Chapters As the young unicorn walked over the hill, he could see the little town coming over the horizon. He sighed, thinking to himself, "One more town." The golden unicorn headed toward the town and saw a sign with the town's name. "Ponyville," he said to himself. It was a cold day for spring, and the only warmth he had was a black vest and a green flat cap. He could hear the birds singing but did not feel joy from them. He had a lot on his mind, trying to fight some thoughts away with a shake of this head. Some of his shaggy brown-with-red-stripes mane fell in front of his face. He looked around as if he was expecting something to happen. He blew his mane out of this face as he entered the town.
It was midday when he walked into town, looking at the ground in deep thought. He only peered up at some of the passing ponies. There were so many ponies in the town, more than he wished for. That is when he heard his stomach growl. He looked around trying to find a nice place to eat. He spotted a restaurant with purple tables outside, and walked up to one of the tables and sat down. A white pony soon walked up to him and asked in a French accent, "What will it be, monsieur?"
Only a few moment passed before the waiter came back with a tray of carrots and a apple on the side and placed it by the young unicorn. He thanked the waiter and began to eat. Halfway through his lunch he noticed that there was a pink pony with a puffy mane staring at him. The strange thing was that she was not sitting at another table or standing in the nearby street, but was right in front of him at the same table. They both stared at each other with wide eyes. It almost felt like a staring contest, but without the fun part. After a few more awkward moments, the unicorn opened his mouth, "Um..."
" Oh my Gosh, you're new here aren't you, I should know, I know everypony in ponyville, and you're definitely new, Ooo, I see you like carrots, I like carrots too, but I like cupcakes, do you like cupcakes, if you do not it will be hard to be friends, what a interesting cutie mark, it's a sun behind a cloud, Rainbow Dash has a cloud for a cutie mark, but she has a rainbow bolt on it, are you related to her, no wait you're a unicorn and she is a Pegasus, unless your mother is a unicorn and your father is a Pegasus or is that the other way around, oh wait are you related to Princess Celestia, she has a sun on her flank, aaAAAaa, are you a prince, that is wonderful..."
As she kept talking, the unicorn was starting to feel uncomfortable. No one ever talked to him like that before and he did not know what to do. He began to sink into his seat. He was now so low that he was under the table. He saw an opportunity to sneak away from the talkative pony, but could only take a few steps before the pink pony was in his face again.
"That's right, I need to show you all of Ponyville, I'll take you to all my favorites places, Oh I need to introduce you to all my friends, you'll love them!" With that she grabbed the unicorn by the arm and dragged him off. The only thought that he could think of out of this commotion was, "Why me?"
They went through all of the village in what felt like it was in 10 seconds. It was a great big blur by the time she dragged him to this one building. She stopped suddenly, making the unicorn crash to the ground. He looked up to see where they had stopped.
It was a dress maker's shop, and a classy one at that. It was a tall purple building with large front windows. It almost looked like a carousel because of the figurines on the roof. "This is Rarity's dress shop, you'll love this place, she has dresses for everything, well in your case suits for everything, you know, I never saw her make a suit for a pony, let's see if she'll make you one!" As she spoke she pushed the unicorn into the store, a bell ringing as he entered the door.
"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, how may I help you?" A well groomed white unicorn with a purple mane with large curls came walking into the center of the room. When she saw who it was her attitude changed. "Pinkie Pie, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here, darling?" "Oh I'm just showing this new pony around town," the pink pony said with great excitement as she pushed forward the colt.
The unicorn looked at the young colt, with a growing expression of disgust. "Oh my, what are you wearing, that will not do." He then looked down at his black vest. It did look a little dirty, that's what you get when you travel a lot. Before he could say a word she went over to the colt and dragged him to the back of the store. The pink pony just watched with glee as she followed them bouncing and hopping.
After some grueling moments and several outfits, they got to one that the white unicorn liked. "Perfect, you look fabulous." The colt just looked at the mirror dumbfounded. He was wearing a puffy gold and green suit encrusted with rubies. "So, where are you from?" The colt said nothing still in shock at what he was seeing. "He is not much of a talker, is he Pinkie?" The pink pony then popped out of a bucket full of ribbons and giggled. "Just give him time, he must be so thrilled he can't speak, at the end of the day he'll will be all relaxed," she gave a wink to the white unicorn, then she slowly went back into the bucket.
The white unicorn then looked back at the colt and examined him. "No, that won't do," she said examining the rubies, "Sapphires, they will match your eyes perfectly," and she rushed into another room. That is when the colt snapped out of his trance and gave an expression of concern. He bolted away from the mirror and took off the suit. He grabbed his vest and hat and ran out of the store. The pink pony just followed covered in bows smiling.
He did not get too far before the pink pony gabbed him. "Where are you going, silly? The farm is this way." She pulled him toward the outside of the town. After some time they came to a field of apple orchards. There was a red farmhouse with purple roofs, a white picket fence and a gateway with a wooden sign with an apple carved out of it. He heard his stomach growl. He just remember that his lunch was cut short by somepony, and glared at the hopping pink pony. The only good thing that had happened this day was that his mind was preoccupied by this pony.
As they approached the barn the pink pony screamed at the top of her lungs, "APPLEJACK ARE YOU HERE?!" The unicorn jumped and fell to the ground at the sudden change of volume. A cellar door then swung open not too far from them. "You didn't have to yell so loud, surgecube, you know I'm not in the fields at this time of year," said a pony with a southern accent, walking out of the cellar with a hoof in her ear from the pinks pony's yelling. She was an orange earth pony with a blond mane and a cowboy hat, carrying a bucket of apples on her back.
She took her hoof out of her ear and saw the colt on the ground dazed. "Who's your friend Pinkie?"
As the colt got up his hoof was immediately grabbed by the orange pony. "Well, howdy do to you, I see you're doing fine now," she said shaking his hoof strongly. " I'm Applejack, and this is Sweet Apple Acres, nice to meet you." Suddenly the sound of growling came from the colt. "I reckon that you 'all are hungry! Well I got a fresh bucket of apples from the cellar right here." She then put the bucket down took out a big apple, and shoved it into his mouth. He nearly choked on it as he swallowed it. Gasping for air he thought "Are these ponies trying to kill me?"
"So, what's your name?" she asked as she shoved an apple into the pink pony. Just as he caught his breath and was about to say something the pink pony interrupted him. "There's no time for chit chat, there's so much more I want to show you, see you tonight, Applejack," she said with a wink. As he was being pushed by the pink pony to the entrance he was able to get one line out: "Nice meeting you." "Thanks, you 'all welcome back you hear, see you tonight."
He did not understand what that last bit was about, but he did not have time think about it as he realized he was still being pushed. "I can walk you know," as he looked at the pink pony strongly. "I know silly, but this is way more fun," she said giggling. He slumped his head in defeat, "There's no getting to this pony," he thought.
It was now getting darker. The sun was starting to lower and the two ponies headed toward another house. It looked like a hill covered in all sorts of grass and bushes, surrounded by animals, lot of animals. They approached the door and knocked. For some time no one answered, then a soft voice came from behind the door, "Who... is it?" "It's me, Fluttershy," said the bouncing pony. The door opened slowly. There standing at the door was a yellow Pegasus, with a long flowing pink mane and the softest eyes.
"Hello, Pinkie Pie, what brings you here?" she asked with a soft voice. "I'm showing a new pony around Ponyville, and now we're here and I'm showing him my friends and ... I forgot," she said very quickly. "A... new... pony," the Pegasus said even more softly as she backed away from the door. "Yes, and here he is!" The pink pony then pushed the colt into the house and stopped only a few feet from the Pegasus.
Both of them just stared at each other, nether one able to say anything. Then the unicorn opened his mouth, "Um...hi." Just as he said that the Pegasus began to curl up and started to hide her face under her long mane. After some moments of uneasy silence, the Pegasus finally answered back. "Hi..." was all she could muster to say. After more silence, the pink pony came between them. She began looking back and forth making the sound of a ticking clock. "Oooo, it's like looking at a mirror,... boring! Come on, there are more friends to meet."
This time she did not have to push the young colt. "Yea..." he said as he stood up and walked out the door. The pink pony followed and gave a wink to the Pegasus before closing the door. "That was awkward," thought the colt. He then looked at the pink pony who was hopping for joy. He lowered his head and sighed in exhaustion, "Can't wait for this day to end." "Me too, it's going to be a blast!" He shot up not realizing that he had spoken out loud. He looked a little confused, what did she mean by that?
The sun was now beginning to set when the two came back to the town. He was much too deep in thought to notice that the pink pony had stopped and was looking up. He bumped into her and fell down on his side. He shook his head and looked at the pony. He then looked in the direction she was looking.
All he saw was a Pegasus clearing up the sky. "Hey Rainbow Dash, how's the weather tonight?" yelled the pink pony. The Pegasus in the sky suddenly stopped doing what she was doing and bolted to where the two ponies stood. "Hey you guys, how's it shaking?" asked an animated pony. There floating above them was a blue Pegasus with a messy rainbow mane. "Excellent," answered the pink pony, " I wanted you to meet this new pony that came into town today."
The blue Pegasus looked that the colt and landed. "Nice to meet you, I'm Rainbow Dash, but I bet you already heard about me," she said looking proud. The colt just looked at her, cautiously he said no. She looked at him a little bit disappointed, but perked up quickly. "Oh you will, I'm the best flyer in all of Equestria," standing proudly again. "Anyway, I need to finish clearing out the sky for tonight, it's clear skies all night." She then lifted her hoof to the colt. It took some time before he realized what she was doing and hit his hoof off hers. She then bolted toward the closest cloud and zoomed it out of the way leaving a rainbow trail.
"Come on, we're almost done, one more place to go and then tonight we dine in..." He did not catch the last thing she said as she hopped into the town. "This is taking way too long," he said to himself. He followed the pony into town with his head hung low. Soon they got to this big tree, which was in fact a building. It had a sign with a picture of a book, telling everyone it was a library. It had a few balconies and large windows. It was already dark when they both approached the library and went in. It was an amazing sight to see. It was like the whole tree had grown into a library. It's amazing what magic can do. There were books everywhere, shelves from the bottom to the ceiling. In the center of the library stood a log table that had a sculpture of a unicorn head. In the back of the library was a stairway that went into another room.
"HEY TWILIGHT, I have someone I want you to meet," yelled the pink pony. They heard a small scream and then a thud following the sound of falling books. After some moments passed, a unicorn came walking down the stairs rubbing her head, "Pinkie, this is a library, and anyway, Spike is asleep." She was a purple unicorn with a blue mane and a pink and purple stripe from head to tail. "Sorry, I wanted you to meet this new pony that came into town today," she said pointing to the golden unicorn.
"Well hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle, nice to meet you." The colt said nothing for a moment, looking down at the ground. "Hello," he finally said now looking at the unicorn. "Okay," she said taking a step closer, "and what is your name?" Another moment of silence passed before he answered, "My name is..." "We don't have time for this, we have to get to the town center NOW," he was suddenly cut off by the pink pony as she gave a wink to the purple unicorn. The purple pony looked at the pink pony with annoyance.
"Why are you winking?" she asked as they all left the library. "Oh, I got something in my eye and I have been trying to get it out all day," she said bouncing toward the town center. The two unicorns just followed her not knowing what was going on. The purple unicorn then looked at the golden unicorn seeing that his head hung low. "Hey, don't mind Pinkie, she is always like this. Anyway, I did not get your name," she said looking at him. He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. "I'm Sunstone."
"SUPPRISE," yelled a large crowd in front of them, almost giving both unicorns a heart attack. Both of the unicorns looked at what appeared to be a outdoor party. There were lights and streamers hung above them, tables filled with cakes and drinks. It looked like everybody was here for this party.
"Pinkie," the purple unicorn said with her teeth gritted. "Yes," jumped out the pink pony from the crowd. "What is this?"
While the two were speaking the colt had walked away from the crowd of ponies partying. He came to a nearby bench, sat down and looked at the party. He was never good with social gatherings, especially if he did not know anybody. His mind began to wander as the party went on without him.
An hour had passed as the party continued even though no one knew why Pinkie had thrown it. The purple unicorn was still looking for the colt when she stumbled upon her friends. "Howdy Twilight, come join us," waved an orange pony with a southern accent. "Yea, Pinkie Pie always throws the best parties," said a blue Pegasus hovering above the group. The purple unicorn walked toward her five friends.
"Have any of you seen Sunstone, I have been looking for him," looking worried. "Who darling?" answered a white unicorn finishing a cup of punch. "The golden unicorn that Pinkie was showing around town." Everyone just looked at each other before answering. "I'm sorry, we have not seen him," said the yellow Pegasus. "Fine, I'll keep looking," said the purple unicorn, a little annoyed now.
"What is she so upset for, she needs to chill, it's a party," said the blue Pegasus taking a big bit out of a cake.
Everyone looked up to see that clouds were forming. They began to hear thunder and see lightning from them. Eventually it got so cloudy that it began to rain. Everyone began to run to get out of the rain. In a matter of minutes everyone had abandoned the party because of the sudden downpour. All who was left was the golden unicorn sitting on the bench looking troubled and sad.
He looked at the clouds and got off the bench, looking down. He walked in the rain until he got to an inn. Walking in he saw that several ponies were hiding from the sudden storm. He walked up to the receptionist and asked for a room for the night. Giving all the money he had, he went to his room and took off his wet hat and vest. He fell on the bed and looked out the window, watching the rain falling down. "This will not end well," he said as he closed his eyes.
Part 2
The young colt was looking out of his window, watching ponies cleaning up from last night's party. The sun was out and the birds were singing, but the events from last night were not forgotten. He left the window and got his vest and hat on and left the room. Before closing the door he looked back into the room. His eyes started to sadden as he looked at everything in the room. After looking around he closed the door and walked out of the inn.
He walked past where the party had taken place, seeing it was almost all cleaned up. He could hear some of the ponies talking about the party and the sudden storm last night, with a bit of fear their voices. They were talking about dark magic or something evil. The colt lowered his head, trying to not make eye contact with anyone.
He walked though the town looking around and taking in the sites that he did not notice from yesterday's crazy tour. After a bit of walking he finally got to the end of town. Looking back, he took a quick look at the town, then turned his head back, letting out a big sigh. He then stood sternly looking down the road that led to the Everfree Forest. "I'm ready," he thought as he took a step forward.
"Hey, Sunstone, wait up." He immediately looked back toward the town a little surprised. At first he thought it would be that pink pony, but instead he saw the purple unicorn galloping up to him wearing a saddlebag. "I have been looking for you all morning," she said as she came up to him. He turned around looking surprised, and tilted his head in confusion.
"What's wrong, it looks like you never saw a pony before." The colt just looked at her for a bit before answering. "It's not that, I just did not expect anyone was looking for me." The purple unicorn looked at his face and smiled, "Well, Pinkie did not do a very good job in introducing us to you and we were thinking that you should have a proper introduction."
He looked at the her a bit confused. "We? You mean there's more?"
It was a calm day, with clouds in the sky and everything was right. The two unicorns walked into a store that looked like a gingerbread house. It smelled wonderful: cakes, cookies, and candies oh my. "Hello Twilight, your order is ready," said a pony standing at the store counter, "and who's your friend?" There now standing was a blue pony with a mane that reminded him of a strawberry swirl soft serve ice cream.
"Hello, Miss Cake, this is Sunstone and I'm showing him around town," the purple pony said as the two unicorns walked up to the counter. "Oh, great, well then he can have anything in this shop, on the house," said the blue pony smiling as she placed a box on the counter. "Thank you Miss Cake," said the purple pony as she picked up the box. She turned to the colt to tell him to choose something from the store. But upon seeing him, he was already eating several chocolate chip cookies. He looked at her with a full mouth, swallowed, then smiled showing bits of chocolate in his teeth. The purple pony just laughed at him.
After a quick stop at the party shop the two ponies stopped for lunch. It had been quiet between the two during shopping. She tried to start a conversation once or twice but he said nothing, seeming somewhat distracted. During lunch she looked up to him and spoke., "Um, you did not tell me where you're from," smiling at the colt. He looked up at her and said nothing. After a moment he answered, "I'm from Manehattan."
The colt was standing near a fruit cart while the purple pony was talking to one of the ponies working there. He was looking into empty space when suddenly his horn glowed blue for a second. He immediately snapped out of what he was thinking and looked around frantically. "What are you looking for?" asked the purple pony from behind him. He jumped in fear, but regained his composure. "Nothing, if nothing happens, then nothing," he said a little bit nervously as his eyes darted back and forth. "Okay," she said, raising an eyebrow.
"Well then, we have everything we need." She looked at the parchment and with a quill checked off something. "Let's head back to Pinkie's place. It will be great," she said, letting out a small squeal as she started walking down the road. He gave one more look around before answering her, "Okay."
Everyone turn toward the direction of the scream coming from the next street. The purple pony turned around dropping all of her stuff and ran toward the scream. "Sunstone, go get my friends, there at..." She paused, seeing that the colt was in shock with wide eyes. "Never mind," as she passed him a little annoyed.
She ran to the end of the street and turned as fast as she could. She could see ponies running away from where the scream originated. When she finally got to the end of the street she could see what was frightening the ponies. There slithered a giant blue snake with two huge saber tooth-like fangs staring down at some trapped ponies.
The ponies scattered as the snake struck, hitting the ground. It came up shaking its head, then looked around. Suddenly a cart hit its head, making the snake fall to the ground. Raising its head and looking toward the directing the cart came from, it immediately spotted a purple pony standing next to a building. It let out a small roar and slithered toward her.
The snake attacked as soon as it was close enough. The purple pony teleported in the nick of time before the snake hit her. She appeared on the other side of the street ready to attack. The snake turned around and charged at her. Just then two apples hit the snake, stopping it in its tracks. The snake turned to see five ponies standing at the other side of the street.
"Girls! Positions!" yelled the purple pony. The ponies then scattered surrounding the snake. A yellow Pegasus flew up to the snake and spoke. "Um, excuse me... Mr. Snake," she said softly. The snake just looked at her with anger in its eyes. "Eep. Um, can you please, um... stop attacking my friends... please?" she said nervously, trying to smile. The snake just looked at her for a moment. Suddenly it roased at the Pegasus, and was about to eat her. She was immediate rescued by a blue Pegasus and placed down where the purple unicorn was standing. "I don't think that worked. Now it is time for action," the blue Pegasus darted off.
The snake was looking at each one of the ponies, trying to decide which one to attack. "Hey there snaky, I'm over here," laughed a pony from behind the snake. The snaked turned around, seeing a pink pony hopping up and down. It quickly slithered toward her. It attacked but missed as the pink pony hopped to a different position, causing the snake to hit the ground.
The snake lifted itself, rattling its head and looking at the pink pony. It struck again, with the same result. It did this several more time until it was dizzy and had a headache. After a moment of swaying back and forth, it shook its head once more and was about to attack again. That's when two apples hit the snake in the head.
It spun around see a orange pony next to a bucket of apples. "Come at me you vermin," yelled the cowboy pony. The snake roared in anger and charged at the pony. She bucked a few more apples at the snake but with no effect.
As it was about to strike, a large cloth covered its eyes, making it miss the orange pony. The snake got up, trying to shake the cloth off. "I finally found a use for that dreadful cloth," declared a white unicorn. The snake immediate turned its head toward the direction of the voice. It was about to attack when it was hit on the top of its head.
The snake removed the cloth and looked around trying to find what hit him. Just then it was hit again on the side of its head, but it was only able to see a rainbow zipping by. The snake turned to what was hitting it, a blue Pegasus. She was making silly faces, taunting the snake. The snake roared and lunged at the Pegasus, missing her as she flew higher. She then bolted to the other side of the snake. "Hey you, fat fang, I'm over here," declared the Pegasus. The snake turned around and lunged at the Pegasus, but missed again. She then flew to the ground, sticking out her tongue, "No, I'm over here!" The snake lunged and missed again. "No, here," she said, now above the snake.
Now the snake was angry and roared as loud as it could, making the ground shake. The Pegasus then began to buzz around the snake's head trying to disorient it. The snake looked around trying to find an opening. Suddenly it lifted its tail and smacked the blue Pegasus to the ground near the purple pony. "I'm okay," she said in a daze.
The snake then used its tail as a whip and began slashing it around. After the slashing was finished, all of the friends were together just out of reach of the snake. The snake caught its breath before looking at the friends. It slithered slowly toward them with immense rage.
"Girls, stay behind me," said the purple unicorn. "I'm going to try to teleport it out of here." The snake slithered ever closer as her horn glowed purple. As she was charging her magic the snake stopped, looking at the unicorn. Right before their eyes the snake opened up, showing that in fact it was a cobra.
The ponies were surprised by the sudden change in appearance but did not move. Suddenly the horn of the purple unicorn began to lose its power. "Twilight, what are you doing?" asked the yellow Pegasus quivering in fear. "I'm not doing anything. My magic feels like it's being drained," said the unicorn, now looking afraid.
The purple pony then looked at the cobra, but what she saw shocked her to the core. A trail of purple light was traveling to the hood of the cobra, which was now glowing purple. She immediately looked around and saw that the light was coming from all of them. She suddenly felt weak and was unable to concentrate on her magic, making her lose the last bit of glow from her horn. Now all of her friends began to fall weakly to the ground. She looked back at the cobra, now with its mouth open.
Down its throat she could see a glowing purple light getting brighter and brighter. She could sense its true purpose, using their magic as a focus blast. She eventually fell to the ground unable to move, looking at the almost ready cobra. She tried one last attempt to do something but it was in vain. She did not have enough magic to even help herself. "This is it," she thought. Crying, she closed her eyes, waiting for the end.
"SABER."
The cobra immediately stopped charging. It slowly closed its mouth, looking surprised. The purple pony now opened her eyes and saw that the cobra was now looking behind. The cobra then retracted its hood going back to its original form. She gazed at where the snake was looking. She was surprised to see it was the golden unicorn that she was hanging out with earlier that day.
The snake then turned toward the colt and began to slowly slither toward him. Although the purple pony could feel her strength returning, she was still too weak get up. With what energy she had, she yelled at the colt, "RUN!" The snake stopped and began to turn back toward her. "I'm right here Saber, come and get me," the colt yelled louder now. The snake immediately turned back and continued to approach him.
At this point, some of the ponies started to come out of hiding, trying to see what was happening. The golden unicorn just stood there as the snake came closer and closer. The colt's horn then began to glow blue, slowly becoming brighter. The snake then opened up, still slithering closer to the unicorn.
It was now close enough to strike but stayed still, absorbing the energy coming from the colt. "Good, just a little bit more," said the colt under his breath. The snake's hood began to glow as a stream of energy was still coming from the colt. But the glow from the colt's horn did not diminish, unlike what happened to the others.
Suddenly a wave of fright came over the snake. It rapidly closed its hood and roared wrathfully. With blind rage, the snake used all of its power to lunge itself towards the colt. It was only inches away when the colt's horn hit its zenith. Right there, before the eyes of everyone, the snake began to vanish into energy from its head to its tale. Then all of its energy swirled around and spiraled into the colt's horn. Everything became calm, and the only thing you could hear was the heavy breathing of the colt. Everyone was in shock at what just occurred before their eyes. Not a sound was made as they gazed upon him, now just recovering from the event. The colt just looked around at everyone with fear in his eyes.
Soon the silence was broken by the growing sounds of whispers from the ponies. The colt's eyes darted around, looking at gathering crowd. He lowered head in fear, still looking at everyone as he began to walk backward. He could hear the whispers growing louder and louder. He then shut his eyes and bolted away from the scene, crying.
"Stop, wait," the purple pony tried to speak up, but was to quiet too be heard. She got up and tried to chase after him but was too drained to move quickly. She kept yelling out to him, but he would not stop. She kept on chasing him but was too far to be heard or seen. He was in full gallop when he left the town. When she finally got to the edge of town she could see him galloping into the forest. "Pease, stop," she said before collapsing to the ground exhausted.
She sat there catching her breath wondering what to do now. Just then she heard the sound of hoofs approaching her from behind. She turned to see her friends running toward her. "Twilight, there you are. We were worried about you," cried out the white unicorn.
The purple pony then jumped up onto her hoofs and ran back into town. "Hey, Twilight, where you off to?" asked the orange pony. "To the library," she responded, looking back at them. The friends looked at each other with confusion before following her.
She bolted into the library and used her magic to pull books off the shelves. She rapidly looked at the books whizzing pass her face as her friends entered the library. "Um, Twilight, what are you looking for?" asked the yellow Pegasus, ducking as a book flew over her head."'Magic and History, A Unicorns Guide'," she said, now looking through a pile of books.
"Is this the one, Twilight?" a pink pony asked looking at a book.
"Twilight," a blue Pegasus spoke up, "what's going on? A giant snake appears in Ponyville, then that guy from yesterday made it disappear in one great explosion, not that it wasn't cool, but what in Equestria is going on?!" The purple unicorn looked up from the book at her friends, and gave a light sigh.
"The snake was not real, but an illusion."
Everybody just looked at her awkwardly. "Not that kind of conjurer," said the unicorn, "He's a summoner. It is a powerful and hard to do spell. Very few ponies can do that, but he seems to be unable to control it."
"What pray tell makes you believe he is the one who made that hideous creature in the first place?" asked the white unicorn.
"Well, I first thought about it after the sudden rain yesterday. Then I saw some clues when we hung out today. He would seem nervous sometimes, looking around him like he was trying to find something. But what really proved it to me was what he did to that snake. It went back to wherever it came from."
"Well, why did you need that book, Twilight" asked the yellow Pegasus. "You see," answered the unicorn, "to be a conjurer takes years of training and hard work, but he seems to do it without much effort but with no control of what comes out. So I'm trying to find a spell that will allow me to help him." "AH! Here we go," as she read a few lines and closed the book.
"Now we're ready," she said as she ran out of the library. "Twilight, where are you going?" asked the blue Pegasus. "We are going after him, we can't just leave him in Everfree Forest. Now come on," she said as she galloped off. Her friends didn't hesitate and followed her.
It was getting dark now when the six ponies entered the forest. The purple pony was using a spell that helped her track down the missing colt. "Sunstone," she cried out. "Do you see him, Rainbow Dash?" asked the yellow Pegasus. "No," said the blue Pegasus flying down from above the trees. "Hey Sun, where are you?" yelled out the blue Pegasus going back up above the trees.
"Oh Sunny boy, Oh Sunny boy, the pipes, the pipes are ca-alling," sang the pink pony. The purple unicorn looked back at the pony with a serious face. "I found him," cried out the blue Pegasus. She zoomed ahead as the rest of the group followed.
The ponies came to a small clearing of tree where they saw the colt laying on the ground. "Thank Celestia that we found you," declared the purple pony as she approached him. "Go away," he replied with a harsh voice. "Hey, we came all the way out here looking for you, what's your problem?" the blue Pegasus retorted.
"Rainbow," said the purple pony, looking back at the Pegasus with strict eyes. She then looked back at the colt, "We came here to help you, we know it was you who summoned the snake but it's alright, mistakes happen."
"No, you don't understand, this is not a onetime accident, it happens all the time," the golden pony replied as he covered his head with his front legs.
"I can help you control it, I know how a spell that will help you," the purple pony said as she approached the colt.
"Control it?!" he said, now standing up and turning to the group. "Don't you think I have tried that? I can't control it. I have hurt so many ponies with this ability. Once I almost killed somepony. I just wanted to come here so I could not hurt anypony, okay?" he declared, now getting angry as he started to cry.
"My dear, it's not your fault, Twilight here can help you, she is very good with magic," said the white unicorn trying to comfort the colt. "Yea, friends always help friends," added the pink pony. "Please just allow me to help you," pleaded the purple unicorn as she came closer to the colt. He took a step back and looked away. Her horn started to glow as she approached him, "This won't hurt a bit."
Suddenly the colt screamed in agony. Everyone took a step back, then looked at the purple unicorn. "I didn't do anything!" she said looking surprised. The colt groaned again and took a few steps backwards. "No, not now, not now," he said shutting his eyes in pain. Without warning the colt's horn glowed extremely bright and formed a blue aura engulfing him.
"LEAVE NOW!" the colt commanded the group. The ponies just stood there in awe as two arms grew out from the aura on his sides. Soon a pair of dark blue dragon-like hands formed at the ends of the transparent arms. The eyes of the colt snapped wide open revealing his glowing eyes. The hands raised up into the air and rapidly lunged downward toward the group of ponies.
"Everypony scatter!" yelled the purple unicorn. All the ponies swiftly bolted into different directions as the hands crashed into the ground, just missing them. The hands then came out of the pile of rocks and raised upward again. "Distract those hands, I need time," the purple unicorn said as she approached the colt cautiously. "Okay dokie lokie!" saluted the pink pony.
The ponies split into two different groups. The white unicorn and the orange pony went left and the blue and the yellow Pegasus went right. The pink pony just stood there as the hands went into striking position. "Pinkie Pie, what are you doing?" yelled the orange pony as she looked back at her, as the hands quickly lunged at the pink pony. "Ha ha ha," laughed the pony.
The hands stopped only a foot away from the pony, just hovering there. All of the ponies just stopped in their tracks and looked at the pink pony in sheer amazement. Then the hands made a gesture of confusion, wondering just what happened. Then the hands grasped each other and raised themselves into the air. As they were crashing down, the blue Pegasus swooped in and picked up the pink pony by the tail into the air just before the hands hit. "I don't think that will work this time Pinkie," the blue Pegasus said as she flew over the forest tops. The pink pony just giggled, "But they look funny."
The pair of hands lifted out of the crater and separated, each hand going after one group. The two groups galloped in opposite directions, weaving around trees and bushes trying to slow down the hands. The hands just crashed through the trees as though there was nothing there.
"Hey, Rainbow, I got an idea, follow my lead," yelled the orange pony. The pony suddenly turned right as the white unicorn hid under a nearby bush. "My hair," the white pony complained, but the plan worked. The hand turned to follow the orange pony.
The other group did the same thing, with the same result. The hand now followed the blue Pegasus, which was flying toward the other pony. The two ponies were now coming toward each other, zigzagging around trees, closely followed by the hands. The ponies then crossed each other and both began to make a zigzag pattern around the trees. The hands followed, each one getting closer to it target.
After some time of following the two ponies, the hands were inches away from them. The hands were just about to grab the two when suddenly they came to a complete halt. The two ponies stopped, then turned around to face the hands. Their plan worked-- the arms of the hands were now tangled around the trees that the two had just zigzagged around.
The hands were struggling and trying to break free. Then the blue Pegasus flew forward toward the hands, "Ha-ha, you can't get us," and stuck out her tongue. "Stop that, Sugarcub, you shouldn't get them angry," said the orange pony trying to catch her breath. "Don't put your mane in a bind, we're safe, they won't get loose anytime soon," she answered with a smug face.
Suddenly they heard the sound of wood cracking and splitting. The two ponies looked back at the hands, seeing them struggling harder. Within seconds they raised themselves into the air, bringing trees with them. The hands broke free and bolted into the air, making it rain dirt and wood. Both ponies hugged each other, screeching in terror as the hands came toward them with blinding speed.
The ponies were shaking in fear waiting for the immediate pain, but nothing happened. They opened their eyes one at a time, now looking at the hands. The hands were in mid air just floating above their heads. With a sudden turn, the hands faced back to where the purple and gold unicorns were standing. They appeared angry and tense at the same time. Without warning the hands charged the two unicorns at great speed.
The purple unicorn was using her magic to gain control over the cold's magic. But it proved to be tougher then she thought. There seemed to be something fighting her, trying to prevent her from helping the colt. "Get out of the way!" he yelled. She was only able to look back through the corner of her eyes at the pair of hands rushing toward them.
"I almost have it, just need a bit more time," as she looked into the colt's glowing eyes. "I can't, please just get out of the way," he tried to plead with her. But she did not move, instead intensifying her concentration. She could hear the hands crashing through several trees as they came toward the two. She turned her head slightly now and saw the hands almost upon them. She closed her eyes and waited for the impact.
There was a loud smack just behind her as she felt the ground tremble a little. She opened her eyes, seeing a light blue bubble surrounding the two ponies. She looked back at the colt who was now squinting his eyes tightly. "I can't hold them for long, do what you must do!" he said, gritting his teeth. She then heard the sound of pounding from outside of the bubble. She looked up to see the hands pounding, trying to get though to them. She immediately turned to the colt and concentrated her magic on him.
The hands took turns pounding on the bubble. Every once in a while the ponies could hear the sound of scratching and tearing. The pounding made the ground quiver and shake. Suddenly their hearts sunk at the sound of cracking from the bubble.
Both of the ponies did not budge as the sound of pounding and cracking grew. Suddenly the pounding stopped as the hands raised high into the sky. The hands clenched each other and plummeted toward the cracked bubble. "I'm so sorry," cried the colt softly.
"GOT IT!" yelled the purple unicorn. She concentrated with all of her might at the colt. The hands vanished into a wave of energy just before hitting the bubble, disappearing into the aura surrounding the colt. The bubble and the aura disappeared in a bright flash and everything came calm.
Both unicorns collapsed to the ground, exhausted and out of breath. They both lay there for a bit before hearing the sound of hoofs approaching them. "Twilight, are you okay?" asked a quite yellow Pegasus.
"Yea, I'm fine, just drained," she answered quietly as she slowly came to her hoofs. She then slowly turned to the golden unicorn who was still on the ground. "Are you alright Sunstone?" she asked, still trying to catch her breath.
He did not answer as he raised his head, looking at the group of ponies now surrounding him. He got on to his knees and lowered his head. "Why did you help me?"
"Well duh, we're your friends," blurted the pink pony hopping above the group. He immediately raised his head and looked at the ponies. To his amazement all were smiling at him. He then looked down, "How can you call me friend? I'm the one who made that snake, and almost killed you just now."
"Can you possibly believe that we would hate you for something you cannot yet control, darling? The point is that you tried to fix your problems," walked forward the white unicorn. The colt then stood up and looked upon the group. "But I can't control it, I'll just hurt somepony again."
"Not with a little training," said the purple unicorn. "I can teach you how to control that ability and if anything goes wrong I can come in and fix it." He just stood there for a moment, looking into everyone's eyes. Then he smiled, "Thank you all."
Everyone ran toward him giving him a large group hug. "Can't... breathe," he squealed as they squished him. Everyone let go, making him fall to the ground. "Oh, sorry," apologized the blue Pegasus.
Everyone was exhausted but happy as they headed back to the town. "Tomorrow we'll begin making you a home for you to call your own, sugarcube," said the orange pony with a large grin on her face.
The colt was in bed looking at the room that the orange pony gave him to sleep in. It was a simple room, having only a small table by the side of the bed and a dresser. It had a simple orange wall paper design, but made the room cozy. It was a long day and he was tired. He closed his eyes and went to sleep happy.
The colt stood in the middle of a room of darkness. He looked around but could not see anything but black. He stood there for a bit seeing and feeling nothing, but knew where he was. Suddenly he felt something moving in the darkness, but couldn't see it.
It moved around him like a large serpent but felt like a torn up cloth. It was circling him like a predator. It did not break from this pattern but the colt knew it was about to talk.
"Hm, you have more courage than normal, interesting," a voice spoke from the darkness with a deep voice with a bit of crackling in it. "You stand before me strong. Where does this new found "courage" comes from? Are these so called "friends" really given you strength?"
The colt just stood there without moving as the entity circled around him. "Not wish to speak, no matter, you don't have to talk but you will listen." It felt like the entity just stopped right in front of him. "You think these so called "friends" of yours can help you. Running to the forest did nothing to help your 'little' problem, and these friends will only prolong the cycle." The colt just stood his ground.
"Oh, what is this I feel, fear? Are you afraid? No, you're not afraid of me, you know me to well, but what I can do is what fill you with fear. But what fascinates me is what the fear is for. Do you care for these friends? Do they give you courage to stand before me? Do they have you hoping for the best?"
Then it felt like the entity was right in his face. "Do you think I can be defeated?!" Now its voice began to get stronger. "Do you think I'll disappear like a mere nightmare?! Is that what you think of me, a nightmare! For I am no nightmare, a nightmare you can WAKE FROM! It roared at him as a pair of eyes flung open revealing its position.
Standing right before his face were the entity's eyes, each of which looked different. Its right eye was a normal shaped red eye with green cracks running through the iris. Its left eye was yellow and looked dragon like. It roared at the pony and engulfed him in the darkness, choking him. The colt tried to fight back but it was no use, how can one fight the darkness. The only thing he could see was those eyes staring at him before everything turned dark.
He shot up out of bed breathing hard. His eyes were wide with fright. He was sweaty and cold, feeling like he had died. He looked around the room, taking in his surroundings. He eventually laid back on the bed and closed his eyes, water now flowing from them. The furniture was toppled and the walls had claw marks on them and the only sound that could be heard was crying.
The Crusaders and the Dragon
The Crusaders and the Dragon
A brown earth pony stood firm, breathing hard. The field of dirt was covered with broken trees and armor. He looked at the army of fully armed ponies marching toward him. He could see them rolling the catapults into position. He looked up at the horde of Pegasus's approaching the army at breakneck speed. He looked back at the ground troops, seeing that they were loading up the catapults.
He was too exhausted to move but knew that the fight must continue. He then turned to his right, seeing a heavily dented staff sticking out of the ground. He used his hoof to kick it into the air before catching it with his mouth. He parted his front legs, ready to fight.
"FIRE!"
The catapults fired their loads and it began to rain boulders. The colt stood there as several boulders fell around him. Then without warning he bolted forward with unbelievable speed, causing the ground to quake. He bolted around the falling rocks, racing toward the approaching army.
As one boulder came toward him, he swung his staff to deflect it. The boulders fell like rain and he jumped into the air raising his staff over his head. Plunging himself into the...
"Sunstone, there you are."
The golden unicorn turned his head seeing an annoyed purple unicorn.
-theme song-
He broke into laughter as Spike joined. She gave them an annoyed look. "Ha ha ha, very funny, and do you remember what happened last time I was not there?" He immediately stopped laughing remembering the conjuring accident on that dreadful day.
It started as a normal day just like any other in Ponyville. Then suddenly one could hear the growing sound of a colt screaming. Running at full gallop, Sunstone passed through the town center. Not far behind him a herd of black ball-like insects was chasing him. Soon followed Applejack and Twilight trying to round up the creatures.
He looked at Twilight, annoyed as a smug look appeared on her face. He then turned to Spike and took some of the boxes and put them on his back in a huff.
Suddenly they heard the sound of small hoofs galloping. They turned their heads to see three fillies running towards them. They could hear them calling out the colt's name as they approached.
"HALT," cried out the colt, raising a hoof up. The fillies came to a screeching crash only feet away from the colt. "A-ten-hut," he commanded. The fillies jumped into line and came to attention. "Sound off."
"Scootaloo," saluted a orange Pegasus with a messy purple mane. "Sweetie Belle," smiled a white unicorn with a swirly pink and purple mane. "Apple Bloom," said a yellow pony with a red mane and a pink bow with a serious face. "AND WE ARE THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS," together they yelled at the top of their lungs at the colt, causing Spike and the colt to drop the groceries.
He put his hoof into his hear and rubbed it as he peered at the three fillies still at attention. He sat there looking at the fillies intensely. He then lowered his head at the white pony, looking at her with one eye, examining her. He could see that she was holding her breath and starting to turn colors. "At ease men," he said, quickly going back into position. The fillies eased up as the white pony gasped for air and collapsed to the ground.
"Wow, only here for a few weeks and able to take command of them," said Twilight as she approached them. "No, I'm just good with children," he said, looking a bit embarrassed. "Now," he looked back at the fillies "What's with all of the commotion?"
Apple Bloom then started to talk. "Well, we have been going around Ponyville and asking ponies how they got their cutie marks, then we got the idea of asking..."
He looked at them, then looked at his cutie mark, "Did I not tell you that already?"
He sat down and looked at the eyes of the smiling fillies. "Well, actually I never had my cutie mark for most of my life. I was laughed at by everyone at my school for a long time. I was never really good at anything, and I tried everything, just like you all. All I really had was my imagination. Well, it was several years ago when I left home and I came to this small town. I was sitting on a bench day-dreaming when this bold filly came to me and asked me what I was thinking. I hesitated at first but I told her one of my stories. Before I knew it I was surrounded by ponies listening to my story. After awhile it was time for them to leave. I heard them talk about my story and I saw the joy it brought them. That's when I realized what my special talent was, my imagination. That's when it appeared."
They all just stared at him without a word. He looked at them.
He immediately looked behind Twilight. He saw a small light blue unicorn with a dark green mane all woven in large braids. "Moonstone!" he yelled with a big grin on his face. He quickly ran past Twilight toward the filly, giving her a big hug.
"What are you doing here?" he asked as he rubbed her head. "Hey Sun, who is this?" walked up Twilight. He let go of the filly and stepped aside, and rubbed her head again, "Twilight, this is my sister Moonstone." The filly then gave a bow as Twilight just smiled at her.
"Sunstone," she whispered to him, urging him to come closer. He leaned toward her, raising an ear.
"Anyway Moonstone, what are you doing here?" he asked, looking back at the filly.
"Hey commander, who is that?" cried out Scootaloo as the trio came running toward him. Sunstone gave a pat on the head of his sister. "This is Moonstone, my sister. Moonstone this is Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom," pointing at each one of them.
"Hey, I have an idea. Moonstone, why don't you hang out with them, they can show you around town. I need to finish up some things, okay?" He stood up and walked to Twilight. "Okay," Moonstone answered with a smile. She ran to the fillies and began to talk to them.
"Are you sure that's a good idea, you know the trouble those three get into?" Twilight asked, looking a bit worried. "I know, but I trust them. Anyway she's tough, she had to live with me," he said with a silly smile.
He walked to where the groceries were on the ground and began to pick them up. He saw that Spike was doing the same thing. "Hey Spike, look over my sister and I'll do your chores for the day," he whispered to him. Spike shot up and gave him a salute, "Yes, sir." He then bolted toward the group of young fillies.
As he picked up the last of the groceries Twilight walked up to him, "Where is Spike?"
"Greetings Twilight and Stone, how is this day that we own?" They both turned to see a gray zebra with a Mohawk mane and carrying a herb bag.
"Hey there Zecora, how are you?" Twilight greeted the zebra.
"Hey, I know a few things about herbs, I can help," groaned the colt, still struggling to turn around. "What do you know about herbs?" Twilight turned her head, looking sarcastically at the struggling pony. "Hey, my family likes herbs, I learned a few tricks," he replied, now finally turned fully around.
"Anyway," Twilight continued, now turning back to Zecora, "we will be glad to help you."
"Hey, we want to come too!" yelled out Sweetie Belle. Twilight turned to see four fillies and a dragon running toward the group.
"Please?" they all asked in the cutest way, looking at Twilight. She looked at the fillies with their puppy-dog eyes. "But..." she strained as she tried to resist the cuteness. "Fine," she finally gave in. "YAY, CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS HERB GATHERERS " the three fillies yelled at the top of their lungs, making everyone cringe. From behind they could hear the sound of boxes and bags crashing. "But only on one condition, you stay near us at all times. Do I make myself clear?" Twilight commanded, looking at them strictly. "Yes, Ms. Twilight," they all said in unison.
Twilight turned around toward colt. She could see a pile of boxes and bags on top of Sunstone lying there in a daze. The fillies blushed and began to help him. "Sorry," said Sweetie Belle sheepishly. "Before anything, we need to bring all these groceries back home," Twilight said, picking up some of the bags with her magic.
It was the middle of the day but the forest made it look like evening. Everyone was looking for the herbs that Zacora needed. Twilight was using her horn to outline the unique herb wile Sunstone put them into the zebra's bag. Not too far off the four fillies accompanied by Spike were doing their own herb gathering.
They were picking up and putting into their bag anything from tree bark to mud.
The fillies began to make buzzing noises, running around flapping their arms like bees. After several minutes of buzzing and running around they heard screaming. They all quickly turned to see Sunstone being chased by blue bees, "Oh come on! I was not even thinking of them!" he yelled. Following him were Twilight and Zacora, yelling "Sunstone! Stop! Let me help you!" Seeing their chance, the fillies stopped what they were doing and followed Apple Bloom, followed by Spike.
The four fillies and Spike walked up to a big cave covered with moss. They all looked in awe at the size of it. "Are you sure there are mushrooms in there?" asked Sweetie Belle nervously. "Yea I'm sure, let's go," commanded Apple Bloom as she walked into the cave. The rest of the fillies followed. "I don't think this is a good idea. We should go back to Twilight and the others," said Spike uneasily. "Where's your sense of adventure?" declared Scootaloo looking back at the dragon. He looked around nervously as the fillies disappeared into the cave. Noticing that he was alone he ran after the fillies, "Hey, wait up!"
The fillies were all over the cave looking high and low for mushrooms but could not find any. "Why can't I find any mushrooms here?" asked Scootaloo, frustrated as she lifted a rock and looked under it. "Well, that proves that your cutie mark is not for mushroom gathering," said Apple Bloom, looking around a boulder. "Hey, I don't see you finding one, either way, do you even know what a mushroom looks like?" Scootaloo asked walking up to Apple Bloom. "Oh yea!" Apple Bloom answered in Scootaloo's face. "Yea!" Scootaloo retaliated. Suddenly they were on top of each other fighting.
"Hey, break it up!" Spike commanded, jumping into the fight but getting kicked out soon after. The two rolled around a bit until they slammed into a yellow boulder. The two were in a daze trying to regain their focuses when the others came over. The three stopped within feet of the two fillies with fear in their eyes.
Scootaloo and Apple Bloom shook their heads and looked at the three, confused. Without turning they used their hoofs to feel what was behind them. While feeling the features of the object their eyes grew wide with fright as they came to the realization of what it was. They slowly turned their heads to see a dragon looking at them.
The two screamed and ran to their friends, hugging them. The dragon raised its head and roared, showing all of its body. It was a yellow dragon with green spikes going from its head to its tale. Everyone ran to the wall of the cave and huddled together in fear as the dragon approached them. Spike was in front of them, as the frightened fillies hugged each other for comfort. He looked at the approaching dragon and stood firm.
"Hey you big Meany," yelled out Spike sounding strong. The dragon stopped, looking at the baby dragon angrily. Spike lost all of his strength and almost collapsed but stood still. "Um, look, you're a dragon, I'm a dragon. So can't we get along and can't you let us go?" he asked with fear in his voice. The dragon just looked at him, still angry. "Please?" Spike added trying to look innocent. The dragon roared at him, making him fly back into the fillies. They all grabbed each other screaming as the dragon came closer.
Suddenly a rock hit the dragon's head, causing him to stop. "Hey, pick on someone your own size!" yelled out a pony from the entrance of the cave. The fillies stopped screaming and looked. It was Sunstone with a few bee stings all over him. The dragon roared at the pony and used its tail as a weapon. Sunstone jumped out of the way as the tail hit. The cave shook causing the entrance to become blocked by boulders.
"Sunstone, are you okay?" Twilight asked from the other side. "Yea. Go get help, I'll protect the girls," he said, standing up and running toward the fillies. He slid to a stop between them and the dragon. He got into a defensive position and yelled to the fillies, "Into the cave, I'll be just behind you!"
Everyone ran as Sunstone faced the dragon. The dragon blew fire at the colt but missed as Sunstone retreated into the cave. The dragon blew fire again but Sunstone was able to dodge behind a nearby rock. When the flames passed he galloped on, closely following the fillies. The dragon roared, chasing them into the cave and crashing into everything.
Sunstone was trying to think of how to slow down the dragon. He concentrated hard on what he wanted to manifest and after a few moment something appeared behind him. "You've got to be kidding me!?" he said, looking at the floating rubber duck. It dropped to the ground with a squeak as he tried again.
Every time he concentrated something different than what he wanted came out: a croquet mallet, a bowling ball, a cake, and what appeared to be a T.V. Before he was able to manifest something again the dragon blew fire at him. He lifted his back legs over his head, just avoiding the fire. Suddenly, tripping over a small rock he flipped forward, causing him to land on his back legs and run on them. He took several steps before he went back to normal. Now he was getting frustrated! He tried one more time and a wall appeared. "I'll take it!" he said, turning back to the fillies. The dragon rammed though the wall as though it were paper, charging at full speed.
After taking a sharp turn, Sunstone and the young ones came to the back of the cave. They all stopped inches from the wall before turning around. But it was too late. The dragon was now blocking their only exit. The dragon produced a smile and began to snicker. He took a deep breath, building up his fire. Sunstone looked back at the frightened fillies trembling behind him, then looked back at the dragon just about to release his fire. Sunstone used all of his mind to conjure what he wanted as the dragon released its fire. With a large roaring sound the fire engulfed everything.
The dragon stopped, looking pleased with itself. It was about to leave when out of the smoke he saw the ponies untouched. In front of the ponies was a gold and blue shield. Engraved on the front of the shield was a horseshoe with seven outward spokes. Sunstone opened his eyes and looked at the shield, "Finally!"
He looked at the angry dragon now approaching them. He then looked at the fillies, then back at his shield. "Spike," he whispered, "I need you to run with the fillies when I give the signal." Spike looked up at the colt, scared, "What about you?" The colt did not answer as he began to move.
"Hey you big fat no brain dragon!" Sunstone shouted now moving to the right. The dragon looked at the shield wielding colt. "Come at me greedy butt!" The dragon was enraged and blew fire at the colt. The fire hit the shield, deflecting around the colt. Spike saw that Sunstone looked at him, telling him to go. Spike took Apple Bloom's hoof and ran. All linked together they ran past the dragon. Moonstone then looked at her brother smiling at her before disappearing around the corner to safety.
The fire subsided as the colt was catching his breath. Keeping the shield up was draining his magic. He looked at the dragon one more time, "It's just you and me now." The dragon blew again and the colt held his ground.
Everything was now getting hazy for Sunstone. He felt wobbly, having a hard time concentrating. The dragon blew again and this time broke the shield, causing Sunstone to fly back. He was out of energy and magic, unable to move. He watched hazily as the dragon approached him. "Well, this is it, it was fun," he thought slowly, closing his eyes.
"Hey you big bully, leave our friend alone!" yelled out a strong voice coming from behind the dragon. Barely able to keep his eyes open, Sunstone could see a rainbow maned Pegasus zooming in and zipping around the dragon's head. A lasso then caught the dragon's mouth, holding it closed. The last thing he saw was a purple unicorn coming up to him. "You'll be alright," she said before he slipped out of consciousness.
"Wake up Sugarcube, you're safe now," a southern accent spoke softly. He slowly opened his eyes as everything came into focus. He could see all of his friends standing around his bed looking relieved. He got up, noticing that he was in the hospital. Suddenly Moonstone jumped into his arms crying.
"I'm so sorry," cried the little filly, burying her face into his chest. He looked confused for a bit until he remembered what had happened. He hugged the filly and smiled, "It's okay, we came out fine, and that's all that matters." He lifted her chin up and they looked at each other. Suddenly he made a silly face, causing her to laugh, "That's much better," he said
"How are Spike and the fillies?" he asked while doing a noogie to Moonstone. "They're doing fine, but they did get a strong talking to," answered Rarity. "Also the fillies wanted to say something to you," said Twilight. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom then walked up to him from behind her. "We're very sorry about what happened," said Sweetie Belle. "But it was so cool, the way he fought that dragon!" declared Scootaloo, letting out some punches. "Because you went beyond the call of duty we honor you with this medal for your brave rescue," said Apple Bloom as they all saluted, handing him a cardboard cutout of a medal. He took it and looked at it, "1# hero". He saluted back, "Thank you," then gave them a hug.
"Also, Moonstone," said Apple Bloom looking at her, "Being there in the face of danger and a good friend we give you this," and she handed her a folded piece of cloth. She opened it up, revealing a cap with an emblem of a pony with a cap. "You are now an honorary Cutie Mark Crusader," said Scootaloo. "Really? Thanks!" she said with glee as she put it on. "And our first mission is, helping the sick," declared Apple Bloom. " CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS DOCTORS," they all shouted. Moonstone hopped down and ran out the door with the fillies. "Wait, no," said Fluttershy softly, following the eager fillies.
When they left the room Pinkie Pie jumped onto the bed and began bouncing, " What happened, what happened, tell me, tell me!" "Pinkie, ow. Pinkie, ow. Pinkie, ow," he said, bouncing on the bed almost falling off. Suddenly a purple aura surrounded Pinkie, making her stop in midair, but she was still bouncing. Twilight moved her to the side of the bed, putting her down while she was still bouncing. Sunstone flipped himself upright, thanking Twilight. "Yea, what did happen with you and that dragon?" asked Rainbow Dash, hovering over the bed.
"Well you see, we were being chased by the dragon and I was trying to defend us by using magic. After several failed attempts I was able to conjure up a cool shield." He smiled proudly, "Hey I can show you, it is so cool!" He stood on his bed and concentrated. His horn glowed as a rubber duck appeared. Everyone started to laugh as he kneeled down looking frustrated, "We meet again my rubbery friend."
How to Fly
It was a calm morning as the Pegasuses were moving the clouds into position. Twilight and Sunstone were sitting atop a hill reading a book. Sunstone was looking at the Pegasuses while Twilight was reading out loud something about magic. He watched the Pegasuses flying around, some doing their weather jobs, others playing around, zipping in and out of the clouds.
"Pay attention, this is important!" declared Twilight, snapping Sunstone out of his trance.
She squinted her eyes, looking hard at him. He just grinned bigger, getting more nervous. "Good," she said slowly, finally responding, still squinting her eyes as she slowly turned back to her book. As she resumed reading, she smiled. "Now this spell is good for..." she started to read. Sunstone let out a small sigh as he began to lose interest and returned to the Pegasuses finishing their morning tasks.
After a few minutes of reading, Twilight felt something brush up against her back. Still looking at her book looking annoyed, she said in frustration, "Can you stop that, this part is very Important!" Sunstone quickly turned his head from the sky, looking puzzled, "I'm not doing anything." "Oh, really? We'll see about that." She turned her head to see what it was. What she saw made her jump off the grass in fright. With her sudden reaction Sunstone did the same, "What?! What's there?!" She was now able to see what it was more clearly and, looking surprised, pointed at Sunstone, "Your back!" Immediately he began circling around, freaking out, "Get it off me! Get it off me!"
Feeling exhausted after several times spinning around panicking, he came to a stop. "Is it gone," Sunstone said gasping for air. "No." Twilight answered calmly, "look.". He finally looked at his back to see what Twilight was talking about. His eyes widened with shock at what he saw: "Wings?!"
-theme song-
Back at the library Twilight and Sunstone were now with the rest of the gang. They were all looking amazed by the new adaptation to the stallion's back. The extended wings were bigger than a normal Pegasus' wings but smaller than the Alicorn's. They were golden, like his body, and extended outward.
"How did you acquire such wonderful wings?" asked Rarity, gawking at his wings. "Uh, I was looking at some Pegasus doing the weather, I imagined that I was flying with them soaring thought the clouds. So, I guess, they materialized while I was daydreaming, "he answered, rubbing his head as he looked at the wings. "Well, we had our laughs and frights but now it's time to put them away," said Twilight as she approached him getting ready her magic.
"Hold on!" he said as he took a step back, "This is a once in an lifetime opportunity!"
She stared blankly. Dropping him she asked, a little puzzled, "How to fly what?" After a moment of silence she regained her thoughts. "Oh yea, sorry. Well then, we better get started," she zoomed down and picked him back up by his front legs.
"Hold on you two," Twilight said lifting her hoof up to stop them. Rainbow stopped, dropping Sunstone with a thud. "I have a feeling that this is a prediction of things to come," Sunstone said laying on the ground. "What's wrong Twilight?" he asked peeling himself of the ground. "This isn't some magic wings like I did for Rarity. They're real, as far as your magic goes. You can get hurt, or worse," Twilight said, looking a little concerned. "Come on, please!" Sunstone begged her going to his knees, "I promise I'll study harder after this, please!" She looked down at him now grabbing her leg still pleading. Twilight raised a hoof to her face and let out a strong sigh, "Fine." He sprung up, jumping for joy. "But make sure no one sees you, you kind of look like you're related to the princess and I don't what to have any commotions, understated?" she said strongly. "Yea, yea, yea, everything will be fine. He's with me," Rainbow Dash said as she scooped up Sunstone again. "That's what I'm afraid about." replied Twilight looking serious.
She flew to the front door carrying him. As soon as she went through the door, Sunstone's extended wings got caught by the door frame resulting in Rainbow Dash letting go. He bounced back into the library, hitting a book shelf and making the books fall on top of him. Looking a little dazed Sunstone spoke, "Maybe I need to learn how to close these wings first."
Next thing he knew he was looking down from a tall cliff taking a large gulp, questioning what he got himself into. "Are you sure that this is the best way to learn how to fly?" he question backing away from the edge of the cliff. "Best? Fastest is the best way, so let's get started," Rainbow Dash said, picking Sunstone up and putting him into position. "Now all you have to do is jump off."
He took a few steps back, swallowing a large lump in his throat, and tried to prepare himself. He closed his eyes, breathed deeply, and... just stood there. "You know what, I change my mind, I don't really need to know how to fly now. I have all my life to do this and..." "There's no time like now!" interrupted Rainbow Dash smacking him on his butt. He neighed as he galloped forward. His wings were still extended, still not knowing how to move them, and his eyes were closed as he ran off the cliff. Soon enough he could feel the wind in his mane as the air blew past his face. Joy began to grow from inside him as he realized he was flying. "I'm flying... I'm flying, I'm really flying!" he yelled in pure excitement.
"No, you're falling," he heard Rainbow Dash's voice from above him. He eminently opened his eyes, now to find himself falling head first. He screamed in terror, flailing his legs about, "Help, what do I do, what do I do?!" he said panicky. "Keep calm and lift yourself up," she said calmly as she coasted above. "How do I do that?!" he asked trying to calm himself down. "You move with your head, so if you lift your head up, your body will follow," she replied looking more relaxed than concerned. He tucked his legs in and started to lift his head in hope that his body would follow. With a large grunt he lifted his body, just missing the ground. After several panicky breaths he realized what he was doing. "I'm flying, I'm flying, I'm really flying!" he cheered happily again. "No, you're gliding," Rainbow Dash corrected him, above him flying on her back looking relaxed. "Oh, well, this is still fantastic," he said, all proud of himself.
Suddenly he crashed into a tree and fell to the ground landing on his back. "I'm landing, I'm landing," he said in a daze, covered in branches and leaves. You could hear Rainbow Dash giggling up in the tree, sitting on a branch, "No, ha-ha, you crashed." "Oh, okie-dokie." He tried to get up but was too dizzy to walk straight. "I think I should go a bit slower this time, maybe I'll go check on Fluttershy for a bit, okay?" He walked off trying to keep himself up as Rainbow Dash laughed in the distance.
He and Fluttershy stood together, getting ready for a lesson about flying from her. "I'm sorry your first attempt with Rainbow Dash did not go as well as you hoped, I'm sure she was trying her best," she said softly letting out a small smile. "Yea, anyway, can you remind me what are we doing here again?" he asked, as he looked down a little puzzled. "Oh, sorry, you're going to learn how to glide," she answered softly.
He lifted an eyebrow and looked at her, "Um, is this really necessary?" She then began to sink into herself, "Oh, um, well, if you don't want to do it... then it's fine... we can do, um, something else."
"Um Fluttershy, not that this isn't great and all but can you teach me how to move these wings first before we attempt to do more jumping over, um, hills today?" Fluttershy turned around and just smiled back, "Oh, okay, if that's what you want."
Twilight came walking up to Fluttershy's house. She walked up to Fluttershy's door and gave it a knock. She stood there for a moment before knocking again. She lifted her hoof up to her chin, rubbing it. "Maybe she's in the back taking care of the animals again?" she asked herself. She left the front door and began to walk around to the back. "I hope she's not doing more massages like last time." she said feeling nervous.
As she got around to the other side of the house she saw some rope lying on the ground. She followed it until she notices that there was rope everywhere, on the trees, the bushes, and the ground. As she kept going she could hear some noises from a nearby tree. Looking up she spotted two ponies dangling, all tied up. Sunstone was upside down with his legs bound and Fluttershy was in knots hanging by one hind leg as both ponies struggled to get themselves free.
"What in Celestia's name is going on here?!" she shouted in shock. Sunstone looked down at Twilight, looking a little surprised, "Oh, um, hi Twilight, uh, how are you this fine day?" he said, as if nothing had happened, letting out a nervous smile. "Uh, good?" she answered looking confused as she approached the two ponies, "and you?" He struggled a little bit looking at the rope around his legs then back to Twilight. "Oh you know, hanging." he answered with a large grin. Looking face to face he could see she was not amused. "Okay, fine, that was a bad joke. I really have to get better at that."
"Okay, what's going on here?" Twilight declared. "Well, we were..." he suddenly stopped as his face went blank. After a few moments, he turned head his toward Fluttershy and asked, "What were we doing again?" After a few struggling grunts, Fluttershy answered. "You were, um, trying to learn how to move your wings," she answered as she spun around, "Oh dear." "Oh yea, see, I can move them now!" he said looking at his wings moving them. The rope wrapped around his wings restricted most of his movement as he did so. Sunstone then turned back to Twilight, smiling.
After a few moments of silence Sunstone spoke up as he was spinning around. "Um, all of the blood it going to my head, so can you help us get down, please?" he asked, still smiling at Twilight. She looked at him intently before doing anything. She used her magic to untangle Sunstone's rope, making him drop to the floor with a thud. "Ow, thanks," he said on his back. She then went to Fluttershy, doing the same but putting her down gently. After Fluttershy thanked her, she went back to Sunstone, now up on his legs.
"Okay, that's it, you had your fun, but I think it's time to head back to the library now." Twilight commanded.
Sunstone and Twilight walked back to the Library together. He was looking at his wings as he opened and closed them. He then stopped what he was doing and looked at Twilight, "Anyway, why did you come to Fluttershy's place anyway?"
Twilight was suddenly picked up off her hoofs, being hugged strongly. "Yes! Thank you Twilight!" he hugged her as tightly as he could. "Too tight!" she said, trying to breathe. "Sorry," he let her go, "but really, I can come?!" Catching her breath, she nodded, "Yes, I explained it to the Princess and she agreed, but her response was a little strange." His wings extended with excitement. He jumped for joy, going higher than normal. "This is so exciting, I can't wait!"
As the two were discussing about the party, they unknowingly walked walking into town. Scaring them, they heard a screeching scream from behind. "A prince!" yelled a pony. "Who, what, where?" cried out Sunstone looking frantically all around him. "Where?!" yelled another pony appearing out of the front door of one of the houses. "A prince?" two more popped out from around another building
"I think we should go, NOW!" yelled Twilight running into town. Without saying another word, Sunstone bolted, following Twilight. Soon enough a horde of ponies were chasing them around town, as Sunstone and Twilight tried everything they could think of to elude the crowd.
The mob of ponies ran past a water fountain. Sunstone was on top standing on his rear legs with his wings extended, spitting out water, and Twilight was at the base holding a vase pouring water. They looked at the passed crowd then ran the other direction.
The mob now ran past a wedding store. Standing in place of the models, Sunstone was wearing a black suit and a top hat and Twilight was wearing a white wedding dress. After the group moved on they bolted away jumping out of the clothes.
Twilight and Sunstone were running until they came to a stoplight at an intersection. It turned red and they both came to a screeching stopped. As they watched, a gray Pegasus with a yellow mane and crossed eyes slowly fluttered by. As soon as it passed the light changed back to green and they resumed their escape.
As the two ran another street merged into theirs. They were joined by a caramel pony with a brown mane and the mark of three blue horseshoes. He ran beside the two ponies looking frightened. "What's your problem?" Sunstone asked the caramel pony who was breathing hard. He looked at Sunstone, "Broke a Pinky promise!" They both looked back at a raging pink pony chasing the caramel pony. "You?" the caramel pony asked, looking back at Sunstone. "They think I'm a alicorn." Sunstone answered as both looked at the group of ponies behind him. "Lucky you." The street soon forked and they continued on their separate chases.
"Do you hear that?" Sunstone asked Twilight as he looked around, still running from the mob. "Hear what?" she answered. "Kooky chase music, don't you hear it?!" Looking a little concerned, she answered, "No, why does it matter?!" "Oh no reason, just confirming something."
Not knowing where they were running, they soon came to a cliff. The two stopped inches away from the edge. "Why in Celestia's name is there a cliff in Ponyville?!" panicked Sunstone, looking back at the mob of ponies. "What do we do?" Twilight asked looking at Sunstone. He looked over the cliff then looked at the oncoming ponies, then back again.
"Get on me," Sunstone said, facing the edge of the cliff.
He stood up as she held on tight. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply as he prepared himself. He snapped his eyes open and leapt forward just escaping the oncoming ponies. He plunged downward as Twilight screamed. He tucked his legs in and extended his wings to their fullest. He lifted his head swooping himself up just missing the ground. He flew up into the sky, away from the ponies and the ground.
Twilight still screaming in terror, Sunstone cheered as he looked around, "We're flying, we're flying, ha-ha!". Sunstone now turned to Twilight trying to calm her down., "You can stop now, we're fine." She slowly stopped and one by one she opened each eye. Looking down, she let out a squeal of fright, "How are you doing this?" as she held on tighter. "Help from Dash and Fluttershy, and from observing Pegasuses for a long time." He answered grinning for joy.
He soared high into the sky, passing through the clouds, only flapping to keep going. "Um, Sunstone?" Twilight said, looking down, "Don't you think this is high enough? We are already safe from the..." She stopped as she looked at Sunstone, his eyes closed and smiling. He was enjoying every moment of the experience and was oblivious to everything. She smiled as she decided to enjoy the ride.
He soared over the clouds, heading towards the lowering sun. After a few moments of bliss Sunstone spoke. "It's exactly how I dreamed it would be," he said slowly opening his eyes and looking at the sun, "How it feels, how it looks, the sensation is just, wow!" "Yes, it is beautiful," she said, as she smiled looking at the setting sun as she laid her head on top of his, sighing. He blushed looking up at Twilight, then looking back at the horizon letting out a small smile "Yea."
They flew a bit over Ponyville and now passed Apple Acres. Sunstone looked around, fascinated with how the world looked from above, and Twilight, as she never had time to just enjoy flying, just relaxed on Sunstone. Every once in a while a Pegasus would pass by, waving a hello to them as Sunstone tried to hide his horn so as not to cause another commotion.
As they both relaxed watching the sun and flying ever higher, there was a sudden jerk from Sunstone that almost knocked off Twilight. "What just happened?!" Twilight asked, holding tight to Sunstone and looking around him. Sunstone, also looking around, looked back at her in fear, "I don't know!"
Suddenly there was another jerk as they lost some altitude while Sunstone began to feel funny around his wings. He looked behind to see what was going on, "My wings!" Twilight looked at his wings and fear filled her face. Sunstone's wings were fading in and out of reality. "We've got to land now!" she commanded him, starting to panic. "I'm trying but I can't move my wings anymore!" Soon enough his wings then disappeared altogether and both ponies looked at each other with wide eyes. They both hugged each other, screaming as they began to fall.
Twilight and Sunstone were screaming flailing their legs about. "Sunstone, do something!" yelled Twilight.
He stopped flailing about and looked down, then looked at Twilight. "What if I don't conjure up the right thing?" He said as he began to doubt himself. "You'll do fine. You have been training for the last several months and you have greatly improved. You just have to believe in yourself as I believe in you, now concentrate!" Twilight said putting a hoof to his cheek looking into his eyes. He smiled at her, then looked down at the approaching ground. He closed his eyes and concentrated. His horn glowed blue when suddenly a pair of old boots appeared. He open his eyes, "Nope." He concentrated again and this time a long flute appeared, "Nope." Trying again he got a grapefruit, "Nope." he repeated displeased.
"Um, Sunstone," Twilight spoke up, looking at the ground, "Hurry up!" "I'm trying, I'm trying!" he answered as a large root appeared. He thought hard of what he could do, looking down and seeing the ground getting now dangerously close.
Sunstone suddenly had an idea and concentrated as hard as he could on it. His horn glowed brighter and brighter as he concentrated on the thought. Suddenly on the ground a giant rubber duck appeared. They both landed on it with a loud squeak as they bounced up and down on it before landing on the ground safely. The duck then disappeared soon after with a flash of light.
They both sat there for a bit before looking at each other. They started to laughed. "A rubber duck?" Twilight blurted out. "It's all I could think of that might work," Sunstone answered having a hard time breathing as he fell to the ground.
They laughed for some time before they could catch their breath.
Twilight and Sunstone were in the Library with all of their friends discussing the day's activates. Twilight was acting out her experience while the others were laughing. Sunstone was sitting nearby just smiling, reflecting on the events of the day. "This was one wonderful day, I actually got to fly! But I also learned a few things too. It's great to get things that you wish for but it's better when you realize what you have," he said as he looked at his friends laughing. "It's also important to accept who you are and not wish to be something else. Also you learn what's important when you are falling to your death! Like what is really important," He thought as he looked at Twilight, his eyes began to fill with dread, "I just hope there is still some time left."