Chapters Avatar: The Legend of Twilight
Book One: Fire
Prologue
Ponies of Ponyville roamed about in their everyday business. The weather was sunny, but not hot, and the skies were almost clear. It seemed as though the pegasi, were finishing their job of clearing the clouds, making it seem like a good day, if not, perfect. The birds chirped a song of nature, and a light breeze flew throughout the calmness of the land, causing the trees sway gently. Everything seemed fine, but that was only on the surface...
Somewhere below ground, a group of earth ponies were planning something big.
"Hey Gravel Hoof, are you ready?" the red stallion-known as the Lieutenant- asked.
"Ready, Lieutenant. Today is the day that we finally show the world who we are, and what we're going to do. Let's call Sombra, he told us to call him first," Gravel Hoof replied.
The Lieutenant then picked up the telephone, his thoughts buzzing on what he should say to his leader. Gravel Hoof noticed his expression and snickered.
"Should've wrote what you wanted to say to leader like you did with the speech," he said.
Lieutenant rolled his eyes, raising his hoof in front of the gray pony's face. Gravel Hoof was loyal and cunning, but still wasn't smart enough to keep his darn mouth shut. He could be so stupid at times, it was hard to even believe he was his partner.
"Will you be quiet-"
"Hello. Lieutenant?" another pony's voice said on the other side of the phone. It was Sombra, the leader. His voice was deep, and intimidating, even to his associates. The red stallion straightened his posture, as if his leader was facing him in this very room, right now.
"Oh- hello, Le- Sombra, it's Brick. Er, I mean, Lieutenent. Vice versa."
"I can tell, and speak properly. I can't have you announce the start of a revelation with you sounding like a colt in pony school!"
"My apologies, sir." From the corner of Brick's eye, he could see Gravel snickering. He gave the gray stallion a threatening glare. Almost instantly, the snickering stopped, but that annoying expression remained on his face.
"Hm. Anyways, did you properly hack the radio system?" Sombra asked, breaking the Lieutenant's glare.
"Yes. Once the microphone turns on, the speech will be heard by ponies all across Equestria."
"Excellent. Now, begin. I do not want to waste precious seconds with a simple phone call."
The call ended quickly. The red stallion nodded towards Gravel Hoof, who lifted the microphone, and handed it to Lieutenant's own hooves, and turned it on.
Radios all across Equestria stopped their usual broadcasting. At first, there was a sharp, static noise. Then, silence.
This rarely happened, and ponies put their hooves to work as they tried to fix their radio, in confusion, frustration and worry. But it was no use. It was if a force was controlling the radios. And, there was. Not exactly a force, a pony. Somewhere below...
There was quietude.
After that, a voice was heard. But not a regular broadcaster pony. This voice was... unrecognizable. Static blended into the voice as well, but it wasn't loud enough so that anypony couldn't hear the mysterious voice.
"Greetings, Equestria. I know this may seem a little out of the blue, but I assure you, this speech won't be long, and things are about to change.
For the better.
"Now, let me give you a quick story. Ever since the beginning of Equestria, earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi lived in harmony. Ha! It's probably written somewhere on the page of a book, in some dusty ol' library. But be honest, my fellow earth ponies. Was it always so harmonic? Benders- they think they have all the power in the world! Which, I must say, is true! I bet they're so full of themselves, showing off their wings or horns to normal ponies, bragging about the fact that they can bend an element, while we non-benders hide in their shadow, disgraceful of how we are nothing more than simple ponies who can't do anything! But now, we can change that. We have the power in our hooves, the power to change the world! Soon, the elements; fire, air, water, earth, and magic will be no more! Nopony will have to be different- everything will be equal! You will see.
"The most important part of my speech is that, earth ponies, we need you. We need you to join us, to form an alliance against the tyranny of benders! We will start our revolution, starting one place at a time, and we need the power! Our power is stronger together, enough to take down this twisted world of bender ponies! Still not convinced? Sozin's comet- a comet that only happens every 100 years, will enhance the powers of fire-bending ponies. I bet that they're so desperate to stop us from achieving equality, they'll harness the comet's power to annihilate us. Who knows? Its likely though, and the comet is coming in what, a month? Beware, you never know with the fire ponies. Even the Equestrian Council, the Fire-bender Representative, Miss Fire Lily, is already planning to do what I had just said, because I know. I can feel it.
"Speaking of Sozin, it's almost funny, because Sozin was a fire pony who wanted to conquer Equestria into a fire nation! He even tried to wipe out the air ponies, but don't worry, pegasi. We will show *some mercy. But who will control the weather? Oh why, nature, of course! We cannot risk having a single pegasus throw off our plan of equality, and it certainly wouldn't be fair that they have power, while the earth ponies and the soon-to-be non-bending unicorns look up to them, I mean, literally! Always up in the sky, showing the sin of sloth by napping on a cloud. And that, little ponies, is not a lie.*
"Alas, we will have a convocation soon, and benders who secretly sneak in will automatically be volunteers to be stripped of their bending. Our leader, Sombra, will handle them. And soon, benders will be extinct.
"Finally, if you're wondering who we are, who Sombra is or anything, time will tell you the answers soon. But who are we, the light in the dark, shadowy world of bender ponies?
We, are the equalist ponies."
"I win again!" Twilight Sparkle declared, raising her hooves in victory. Shining Armor, her older brother, simply smiled. His little sister had won Pai Sho for the third time they had played today, and he was impressed with her skills.
"You know Twilight, you've gotten much better. The first time you played Pai Sho you threw all of the pieces to the floor," Shining Armor said, chuckling at his sister. Twilight grinned, then began to clean up. That was enough of Pai Sho for one day, let alone one week. She instead wanted to finish reading her book, The Adventures of Starswirl, which was a novel about the adventures of a young but still quite powerful Starswirl, and it was almost like a biography, though it was more exciting and action-packed.
Twilight looked out the window, then back at Shining Armor. She almost forgot that today was a lucky day, as her brother was actually here with her, instead of guarding Canterlot and what not. Even though the role of guarding Canterlot was considered an honor and highly important, she wanted being with her brother the most important thing, more than patroling the royal castle. Sure, it sounded selfish, but still.
"Shiny, what do you want to do the next time you're not working?" Twilight asked. She regretted saying it as the words slid out of her mouth. She already knew the answer. And, it wasn't a good one, either.
The white stallion gave her a small, sad smile. He opened his mouth to speak, then quickly closing it, as if reconsidering on what he wants to say. Finally, he spoke, slowly as if he had all the time in the world. He didn't, of course, as today was probably his only day-off until who knows when. Time goes fast, and the next morning, the two siblings won't have any time to play Pai Sho, or anything. Just a quick hug and goodbyes, then Shining Armor was out the door.
"Look, Twily, I really... I don't exactly know the next time I'm not going to work. Canterlot needs more protection after the, um, radio got hacked."
"Oh... it's okay. I- its, um... understandable," the lavender unicorn replied, remembering how athe radio got hacked, right when she left her prestigious school of magic, 'The Canterlot Academy of Magic'. She tried to smile sympathetically, but her purple eyes had a different emotion; sadness. Lowering her head, she imagined herself in her brother's position; he probably felt sadness too.
All of a sudden, the silence quickly broke as Spike barged into the door, panting, with light yellow frosting smeared around his mouth.
"Twi-" he quickly stopped speaking as he took a few more breaths, exhausted from stuffing his face with a cupcake and racing towards the stairs.
Spike looked at Twilight Sparkle, then Shining Armor. Both of their expressions said two things; confusion, and judging by their raised eyebrows, something was wrong. But with what? Then the dragon quickly realized why the two ponies were raising their eyebrows- the cupcake! They were staring at the smear of yellow! He hastily licked off the remaining frosting, embarrassed.
"Sorry about that- I was eating a cupcake, then your parents, they-" Spike quickly took a breath, "they told me to bring you downstairs, somepony's here to talk to you!"
Twilight glanced at her brother, then back at Spike, her mind buzzing with thoughts. Who was this 'somepony'? Why did she or he wanted to talk to her? What happened? What's going on? What did she even do?
Slowly, the lavender unicorn got up, landing on her hooves with a slight thud, then followed the dragon downstairs, with her brother following behind. Twilight Sparkle was nervous. Her hooves were shaky as she walked, and she glanced from the stairs to the ceiling. She felt like she was sweating, but when she raised her hoof to feel her forehead, it was dry, free of any sweat. She was only warm, and she was sure it wasn't some nervous fever, thankfully.
When the trio finally reached the first floor of their house, her parents, Twilight Velvet and Nightlight, were sitting still as stone on one of their dining room chairs. The chairs had velvet cushions, and were so comfortable that Twilight loved to sit on them while reading a book. Her house also seemed much cleaner than usual- not that her house wasn't neat, but she definitely could tell the difference. The wooden dining table now had a potted orchid plant, an ivory-colored, lace table runner, and there was a few white candles lit around the orchid. Twilight Velvet's mane was neatly groomed, as if she was going to a formal event; it was also the same for the purple unicorn's father, Nightlight, whose mane was slicked back with a little bit of gel.
Velvet smiled at her daughter. She knew that Twilight was confused at the moment, and so she began to tell her daughter what was going on, though she didn't reveal too much- she didn't even know what the little event was about, although she knew who the guest was. All she said was that somepony important was going to be here, and not to worry, as she wasn't in trouble. Twilight seemed a bit more relieved, but still unsure. Gently, Velvet brushed a lock of the lavender unicorn's mane out of her face, in attempt to calm her. Her expression still remained slightly nervous. Velvet sighed; she didn't blame her. Who knows what the certain guest- pony will say, or when they will arrive.
Knock, knock.
Twilight gasped. The moment had finally come. Was it a test? The unicorn mare was always prepared for tests- tests that she knew were going to take, not surprises! Twilight took a deep breath. She assured herself everything will be alright. Her parents said so. Shining Armor would've said the same, and Spike didn't seem worried. Of course they shouldn't be. They weren't the ones talking to anypony they don't know. Twilight bit her lip, and tapped the table's surface with her hoof repeatedly.
Her father opened the door. Two ponies arrived, both dressed in navy blue and white coats, with a wooden badge that not only added a touch of embellishment, but also seemed to connect the cape together. Twilight squinted at the badge. It... it almost looked like a Pai Sho tile. It was a lotus. She furrowed her eyebrows. It didn't make any sense- she'd seen regular Canterlot guards (especially her brother, as he was a Canterlot guard) but their outfits were different than these ponies. But she lifted her head a little bit higher, and realized that there was another pony.
The two guards marched into her house, while the third pony followed. Twilight's eyes and mouth widened.
"Pr-Princess Celestia!" She blurted, another gasp escaping her mouth. Quickly, the mare bowed back to the white alicorn, her pastel- rainbow mane flowing, with a large headpiece behind her head, and golden accessories gleaming from the sunlight. Her sunlight.
The princess smiled, and raised a hoof to the guards, then the doors. The two quickly closed the doors at her command, even though she didn't say anything. On the other hoof, Twilight was feeling the opposite- she had so, so much to say, but didn't know where to start.
"I'm going to apologize in advance, but I can't help it! Why, Princess Celestia, are you here? Did I do something wrong, is anything wrong? What in Equestria is going on?!"
Spike ran over to the now breathing- heavily unicorn, his eyes worried. "Are you okay?" he whispered.
"Greetings Twilight Sparkle. We've set up a brief meeting at your house. We have things to discuss..."
Celestia's voice trailed off as she took a seat on one of the velvet-cushioned chairs, the two stallion guards with the Pai Sho badge standing on either side of her. Now, everyone was sitting.
At first, there was silence. Celestia cleared her throat, and spoke her words as smooth as honey.
"Now, I assure you that you have done nothing wrong, Twilight Sparkle. But I will say that we have important news, news that even your family didn't know before, until now. Let me give you some more... information.
"Twilight, after going to the spirit world, we've found a new and easier way to find the new avatar. And by we, I mean the White Lotus."
She nodded her head at the guards beside her side. Both stallions saluted.
Avatar?
"The Order of the White Lotus is a secret organization that helps find the avatar, watch over criminal ponies, and other helpful tasks. But enough said- you will learn more about, well, everything, Twilight Sparkle," one of the guards spoke. She didn't pay attention to whose mouth spoke those words.
"Okay... what's the big surprise?"
Celestia straightened herself, then whispered something to both of the White Lotus guards before looking back at Twilight. She cleared her throat.
"The big news is... you are the avatar."
Twilight and her family gasped. Spike fainted, though he probably faked it. That didn't matter, because Princess Celestia, the ruler of Equestria who raises the sun every single day, said that she, Twilight Sparkle, a simple lavender unicorn mare living in Canterlot, is somehow the avatar. The impossible had just happened, seconds ago.
"I understand how... uncertain you are. But don't worry. Everything will make sense, it will take some time." Celestia said calmly, now walking towards a frozen Twilight.
"I-I am the avatar?" she asked in disbelief.
"Indeed."
"Your highness- are you sure that you are... accurate?"
Celestia nodded. "Of course. We've been looking for the avatar for a while, and all of our examinations have led us to you, Twilight Sparkle.
"I'm very sorry for such little time I have, because I have to handle the whole equalist- situation. But I have two last things to say to you. You will have to face the equalists soon, and it won't be easy, which is completely okay. Soon you will do your part in bringing harmony to Equestria. The last thing is that I wanted to do is give you these books. The text is ancient, created a long time ago, but newly restored."
One of the White Lotus members reached for a bag hidden in his cape, revealing two leather bound books and a book that looked like a stack of old papers. The stallion was a green earth pony, with ruby red eyes and an orange mane, mostly tucked under a headpiece with a similar color scheme to that of his cape. One by one, he placed the books onto the table, and then saluted. Nightlight nodded at Twilight, who then levitated the three books towards her, and examined them.
The first book was perhaps the newest looking out of all of them, though Celestia had said that the text was ancient, revived and restored. The cover had golden corners, and the title was called, "The Guide to The Five Elements," and was surrounded with five symbols that represented the five elements.
The second book was significantly thicker, and even a little bit heavy- despite the fact that Twilight was levitating it- and the leather was more a a burgundy-red color. A silver plate was in the center, and carved into it was the title; 'The Complete Adventurer's Resource: By A.K. Yearling," along with a small sapphire imbedded below the carved words. A red ribbon was attached to the spine of the book, and attached to the ribbon was a small, silver compass.
Then, there was the third and final book. Out of all the books Twilight Sparkle had seen, this was probably the most flimsiest, and even a bit pathetic. The only thing that kept the whole book together were the many stitches, and the cover... It was strange, not like anything she had ever seen in her life. It seemed, at first, fragile, but when she tried to bend it with her magic, it was actually somewhat sturdy. Guess I shouldn't judge a book by its cover , Twilight thought. Until she opened the book. Emptiness. The sheets of papyrus that made up the book's pages were just empty. Immediately, Twilight frowned.
"Princess Celestia, I don't mean to be... rude, but this book... it's empty. Is this some kind of... journal?"
"Oh, you'll see, my faithful student. You'll need it soon. Patience is key."
Twilight's eyes widened. Faithful student? She couldn't believe it! The purple mare smiled, bouncing around the alicorn princess as she did when she got her cutie mark, a magenta, six-pointed star, surrounded with smaller, white stars.
"I'm going to be... your student?" she squealed, still bouncing up and down.
"Yes. I will be your spiritual master. You won't have any lessons for now, however. Like I said, be patient."
"Before I go, Twilight, are there any questions you would like to ask me?" asked Celestia.
Twilight stopped bouncing, then faced the princess. "I have so many questions to ask... but I will-um, ask you... three. No, four." she stammered. Celestia nodded. Before asking, she whispered something to Spike, who swiftly got out a paper and quill, already dipped in ink, prepared to take notes from Princess Celestia's answers. Then, the lavender unicorn finally asked her first question.
"Why didn't you tell me that I was the avatar when I was... a filly? I would've handled the whole revelation situation thing by now."
Celestia shook her head.
"It would've been to early. The pony is informed of his or her's destiny as being the avatar when they have become more... mature." she responded. It made sense. How could a little filly even understand the role of being the avatar?
"Secondly, how can I communicate with you?" Twilight asked.
"When I was scheduling the whole meeting with your parents, I gave them my number so that you can call me. I also found out that you have a dragon, who can send letters to me with his fire breath, which I strongly recommend that you do so. Use the telephone for when there's no time to write." Princess Celestia replied.
Twilight cleared her throat. "Third, um... how does the whole avatar thing... work? I mean, I've never looked that deep in the topic."
Celestia looked down at the wooden floor, pondering on how to answer such a question. The answer would probably long, but Twilight was eager to know more on her role as being the avatar and such. Finally, her mentor took a deep breath, then answered in her most regal voice.
"The avatar is the bridge between the mortal world, which is this place we call our home, and the spirit world, a parallel plane of reality that coexists our world, and obviously, as you can infer from its name, the home to spirits of many shapes and sizes. It's very hard for a regular pony to get to the spirit world, but you can do it easily, through meditation.
"The avatar is also the only one who can bend all five elements, which are water, earth, fire, air and magic. And here's a little fact; all earth, water, magic, and fire- benders are unicorns, and pegasi are air-benders, right? Well, alicorns- like myself, can bend all forms of magic, and a special type of magic exclusive to, well, alicorns. It is alicorn magic.
"You will soon be a fully-realized avatar, which means you can control all five elements, and the avatar state, a state in which you are most powerful, but also the most vulnerable. If you are killed in the avatar state, the avatar cycle will not continue.
"Speaking of the avatar cycle, its a cycle in which the avatar spirit is reincarnated when you... pass away, of course, not when you are in the avatar state. The previous avatar was a unicorn named Sunset Shimmer. She wasn't actually a fully-realized avatar, and perhaps the only one, but I rather not talk about it. You can also talk to your past lives, for wisdom.
"And, since you're probably wondering, the avatar spirit's name is Raava. She is an alicorn spirit, the spirit of harmony, light and basically the universal spirit of good. If she is removed from the avatar, or in this case, you, and also destroyed, the avatar cycle will end.
"And, all in all, the avatar is the one who brings balance to the world."
Twilight looked at Spike, who was rapidly taking notes, then back at Celestia. What was her final question? Her thoughts started to buzz, like earlier when she was told by Spike that somepony was going to see her. She knew that she could communicate with Celestia by either phone or letters, but what question should she ask, one that needs an answer right away, face to face, right now?
"Princess Celestia, what should I first do now that I know my role as the avatar?" Twilight asked, this time with less nervous-ness and more confidence. The other White Lotus member, a gray-colored unicorn, started to walk close to the door, and so did the green earth pony. They were preparing to leave. Finally, Princess Celestia followed them, and before exiting, turned back to find the purple mare's eyes looking back at her own.
"Your first task is to go to Ponyville, since that's where a lot of Equalist activity is. And while you're there, make some friends. It'll help you master the element of magic, since your cutie mark seems to represent it. Soon you will fully master it!" the Princess answered back before heading out the door and entering her chariot, along with the White Lotus guards. Then, four pegasi (not White Lotus guards, just Celestia's) began to pull the chariot, and soon enough, they were making their way back to the Royal Castle.
After the Sun Princess' departure, the next couple of days had been filled with reading and studying for Twilight Sparkle. She decided to start with the book that she picked up first, the one about the five elements. The Adventurers's resource wasn't needed for now, as Twilight wasn't going anywhere besides Ponyville, but that wasn't much of an adventure. And the strange, empty book... Twilight didn't even bother with it, but she didn't write in it either.
The stitched pages of nothingness were simply set aside, away from the two other books. She'd only continue with reading about the elements, and decided that fire might be the first element she wanted to learn about, since Spike was a fire-breathing dragon and might know a thing or two to help her, and Sozin's comet was coming very soon, which might enhance her abilities. Then she remembered the equalists, how they were going to wipe out every single bender. The avatar was obviously a bender... But do they know that she was the one? Twilight shook her head. She shouldn't worry about that, not now.
The day had came, the day in which she was leaving Canterlot, her home, to someplace else; Ponyville. Princess Celestial had told her that there had been equalist activity, and also to make friends, as that would help her with magic. Twilight knew that she should trust her new teacher, but how can making friends help her with practicing magic? It simply did not make any sense.
Twilight began to add two of the books Celestia had given her in her saddlebag, but Spike had insisted on bringing the empty one, and so she did, despite her own wishes. She also packed a few spare quills, a bottle of ink, and both Spike's and Owlicious' belongings.
The mare didn't pack many books, as Celestia had sent her a letter two days earlier about her staying in Ponyville's Golden Oaks Library, in which she happily wrote a letter back, accepting her new home.
Before she headed out with Spike- and her pet owl, Owlicious, she was flooded a few tears, words of encouragement, pride and good luck, along with hugs from her parents. Twilight promised that she will train herself to be a great avatar, though she was nervous, as she was taking the role of something important, somepony who can bring balance to the world, and restore harmony.
Shining Armor was the last one to talk to her. He gave her a big hug, and just before Twilight left, he tapped on her shoulder with his hoof.
"Look Twily, I wish that I could've spent more time with you, but I guess we can't play Pai Sho anymore now that you're leaving Canterlot," Shining Armor said, his voice tinted with sadness, but something else; pride. Just like her parents, he was proud of her.
"I'm sorry too. But I'll try to visit Canterlot, if I can." Twilight confirmed.
"Okay. Last thing is, even if we can't see each other, at least know that I'm so happy for you Twilight. I really am. I mean, my little sister is the avatar! That's something to be proud of!" He gave his sister a true, true smile, one that wasn't painted on, but instead full of contentment.
Twilight nodded, smiling, then wiped her now- teary eyes before giving her brother one last hug. And, instead of a Shining Armor leaving first, she walked out of the door, now heading towards the train heading for Ponyville, with nothing but Spike, Owlicious and her saddlebag.
The train ride was quite long, although Twilight didn't mind. Having something to read- specifically the elements book Celestia had given her, as that was the only one she began reading- was proven to be helpful on boring rides, and Spike even asked Twilight to read to him.
"'Magic is the element of influence. Unicorns who can bend magic (usually in the form of spell-casting or levitation), can only bend one of the three main categories of magic; dark magic, (also called black magic), and regular ol' unicorn magic, which is what most magic-benders use, although somewhere in Equestria, there are those who practice dark magic, which is forbidden. The third kind is alicorn magic, which is actually exclusive to, well, alicorns,'" Twilight read, ending with a yawn.
"Wait! Read some more! Please, Twilight?" Spike begged. Twilight chuckled.
"Spike, I can't. Look! We're here, in Ponyville!" she said, pointing with her hoof at the window. The train had come to a stop, after more than one hour.
The trio stepped out of the train, now out of Canterlot and already getting used to (or at least, trying to) live in Ponyville. The ponies were fairly polite and kind, though some raised eyebrows at the sight of Spike, which made sense; he was a dragon, but nopony actually seemed to be afraid of him. That was indeed a good sign, but Twilight didn't want to reveal her identity as the avatar, until later. She was too afraid that the pony she spoke to was actually an equalist, and would report her to one of their meetings for her to lose her bending. She knew that she shouldn't be scared, but her fear only grew worse as she heard chanting.
The bad kind.
"Equalists! Equalists! Equalists!" a large mob of earth ponies roared, getting louder and louder every second.
"Join the equalists! The benders in this world will be no more, and non-bending ponies will be the ones ruling! Join now!" announced a microphone-enhanced voice. Twilight turned to see a dark brown stallion with a round, dark blue cap, and next to him was a middle-aged mare handing out flyers. She gulped, and quickly turned her head. Definitely not going to tell them I'm the avatar , Twilight thought, and continued to trot, only in a quicker pace. It took all of her will not to turn around and watch the equalist supporters chant and rant about benders, or run away and hide in a bush.
As Twilight continued searching for the Golden Oaks library, Spike stopped her from walking any further. The baby dragon pointed to a pink building with a chocolate-covered roof (or at least, looked like chocolate), and an aroma of baked goods filled Spike's and Twilight's nostrils. Owlicious hooted, showing no interest in the smell, and flew to a nearby tree.
"Owlicious!" Twilight called in a loud voice, causing a few ponies to turn heads from their conversation. She stomped her hoof, but the owl shook his head. Twilight rolled her eyes.
"Fine. Stay there until we get back, okay? Spike and I are going to get a quick... snack."
"Hoo."
Twilight turned to face Spike, who was already walking towards the colorful bakery, lost in a hungry trance. The unicorn lifted the dragon using her magic, then frowned.
"Stay with me, will you Spike?" she whispered. In return, Spike sighed with clear irritation, but remained obedient. Slowly, Twilight gently dropped him to the ground, then slowly walked into the bakery, the smell of sweets growing stronger.
As the two sauntered into the building, they were greeted with a pink earth pony, with a hat that resembled a cupcake, and under the hat, curled locks of her rose-pink mane were visible. Her bubbly, sky blue eyes were sparkling with excitement, and in her left hoof held a silver tray with an assortment of small, bite-sized confections. The pink earth pony broke into a large grin.
"WelcometoSugarCubeCorner! MynameisPinkamenaDianePie... butyoucancallmePinkiePie!" The earth pony spoke with such speed that Twilight could hardly make out her full name, let alone her shortened name.
"Um... I'm sorry, I didn't hear your name well-"
"Oh, I should be the pony who's sorry! Sorry! My name is Pinkie Pie. Would you like to try some samples? We have cupcakes, candy, fruit tarts, and all yummy!" Pinkie Pie asked, spontaneously pointing out the desserts on the silver tray with her hoof. Twilight gave a small smile, only to be polite. "Sure."
The pink earth pony pointed to a fruit tart, nodding her head back and forth, clearly showing a sign that Twilight should try them first. The unicorn then levitated two fruit tart samples, and placed one of the two in Spike's claws. Immediately, he plopped it into his mouth, and so did Twilight. It was delicious, perfectly flaky and the strawberries had just the right ratio of sweetness and tartness. It was good, and Twilight knew what she was going to get.
"Pinkie- Pinkie Pie? I would like to have 2 fruit tarts. To go."
"Oki-doki loki! Move towards the front please-" Pinkie stopped talking, then looked at Twilight in a strange way. Then got closer, until she was almost nose-to-nose. The unicorn stepped back, while Spike took another strawberry fruit tart from the silver tray, still in Pinkie's hoof.
"My pinkie-sense is telling me something!"
"Your pinkie-wait what?"
Pinkie Pie gasped, bouncing off the walls, then ran to the kitchen of Sugar Cube Corner, grabbing two strawberry fruit tarts, then returning to Twilight.
"You-you're not from here! Are you... a spy?" Pinkie asked in a whisper-like tone.
"Um, no." Twilight was utterly confused. Everything was happening too fast. What was pinkie sense? How did the earth pony know that Twilight wasn't from here? Nothing made sense!
"You're not a spy? Well... are you new here, or something?"
"Y-yes, I'm new here. My name is Twilight Sparkle, and... I am, uh, moving into the... library."
Pinkie froze, then galloped away, shouting out that the fruit tarts were free since Twilight was a newcomer. Spike simply shrugged, then happily bit into his own tart, enjoying the strawberries the most. The pink earth pony bounced off to another mare, who was right behind her, and greeted her with that cheerful voice of hers.
Pinkie Pie. The first pony to be nice to me, Twilight thought.
Perhaps she wasn't so bad. After all, the tarts were free and Pinkie was polite- in a way. Maybe she was just a pony who liked to make others smile, in a crazy way.
Ponyville is weird. Oh well, Twilight. Better get used to it.
After leaving the bakery, Twilight continued to look for the Golden Oaks Library, eager to read the books. She decided that she would eat her fruit tart later, but didn't store it away without warning Spike to not consume hers.
When she finally found the library, Twilight saw Owlicious who had already beat the two and arrived at their location early. The library itself looked like a tree, probably an oak tree due to its name. There were a few balconies located here and there, and on the highest one Twilight could make out a telescope. As Twilight entered, her jaw dropped. Books. There were books! And, they were available for her to read, anytime! Princess Celestia had said it herself; since Twilight was moving in, she was also the official owner of the library! Of course that meant another responsibility, but she could handle being a librarian, along with being the avatar. How hard could that be?
It took the trio awhile to get used to moving in and such, but in a couple of hours they were all set, and ready to explore the rest of Ponyville- except for Owlicious; the owl was too tired of flying, and refused to even stand on Twilight's saddlebag strap. But once she stepped out, confetti greeted her. Startled, she closed her eyes shut and stepped back, nearly tripping over Spike, who was right behind her.
"Surprise! It's Pinkie and we are here to party!" the pink earth pony Twilight met earlier exclaimed. She opened her eyes- or at least one of them. As she looked at Pinkie for one second, she turned to see Spike laying on the floor, rubbing his eyes. "Ow. Watch where you're going, Twilight," the dragon mumbled, scowling.
"Sorry Spi-wait a minute..." Twilight trailed off, quickly turning to face the bubbly pink pony.
"Did you say... we?"
As soon as Twilight asked what Pinkie Pie meant by we, the earth pony giggled and stepped to the side.
"My friends, of course!"
Twilight looked at the four new ponies who stood in front in her. They all seemed to be somewhat friendly, which was fine with her. No equalists, and more time making friends, which was what Princess Celestia wanted in the first place. To just make friends.
"This is Fluttershy. She is very shy!" said Pinkie, who then nudged a pastel-yellow pegasus with a long, pink mane to the front. Twilight couldn't even look at her in the eyes, which were mostly hidden from view by her mane. The pegasus murmured something, though she couldn't even make out what she was saying, due to her lower-than-a-whisper voice. Still, Twilight attempted to be friendly with her, even if she couldn't hear her.
"Uh-hello, Fluttershy, I'm Twilight Sparkle. You can come-" her voice was cut off as soon as Fluttershy saw Spike with her teal-colored eyes. "A baby dragon!" the pegasus gasped, running inside the library.
"Ooh! I forgot to mention- Fluttershy just loves critters! That's how she got her cutie mark!" Pinkie explained, then turned to introduce another pony, a white unicorn with an elegantly-styled, purple mane. "I am Rarity," the white unicorn introduced in a sophisticated tone, cutting off Pinkie Pie.
Unbeknownst to Rarity, the moment Spike had just put his eyes on her, he was stunned, no longer answering Fluttershy's dragon questions. Spike had found his special somepony- or at least, that was what the baby dragon thought- and began to slowly walk towards Rarity. Meanwhile, Pinkie continued introducing her own friends to her new friend.
"This is Rainbow Dash!" Pinkie pointed to a light-cerulean colored pegasus, and sure enough, had a rainbow mane and tail, and had red-violet eyes. "I'm RD, or Dash. I'm awesome!" the blue pegasus smiled, right before flying into the building with an incredible amount of speed that caused Twilight's mane to completely get messed up. Great.
The last pony that Pinkie introduced was an earth pony like herself. The mare had a pallid orange coat, green eyes, a blonde mane and tail, with both ends tied with red ribbon, and a brown hat.
"This here is Applejack!" Pinkie exclaimed, nodding at her. Applejack took off her hat, put it close to her chest, then bowed.
"Howdy there, sugar cube. Nice to meet you," she responded, her voice coated with a thick country-accent.
"Nice to meet you too."
As the two earth ponies walked in, Twilight closed the door behind her, and adjusted her mane back to its original style.
The party was accompanied by more confetti, a plate of apple fritters made by Applejack, some fruit punch and a blue-frosted cake. Twilight was not prepared for a surprise party, but she accepted it anyways. Everything was happening too fast; first she was told be Princess Celestia that she was the avatar, then she moved to Ponyville, and now Twilight was having a party with her new friends ? The lavender unicorn pondered for awhile, until she interrupted by Pinkie Pie once more.
"So Twilight, I hoped you enjoyed the party! It was super- spectacularly- amazingly- awesomely- incredibly wonderful!" she piped, suddenly popping a party popper. "Woohoo!"
Twilight smiled nervously, and began to turn around. Of course, Pinkie Pie had planted herself behind Twilight, her demeanor a teeny bit more serious.
"Anyways, where were you from? You said you were new, and that makes sense since I've never seen you around, which is why I thrown you this party..." the pink mare's voice trailed off, and Twilight found herself surrounded by the four other ponies. She could tell by their faces that they were also curious.
"Oh. I-I'm from, um, Canterlot," Twilight answered. Just as she mentioned Canterlot, Rarity gasped, then galloped over to her.
"You're from... C-Canterlot?" Rarity's voice was filled awe. "I've always wanted to see Canterlot! I may be a Ponyville pony, but I am, on the inside, a Canterlot mare!"
"Oh... good for you, I guess. I was sent here by Celes-" Twilight quickly covered her mouth with her hoof.
The whole library had been filled with a loud silence. She couldn't believe what she had just did- she spoiled it. She told everyone that Celestia herself sent her, and even though she didn't finish her sentence, the expression on her new friends' faces were undeniably uncertain and curious.
"I... I meant..." Twilight began, but was cut off by Rainbow Dash, who narrowed her eyes. She flew closer to the lavender unicorn.
"Hold up. Did you just say that Celestia sent you here?"
"Heh... no..."
"C'mon now! That's-a lie, sugar cube. That's the worst lie ah ever heard, even worse than how ah lie. I'm an honest pony."
Twilight swallowed, then backed up until she felt the bookcase behind her. Twilight unleashed a sheepish grin, and laughed anxiously. There was no use in lying now; she had to tell them, explain to her new friends everything. She saw Applejack say something else, but couldn't hear what she said. She was thinking, thinking on what to say. It reminded her of the last question she wanted to ask Princess Celestia, but kept on thinking, deciding her choice. Now, she was in a similar situation, and in deep thought.
"Um... I know that you guys don't really know me, but you have to keep this a secret, okay?"
Everypony nodded, then placed one hoof on their chest. "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."
Twilight raised an eyebrow, but didn't even bother to ask what the whole cupcake-in-my-eye thing was about. She took a deep breath, and explained everything. Everything including the fact that she was the avatar, which was the last thing she told them.
Silence one again took over the library. Spike had already gone off to bed due to his exhaustion, and Twilight was waiting for everypony's response. Immediately, she regretted telling the five ponies everything. So much for responsibility, Twilight thought with her eyes closed.
"So... you're the avatar?!" a voice broke the silence. It was Rainbow Dash's. "That... is... AWESOME!!!"
The purple unicorn opened her eyes. A wave of relief came to Twilight. She had done it. She told her new friends that she was the avatar, and they accepted her.
It had been an interesting first-day in Ponyville, and soon turned out to be a great night. As soon as the questions, clean-ups and goodbyes were over, Twilight headed off to bed.
She had a strange dream, a dream in which she saw a comet past by earth. The equalist-supporter stallion was there on her left side, and behind him was a mob of non-benders, and they were chanting, "War! War!War! " On the right side, Twilight saw... herself. Her eyes were glowing white, and she was hovering, getting higher off the ground. Then, they began to fight. The equalist-supporters began throwing objects at her, and after the throwing, she fell, slamming hard against the ground. Horrified, Twilight tried to move, but was frozen, unable to help her dream-self, who was laying on the floor, unmoving. Her dream had truly turned into a nightmare.
Out of nowhere, Celestia's voice was heard.
"f you are killed in the avatar state, the avatar cycle will not continue."
The comet then came closer to Twilight (the dream-version), and the announcer-pony had a menacing grin on his face.
"Victory for the equalists! The avatar is dead!" he shouted, cheers pouring out. As the comet got closer, Twilight heard her name, once again in Celestia's voice. It sounded distant, but yet so close...
"Twilight, Twilight, Twilight..."
Chapter 3: Basics to Firebending
"Twilight... Twilight! Are you okay?"
Twilight tried to open her eyes, in attempt to find the voice. It wasn't Celestia's voice anymore, it was... Spike's.
"Are you okay?" he repeated, this time with less concern, now that Twilight was somewhat awake. Groggily, the unicorn mare got up, anchoring herself with both of her forehoofs on her new bed.
"I-I'm okay..." she said. "Just- I had a bad dream."
"Okay... well, I woke up early to make breakfast, but you were mumbling in your sleep. Right now, it's noon."
"Oh dear Celestia! How could I stay in bed for so long?"
Twilight scrambled out of bed, and prepared herself for the day, heading towards the bathroom. Using her magic, she picked up the brush and began to fix her unkempt mane into its usual style. While brushing her hair, her horn glowed brighter as she picked up a toothbrush. Although she was cleaning herself up, she could not scrub away the nightmare. It was still fresh in her mind, hanging there like an apple, waiting to fall.
As Twilight stepped into the kitchen, Spike had finished cooking breakfast; pan- fried veggie dumplings, her favorite! Along with that, Spike made a two bowls of a light broth soup, two glasses of water, and a plate of egg custards. She sat down on the chairs, staring at the plate of dumplings before her.
"How did you make breakfast? We didn't bring any glasses or plates," Twilight asked, elevating one of the dumplings.
"Oh. I woke up early, remember? And, I brought a lot of bits to buy the food. But I'm sure Princess Celestia had something to do with the whole thing."
"Yeah... that makes sense. She was the one who let us live here, after all."
"Yup. Oh... Twilight, what was that, uh, dream about?"
Twilight let out a sigh. She bit into a dumpling, and chewed thoughtfully, savoring the flavor. Most of the time, ponies would forget about their dreams, with only a trace of what happened left. But nightmares were easier to remember.
"Well, remember when Princess Celestia was talking about the avatar state?"
Spike bit his lip, thinking, then nodded. "Yeah. I was taking notes about it. They still might be in your saddlebag."
"I was in the avatar state," Twilight continued. "My eyes were glowing white, which was probably a sign of being in the avatar state, and I was hovering."
"Woah. Was that it?"
"No. The equalists-supporters... they were trying to fight me. I got knocked out and fell."
"What? You got-"
"Oh no-no, I didn't get knocked out, the dream-version of me did," she quickly restated, cutting off Spike. The dragon scratched his head, but looked up at Twilight. He nodded, and Twilight continued explaining her nightmare.
"Then, I heard Celestia's voice. She said that if I was killed in the avatar state, the avatar cycle would end. Then there was a comet-no, there was already a comet in the beginning of the dream, but it got closer. But the dream ended, since you woke me up." Once she finished explaining, she wrapped her magic around the spoon, and began to eat the soup. Slowly sipping, Twilight waited for Spike to respond. He was quiet, then sighed.
"I don't know what that means Twilight. But the comet... it was probably Sozin's comet!"
Twilight remembered a something from the element book, something about a comet giving even more power to a fire-bender. And, fire had been her first element she chose to start with for that very reason...
"Spike," she said in a calm tone. "I understand how this may sound... but I want you to teach me how to firebend."
The baby dragon dropped his egg custard onto the plate. "What? No! I would love to, but I'm a terr-"
"I know, I know. But I need to know how to bend an element, and I chose fire."
"Are you sure? You already have magic."
"Give me a reason why I shouldn't learn how to bend another element, aside from magic."
"Uh..."
"Exactly." Twilight's mind spun. She wanted to say more, and it sounded much better in her head than out loud. What else, what else?
"Spike, I want you to teach me the basic but still important fire-bending moves. Sozin's comet is coming in approximately 6 weeks , and it should aid me if I'm in danger."
After a couple more minutes, the dragon had made up his mind; he was going to teach Twilight Sparkle to fire-bend. He didn't think that her claim was thorough enough, but Spike didn't question her- as the avatar, it is her job to learn all five elements, and he was going to be her mentor. Which is the main reason why he didn't want to help her, but still, he had to. For Twilight.
"Alright, I will. I must warn you, I'm not a good teacher, and fire-bending may be a bit difficult.
"Perfect! Thank you Spike, thank you!" she said, knocking her bowl of soup off the table. Twilight gasped, and immediately caught the flying bowl in mid-air. Drops of the broth floated back to its porcelain bowl. She looked at the floor, checking for any leftover spills, but everything was fine. She sighed in relief, and continued to sip her soup.
After breakfast, Twilight and Spike headed out for a quick walk, and stumbled upon Applejack. At first, the lavender unicorn did not recognize the area they were in, but remembered the party from last night. Applejack had said that she lived in Sweet Apple Acres, and here they were. Perhaps there was an empty space somewhere so that the two can train in peace-after all, Applejack was one of their new friends, and since Celestia had said making friends would help Twilight with magic, she should at least spend more time with her. In fact, she was determined to make her new friends the best friends she could have.
"Howdy, there, Twilight!" Applejack's voice cut through Twilight's thinking like a knife. "What brings you to Sweet Apple Acres?"
"Oh- hello! I just wanted to hang out, and-"
"Aw, shore doo! You came at the right moment, 'cause it's break time for me!"
Applejack then lifted a hoof, signaling Twilight and Spike to walk under the white arch, which was basically the entrance to the whole acre. There was a scarlet barn that was the center of attention, and as they walked, Applejack gave them a quick tour of the area. It was vast, and quite long (although it was more verbal then actually-walking around the acres).
As they walked, the unicorn also explained her true intentions at the start; to practice her fire-bending. She was first worried that the earth pony would not let her, which was perfectly understandable, but Applejack simply smiled and showed them an abandoned barn.
"This here is a old barn our family be trying to get rid of, but we just keep forgettin'." She turned, and looked at the two of them. "Y'all understand where this heading?"
"Yup. Destroy the barn... if we can," Spike answered.
"Good! Now, I'll be a- watchin', too, in case somethin' happens." Her voice dropped to a more quiet, sad tone when she said those final three words, as if she remembered a bad memory. Twilight wanted to ask, but focused on her training instead.
Twilight mentally prepared herself, but didn't know what to do on physical terms. What stance should I be in? How should I breathe? When will I shoot fire from my horn? When? How? She stood in front of the old barn, taking in its details; it had a slight, musty odor, a dark, cavernous inside, faded red paint, and overall had an inadequate appearance, which made sense for something that has been abandoned. Then, looked back at Spike.
"Now, Twilight, I'm going to explain this the best I can."
"Okay."
"First of all, did your book tell you anything? Like, about fire?"
"Yes, it taught me that fire bending dragons were the original fire-benders." The comment almost made Spike grin with pride. "But didn't actually teach me all of the basic moves ."
Spike nodded, then glanced at the barn, thinking. What should he teach first? He thought about it for awhile. Original fire-benders... that must mean ponies learned from the dragons. If he can recall some of the methods on breathing fire, then surely he can teach it to Twilight. That must be how the ponies learned to not breathe fire, but to instead, bend it!
Then, the whole lesson formed in his head, and he snapped his clawed fingers together.
"First of all, you have to learn how to breathe. Well, not relearn anything, but you have to breathe properly. This is really important, especially if you're a fire-breathing dragon," Spike explained. "Now, inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth. This is a basic exercise." Spike demonstrated with closed eyes. When he opened them, he saw that Twilight followed his instructions perfectly.
"You know, you're not a bad teacher," Twilight said with a smile. Spike smiled back, unable to resist.
"Good. Now, fix your stance a little bit. Straighten up. And while you're at it, feel the sun, and its energy. It's the source of fire-bending... at least, for ponies," Spike said, chuckling.
"Spike, when am I going to shoot fire from my horn? I alre-"
"You will soon, Twilight. And since you're a quick learner, you'll be down with the basics in no time," Spike quickly replied, and took a deep breath before setting the old, abandoned barn ablaze. Applejack cheered. Twilight grunted, her patience growing thin. She wanted to create fire now , just like Spike.
"Yee-haw! Now that's one darn hay of a fire!"
Spike was right; it had taken only one week for Twilight to learn all of the basics, and she even learned how to control fire. Spike would breath out his own fire, or take some other source of flames, and Twilight would either make the fire smaller, larger or just move it around. Despite her excellent training, she couldn't produce fire. She tried many times, but it seemed like her horn refused. She was frustrated.
Her fire-bending routine was always the same; she would hang out with one of her friends, and trained there. Twilight didn't like to train at her own house, since there were too many equalist-supporters, and their meeting was tomorrow night. She had not told anypony else that she was the avatar, but it didn't take long until somepony else found out on their own...
"Sombra. I need to tell you something," Lieutenant said, his hoof gripped tightly to the telephone. Gravel Hoof was by his side, still as a rock. Maybe that's why his mother named him Gravel. The Hoof part... well, his hooves were shaking, a habit of his when his emotions were at its peak. Right now, excitement was the emotion Gravel was dealing with.
"Hm. Explain."
"I believe that Gravel Hoof and I have found the avatar, in Ponyville."
"What?" Sombra's voice was laced with disbelief. "Tell me more, now," he demanded.
As Lieutenant finished explaining everything, Sombra had come up with a plan.
"I want you to lure the avatar in with her friends. They will be one of the first volunteers to get their bending removed. Do you understand your task?
"Yes, leader."
"Very well, Brick. I will see you tomorrow. Our revolution truly begun."
Sombra hung up first. Gravel Hoof smiled, then plopped himself into a nearby chair, and started babbling about the revelation, and how it confused him when SOmbra said revelation and revolution. Brick sat down as well, blowing a lock of his mane away from his face, and began to zone out of his partner's chatter. He was proud to be Lieutenant alone, but now that he- and Gravel Hoof- had discovered the avatar, his pride grew. He felt honored- perhaps destiny was on his side, and luck.
He was lucky enough to see that newcomer Twilight Sparkle arrive in Ponyville. Gravel Hoof had visited Canterlot to check the equalists in the area, and noticed Celestia walk into a pony's home. He eavesdropped through a the barely-opened window, and all that Gravel heard was 'avatar' and 'Ponyville'. He had left earlier than planned, and barged into Brick's home, eager to tell his information. The gray stallion acted like a little filly at a candy store, and the thought of it made Brick snicker.
Chapter 4: The Revelation
The skies were cloudy, but otherwise the weather was almost perfect. Twilight and the rest of her friends were hanging out for an early dinner at Sugar Cube Corner, though Spike decided to stay back at the library. So the dragon was not present, but Twilight knew that Owlicious was there, too. They would be safe, so those worries were shoved behind a corner in her mind. The mood was calm, but Twilight felt some of the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She felt like she was being watched, but she dismissed the thought.
There couldn't be anypony watching her.
Although it was a little bit late, the mares ate some cupcakes after their main course- a large but mouth-watering bowl of water tribe-noodles. It was strange meal, but it didn't matter; they were all hungry.
"Ooh! You guys, let me tell you something I made up; chimi cherry changa!' Pinkie Pie exclaimed. The others looked at her with confusion.
"What the hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked, taking a bite of her lemon- flavored cupcake. Of course, she preferred apples over lemons, but this was a delicious exception.
"Oh! Well, I was deciding which word was better- chimi cherry, or cherry changa? And then I was like, since I can't decide, I'll combine them into..." Pinkie's voice descended into nothing.
"Combine them into what?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Hm... I just, don't know that word. It has an 'uh' sound."
Twilight raised an eyebrow. What word had the sound 'uh'?
"Clumps?"
Pinkie gasped, then bounced over to Twilight, giving her a hug.
"Yes! Clumps! I combined them into clumps!"
Everypony giggled. Rainbow Dash yawned, stretching her wings. Twilight had noticed before, but decided to ask about the blue arrows on her wings and her legs.
"Hey Dash, what are those markings for?"
"Oh, these bad boys?" Rainbow Dash said, flaunting her wings and hooves. "A pegasi thing- it's like, a tradition. When you've somewhat mastered air-bending, you get to have these tattoos! They're optional, though, which is why uh, Fluttershy doesn't have them."
"Oh Rainbow Dash, you know I'm not good at flying anyway. Not like you," Fluttershy said in her usual, hushed tone.
"Uh... right." Dash turned away from Fluttershy, now facing the others. "I earned these tattoos by doing a sonic rainboom."
"What's a sonic rainboom?" Twilight inquired. Pinkie Pie gasped.
"You don't know what a sonic rainboom is?! It's this amazing event when a certain pegasi-ahem, Dashie here- goes suuuuper fast that she breaks the sound barrier and makes a rainbow! Isn't that awe-"
The six mares looked at the door, which was the reason why Pinkie got cut off. It was strange, as it was a slow day, and there were hardly any customers the past hour.
"Oh- a customer!" Pinkie half- whispered.
Twilight's heart nearly jumped, which was believable since a lump had formed in her throat. It was one a new face; an earth-pony stallion with a brick-red coat, deep, brown eyes and mane. He would've looked like a normal pony, aside from the clear symbol that marked him as an equalist-supporter; a red disk-shaped pendant around his neck. "Am I a little... late? Are you closing?"
"Oh no no no! You can have a cupcake, custard or whatever right now!" Pinkie Pie said, heading towards the kitchen.
The stallion turned and narrowed his eyes at the other five mares, and coughed. Of course he was looking at them all angry- he was an equalist!
Twilight wondered what the stallion was going to say, but instead he kept quiet, glancing at the mares once in a while. There was something wrong with the way he looked at them- especially Twilight. More hairs stood up. She quivered.
"Well, well, it looks as though Sugar Cube Corner is also needed of bath from these filthy benders," the pony suddenly jeered. Rarity gasped, giving the stranger an appalled glare. Seeing that nopony -not even Rainbow Dash- spoke up, she decided to take matters into her own hooves and defend her friends.
"How dare you? That is quite rude of you, even though I don't know you! I'll have you know that although I'm an earth- bender, I do not spend my time in the mud unless its mud from Aloe and Lotus' spa!"
"Yeah, mister stranger meanie mean pants!" Pinkie added, suddenly appearing next to Twilight. She jumped, and swiftly moved the chair so that she didn't fall. Her horn's glow dimmed and brightened as she took deep breaths. If she didn't notice Pinkie sneaking up on her, then it must have been too quiet.
"You can't walk into my bakery- well, it's actually Mr. and Mrs. Cake's bakery, but still! You can't walk in anyplace like that! You need to fix your attitude! Understand? Do not talk to my friends like that!"
The stallion snickered. "Huh. An earth pony who's defending her bender friends. Adorable."
Pinkie Pie furrowed her eyebrows, but then, her pinkie sense triggered; something bad was going to happen! She turned her head in every direction, then gulped.
"Nervous, I see. You should be," said the stallion, clapping his hooves.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Suddenly, a team of 4 ponies barged in. They all sported dark-green jumpsuits, brown neck gaiters that covered half of their faces, and gas-masks.
"I will explain while we're on the way, what everything means. I'm sure you are all curious, especially you , avatar Twilight Sparkle."
Twilight's eyes widened. "How do you know who I am?"
"I hope you didn't mind my own suspicion. I was... spying. My apologies."
"Y-you were spying on me?"
"All of you, actually. You other mares have proven to be useful." The stallion turned around, facing all of the masked ponies. "Chi blockers, attack!"
The ponies then began punching their hooves against Twilight's pressure points, causing her to collapse. She winced in pain, and when she tried to summon her magic, it failed. The red stallion walked over, and began tying her legs.
"Twilight!" Her friends all shouted, but the chi blockers began attacking them as well.
The mysterious pony proceeded to cover her whole face with a bag, but she could still hear her friends struggling to fight the equalists off.
"Hey, what do you think you're- ow! Woah!" Rainbow Dash yelled, before landing on the ground with a thud.
"Get your hooves of me or else!" Applejack threatened, but her freedom was as short as Twilight's. Every one of Twilight's friends fell to the floor. Twilight felt dizzy for some reason, even though her vision was already black from the bag.
She passed out, drifting into the void.
When Twilight woke up, she was in some sort of vehicle. She no longer had a bag over her head, but instead, Twilight felt some kind of circlet- ring thing around her horn. She wasn't paralyzed by the chi- blockers, so Twilight attempted to use her magic, only to get shocked. She now knew what the ring was; an anti-magic device. Such advanced technology, beyond the telephone, auto-mobile and radio, yet she never knew until now.
Twilight turned her head, and saw her friends, tied up as well. Rarity had the same ring around her own horn. Applejack and Pinkie Pie were just tied up, but had a bag over their heads, similar to Twilight earlier. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had their wings tied together, and it seemed to be electric; if any one of them tried to fly, they would get shocked, similarly to the device on Twilight's horn.
"I see that you've awoken," a familiar voice said. It was the red stallion from Sugar Cube Corner, but instead, he wore a gray-jumpsuit, a mask that covered his entire face (except for his mouth and eyes), brass goggles and knee pads.
"Where... where are my friends and I heading?" Twilight questioned, pulling her hooves away from each other. It only hurt more than it did help her. The stallion chuckled.
"To the gathering of the equalists, where the revelation truly starts."
Twilight bit her lip. The revelation. She remembered the radio speech, how the anonymous pony had talked about ridding the world of bending...
"It was you who hacked the radio, wasn't it?" she said, narrowing her eyes.
"Why yes. I don't know how you found that out," the stallion replied sarcastically.
"How did you not get caught?"
"Because you benders are ignorant. It was so easy."
Twilight turned away from the red pony, whose name she didn't even learn. How in Equestria was she going to escape? Silently, she prayed to Celestia that somehow she would be rescued, no matter how impossible it seemed. After praying, she thought of something else; what would happen to Celestia? Would she be overthrown by the insane equalists? Twilight shuddered at the thought. No, it wasn't possible; Celestia was powerful, and she was an alicorn. It was impossible. The equalists will never get away with their plans.
But then Twilight thought of the radio speech once more. The red stallion had said something about the meeting, the one they were heading to. Something about cleansing the world of benders. How? How could they even-
A chill went down her spine, and she felt her heart pound against her chest. The one part of her mind said that it could never be true. But the other half told her that it was true. That side was winning over her other thoughts.
The equalists were going to take away their bending. For good.
The equalists tied Twilight and the others to their own, individual wooden poles. Applejack and Pinkie Pie, however, were awkwardly sitting next each other, on the floor. Twilight stared at the crowd, and then at the poles that she was tied to. To her left, her friends were tied up, but to her right, three more bender ponies were present.
First there were two pegasi, one male and the other female. The other pony was male, and a fire-bender. The red pony stepped up to the front of the stage, and began adjusting the microphone. The crowd cheered.
"Greetings, my brothers and sisters. Today is the day our revolution begins."
Right after he said that, the sound of voices filled Twilight's ears even more. She shut her eyes tightly, trying to drown out the noise without her hooves to cover them, and began to think. How can I escape? When should I escape? What if I can't save my friends or the other benders?
She concentrated, and soon the noise slowly faded away. It was impossible to for her to teleport because of the stupid device around her horn, or do anything for that matter. She needed something to help her escape, and the only things that she would use was magic.
Suddenly, Twilight thought of a risky, but somewhat-great idea. She could try to disable the technology. Since the device was powered by electricity and not magic, she could try to damage the device, causing it to not work. Even if it shocks her, she needed to save not only herself, but everypony tied to the poles. It was her duty, after all; she was the avatar.
Quickly, she began concentrating on her magic, channeling as much power as possible to disable the anti-magic bending device. Shocks went through her body. Twilight gritted her teeth, but tried her best not to flinch. Perhaps everypony could think that her pole was electrocuting her, but the excuse quickly went to the trash. Focus, Twilight thought, forcing her magic to its peak.
After a few minutes, she was used to the shocks, though it was still relatively painful. The magic from her horn then joined the electricity, and now fought with each other. Twilight felt like she was going to pass out. I can do this! Just a little longer... The electricity almost died down. Magic had mostly dominated it. After what seemed like forever, she had finally deactivated the mechanism on her horn. She was exhausted, and the crowd flooded her ears once more.
"Trying to escape, avatar Twilight Sparkle?" the red stallion said. "Too bad you're exhausted now, we wanted you to go first."
Several ponies in the audience booed at the avatar, while others stared. They couldn't believe that the lavender unicorn was the one who can bend all five elements, and was the bridge between the spirit and mortal world.
"Let me introduce you to our leader, the brilliant mind behind the equalists, our savior- Sombra!"
The crowd erupted into pure sound, the noise nearly deafening. From the corner of her eye, Twilight could see another figure coming from the right-hoof side.
The stallion had a dark brown hood on, with a lighter brown suit that covered his entire body. On top, the pony had black pads lined with brown on his knees and shoulders. His face was covered by a simple, tan mask with a red circle on the forehead area. Behind the mask, his eyes were shadowed but still a little bit visible. They seemed to be a reddish- brown color, but it was hard to tell.
"What were you doing?" Rainbow Dash whispered, also watching the figure appear.
"I deactivated the device around my horn," Twilight whispered back. Rainbow Dash mouth was now wide open. From the look of her eyes, they seemed to beg Twilight to remove the anti-wing device. She sighed. Of course, it was Dash's nature to fly, and her wings were probably eager as well.
The red pony stepped aside for Sombra.
As he approached the microphone, the crowd silenced itself, waiting for the voice of the equalist leader.
"Greetings, fellow earth ponies. Today, we gather around to usher in a new era of equality," Sombra said, his deep voice amplified by the microphone. "For too long, we non-benders have lived in the shadows of benders. It is time that we rebel against them.
"As you heard on the radio, my loyal Lieutenant said that we will rid the world of benders by taking away their cursed abilities. But how? How can I take away their bending?"
He walked over to the fire-bender tied to the pole.
The unicorn shook, and began to plead for mercy. A few equalists from the back untied him, and he fell to the floor. His back legs were still tied up, but the Lieutenant began removing the anti-bending device around his horn.
"I was born on a small farm in the rural areas of Fillydelphia. We lived in poverty, and nopony in our family were benders. One day, a fire-bender robbed us. In the process, I lost my parents. My face, was burned. I had to wear a mask to cover the scars."
Twilight frowned. She almost felt bad for the masked pony.
"As you can see, the avatar is here with us."
Boos flew across. Twilight wanted to hide under the stage.
"I bet she wants to say that bending brings balance. It doesn't. The previous avatar, Sunset Shimmer, had failed to bring harmony to the world. And so, the spirits decided to bless me."
Sombra then headed for Applejack, and nodded towards her. Lieutenant dragged her by the tail, struggling as the mare began to toss and turn. Twilight tilted her her head. Applejack didn't actually look nervous, but instead, furious.
"Y'all better let me and ma friends go!" she shouted.
The masked stallion only laughed. "I'm not going to hurt you."
"Yeah, tell that to your cheese blockers."
"It's chi," he corrected. "Now, tell me something, anything, that a bender has done to you, that you will never forget and forgive them for it."
Applejack stopped wriggling, and was still as stone. She looked down.
"N-nothing," she said. "Benders- they never did anything to me."
Twilight raised her eyebrows. She was lying. Applejack was too honest, and thus a terrible liar. Apparently, even Sombra could tell she was lying. Under his mask he probably rolled his eyes at AJ's terrible lie.
"Are you sure?"
Applejack straightened herself up. "Okay, fine! My parents- they died 'cause of a fire-bender. A member of the Agni Kai Equines," she said, a tremor in her voice. No wonder AJ didn't have any parents! The only true grownup pony around was her grandmother, Granny Smith.
"If you're going to ask me, no! I don't hate benders!" Pinkie Pie interrupted. Rarity and Rainbow Dash then began to shouting , right after Pinkie Pie. Fluttershy whimpered.
"I want to be released, these ropes hurt! How can you do this, its so tiring!" Rarity whined. the masked pony ignored her.
Sombra headed towards the fire-bender, who was on the floor, shaking. His eyes widened as the masked pony approached him. Applejack turned her head, curious as to what he was going to do.
"Watch as you witness my incredible abilities the spirits have blessed me with. Watch and you will see, my ability to take anypony's bending-permanently."
Everypony gasped, except for the chi blockers and the Lieutenant. The fire-bender, at this point, was crying like a colt who lost his mother, blubbering pleas of surrender and mercy. Sombra ignored it. He removed the remaining ropes on the pony's legs. The pony stopped crying, and was now confused, but still terrified.
"Show the world your fire-bending! I know you can!" he ordered, almost encouragingly. The other stallion shook his head.
"Do it! Now!"
Slowly, the stallion got up, and backed away. Then, a small flame appeared from his horn, but he quickly shook his head, letting the flame wither away. Twilight could tell that the pony was innocent, and definitely not a fighter. She knew she could do something, but her body was frozen, as if she was chi-blocked. All Twilight did was watch.
"Stop! You can't do this! I thought I just said that just 'cause some fire-bender killed ma parents, doesn't-"
Applejack was cut off as Sombra began charging the fire-bender. Out of self-defense, the pony's eyes widened, and a swirling blaze of orange blasted from his horn, surrounding him into a shield of fire. The flames grew hotter and wider, until the last few flames died out, vanishing into thin air.
The stallion was now panting, and began to back up slowly. Behind him, Sombra leaped out and chi blocked him until the fire-bender was on his knees. A small flame appeared on his horn, but Sombra swiftly placed his left hoof onto the fire-bender's horn, and the other hoof on his shoulder. Twilight watched in horror as the pony's eyes widened, then closed. He landed to the floor. Did he just lose his bending?
"Your bending is gone." Sombra said. "You can prove it if you want to."
The pony, once again lying on the ground, tried to summon a fire. Twilight waited for a small flame to appear. Nothing happened, except the loud chanting of the crowd.
"Equality! Equality! Equality!"
Twilight's boiling anger then rose to the surface. That monster Sombra took away an innocent pony's fire-bending. Her friends, they were captured, and so was she. Everything that just happened and she wasn't able to prevent, it made her angry. She could not- will not let her friends get their bending taken away, or anypony tied to the wooden poles! Suddenly, she felt warm. A burning sensation.
Twilight's coat turned from lavender to to a pale yellow, and her cutie mark vanished. Her purple eyes turned into bright red orbs, so red that her black pupils disappeared. But, the most wildest of her transformation was that her mane bursted into orange flames. The chanting of the audience turned into gasps. Chi blockers began running towards the flaming unicorn, but it was just too hot. Twilight turned her head, lighting the poles with her mane on fire. It somehow, surprisingly, burned the poles and the ropes, but not the ponies. Twilight shook her head, the anti-bending ring landing to the floor with a clank. She then removed the other devices from both her friends and the strangers. Twilight levitated the ponies with her magic. Even the aura, instead of its usual magenta glow, was orange. Using all of her remaining energy, she teleported to the outside of the equalist lair. The flaming unicorn eventually turned to normal, but she was exhausted. The cool air met her, which soothed her a bit.
"Twilight! Let's go!" Rainbow Dash shouted. Twilight turned, and saw that Sombra was standing near the entrance. The chi blockers began to move forward, but Sombra spoke up.
"Let them go. We will face her soon."
The mob of escaped benders soon separated. The other ponies gave hurried thanks, including the stallion who lost his fire-bending. Twilight and her friends rushed back to the Golden Oaks Library, where Spike was waiting for them.
Spike bit hip bottom lip, his short, baby-dragon legs walked back and forth in circles. Twilight had not returned from Sugar Cube Corner, and when Spike checked, she wasn't there. Not even Pinkie Pie, or anypony for that matter. Only emptiness.
He should've went out to find the missing ponies, but instead, he waited. Seconds, minutes, and probably hours passed by.
Knock, knock, knock, knock.
Quickly, he got up and began to slowly opened the door. He didn't know what to expect, but was surprised to see Twilight- whose mane and tail was sizzled- and her friends. They all entered the library, panting. He frowned. "What in Equestria happened?"
Everypony tried to explain, but in the end it was just a loud mess. So, instead, Fluttershy informed Spike of what happened, since she was somehow the least exhausted.
"A-and so that was what happened during the last couple of hours," Fluttershy finished. "Sorry we had you worried."
"Aw, don't feel bad! It wasn't your fault that Sombra and the equalists attacked you," Spike said, who brewed Jasmine tea for the mares to relax after the whole equalist incident. Twilight shook her head.
"It wasn't Fluttershy's fault, or any of your faults. If somepony had to be blamed, it was me."
"Now stop right there! It is not your fault, it was that stallion Sombra's fault!" Rarity disagreed. "Not to mention, he should be blamed for those terrible uniforms! So not fashionable, definitely creepy- couture, if that existed."
Twilight knew Rarity was trying to lighten the mood, but she sighed, and sipped her tea.
"It was my fault. I let that pony lose his fire-bending, when I should've teleported all of us who were tied to those poles to safety. I deactivated the anti-bending gadget around my horn, but I was just there like a statue!"
"Look, sugar cube, it ain't your fault. I should be blamed 'cause I told Sombra about my-my dead parents," Applejack spoke calmly, clearly trying not to cry. "It probably caused him to take away that fire-bender's bending first and whatnot."
"Listen everypony, it's not Twilight's fault, or Applejack's fault. Let's all agree that Sombra is to blame, okay?" Rainbow Dash announced. Spike nodded in agreement.
Deep down inside, however, Twilight knew it was her to be blamed, but she couldn't let that thought ruin her. She was the avatar; she had to bring balance, and it won't be easy. But, she had to report this to Princess Celestia, immediately, in case another incident happens.
"Spike, get the quill and paper."
Chapter 5: The Need For Heat
"Princess Celestia," the royal chef Gold Leaf began, as soon as she stepped into the kitchen. "Your dinner has been made."
She smiled, nodding. "Lovely. Can you bring it to the throne, as usual?"
The chef nodded back. Celestia spreaded her wings, and started to fly towards the throne room. Two guards stood on each side of the entrance. They all saluted before stepping aside for the alicorn to pass the large, wooden doors that led to her throne; a gem-encrusted gold chair that was a few feet above ground, with deep pink cushions. There were five sets of stairs that lead to the throne, followed by a red carpet. The ceiling had a crystal chandelier that flickered with multicolored flames. Pastel pillars decorated with flags were placed symmetrically on either side of the room, along with stained glass windows with different artworks.
Soon, the chef arrived with a silver cart. On it there were four dishes, covered with silver domes. A clear teapot with blooming tea was also present, and a single teacup stood.
"Your highness, I hope you enjoy the dinner I made today," Gold Leaf spoke, removing the plate covers. "First, a refreshing salad with hibiscus petals as the appetizer. Second is the rich cream of carrot soup, topped with a hint of ginger."
"You never fail to impress me, Gold Leaf," Princess Celestia said, her mouth watering already from the sight and aroma of the food before her.
"Of course! You don't mind ginger in small amounts, correct?"
"I don't mind. I appreciate the fact that you put a hint of ginger."
"May I continue, your highness?" Gold Leaf asked politely. Celestia nodded, and blushed. This situation happened often, but the chef did not mind, or at least the princess assumed from his nonchalant tone.
"Anyhow, the third meal is the main course. I have prepared some rice, topped with steamed vegetables and a special sauce. And the last dish, is dessert; steamed pear. A new recipe."
"Thank you, Gold Leaf for your hard work. You may go now."
As she was finishing the last of the salad and beginning to eat the carrot soup, a small blast of green fire appeared, soon transforming into smoke. A scroll dropped to the floor.
A letter from Twilight.
Multitasking with magic, she took a quiet sip of the remaining soup on her spoon, and lifted the letter, unfurling it. Her student usually didn't send letters during the nighttime, so Celestia was surprised to even see the signature green fire of Spike appear before her eyes. Bringing the letter close, she began to read it aloud.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I have something urgent to tell you. My friends and I had been kidnapped by the equalists, and were taken to the revelation. None of us got hurt- or at least, after the chi blockers attacked us. Anyways, I witnessed Sombra, leader of the equalists, take away a fire-bender's bending. I don't know what else to say aside from the obvious; we must find a way to protect benders from the equalists, and have this situation sorted out soon. Please respond back if you have any ideas, so that I can help, as the avatar.
Sincerely,
Your faithful student Twilight Sparkle
Celestia dropped the letter back to the floor, appalled. How could Sombra remove one's bending? It was impossible! Her mind spun with thoughts and theories, but she had to put them aside. She needed to do something about the equalists, before it gets worse. But how?
Perhaps she should arrange a meeting with all of the leaders and Equestrian council by tomorrow, but that would be too many ponies attending. Celestia could just have a meeting with the Equestrian council, but Twilight... should her friends come? No, she couldn't trust their manners, and Twilight would just report the outcome of the meeting to her friends, anyways. She would let Twilight and Spike come to the meeting.
Princess Celestia hastily finished the rest of her meal, and poured herself a bit more of the blooming tea before levitating the tea cup and teapot, a golden aura surrounding the two objects. The flower that blossomed when water contacted it swayed with the wobble of the tea, but otherwise nothing spilled.
Celestia turned to face the four guards that were still standing near the wooden doors.
"Something wrong, your highness?"
"Yes. Send letters to Fire Lily, Wind Chime, Jadestone, Kya and Cinnamon Toast. Don' forget to send a letter to Twilight Sparkle. We are going to have a meeting about the equalists."
"Yes, your highness. We will send them right away."
"Good, good," Celestia said. Deep down, however, she felt like it wasn't going to be good. Fire Lily was known to be a little hotheaded during meetings, and even infamous for disagreeing on many topics. Not to mention, the stallion on the radio said that the council-pony was planning on attacking the equalists during the arrival of Sozin's comet. She shook her head. She was going to find a way through all this chaos.
Twilight paced back and forth in front of the large, golden gates of the Canterlot Castle. Princess Celestia had told them that they- she and Spike- would be part of an important meeting with the Equestrian Council, a council that represented the five different nations that were once divided. Twilight learned about them in school, and the most popular representative was Fire Lily, known for her grumpy attitude. She definitely wasn't prepared to see the councilmare, let alone the other representatives and Celestia. Thinking about Celestia made Twilight murmur to herself.
Spike, on the other hoof, groaned.
"What's taking so long?" he said, turning to see Twilight. Her pace grew faster, and her murmurs were louder. Spike raised his eyebrows. "Is there something, uh, wrong?"
Twilight turned to face the baby dragon, and began to slowly walk closer to him. Spike took a couple steps backwards, his tail already touching the gates.
"O-of course I'm not wrong, I'm just a teensy weensy bit worried! I'm fine! Is there something wrong with being worried since I am the avatar, and about to face the council and princess of the sun? NO, THERE ISN'T! I'M FINE, JUST. A. LITTLE. WORRIED!"
As Spike's backside touched the gate, it opened, nearly making the poor dragon fall over. A royal guard walked up to the dragon and avatar, lifting his hoof, signalling to enter. He smiled, and Twilight stopped worrying. It was a familiar face- Shining Armor. A big grin appeared on her face, and she wrapped her fore-hooves around her brother's neck.
"Twily! I haven't seen you in a week or something! I missed you so much."
"Me too, Shiny. Me too."
After their quick reunion, Shining Armor looked at Spike, who smiled back.
"Good to see you too, Spike." he turned to face Twilight once more. "Sorry for the wait. The meeting area is to the far left. I would love to lead you guys there, but I'm on tower patrol duty. Bye!"
A couple minutes later, the two found the meeting area. All five representatives stopped their conversations as Twilight walked in. Every councilpony sat on a chair that was embellished to represent their corresponding element. Celestia was on the highest chair, in the center of the half-disk table; her seat was gold, not unlike her throne, with a large sun piece just above her head. Beside the gold chair was a slightly smaller, one to the right of her. The chair was made out of obsidian and splashes of silver, and decorated with depictions of the night sky. Princess Celestia pointed her hoof at the silver chair, nodding for Twilight to take her seat.
"Excuse me- uh, Princess Celestia," Spike started. "Where do I sit?"
"Oh- my apologies. The meeting is going to start now, since you're here. Do you mind standing?"
Spike sighed, and leaned against Twilight's chair. "No, I guess not."
After what seemed like an eternity, the meeting began. Princess Celestia first spoke, leading the meeting, acting as the chairpony. Fire Lily quickly picked on, saying her opinions out loud. She also shook her head and moved her hooves a lot.
"We should attack and destroy the equalists! Think of it as a war. good versus bad! Believe me, an action of justice should do the trick!" she argued, slamming her hooves to the table for the third time. "We need to do something to put an end to this quisquose!"
Wind Chime -the representative of air- shook his head.
"I disagree. My airbenders will not participate in the battle you wish for. The equalists didn't even attack yet! We should defend everypony, and fighting the equalists will be mandatory if they truly attack us first!"
"I agree with Wind Chime," Celestia said. She turned to Twilight, who remained silent the whole time. "What would you like to say, Twilight Sparkle?"
Everypony in the room faced her. Fire Lily's amber eyes glared at her, causing the lavender unicorn to gulp.
"Well, u., I kind of agree with Celestia and Wind Chime. There has to be another way..."
"Really? What do you want to do?" Fire Lily said, crossing her forehooves together.
"Well, we should protect everypony located in equalist hot-spots. Maybe send guards, the army, patrol... somepony. If something happens, then the guards will be ready to attack."
"But I believe using the power of Sozin's comet will help the fire-bending army with offense. Well?'
"Um..."
Twilight looked at Spike, who bit his lip. The dragon had no ideas either. The unicorn looked back at the fire-representative, who was quickly losing her patience. Twilight took a deep breath, and stood tall, trying to look confident.
"If you heard on the radio, the Lieutenant of the equalists said that he was sure you were going to attack during Sozin's comet. This must mean they might be planning something when that event arrives." Fire Lily opened her mouth to speak, but Twilight cut her off. "But, that would only strengthen the equalist's claim of benders being bad ponies. We should defend unless there truly is no choice."
Fire Lily shrunk back into her chair, thinking of something to say back.
"I must admit, you have... a point. But what are you going to do? You are the avatar, after all. Sombra will have to be faced soon, by my army or you."
This time Twilight shrunk back, staring at the table. She was right; Sombra had to be faced soon, either by her or the fire-bending army. But I didn't even fully master fire-bending! Twilight thought. Spike couldn't train her forever, and she wasn't a dragon. She needed a new master soon.
All of those chaotic thoughts formed a vision of her being defeated by Sombra. He cackled at her behind his mask, walking closer and closer...
"Miss Sparkle, pay attention!" Fire Lily's voice snapped at her, bringing Twilight back to reality. "I said that you should face Sombra. The army will deal with the equalists. This will be your first task as the avatar. Understood?"
"Uh- yes. But Mrs. Fire Lily-"
"Miss Fire Lily."
"Oh- Miss Fire Lily, my fire-bending... I haven't mastered it. How could I face Sombra?" Spike looked up at Twilight, frowning. "Sorry Spike," she whispered.
Fire Lily laughed, and slowly walked towards Twilight. She placed her hoof on the lavender unicorn, and looked at her right in the eye.
"Don't you worry about fire-bending. When I'm done with you, you'll be the best fire-bender in Equestria. Second to me, of course."
As if Twilight wasn't intimidated enough, Fire Lily's horn began to glow, creating a bright blue flame. She gasped, and Celestia chuckled.
"She's quite an advanced fire-bender, isn't she?" Celestia remarked.
The flame quickly died down, and the fire-bender sat down. After a few more comments, the meeting was over. Fire Lily informed Twilight that their training would begin tomorrow, and that she must be on time.
Spike and Twilight left the castle. Remnants of Fire Lily's azure flames flashed through Twilight's mind. That pony must be very advanced to even produce blue flames. It was beautiful but a bit frightening. How could any bender stand a chance against that mare?
The two took a train ride home, and by the time they arrived it was a bit past noon. Owlicious greeted them both with a loud hoot, and immediately Spike went to the kitchen to fix up a quick meal. Twilight thought about those negative thoughts once more; of Sozin's comet, the equalists, Sombra... it was all too much. And, she was hungry.
"Spike? Is the meal ready?" she said, peeking at the kitchen. The baby dragon nodded, and pointed to the table. On top were two plates with sandwiches, and two glasses of water. She walked over to the plate closest to her, and nibbled at it. Twilight had planned to go to Sweet Apple Acres, where her friends would meet after the meeting, but she just felt... something wrong. She wasn't sure what emotion she was feeling, but it wasn't a good one.
Spike walked over to the plate opposite to Twilight, humming an upbeat tune. His eager claws grabbed the sandwich, and he took the largest bite he could. His gaze on the sandwich soon met Twilight's purple eyes, and he frowned.
"Whuss won Twilight?" he asked, ending the question with a swallow. Crumbs flew as Spike wiped his chin with a paper napkin. He repeated his question, except without food in his mouth. Twilight sighed, placing her sandwich down. "Is the sandwich bad?" she shook her head at Spike. The dragon was relieved to hear that, but it didn't answer his first question.
"Spike," Twilight finally said after a few moments of silence. "What if I'm not ready?"
"What do you mean? For firebending?"
"No- I mean, like, for being..." Twilight trailed off, searching for the right words to say. "What if I'm not a good avatar?"
Spike slammed his claws onto the table, shaking his head. He was shocked to hear Twilight even say those words. She was an amazing unicorn, and not to mention the avatar!
"No way! You haven't even became a fully-realized avatar!"
"Yes, I know that Spike. But I can't face a pony who can take away bending. There are other ponies out there who are better heroes than I am, and they don't have the avatar spirit inside of them. They could be a better avatar than I am. Just- I don't know."
Spike, this time, remained silent. He stared at the floor, pondering on what to say back at Twilight's own words. She had just called herself basically a useless pony. There must be something that he could say to cheer her up. Twilight was like an older sister to him- she was the one who hatched and raised him, after all. Whenever he couldn't help her feel better or anything, he felt almost... shallow.
"Twilight, in this world, you don't chose your destiny. Destiny... it chooses you. So what if somepony else could do something better than you? Their destiny is different from yours, and you are destined to be, well, the avatar."
Twilight gave a small smile, his words soothing her. He was right; nopony chose their own destiny. It was the other way around.
"Thank you, Spike. Do you want to go to Sweet Apple Acres?"
After the sandwiches, the two once again went to another destination, this time Applejack's farm. It was only a short visit, since Twilight was only telling her friends about the meeting with Princess Celestia and the Equestrian Council. As expected, all of her friends were there, waiting for her arrival. Twilight waved her hoof.
A green plaid blanket had been spread across the grass, and a basket stood in the center, filled with various types of apples, hoof-picked by Applejack and Big Macintosh. Not only were her friends there, but a little white bunny and a turtle- no, tortoise. The tortoise had a strange helicopter-like device attached to his shell, giving him the ability to fly. A brown and white dog barked and chased the flying reptile, standing on its hind legs every once in a while.
Pinkie Pie was the first to notice the two approaching.
"Ooh! TWILIGHT! SPIKE! How was the meeting? Was it boring? Did it have balloons?" she babbled, bouncing in her usual idyllic manner. Rarity laughed, pushing the curled lock of her purple mane that hung in front of her face with her magic.
"Darling, it's a meeting. It must be pretty important since Princess Celestia and the Equestrian Council was there. Not necessarily fun, but important."
"Wait a minute! Let me introduce you to some more friends! This here is Winona, Applejack's dog," Pinkie Pie said, pointing her hoof to the dog. "This is Fluttershy's cute little bunny, Angel!" The bunny stared at Pinkie Pie, and crossed its arms. It was as if he didn't enjoy ponies calling him 'cute'.
"And this fellow is Tank! Rainbow Dash's awesome turtle!"
"Tank's a tortoise " Dash snapped, her wings flapping faster with annoyance. That pony was good at introducing herself, but not others. Rainbow sighed.
Twilight smiled, sitting beside Pinkie and Rarity. Spike was more than happy to be next to his crush, and began chatting with her, stuttering on some words while Twilight explained what happened earlier. She took bites of her apple, alternating from eating to talking, levitating the fruit with her magical aura. The apple was crisp and tart, just the way she liked it.
She told her friends everything, except for her conversation with Spike. Twilight didn't want to bring the topic back on again.
And, if she did it would probably make Spike feel that his words didn't help her enough. So, she didn't mention anything about it.