Author's Note

Hold on there Jethro! You're about to read a chapter that's actually a little sad at first! There's some implied Age Regression in here too, so if that don't float your boat, turn back!

The First Funky Chapter

"I believe it's coming to that time of the decade again, dear sister." Princess Celestia groaned.

"Already? It seems only yesterday you last visited the Fountain." Princess Luna responded.

"It seems like I've had need of it more frequently, doesn't it?" Celestia said, arching a brow.
"As long as it still gets rid of these aches in my joints, I don't mind."

"Very well, I shall hold down the castle as you make your trip during my night, sister."

"Thank you, Luna."

———

Princess Celestia sighed longingly, deep in thought. I sometimes wish I were not in charge of Equestria. Then perhaps my journey to the Fountain wouldn’t be every few years. Celestia shook her head, clearing her mind of the selfish ideas.

She was ready to begin her trip to the Fountain, not that it required much physical preparation. It lay hidden in the crystal caves beneath Canterlot, nestled behind a wall of sapphirine gems with only the most imperceptible crack. The only clue to the treasure hidden within was the sound of the ever-flowing water of the Fountain should one press their ear against the fissure.

Celestia flew to the entrance of the caves, finding herself contemplating again the same troublesome thoughts that each trip brought. Such a blessing and yet a curse to bear, knowing of Canterlot's best kept secret. Why must I watch the ponies I care for find peace in death, yet I am ever needed in this mortal plane? She shook her head again, reaffirming herself in the truth that, without her and her knowledge, pony society would crumble and evil forces would plunder her beloved nation. She knew this responsibility could not merely be shrugged off. Thankfully the same is not true of my tiredness.

She steeled her nerves and entered the cave, the ever present damp of the underground greeting her. As she lit her horn alight, she glanced passively at her reflections in the crystals. She trudged through the twists and turns of the labyrinth, recalling the times she explored the caves with her sister. It seemed so long ago such young sisters had managed to spin the lie that they were deities unable to die; the eternal rulers swearing to never leave Equestria’s side as joint rulers.

Celestia soon stood before the all too familiar crack in the crystals, carefully placing her ear against the crack. She listened for the sound of the water, which called as loud and true as the first day. Her horn glowing, she cast the teleportation spell to pass the crystal wall. Once there, the Fountain’s majesty humbled her anew. The clear water shimmered, seeming to give off a faint glow, unnaturally illuminating the otherwise dark section of the cave. It looked just like the fountain in Ponyville square.

She smirked, greeting the Fountain in her mind. Hello, Fountain of Youth. I've come to visit again. It's been too long. How have you been? She laughed a bit; talking to the Fountain as an old friend. As she thought the conversation through, she began to approach the waters.

However, her approach faltered. Her hoof struck a crystal jutting out of the ground, casting her ornamental horseshoe to the side and tangling her steps. Luckily, she was able to catch herself before tumbling into the Fountain. Phew, that would have been bad. I don't dare think what would have happened were I to fall in... She sighed in relief and continued her approach. She levitated a small, unastounding cup she had brought and dipped it into the Fountain. The cup filled to the brim, she brought it up to her mouth and gulped it down. The refreshment was nearly instantaneous, her aches beginning to dissolve and her coat regaining its brilliant white sheen.

Ah, that feels so nice. She turned around with renewed vigor and trotted back towards the wall hiding the Fountain. Or, as fate would have it, she would have had she not slipped on her horseshoe that fell off earlier. She reeled backwards and fell into the Fountain with a large splash. Her calm composure was all but gone, panicking and clenching her eyes as she scrambled from the smooth interior of the fountain. Crawling out and tumbling onto the crystalline floor, she shivered in the cold wetness and the dark of the cave. The soft glow of the water in her coat faded and she was left dark.

Celestia rubbed the water from her eyes and slowly opened them. The world was much bigger than it was a moment ago.

Oh no.