of... Magic!" The lights were so bright I could barely see. I did notice, however, that the glowing crystals were all converging on my friends' chests, forming beautiful amulets. Well, all but Twilight's. That stone sphere, still intact, descended on her head, forming an intricate crown. The power of the Elements lifted them all up until they were hovering above the floor without so much as a wing beat. The light became blinding, and I retreated to a dark corner to shield my eyes. I just caught a glimpse of a twirling rainbow linking the Elements before shooting out to wash over Nightmare Moon. "No! NOOOOOO!" she wailed, the Elements destroying her once and for all. The surge of power rippled to my wings, and I felt them shooting out of my back. Horrified, I gave two powerful flaps that brought me to my feet before the grinding of bones told me that they were shrinking back down to stubs. Heart still racing, I looked over, expecting the horrified expressions of my friends. Instead, I found them all collapsed, possibly unconscious on the floor. Another alicorn lay where Nightmare Moon used to be, and I recoiled. Princess Luna? Even more shocking was the presence of another, even more powerful white alicorn, Princess Celestia. She gave me a queer look, and I tried to shrink back into the shadows, but ran out of space. Had she seen my wings? Would I be destroyed as Nightmare Moon had been? Luckily, she was distracted as the group of six recovered on the floor. "Oh, my head," Rainbow whined, giving it a firm rub. "Everypony okay?" Applejack voiced. "Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity exclaimed, now flaunting a long, curly tail even more perfectly formed than the last. "Why Rarity, it's so lovely," Fluttershy quietly put in. "I know! I'll never part with it again!" After waving it around, she cradled it like one would a foal. "No, your necklace," Fluttershy clarified. "It looks just like your cutie mark!" "So does yours!" Rarity put in after noticing that everypony but me wore one. "Look at mine! Look at mine!" Pinkie chimed, bouncing around to flaunt it about. "Oh, yeah!" Rainbow grinned, falling in love with the red lightning bolt across her chest. "Gee, Twilight. I thought you were just spouting a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the Elements of Friendship." "Indeed you do," Celestia said from the window, glowing with light as she raised the sun to emphasize her appearance. Everypony fell to their knees in her presence, and dumbstruck and frightened as I was, I did the same in my dark corner. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight gasped, the only one not kneeling. Rather, she trotted right up to her mentor and received an affectionate nuzzle. "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student! I knew you could do it!" "But... you told me it was all an old pony tale." "I told you that you needed to make some friends," Celestia corrected. "Nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and knew it was you who had the magic to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you had let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well." For a moment, I feared she spoke of me, until she did in fact turn to the crumpled alicorn on the ground. "Princess Luna!" The young mare woke up and gasped in the older one's presence, and feared the worst. "It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this." She knelt to the blue one's level. "It is time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister." "SISTER?" everypony else burst. Not me. I was too petrified to comprehend her words, let alone react. "Will you accept my friendship?" The girls leaned in close to hear her answer, but Pinkie Pie leaned to close and fell over with a light whumph."I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister," Luna teared, taking Celestia up on her offer of a tender hug. "I missed you too," Celestia joined in the tears. A loud blowing could be heard as Pinkie bawled her eyes out at the reunion. The river of salty tears instantly stopped and she perked up. "Hey, you know what this calls for? A PARTY!" "Are you all right, sugar cube?" I nearly jumped out of my skin when Applejack jabbed me in the side. "Fine, fine. Why wouldn't I be fine? I guess we should be heading back," I quickly excused, getting to lead the way down the steps this time. I tried to keep away from the rest of the group, but soon found Rarity trying to cling to me like glue. "Are you sure you're alright with this?" she asked, joining me at the fringe of our train. "Alright with what?" "Well, you're the only one of us who didn't get an element," Rarity timidly pointed out, hoping not to insult or rub salt in fresh wounds. "I don't need an element so long as I have friends," I assured. Then my ears flattened. I didn't represent any element of friendship. "I can still have friends, though, right?" "Why of course, darling!" Rarity said so loudly she attracted all eyes once again. I pressed low to the ground under the Princesses' gaze. I was still receiving suspicious looks from Celestia, and wondered if she suspected anything. Twilight saved me when she demanded the royals' attention once more, going on and on about what she'd learned. I slunk along behind with Rarity. "Whatever is the matter? If it isn't the Elements, or lack of one that's eating at you, then what is?" Rarity demanded. "I'm just... not used to being in the presence of real princesses," I breathed. "Oh, I know they're royalty, dear, but you're acting like... well... guilty. Being around royalty is even more reason to walk with your head high. Come now, dear, flaunt that beautiful smile of yours. That's it." In truth, I had only managed a smirk after noticing Pinkie trying to impress the sisters with her acrobatic antics in the background. I felt ridiculous trying to trot with Rarity's natural grace, and resumed my position slinking along in the back. While I had been truthful to Rarity when I said that I didn't mind not representing an element, I couldn't help but feel slightly dejected even cast to the side. I felt like the six would share an understanding I would never know, even though they had only known Twilight for a short time. That day, a small seed of jealousy was planted in the pit of my stomach. I should have uprooted it then and there. Instead, it began to grow and fester. With the daylight pouring through even the thickest boughs of the Everfree canopies, the way home was swift, especially with the two princesses in the lead. All obstacles we had faced before were avoided with a pulse of Celestia's magic. Pinkie Pie dashed ahead of us, and in record time, had the town back in the festive spirit we'd started out in. Spike smothered Twilight with hugs, and the young fillies crowned Luna with a flower wreath. I was already feeling more comfortable, and allowed myself to become lost in the sea of faces gathered around. The Elements of Harmony received special commendation, but I was not needed for this honor. Rarity whispered something to Celestia just as I was pulling away. She must have been dying with excitement; talking to the most "I have just been reminded that another pony requires a special mention. Would Acrylic please come forward?" My heart stopped, and all eyes turned to me. I winced, but even hiding under my hat, I could feel the crowd splitting to form a path for me. Reluctantly, ears down, I crept to the front and knelt before the Princesses. "Thank you, Acrylic, for your bravery and courage in assisting your friends to take a stand against Nightmare Moon. Equestria will remember you." The crowd erupted with cheers, and even I felt a small smile flicker onto my lips as I gazed up at my superiors. They both smiled back, and I didn't detect so much as a hint of suspicion on their faces. Just then, my friends tackled me, and I found myself sitting at the bottom of a dog pile, still blushing with embarrassment. Twilight was standing off to the side, watching the festivities unfold. Celestia finally noticed. "Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and that you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" "That's just it. Just when I learn how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." The Princess, kind as she was, took immediate action. "Spike, take a note, please." A scroll and quill protruded from nowhere, and the baby dragon was ready. "I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville." Another dog pile ensued, but this time, I wasn't at the bottom of it. When Twilight broke free, she bounded up to her mentor in thanks. "Oh, thank you, Princess! I'll study harder than ever before!" "Isn't this exciting? Are you excited cause I'm excited I've never been so excited, well, except for the time that I went" her lungs inflated once more, "but I mean really..." My laughter drowned them out. It was great that Twilight was staying; that was, in fact, what was making me so giddy. However, I couldn't help but wonder if I would be pushed to the side. Would a newcomer make me less interesting? I shook my head, banishing such thoughts. Friends didn't abandon each other. But could I ever be a real friend? I didn't represent any of the elements. Could I really belong? The thoughts were foolish, but to me, relevant. I knew my thestral side would be exposed soon. Would I still be their friend? Would I be cast out like Nightmare Moon? Though what she had tried to do was wrong, I could relate to her. She wanted love, but she tried to force her way in. Isn't that what I had done? Was I any different from Nightmare Moon? The questions boiled furiously in my head as I headed home early from the festivities. What I didn't notice was Princess Luna eyeing me from afar. Princess Luna's VisitLuckily, I'd headed off just in time for my first wing spring of the day. I rushed back to the gallery as they began to force their way out, slamming the door behind me. This far out, there was nopony to see anyway, but better safe than sorry. I decided to let them hang out in the privacy of my home. My back had been feeling stiff where I kept them restrained. With a final stretch, I folded them and resumed my work around the house in an attempt to forget the questions raging through my head. I began to arrange the empty glass bottles on a bookshelf I'd recently purchased. Applejack and Big Macintosh had been kind enough to find the time to make me a countertop to divide the front of the store from the back. The plain wood had been sanded down to a smooth finish at my request, as I wanted to paint it myself. I lifted the gate barring entry to the back and trotted behind it, looking out at the shop. It was coming together. Empty shelves lined the left wall, filled with a few empty jars but no merchandise as of yet. A long table stretched across the adjoining wall, only to be stopped by the door. Another two tables were positioned in the middle of the floor to display merchandise. Scattered at various heights on the right wall were hooks, placed among the two windows providing the main light source. This was where I intended to sell a few paintings at a time. The tables could be piled with sketch books and drawing tablets, blank canvases and larger equipment. The shelves would house paint jars and brushes, or anything small enough to sit atop them. I had a little extra space in the bookshelf behind the counter to store empty jars and excess merchandise. The room behind me would soon be the ideal workshop, flaunting windows stretching all the way to the floor. The glass wall curved to form a whole two sides of the rectangular room. A few easels stood proudly around it like sentries, while a large, angled work desk had been posted at the back of the room, almost right against the glass where the light was best. A long, stout side table accompanied it to house supplies I needed easy access to while I worked. There was plenty of room to hang paintings on the inner walls, and I could lean more against the glass to dry. The right wall gave way to a brief hallway leading back into a restroom, small kitchen and laundry room. A short flight of steps led up to the very small upper level, leaving room for only a bedroom. This had been refurbished with a fresh bed, a side table with a clock and a tacky jar of flowers, an armchair I somehow managed to drag up the steps, and a wardrobe that was mostly empty. It housed only my beloved plaid beret and an old, raggedy cloak from back home. No, back with the thestrals. I had to keep reminding myself that this was home now. A loud knocking on the door broke me from my thoughts. I dashed down the steps, almost forgetting to retract those dragon wings in my haste. It was a good thing I remembered- who else but Princess Luna stood in my doorway. "Princess!" I almost screamed. "We hope we are not intruding," she bowed her head in greeting. I looked around her, though she was unaccompanied. I found it odd of her to refer to herself in the plural tense, but didn't dare correct or even question her choice of grammar. Though she did not look threatening, there was something demanding in the loud tone of voice she used. "Something important must have taken thee away from the festivities so early." "No, not really..." I blushed, finding myself trembling in her presence. "I'm just... trying to whip this place into shape." "We see." I backed away as Princess Luna entered my half-finished art store, taking in the barren shelves and empty surfaces. "I only bought it a few weeks ago, you see, so it's not fully operational as of yet," I quickly stammered, scrambling to make the place look a little more presentable for royalty. "We understand," was all Luna said. I looked up from inventory when she did nothing more than look around. "Can I help you?" I timidly asked. "It's just all so strange," she sighed, voice suddenly quieting. "We have been gone a thousand years. Ponyville was just getting started when we were banished to the moon. We are unable to recognize anything." "Oh..." I muttered, still unsure what that had to do with her being here. "Twilight Sparkle saw the signs. She knew of our return. But thee seems to have known as well." "Oh?" I squeaked this time, voice cracking. "The mural on thy outer wall. Did thee paint it?" Her voice was loud, and even intimidating. I shrank back "Yes," the almost inaudible reply escaped my throat. "Thee has no reason to fear us, Acrylic," Luna boomed. "Sorry, it's just..." "Just?" she prompted. "Can you not be so loud? I feel like you're yelling at me." "Oh. Right." Her voice softened tremendously, and I melted. "Times have changed, and we must adapt." "Of course," I timidly nodded. "You were asking about the painting?" "Yes." She purposefully walked outside, strutting with such power and radiance that she demanded respect. I slunk behind her, slowly warming up to the moon princess. "It is a beautiful piece." I felt my cheeks grow hot. "Thank you." "How did you know of me? Did this Twilight tell you?" "Oh, no. I haven't known her that long. My mother would tell me stories. Everypony knew them back home." "And where is that?" I could have face-hoofed myself then and there, but I didn't for my dignity's sake. "Way, way out. It's a small settlement. Doesn't even have a name." My answer came out in one breath, and wasn't at all believable. I mentally kicked myself. "We see." Her abrupt tone of voice told me she wasn't buying it, but she continued to find herself lost in the brushstrokes of my mural. I looked at the ground, playing with a blade of grass as I waited to be addressed. "These ponies here. What are they?" "That one is a Sea Pony," I tentatively reached out with my hoof, almost bumping Luna's as she retracted her own. Breaking into a sweat, I narrowly avoided contact. "They're legendary ponies that live in the ocean. A-and those are Brezzies, tiny ponies from myths who have butterfly wings and live in flowers. There's a hippogryph..." my eyes widened as I realized I couldn't shut my mouth, and proceeded to explain every detail of the work. "And this is a thestral." I finally clapped a hoof over my mouth as I let the last bit slip. "Thestral?" Luna had sat stock still in the grass up until now. Her eyes were wide in surprise, then narrowed slightly. "Yes," I croaked, trying to act like they were just another of my depicting fairytale creatures. "They're part dragon, part pony." "We know what they are," she almost growled, glaring at the ground. I trembled, seeing fiery hate burn at the mere mention of their name. "Thestrals are not merely from legend. They are as real as we are." She stomped a hoof meaningfully. "They tried to attack Equestria by stealing the Elements of Harmony early in their development. We vanquished their evil alongside sister." She looked on, chest puffed out, looking more regal than ever. "Oh?" was all I could manage, shuddering again. "Yes. That was before even the time of Discord, when the Tree of Harmony was a mere sapling." "Tree of Harmony?" "The Elements grew on the Tree of Harmony like fruit. Its power was enough to keep the balance, but then the thestrals attacked it in an attempt to control the balance; to tip it in their favor. They were destroyed, but they caused enough damage to upset the balance, allowing Discord to take over. When the elements finally matured, we returned with sister to properly harness the elements and trap the tyrant forever in stone." I looked down at the ground, wide eyed and shaking. So this was how we were remembered. We were listed among those who tried to destroy Equestria. I closed my eyes, salty tears stinging the corners. A liar would always be caught. How much time did I have until I too was locked in stone for an eternity? Until my friends thought of me like a criminal? Until the world saw who I really was? "Though... the painting is still lovely," Luna tried, noticing my distress. "Th-thank you," I haltingly spat, rising to my hooves. My fate was hanging in the balance, and she thought this was about a painting? "I really should get back to it." I marched back into the shop, thundered up the stairs and buried my face in the sheets, body racked with sobs. Luna did not try to return or press further. No one came to check up on me, and I was okay with that. Everyone naturally assumed I was sore about not getting an element, though I tried to assure them this was not so. Every time the subject was brought up, though, I felt myself becoming more envious, and my answers became snappy. It was a full week before the subject was dropped completely. We fell back into the normal routine of life. Of course, life is never 'normal.' We had a good deal of excitement packed into the month to follow. I'd been busy stockpiling enough inventory to open my store, which Pinkie Pie had already dubbed 'Acrylic's ArtLife.' I was finally warming up to Twilight, though a few shreds of jealousy still remained. I'd tried to weed out most of it, but the roots had grown too deep to be completely removed. I was always polite, but it prevented us from really bonding. So when Twilight appeared in town one day with two Grand Galloping Gala tickets, I just knew it wasn't going to be me accompanying her. I was purchasing a fresh arrangement of flowers for my bedroom, and another two baskets of those with intense colorings I could dry and grind down to a pigment for paint. I already had starch to use as a binder, but my next stop was to pick up linseed oil. I found that it produced a better texture. I was wondering whether I should use citrus thinner or turpentine as a solvent in the next batch when Pinkie squealed so loudly behind me I jumped, my wings almost sprouting then and there. "AH! Bats! Bats on my face! HELP! Get 'em off, get 'em off! Wait! These aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!" With that, Pinkie began bouncing around, dancing and interacting with imaginary characters from her imagination. Carnival music played to her vocals, and I again looked around to find the source of the music. … "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me, "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me! "Hip hip, "Hooray! "It's the best place for me, "For Pinkieeeee! "With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony! "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me, "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me! "'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever "In the whole galaxy "Wheee!" … Her musical ended, but she continued bouncing. "Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever!" "Um, actually..." Spike retrieved the tickets, just in time to catch Rarity's eye as she walked by. "Are these what I think they are?" "Um..." "Yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!" "The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him.""Him! ...Who?" Pinkie Pie asked, head cocked. "Him. I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, 'who is that mysterious mare?' They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet; our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, 'Yes!' We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams. Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love.How could you? Hmph!" I rolled my eyes, sliding the coins across the booth countertop to pay for the flowers before joining them. "Hey!" Spike exclaimed, a little white rabbit whisking by and taking the tickets. "Oh, Angel, these are perfect!" A familiar voice sounded, telling me I didn't have to chase down the rabbit after all. I now recognized the bunny as Fluttershy's pet, whom she had introduced me to at the first chance she got. The rabbit wasn't nearly as pleasant as his owner, so we didn't get along very well. "Listen, guys. I haven't decided who to give the tickets to yet," Twilight voiced. "You haven't?" Pinkie and Rarity both exclaimed in unison. "Um, excuse me, Twilight? I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright..." "You? You want to go to the gala?" Rarity sounded shocked at Fluttershy, who painfully noticed this and shrank back. "Oh, no. I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see, it's not so much The Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!" "Gee, Fluttershy... that sounds... beautiful." "Let me guess. You want the extra ticket too," Twilight's flat voice sounded, turning to me, looking frustrated. "Now wait just a minute!" Rainbow Dash swooped in from the roof of a building we currently stood under. "Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?" "No! I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anypony." "Wait just another minute!" "Applejack! Were you following me too?" "No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still tryin' to take my ticket!" "Your ticket?!" "But Twilight's taking me!" "No, me!" "But Twilight said-" As they argued over who would get the extra ticket, Twilight sunk to the ground and tried to bury her face under those long bangs of hers. My eyes narrowed. I reared back, coming down hard to send an earth shattering CRUNCH through everypony's ears. "STOP!" I neighed, leaving impressions where my hooves had smashed the ground. "Thank you," Twilight sighed, getting over her shock. I nodded, cheeks hot as all other eyes were still on me. My hooves shuffled as I attempted to fill the hoof prints back in with dirt. "I just don't get why you're all going gaga over tickets," I bashfully shrugged. "Tickets? TICKETS? These are no ordinary tickets, Acrylic. These are Grand Galloping Gala tickets. It's only the most prestigious event of the year!" I still shrugged. I'd never heard of the event, secluded as I was with the thestrals. "Girls, there's no use in arguing. "But Twilight-" Rarity tried. "Enough!" Twilight boomed. "This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own! And I certainly can't think with all this noise." Her stomach growled rather loudly. "Not to mention hunger! Now go. Shoo!" Everypony else grumbled, but I felt my lips curling into a smile as I trotted off. That was certainly one way to handle it. Twilight was growing on me. "And don't worry! I'll figure this out," Twilight called after them. I finished my errands and walked back with Rarity, as our shops were almost neighboring. She kept going on and on about the gala and what a great event it was. She was so sure that Celestia's nephew, Prince Blue Blood, was her one true love, and kept ranting that Twilight was trying to keep them apart. I only rolled my eyes. These scenarios she posed were highly hypothetical, and what's more- she'd never even met the guy! I had nothing against finding that very special somepony, but honestly, this was a bit melodramatic. My thoughts began to drift as I tuned Rarity out. Could I ever find a very special somepony? Rarity was rubbing off on me, and I envisioned myself in a grand ballroom at the Grand Galloping Gala. Perhaps I could bring a sketchbook, and capture my evening with good old fashioned pencil and paper. As I looked up for the next one, he'd be standing there, my perfect stallion. I shook myself out of it. I could never find love. I was a thestral. Nopony liked thestrals but other thestrals, and I had never met one that wasn't full of hate and contempt for Celestia and her subjects. I didn't want to be any part of that. Perhaps I was just meant to be alone. These thoughts were torn from my mind when I realized that Rarity was now plotting a scheme to convince Twilight to give her the ticket. "It's perfect! All I have to do is convince Twilight that she looks absolutely smashing in the dress I've made for her. When she sees how fabulous the two of us will look in our matching outfits, she'll have to choose me!" "Whoa, whoa, whoa," I stopped her. "You're forgetting that these are Twilight's tickets. You heard her. She's going to make the decision by herself." "Well, well. Aren't you a party pooper? Are you trying to keep me from my prince, too?" "What? No, no, Rarity! Look, I respect that you really want to get together with this guy, but let's face it: you've really never met him." "But I know it in my heart that we're destined to rule together!" She huffed angrily and trotted off. "Though I wouldn't expect you to understand." "What's that supposed to mean?" Tears stung at my eyes as I looked back at her, horrified. My curved ears flattened so much that I felt their tips touching my neck. Rarity realized the weight of her words. "Oh, no, dear, I didn't mean it like that," Rarity tried, offering a consoling hoof. I pulled away. "Forget it." "Oh, my." I left her by herself in the road as I hurried home. She was right, and I knew it, but coming from her, my closest friend, the words stung.I was so sore with her that I hung my hat up in the closet for the rest of the day. Somehow, I felt like I was getting back at her by not wearing it. Before going back downstairs, I emptied my saddlebags and replaced the dead flowers in my beside vase with fresh ones. That done, I trotted out the door around the back where I had been drying flowers. I took down the last batch and hung up the new ones. Depositing these on the countertop inside, I hustled back up the steps when I realized I was missing my mother's old mortar and pestle. It was a family heirloom, and had intricate thestral carvings at the base. While it was more decorative than I needed, it was perfectly adequate to allow me to start grinding the dried petals to pigment. It was almost evening when a sudden flash of light resonated from the center of my shop, and I reared in fright. Oh. It was just Twilight and Spike. Wait. Twilight and Spike. "O-o-oh, warn me the next time you're gonna do that," Spike woozily bumbled. They had landed on the center table, which he promptly fell off of. "I didn't even know it was gonna happen. Now- Oh, Acrylic." I was staring blankly at them from behind the counter. "Thank goodness! Sorry to drop in on you like this, but now everypony in Ponyville wants my extra ticket, and since you're the only pony who wasn't interested in going to the gala, this is the only safe place I knew to go and... wait, you didn't want the ticket too, do you? I never actually got a straight answer from you." "Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want it," I finally answered. She groaned. "Ooh, not you too! I just can't decide!" "Let me finish," I interrupted. "I would like to go- I've never really heard much about it, but the way everypony keeps talking it up makes it sound amazing. But, I don't expect you to give me your one ticket either. After all, that's what best friends do." "What's that supposed to mean?" "I'm just facing the facts. We aren't as close as some ponies. I respect you and you respect me, but I wouldn't expect you to choose me above everypony else wanting the ticket. "Oh, I see," Twilight angrily snorted, jumping off the table. I was caught off guard by her sudden mood swing. "You're trying to guilt me into giving you the ticket, aren't you? Well, I really don't appreciate it, especially not now. Come on, Spike." She marched to the door, levitating the baby dragon onto her back. She turned from the doorway. "And for what it's worth, you are one of my closest friends." She bolted away, leaving me wide eyed inside. My heart pounded in my chest, and tears pricked at my eyes. Did she really think of me as one of her closest friends? I'd never really been close to anypony before. Rarity and I spent a lot of time together, sure, but there were times when I thought she just kept me around because I'd put up with her gossip. And when I was together with the rest of them, I couldn't help but feel like I was going unnoticed in the background. But Twilight… she was my friend. "TWILIGHT!" I threw the door aside and gazed out into the night. She'd already disappeared, probably headed foMy jaw was set in determination. I turned back only long enough to retrieve my hat. Then I went after her. After all, she was my friend, and I had to make things right. Flying High"Twilight!" I panted, racing through the dark streets. The sun was already going down, and the streets were mostly clear at this hour, so Twilight wasn't being swarmed again. I could see her ahead. Though she had a decent gain on me to begin with, I was catching up. "Go away!" she yelled back. "I'll decide when I'm ready!" "I know! Please, just wait!" I begged. "No!" She jerked open the door to the library, but I stuck my hoof to catch it before she could lock me out. In my urgency, I didn't notice the pain. She kept trying to use her magic to push me out, but I held firm. I couldn't bear to lose this newfound friend. "Please, just let me in. I need to talk to you! It's not about the tickets!" Twilight hesitated. "What is it?" "Can I come in?" After what seemed like an eternity, the door swung open. "Alright." I gratefully stepped inside. "Now, what's this all about?" "Um… Twilight?" Fluttershy whispered. "Yaaaarg!" Twilight whipped back in fright. Our other five friends sheepishly smiled down from her balcony. "UGH! No, no, no! No more favors! I can't decide! I just can't decide!" Twilight whined. "It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you and giving me gifts and doing me favors isn't going to make a difference because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't. I just can't!" She lay on the ground with her face buried in her hooves, trying to hide from the whole situation. "Twilight, sugar?" Applejack began, coming down from the balcony. "I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you." She stretched out a hoof to stroke her bangs. "And if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad. I promise." "Me too," Fluttershy spoke up. "I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful." "And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends," Pinkie agreed. "I'm sorry too" Rarity's eyes watered with sincerity. "Twilight, it was unfair of me to try and force you as I did. In doing so, I not only hurt you, but Acrylic as well. You know I didn't mean it that way, dear, but I am sorry." I tried a smile, but it came out crooked and wavering. I bit my lip so I wouldn't cry. "Twi? I just wanted you to know that I really wasn't trying to guilt you into anything before. That's just plain low, and I'd never do that. I truly never thought of us… any of us… as really close friends." "Now what in Equestria would make ya think that, sugar?" Applejack sadly smiled. "Every one of you is great and all, don't get me wrong. It's just, back at home, everyone's 'friends' with everyone, but you never get very close to anypony in particular. Ponyville isn't like that. Tonight you made me realize that I have… real friends. I came back to apologize, but also to thank you. What you said was worth so much more than some old gala ticket." Twilight's eyes watered, and she brought me into the biggest, warmest hug she could manage. It wasn't long before the rest of them pressed in, most of us crying tears of joy. "YES! That means the ticket is mine," Rainbow giggled, the only one not joining our group hug. "I got the ticket, I got the ticket!" she sang. Glares from all around shut her up. "You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either." "We all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we didn't see how so un-gun-ho we were makin' you," AJ apologized. "We're sorry, Twilight," we all said in unison. "Spike, take down a note," Twilight called, sitting up with a smile. The dragon was ready in an instant, pen poised. "Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala." "WHAT?" the rest of us burst. "If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either," she declared. "Twilight, you don't have to do that," Applejack tried to assure. "Nope, I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now." The purple dragon opened up one of the windows, took a deep breath, and evaporated the letter in a gust of magical green flame. "Now you won't get to go to the gala either," Fluttershy reminded. "It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me, so I'd rather no go at all." Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie led the girls in another group hug. However, disgusting gurgles were coming from across the room, ruining the moment. Spike proved to be the source of the noise. "Well, wallop my withers, Spike. Ain't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment." With one final and tremendous belch, a letter was spewed out of his mouth and to the ground. "WHOA, Nelly!" Applejack reared in response. It was our first time seeing how this system of sending and receiving letters via dragon assistant worked. "A letter from the Princess? Well, that was fast." Spike caught it before the scroll hit the ground, opened it and began to read. "My faithful student Twilight, why didn't you say so in the first place?" His eyes widened. "Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" He held them up for all to see, and the shimmering sparkle of an extra for me made my stomach tickle with excitement. "Now we can all go!" Twilight cheered. The rest of us followed suit. Twilight's stomach gurgled again. She sheepishly giggled. "Allow us to treat you to dinner," Rarity offered. "What a great way to apologize!" Rainbow agreed. "And to celebrate!" Pinkie put in. "Come on, everypony. Cupcakes are on me!" I was the last one out the door, mostly because one of the books on the library shelves caught my eye. I didn't spend much time at the Golden Oaks, so I hadn't seen it before. My eyes became glued on the cover of Legends of Equestria. A thestral was plastered right on top. "You coming or what, Acrylic?" "Huh? Oh, yeah! Coming!" I hurried out the door after them. One of the unicorns in our company was kind enough to levitate the last ticket over to me. Spike suddenly looked disappointed. "How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" He pouted, but was interrupted by another enormous belch. "And one for you, Spike," he read, pulling another golden ticket from this second scroll. He giddily skipped out after us, stopping when he realized AJ and I were still watching. "I mean, I have to go too? Gross." But AJ and I knew the truth. We laughed as we headed out for dinner at Sugar Cube Corner. I toyed with the cupcake Pinkie supplied, not really interested in food. My mind was elsewhere. That book, for instance. It was the only one I had seen on thestrals. I would have to go back for it. I wanted a better understanding of how thestrals were viewed. "Equestria to Acrylic," Rainbow waved a hoof in front of my face, jolting me back to reality. "You phase out a lot, don't you?" "Occupational hazard," I blinked. "Got to keep the creative juices flowing. What are we talking about?" "I asked what you were going to do at the gala, now that we're all going." "Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'll find a nice quiet corner and make a few sketches." "You should bring a portfolio to the gala, Acrylic." "What a grand idea, Twilight," Rarity agreed. "All of the most important ponies will be there. A portfolio to show off your work is sure to attract good business for your shop. What were you calling it? ArtLife?" "Acrylic's ArtLife," Pinkie corrected, taking a big chomp out of the cake. "I came up with it!" "Well, that explains it, then," Applejack giggled. "What's wrong with it?" I asked, now slightly concerned. "Too cheesy?" "No, no, not at all. I like it," Rainbow giggled. I flattened my ears. Were they laughing at me? I decided I could just simplify it to Art Life. "I can't believe I'm going to meet the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow went on. "After they see me at the Grand Galloping Gala, there's no way they won't let me into their team!" "Sorry, Rainbow," I sighed. If only she knew. "For what?" All eyes turned to me. Did I say that out loud? "I mean... I just wish I had wings. Then we could start our own flying group or something. That would be sure to catch their eye." I sagged at relief at my own quick save. "A flying group of our own? Hey, maybe we still can! Er, I still can. But yeah, it's a shame you don't have wings. You'd make a great flyer, the way you managed yourself back in the Everfree." My expression became pained, but I didn't let anypony see. What right did I have to keep this secret from her? I knew Rainbow longed for a flying partner. If I could just show her, she would have the choice to accept my dragon wings or not. I knew I couldn't. Especially not without knowing what was in that book. While Rainbow worked out her new plan to form a flying team to impress her greatest-heroes-of-all-time, I zoned back out, falling victim to the depressing mental battle of should I, should I not. I suddenly felt the all-too-familiar itch in my back. My eyes shot open, pupils shrunk down to pinpoints. "I've gotta go." I sat next to Rarity and Twilight both in the booth, pressing me against the wall. This was a bad time for a wing spring. Before Rarity and Twilight had time to scoot over, I'd jumped on top of the bench's backboard, and balanced atop before jumping to the floor. "Wait! You didn't finish your cupcake!" Pinkie reminded. "Not hungry," I called back as I rushed out the door. I didn't have time to make it home. I could already feel the nubs sprouting. Instead, I dashed into a dark alley behind the bakery, and huddled among discarded boxes as I heard Rainbow busting out the door after me. "Where'd she go?" came her squeaky voice. "She didn't just disappear," Applejack snorted from below. I cowered deeper into the shadows. This was a rather late dinner, and night had already descended, which helped to mask my figure as well. "Well, she isn't here, either. Has she been acting funny to you?" There was a long pause that caused my heart to sink. "Maybe that's just Acrylic. We wouldn't question Pinkie if she ran off like that." "So you have noticed. There's something weird about that pony, and I don't mean Pinkie Pie weird. This is like she's-hiding-something-weird. And I want to find out what it is." She started flying off. "Where do you think you're goin'?" "She probably went back to her shop. I'm going to see what she's up to." A loud whistling told me that Rainbow was on her way. I was just leaving when I accidentally upset the stack of boxes I was hiding behind. "Hello? Is somepony there?" I heard hoofsteps approaching, and matched them with Applejack's heavy accent. She was going to find me! How would I explain this? I didn't think I had time to retract my wings, but even if I did, the crunching of bones was sure to raise questions. Unless... no, it was too risky. "Acrylic? Is that you? What in the hay are you doing back there?" She was getting closer. I had to make up my mind. I closed my eyes. It was time to take a leap of faith. I concentrated. The final changes took place, and luckily, they didn't cause any more noise. My eyes glowed like search lights, pupils reduced to blade-like slits. Even my coat darkened by a few shades of gray. I ripped the ties out of my mane and tail, letting it all hang loose. Finally, I removed the plaid beret. Clutching it to my chest where it was out of sight, my wings snapped open. I was thirty feet in the air in a second flat, my huge wings easily catching air. Applejack clutched her own stetson as the huge gust of wind I produced nearly took it off. She looked up, wide eyed as the mysterious figure took off. I couldn't tell if she'd recognized me specifically through the horror already plastered on her face. "Well, some ponies just don't have any consideration. Watch where you're flyin'!" she yelled back at me, waving a hoof angrily. I did a triumphant twirl of success. She hadn't identified me. Unfortunately, the thunderous crack of wings and zooming streak of gray had attracted other eyes. There were still a few ponies out at this time of night, so I glided into the clouds for cover. "Hey, you!" Rainbow was hovering in the air below, admiration gleaming in her rosy eyes. "Come here. I wanna ask you something!" Oh no. I knew that look. Why couldn't I have kept my mouth shut about the flying team thing? With a heavy heart, my wings snapped back into action. "Hey, wait!" Rainbow called. "I'm talking to you!" As I expected, she zipped after me in rainbow blur. My thestral wings kept me in the lead, much to her astonishment. She was so caught up in trying to keep pace and dodge the clouds I spun around that she didn't notice where I was leading her. Folding mywings, I dove right into the canopies of the Everfree. "WHOA!" she shrieked, trying desperately to stop in time. Her angle was completely off. That would be a hard landing. Shoot, Rainbow, why do you do this to me? I broke into an all-out sprint, trampling the bush I'd intended to be my cover. With a crack as loud as thunder, my wings brought me soaring back towards Rainbow Dash. There was no way she could ignore my wings now, and I felt her eyes drawn to them. I couldn't tell if she saw my face just yet, because I had been doing everything in my power to hide it. I let my mane fly into my eyes in an effort to conceal myself, which almost threw off my aim. I managed to catch her in time, though I had to spin underneath her so I could haul her up by the elbows. This angle also made it harder for her to twist around and identify me. The wind was blowing my incredibly long mane away from my face, but I urgently tried to keep it in place. I knew my cover was blown, but I couldn't accept the fact, and kept postponing it for as long as I could. Depositing my load on the ground, I circled back to the Everfree. As careful as I had been, there was no way to tell if she'd seen or not. I stormed through the Everfree, crashing through the underbrush like a mad pony. Tears streaked my cheeks, my sapphire eyes turning red from the salty water. They were the first to return to normal. Then my coat lightened, and my wings retreated back to their rightful place. I couldn't keep this up. If my friends didn't find out, it was still tearing me apart. Though I was fleeing for my life, I'd finally tasted the sky for the first time since arrival. These pegasi took it for granted. I wasn't like that. I needed to fly. It was part of me. Once you touched the sky, and I mean really felt it, your heart never came down. I ran until I could run no more, finally collapsing in the dirt. I fell asleep in the Everfree that night. I couldn't help but feel like this was where I belonged. I woke up in a much better mood. Though I slept on the cold hard ground instead of a comfortable bed, I felt refreshed. I'd forgotten how nice it was to wake to the first rays of dawn. Stretching, I looked fondly back at my wings. I'd neglected them for a month. Stretching them had felt so good last night. Last night. My face fell. Did they know, now? It was time to find out. I started off back the way I came, marked by a line of trampled undergrowth. My gaze again flicked to my wings. Maybe a brief flight couldn't hurt. Smiling, I eyed an opening in the thick tree branches and made for it. No one was flying nearby. With this all-clear, I began the return flight back home, keeping low to the trees should I need to make a hasty escape. Now that my reputation wasn't at stake, I was able to enjoy myself. I glided over the tree tops, letting the tips of my wings unfurl so low that they brushed the leaves. Wind ruffled my mane. It felt so good to let it down again. Speaking of which, I needed to pull it back up before I got into town. I didn't worry about it. I had all the time in the world; the sun was just rising, creating a warm sensation on my back as I soared through cool fog. I touched down behind my home, making sure there still wasn't a soul in sight. I stopped only long enough to make myself presentable for the day; I quickly brushed off the leaves and dirt still clinging to my coat after a night in the forest, fixed my hair, and of course, retracted my wings. I picked up my moth-eaten saddlebags and money on the way out too. There were errands to be run, and I might as well do them while I was checking up on things. Twilight would be opening the library by the time I got there. I could finally go back for that book. No one gave me funny looks on my way, which was a good sign so far. Then again, Rainbow could have had enough sense to keep it in our circle of seven. Eight, counting Spike. I tried to put it out of my mind as I came up on the library. Twilight typically kept the door cracked to let ponies know when the library was open. It gave way just as I was lifting a hoof to knock. "Oh, hi, Acrylic. Come in." "Thanks." I steadied my breath when I followed her inside. She wasn't acting strange. Now I just had to make sure Rainbow wasn't keeping my secret to herself. "Is everything okay? The way you ran off last night made us wonder." "Everything's great," I answered. "I just got really sick all of a sudden. A night's rest did me a world of good." "I'm so sorry to hear that! But... I'm glad you're feeling better. Do you know what caused it?" "Probably just too much time making paint. The fumes get to you after a while." "There's got to be a way to reduce that," Twilight thought. That gave me an idea. "Actually, I was just coming to see if you might have any books on that," I fibbed. "Oh! Well, if it's a book you're looking for, you've come to the right place. I'm sure we have something here." "Great. What do you suppose it would be under?" And so we checked F for fumes, G for gasses, and even S for symptoms, but Twilight finally uncovered one hidden in the N's for Natural Paints. As she filled out the checkout slip, I pretended to browse the other shelves. I quickly happened upon Legends of Equestria, and plucked it off the shelf, casually leafing through the pages. "What's this?" I asked as though I was really clueless. Twilight finished signing off on the sheet and looked up. Lifting it with her magic, she rifled through the pages. "It looks like a reference guide to all the creatures from Equestrian Legends and folklore. Legends of Equestria. Huh. I've never read it. It looks interesting, though." "It sure does. You know, my mother used to tell me stories about these guys. You know, aponies, hippocampi, thestrals and such." "Oh, really? Well, maybe you'd be interested in taking it, too." "Can I check out two at a time?" I smiled, triumphant. Twilight was so pleased to be sharing her beloved tomes to notice my smirk. "Of course! Just let me amend this slip, and it's yours." I felt like hoof-pumping the air. Unfortunately, I hadn't succeeded just yet. Rainbow Dash flew in like a hurricane, producing so much force that the door slammed open in her wake. "Twilight, quick! I need a book! What are you guys looking at me like that for?" She took one look around at out stunned faces before zoning in on the cover of Legends of Equestria. "Aha! Perfect. Thanks, Twi! I'll bring it right back." Rainbow snatched the book out of Twilight's levitational hold and took off, just like that. "Hey!" Twilight complained, landing face-first on the floor when her lost grip on the book caused her to fly forward. "Ugh. Sorry, Acrylic. I'll hold it for you when she comes back with it, if you like." "That's okay. Thanks, Twilight." I stuffed the other book in my saddlebag, practically dancing on the spot. I ran out after the rogue pegasus before she could get another word in edgewise. Luckily for me, Rainbow settled down on a cloud overlooking a meadow on the outskirts of town to read it. "Rainbow Dash?" I practically screamed. "Oh, hey, Acrylic. Sorry, I can't talk now. I'm busy." "Since when do you read books?" I tried. "Since a thestral saved me last night." I shut up, and Rainbow took it for shock. She smirked, thinking she knew something I didn't. She brandished a hoof on her chest. "Yep. A thestral. And here we thought they didn't exist. I'm telling ya, one of these guys saved my life last night." She purposefully gestured to the leather cover, the rearing imprint of one of my kin stamped into it. "Hey, you were about to check this out when I flew in, weren't you? My bad. Here. I'll come down so we can look at it together." "Don't bother." "Are you sure? Because I don't mind-" "Rainbow, you have to promise to keep a secret for me." "What? What kind of secret?" "A secret that might mean life or death one day. You can NEVER breathe a word of it to another pony so long as you live." "Okaaaay," she rolled her eyes unbelievingly."Promise me, Rainbow. You have to swear on your life that you'll never tell anypony." "Okay, okay. Tell you what, I'll do better than that. I'll Pinkie Pie Swear." "Pinkie Pie Swear?" "Yeah. You can never tell anypony something if you Pinkie Pie Swear." "Alright, then." "I cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," she vowed. "Alright." I broke into a gallop. "Hey, what are you-" Her eyes widened in horror as wings sprouted from my back, sending me into the air hurtling right for her cloud. Secret is outRainbow practically screamed as I braced my hooves on her cloud and shoved it farther and farther from town. When I thought we were far enough from civilization, I topped, leaving us dangling over the forest. "Y-You! You're-" "A thestral? Yes." "And you-" "Saved you from breaking a wing last night? Yes." "But you-" "Didn't say anything? I know." "But why? Why lie to everypony?" Her voice came out in frightened, confused gasps. My eyes were pained, and this time I didn't hide it. "Look at what the book says, Rainbow. Look at how we're remembered." Her rose colored eyes flicked to the open pages of the book, then back to me. I painfully nodded, and she crawled back to it. Trembling, she began to read the passage. "Before the time of the tyrant Discord, ponies lived in peace. Pegasi, earth ponies, unicorns and thestrals all shared the bountiful land of Equestria. The powerful magic keeping the balance had begun to take root in the form of a young sapling, the magical Tree of Harmony. It kept the balance between these four types of ponies so that none became greater than the other. The thestrals had been living in the dark, cramped forests for hundreds of years, but when they saw the beautiful farmland earth ponies worked, the open skies pegasi patrolled and the plentiful resources controlled by the unicorns, they felt cheated. They wanted more for themselves, but no pony else was willing to share. So, they attacked the Tree of Harmony in an attempt to upset the balance and turn it in their favor. Ponies became untrusting of one another, and split into factions according to species. The alicorn sisters Luna and Celestia eventually destroyed the thestral menace, restoring the balance. Unfortunately, the balance had already been uprooted long enough for the tyrant Discord to take hold, trying to throw Equestria into eternal chaos." "The alicorn sisters had to wait until the tree had matured enough to stabilize," I said, head bowed. "Then they could return for the elements and defeat Discord. But if the thestrals had never attacked the sapling tree of harmony in the first place, Discord would never have been able to take hold. It was our fault, Rainbow. Don't you see? This is how we're remembered. This is how ponies will think of me if they knew. I'm just a criminal to them." "But you didn't rise up to break the balance. That was your ancestors." "I'm glad you see it that way, Rainbow, because they won't. They'll take one look at my wings and label me as that 'thestral menace.' The book says it, Rainbow!" "That's not true. It can't be true." "Think of it this way. If I say 'alicorn,' what's the first thing that comes to mind?" "The Princesses, of course. Celestia, if you want specifics." "Right. The one that stands for good and justice. But Nightmare Moon was an evil alicorn. But you don't instantly think of alicorns as evil because Celestia came first. It's the same way with thestrals, I guess. My evil ancestors came before me, and that gave us a bad name. I'm stuck with that label, like it or not." "Well, I don't think of you that way," she offered, moving next to me and attempting to wrap a wing around. She soon found it impossible, given the size of my huge wings. "Thanks, Dashie." I instead wrapped one of my massive appendiges around her, swallowing her up and then some. Tears welled up in my eyes. At least one of my friends could accept me for who I was. "This does mean I have a new flying partner, right?" she clarified teasingly. "How do you feel about night flying?" I tearfully smiled. I found out that Rainbow had told only Applejack about the thestral sighting, though the earth pony hadn't believed a word of it. My new flying partner promised to lead everypony off my tail if it was brought up again. Though she tried to change my mind about keeping the whole thing a secret at first, I remained firm. After sharing my theories about what might happen to me if the Princesses caught word of a thestral sighting, even she agreed that it was best to keep quiet. She talked me into flying back. After all, it would be a long walk for me. At my request, we kept low to the treetops. As soon as we took off, though, I noticed that Rainbow's eyes never left my leathery dragon wings. I tried to igore it, but after a full minute, it became unbearable. "You're going to crash if you don't watch where you're going," I huffed, swerving to avoid hitting another branch. She had almost knocked into a particularly tall tree herself. "Sorry," she said, pumping her wings until she was clear of the trees. I was much more accustomed to dodging the branches than she. Rainbow was too frustrated from dodging the high branches to remember our agreement, and soared several feet higher so she was safe from hitting them altogether. I, on the other hoof, remained only inches from the leaves. The silence that ensued was slightly awkward. "So, you really aren't from out in the country, are you?" "No. The thestral encampment where I was raised is deep in the Everfree." "Whoa, whoa, whoa. You came from the Everfree?" "I know you Ponyville folk think that everypony from the Everfree is 'bad news,' but it's my home," I sighed, recalling Applejack's words from our first adventure together. "You're not like other ponies from that place, Acrylic. But now I want to know everything! What's it like?" "Well... it's kind of like life in Ponyville. But we use gems as currency. A few merchants who make trips to other cities trade gems for bits, which is how I got enough money to start myself off here. All thestrals can hide their wings like me, so they could just stroll into town, cash in gems at the bank and come back with goodies for us." "But... if you can all just disguise your wings, why haven't you all just come back to join everypony else?" "For one thing, we can't permanently hide our wings. Sometimes, my wings just suddenly start growing back. It usually happens twice a day and sometime in the middle of the night, because I always wake up with them. I call them wing springs." "Pffft! Wing springs!" Rainbow laughed, flipping upside down to clutch her stomach as she laughed. I rolled my eyes. She finally recovered, ever so sheepishly. "So... was that why you took off last night?" "Yes." "But if it's such a huge risk, why did you come in the first place?" "Because the other reason most thestrals stay in the shadows of the Everfree is exactly what drove me out. They hate. It's like a disease. They hate Celestia for keeping them in the dark. For taking what they think was their only chance at a happy life. Thestrals live in the dark and dangerous forest, grounded for fear they'll be discovered. They can't farm. They can only gather what grows. They blame it all on the alicorn sisters. Even after a thousand years, they won't let it go. I couldn't stand it any longer. I saw what hate was doing to them. It was consuming them. I just didn't want that to happen to me." My head hung. "Well, it sounds to me like the rest of those guys need to get a life," Rainbow snorted, failing to console me at all. "Oh, don't get me wrong. Not everything there is centered around hate and revenge. My parents did a good job of showing me that it was history, and nothing more. Not everypony thought that way, but it's how I was taught. My friend Tanzanite Miner has accepted it too, more or less. She thought I was crazy for wanting to move to Ponyville, but she has nothing against other ponies. Neither do the twins, Soprano and Spinning Solo." "Were those your friends from the... encampment?" "We were never really close, but they were the closest thing I had back there." "But something still doesn't add up. If you're all supposed to be grounded, how come you're such a good flyer? You're as good as any Cloudsdale pegasi!" I smiled. "My dad, Wind Storm, was the best flyer anypony had ever seen." "So your full name is Acrylic Storm?" I grinned. My parents always simply called me Acrylic, but there was something about carrying his name that I liked. "I guess you could say that. You know he was the first thestral in four generations to earn a cutie mark for flying? At least, in our sector he was. He taught me everything I know." "Sectors? Now you're just confusing me." "A sector is basically a thestral village. Well, they look more like refugee camps, but it's the same thing. I grew up in Blade Wing Sector 4." "Oh, my head," Rainbow joked. So, I proceeded to explain the sector system in further detail. Blade Wing was the name of the thestral who founded our sector. It had grown so much that the encampment had to split into another two divisions, Blade Wing Sector 1 and Blade Wing Sector 2. Now there were five, and there were rumors of a proposed Sector 6. There were other sectors besides Blade Wing, of course. They were all sparsely populated and located a good distance from one another. By the end of my explanations, Rainbow had concluded that thestrals were paranoid, angry loners who talked a good fight but never came out of their shells. Except me, of course, as she explained it. I was the odd ball. In a good way. I convinced her to be quiet before she said something she'd regret. I lighted down at the edge of the forest, retracted my beloved wings, and trotted out into the clearing. I was shocked I hadn't lost my saddlebags in all the hubbub. "So, meet you tonight for our first pegasus-thestral flight?" Rainbow grinned. "Sure thing," I agreed. Before we had time to arrange a date, we were interrupted by Pinkie Pie. She was sprinting across the field for us at top speed. "Hey guys!" she exclaimed, not even breaking a sweat. "Hey, what's up, Pinkie?" Rainbow casually greeted. "I'll tell you what's up! We have a new party to plan!" "What kind of party?" I asked, looking at the stack of invitations Pinkie had just shoved into my hooves. "A baby shower! Mr. and Mrs. Cake just announced that they're having foals!" "That's wonderful!" "Here, I need you guys to help me pass out invitations. Pretty pinkie please?" "I don't have much else planned for today," I consented. "Yeah, might as well," Rainbow agreed. "Great! Come on!" Pinkie somehow managed to yank Rainbow out of the air and drag both of us behind her. Somepony jabbed me in my sleep. "GAH!" "Wow. You really do grow wings in your sleep. I heard a lot of cracking and popping on my way up here. Honestly, it was kind of gross." I rubbed my head, having fallen off the bed. "Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here? Do you know what time it is?" "Time for some night flying!" she proudly announced. "I guess you forgot." "I didn't forget. Fluttershy told me that you were going to be practicing for an upcoming competition all night. I thought you were busy." "Yeah, busy practicing with you. Now, come on, sleepy wings. Up and at 'em!" With a groan, I pulled myself back to my hooves. I didn't bother with doing my mane, as it could only give me away sooner if we were caught. Wings dragging on the ground, I stumbled down the stairs. A gust of the cold night air instantly refreshed me. Rainbow Dash was already waiting for me, wings poised. "Ready?" "Only if you are." She snapped into action, leading the way into the dark night sky. My wings brought me level with her in half the time. "I scouted around Ponyville after helping Pinkie deliver those invites. That forest from this morning looks completely abandoned, and nopony should be around this time of night.""What's wrong? The Everfree too creepy for you?" I joked. "N-No!" Rainbow indignantly stuttered. "It's just... I want you to help me practice for my performance at the junior flight competition next month. The trees in these woods aren't so thick, and it's better for weaving." "I'm only teasing," I chided. "Race you." I took off without waiting for a response. "It's ON!" Rainbow had the upper hoof, since she didn't have to stay in the clouds for cover. However, I had the upper wing, and I used the extra altitude to my advantage. Just as she was coming up on the tree line, I tucked in my wings, going in for one of my signature dives. The altitude brought me down, down, down at an incredible speed. Just when I looked like I was about to crash into the ground, I flipped around, my back to the ground. I used the exterior membrane of my wings, (a webbing located in the crook of my wing's outer elbow), to repel the air, making me arc sharply upwards. Twirling upright once more, I folded my wings altogether and landed neatly on the ground. Rainbow looked on with an open mouth. I smirked. "These wings might look big and clunky, but thestrals are the most agile ponies you'll ever come across." "That. Was. AWESOME! Can you teach me to do that?" "Not unless you spontaneously grow an outer membrane like this." I ran a hoof over the extra skin. Rainbow pouted. "Now, go on. Show me your routine." "Alright. I'll only show you the first two stages; the third involves a sonic rainboom. I have to wait until it's light to practice that one." "Don't want to attract all of Ponyville," I agreed. "Here goes nothin'," she sighed, taking off again. I switched to glow light eyes before perching on the tallest tree to watch. The first part of her routine involved tight weaves through a line of trees. It was impressive, but that's not how I would have done it. I nodded, leaving myself a mental note and continued to watch. She made a smooth transition from the weave to shooting for the clouds in a neat arc. She targeted three specifically, and spun around them in tight pinwheels. If she could hold a sharper poise, it would decrease her drag and shoot her twice as fast. She pulled up from those, zooming back up into the sky. I almost thought she'd forgotten her resolve to save the sonic rainboom practice for daylight when she suddenly whipped around for a neat bow. I jumped into the sky, the branch below springing back up, released from my weight and planting a nice scratch on my ankle. I responded by crinkling my nose at the brief pain, but continued to make for Rainbow. "So? What'da think?" "Impressive. Tight turns are bound to catch somepony's eye. The Wonderbolts, maybe?" I teasingly elbowed her. She grinned. "You really think so?" "Just maybe. But might I add a suggestion?" "Sure." "When you're pin wheeling the clouds, angle yourself even more. Point your wingtips until they're perpendicular with the ground." "Perpen... what?" "Straight up and down." "I can't go any straighter. If I do, it throws me completely off balance." "Here's the trick." I made for one of the clouds she'd been using, angled myself sideways, and while the wing on top was nearly straight, I stretched the bottom one to be parallel with the ground until it brushed the edges of the cloud. "Use your bottom wing as an anchor," I yelled above the whistling wind. "Let your feathers dig into the cloud. It's weightless, so it won't provide any drag, but it sure will give you a better grip." "I'll give it a try," she doubtfully agreed. We switched places in the sky, and I hovered to watch. She did just what I'd told her to, spinning shakily a few times before she got the hang of it. When she finally did, though, her face lit up. "Oh, YEAH!" she screamed, whipping around it with not twice but thrice the speed. She pulled out of the cloud just as I was diving for the trees to demonstrate my methods. I wove through them at the same speed she had accomplished, but instead of manually adjusting my angle, I folded my wings to turn, letting the wind pull me in the right direction before recovering for the next turn. After my first helpful hint, Rainbow was more than willing to try this method. As soon as she went in for the first turn, though, she found her wings weren't big enough to catch the required air, and tumbled to the dirt. I flew back to land at her side. "Maybe I should go back to my method for that one," she blushed. I had to agree. We practiced for another three hours before I decided I needed to get back to bed if I wanted to be presentable in the morning. Rainbow Dash reluctantly agreed, and flew me home. "Acrylic?" She shuffled her hooves in the dirt as I opened the door. "Yeah?" "Will you come to Cloudsdale to watch my competition?" "Cloudsdale? I thought we agreed I couldn't show off my wings." "But you can still walk on the clouds without them, right? I mean, you're still a thestral underneath." "Well yes, of course, but no earth ponies can walk on clouds, remember?" "We can tell everypony that it's some kind of cloud-walking spell. Please, Acrylic? If you don't come, the only other pony there with me will be Fluttershy. I appreciate her support, but let's face it. Her cheering is awful." "I've still got to fly to get there. Somepony will see my wings. My dragon wings." "That's easy. I know the quietest places around Cloudsdale borders. Sneaking you in won't be hard." "What do we tell Fluttershy when she asks how I got there?" "Oh, uh, well... maybe you could take a hot air balloon?" "A hot air balloon? Really?" "Okay, maybe some strong stallions gave you a lift. Please? Do this for me?" Rainbow's puppy dog eyes were terrible, but I caved. "Alright, alright. I'll be there," I promised. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" she squealed, choking me in tight embrace. 'You're welcome,' is what I meant to say, but it came out more like garbled croaking. "Fluttershy's helping me practice this Friday, and every weekend up until the competition. Will you come help out?" "Sure," I coughed, released from the smothering hug. "Great! See you then!" She was gone in a flash. I was left to get as much sleep as I could. Morning came all too soon, and though I slept in by an extra hour, I still had bags under my eyes.
Blending"Here we go," I muttered quietly to myself. The birds chirped around me, and a cool wind blew through the hills as I approached the quaint town. The only other noise was the loud thumping of my bulky cart as it rolled over the cobblestone road. My silvery coat almost glistened, especially with water droplets still clinging to it from this morning's fog. However, the humidity had done nothing for my already frizzy mane. In fact, I had to hold the top portion out of my eyes in an elongated bun. Still, the small white band wasn't enough to contain the critical extra two inches, so a second tie was required. This one fell over the side of my neck, and draped down my shoulder. The rest of my wild mane cascaded down the same side, making the bundle hard to distinguish. My tail had grown so long that a similar style was required. I used a third white tie to loop it back in on itself to keep it from dragging on the ground. Still, there was so much excess that it continued to escape containment and drape back down to tickle my ankles. In contrast to my fuzzy hair, I had otherwise sharp and distinct features. My nose was particularly curved and pointed, and I had ears to match. My deep sapphire eyes were crystal clear. I was long legged though not particularly taller than most ponies, but I maintained a slim frame. My cutie mark looked large against such petite features. It portrayed a simple paintbrush, tipped with an unusual tongue of white flame. It stood out in front of the dark purple paint puddle backdrop. I wasn't like most ponies. I didn't belong to any of the four known types; I was not an earth pony or pegasus, unicorn or even an alicorn. I was a thestral. That meant I was a pony with dragon wings. For centuries, all the other pony types thought of us as evil creatures . It wasn't my fault that my ancestors had attacked Equestria. While I didn't take pride in what they had done, I knew why they did it. They were caught in the middle, never belonging to either dragon kind or pony kind. Ponies never full accepted them due to their fear of dragons, and dragons wouldn't accept them because they were the 'weak half-lings.' They wanted acceptance, so they went about taking it by force. Of course, Celestia and Luna responded in kind, banishing them to the farthest corners of the Everfree Forest. That's where I was brought up. Fortunately, I had the ability to disguise myself by hiding my wings. All thestrals can. Most just hated the other pony types so much they would not go anywhere near their towns. Back with the other thestrals, hate hung thick in the air like smoke. It was pointless. I, on the other hoof, wanted to move amongst these other ponies permanently. I would appear as a simple earth pony here in town. If I looked like one of them, I could build up a life for myself here. This was my chance to start over. I'd packed up my few belongings and left. This small cart was inadequate for the large, awkward size of the canvases in the back, making it appear like I had more inside than I really did. A few jars of paint clanked at the bottom, and brushes rolled to and fro with each bump. I had found my talent in the arts. There was a small house on the outskirts of this town that I had my eye . It was peaceful and quiet, but not too far for ponies to come out to. It was just large enough for me to live in while converting the front half into a shop. While I was a great artist, there wasn't much demand for paintings, so I intended to start up an art supply store instead. Growing up in the Everfree, I'd had to make most of the paints myself. I had just enough bits saved up to purchase the house. It was a bit run down, but I'd soon fix that. The name of this town was Ponyville. I'd chosen it mostly because it was so close to the Everfree, but I also liked the small size. When I spied on it from afar, I always appreciated the tightly knit community that resided here. They were very accepting, and more or less friendly. If I was going to join the other pony types, this was the place to do it. I took a shaky breath as I entered town. I instantly put myself on the defensive, just waiting for one of the locals to cast me a funny look Then I chided myself. I looked just like any of them. They had no reason to cast me any dirty glances. If they did, it was obviously because I was new. Even I had stopped to stare if I spotted somepony unfamiliar back at home. The town was just waking, but the streets were soon bustling with activity once again. I smiled back whenever I received a friendly nod or "Good morning." My spirits soared as I headed to the address of the realtor selling the house I was interested in. To my delight, he was friendly, and made the whole matter easy. After briefly negotiating the price, the deal was closed before I knew what was happening. I got the impression he just wanted the place off of his hooves. That suited me just fine. Now that I had secured a place to sleep tonight, I was free to explore my new hometown. I stopped at my new home just long enough to deposit my load. As much as I would have liked to settle in, I was itching to meet my new neighbors. Besides, my stomach was pleading for breakfast. I trotted back into the plaza, taking in my new environment. I took care to note where a few of the important stores were before stopping at a bakery, Sugar Cube Corner. They had pastries I had never heard of, and some that were considered delicacies in the far reaches of the Everfree. I ordered a slice of cinnamon crumble cake and a glass of milk for breakfast. These were delivered rather promptly by the pony who introduced herself as Mrs. Cake, a slightly pudgy blue earth pony with a pink mane and tail. The way she kept her hair twirled reminded me of cupcake frosting. I learned that she co-owned the bakery with her husband, Mr. Cake. He was just the opposite from his wife, being a tall lanky stallion with a yellow coat, orange mane and tail and rigid, square features. I took a seat at the small table by the window, relishing each bite of sugary cake. It wasn't long before a bright pink pony bounced noisily into the bakery. Her cutie mark consisted of three balloons, blue and yellow. Her mane was a darker shade of pink than her coat, but it was incredibly frizzy, as was her tail. She seemed intent on making sure everypony was aware of her presence. "Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Cake!" she squealed. Her voice was high pitched, only adding to the effect. Mrs. Cake was just bringing out a fresh batch of scones. "Good morning, Pinkie Pie. I'm afraid there isn't much for you to do this morning; we just finished the first batch of brownies… but I do have a fresh muffin basket sitting on the counter in the back. Would you mind taking it to Ditzy before it gets cold?" "Sure thing, Mrs. Cake!" I assumed the mare must work here, because she bounced right on into the back. I couldn't help but smile at her energy as she bounded past with her eyes closed. It wasn't long before she returned with the basket in her mouth. However, she stopped dead in her tracks as she came back around, eyes locked on mine. The entire basket dropped from her mouth, leaving her jaw hanging agape. Fortunately, it landed right side up and no muffins were spilled. However, I was beginning to become uncomfortable under her wide-eyed stare. I felt my ears flatten involuntarily. Finally, she gasped like she was trying to fit an entire oxygen tank's worth of air in her lungs. My eyes widened further, if that was possible, when she zoomed up to my side in half a second flat. I brought my hoof instinctively up to my face, which was probably the only thing keeping her from touching noses with me. "Hi! You must be new here. I'm Pinkie Pie! What's your name?" "Uh… Acrylic," I finally managed, putting my hoof down. She likewise backed off ever so slightly. The way this pony talked a mile a minute was throwing me off, as if her hyperactive personality wouldn't do that. "Acrylic, huh? You must be a painter pony! I like your cutie mark. I haven't seen one like that before." She was now intently staring at my flank, scrutinizing the flaming brush. "Uh, thanks." "What does the fire mean?" "Well… I like to think it symbolizes my burning hatred of blank pages," I chuckled. I knew the fire on my paintbrush really represented white thestral fire, but she didn't. "Ha ha! That's funny! So, Acrylic, what are you doing in Ponyville?" "I just moved here, actually," I truthfully answered, downing the last few drops of milk from the glass. Pinkie's eyes grew large once more, and she sucked in another tankful of air. "Gotta go!" she exclaimed, zooming back out the door. She returned just as quickly to retrieve the forgotten basket, but was gone in a flash. I took a moment to recover from the sudden meeting before eventually shaking it off. After breakfast, I took my few meager coins to Sofas and Quills in search of reasonably priced furniture for my new residence. I was just about to make a selection when an orange mare trotted into the store alongside a buff red stallion and a small yellow filly. The stallion seemed to know exactly where he was going, and headed straight for the back where the storekeeper had disappeared. The filly chased after him, and the mare waited out in the lobby. I was the only other pony in the shop, and spotting me, she trotted over. "Nice day, ain't it?" She had a strong southern accent, which was reinforced by the worn Stetson sitting atop her blond mane. It was loosely tied at the end with a red band, as was her tail, and raggedy bangs hung over crisp green eyes. Freckles gave her a cute but kind appearance. Three red apples formed her cutie mark. At first glance, she appeared to have a rather average build. The longer I looked at her, though, the more I got the impression that serious power rippled through her muscles. "Very nice," I agreed with a nod. "My name's Applejack. Say, I haven't seen you 'round here before." "I just moved here. I'm Acrylic," I affirmed, offering a hoof. "Ya don't say! What brings you to Ponyville, Acrylic?" "I just liked the area," I shrugged. "Well, you're just in time for the Summer Sun Celebration. Can you believe it's just two weeks away? Princess Celestia is comin' here this year, ya know." "Is she?" My eyes widened at the fact. I genuinely hadn't known, but why would I? Thestrals had no reason to keep track of such things. "Sure is. Us Apples are in charge of the food this year. Everypony's so eager to lend a hoof for this here celebration that I'm gonna have the whole Apple family packed into my place! It's tight quarters as it is, and I need an extra couch for 'em to sleep on." "Well, tell me if you need an extra hoof," I offered. "I think we're covered, but thanks for the offer, sugar cube. If you really wanna help, you can check in with the mayor. I'm sure she'll have some use for an artsy pony like yourself." "I'll be sure to do that," I nodded. "I don't suppose you could show me where that is?" "Sure thing." I was led to the doorway, where she stopped and provided directions. "If you just take a right there, you'll find the marketplace. Turn left after you see the asparagus stall. It looks like a back alley, but that'll eventually join up with the main plaza. Town Hall's right at the center of Ponyville, so just follow the shops 'till you find it." "Thank you," I said. "It sure was nice meetin' ya, Acrylic. We Apples love makin' new friends. I'll have to introduce ya to the rest of the family sometime." "I'd like that." "Well, if ya ever need us, we're down at Sweet Apple Acres. You can as anypony for directions, if ya need." "Thanks again, Applejack." With that, I abandoned the sofa for another day and headed off in the direction she indicated while the directions were still fresh in my mind. The mayor, Ivory Scroll, was nice enough, but instantly warmed up to the newcomer upon learning that I wanted to help out with the Summer Sun Celebration. She didn't know exactly what I was capable of, other than the fact that I was crafty, but that was enough for her. I was assigned to give somepony called Rarity a hoof with the decorations. I found the white unicorn and her boutique at the far end of town. In fact, it wasn't far from my new place, just down the road a bit. She was a real fashionista, and wore her purple mane in curls that announced it to the whole world. She had the cutie mark of sparkling blue gems painted on her flank. She currently wore fashionable purple reading glasses. I found her busily sorting garments at the back. "I'll be with you in just a moment," she cheerily announced upon hearing hoofsteps echo through her shop. Though she wasn't looking my way, I nodded and waited for her to finish. "Oh, that won't do… just add glitter, perhaps? No, gems! Gems always do the trick. Now then, how can I help you?" "You're Rarity?" I clarified, just to be safe. "Yes I am. Oh, but I don't know you. Are you new here, darling?" "Yes, in fact. I just moved in this morning. My name is Acrylic." "Is that so? Well, Ponyville can always welcome another friendly face, for sure. Where are you from?" "Way, way out in the country," I stuttered, caught off guard. "The place doesn't even have a name." "Well, it must be nice to finally get back to civilization!" she exclaimed, trying to sound polite but failing to muffle the somewhat horrified expression plastered on her face. "I like it so far," I jokingly agreed. "Now, then. Can I help you find something?" "Actually, I just came from speaking with the mayor. I wanted to help set up the Summer Sun Celebration with everypony else, and I was assigned to help you with the decorations." "Is that so? Well, I must admit, I've been procrastinating a bit. I had an idea for a new line of dresses that simply couldn't wait. I would appreciate the help. In fact, I was just getting set up. Would you care to join me in the back?" "Of course." I respectfully nodded and started off in the direction she indicated. I was halfway there when she suddenly screamed. "WAIT!" I froze, caught mid-step with two of my legs still in the air. I eyed her nervously, wondering if I'd done something wrong. She looked almost comical, about ready to pounce with her glasses slowly sliding off of her nose. She suddenly jumped up and rushed over to me. "That hat… it's perfect!" "What hat?" I was answered when a dark purple plaid beret from the mannequin behind me was suddenly levitated over my head and deposited between my curled ears. From her vantage point, I must have been lined up with the mannequin just so it looked like it was already on my head. "Oh, darling, you look absolutely stunning in it!" I figured it must be her sales pitch until I was practically thrown at one of the many vanity mirrors around the room. Even I had to admit, it looked really cute! "It accents your cutie mark just perfectly!" she went on, admiring me from afar. "You must take it!" "It does look good," I giggled. "I should say 'good' is an understatement!" "How much do you want for it?" "What? No, no, no. It fits you so well, consider it yours." "Oh, I couldn't, Rarity." "Nonsense! Consider it my welcoming gift to you." "Well, thank you, then. That's very generous." "I wouldn't have it any other way. Now, come along. The banners won't decorate themselves." ~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~ Rarity enjoyed the kind of harmless gossip I had grown up without. I enjoyed the chit chat, but kept my guard up. She seemed intent on prying information about my past from me. I often had to reply with, "I don't seem to be able to recall that," or, "That wasn't one of my best memories." I had to make up a lot of the information to keep her from thinking I had a miserable past. I hated lying, but I couldn't have her knowing I was a thestral either. I quickly picked up on Rarity's sophisticated mannerisms, and found myself mimicking such a style after only knowing her a few hours. She came to appreciate my style of artwork, even if it wasn't her forte. While she was called to the front several times by customers, she made it a point to introduce me to every one of them. She lingered a little longer with those whom I presumed were her closest friends. They included two pegasi, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. I got the idea she was close to Pinkie Pie and Applejack as well, but the cowgirl didn't come to the boutique that day. On the other hoof, when the pink mare came bouncing into the shop, she froze upon eyeing me. Avoiding me like the plague, she called Rarity over to talk privately. Though even Rarity looked slightly offended after I was denied admittance, she came back smiling, and I tried to dismiss it. Rarity called it a day at around three o' clock. She offered to walk me home, but I tried my best to refuse. Rarity was a sophisticated mare, and the shack I now called home was in no state to be seen by her critical eye just yet. She was relentless, however, and insisted. Before I knew it, she was leaving without me. I hoped that the brim of my new hat could be pulled down far enough to hide my face when she set eyes on the place. That method worked only too well. Hidden under the beret, I now had a very limited line of sight and had to follow the shuffling of her hoofsteps to guide me. I could only see the ground immediately ahead. I was surprised when she made no comment whatsoever about the state of my living space. She didn't even seem surprised. Thrilled by this fact, I fumbled with the key, and failed to notice when she didn't leave. I also didn't instantly notice the many faces packed into my living room. That's why I nearly had a heart attack when the light was switched on and they all jumped out. "SURPRISE!" Pinkie jumped out of nowhere blowing loudly on a noise maker. "Hi again! Remember me?" "Of course, Pinkie Pie," I quickly recovered, still too stunned to show any emotion on my face. The whole town must have been packed in here! "So, were you surprised? Were you?! Were you?!'' I wasn't given time to respond. "See, when we were talking at Sugar Cube Corner, you said you'd just moved here. I realized that you must not have many friends if you just got here, and that made me really, really sad! So I decided to throw you this super-duper party and invite everypony in Ponyville! See? Now you have lots and lots of friends!" "Pinkie… I don't know what to say!" I finally stuttered, a smile blooming on my face. "Aw, you don't have to say anything. NOW WHO WANTS TO PLAY PIN THE TAIL ON THE PONY?!" she excitedly screamed out to the crowd. A few ponies clopped off to join her, but most just stayed put and continued socializing. "It's a quaint little place," Rarity noted, rejoining me and looking around. It looked much better with so many ponies packed inside to hide part of the clutter. "It's about time somepony bought it. I've watched this place rot in neglect for years . It needs a bit of cleaning up, of course, but I'm sure you could tidy this place up to look absolutely dazzling!" "I've got plans," I promised, prying a paper cup loose from the top of the stack and filling it with a purple punch. "There she is- mare of the hour." I instantly recognized the thick accent, and turned around to see Applejack pushing through the crowd with her little sister scuttling along at her hooves. "Applejack, you made it!" Rarity greeted. "I was worried all of that apple bucking you needed to catch up on would keep you at home." "I wouldn't miss one of Pinkie's parties for all the apples in the world!" she declared. "And besides, I never got to introduce ya to my little sister Apple Bloom." The young yellow filly looked up at me, the pink bow in her red mane doing nothing to keep the strands out of her eyes. She tossed the bangs aside before looking up at me with big, golden eyes. "Hiya! My sis told me you're a painter pony. Is that true?" "It sure is," I affirmed with a wide smile. I wasn't sure what it was about them, but I felt myself more at ease around young fillies and colts than with mares or stallions my own age. Apple Bloom looked around suspiciously, and finding the area clear of eavesdroppers, beckoned me close. I let loose an amused look before bending over to accommodate her. "Do ya think you could paint me a cutie mark for the Summer Sun Celebration in two weeks?" "No, she can't," Applejack whispered, having bent over to join us. "But big sis," she whined. "Now, Apple Bloom, we talked 'bout this. Your cutie mark will appear when and only when you're ready for it." "I'm tired of waiting," she pouted, crossing her fore hooves. "But it won't be you. Ya know how I feel about lying to other ponies. Besides, what'll your classmates think when your cutie mark washes off?" "Well…" Apple Bloom rubbed the back of her head. She hadn't thought about that. "Your sister's right, Apple Bloom," I smiled. "I was a blank flank for a long time, too. It's nothing to be so ashamed of you feel you need to hide it." "Oh, okay," she finally relented. "Now why don't you go over there and join Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?" Applejack suggested. "Uh, no thanks," she vigorously shook her head. "Oh, don't be silly. Go on, now!" I saw how anxious she was about approaching the other fillies, even if Applejack didn't. I cut in just as Applejack began shoving her in their direction. "Actually, if you really don't want to go join them, maybe you could introduce me to some other ponies?" I hastily offered an escape route. Her eyes practically shone with glee at my rescue, and she jumped out of her sister's reach. "Sure thing, Acrylic! Let's go say hi to Ditzy!" I found myself being dragged around my new and unfamiliar house to meet lots of new and unfamiliar ponies. Pinkie's party lasted for the greater part of the evening. I greatly enjoyed the games and other events that had been planned. Applejack's sister got us through introductions to everypony rather quickly. While Apple Bloom stopped briefly to introduce me to Diamond Tiara and her friend Silver Spoon, I was under the impression they didn't get along too well because of how short our visit was. She was a little more at ease under the protection of an adult, but I was still only given seconds to say hello. Of course, I didn't have long with anypony at the speed she was moving us, so the games served as a way for me to more thoroughly socialize. Everypony was finally heading home at about nine for those with young ones, but some of the older ponies stayed until ten. Rarity had to leave with her little sister Sweetie Belle early, as did Applejack, but the pegasus Rainbow Dash was 'too cool for bedtime.' Fluttershy kindly offered to stay up with her, though she barely said a word the whole time. I finally made a comment about her cutie mark, and then it was hard to get her to be quiet. She kept going on and on about her animals. I listened intently and nodded now and then, but I knew next to nothing on the subject. This rambling earned a few snide comments from Rainbow Dash, but we all knew it was in good fun. Before we knew it, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and I were the only ponies left. It was quite late, but they all offered to stay and help clean up after the party. It was midnight when we finished. I don't know when they left. I must have fallen asleep on the armchair. It was the best first day I could have ever hoped for.
Nightmare MoonI quickly fell into the regular routine of eating breakfast at Sugar Cube Corner before heading back to the Carousel Boutique to help with the decorations. Some days were longer than others, and sometimes we didn't work on the Summer Sun Celebration decorations at all. Sometimes I helped her with a new line of dresses. I wasn't much of a fashionista, but I toiled over the detailing until it was perfect. On these occasions, she paid me with a small gem despite my protests. I earned generous wages in such a manner, even though I was only supposed to be volunteering. The money I earned was readily put to use in refurnishing my house. My evenings were spent fixing the place up. On a few occasions, Rainbow Dash even offered to come over and help. I was forced to accept her assistance in replacing the many missing shingles on the roof; even my ladder wouldn't reach high enough. She also painted the highest points I couldn't get to. Once the white base coat was down, though, I rejected any offered assistance in working on the exterior designs. That was the fun part! It took me the entire weekend and then a few more days, but I finally got the front outer wall finished. Then and only then did I bring Rainbow Dash back to help coat it in fixative to protect the paint from getting filthy. The image it displayed the stunning colors of both dawn and dusk, with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna positioned at either end like in the old days. Between them lay the beautiful landscape of Equestria, with every type of pony I could think of positioned somewhere in between. The traditional earth pony, unicorn and Pegasus were stationed dead center, standing dutifully in the middle of it all. Off in a river I added a Hippo campus, or merpony, if you will, and a hippogryph out at the borders of gryphon territory. You could barely notice the mythical Breezies among the flowery meadow and they were tiny ponies with butterfly wings only thought to exist in legends. Disguised back in the far reaches of the Everfree I even camouflaged a thestral, though I doubted anypony would notice. It was a risky move, but I couldn't resist. Everypony marveled at the work, and my five new closest friends in particular offered praise that made me feel like I was flying. Speaking of flying, I was developing a problem. My disguise kept trying to give out on me. Suddenly, I would get the sudden urge to grow my wings back out. It wasn't voluntary, but occasionally they just sprouted. I called it a wing spring. Whenever I got the sensation, I had to excuse myself and run to find a private spot to hide out until it had run its course. It typically occurred once or twice a day, and once at night while I was asleep. This made life particularly difficult for me. On top of that, I was feeling the effects of staying on the ground for so long. I missed the sky, and longed to jump back up to soar among the clouds. I wasn't sure how much more I could take. Maybe a quick night flight wouldn't hurt every now and then. Before I knew it, the Summer Sun Celebration was upon us. Rarity had postponed one too many decorating days, and we had to pull long hours the day before to move the banners from her boutique to the rest of Ponyville. Still, it was getting done, and we'd be on time. There hadn't been much talking going on today, which was unusual for Rarity. She was too focused. "No, no, no, goodness, no!" she said again and again. I heard hoofsteps, and noted that she had a new visitor. For once, she was paying her customers no mind as she sorted through the adornments for the banners. "Good afternoon," the purple unicorn began. She had a darker purple mane and tail, streaked with pink and both were currently frazzled as though she had just lived through a tornado. Her cutie mark displayed a pink six-pointed star surrounded by smaller pricks of light. Her purple eyes were kind but businesslike as she spoke. She was accompanied by a purple baby dragon with green spines. "Oh, Acrylic, could you get that, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were." "Sure thing, Rarity. How can I help you?" I turned my attention to her customer, doing my best not to stare at her wind-matted mane. "I was actually hoping to speak with Rarity about the decorations," she said. "I see. She'll be with you in a moment." I set myself to work with another banner in an attempt to keep from staring. "Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help y- OH!" She squealed upon looking her visitor over. "Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!" "Oh, you mean my mane? It's a long story, but I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your hair." "My hair? But what about your hair?" Rarity instantly abandoned her work and dragged the newcomer out the door. "Wait, where are we going? Help!" The young dragon followed them in a rather dazed state. I also put down my ribbons and joined them to see what I could catch of the conversation. As it turned out, Rarity had brought the unicorn out to the boutique. Along the way, I'd managed to introduce myself, and learn that her name was Twilight Sparkle. Rarity's usual chit chatter hadn't allowed me to say much else, however. I was instantly put to work by Rarity to go fetch different clothing items for Twilight, as I had come to know the shop quite well. While I had procured everything she told me to, none of the outfits were accepted. Luckily, Rarity's makeover had included hairstyling, and Twilight's windblown mane returned to normal. It was kept straight, and cropped so perfectly that it looked recently cut, though by the split ends I could tell she needed one soon. "No, no, uh-uh. Too green. Too yellow. Too poofy. Not poofy enough. Too frilly. Too... shiny. Now go on, my dear. You were telling me where you're from." Rarity was putting poor Twilight through all of the costumes in an attempt to find her one that would suit her. I assumed she wanted to welcome Twilight with some accessory as she had me. Now she tried tightening a corset that barely allowed Twilight to breathe. "I've… been sent… from Canterlot... to…" "Huh? Canterlot? Oh, I am so envious! The glamor, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I. Well, you me and Acrylic of course." Rarity had come to think of us as best friends, even closer than our group of six. She had scooted closer to Twilight, but then made the mistake of looking down on her work. "Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" Rarity dashed off in search of the desired outfit. "You'll have to forgive her. She likes dressing up models when she's stressed. I'll go make sure she doesn't pick something too…extravagant." I trotted off to find Rarity among the sea of clothes. I'd seen a dress I personally thought would look great on Twilight, so I took it off the rack and tried to talk Rarity out of the excessive ball gown dappled in the red gems. By the time we got back, we found her to have disappeared anyway. "Oh, dear," Rarity fretted. "Do you think it was something I said?" "No, no," I assured her. "She did say that she was sent to check up on the preparations for the entire Summer Sun Celebration. She's probably busy, and needed to get back to it." "Yes, you're quite right, Acrylic. Well, we'd better get back to Town Hall." "I think we've about finished there. If you do the last finishing touches, I'll gather the remaining supplies and meet you back at the plaza." "Alright. We should start at Sugar Cube Corner and work down the street. All the shopkeepers want their stores to look fabulous for the Princess's arrival." "HEY GUYS!" Pinkie Pie burst through the door, seeming to hover in the air as she screamed for us. "What is it, Pinkie Pie? We're quite busy." "There's a new pony in town! We've got to plan a welcome party for her!" "You mean Twilight Sparkle? Yes, we've just met her. A charming pony, and from Canterlot, no less!" "Ooh, a city pony! Anyway, I'm planning a welcome party for her, but I don't know where she's staying." Pinkie Pie pouted, drawing circles on the ground with her hoof. "She's staying at the Golden Oaks Library," I offered, recalling the bit of information Rarity pried from her during our conversation. I wondered if that was how Pinkie found out where I was living. "THANKS! Pinkie bounded back out the door, but returned momentarily. "Oh, and you're both invited for a surprise party there at three o' clock sharp. Don't be late!" "You think we'll be finished by then?" I asked. "Well, we can certainly try. Come on, then. We don't want to be late for Twilight's party." Indeed, I didn't. The ponies had been so kind to me at the time of my party that I wanted to be sure and return the favor. The street decorations didn't take so long because of how spread out it all was. After we dashed back to the boutique to put things away (and by put away I mean pile in a corner for later), we headed straight for the Golden Oaks Library. Rarity had to lead the way because I didn't know where it was. According to her, it hadn't been open for years. We were the last ones in, and accidentally triggered a false alarm. Everypony jumped out and confetti spewed everywhere. When the lights came on, though, there was a painfully loud "Aww," throughout the audience. Pinkie Pie was perhaps the most disappointed by our appearance instead of Twilight. I flattened my ears. "Sorry," I mumbled. "Oh, that's okay," Pinkie bounced right back up. "Okay, everypony! R-r-r-r-reset!" She rolled her R's dramatically, as if she were directing a show. She even had the loudspeaker for it. I took part in sweeping up the confetti and stuffing it back into the cannons. The lights were turned back off, and everypony huddled in the shadows. I'd taken a spot between Rainbow Dash and Rarity, and though we were supposed to be quiet, the white unicorn kept whispering the whole time we waited. It wasn't until the door opened that she shut up. This time, we waited to make sure we had the right pony before jumping back out. "Huh. Rude much?" I heard Spike the dragon mutter. Their voices were muffled, as I was all the way at the back. "Sorry, Spike, but I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming, and we're running out of time! I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time. Now, where's the light?" Perfectly on cue, Applejack hit the switch and we all jumped up. "SURPRISE!" As per the norm, Pinkie was the first to greet the party guest. "Surprise! Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh? Huh? Huh?" "Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet." "Well, that's silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! You see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all 'Hello' and I was all," she inflated her lungs to their fullest extent, "remember? Ya see I never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!" Twilight only let out a barely audible groan. My guess was that Pinkie's mile-a-minute speech was getting to her. "And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anypony yet, and if you haven't met anypony yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went," she sucked in another of her famous deep gasps. "I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everypony in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!" Our little clique had gathered behind her, and Pinkie bounded over. Twilight had just finished pouring herself a drink, and took a big sip. When she turned around, her face was becoming red-hot and her eyes watered. "Are you all right, sugar cube?" Applejack asked. Without answering, Twilight took off, storming up the stairs. "Aww, she's so happy she's crying!" Pinkie Pie beamed. Spike picked up the jar Twilight had taken a drink from. "Hot sauce?" he read. "Ooh." Pinkie Pie tipped the bottle over to dump the stuff until it completely coated a cupcake. She then proceeded to stuff the whole thing in her mouth. "What? It's good!" We all rolled our eyes at her. I waited for Twilight to come back down for a good ten minutes before giving up and returning to the games. I hadn't really gotten a chance to actually socialize with her. Rarity had kind of taken over the whole operation. Her dragon Spike, on the other hand, I found to be extremely fun, and he took part in all the activities Pinkie Pie had planned. There was no shortage of those, because we were staying up all night in order to be ready for the Celebration early in the morning. Pinkie Pie had saved her favorite for last: pin the tail on the pony. "I wonder where that Twilight's gotten off to," Applejack wondered as the blindfold was tied around her eyes. "Yeah. She's missing out on all the fun!" Pinkie exclaimed. "I'll go see if she wants to play," Spike dutifully offered, marching off. He looked rather comical with an excessively oversized hat he'd won as a prize seated over his head. He kept bumping into ponies' legs along the way with the cover over his eyes. Spike returned just as we were all filing out the door. "Twilight didn't want to play. Hey! Where's everypony going?" he asked disappointedly. "It's time for the Summer Sun Celebration. We're going to Town Hall to watch the Princess raise the sun!" I gleefully offered. Rarity had me worked up over the event. This was my first Summer Sun Celebration. I wanted it to be the best ever! "Oh, okay! I'll get Twilight!" he dashed off faster than the first time; partly because his hat flew off in his haste. Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and I all waited for the new girl by the door, and we headed out together. We found a good spot in the center of the crowd, where it wasn't quite so packed. Rarity was not with us on the floor; as head of decorations, she had the honor of lifting the curtain for none other than the Princess herself. Fluttershy had gone to conduct her birds for the opening ceremony, but even Rainbow Dash took to the air to conserve floor space. Pinkie didn't seem at all concerned about saving space, and earned herself a wide bubble of open floor by her erratic bouncing. "Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited- well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went," she swallowed about as much air as I had seen her do yet. "But I mean really, who can top that?" I giggled out of excitement, though Twilight groaned. I tried to ignore her. I wasn't going to let her negativity spoil my first celebration. Fluttershy started her birds, and the spotlight shifted to the center of the stage. All went quiet as we waited for the ceremony to begin. "Fillies and gentlecolts," Ivory Scroll began, "as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" I stomped my hooves as loudly as I"Fillies and gentlecolts," Ivory Scroll began, "as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" I stomped my hooves as loudly as I could along with every other pony in the Town Hall. "In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..." Fluttershy prepared her birds and Rarity yanked on the curtain. As the spotlight moved to the balcony platform, though, nothing but empty space was brought to light. I nickered in confusion. Everypony else was letting out frightened murmurs and gasps. The mayor was worried, so I was worried. "This can't be good." Twilight flattened her ears and sank to the floor. "Please remain calm, everypony," Ivory Scroll attempted to soothe everypony. "There must be a reasonable explanation." "Ooh, ooh! I love guessing games! Is she hiding?" Pinkie bounced. "She's gone!" Rarity reported, returning to the balcony from checking the back. "Ooh, she's good," Pinkie declared, brows furrowed in a determined, mischievous manner. Her expression changed to one of fright as her baby blue eyes returned to the balcony. She led us in squealing in terror as the swirling, writhing mass of a blue shadowy entity began to form. From it soon burst a dark black alicorn with slightly bat-shaped wings. Purple eye shadow lined her turquoise dragon-like eyes. She wore menacing, cold blue armor that left no space for her mane and tail, though that did nothing to dissuade the blue masses from sticking to her. The blue entities were formless, but gave the impression of constantly blowing hair. Her cutie mark was that of the crescent moon behind a swatch of night sky that looked suspiciously like my purple blob of paint. Even more conspicuous was how closely the mark as a whole resembled that of Princess Luna's. I tried desperately to remember the old pony tales my parents told me, but failed to recall anything helpful. "Oh no! Nightmare Moon," Twilight gasped. Spike promptly fainted and toppled off of her back. "Oh, my beloved subjects," the alicorn, hissed in an attempted sickeningly sweet voice. "It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces." "What did you do with our princess?" Rainbow Dash instantly accused. "Whoa, there, Nelly," Applejack got a grip on her tail before the pegasus charged off to do something she'd regret. The alicorn only chuckled with dry amusement. "Why? Am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?" "Ooh! Ooh! More guessing games!" Pinkie elatedly cried. "Um, Hokey Smokes! How about... Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty!" Applejack promptly shoved an apple in her mouth in a successful attempt to get her to be quiet. The alicorn shoved her face almost up against Fluttershy's, scaring off the birds and making the young pegasus wish she could turn invisible. "Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years?" She switched over to Rarity; coddling her chin with the incredibly malleable mass of energy she called a mane. "Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?" "I did." Twilight stepped up, and all eyes turned to her. "And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon- Nightmare Moon!" We all gasped. I'd heard her say that, but I thought it was just some kind of Canterlot outburst. I didn't think she really meant it was Nightmare Moon in front of us! Even I knew she was bad news. "Well, well, well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here." "You're here to… to…" She couldn't seem to be able to bring herself to finish the sentence. She let out a loud gulp instead. Nightmare Moon only laughed. "Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Maniacal laughter then ensued, and thunder crashed from above. Lightning ripped across the sky for emphasis as a swirling vortex of wind surrounded Nightmare Moon and made her look more terrifying than ever. I shrank back, shuddering in the alicorn's commanding presence.
The Everfree ForestSeize her!" the mayor commanded. "Only she knows where the princess is!" Three of the royal guards present for the event obeyed, all of whom had wings. They charged through the air at our new queen. She didn't like that idea much. "Stand back, you foals!" Nightmare Moon tossed them back like crumpled pieces of paper with a mere wave of her mane, bringing lightning down to do the work for her. After another round of haughty laughter, she imploded on herself, transforming entirely into a swirling ball of mane energy. That done, she slithered out the door, causing everypony to scatter in her wake. I was included in that number, ducking behind a table in terror. What happened to me now? Thestrals wouldn't be very affected by the everlasting night; we were nocturnal anyway. We had adapted to the night life. Should I go back home? Then I realized how foolish I was; even thestrals would be impacted by this dramatic change, perhaps even more so than the rest of Equestria. We didn't farm in the Everfree, we merely lived off of roots and whatever else we could gather. Without sunlight, nothing edible would grow even in the tough and hardy forest. And besides, that was no longer my home. I lived here now. I wasn't going to abandon my new friends just because times got a little tough. I'd chosen my side, and I was sticking to it. That left only one option: we had to stop Nightmare Moon. I straightened back up, conquering my fear in coming out from behind the table. Not many ponies were left in Town Hall. Rainbow Dash had been one of the first to leave in an attempt to chase down the queen. Twilight was right on her heels, though she had another destination in mind. I charged out to catch up with Applejack, who was following the purple unicorn. Rarity didn't often risk sweating, but even she put such thinking to the side in this time of need and joined us. Pinkie Pie joined in the fun by bouncing along behind us, somehow still keeping up. Applejack led those of us on the ground into the library, though Rainbow Dash had already zoomed in. Twilight had not yet noticed our presence. She was scrutinizing the shelves instead. "Elements, elements, elements... Ugh! How can I stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?" she muttered. "And just what are the Elements of Harmony?" Rainbow Dash demanded in a somewhat accusing voice. She had locked noses with Twilight, forcing her back. "And how did you know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you a spy? Whoa!" AJ yanked her from the air to calm her down. "Simmer down, Sally," she ordered. "She ain't no spy. But she sure knows what's goin' on, don't ya, Twilight?" "I read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but I don't know what they are, where to find them; I don't even know what they do!" "The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide," Pinkie distractedly read. "How did you find that?!" Twilight exclaimed, pushing her way over. "It was under 'E!'" Pinkie happily bounced. "Oh, right," Twilight blushed. She proceeded to levitate the book and read a passage from it. "There are six Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now…" she gasped in the place of the actual location. "What is now…?" I prompted. "The Everfree Forest!" she stammered. We all gasped, but while everypony else's was out of fright, mine was in surprise. My eyes widened. That was my homeland! Twilight nervously headed out, the rest of us trailing after her. My mind was working through this whole mess so quickly I didn't notice we'd arrived until I bumped into AJ. The dark shadows of the Everfree forest was looming over us. "The Everfree Forest!" we all said in unison. "Whee! Let's go!" Pinkie exclaimed, starting off for the dark woods. "Not so fast." Pinkie stopped dead in her tracks. "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'd really rather do this on my own." "No can do, sugar cube. We sure ain't lettin' any friend of ours go into that creepy place alone. We're stickin' to you like caramel on a candy apple. "Uh-uh," we all agreed, trotting in without her. Pinkie was the only one that remained. "Especially if there's candy apples in there!" I heard her add. "What? Those things are good!" Pinkie then trotted up to join us, and Twilight reluctantly followed with a heavy sigh. "So… none of you have ever been in here before?" Twilight nervously asked. I felt my heart skip a beat. Should I lie, or give a half- truth? I let the others answer while I considered my options. "Ugh, Heavens no! Just look at it- it's dreadful." Rarity declared. "And it ain't natural. Folks say it don't work the same as Equestria." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Nopony knows," Rainbow Dash said in a ghostly voice in an attempt to scare our company. I rolled my eyes, mostly because I was familiar with the woods and didn't find it frightening at all. "You know why?" "Rainbow, quit it!" Applejack demanded as she started to creep along the forest floor. "Because every pony who's ever come in has never come out!" "I did," I sarcastically interjected, mostly to spite her. "WHAT?!" everypony else exclaimed. I flattened my ears. Whoops. "WHOA!" we all screamed. The ledge we had just been standing on gave out, sending everypony but our two pegasi companions sprawling down the steep slope. Rarity was lucky, and managed to stay upright as she attempted to slide to a stop. I was hopelessly bouncing down, getting more bruised and battered with every bump in the surface. Rainbow Dash grabbed Pinkie while Fluttershy slowed Rarity down by yanking on her tail. I really needed my wings, but I couldn't let them see. Come out bruised and possibly broken or come out safe but friendless? I opted for broken. They couldn't know what I really was! I had finally gotten a grip on the whole sliding issue, though I was now sliding backwards. I dug my hooves in, failing to get some traction. I saw Applejack hanging on a root as I slid down, finally slowing. Twilight hadn't been so lucky, and was now dangling off the side of the cliff. I was heading her way, and only just managed to avoid her as I toppled off the side. "Acrylic!" she screamed upon learning that my predicament was worse than hers. This was it. I had to show my dragon side or die. I began to angle myself, but narrowed my eyes instead. Maybe not. I angled myself so that I was now diving headfirst for the rock face. Once I was parallel with it, I stretched out my hooves until I was running down the vertical slope. I focused on the task at hoof, eyes narrowed, pouring all of my energy into it. I had to, if I wanted to stay alive. It was nearly time. The treetops were getting close. I heard my friends yelling for me. Even Rainbow Dash wasn't fast enough to catch me now. I closed my eyes. This was it. In a literal leap of faith, I jumped off the rock face, landing on a tree branch. As I'd hoped, it bent like rubber under my weight, and sent me shooting back off into the sky upon rebound. I had enough time disguised in the trees to briefly use my wings to angle myself the right way, but barely had time to retract them before shooting out of the thick canopies. I clutched at my beloved hat which I hadn't taken off since Rarity gave it to me, only to find that it had already been blown off. Ugh. Figures. Distracted by this discovery, I barely had time to remember to hold my breath as I landed in the pond below. I pushed off the bottom and scrambled for the surface, hooves flailing. I finally surfaced soaked to the bone and shivering with cold, but alive. I dragged myself into the grass and shook off as much water as I could. I let my friends come running over to meet me, panting with the exertion. That could have been so much easier with wings. Still, I had to smile; the extra effort paid off in the concerned faces still crowding around me. "Are you alright?" "Oh, you poor thing!" "That looked fun!" "Should I get you anything?" Fluttershy quietly offered. "What are you going to get her? We're out in the middle of the Everfree Forest!" "Acrylic! I'm sooo sorry! Fluttershy wasn't strong enough to handle Twilight by herself, and I wasn't fast enough to get you both..." Rainbow Dash bit her lip in guilt. "It's okay," I assured. "I'm fine." "Really?" Rainbow criticized every inch of my body, double checking to make sure there wasn't a scratch on me. Realizing I spoke truth, she backed off. "Oh, yeah, of course. Hey, wait a minute. That. Was. AWESOME!" she burst, doing excited loop-the-loops in the air. "Did you guys even see that? I didn't know you were such an athlete! "That was not awesome, that was CRAZY!" "It worked, didn't it?" "Alright you guys, cut it out. Acrylic's right. Everypony's safe, and that's all that matters right now." "Can you walk?" "Of course I can walk." I stood up from my warm ball to demonstrate, but regretted it as soon as the bitter cold bit into my legs. "Alright, then. We've got to keep moving. I saw the castle from up above. It's this way." "Oh, by the way," Rainbow went on, hovering above me as we moved on, "I thought you might like to have this back." She displayed Rarity's beret from behind her. I almost jumped for joy. "My hat! Thanks, Rainbow!" I eagerly snatched it out of her hoof and returned it to the top of my head like a treasure being displayed on a pedestal. "That was truly awesome! You zoomed right down the side of the cliff like you were defying gravity! Then BAM, you turned a tree branch into a diving board! How'd you do that, by the way? It takes a lot of skill to get the timing and angles right. I don't even know if I could do it! And no offense, but you don't strike me as the most athletic pony in town." "Just lucky, I guess," I quietly answered, not letting on how much knowledge I had in that field. Luckily, Rainbow didn't seem to notice. "And what about me and Fluttershy, eh? We were pretty good too. Once Pinkie and Rarity were saved, WHOOSH! Me and Fluttershy loop-de-loop around and WHAM! Caught you right in the nick of time." Twilight rolled her eyes as I noticed for the first time just how much Rainbow Dash liked using onomatopoeia. "Yes, Rainbow, I was there, and I'm very grateful, but we've got to-" Her sentence was cut off by a loud gasp. We all stopped dead in our tracks behind her as a ferocious beast appeared on the path before us. "A MANTICORE!" Twilight exclaimed. The lion-like creature reared up, releasing a thunderous bellow that seemed to shake the whole forest. I was the first to recover from shock, and thrust my head low with a loud snort to hold my ground. We dealt with these all the time back at the thestral encampment. "We've got to get past him," Twilight declared. The manticore didn't seem too happy about that. First, he charged at Rarity, who surprised me with incredible agility as she dodged the blow and planted a pitiful lady-like kick to his snout. I shook my head in disappointment, but she seemed quite proud of herself, so I kept my mouth shut. "Take that, you ruffian!" she proudly snorted. It returned with a roar so close to her face I'm surprised she didn't blow an eardrum. The force of his screech did cause slight damage to her mane, which seemed to trouble her more than the beast itself. I knew he wouldn't stop at merely destroying her hairdo, so I leapt forward to protect her. Rearing in defiance, I delivered a crushing hit on the top of his nose, the most sensitive part of a manticore's face aside from the whiskers. He howled as I ushered Rarity to the sidelines. Applejack mounted the beast and rode him like a true rodeo pony before he could come back on us. "Yee-haw! Get along, little doggie!" she gleefully cried. It soon kicked her off, but she flew through the air with such grace that she swiveled to land back on her hooves. "All yours, partner," she winked to Rainbow mid-arc. "I'm on it," the blue pegasus saluted before diving at the manticore. She spun in such tight circles around it that all we could see was a rainbow colored blur. He grumbled and gurgled in frustration, unable to catch her. "WHOA!" Finally, he stuck a scorpion tail out in her path. She just missed the stinger, but was thrown back to the ground. Landing with a hard thud, she skidded to a halt at our hooves. Those of us remaining narrowed our eyes and formed a tight wall. The manticore scraped the ground anxiously. We did the same. Twilight led us in a charge as we prepared to ward off the menace. "WAIT!" Fluttershy screamed, louder than I'd ever heard her. She had flown between us and the monster, causing us to skid to a halt before we bowled her over. Having gotten our attention, she then proceeded to calmly walk up to the manticore. It snarled, and raised claws as sharp as daggers to swipe her off of her feet. We all gasped and hid our faces, too petrified to move. No scream ever came. "Shh. It's okay," a soft voice cooed. "Oh, you poor, poor little baby." I opened my eyes along with everypony else, astounded to find her tenderly nuzzling the massive paw with a giant thorn sticking out of it. "Little?" Rainbow sarcastically echoed. "Now, this might hurt for just a second." Fluttershy gripped the intruding bur between her teeth and gave it a hard yank, tossing it to the side. The manticore furiously yowled, bringing Fluttershy up"Now, this might hurt for just a second." Fluttershy gripped the intruding bur between her teeth and gave it a hard yank, tossing it to the side. The manticore furiously yowled, bringing Fluttershy up to his level. "FLUTTERSHY!" we all screamed. Our fear was short lived, for the manticore began purring contently and fondly licked her mane in gratitude. "Aw, you're just a little old baby kitty, aren't you? Yes you are! Yes you are!" she giggled. Relieved, we all trotted past to let her deal with the manticore. She had it under control. Twilight hung back to receive her after the miraculous feat. "How did you know about the thorn?" "I didn't. Sometimes, we all just need to be shown a little kindness." I shook my head, amazed at her bravery. She could make a great thestral. The others' legs were beginning to grow weary from so much walking. The stress was getting to us. Rarity had the shudders. "Eww... my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck," she shivered. As if on cue, we entered into the thickest part of the woods, and we became shrouded in shadow. "Well, I didn't mean that literally"she quietly whimpered. "That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces, and we wouldn't even know it," Twilight grumbled. I blinked my eyes a few times, allowing part of my thestral physiology to take over. My irises turned to slits, and the blue pupils glowed slightly. They were better equipped for the dark, but I kept my eyes to the ground so no one noticed the shining dragon eyes. I almost gave myself away when I looked back as Rarity bumped into me. "Oh, I didn't see you there. My apologies." I just nodded, but our whole train suddenly broke into a clamor as ponies started tripping on roots or bumping into each other. "Is that you, Rainbow?" "No, I'm right here. That's a tree. Guh!" I heard her clunking into something. "Oops, sorry." "I can't see!" "Ow!" "Oh, wait, I think I stepped in somethin'." I took a minute to step back and watch my friends colliding with each other, unsure what to do. I couldn't take the lead without exposing myself, but we wouldn't make any progress this way, either. Fluttershy's scream brought all eyes around, and I barely had time to shut my glowing eyes before they attracted attention. "It's just mud," Applejack tried to assure. When the rest of them screamed as well, AJ realized it wasn't about the puddle. I blinked back to reality with standard pony eyes, and jumped myself at first. We were in a grove of trees with luminescent bark, and the swirling patterns they created almost implied snarling faces. I screamed with the rest of them at first, heart pounding. I'd never seen anything like this before, and I was raised here! A series of giggles brought me out of my thoughts. Pinkie was making goggly faces at them. "Pinkie, what are you doing?" Twilight urged, calmed by my reminder but still incredibly anxious."Run!" Pinkie Pie just giggled again. "Oh, girls, don't you see?" Pinkie did a little shake, and began swishing her hooves to inaudible music. However, to my astonishment, faint music did start to play, coming out of nowhere, and then got louder and louder, as if by magic. It played in perfect time to Pinkie's dancing. I'd never encountered anything like this in the Everfree before, either. I really wanted to know where it was coming from. "When I was a little filly and the sun was going do-o-o-own..." She sang. "Tell me she isn't," Twilight begged. "The darkness and the shadows; they would always make me fro-o-o-own!" Pinkie concluded the verse. "She is," Rarity sadly affirmed. "I'd hide under my pillow, "From what I thought I saw, "But Granny Pie said that wasn't the way "To deal with fears at all!" "Then what is?" Rainbow interjected as though this was an ordinary conversation. I had a bad feeling I was going to be getting this a lot. "She said: 'Pinkie, you gotta stand up tall. "Learn to face your fears. "You'll see that they can't hurt you; "Just laugh to make them disappear.'' "Ha! Ha! Ha!" We gasped as Pinkie's laughter caused the menacing glowing veins to vanish, leaving an ordinary tree in its wake. Motivated to get rid of the creepy faces, the others opted to take a few extra minutes and join in the singing. "So, giggle at the ghostly "Guffaw at the grossly "Crack up at the creepy "Whoop it up with the weepy "Chortle at the kooky "Snortle at the spooky "And tell that big dumb scary face to take a hike and leave you alone and if he thinks he can scare you then he's got another thing coming and the very idea of such a thing just makes you wanna... Ahahahahaha~" Pinkie somehow got all of this out in one breath, so she took a deep breath to replenish her supply after the long spew. "Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauuugh!" Pinkie's grand finale found her rolling on the grass along with the rest of us, sides aching from the laughter. Even I had gotten into the spirit of things, bouncing around with everypony else andPinkie's grand finale found her rolling on the grass along with the rest of us, sides aching from the laughter. Even I had gotten into the spirit of things, bouncing around with everypony else and even singing along. To my disappointment, the music faded as Pinkie had finished the song. I'd have to try that sometime. "We have to... keep moving," Twilight gasped between cackles. "Oh-Hee hee- Okay," Pinkie agreed, pounding the ground with her hoof in an effort to calm down. When Applejack and I finally lifted her to her hooves, she recovered, but continued to bounce with glee. Her energy made my smile stretch ever farther. Everypony else caught on, and soon we were bouncing after her, still in a fit of giggles. Pinkie took the lead this time. We had barely rounded the first row of bushes before we stopped again. We had failed to noticed the loud rushing of water over our laughter. Luckily for us, Pinkie did, and stopped in time. We all collided with her on accident. Fortunately the new predicament had gotten our giggles under control. I furrowed my brow. I didn't mind getting wet, as I had demonstrated with the pond dive, but these rapids looked hazardous. "How are we gonna cross this?" Pinkie cheerily questioned. Over the deafening crash of water, we somehow picked out a distressed wailing. Twilight again took the lead as we pushed through some bushes in the direction of the cry. From there, we could see an immense purple sea serpent thrashing in the water, kicking up the deadly waves. "What a world! What a world!" it wailed, pounding the water once more. "Excuse me, sir," Twilight stepped forward. "Why are you crying?" "Well, I don't know. I was just sitting here, minding my own business, when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whisked past me and tore half of my beloved mustache clean off, and now I look simply horrid." He resumed the horrid, screeching wailing that had drawn our attention in the first place. Unfortunately, this came with another flop into the water, sending a tidal wave crashing down on us. I shuddered, soaked once more. "Oh, give me a break," Rainbow Dash grumbled, shaking the water off. "That's what all the fuss is about?" Applejack grouchily agreed. Even I had to admit, he was overreacting. "Why, of course it is." Rarity continued forward to coddle his head, now beached on land while the rest of his spindly body continued to writhe in the water. "How can you be so insensitive? Oh, just look at him. Such lovely luminescent scales!" "I know," the serpent agreed with a sniff. "And your expertly coiffed mane," Rarity continued, using the flattering tactic she was so well known for. "Oh, I know, I know," the reptile went on, vanity taking hold. "Your fabulous manicure." "It's so true!" "All ruined without your beautiful mustache." This reminder triggered a fresh flow of tears. "It's true, I'm hideous!" "I simply cannot let such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected." Eyes narrowed, she leaned in close to the serpent and took a big bite out of his chest, wrenching one of the giant purple scales out of place. This earned a loud yelp from the serpent. "OW! What did you do that for?" He looked about ready to cry again as she prepared the scale's pointed tip. "Rarity, what are you-" All of our eyes bugged out as she used the scale like a blade to slash her beautiful, perfectly kept tail down to a stump. The serpent howled in anguish, as though this crime was as terrible as slashing off the other half of his mustache. "Oh-hohohoho!" He promptly fainted. Rarity then proceeded to take the purple curls from her tail with levitation magic, and somehow affixed it to the stump of the serpent's mustache. While discolored and the curls mismatched, it returned to its proper length. "My mustache! How wonderful!" "You look smashing," Rarity assured. "Oh, Rarity, your beautiful tail..." Twilight sympathetically moaned. "Oh. It's fine, my dear. Short tails are in this season. Besides, it'll grow back. "So would the mustache," Rainbow hissed. Applejack giggled, but I was still struck dumb. Rarity had just parted with her tail. Her cherished purple locks were gone! "We can cross now!" Twilight realized with a gasp. "Let's go. Ah!" She squealed as she was tossed off balance and lifted out of the water by the serpent's coils. "Allow me," the serpent offered with a bow. I gratefully hopped along with everypony else, glad I didn't have to get any wetter than I already was.
The Ancient RuinsThere it is! The ancient ruins that contain the Elements of Harmony! We made it!" "Twilight! Wait for us!" Applejack called as the purple unicorn charged off. I sped to a gallop to catch up. "We're almost there! WHOA!" Just as she turned back to call to us, she failed to notice that the bridge was in fact broken, and practically ran off the side. She struggled to push herself back, but the speedy Rainbow Dash was there to pull her back up. "What is it with you and falling off of cliffs today?" she teased, spitting Twi's tail out of her mouth. Rarity and I silently giggled at the jeer. "Now what?" Pinkie Pie burst. "Duh," Rainbow called, flying over the precipice and showing off her wings. "Oh yeah!" Pinkie happily cheered as Rainbow dove beneath the fog forming in the chasm to retrieve the other end of the rope bridge. "Way to go, Rainbow!" I cheered, high-hoofing Applejack when Rarity gestured that she didn't want to get her hooves dirty. I noticed shame-facedly that my hooves were still covered in grime from my dip in the lake, and tried wiping off the muck in the dewy grass while we waited for Rainbow. I suddenly noticed that we should be crossing by now, and though there were still a few specks of dirt clinging to my ankles, joined the others to see what the holdup was. "Rainbow, what's taking so long?" Twilight called, peering with the rest of us out into the ever thickening fog. I only got a glimpse of three mysterious pegasi speaking with her at the other end before the fog became impassibly white. "Oh, no!" she gasped. "Don't listen to them!" Twilight called, voice muffled in the white. "Why? Who are they?" I inquired. "Well... I don't know..." Twilight admitted. "But they can't be good, whoever they are. Did you see those uniforms?" Rarity shuddered at the disgrace to fashion. "Anypony from the Everfree is bad news," Applejack agreed. My ears flattened, and I shrank back. "Are you okay, Acrylic?" "F-fine," I stuttered, shivering to cover up my shame. "You get cold easily, don't you?" Pinkie Pie chirped. "Yeah," I blushed. I wasn't lying. The dragon-blood in me required a hot environment. A gust of fresh air brought me out of it, and I looked over to see Rainbow clearing the fog with a few flaps of her feathered wings. We all cheered for her. "Great job, Rainbow!" "See? I'd never leave my friends hanging!" Twilight again took her place at the front as we crossed the rickety rope bridge, and I brought up the rear. Fluttershy took a few tentative steps out over it, but noticing how creaky the old thing was, hovered above it so it wouldn't crack under her weight. I longed to join her and Rainbow in the air, but I fought back the urge. Applejack's words kept ringing in my ears. 'Anypony from the Everfree is bad news.' Was that really what they thought of us? Even after all these years? Twilight fell back in sheer awe of the castle. I joined her, soaking in its ancient beauty. "Whoa," Applejack gasped, taking in the overgrown ballroom. "Well, come on, Twilight. Isn't this what you've been waiting for?" "The Elements of Harmony! We've found them! Careful, careful!" she barked as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy began moving them from the pedestals to the floor before us. "One, two, three, four... there's only five," Pinkie counted. "Yeah, where's the sixth?" Rainbow demanded. "The book said that when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth to be revealed." "What in the hay is that supposed to mean?" AJ furrowed her brow. "I'm not sure, but I have an idea. Stand back; I don't know what will happen." "Come on, y'all. She needs to concentrate." Applejack led the way out, providing a quiet work environment for Twilight. I had just gotten settled on a stone outside to pick the rest of the dirt off of me when a squeal brought us careening back. "TWILIGHT!" Rainbow was fastest, and led the way as we charged back. "The Elements!" The stone spheres had been raised up in a swirling blue vortex, obviously not caused by Twilight's magic. She jumped into the swirling void just before it vanished. "Where'd she go?" "What happened? "What?" "Twilight?" Everypony started babbling at once. "Everypony, calm down," I tried, Applejack stomping a hoof in emphasis. "Acrylic's right, y'all, we won't find her sittin' 'round down here." "Well, what do you suggest we do, Applejack?" Rarity demanded. "I... uh..." struck at a loss for words, Applejack bashfully hid her face with the trusty leather stetson. Ponies resumed running around in panicked circles. "Twilight, where are you?" Applejack pleaded to the open air. "Look!" Rarity called, positioned at a crumbling window lacking its glass cover. A tower off in the near distance was glowing, shining with magic like a beacon. "There!" "Well, what are we waiting for, y'all? Twilight needs our help." "YEAH!" Pinkie exclaimed in a battle cry, charging ahead. I was determined not to be found at the back this time, but again ended up forced into the rear as everypony fell into a single file line up the stairwell. It was a long climb up, and the ascension seemed to take an eon. Pinkie Pie and Applejack were in front, and began calling for Twilight as soon as they saw the top of the steps. The rest of us followed suit. "Twilight?" "Don't worry Twilight; we're here!" "We're coming, Twilight!" We found her facing off with Nightmare Moon, Elements shattered to crystalline chips. "You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that?" Twilight whipped around, having found new energy in our arrival. "Well, you're wrong, because the spirits of the Elements are right here!" The shards at Nightmare Moon's hooves began to rattle, glow, and finally hover in the air around her. "What?" she gasped. "Applejack, who reassured me when I was in doubt, represents the spirit of Honesty!" A few of the crystals flew through the air and began spinning around the orange earth pony. She gasped with glee as Twilight went on. "Fluttershy, who tamed the manticore with her compassion, represents the spirit of Kindness!" At first, the pale yellow pegasus shied away from the crystals encircling her, but accepted them as Applejack had. "Pinkie Pie, who banished fear by giggling in the face of danger, represents the spirit of Laughter!" Pinkie eagerly bounced as she received her batch of crystals. "Rarity, who calmed a sorrowful serpent with a meaningful gift, represents the spirit of Generosity." I found myself beaming as Rarity received her crystals. I furrowed my brow when I remembered that there were only six elements, but seven of us. Who would go without one? Twilight wasn't bothered by this as she went on. "And Rainbow Dash, who would not abandon her friends for her own heart's desire represents the spirit of Loyalty!" Rainbow's chest puffed with pride. "The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!" I took a step back, not wanting to bask in their glory. "You still don't have the sixth Element," Nightmare Moon reminded, suspiciously eyeing the two of us remaining ponies, wondering who would wield the sixth element. "The spark didn't work." "Oh, but it did," Twilight smiled. "A different kind of spark. I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... are my friends!" In a flash of light, a sixth Element appeared over Twilight's head, faintly resembling the shape of her six-pointed star cutie mark. "You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... the spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth Element: the Element of... Magic!" The lights were so bright I could barely see. I did notice, however, that the glowing crystals were all converging on my friends' chests, forming beautiful amulets. Well, all but Twilight's. That stone sphere, still intact, descended on her head, forming an intricate crown. The power of the Elements lifted them all up until they were hovering above the floor without so much as a wing beat. The light became blinding, and I retreated to a dark corner to shield my eyes. I just caught a glimpse of a twirling rainbow linking the Elements before shooting out to wash over Nightmare Moon. "No! NOOOOOO!" she wailed, the Elements destroying her once and for all. The surge of power rippled to my wings, and I felt them shooting out of my back. Horrified, I gave two powerful flaps that brought me to my feet before the grinding of bones told me that they were shrinking back down to stubs. Heart still racing, I looked over, expecting the horrified expressions of my friends. Instead, I found them all collapsed, possibly unconscious on the floor. Another alicorn lay where Nightmare Moon used to be, and I recoiled. Princess Luna? Even more shocking was the presence of another, even more powerful white alicorn, Princess Celestia. She gave me a queer look, and I tried to shrink back into the shadows, but ran out of space. Had she seen my wings? Would I be destroyed as Nightmare Moon had been? Luckily, she was distracted as the group of six recovered on the floor. "Oh, my head," Rainbow whined, giving it a firm rub. "Everypony okay?" Applejack voiced. "Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity exclaimed, now flaunting a long, curly tail even more perfectly formed than the last. "Why Rarity, it's so lovely," Fluttershy quietly put in. "I know! I'll never part with it again!" After waving it around, she cradled it like one would a foal. "No, your necklace," Fluttershy clarified. "It looks just like your cutie mark!" "So does yours!" Rarity put in after noticing that everypony but me wore one. "Look at mine! Look at mine!" Pinkie chimed, bouncing around to flaunt it about. "Oh, yeah!" Rainbow grinned, falling in love with the red lightning bolt across her chest. "Gee, Twilight. I thought you were just spouting a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the Elements of Friendship." "Indeed you do," Celestia said from the window, glowing with light as she raised the sun to emphasize her appearance. Everypony fell to their knees in her presence, and dumbstruck and frightened as I was, I did the same in my dark corner. "Princess Celestia!" Twilight gasped, the only one not kneeling. Rather, she trotted right up to her mentor and received an affectionate nuzzle. "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student! I knew you could do it!" "But... you told me it was all an old pony tale." "I told you that you needed to make some friends," Celestia corrected. "Nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and knew it was you who had the magic to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you had let true friendship into your heart. Now if only another will as well." For a moment, I feared she spoke of me, until she did in fact turn to the crumpled alicorn on the ground. "Princess Luna!" The young mare woke up and gasped in the older one's presence, and feared the worst. "It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this." She knelt to the blue one's level. "It is time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister." "SISTER?" everypony else burst. Not me. I was too petrified to comprehend her words, let alone react. "Will you accept my friendship?" The girls leaned in close to hear her answer, but Pinkie Pie leaned to close and fell over with a light whumph."I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister," Luna teared, taking Celestia up on her offer of a tender hug. "I missed you too," Celestia joined in the tears. A loud blowing could be heard as Pinkie bawled her eyes out at the reunion. The river of salty tears instantly stopped and she perked up. "Hey, you know what this calls for? A PARTY!" "Are you all right, sugar cube?" I nearly jumped out of my skin when Applejack jabbed me in the side. "Fine, fine. Why wouldn't I be fine? I guess we should be heading back," I quickly excused, getting to lead the way down the steps this time. I tried to keep away from the rest of the group, but soon found Rarity trying to cling to me like glue. "Are you sure you're alright with this?" she asked, joining me at the fringe of our train. "Alright with what?" "Well, you're the only one of us who didn't get an element," Rarity timidly pointed out, hoping not to insult or rub salt in fresh wounds. "I don't need an element so long as I have friends," I assured. Then my ears flattened. I didn't represent any element of friendship. "I can still have friends, though, right?" "Why of course, darling!" Rarity said so loudly she attracted all eyes once again. I pressed low to the ground under the Princesses' gaze. I was still receiving suspicious looks from Celestia, and wondered if she suspected anything. Twilight saved me when she demanded the royals' attention once more, going on and on about what she'd learned. I slunk along behind with Rarity. "Whatever is the matter? If it isn't the Elements, or lack of one that's eating at you, then what is?" Rarity demanded. "I'm just... not used to being in the presence of real princesses," I breathed. "Oh, I know they're royalty, dear, but you're acting like... well... guilty. Being around royalty is even more reason to walk with your head high. Come now, dear, flaunt that beautiful smile of yours. That's it." In truth, I had only managed a smirk after noticing Pinkie trying to impress the sisters with her acrobatic antics in the background. I felt ridiculous trying to trot with Rarity's natural grace, and resumed my position slinking along in the back. While I had been truthful to Rarity when I said that I didn't mind not representing an element, I couldn't help but feel slightly dejected even cast to the side. I felt like the six would share an understanding I would never know, even though they had only known Twilight for a short time. That day, a small seed of jealousy was planted in the pit of my stomach. I should have uprooted it then and there. Instead, it began to grow and fester. With the daylight pouring through even the thickest boughs of the Everfree canopies, the way home was swift, especially with the two princesses in the lead. All obstacles we had faced before were avoided with a pulse of Celestia's magic. Pinkie Pie dashed ahead of us, and in record time, had the town back in the festive spirit we'd started out in. Spike smothered Twilight with hugs, and the young fillies crowned Luna with a flower wreath. I was already feeling more comfortable, and allowed myself to become lost in the sea of faces gathered around. The Elements of Harmony received special commendation, but I was not needed for this honor. Rarity whispered something to Celestia just as I was pulling away. She must have been dying with excitement; talking to the most "I have just been reminded that another pony requires a special mention. Would Acrylic please come forward?" My heart stopped, and all eyes turned to me. I winced, but even hiding under my hat, I could feel the crowd splitting to form a path for me. Reluctantly, ears down, I crept to the front and knelt before the Princesses. "Thank you, Acrylic, for your bravery and courage in assisting your friends to take a stand against Nightmare Moon. Equestria will remember you." The crowd erupted with cheers, and even I felt a small smile flicker onto my lips as I gazed up at my superiors. They both smiled back, and I didn't detect so much as a hint of suspicion on their faces. Just then, my friends tackled me, and I found myself sitting at the bottom of a dog pile, still blushing with embarrassment. Twilight was standing off to the side, watching the festivities unfold. Celestia finally noticed. "Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and that you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" "That's just it. Just when I learn how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." The Princess, kind as she was, took immediate action. "Spike, take a note, please." A scroll and quill protruded from nowhere, and the baby dragon was ready. "I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn, Twilight Sparkle, shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville." Another dog pile ensued, but this time, I wasn't at the bottom of it. When Twilight broke free, she bounded up to her mentor in thanks. "Oh, thank you, Princess! I'll study harder than ever before!" "Isn't this exciting? Are you excited cause I'm excited I've never been so excited, well, except for the time that I went" her lungs inflated once more, "but I mean really..." My laughter drowned them out. It was great that Twilight was staying; that was, in fact, what was making me so giddy. However, I couldn't help but wonder if I would be pushed to the side. Would a newcomer make me less interesting? I shook my head, banishing such thoughts. Friends didn't abandon each other. But could I ever be a real friend? I didn't represent any of the elements. Could I really belong? The thoughts were foolish, but to me, relevant. I knew my thestral side would be exposed soon. Would I still be their friend? Would I be cast out like Nightmare Moon? Though what she had tried to do was wrong, I could relate to her. She wanted love, but she tried to force her way in. Isn't that what I had done? Was I any different from Nightmare Moon? The questions boiled furiously in my head as I headed home early from the festivities. What I didn't notice was Princess Luna eyeing me from afar.
Princess Luna's VisitLuckily, I'd headed off just in time for my first wing spring of the day. I rushed back to the gallery as they began to force their way out, slamming the door behind me. This far out, there was nopony to see anyway, but better safe than sorry. I decided to let them hang out in the privacy of my home. My back had been feeling stiff where I kept them restrained. With a final stretch, I folded them and resumed my work around the house in an attempt to forget the questions raging through my head. I began to arrange the empty glass bottles on a bookshelf I'd recently purchased. Applejack and Big Macintosh had been kind enough to find the time to make me a countertop to divide the front of the store from the back. The plain wood had been sanded down to a smooth finish at my request, as I wanted to paint it myself. I lifted the gate barring entry to the back and trotted behind it, looking out at the shop. It was coming together. Empty shelves lined the left wall, filled with a few empty jars but no merchandise as of yet. A long table stretched across the adjoining wall, only to be stopped by the door. Another two tables were positioned in the middle of the floor to display merchandise. Scattered at various heights on the right wall were hooks, placed among the two windows providing the main light source. This was where I intended to sell a few paintings at a time. The tables could be piled with sketch books and drawing tablets, blank canvases and larger equipment. The shelves would house paint jars and brushes, or anything small enough to sit atop them. I had a little extra space in the bookshelf behind the counter to store empty jars and excess merchandise. The room behind me would soon be the ideal workshop, flaunting windows stretching all the way to the floor. The glass wall curved to form a whole two sides of the rectangular room. A few easels stood proudly around it like sentries, while a large, angled work desk had been posted at the back of the room, almost right against the glass where the light was best. A long, stout side table accompanied it to house supplies I needed easy access to while I worked. There was plenty of room to hang paintings on the inner walls, and I could lean more against the glass to dry. The right wall gave way to a brief hallway leading back into a restroom, small kitchen and laundry room. A short flight of steps led up to the very small upper level, leaving room for only a bedroom. This had been refurbished with a fresh bed, a side table with a clock and a tacky jar of flowers, an armchair I somehow managed to drag up the steps, and a wardrobe that was mostly empty. It housed only my beloved plaid beret and an old, raggedy cloak from back home. No, back with the thestrals. I had to keep reminding myself that this was home now. A loud knocking on the door broke me from my thoughts. I dashed down the steps, almost forgetting to retract those dragon wings in my haste. It was a good thing I remembered- who else but Princess Luna stood in my doorway. "Princess!" I almost screamed. "We hope we are not intruding," she bowed her head in greeting. I looked around her, though she was unaccompanied. I found it odd of her to refer to herself in the plural tense, but didn't dare correct or even question her choice of grammar. Though she did not look threatening, there was something demanding in the loud tone of voice she used. "Something important must have taken thee away from the festivities so early." "No, not really..." I blushed, finding myself trembling in her presence. "I'm just... trying to whip this place into shape." "We see." I backed away as Princess Luna entered my half-finished art store, taking in the barren shelves and empty surfaces. "I only bought it a few weeks ago, you see, so it's not fully operational as of yet," I quickly stammered, scrambling to make the place look a little more presentable for royalty. "We understand," was all Luna said. I looked up from inventory when she did nothing more than look around. "Can I help you?" I timidly asked. "It's just all so strange," she sighed, voice suddenly quieting. "We have been gone a thousand years. Ponyville was just getting started when we were banished to the moon. We are unable to recognize anything." "Oh..." I muttered, still unsure what that had to do with her being here. "Twilight Sparkle saw the signs. She knew of our return. But thee seems to have known as well." "Oh?" I squeaked this time, voice cracking. "The mural on thy outer wall. Did thee paint it?" Her voice was loud, and even intimidating. I shrank back "Yes," the almost inaudible reply escaped my throat. "Thee has no reason to fear us, Acrylic," Luna boomed. "Sorry, it's just..." "Just?" she prompted. "Can you not be so loud? I feel like you're yelling at me." "Oh. Right." Her voice softened tremendously, and I melted. "Times have changed, and we must adapt." "Of course," I timidly nodded. "You were asking about the painting?" "Yes." She purposefully walked outside, strutting with such power and radiance that she demanded respect. I slunk behind her, slowly warming up to the moon princess. "It is a beautiful piece." I felt my cheeks grow hot. "Thank you." "How did you know of me? Did this Twilight tell you?" "Oh, no. I haven't known her that long. My mother would tell me stories. Everypony knew them back home." "And where is that?" I could have face-hoofed myself then and there, but I didn't for my dignity's sake. "Way, way out. It's a small settlement. Doesn't even have a name." My answer came out in one breath, and wasn't at all believable. I mentally kicked myself. "We see." Her abrupt tone of voice told me she wasn't buying it, but she continued to find herself lost in the brushstrokes of my mural. I looked at the ground, playing with a blade of grass as I waited to be addressed. "These ponies here. What are they?" "That one is a Sea Pony," I tentatively reached out with my hoof, almost bumping Luna's as she retracted her own. Breaking into a sweat, I narrowly avoided contact. "They're legendary ponies that live in the ocean. A-and those are Brezzies, tiny ponies from myths who have butterfly wings and live in flowers. There's a hippogryph..." my eyes widened as I realized I couldn't shut my mouth, and proceeded to explain every detail of the work. "And this is a thestral." I finally clapped a hoof over my mouth as I let the last bit slip. "Thestral?" Luna had sat stock still in the grass up until now. Her eyes were wide in surprise, then narrowed slightly. "Yes," I croaked, trying to act like they were just another of my depicting fairytale creatures. "They're part dragon, part pony." "We know what they are," she almost growled, glaring at the ground. I trembled, seeing fiery hate burn at the mere mention of their name. "Thestrals are not merely from legend. They are as real as we are." She stomped a hoof meaningfully. "They tried to attack Equestria by stealing the Elements of Harmony early in their development. We vanquished their evil alongside sister." She looked on, chest puffed out, looking more regal than ever. "Oh?" was all I could manage, shuddering again. "Yes. That was before even the time of Discord, when the Tree of Harmony was a mere sapling." "Tree of Harmony?" "The Elements grew on the Tree of Harmony like fruit. Its power was enough to keep the balance, but then the thestrals attacked it in an attempt to control the balance; to tip it in their favor. They were destroyed, but they caused enough damage to upset the balance, allowing Discord to take over. When the elements finally matured, we returned with sister to properly harness the elements and trap the tyrant forever in stone." I looked down at the ground, wide eyed and shaking. So this was how we were remembered. We were listed among those who tried to destroy Equestria. I closed my eyes, salty tears stinging the corners. A liar would always be caught. How much time did I have until I too was locked in stone for an eternity? Until my friends thought of me like a criminal? Until the world saw who I really was? "Though... the painting is still lovely," Luna tried, noticing my distress. "Th-thank you," I haltingly spat, rising to my hooves. My fate was hanging in the balance, and she thought this was about a painting? "I really should get back to it." I marched back into the shop, thundered up the stairs and buried my face in the sheets, body racked with sobs. Luna did not try to return or press further. No one came to check up on me, and I was okay with that. Everyone naturally assumed I was sore about not getting an element, though I tried to assure them this was not so. Every time the subject was brought up, though, I felt myself becoming more envious, and my answers became snappy. It was a full week before the subject was dropped completely. We fell back into the normal routine of life. Of course, life is never 'normal.' We had a good deal of excitement packed into the month to follow. I'd been busy stockpiling enough inventory to open my store, which Pinkie Pie had already dubbed 'Acrylic's ArtLife.' I was finally warming up to Twilight, though a few shreds of jealousy still remained. I'd tried to weed out most of it, but the roots had grown too deep to be completely removed. I was always polite, but it prevented us from really bonding. So when Twilight appeared in town one day with two Grand Galloping Gala tickets, I just knew it wasn't going to be me accompanying her. I was purchasing a fresh arrangement of flowers for my bedroom, and another two baskets of those with intense colorings I could dry and grind down to a pigment for paint. I already had starch to use as a binder, but my next stop was to pick up linseed oil. I found that it produced a better texture. I was wondering whether I should use citrus thinner or turpentine as a solvent in the next batch when Pinkie squealed so loudly behind me I jumped, my wings almost sprouting then and there. "AH! Bats! Bats on my face! HELP! Get 'em off, get 'em off! Wait! These aren't... tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!" With that, Pinkie began bouncing around, dancing and interacting with imaginary characters from her imagination. Carnival music played to her vocals, and I again looked around to find the source of the music. … "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me, "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me! "Hip hip, "Hooray! "It's the best place for me, "For Pinkieeeee! "With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony! "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me, "Oh the Grand Galloping Gala is the best place for me! "'Cause it's the most galarrific superly-terrific gala ever "In the whole galaxy "Wheee!" … Her musical ended, but she continued bouncing. "Oh thank you, Twilight, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever!" "Um, actually..." Spike retrieved the tickets, just in time to catch Rarity's eye as she walked by. "Are these what I think they are?" "Um..." "Yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot!" "The gala? I design ensembles for the gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him.""Him! ...Who?" Pinkie Pie asked, head cocked. "Him. I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, 'who is that mysterious mare?' They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet; our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, 'Yes!' We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams. Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can... party, and prevent me from meeting my true love.How could you? Hmph!" I rolled my eyes, sliding the coins across the booth countertop to pay for the flowers before joining them. "Hey!" Spike exclaimed, a little white rabbit whisking by and taking the tickets. "Oh, Angel, these are perfect!" A familiar voice sounded, telling me I didn't have to chase down the rabbit after all. I now recognized the bunny as Fluttershy's pet, whom she had introduced me to at the first chance she got. The rabbit wasn't nearly as pleasant as his owner, so we didn't get along very well. "Listen, guys. I haven't decided who to give the tickets to yet," Twilight voiced. "You haven't?" Pinkie and Rarity both exclaimed in unison. "Um, excuse me, Twilight? I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be alright..." "You? You want to go to the gala?" Rarity sounded shocked at Fluttershy, who painfully noticed this and shrank back. "Oh, no. I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of. You see, it's not so much The Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom... and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!" "Gee, Fluttershy... that sounds... beautiful." "Let me guess. You want the extra ticket too," Twilight's flat voice sounded, turning to me, looking frustrated. "Now wait just a minute!" Rainbow Dash swooped in from the roof of a building we currently stood under. "Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?" "No! I mean, yes. I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anypony." "Wait just another minute!" "Applejack! Were you following me too?" "No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still tryin' to take my ticket!" "Your ticket?!" "But Twilight's taking me!" "No, me!" "But Twilight said-" As they argued over who would get the extra ticket, Twilight sunk to the ground and tried to bury her face under those long bangs of hers. My eyes narrowed. I reared back, coming down hard to send an earth shattering CRUNCH through everypony's ears. "STOP!" I neighed, leaving impressions where my hooves had smashed the ground. "Thank you," Twilight sighed, getting over her shock. I nodded, cheeks hot as all other eyes were still on me. My hooves shuffled as I attempted to fill the hoof prints back in with dirt. "I just don't get why you're all going gaga over tickets," I bashfully shrugged. "Tickets? TICKETS? These are no ordinary tickets, Acrylic. These are Grand Galloping Gala tickets. It's only the most prestigious event of the year!" I still shrugged. I'd never heard of the event, secluded as I was with the thestrals. "Girls, there's no use in arguing. "But Twilight-" Rarity tried. "Enough!" Twilight boomed. "This is my decision, and I'm gonna make it on my own! And I certainly can't think with all this noise." Her stomach growled rather loudly. "Not to mention hunger! Now go. Shoo!" Everypony else grumbled, but I felt my lips curling into a smile as I trotted off. That was certainly one way to handle it. Twilight was growing on me. "And don't worry! I'll figure this out," Twilight called after them. I finished my errands and walked back with Rarity, as our shops were almost neighboring. She kept going on and on about the gala and what a great event it was. She was so sure that Celestia's nephew, Prince Blue Blood, was her one true love, and kept ranting that Twilight was trying to keep them apart. I only rolled my eyes. These scenarios she posed were highly hypothetical, and what's more- she'd never even met the guy! I had nothing against finding that very special somepony, but honestly, this was a bit melodramatic. My thoughts began to drift as I tuned Rarity out. Could I ever find a very special somepony? Rarity was rubbing off on me, and I envisioned myself in a grand ballroom at the Grand Galloping Gala. Perhaps I could bring a sketchbook, and capture my evening with good old fashioned pencil and paper. As I looked up for the next one, he'd be standing there, my perfect stallion. I shook myself out of it. I could never find love. I was a thestral. Nopony liked thestrals but other thestrals, and I had never met one that wasn't full of hate and contempt for Celestia and her subjects. I didn't want to be any part of that. Perhaps I was just meant to be alone. These thoughts were torn from my mind when I realized that Rarity was now plotting a scheme to convince Twilight to give her the ticket. "It's perfect! All I have to do is convince Twilight that she looks absolutely smashing in the dress I've made for her. When she sees how fabulous the two of us will look in our matching outfits, she'll have to choose me!" "Whoa, whoa, whoa," I stopped her. "You're forgetting that these are Twilight's tickets. You heard her. She's going to make the decision by herself." "Well, well. Aren't you a party pooper? Are you trying to keep me from my prince, too?" "What? No, no, Rarity! Look, I respect that you really want to get together with this guy, but let's face it: you've really never met him." "But I know it in my heart that we're destined to rule together!" She huffed angrily and trotted off. "Though I wouldn't expect you to understand." "What's that supposed to mean?" Tears stung at my eyes as I looked back at her, horrified. My curved ears flattened so much that I felt their tips touching my neck. Rarity realized the weight of her words. "Oh, no, dear, I didn't mean it like that," Rarity tried, offering a consoling hoof. I pulled away. "Forget it." "Oh, my." I left her by herself in the road as I hurried home. She was right, and I knew it, but coming from her, my closest friend, the words stung.I was so sore with her that I hung my hat up in the closet for the rest of the day. Somehow, I felt like I was getting back at her by not wearing it. Before going back downstairs, I emptied my saddlebags and replaced the dead flowers in my beside vase with fresh ones. That done, I trotted out the door around the back where I had been drying flowers. I took down the last batch and hung up the new ones. Depositing these on the countertop inside, I hustled back up the steps when I realized I was missing my mother's old mortar and pestle. It was a family heirloom, and had intricate thestral carvings at the base. While it was more decorative than I needed, it was perfectly adequate to allow me to start grinding the dried petals to pigment. It was almost evening when a sudden flash of light resonated from the center of my shop, and I reared in fright. Oh. It was just Twilight and Spike. Wait. Twilight and Spike. "O-o-oh, warn me the next time you're gonna do that," Spike woozily bumbled. They had landed on the center table, which he promptly fell off of. "I didn't even know it was gonna happen. Now- Oh, Acrylic." I was staring blankly at them from behind the counter. "Thank goodness! Sorry to drop in on you like this, but now everypony in Ponyville wants my extra ticket, and since you're the only pony who wasn't interested in going to the gala, this is the only safe place I knew to go and... wait, you didn't want the ticket too, do you? I never actually got a straight answer from you." "Well, I'd be lying if I said I didn't want it," I finally answered. She groaned. "Ooh, not you too! I just can't decide!" "Let me finish," I interrupted. "I would like to go- I've never really heard much about it, but the way everypony keeps talking it up makes it sound amazing. But, I don't expect you to give me your one ticket either. After all, that's what best friends do." "What's that supposed to mean?" "I'm just facing the facts. We aren't as close as some ponies. I respect you and you respect me, but I wouldn't expect you to choose me above everypony else wanting the ticket. "Oh, I see," Twilight angrily snorted, jumping off the table. I was caught off guard by her sudden mood swing. "You're trying to guilt me into giving you the ticket, aren't you? Well, I really don't appreciate it, especially not now. Come on, Spike." She marched to the door, levitating the baby dragon onto her back. She turned from the doorway. "And for what it's worth, you are one of my closest friends." She bolted away, leaving me wide eyed inside. My heart pounded in my chest, and tears pricked at my eyes. Did she really think of me as one of her closest friends? I'd never really been close to anypony before. Rarity and I spent a lot of time together, sure, but there were times when I thought she just kept me around because I'd put up with her gossip. And when I was together with the rest of them, I couldn't help but feel like I was going unnoticed in the background. But Twilight… she was my friend. "TWILIGHT!" I threw the door aside and gazed out into the night. She'd already disappeared, probably headed foMy jaw was set in determination. I turned back only long enough to retrieve my hat. Then I went after her. After all, she was my friend, and I had to make things right.
Flying High"Twilight!" I panted, racing through the dark streets. The sun was already going down, and the streets were mostly clear at this hour, so Twilight wasn't being swarmed again. I could see her ahead. Though she had a decent gain on me to begin with, I was catching up. "Go away!" she yelled back. "I'll decide when I'm ready!" "I know! Please, just wait!" I begged. "No!" She jerked open the door to the library, but I stuck my hoof to catch it before she could lock me out. In my urgency, I didn't notice the pain. She kept trying to use her magic to push me out, but I held firm. I couldn't bear to lose this newfound friend. "Please, just let me in. I need to talk to you! It's not about the tickets!" Twilight hesitated. "What is it?" "Can I come in?" After what seemed like an eternity, the door swung open. "Alright." I gratefully stepped inside. "Now, what's this all about?" "Um… Twilight?" Fluttershy whispered. "Yaaaarg!" Twilight whipped back in fright. Our other five friends sheepishly smiled down from her balcony. "UGH! No, no, no! No more favors! I can't decide! I just can't decide!" Twilight whined. "It's important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you and giving me gifts and doing me favors isn't going to make a difference because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy and I can't. I just can't!" She lay on the ground with her face buried in her hooves, trying to hide from the whole situation. "Twilight, sugar?" Applejack began, coming down from the balcony. "I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you." She stretched out a hoof to stroke her bangs. "And if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad. I promise." "Me too," Fluttershy spoke up. "I feel just awful that I made you feel so awful." "And me too. It's no fun upsetting your friends," Pinkie agreed. "I'm sorry too" Rarity's eyes watered with sincerity. "Twilight, it was unfair of me to try and force you as I did. In doing so, I not only hurt you, but Acrylic as well. You know I didn't mean it that way, dear, but I am sorry." I tried a smile, but it came out crooked and wavering. I bit my lip so I wouldn't cry. "Twi? I just wanted you to know that I really wasn't trying to guilt you into anything before. That's just plain low, and I'd never do that. I truly never thought of us… any of us… as really close friends." "Now what in Equestria would make ya think that, sugar?" Applejack sadly smiled. "Every one of you is great and all, don't get me wrong. It's just, back at home, everyone's 'friends' with everyone, but you never get very close to anypony in particular. Ponyville isn't like that. Tonight you made me realize that I have… real friends. I came back to apologize, but also to thank you. What you said was worth so much more than some old gala ticket." Twilight's eyes watered, and she brought me into the biggest, warmest hug she could manage. It wasn't long before the rest of them pressed in, most of us crying tears of joy. "YES! That means the ticket is mine," Rainbow giggled, the only one not joining our group hug. "I got the ticket, I got the ticket!" she sang. Glares from all around shut her up. "You know, I haven't perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I don't need that ticket either." "We all got so gun-ho about going to the gala that we didn't see how so un-gun-ho we were makin' you," AJ apologized. "We're sorry, Twilight," we all said in unison. "Spike, take down a note," Twilight called, sitting up with a smile. The dragon was ready in an instant, pen poised. "Dear Princess Celestia, I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala." "WHAT?" the rest of us burst. "If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either," she declared. "Twilight, you don't have to do that," Applejack tried to assure. "Nope, I've made up my mind. Spike, you can send the letter now." The purple dragon opened up one of the windows, took a deep breath, and evaporated the letter in a gust of magical green flame. "Now you won't get to go to the gala either," Fluttershy reminded. "It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me, so I'd rather no go at all." Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie led the girls in another group hug. However, disgusting gurgles were coming from across the room, ruining the moment. Spike proved to be the source of the noise. "Well, wallop my withers, Spike. Ain't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment." With one final and tremendous belch, a letter was spewed out of his mouth and to the ground. "WHOA, Nelly!" Applejack reared in response. It was our first time seeing how this system of sending and receiving letters via dragon assistant worked. "A letter from the Princess? Well, that was fast." Spike caught it before the scroll hit the ground, opened it and began to read. "My faithful student Twilight, why didn't you say so in the first place?" His eyes widened. "Seven tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" He held them up for all to see, and the shimmering sparkle of an extra for me made my stomach tickle with excitement. "Now we can all go!" Twilight cheered. The rest of us followed suit. Twilight's stomach gurgled again. She sheepishly giggled. "Allow us to treat you to dinner," Rarity offered. "What a great way to apologize!" Rainbow agreed. "And to celebrate!" Pinkie put in. "Come on, everypony. Cupcakes are on me!" I was the last one out the door, mostly because one of the books on the library shelves caught my eye. I didn't spend much time at the Golden Oaks, so I hadn't seen it before. My eyes became glued on the cover of Legends of Equestria. A thestral was plastered right on top. "You coming or what, Acrylic?" "Huh? Oh, yeah! Coming!" I hurried out the door after them. One of the unicorns in our company was kind enough to levitate the last ticket over to me. Spike suddenly looked disappointed. "How come I don't get a ticket to the gala?" He pouted, but was interrupted by another enormous belch. "And one for you, Spike," he read, pulling another golden ticket from this second scroll. He giddily skipped out after us, stopping when he realized AJ and I were still watching. "I mean, I have to go too? Gross." But AJ and I knew the truth. We laughed as we headed out for dinner at Sugar Cube Corner. I toyed with the cupcake Pinkie supplied, not really interested in food. My mind was elsewhere. That book, for instance. It was the only one I had seen on thestrals. I would have to go back for it. I wanted a better understanding of how thestrals were viewed. "Equestria to Acrylic," Rainbow waved a hoof in front of my face, jolting me back to reality. "You phase out a lot, don't you?" "Occupational hazard," I blinked. "Got to keep the creative juices flowing. What are we talking about?" "I asked what you were going to do at the gala, now that we're all going." "Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'll find a nice quiet corner and make a few sketches." "You should bring a portfolio to the gala, Acrylic." "What a grand idea, Twilight," Rarity agreed. "All of the most important ponies will be there. A portfolio to show off your work is sure to attract good business for your shop. What were you calling it? ArtLife?" "Acrylic's ArtLife," Pinkie corrected, taking a big chomp out of the cake. "I came up with it!" "Well, that explains it, then," Applejack giggled. "What's wrong with it?" I asked, now slightly concerned. "Too cheesy?" "No, no, not at all. I like it," Rainbow giggled. I flattened my ears. Were they laughing at me? I decided I could just simplify it to Art Life. "I can't believe I'm going to meet the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow went on. "After they see me at the Grand Galloping Gala, there's no way they won't let me into their team!" "Sorry, Rainbow," I sighed. If only she knew. "For what?" All eyes turned to me. Did I say that out loud? "I mean... I just wish I had wings. Then we could start our own flying group or something. That would be sure to catch their eye." I sagged at relief at my own quick save. "A flying group of our own? Hey, maybe we still can! Er, I still can. But yeah, it's a shame you don't have wings. You'd make a great flyer, the way you managed yourself back in the Everfree." My expression became pained, but I didn't let anypony see. What right did I have to keep this secret from her? I knew Rainbow longed for a flying partner. If I could just show her, she would have the choice to accept my dragon wings or not. I knew I couldn't. Especially not without knowing what was in that book. While Rainbow worked out her new plan to form a flying team to impress her greatest-heroes-of-all-time, I zoned back out, falling victim to the depressing mental battle of should I, should I not. I suddenly felt the all-too-familiar itch in my back. My eyes shot open, pupils shrunk down to pinpoints. "I've gotta go." I sat next to Rarity and Twilight both in the booth, pressing me against the wall. This was a bad time for a wing spring. Before Rarity and Twilight had time to scoot over, I'd jumped on top of the bench's backboard, and balanced atop before jumping to the floor. "Wait! You didn't finish your cupcake!" Pinkie reminded. "Not hungry," I called back as I rushed out the door. I didn't have time to make it home. I could already feel the nubs sprouting. Instead, I dashed into a dark alley behind the bakery, and huddled among discarded boxes as I heard Rainbow busting out the door after me. "Where'd she go?" came her squeaky voice. "She didn't just disappear," Applejack snorted from below. I cowered deeper into the shadows. This was a rather late dinner, and night had already descended, which helped to mask my figure as well. "Well, she isn't here, either. Has she been acting funny to you?" There was a long pause that caused my heart to sink. "Maybe that's just Acrylic. We wouldn't question Pinkie if she ran off like that." "So you have noticed. There's something weird about that pony, and I don't mean Pinkie Pie weird. This is like she's-hiding-something-weird. And I want to find out what it is." She started flying off. "Where do you think you're goin'?" "She probably went back to her shop. I'm going to see what she's up to." A loud whistling told me that Rainbow was on her way. I was just leaving when I accidentally upset the stack of boxes I was hiding behind. "Hello? Is somepony there?" I heard hoofsteps approaching, and matched them with Applejack's heavy accent. She was going to find me! How would I explain this? I didn't think I had time to retract my wings, but even if I did, the crunching of bones was sure to raise questions. Unless... no, it was too risky. "Acrylic? Is that you? What in the hay are you doing back there?" She was getting closer. I had to make up my mind. I closed my eyes. It was time to take a leap of faith. I concentrated. The final changes took place, and luckily, they didn't cause any more noise. My eyes glowed like search lights, pupils reduced to blade-like slits. Even my coat darkened by a few shades of gray. I ripped the ties out of my mane and tail, letting it all hang loose. Finally, I removed the plaid beret. Clutching it to my chest where it was out of sight, my wings snapped open. I was thirty feet in the air in a second flat, my huge wings easily catching air. Applejack clutched her own stetson as the huge gust of wind I produced nearly took it off. She looked up, wide eyed as the mysterious figure took off. I couldn't tell if she'd recognized me specifically through the horror already plastered on her face. "Well, some ponies just don't have any consideration. Watch where you're flyin'!" she yelled back at me, waving a hoof angrily. I did a triumphant twirl of success. She hadn't identified me. Unfortunately, the thunderous crack of wings and zooming streak of gray had attracted other eyes. There were still a few ponies out at this time of night, so I glided into the clouds for cover. "Hey, you!" Rainbow was hovering in the air below, admiration gleaming in her rosy eyes. "Come here. I wanna ask you something!" Oh no. I knew that look. Why couldn't I have kept my mouth shut about the flying team thing? With a heavy heart, my wings snapped back into action. "Hey, wait!" Rainbow called. "I'm talking to you!" As I expected, she zipped after me in rainbow blur. My thestral wings kept me in the lead, much to her astonishment. She was so caught up in trying to keep pace and dodge the clouds I spun around that she didn't notice where I was leading her. Folding mywings, I dove right into the canopies of the Everfree. "WHOA!" she shrieked, trying desperately to stop in time. Her angle was completely off. That would be a hard landing. Shoot, Rainbow, why do you do this to me? I broke into an all-out sprint, trampling the bush I'd intended to be my cover. With a crack as loud as thunder, my wings brought me soaring back towards Rainbow Dash. There was no way she could ignore my wings now, and I felt her eyes drawn to them. I couldn't tell if she saw my face just yet, because I had been doing everything in my power to hide it. I let my mane fly into my eyes in an effort to conceal myself, which almost threw off my aim. I managed to catch her in time, though I had to spin underneath her so I could haul her up by the elbows. This angle also made it harder for her to twist around and identify me. The wind was blowing my incredibly long mane away from my face, but I urgently tried to keep it in place. I knew my cover was blown, but I couldn't accept the fact, and kept postponing it for as long as I could. Depositing my load on the ground, I circled back to the Everfree. As careful as I had been, there was no way to tell if she'd seen or not. I stormed through the Everfree, crashing through the underbrush like a mad pony. Tears streaked my cheeks, my sapphire eyes turning red from the salty water. They were the first to return to normal. Then my coat lightened, and my wings retreated back to their rightful place. I couldn't keep this up. If my friends didn't find out, it was still tearing me apart. Though I was fleeing for my life, I'd finally tasted the sky for the first time since arrival. These pegasi took it for granted. I wasn't like that. I needed to fly. It was part of me. Once you touched the sky, and I mean really felt it, your heart never came down. I ran until I could run no more, finally collapsing in the dirt. I fell asleep in the Everfree that night. I couldn't help but feel like this was where I belonged. I woke up in a much better mood. Though I slept on the cold hard ground instead of a comfortable bed, I felt refreshed. I'd forgotten how nice it was to wake to the first rays of dawn. Stretching, I looked fondly back at my wings. I'd neglected them for a month. Stretching them had felt so good last night. Last night. My face fell. Did they know, now? It was time to find out. I started off back the way I came, marked by a line of trampled undergrowth. My gaze again flicked to my wings. Maybe a brief flight couldn't hurt. Smiling, I eyed an opening in the thick tree branches and made for it. No one was flying nearby. With this all-clear, I began the return flight back home, keeping low to the trees should I need to make a hasty escape. Now that my reputation wasn't at stake, I was able to enjoy myself. I glided over the tree tops, letting the tips of my wings unfurl so low that they brushed the leaves. Wind ruffled my mane. It felt so good to let it down again. Speaking of which, I needed to pull it back up before I got into town. I didn't worry about it. I had all the time in the world; the sun was just rising, creating a warm sensation on my back as I soared through cool fog. I touched down behind my home, making sure there still wasn't a soul in sight. I stopped only long enough to make myself presentable for the day; I quickly brushed off the leaves and dirt still clinging to my coat after a night in the forest, fixed my hair, and of course, retracted my wings. I picked up my moth-eaten saddlebags and money on the way out too. There were errands to be run, and I might as well do them while I was checking up on things. Twilight would be opening the library by the time I got there. I could finally go back for that book. No one gave me funny looks on my way, which was a good sign so far. Then again, Rainbow could have had enough sense to keep it in our circle of seven. Eight, counting Spike. I tried to put it out of my mind as I came up on the library. Twilight typically kept the door cracked to let ponies know when the library was open. It gave way just as I was lifting a hoof to knock. "Oh, hi, Acrylic. Come in." "Thanks." I steadied my breath when I followed her inside. She wasn't acting strange. Now I just had to make sure Rainbow wasn't keeping my secret to herself. "Is everything okay? The way you ran off last night made us wonder." "Everything's great," I answered. "I just got really sick all of a sudden. A night's rest did me a world of good." "I'm so sorry to hear that! But... I'm glad you're feeling better. Do you know what caused it?" "Probably just too much time making paint. The fumes get to you after a while." "There's got to be a way to reduce that," Twilight thought. That gave me an idea. "Actually, I was just coming to see if you might have any books on that," I fibbed. "Oh! Well, if it's a book you're looking for, you've come to the right place. I'm sure we have something here." "Great. What do you suppose it would be under?" And so we checked F for fumes, G for gasses, and even S for symptoms, but Twilight finally uncovered one hidden in the N's for Natural Paints. As she filled out the checkout slip, I pretended to browse the other shelves. I quickly happened upon Legends of Equestria, and plucked it off the shelf, casually leafing through the pages. "What's this?" I asked as though I was really clueless. Twilight finished signing off on the sheet and looked up. Lifting it with her magic, she rifled through the pages. "It looks like a reference guide to all the creatures from Equestrian Legends and folklore. Legends of Equestria. Huh. I've never read it. It looks interesting, though." "It sure does. You know, my mother used to tell me stories about these guys. You know, aponies, hippocampi, thestrals and such." "Oh, really? Well, maybe you'd be interested in taking it, too." "Can I check out two at a time?" I smiled, triumphant. Twilight was so pleased to be sharing her beloved tomes to notice my smirk. "Of course! Just let me amend this slip, and it's yours." I felt like hoof-pumping the air. Unfortunately, I hadn't succeeded just yet. Rainbow Dash flew in like a hurricane, producing so much force that the door slammed open in her wake. "Twilight, quick! I need a book! What are you guys looking at me like that for?" She took one look around at out stunned faces before zoning in on the cover of Legends of Equestria. "Aha! Perfect. Thanks, Twi! I'll bring it right back." Rainbow snatched the book out of Twilight's levitational hold and took off, just like that. "Hey!" Twilight complained, landing face-first on the floor when her lost grip on the book caused her to fly forward. "Ugh. Sorry, Acrylic. I'll hold it for you when she comes back with it, if you like." "That's okay. Thanks, Twilight." I stuffed the other book in my saddlebag, practically dancing on the spot. I ran out after the rogue pegasus before she could get another word in edgewise. Luckily for me, Rainbow settled down on a cloud overlooking a meadow on the outskirts of town to read it. "Rainbow Dash?" I practically screamed. "Oh, hey, Acrylic. Sorry, I can't talk now. I'm busy." "Since when do you read books?" I tried. "Since a thestral saved me last night." I shut up, and Rainbow took it for shock. She smirked, thinking she knew something I didn't. She brandished a hoof on her chest. "Yep. A thestral. And here we thought they didn't exist. I'm telling ya, one of these guys saved my life last night." She purposefully gestured to the leather cover, the rearing imprint of one of my kin stamped into it. "Hey, you were about to check this out when I flew in, weren't you? My bad. Here. I'll come down so we can look at it together." "Don't bother." "Are you sure? Because I don't mind-" "Rainbow, you have to promise to keep a secret for me." "What? What kind of secret?" "A secret that might mean life or death one day. You can NEVER breathe a word of it to another pony so long as you live." "Okaaaay," she rolled her eyes unbelievingly."Promise me, Rainbow. You have to swear on your life that you'll never tell anypony." "Okay, okay. Tell you what, I'll do better than that. I'll Pinkie Pie Swear." "Pinkie Pie Swear?" "Yeah. You can never tell anypony something if you Pinkie Pie Swear." "Alright, then." "I cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye," she vowed. "Alright." I broke into a gallop. "Hey, what are you-" Her eyes widened in horror as wings sprouted from my back, sending me into the air hurtling right for her cloud.
Secret is outRainbow practically screamed as I braced my hooves on her cloud and shoved it farther and farther from town. When I thought we were far enough from civilization, I topped, leaving us dangling over the forest. "Y-You! You're-" "A thestral? Yes." "And you-" "Saved you from breaking a wing last night? Yes." "But you-" "Didn't say anything? I know." "But why? Why lie to everypony?" Her voice came out in frightened, confused gasps. My eyes were pained, and this time I didn't hide it. "Look at what the book says, Rainbow. Look at how we're remembered." Her rose colored eyes flicked to the open pages of the book, then back to me. I painfully nodded, and she crawled back to it. Trembling, she began to read the passage. "Before the time of the tyrant Discord, ponies lived in peace. Pegasi, earth ponies, unicorns and thestrals all shared the bountiful land of Equestria. The powerful magic keeping the balance had begun to take root in the form of a young sapling, the magical Tree of Harmony. It kept the balance between these four types of ponies so that none became greater than the other. The thestrals had been living in the dark, cramped forests for hundreds of years, but when they saw the beautiful farmland earth ponies worked, the open skies pegasi patrolled and the plentiful resources controlled by the unicorns, they felt cheated. They wanted more for themselves, but no pony else was willing to share. So, they attacked the Tree of Harmony in an attempt to upset the balance and turn it in their favor. Ponies became untrusting of one another, and split into factions according to species. The alicorn sisters Luna and Celestia eventually destroyed the thestral menace, restoring the balance. Unfortunately, the balance had already been uprooted long enough for the tyrant Discord to take hold, trying to throw Equestria into eternal chaos." "The alicorn sisters had to wait until the tree had matured enough to stabilize," I said, head bowed. "Then they could return for the elements and defeat Discord. But if the thestrals had never attacked the sapling tree of harmony in the first place, Discord would never have been able to take hold. It was our fault, Rainbow. Don't you see? This is how we're remembered. This is how ponies will think of me if they knew. I'm just a criminal to them." "But you didn't rise up to break the balance. That was your ancestors." "I'm glad you see it that way, Rainbow, because they won't. They'll take one look at my wings and label me as that 'thestral menace.' The book says it, Rainbow!" "That's not true. It can't be true." "Think of it this way. If I say 'alicorn,' what's the first thing that comes to mind?" "The Princesses, of course. Celestia, if you want specifics." "Right. The one that stands for good and justice. But Nightmare Moon was an evil alicorn. But you don't instantly think of alicorns as evil because Celestia came first. It's the same way with thestrals, I guess. My evil ancestors came before me, and that gave us a bad name. I'm stuck with that label, like it or not." "Well, I don't think of you that way," she offered, moving next to me and attempting to wrap a wing around. She soon found it impossible, given the size of my huge wings. "Thanks, Dashie." I instead wrapped one of my massive appendiges around her, swallowing her up and then some. Tears welled up in my eyes. At least one of my friends could accept me for who I was. "This does mean I have a new flying partner, right?" she clarified teasingly. "How do you feel about night flying?" I tearfully smiled. I found out that Rainbow had told only Applejack about the thestral sighting, though the earth pony hadn't believed a word of it. My new flying partner promised to lead everypony off my tail if it was brought up again. Though she tried to change my mind about keeping the whole thing a secret at first, I remained firm. After sharing my theories about what might happen to me if the Princesses caught word of a thestral sighting, even she agreed that it was best to keep quiet. She talked me into flying back. After all, it would be a long walk for me. At my request, we kept low to the treetops. As soon as we took off, though, I noticed that Rainbow's eyes never left my leathery dragon wings. I tried to igore it, but after a full minute, it became unbearable. "You're going to crash if you don't watch where you're going," I huffed, swerving to avoid hitting another branch. She had almost knocked into a particularly tall tree herself. "Sorry," she said, pumping her wings until she was clear of the trees. I was much more accustomed to dodging the branches than she. Rainbow was too frustrated from dodging the high branches to remember our agreement, and soared several feet higher so she was safe from hitting them altogether. I, on the other hoof, remained only inches from the leaves. The silence that ensued was slightly awkward. "So, you really aren't from out in the country, are you?" "No. The thestral encampment where I was raised is deep in the Everfree." "Whoa, whoa, whoa. You came from the Everfree?" "I know you Ponyville folk think that everypony from the Everfree is 'bad news,' but it's my home," I sighed, recalling Applejack's words from our first adventure together. "You're not like other ponies from that place, Acrylic. But now I want to know everything! What's it like?" "Well... it's kind of like life in Ponyville. But we use gems as currency. A few merchants who make trips to other cities trade gems for bits, which is how I got enough money to start myself off here. All thestrals can hide their wings like me, so they could just stroll into town, cash in gems at the bank and come back with goodies for us." "But... if you can all just disguise your wings, why haven't you all just come back to join everypony else?" "For one thing, we can't permanently hide our wings. Sometimes, my wings just suddenly start growing back. It usually happens twice a day and sometime in the middle of the night, because I always wake up with them. I call them wing springs." "Pffft! Wing springs!" Rainbow laughed, flipping upside down to clutch her stomach as she laughed. I rolled my eyes. She finally recovered, ever so sheepishly. "So... was that why you took off last night?" "Yes." "But if it's such a huge risk, why did you come in the first place?" "Because the other reason most thestrals stay in the shadows of the Everfree is exactly what drove me out. They hate. It's like a disease. They hate Celestia for keeping them in the dark. For taking what they think was their only chance at a happy life. Thestrals live in the dark and dangerous forest, grounded for fear they'll be discovered. They can't farm. They can only gather what grows. They blame it all on the alicorn sisters. Even after a thousand years, they won't let it go. I couldn't stand it any longer. I saw what hate was doing to them. It was consuming them. I just didn't want that to happen to me." My head hung. "Well, it sounds to me like the rest of those guys need to get a life," Rainbow snorted, failing to console me at all. "Oh, don't get me wrong. Not everything there is centered around hate and revenge. My parents did a good job of showing me that it was history, and nothing more. Not everypony thought that way, but it's how I was taught. My friend Tanzanite Miner has accepted it too, more or less. She thought I was crazy for wanting to move to Ponyville, but she has nothing against other ponies. Neither do the twins, Soprano and Spinning Solo." "Were those your friends from the... encampment?" "We were never really close, but they were the closest thing I had back there." "But something still doesn't add up. If you're all supposed to be grounded, how come you're such a good flyer? You're as good as any Cloudsdale pegasi!" I smiled. "My dad, Wind Storm, was the best flyer anypony had ever seen." "So your full name is Acrylic Storm?" I grinned. My parents always simply called me Acrylic, but there was something about carrying his name that I liked. "I guess you could say that. You know he was the first thestral in four generations to earn a cutie mark for flying? At least, in our sector he was. He taught me everything I know." "Sectors? Now you're just confusing me." "A sector is basically a thestral village. Well, they look more like refugee camps, but it's the same thing. I grew up in Blade Wing Sector 4." "Oh, my head," Rainbow joked. So, I proceeded to explain the sector system in further detail. Blade Wing was the name of the thestral who founded our sector. It had grown so much that the encampment had to split into another two divisions, Blade Wing Sector 1 and Blade Wing Sector 2. Now there were five, and there were rumors of a proposed Sector 6. There were other sectors besides Blade Wing, of course. They were all sparsely populated and located a good distance from one another. By the end of my explanations, Rainbow had concluded that thestrals were paranoid, angry loners who talked a good fight but never came out of their shells. Except me, of course, as she explained it. I was the odd ball. In a good way. I convinced her to be quiet before she said something she'd regret. I lighted down at the edge of the forest, retracted my beloved wings, and trotted out into the clearing. I was shocked I hadn't lost my saddlebags in all the hubbub. "So, meet you tonight for our first pegasus-thestral flight?" Rainbow grinned. "Sure thing," I agreed. Before we had time to arrange a date, we were interrupted by Pinkie Pie. She was sprinting across the field for us at top speed. "Hey guys!" she exclaimed, not even breaking a sweat. "Hey, what's up, Pinkie?" Rainbow casually greeted. "I'll tell you what's up! We have a new party to plan!" "What kind of party?" I asked, looking at the stack of invitations Pinkie had just shoved into my hooves. "A baby shower! Mr. and Mrs. Cake just announced that they're having foals!" "That's wonderful!" "Here, I need you guys to help me pass out invitations. Pretty pinkie please?" "I don't have much else planned for today," I consented. "Yeah, might as well," Rainbow agreed. "Great! Come on!" Pinkie somehow managed to yank Rainbow out of the air and drag both of us behind her. Somepony jabbed me in my sleep. "GAH!" "Wow. You really do grow wings in your sleep. I heard a lot of cracking and popping on my way up here. Honestly, it was kind of gross." I rubbed my head, having fallen off the bed. "Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here? Do you know what time it is?" "Time for some night flying!" she proudly announced. "I guess you forgot." "I didn't forget. Fluttershy told me that you were going to be practicing for an upcoming competition all night. I thought you were busy." "Yeah, busy practicing with you. Now, come on, sleepy wings. Up and at 'em!" With a groan, I pulled myself back to my hooves. I didn't bother with doing my mane, as it could only give me away sooner if we were caught. Wings dragging on the ground, I stumbled down the stairs. A gust of the cold night air instantly refreshed me. Rainbow Dash was already waiting for me, wings poised. "Ready?" "Only if you are." She snapped into action, leading the way into the dark night sky. My wings brought me level with her in half the time. "I scouted around Ponyville after helping Pinkie deliver those invites. That forest from this morning looks completely abandoned, and nopony should be around this time of night.""What's wrong? The Everfree too creepy for you?" I joked. "N-No!" Rainbow indignantly stuttered. "It's just... I want you to help me practice for my performance at the junior flight competition next month. The trees in these woods aren't so thick, and it's better for weaving." "I'm only teasing," I chided. "Race you." I took off without waiting for a response. "It's ON!" Rainbow had the upper hoof, since she didn't have to stay in the clouds for cover. However, I had the upper wing, and I used the extra altitude to my advantage. Just as she was coming up on the tree line, I tucked in my wings, going in for one of my signature dives. The altitude brought me down, down, down at an incredible speed. Just when I looked like I was about to crash into the ground, I flipped around, my back to the ground. I used the exterior membrane of my wings, (a webbing located in the crook of my wing's outer elbow), to repel the air, making me arc sharply upwards. Twirling upright once more, I folded my wings altogether and landed neatly on the ground. Rainbow looked on with an open mouth. I smirked. "These wings might look big and clunky, but thestrals are the most agile ponies you'll ever come across." "That. Was. AWESOME! Can you teach me to do that?" "Not unless you spontaneously grow an outer membrane like this." I ran a hoof over the extra skin. Rainbow pouted. "Now, go on. Show me your routine." "Alright. I'll only show you the first two stages; the third involves a sonic rainboom. I have to wait until it's light to practice that one." "Don't want to attract all of Ponyville," I agreed. "Here goes nothin'," she sighed, taking off again. I switched to glow light eyes before perching on the tallest tree to watch. The first part of her routine involved tight weaves through a line of trees. It was impressive, but that's not how I would have done it. I nodded, leaving myself a mental note and continued to watch. She made a smooth transition from the weave to shooting for the clouds in a neat arc. She targeted three specifically, and spun around them in tight pinwheels. If she could hold a sharper poise, it would decrease her drag and shoot her twice as fast. She pulled up from those, zooming back up into the sky. I almost thought she'd forgotten her resolve to save the sonic rainboom practice for daylight when she suddenly whipped around for a neat bow. I jumped into the sky, the branch below springing back up, released from my weight and planting a nice scratch on my ankle. I responded by crinkling my nose at the brief pain, but continued to make for Rainbow. "So? What'da think?" "Impressive. Tight turns are bound to catch somepony's eye. The Wonderbolts, maybe?" I teasingly elbowed her. She grinned. "You really think so?" "Just maybe. But might I add a suggestion?" "Sure." "When you're pin wheeling the clouds, angle yourself even more. Point your wingtips until they're perpendicular with the ground." "Perpen... what?" "Straight up and down." "I can't go any straighter. If I do, it throws me completely off balance." "Here's the trick." I made for one of the clouds she'd been using, angled myself sideways, and while the wing on top was nearly straight, I stretched the bottom one to be parallel with the ground until it brushed the edges of the cloud. "Use your bottom wing as an anchor," I yelled above the whistling wind. "Let your feathers dig into the cloud. It's weightless, so it won't provide any drag, but it sure will give you a better grip." "I'll give it a try," she doubtfully agreed. We switched places in the sky, and I hovered to watch. She did just what I'd told her to, spinning shakily a few times before she got the hang of it. When she finally did, though, her face lit up. "Oh, YEAH!" she screamed, whipping around it with not twice but thrice the speed. She pulled out of the cloud just as I was diving for the trees to demonstrate my methods. I wove through them at the same speed she had accomplished, but instead of manually adjusting my angle, I folded my wings to turn, letting the wind pull me in the right direction before recovering for the next turn. After my first helpful hint, Rainbow was more than willing to try this method. As soon as she went in for the first turn, though, she found her wings weren't big enough to catch the required air, and tumbled to the dirt. I flew back to land at her side. "Maybe I should go back to my method for that one," she blushed. I had to agree. We practiced for another three hours before I decided I needed to get back to bed if I wanted to be presentable in the morning. Rainbow Dash reluctantly agreed, and flew me home. "Acrylic?" She shuffled her hooves in the dirt as I opened the door. "Yeah?" "Will you come to Cloudsdale to watch my competition?" "Cloudsdale? I thought we agreed I couldn't show off my wings." "But you can still walk on the clouds without them, right? I mean, you're still a thestral underneath." "Well yes, of course, but no earth ponies can walk on clouds, remember?" "We can tell everypony that it's some kind of cloud-walking spell. Please, Acrylic? If you don't come, the only other pony there with me will be Fluttershy. I appreciate her support, but let's face it. Her cheering is awful." "I've still got to fly to get there. Somepony will see my wings. My dragon wings." "That's easy. I know the quietest places around Cloudsdale borders. Sneaking you in won't be hard." "What do we tell Fluttershy when she asks how I got there?" "Oh, uh, well... maybe you could take a hot air balloon?" "A hot air balloon? Really?" "Okay, maybe some strong stallions gave you a lift. Please? Do this for me?" Rainbow's puppy dog eyes were terrible, but I caved. "Alright, alright. I'll be there," I promised. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!" she squealed, choking me in tight embrace. 'You're welcome,' is what I meant to say, but it came out more like garbled croaking. "Fluttershy's helping me practice this Friday, and every weekend up until the competition. Will you come help out?" "Sure," I coughed, released from the smothering hug. "Great! See you then!" She was gone in a flash. I was left to get as much sleep as I could. Morning came all too soon, and though I slept in by an extra hour, I still had bags under my eyes.
