Wish Weaver

Chapters

Wish Weaver - Chapter 1: A Wild Alicorn Appears!
Wish Weaver - Chapter 2: Dawn of Equinox
Wish Weaver - Chapter 3: Time to meet the locals.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 4: What is the value of a non-pony?
Wish Weaver - Chapter 5: Pulling your weight, and everyone elses.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 6: Robot Alicorn Attack!
Wish Weaver - Chapter 7: New risks, new discoveries.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 8: It ain't a party if you can't come round.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 9: Too much limelight isn't good for you.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 10: And now, another challenge.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 11: A wish for the impossible.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 12: When unconventional minds meet.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 13: The impossible made possible...somehow.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 14: At Odds With The Ordinary
Wish Weaver - Chapter 15: Digging deep, and getting nowhere.
Wish Weaver - Chapter 16: The Truth Is Revealed...Unfortunately

Wish Weaver - Chapter 1: A Wild Alicorn Appears!

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 1
A Wild Alicorn Appears!

Equestria – Some time after today

As the old saying went ‘the more things changed, the more they stayed the same’. For the four years Twilight Sparkle had been a resident of Ponyville that was a concept that had been demonstrated to her with alarming regularity. Since she’d first been summoned from Canterlot she had experienced the trials of forging friendships that would last a lifetime, faced monsters and enemies that would’ve cowed even the bravest stallion, been crowned as a princess of the realm and been made to search the deepest recesses of her soul to find what her true calling in life was. In spite of all that, however, it seemed the day-to-day facets of her life refused to follow all the major developments that had befallen her.

On this particular day it had been a case of the usual schtick: finding books on significant subjects of study, prioritizing them for reading, then organizing them on the shelves of her library. The only new twists in the tale were that said library was not in her usual home as that had long since been destroyed by the maniacal Lord Tirek, and for the first time in a while, the alicorn pony had had to ponder if this was still a task that required her undivided attention.

“That’s all you could find, Spike?” She asked as her dragon helper hauled in the final stack of singed literature.

“All that could be still be considered legible. If you want to go dig through the ashes again I’m sure there’s plenty of scraps that you could make a fun word game with.” Spike groaned. He didn’t mean to be so short with his friend, but Twilight had had him searching the charred remains of their previous residence for hours, and now the dragon was just a tad grumpy, in addition to being sooty, hot, dirty and tired. “Seriously Twilight, did we have to waste an entire day on this?”

Twilight sighed as she levitated one of the burnt tomes and began to flip through it.

“The knowledge stored in these pages has proven invaluable time and time again. Who knows how much has been lost forever in Tirek’s fire? We have to try and salvage what we can.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I got that part. I meant did WE, meaning you and I, have to waste the day on this?”

Twilight cocked an eyebrow. “Everyone else is busy setting up their own sections of the castle.”

Spike slapped his hand over his face. “I meant couldn’t we have called in some of the Royal Guards to do it instead? See if any of Chrysalis’ changelings are available to help? You know, flexed some of that new princess power?”

Twilight tried to look offended, but Spike still caught the betraying flutter of her wings that she had been contemplating the same thing.

“You’re the one that wanted to indulge more in the regal responsibilities remember?” The dragon continued, earning himself a THUD! as Twilight dropped the book.

“Princess Celestia and Luna assured me they had things well in hand for today. Yes I may now be a princess, but that does not give me the right to shirk work onto others. I have to…” She looked around at the grand throne room of her new residence: a sprawling castle that had been gifted to her and her friends after they’d managed to banish Tirek back to the depths of Tartarus. “This place is as much my home as it is Applejack’s, Fluttershy’s, Rainbow Dash’s, Pinkie Pie’s or Rarity’s.”

“Or Discord’s. He’s living with us here too.” Spike reminded, taking some small satisfaction when the alicorn winced.

“Yes, regardless, I have to do my part to get this place up and running. A ruler cannot hope to maintain a kingdom if they can’t even keep their own house.”

Spike nodded in agreement. “And a royal retainer, or whatever that makes me, can’t be expected to be seen when they’re covered in soot and grime. If it’s alright with you, I’d really like a chance to clean up now.”

Twilight looked uncertain as she gazed to the myriad of books the two had rescued from their old place. There was so much work left to do yet she could not deny that Spike had already done more than his share.

“I guess this can wait till tomorrow. Why don’t you go bathe, then I believe Rarity could use your help.”

The mention of such a name promptly banished all negativity from the dragon’s mood. Despite his dirty, sodden state, Spike ran from the throne room with a noticeable spring in his step, leaving a brightly beaming Twilight in his wake.

“And once again, all is forgiven.” She quietly lauded her tact then turned and departed for the upper floors. The smell of ash and burnt paper was getting a little strong. Some fresh air and a little time with the night’s sky would probably raise her mood a bit.

Flying like the graceful winged beauty she was up through the castle, the purple toned equine emerged onto a deck mounted above the roof. As the cool night’s breeze hit her in the face, Twilight felt instantly refreshed.

And then, just as instantly, she felt her spirits brought back down when a pained groan welcomed her arrival.

“Hark! And who is this that disturbs my suffering at such an un-GOD-ly hour?” The writhing silhouette that lay prone across the deck turned to view the pony. “Ahhh the lady herself, Princess Twilight! Come to extend your good company to a tortured soul?”

As the shape uttered another groan, Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Are you feeling okay, Discord?” She stepped forward and beheld the dracoequine was splayed out on a pink and yellow toned sleeping bag, with a thermometer in his mouth and an ice bag on his head. “What is this?”

“Oh a most horrid turn of events. I was helping Fluttershy wallpaper her room when suddenly the most horrendous pain overcame me! I felt perhaps the work had exhausted me so I came up here for some nightly air, but ooooooh I fear it has only made my condition worse, leaving me with nothing save for the cold, unfeeling light of Princess Luna’s moon for company!”

Twilight narrowed her eyes in disbelief. “Seriously, Discord? You’re not just trying to get out of helping us?”

In a blinding flash, the chaotic being was suddenly at Twilight’s side, with one arm wrapped around her neck and the other clasped upon his brow.

“Princess Twilight, I beseech thee! How could you think I would dare to even dream of deceiving any of you? After all we’ve been through together?”

Now finding herself gasping for breath, Twilight awkwardly pulled herself out of Discord’s chokehold and glared at him. ”Shall I answer chronologically, or alphabetically?”

The dracoequine keeled over in a dramatic display of feebleness. “Oh such wounding words! And to think of all the effort I put in to serving my friends, this is the gratitude I get!”

He coughed and moaned as if in the most unimaginable agony. Twilight politely turned around and tried to lose herself in the beauty of the stars till she heard a very overacted collapse upon the deck and deemed the theatrics had now been completed.

“So what? Did a tatzlwurm sneeze on you again or something?”

“This is no mere pestilence carried disease! I feel myself racked by a great disturbance in the magical force, Twilight. As if thousands upon thousands of voices are continually crying out, only to then be silenced.” Discord ominously groaned. Twilight nodded slowly.

“Uh huh. You do know that this IS a rather unusual time right? Now that Celestia and Luna have their powers back they’ve got to get things all shifted around so they’re properly in order again. Of course there’s going to be magical disturbances!” She argued. Seeing his thespian skills were not being effective, Discord stood up and spat the thermometer out of his mouth.

“I’m serious, Twilight! Did you not notice something unusual about the last few days? That the amount of daylight and nighttime has been in constant flux?”

Reminding herself the importance of appearing indifferent, Twilight took a deep breath.

“As I just said. When Celestia and Luna gave me their powers it…well it threw a few things out of whack. They have to re-establish the state of Equinox where the sun and the moon are out for an equal amount of time. It’s nothing to panic over, just a mild hiccup.”

Taking the ice bag off his head, Discord massaged his temples. “Well something is still amiss. I’ve been having these constant, nagging sensations that the magical flow of Equestria is being manipulated by something. It’s like splinters in my mind, driving me mad.” He stuck a finger in his ear and pulled out a handful of wood chippings.

“Well you can rest assured that the problem will soon be mended. Princess Celestia is planning to have a nice ceremony to commemorate Equinox since it should be upon us at the same time as the start of Autumn. A few more days and everything will be all right again!” Twilight smiled proudly as the night’s breeze did her the service of picking up so her mane flowed like silk in its currents….

…except then, just as before, something happened to put things off. She sensed something was tickling her coat, raising the hairs like she had an itch. Scratching idly at her neck, Twilight shook her head vigorously as the feeling intensified. She looked up again at the sky and blinked as a sudden flash of lightning split the stars like a sheet. Very unusual considering there wasn’t a cloud to be seen.

“Discord?”

The chaos entity meeped as thunder roared all around him. “Okay, speaking with total truthfulness now, I have nothing to do with this!”

Lightning crashed down all around the castle, spawning from seemingly nowhere to rattle the walls and make the air sizzle with heat. Now properly panicked, Twilight bolted back inside, shooting back down through the floors like a comet.

“Ponies! I need you all to meet me in the throne room!” She yelled. Reaching the doors to the aforementioned area, Twilight threw them open and allowed herself a moment of relief to see her friends had already expected her call.

“What in hoo-hollerin’ heck is going on here, Twilight? One minute I’m paintin’ the guest area ahll nice an’ quiet, then suddenly it’s like the evening before the zap apple harvest!” The Stetson wearing brown earth pony cried. Next to her, the blue toned pegasus with a rainbow colored mane spread her wings and winced.

“You think that’s bad? I was outside checking the runway the Wonderbolts were going to use for their shows here. If I’d been any slower getting back in I’d be extra crispy right now.” She said. As if further proof were needed, the lightning slammed into the ground like a machine gun, making the windows around the throne room clatter from the explosive reverberations and giving everyone quite a jump.

“Oh no, I just set Angel and the others down in their cages for the night! If the lighting strikes them…” The yellow toned pegasus with the pink mane covered her mouth with her hooves. Beside her a stylish white one with a deep purple mane craned an ear.

“Hold on…I think I hear something…” With a remarkable display of bravery, she walked over and pressed her head to the shaking windows. “Yes, in between the lightning strikes…it sounds like….well, kind of like how fireworks sound.”

Displaying the same sort of bravery, or perhaps ‘recklessness’ might have been a better word, a sixth pony toned entirely in pink trotted over and let herself be battered by the assault of flashing light and explosive cacophony.

“Ooooh yeah, it’s like those mortars they set off at the games. Oooh maybe someone is throwing us a surprise housewarming party! Or a Pre-Equinox Party! Except those were both supposed to be my jobs! Oh no, Cheese Sandwich must be back for another round to see which of us is the best party planner!” The pony rapidly exposited, going from confused, to pleasured, to terrified in a matter of seconds.

Seeing a somewhat more rational mind was going to be needed here, Twilight cleared her throat and stamped down on her own fear.

“Ponies, ponies, please! Let me think for a second.”

Twilight began pacing the room, trying to shut out the clashing symphony of destruction outside.

“This can’t be Lord Tirek making a return, can’t be King Sombra…Discord’s already pledged his innocence…this is something new.” She concluded, looking to the west side of the room. Peering through the windows, the alicorn noted something even more amiss with the scenery. “And…it seems to be incredibly localized. I can see Ponyville in the distance, and there’s no lightning or anything hitting over there.”

Everyone turned to join Twilight, and thus earned themselves a collected state of blindness when the whole world outside went white. Before her vision bled out entirely, Twilight caught the faintest inkling that the room was liquefying around her, before she found herself rolling on the floor and rubbing at her eyes.

“Ahhhhh, sainted apple stars! Ah cayn’t see!” Applejack scrambled to get back to her hooves, only to hit the floor again as a violent tremor shook the castle to its foundations. “What the heck is happening outside?”

Blinking frantically, Twilight whimpered as the world swam like a kaleidoscope around her eyes. Color and light danced together, mingling but refusing to mix into something coherent. Rubbing again, the alicorn wobbled onto her hooves, breathing in relief as things became clear, and she could slowly make out the shapes of those around her.

“Whatever it is…I think it’s over now. “ Rainbow Dash commented. “Least, I can’t hear anything any more.”

Perspective returned to the assembled equines, letting them take stock of their surroundings. Dust has fallen onto the thrones and spidery cracks were laced all through the stones set into the floor. Looking to the west side again, Twilight shook her head as she beheld what appeared to be the windows swelling outward, like a sheet of rubber being blown by a jet of air. Just like rubber they also quickly snapped back into solid, immobile masses, prompting the alicorn to wonder if she was still seeing things.

“Well thank goodness. I was worried all the lightning was going to frizz up everyone’s mane, and right after I got us all looking so perfectly presentable!” Rarity exclaimed. “So what was that? An earthquake and thunderstorm combined?”

Approaching the windows, Twilight peered through them, seeing the castle courtyard was looking unnaturally normal, as if the unholy phenomenon had given it a miss. Just beyond that, however, she spotted a pillar of smoke, and a red glow seeping through the hedges.

“Whatever it was, I think it’s safe to investigate now. Stay here you all. I’m going to just take a quick peek.”

The purple equine dashed out of the throne room before any reply could be voiced. Rushing through the courtyard she stopped dead as a giant crater greeted her. Looking around the circumference of it, the alicorn’s first thought was how perfect the symmetry was. It wasn’t like something had impacted upon the ground, but rather that the ground itself had just been vaporized, leaving nothing but a burning void.

As the smoke cleared, Twilight’s second thought was that despite telling her friends to stay put, she was most certainly not alone. There was something moving in the center of the crater, something with a body that reflected the moon’s light with an almost blindingly bright finish, and eyes that glowed with the brilliance of sapphires as they turned to stare directly at her.

Scrambling back in shock, Twilight felt herself trip and tumble onto her side as the entity stepped towards her. Cracking the glass like coating that had been formed from the immense heat, it made short work of climbing up out of the crater, pausing at the edge as she rolled over and stared back with a look of utter disbelief.

Standing before her was another pony, another alicorn to be precise, yet one that had no business being on Equestria. Her body was plated in silver metal, similar to armor, except as Twilight looked her over she could see hints of glowing wires underneath the plates and heard the whirr of mechanized servos indicating the entity was actually some sort of machine. Her wings bore the same metallic appearance, as did her horn. Her mane was a flowing mass of illuminated coils, almost like power cables, but much more sturdy looking, and glowy. All in all, she could easily have passed for a masterpiece of modern art, except art tended to be found in galleries and didn’t move around like it was alive. It certainly didn’t have a knack for spontaneously appearing in one’s front yard and scaring the daylights out of everyone.

As Twilight gaped in amazement, the mecha-alicorn cocked her head. A beam of red light shot out of her horn and caught her sprawled counterpart in it like a net.

“Wha….what? Who….” Twilight nervously fought to form words, to try and communicate with this strange apparition. Narrowing her eyes, the entity cocked her head in the other direction and a visor folded out over her eyes.

Princess Twilight Sparkle? - The alicorn queried, formally, soberly, and yet in a voice that was disarmingly feminine.

Sadly, Twilight did not have time to contemplate the speech patterns of her new arrival. No sooner had she heard herself be addressed by one unknown to her, than the alicorn had charged up a magic attack and blasted her counterpart square in the face. The unnamed alicorn went flying back into the crater, crashing into the opposite side and tumbling back down in a smoking, sparking heap.

Gasping, Twilight jumped back up, staring at the twitching body with renewed shock, possibly disgust at what she’d done. Suddenly she jumped clear into the air, not from what was happening in front of her, but from what came from behind.

“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash called as the poor pony whipped around and looked like she was about to have a heart attack. “What’s happening? We heard you screaming like you were in trouble.”

The rest of the Mane Six rushed to their friends’ aid as she settled down and raggedly got her breath back.

“I…I was….I don’t know. I came out and that…that was there.” She said, pointing to the smoking alicorn. Recovering from their surprise, the ponies jumped into the crater and examined the strange beast.

“What in tahr-nayshun? Is this what was causin’ the light show?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t know. It just stepped out in front of me….and…and….” Twlight looked away guiltly as Rarity examined the scorch marks on the alicorn’s head.

“Twilight…is this from a magic blast?” The white equine queried. “Did you attack this poor thing?”

“It…it knew my name! I’m sorry, I panicked.” The purple pony grit her teeth as her friends continued to look over the comatose creature.

“Well…this is definitely a pony. But it’s not like any pony I’ve ever seen. Actually this reminds me of that machine you used to test my Pinkie Sense.” Pinkie Pie noted, brushing the alicorn’s tail aside and looking at her flank. “Specially this, look at this pony’s cutie mark.”

Everyone beheld the most unusual symbol gracing the creature’s flank. It could best be described as a circle intersected by three lines made up of ones and zeros.

“Huh, that almost looks like…” Without thinking Rainbow Dash reached out to nudge the mark with a hoof. She immediately regretted this when it lit up in blue neon, and the previously still alicorn sprung back into action.

“ACK! Wha..woah woah!” The blue pegasus scrambled back from the sparking equine. With a shrill series of beeps and whirrs she attempted to get back up…then Twilight put her out of commission again with another magic blast. Even though this time she tried using less power, the mysterious pony slumped back into lifelessness, her eyes going black and more sparks shooting out from between her plates. The crater fell silent as everyone braced themselves for the worst, only to find the worst never came.

“Geez, Twilight, was that really nesuh-ssary?” Applejack asked, more out of surprise than anything else.

“Well yeah, that thing was about to attack me!” Dash shot back.

“Was it? It looked more to me like it was just trying to get up.” Fluttershy commented. “Actually…did it do anything threatening at all to you, Twilight?”

Extinguishing her horn, Twilight looked at the metal equine and felt an even worse sense of shame wash over her.

“Well….no…but I…I…” The purple alicorn gagged on her words, her head slowly dipping as if it was too heavy for her neck. “I think I overreacted.”

Rather than admonish her, the other ponies looked unconvinced.

“I don’t know about that, Twilight. It certainly didn’t give you much chance to react otherwise.” Rarity mused. This did little to disperse her friend’s shame.

“Still, I had no reason to...” An idea struck, and the purple alicorn found the will to stand tall and authoritative again. “Help me get this thing inside the castle. I’ll see if I can determine where it came from, and what it’s doing here.”

This earned a lot of dubious stares.

“You sure?” Dash asked hesitantly. “We have as much proof that this thing IS dangerous as we have that it isn’t.”

“It’s not. I just feel it.” Twilight assured. Silently she prayed she was right as the ponies carefully heaved the limp alicorn up and carried it back into their residence. “If nothing else I owe it an apology at least.”

Elsewhere across Equestria…

With barely constrained excitement, a dark red earth pony adjusted his glasses and stepped out of a tent. He was a young and rather dapper lad with a telescope etched on his flank and a mane and tail as black as the night around him.

“So when will I know if my wish has been granted?” He asked to an unseen being within the tent.

“Soon, young pony. Keep your ear to the ground, and you will have your answer soon!” A mystical voice replied. Swallowing hesitantly, the red stallion nodded and resumed with his excited air.

“I shall do just that then. Thank you, Miss Calypso!” He said while trotting off towards home, dwelling on having just exhausted another avenue for his lifelong pursuit and gotten the same rather ambiguous response. Ah well, the tent dweller hadn’t given him a definite negative so that was at least better than the previous ponies he’d sourced. He’d just have to wait and trust that she’d do as she said, and in the mean time, while his ear was to the ground his eyes would be on the skies that he so coveted.

So much was about to change, and so much was to stay the same.

Wish Weaver - Chapter 2: Dawn of Equinox

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Wish Weaver : Chapter 2

Dawn of Equinox

Everyone reacted differently to sudden twists of fate. Some worried themselves sick over having to deal with change, some just went with the flow, some tried to pretend nothing had happened, and some would not be satisfied till they understood why changes occurred.

The castle of Princess Twilight provided an interesting case study of all of the above. After having an unexpected machine like entity literally drop out of the sky in front of them, the Mane Six had faced quite the unusual night. Applejack had helped carry the mysterious alicorn inside then promptly gone to bed, Rainbow Dash had done a full sweep of the castle grounds to ensure no other nasty surprises were lurking around, Fluttershy had sated herself with making sure her animal friends were all safe and secure, Pinkie Pie had entertained several ideas of how to welcome the newcomer to their residence before being talked down, and Rarity had pulled all the spare blankets and pillows from her room so the robot pony at least had somewhere comfy to rest while her coma endured.

Only Twilight remained at the strange equine’s side, having the most reason out of everyone to tend to her wellbeing. Though fatigue and exhaustion nagged constantly at her mind, the overwhelming sense of guilt at what she’d done remained superior. She whiled the night away checking every reference book she had, cautiously tried to study the alicorn’s body without triggering another spasm, and fretted constantly over how to fix the damage she’d caused.

It was only in the waking moments of sunrise that the purple equine finally gave herself over to sleep, collapsing by the mysterious robot’s bed and letting dreams chase away her fears. Some time later she awoke to the smell of fresh coffee and the sight of her trusty dragon, Spike, now standing beside her.

“Welcome to wakefulness, Twilight. How fairs our…uh…guest?” The little purple drake queried as he set a steaming cup down for his friend. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Twilight groaned and stretched herself out.

“Still nothing. By all accounts she’s….well…dead…except I don’t think machines can die. Well, I sure hope not.”

The little scaled cutie delicately bit on the lip of his coffee mug as he sensed Twilight’s despair. “I’m sure she’s fine, in her own way.”

Snorting and shaking her head, Twilight turned back to the silvery pony in front of her. “It is still my fault. I just, well if I could have any power at all right now it’d be to turn back time so I could correct that mistake.”

“Even though the last time you tried that it resulted in a complete nightmare of a week for you?” Spike queried before having to suppress a snicker. “Though not without entertainment value.”

Twilight glowered at her drake. “Yes, well regardless I only hope there’s some way I can still do that via the more conventional means.”

Spike scratched his head. “We could contact Nurse Redheart, see if she can help…” He offered.

Twilight shook her head again. “This isn’t a normal pony! It’s made of metal, and wires and circuits. I don’t think her training includes working on things like that.”

Spike cocked his head. “Well if it’s a machine, can’t we just turn it back on?”

“Love to, if I knew where the ON switch is, assuming it even has one.” Twilight hesitantly looked at the alicorn’s cutie mark. She placed a quivering hoof on it, then sighed when that produced no apparent effect. “When Rainbow Dash pressed this it seemed to react, though for whatever reason I can’t get that to happen again.”

Spike idly tapped his mug in contemplation. “Well, you do still have your tool set from the library. Maybe we could take her apart and see about repairing what was broken?"

Twilight grimaced with increasing frustration. "I thought of that too. Believe me I'd love to study and diagram what manner of technological mastery went into making this creature, the problem is I doubt I'd know what needs to be fixed, let alone how to fix it. There's also the issue of whether I'd then be able to put her back together correctly."

Spike furrowed his brow. "Well, there has to be something we can do!"

"I’m sure there is...I just need time to think." Twilight sighed. Ever the considerate assistant that he was, Spike gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Okay just let me if you need any help. I’ll be in Rarity’s room helping her with her morning grooming routine” He sipped his coffee and departed, leaving Twilight rolling her eyes and turning back to the machine.

“Okay so, you know who I am, but I don’t know who you are. You could tell me, except I kind of fried your brains with magic. Well, more specifically I fried the left side….” Twilight brushed the mecha-pony’s mane away to study the scorch marks on her forehead. “But I missed the right side entirely so maybe if I could provide some way to power you up…wait…”

Twilight’s ears shot up, followed by her wings. In a flash she was darting out of the throne room and back up to the private wing where the Mane Six had their respective bedrooms and personal areas. Finding the door to Fluttershy’s space she pushed it open and smiled in relief at seeing Discord was enjoying a spot of morning tea with the yellow pegasus.

“Good Morning Twilight!” Fluttershy greeted.

“Ahh the daringly destructive princess graces us with her presence again. How is the unfortunate victim of your little display of might doing?” The dracoequine replied. Twilight purposefully acted like she didn’t catch the teasing tone in his voice.

“Hopefully she’ll be much better in a minute. Listen Discord, are you still dying in agony or can you help me with something?”

Checking the inside of his ears, the chaotic god grinned and leapt into the air as his whole body ignited like a star.

“Not any more! It seems that just as the morning sun has vanquished the horrible night, it took away my pain along with it! For the moment at least, I am as fit and ready as can be!”

Another flash and Discord was now dressed in a tank top, shorts and a headband, flexing his manly muscles for the ladies.

“Excellent. Could you create a very small, localized lightning storm for me? Just out in the courtyard?” Twilight queried. “I’m thinking maybe we could jump start her mind, just as I had to jump start the machine I used on Pinkie Pie.”

Discord dispensed with the work out attire and summoned a lab coat and glasses for himself.

“Oooh, planning a little Frankenstein experimentation are we? I never thought you had it in you! Come then, to the courtyard!”

The dracoequine charged with gusto out of the room. Fluttershy nervously put down her teacup and looked with concern at her friend.

“Are you sure that’ll work, Twilight?”

Twilight’s confident visage slipped a bit. “Well, not entirely. But it’s the best I can come up with right now.”

While still not convinced, Fluttershy nevertheless followed her friend out.

***

Moments later, the Mane Six were gathered around a very gothic themed outdoor laboratory, provided in part by Discord. Twisted, black metal pylons stood around a rickety wooden slab, strapped to which was the mysterious equine.

“So…mahned explainin’ to us what this is supposed to do, Twilight?” Applejack queried.

“It’s simple. Remember when we tried testing Pinkie’s ‘pinkie sense’ a second time with the recalibrated mind reading machine, and it broke down? I got it working again by jump starting it with a few shots of electricity from a battery. Since this creature is of a likewise mechanical nature, maybe we can do the same to get her up and running again.” Twilight replied, to many dubious stares.

“Even though we have no evidence this creature works like anything on Equestria?” Rainbow commented. Noting the way her friend tensed her mouth she quickly added. “Then again, you make a fair point, Twilight, so it’s worth a shot.”

Discord whistled merrily as he pulled levers and adjusted dials on a control panel by the slab. Deeming all was right, he then picked up a bowl shaped helmet and placed it on the metal equine’s head. “Alright, I think we’re ready to begin. Now to make the weather a little more favorable…”

He pointed at the sky and began making circular motions with his finger. A black cloud presently materialized above the metal alicorn, flashing and thundering ominously as Discord stirred it up into a frenzy.

“And with a little extra juice we have bippity, bobbity, boop!”

Lightning crashed down onto the pylons, which then directed it to strike at the alicorn’s head. She lurched violently up as if taking strength from the surge of power, only to then flop back down onto the slab. Studying the readings on his control panel, Discord thoughtfully scratched his chin.

“Hmm…maybe a little more juice? Around 1.21 gigawatts oughta do it.” Discord whipped the cloud up in size, then laughed like a mad scientist should as it sent more lightning down to the pylons. The alicorn gave another mad lurch as it was shocked into consciousness again…while to the side, Rainbow Dash gave a yelp of pain.

“Oh yes, I do hope everyone remembered to not get in the way of the lightning strikes.” Discord mused as the blue pegasus hit the ground and blew on her singed wings.

“Awww man, I just had these preened too!” She lamented. Everyone backed well away as more lightning cascaded down from above, making the silver pony thrash this way and that.

“Okay that’s enough, Discord.” Twilight commanded. The chaos god looked disappointed but duly dismissed the cloud. He grabbed a crank on the side of the slab and wheeled the alicorn up to where everyone could have a look at his efforts.

“Did it work?” Pinkie Pie asked as Twilight carefully nudged the robot’s muzzle. She whipped her hoof back as a spark arched across to it and the pony gave another lurch.

“I don’t know.” The purple equine felt her spirits sink as her mysterious charge went limp, not even reacting to the electricity flashing around her body. “Ummm…maybe we could try again?”

“Wait, look! Her eyes!” Rarity pointed at the alicorn’s fluttering orbs. Like one who was coming out of a hypnotic trance, the metal being blinked once, twice, then finally rose to peer at everyone with her newly glowing stare.

“Yay! She’s not dead after all!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. The metal filly gave a very alien whirrrrrr, followed by a garbled bunch of what could almost have passed for speech as she looked down at her restraints. Discord flicked a switch on the slab to release them and the alicorn slipped down onto her hooves. She jostled her mane and watched it light up with the same neon blue tint as her eyes as she returned to staring silently at the ponies.

“Ummm, hello?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

Greetings. - The silver mare politely replied. Twilight felt cautious relief wash over her.

“You can understand us?” She asked.

Yes. – The robot replied.

“Are you going to attack us?”

No. – The metal mare replied.

Everyone breathed a little easier.

“Okay, umm….forgive my jumping straight into this, but you said my name when you saw me last night. Have we met before?”

A beam of red light shot out from the equine’s horn, entrapping the Mane Six while her visor folded out over her eyes.

No. – The equine replied once she’d completed whatever she was doing.

“So how do you know who I am?” Twilight asked. The mare shut off the light and stared intently as words and symbols of some manner flashed across her visor.

I do not know who you are. – The mare simply replied. – Please excuse me for a moment. -

A low whirr filled the air while the robot equine continued to study the data running past her eyes.

Error. Error. Severe corruption of memory files detected. Higher recall functions inoperable. Attempting to repair….-

While everyone gave each other strange looks, the metal mare beeped and jostled her mane. Finally she retracted her visor and beheld the ponies.

Repair failed. Memory files cannot be retrieved. Higher system functions inoperable. Basic operations only. – She stated as plainly and politely as before.

“Right…and that means?” Rainbow Dash asked.

My core systems are functioning nominally, but all of my memory files have been too damaged to use. I cannot recall who you are or how I was able to identify you. -

Twilight’s relief promptly went out like a flame in the wind.

“Does that mean you can’t tell us who you are either?” Fluttershy asked.

No.- The mare replied. She sounded so proper, and unbothered by her condition that Twilight feared her heart was going to break in two. Sensing the stares from her friends, she stepped up and asserted herself as she knew a pony of her stature should.

“Okay, well my name is Twilight Sparkle, I’m a princess of Equestria, and these are my friends, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Spike, and the one behind you is Discord.”

The mare turned to view the grinning dracoequine.

“You…well, you appeared on our front lawn last night, during a lightning storm. When you saw me you…..” Twilight felt her legs growing weak, her eyes watering with tears. “You said my name…and…I kind of panicked and blasted you with a magic attack.”

She bit her lip as the mysterious pony stared at her blankly. It was getting hard to maintain a polite air as the guilt within her grew like a fire out of control, but Twilight fought to not show any of it.

-That would be a sufficient explanation for all the corrupted data and inactive circuits I am detecting. - She finally replied. Twilight felt the tears fall beyond her control and wiped her eyes.

“I…I am so sorry. I spent all night trying to think of how to fix you. I thought I found a solution, but I guess I only half mended things.”

The mare’s irises rotated like camera lenses upon seeing the wet streaks coursing down Twilight’s face.

What is wrong with your eyes? – She asked, prompting Twilight to rub more vigorously.

“Nothing. I’m just…well I didn’t mean to do what I did.”

The robot mare cocked her head. – Are you damaged as well?-

“Wow, she really has been knocked down a few pegs on the smarts.” Spike whispered, earning himself a kick from Rarity.

“What? I mean, no, no not at all! Just a little overemotional.” The purple pony quickly replied. Her guest nodded as if thinking things over. “Look um, we really got off on the wrong hoof last night so I want to try again. I’m not entirely sure if anypony in Equestria can fix your memories, but my friends and I will try our hardest!”

“Awww yeah! No ponies are better than us at fixing problems like this! Even if we can’t, we’ll find another way to make you an awesome part of Equestria, cause we’re awesome like that!” Rainbow Dash proudly declared.

“And while we’re at it, you can hang out with us. The palace has more than enough room for another pony.” Fluttershy smiled.

“Precisely! You can hold onto the blankets and pillows I used to make your bed. And if there’s anything else you need, you only have to ask.” Rarity added.

“Not to mention I can introduce you to everypony around and get you settled into Equestrian society. I know everypony and they know me!” Pinkie Pie’s eyes widened like saucers as another idea struck her. “Oooh, I know! We can throw you a ‘Welcome to Equestria’ party! I’ll make it a combo celebration along with the housewarming and the Equinox commemoration. Ooooh this is going to be the best ever! There’ll be so many waiting to meet you!”

For the first time that day, possibly ever, the metal equine betrayed an emotion. Her ears rose and she took a step back as the impact of such affection and generosity from souls that had only just met her registered on some still functioning part of her mind. Noticing Twilight was smiling again, she resumed her very upright and proper stance.

Then co-operation favors mutual goals. You wish to permit me entry into your society, I require new data to compile and replace that which has been lost. - She replied.

“Meanin’ you wanna learn?” Applejack queried.

Yes.- The robot replied.

“Well heck, that’s easy! Twilight’s like the smartest pony around. I’m sure if there’s one who can help you find out who you are and where you come from, she’s it.”

Purple mare and silver mare regarded each other again, the latter politely waiting for the former to add her bit to her friends’ claims.

“That does seem like the least I can do. Although there is one thing still remaining…” Twlight looked embarrassed. “We need to think of something to call you. Can’t just keep on saying ‘hey you’, whenever we want your attention.”

“A good point. Hmmm.”

The mare turned as Discord lowered his head to conduct a more thorough investigation of her.

“You are unlike any pony we’ve seen before, yet you cut quite the distinct image with that all metal body, and the glowing eyes and mane….” The chaos god snapped his fingers. “I know, we’ll call you ‘Iron Mare’ The pony from another world! We just need to make you a little more suitable!”

In another flash, the robot pony found herself wearing a metallic red and gold toned superhero outfit, complete with boots and a more wild green color to her mane. The other ponies found this less than thrilling.

“Have you been reading my comic books again, Discord?” Spike asked.

“We all draw inspiration from somewhere. You can’t deny there is something extravagantly pulp fiction-ish about this pony.” Discord replied.

“No, but we CAN deny you the right to choose something that should be up to her! Not to mention those colors are utterly garish when paired together.” Rarity replied.

In addition, there is no iron in the alloy that my body casing is made from. The moniker would be unsuitable. – The mecha-pony added, sounding very apologetic.

Though he looked hurt beyond words, Discord dismissed the costume.

“Hmph! Well excuse me for trying to help.” He said while the alicorn adjusted to being back in her original form again.

If you would prefer me to choose…there is something that Entertainer Pinkie Pie mentioned: the word ‘equinox’. -

Twilight nodded. “Long story but my fellow princesses control the scheduling of when the sun and the moon are out. Things got a little out of whack due to some recent trouble so they’re working to re-establish the state of Equinox, when both have an equal amount of time in the sky.”

The silver alicorn’s brow furrowed. Her eyes slipped down as if deep in thought.

Equinox, a state of balance achieved between both day and night. This word triggers a positive feedback in me. The data could best be described as…satisfaction. -

The mare snapped back to her full, proper stance like a puppet on strings.

I am Equinox, a new construct ready to receive input. With your permission, I will integrate into your society and establish a function for myself. -

Though she didn’t quite understand all of that, Twilight felt herself beam proudly as she offered a hoof to the newly christened pony. She looked at it as if confused, but after a moment seemed to understand the significance.

I anticipate the exchange of data.- She said, pressing her own hoof to Twilight’s. Though she knew she was the higher authority, the purple alicorn bowed to her new friend.

“Welcome to Equestria, Equinox.”

Author's Note

After a fitful night trying to care for the new arrival, Twilight has a sudden inspiration for how to get her up and running. Though the effort proves successful, the mysterious mare does not return to wakefulness without some complications.

Wish Weaver - Chapter 3: Time to meet the locals.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 3
Time to Meet the Locals

Being a newcomer to a strange land was never easy. Being a newcomer to a strange land with no memory of who you are or where you came from previously was even harder. Being all of the above and also an entity that had never been seen before anywhere on Equestria, well that was making things more difficult than they really needed to be. Sadly for the one now known as Equinox, such was a challenge she now had to face. The only compensation was she didn’t have to do it alone.

Following her impromptu christening, the ponies known as the Mane Six had taken her as one of their own, with each spinning their own tale of who they were, what their lives were like and what they did. Over the course of the day, Equinox had learned the basics to the art of dressmaking, the core skills in animal care, a brief history of Equestria and its monarchy, the opening stunts of the Wonderbolts’ flying show, a lively demonstration of apple tree bucking and how much her welcoming party was going to be the best ever in the whole of Equestria. Though she had contributed little in return, the robot alicorn had taken all of this in with gusto. The more the ponies talked about their world, the more she found herself experiencing the strangest reactions. A haze of demand had been sizzling away at the parts of her mind that still worked, repeatedly reminding her that no matter how much data she compiled, she would need more. To an organic being such a sensation would probably be recognized as hunger, but for the machine it was yet another new development in a day that was rife with more new developments than most ponies would’ve been able to handle.

When finally the night came again, and the ponies had all finally agreed they could reveal no more, Equinox had her first negative feedback. The cessation of data was strangely…painful to her, demanding immediate relief. Fortunately, Twilight still had a myriad of books lying around the palace, and thus when the ponies had retired; Equinox turned her attention to those.

When everyone rose and came down to breakfast the next morning, they thus got quite the shock to find the robot still reading quietly, flipping through the pages of a tome at break neck speed, then levitating it neatly to join its brethren on the shelves so she could start on the next.

“Um…good morning, Equinox.” Twilight said, almost as an aside as she now took in her re-organized library. “I see you put the night to good use?”

-Indeed. I have currently compiled approximately 85.3% of your available literature. Correction, 85.6%. – The alicorn slotted another book onto the shelf and lifted another up from the piles. – Correction, 86.32%....86.9%. –

“That’s fine, Equinox. I get the picture.” Twilight replied, even more amazed than before. “And you still had time to organize them all in between?”

You expressed a strong preference for optimization, Princess Twilight Sparkle. While compiling, I sensed a similar feedback in my core circuits. – The alicorn walked over to her purple counterpart and added another book to the shelves. – Your library has thus now been arranged according to chronological date of publication, core subject material, condition and color. I have prepared a full list of where everything is if you desire. -

Though she felt bad for doing it, Twilight giggled softly while Equinox cocked her head.

“No, no, I’m sure I can figure it out on my own.” She said. “Actually, that was rather nice of you to do. Spike will be so pleased you saved us so much work.”

Though she looked surprised at having done the purple mare a service, Equinox still nodded as if to express her thanks for Twilight’s approval.

Very well. If you will permit me a few more minutes, I will be able to compile the remainder. -

The metal pony’s horn lit up with the same neon blue aura and shot out a beam of light to pull another tome to her. Twilight watched in rapt fascination as she then proceeded to flick through the pages with the same speed and efficiency.

“Strange, it looks like you can use magic, but that’s not the way levitation usually works…”

Equinox promptly halted her reading and looked up at Twilight.

I apologize for the misconception then. According to my systems, this is not a supernatural levitation skill akin to what you would define as ‘magic’. It is an on-board tractor beam assembly installed in my cranial extension. -

Twilight politely gaped in silence till she managed to get her head above the sudden tidal wave of words. “I’m sorry, a what?”

A tractor beam. A Bessel beam emitting equipment designed to manipulate the gravitational pull on a given object and force it towards the point of emission. – Equinox stated, still managing to maintain her perfectly polite and pretty tone. Twilight looked halfway between bewildered at the second wave of techno-babble, and confused as to why she'd use such complicated terms to describe what was a fairly basic concept.

“Right so it's levitation, you just use it a different way than we do. Interesting. I wasn’t aware you had something like that.” The princess finally replied. Equinox dipped her head, as if ashamed.

Truthfully, I didn’t either. My systems only notified me of its existence once I had acknowledged the problem of trying to read your literature while lacking the required manipulative appendages. – The robot replied. Twilight's curiosity bloomed as the sense of this registered.

“So you do have special abilities like me, but you just can’t remember what they are?” She asked.

-Yes, however, it would seem that my systems have been equipped with a back up emergency activation protocol. If I expose myself to a scenario that requires use of my higher functions, they will activate on their own accord. - Equinox finished her reading and added the tome to the others, though unlike before she did not immediately grab for another one. – Such an excessive amount of contingency planning exposits that those who created me wished that I be prepared for anything. I find this…a fascinating theory to explore. –

While the metal alicorn mused, the purple alicorn felt her spirits rise along with the sun.

“Me too. Actually that gives me a few ideas as to how we might be able to help you. Let me go speak with my friends and I’ll find you after breakfast.”

Equinox nodded in agreement.

I will remain here and continue my compilations. -

***

“Ah dunno, Twilight. It sounds like she’s takin’ a little too much after yew fer comfert.” Applejack mused. “Not that Ah mean any oh-fense, but we all know where yer curious mind has taken us bee-four, and frankly Ah’d prefer havin’ just one a yew to chase after.”

Though she tried to look dismayed, Twilight couldn’t suppress the snickers as the earth pony smiled at her.

“That is a risk, yes, but this really could be what Equinox needs. Being in new situations seems to help her remember aspects about herself so we should try to keep that going.” Twilight replied.

“Well, it’s obvious what needs to be done! I’ll take her with me to Ponyville and show her around while I get party supplies!” Pinkie Pie proudly declared, smacking the table and nearly upsetting the plate of breakfast cupcakes in the center. The impulsiveness of this act noticeably didn’t seem to concern the others so much as what was being proposed.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea, Pinkie Pie? Don’t get me wrong, I’m just as eager to introduce her to folks, but…well we’ve all seen how our fellow ponies react to those that are strange and unusual.” Rarity spoke up. Twilight winced as the awkwardness around the breakfast room grew that much heavier.

‘Well yeah, but so did we, and we learned to be better. I’m certain I can convince everypony that Equinox is a good soul! And even if not, well, what else are we going to do? Keep her here like a caged animal?”

The sheer carelessness of the statement was only matched by how quickly the one speaking realized what a terrible error she’d made. She still got several slack jawed and aghast expressions though.

“I mean…um…no offense to you or your animals, Fluttershy.” Pinkie smiled nervously.

The pink maned pegasus hesitantly looked to her friends, completely lost on how she should respond. “It’s fine, Pinkie Pie. You do bring up a good point though. Equinox is going to have to meet other ponies eventually.”

The air slowly cleared over everyone as they contemplated this and found agreement.

“Okay then, you can take her with you, Pinkie. Just please keep a careful eye on her. Yes she’s not an animal, but she’s also not exactly a normal pony either. I have no idea what will happen.” Twilight’s voice caught in her throat as she realized the risk she was authorizing, but Pinkie Pie seemed ecstatic about it.

“Great! I’ll go ask her right now!”

Like the energetic little earth pony she was, the pink mare was out of the breakfast room faster than her friends could blink. Watching the dust trail that had been kicked up in her friend’s wake, Applejack idly sipped at her coffee.

“Maybe we should also ask Equinox to keep an eye on Pinkie Pie in return. Between the two of them Ah dunno who’s more unpredictable.”

***

Hours later, for better or worse, Equinox found herself taking her first literal steps into the quaint town known as Ponyville. Though the place was moving at its usual daily speed, and would’ve presented what many would deem to be a boring sight, the mecha-alicorn was soon swiveling her head in as many directions as her neck would permit, systematically drinking in the sights and sounds of her first real exposure to a thriving community. In spite of having more than enough to feast her sensory aspects on, the pony did not lose track of her companion’s rapid speech about the place.

“And over there is Sugar Cube Corner! It’s where I used to work and live, before we got that pretty new castle for ourselves.” Pinkie Pie gestured to the decadently decorated establishment. Noting the way the roofing and paint colors had been coordinated to resemble a giant cake, Equinox lifted her nose to the air and sniffed.

-I am detecting a myriad of scents embodying the characteristics of sugar. There are also traces of freshly baked bread products. –

“Yep, Mr. and Mrs. Cake are the best bakers around. They taught me everything I know about making cupcakes, snacks and goodies!” Pinkie Pie replied. Seemingly encouraged by this, Equinox unfolded her visor and stared intently through it at the bakery.

Infra red scans detect four current occupants: two adult, two newborn. From this information I deduce that you lived with a family there? -

Pinkie Pie nodded eagerly. “Yep, the Cakes were kind enough to let me have the loft, and I also looked after their darling babies, Pumpkin and Pound Cake, when they were…OH MY!” Her eyes bugged out as if alarmed. “Oh I promised I’d visit them soon as I got settled. Oh Pumpkin and Pound must be missing me terribly!”

The pink mare was off again like a shot, leaving Equinox no choice but to follow her into the bakery. By the time she got there, Pinkie Pie had apparently already gotten through greetings and a rather rushed summary of what had happened since she last saw the Cakes, as all eyes turned to the silver alicorn as her name was called out.

“And then after Twilight got her awake again we discovered she couldn’t remember anything about herself, so here she is, trying to make a new name. Literally speaking!” The pink mare gleefully exhaled, drew in a quick breath then continued right on. “Oh and how are your foals doing? I’ve been missing them so terribly since I moved but it’s been soooo busy getting Twilight’s castle ready for everything.”

Mr. Cake, a tall, lanky orange stallion in a red and white uniform just pointed to a set of swinging doors at the back of the bakery.

“They’ve been fine. Still keeping us up all hours of the night with colic, diaper changes and feeding times, but such are the perils of parentage.” He yawned and shook himself awake. “I’m sure they’d love to have a few hours with you if you’re not too…yeah.”

The horse politely cut himself off as Pinkie Pie had already dashed through the doors before he could finish his sentence. An instant later there were the sounds of happy squeals and gleeful giggling as three kids, two properly aged, one just a tad older than she should be, reunited.

“Well, it seems for once we have a chance to devote full attention to the shop again.” The tired stallion said happily.

“Mmm, and just think, another year or so, we might even get back to sleeping through the night again.” Mrs. Cake joked as she came in from the back. Unlike her husband, she was shorter and on the plump side, with a striking light blue hue to her coat and a striped spiral pattern to her mane and tail. The contrast between the two had Equinox staring inquisitively. “I rather wish she hadn’t left, but then again, it’s nice seeing her looking so excited over something again.”

Her reaction to spontaneous stimuli is…incomprehensible in comparison to those of her companions. From my data on recent events, and the opinions expressed by her and her companions, she seems to gain only positive feedback from surprises. As an example, Princess Twilight and the others exercised an understandable level of caution when I was reactivated. Entertainer Pinkie Pie, on the other hoof, seemed exhilarated upon seeing I was again functional. -

The two older ponies looked down at the mecha-alicorn, still regarding them with ever the curious glint to her eyes. They seemed somewhat perturbed at the mouthful Equinox had just spewed, but ever the considerate folk, they silently gestured to each other to just run with it.

“Pinkie’s always been like that. Strange new things seem to cater to a core need in her to always have a source of excitement and fun. It’s kind of why we now realize how much she added to this place, and how much of a help she was with the foals. “

Mr. Cake smiled as another burst of happy squeals came from behind him. Presently Pinkie reappeared, grinning like she’d just won the lottery.

“Uh, Mr. Cake, do you perchance have any spare flour lying around that I could use?”

Equinox caught a resigned slump of Mr. Cake’s shoulders as he pointed to the storeroom door.

“Thanks! Pumpkin and Pound would never forgive me if I didn’t do this before I left.”

She ran into the storeroom, then came back out hoisting a bag of flour over her head. Disappearing behind the swing doors again, there came the sound of a great load being dumped all over the floor, followed by two tiny voices laughing and clapping their approval.

Even despite her rather schizophrenic nature, you would still prefer her to be in closer proximity to you and your children? – Equinox asked.

With an even greater air of resignation, both of the Cakes turned to each other and sighed.

“We’ve never been able to make the foals laugh like that. Pinkie just seems to have a knack for bringing a light to everyone’s day.”

As if to announce her triumph, the aforementioned mare appeared from behind the doors, her coat now bleached white with flour and two brightly beaming babies riding on her back.

“Ahhh that works every time. I’ll just get you too cleaned up and changed, then I have to show Equinox the rest of Ponyville.”

Both of the infants turned, then gurgled with curiosity at seeing the strange silver metal pony. Said pony whirred with similar curiosity upon noticing one of the babies was bearing a horn, and the other wings, features that their parents strangely lacked.

“Make sure Pound doesn’t get near the faucet. He broke it again the last time we bathed him and we just had it fixed.” Mrs. Cake cautioned as Pinkie Pie swept her children up to the bathroom. “I tell you, between the strength those two have, plus being able to fly and use magic, I sometimes wish our family didn’t have such diverse roots.”

Equinox’s ears rose and she turned back to see the Cakes nuzzling each other, tiredly but lovingly.

“Just think of how powerful they’ll be when they grow up. Hardships aside, you gotta admit it makes you proud to be their mommy.” Mr. Cake soothed. His wife giggled cutely.

“Well one of us has to be, Mr. ‘Oh I have to go sweep the floor for the tenth time, you can do the changing.’” Mrs. Cake nudged her husband and walked back to check on the ovens. The show of such affection despite the trials both of the horses had described, it made Equinox have to ponder. Indeed when Pinkie Pie finally came back down with two freshly cleaned foals, the robot pony was still staring intently at the floor, completely lost in her contemplation.

“Alright, here’s two nice and sparkly fresh kids for you! Thanks for letting me have some time with them again.” The pink mare smiled.

“Please, feel free to come back whenever you can. The place hasn’t been the same without you.” Mr. Cake replied as his wife reappeared with a box of cupcakes.

“And take these. It’s been a while since I last got to bake for you.” She replied.

Pinkie Pie happily accepted the gift, while Equinox slowly lifted her head as if coming out of a trance.

“And also, for you Equinox. Hopefully next time we can have some more time to chat before Pinkie drags you off to elsewhere.”

The alicorn blinked as she was handed a special cupcake done up with silver candy balls and blue frosting.

Your generosity is most appreciated, Confectioner Cakes. I admit I was not expecting such going on what I’ve learned of Equestrian society. -

The Cakes looked to each other again, and shared a laugh laced with heavy unease.

“Well, Pinkie Pie has also taught us to be more forthcoming with new friends of hers. I only hope the rest of Ponyville is the same.” Mr. Cake bid as the two ponies left the shop. Pinkie Pie bounded happily to the next port of call, while Equinox followed slowly behind. The gift hanging in a bag around her neck was triggering an unexpected conflict within her, and it didn’t help that the door to the bakery closed just slowly enough that her ultra-sensitive ears could pick out a few words the Cakes clearly didn’t intend for her to hear.

“Do you think she saw me staring at her? I didn’t mean to, but she’s just…well the strangest thing that Pinkie Pie has ever brought home.”

“I know. She didn’t seem like she was royalty, but she had the wings, and the horn…oh I hope I was polite enough!”

“The town is going to have a field day soon as they get an eyeful of her!”

“I know, I know honey! But she’s with Pinkie Pie. I’m sure all will work out fine.”

Equinox closed her eyes as she felt her circuits sizzling with a whole myriad of new sensations. As she and Pinkie Pie walked into the central plaza she picked up other bits of speech, a tidal wave of banter flowing into her mind to be carefully sorted through.

“So I’ll be needing two gallons of the cadmium red, oh and do you have any brushes in the…the…any….huh? Sorry, I just…do you see that pony over there?”

“Are my eyes deceiving me, or is that an alicorn? Doesn’t look like anypony from the palace…is Princess Celestia having family over?”

“Look at her coat! It’s like, reflecting all light off her! I’ve heard of Shining Armor but that’s getting ridiculous!”

“Who is that with Pinkie Pie? Certainly doesn’t look like any pony I’ve ever seen!”

“Mom, what kind of pony is that over there?”

“Who is that?”

“WHAT is that?”

“So next we’ll be needing balloons, and streamers, oh and plenty of little umbrellas for the drinks, those are always fun. Hmmm, do you have any preference on colors, Equinox? Equinox?”

Pinkie Pie stopped and looked around her, finding she was now alone in the square.

“Equinox??”

A shiny flash drew her eyes to a nearby alleyway, revealing the robot had darted to the shadows and was holding her head as if in pain.

“Equinox! Hey are you okay?” She asked running over. The metal pony gave a few frantic beeps and drew further up against the wall.

-I…cannot say. Everywhere around me I hear voices expressing puzzlement about me, distrust, fear. It is triggering an overwhelming amount of negative feedback in my systems. –

Pinkie Pie smiled and patted her friend on the shoulder. “Awww that’s just shyness. Nothing to worry about.”

Negative. I have been detected. I feel the urge to…I must conceal myself! – Equinox stated. Pinkie Pie was about to mention that was going to be difficult as she was rather hard to not spot…but no sooner had she opened her mouth than the silver mare opened her eyes, revealing they were now glowing with a fiery ferocity. Equinox turned, centered her gaze on a brown earth pony that was walking past…and suddenly a most incredible transformation occurred! The robot’s horn retracted into her head, a metal panel sliding over to hide it from view. Her wings gave a frantic flap, then folded themselves up and likewise retracted into two slots on her back. The mare’s metal body sparkled with an aura almost like glitter, gradually darkening to a shade of brown that matched the earth pony’s, with the aforementioned’s cutie mark replacing her own. With a quick flick of her head, Equinox’s mane and tail altered their colors as well to match the red hue of the earth pony’s, and her eyes ceased their glow and changed to look like a normal pony’s eyes.

Feeling her jaw hit the ground, Pinkie Pie watched, as the newly transformed equine looked herself over, likewise acting as if she couldn’t believe what she had just accomplished.

Strange. This was not at all what I was expecting. – Equinox commented.

“No kidding! I just…you…how…how did you do that?” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

I am unable to explain, but the sensation was identical to when I attempted to read Princess Twilight’s books. I can only conclude this is another of my higher systems that was triggered by my emergency activation protocol. -

Having no idea how to respond to that, Pinkie Pie just nodded blankly. “But…okay then, WHY did you do that?”

Again I am unable to explain. However, as this occurred in reaction to my acknowledgement of the public’s unease, it is possible my creators equipped me with this ability so I could avoid potentially upsetting folk. Perhaps they were aware of the value of being able to blend in to a given environment. – Equinox bowed her head as if to apologize for not having a better answer. Pinkie Pie, however, soon found a smile working its way back onto her face.

“Well they certainly did a fine job then. If I first saw you like that, I’d have never guessed you’re actually a machine!” She gushed while walking a circle around her friend. Aside from her voice remaining the same, Equinox’s new form was perfect. There was absolutely no hint that she was anything other than a standard member of Equestrian society. “Ooooh, just wait till I tell Twilight about this!”

Equinox looked to the saddle bags and the list hanging from Pinkie Pie’s flank. - Do you wish to return to the castle then? Or finish our business here first? I feel…ready to step back out into view again. -

Pinkie Pie stopped in her tracks, looked to the other ponies milling about, and grinned mischievously.

“Hmmm…let’s actually see if you can pull off being a normal filly. This could be fun!”

The two headed out into the square again. Equinox prepared for the return of questioning and distrustful commentary, but it seemed that as her appearance had changed, so did the other ponies’ opinions. There were still a few echoes of query as to where the bizarre silver alicorn had disappeared to, but to the public at large, she might as well have now been invisible. Equinox felt oddly calmed by this.

“Anyway, as I was saying, we need a theme for your part of the party. Any ideas on what you’d like?”

The mecha-pony turned as Pinkie Pie presented her with several packages of different colored streamers, balloons and other party favors from a nearby stall.

“Silver is pretty hard to do with matte colors, but we can at least do the blue if you want.” The pink mare smiled as her friend gazed silently at her options. The smile faded, however, when Equinox gave no answer, and indeed seemed troubled by the task of having to make a choice. “Um…is that okay with you?”

Equinox’s brow furrowed again, and like before she bowed as if in pain.

I….I am unable to comply. There is no available data to answer your query. -

Pinkie Pie was momentarily stumped. “What do you mean?”

With increasing worry, Equinox continued to swivel her head like a surveillance camera as she studied the party favors.

I find the nature of your question comprehensible, but I am unable to replicate a suitable response. There is no discernible difference between one set of the presented options than another, save for the stated colors. In terms of practical application they are all identical. -

The pink mare’s mood slipped down to join her friends as she got the gist of what was being said. “But don’t you have at least some inclination of which ones you like more?”

No. – Equinox stated simply. – I acknowledge that I should, but with the damage to my memory as it is, I have no recollection of preference. To summarize: I simply do not know if I like one color more than the other. -

Now Pinkie Pie had to wince. The reason for Equinox’s unrest seemed so obvious she could’ve kicked herself for not realizing it from the beginning. Course then she’d had the Cake babies on her mind, and that just made her feel worse that she’d been neglecting the one she expressly brought with her to help out.

“Oh right. Uh…okay then, we’ll just use all of them!” The pink mare whirled around and poured out the required amount of bits for everything she was holding. The keeper of the party supply stall leaned in as he accepted the tender and whispered softly to the mare.

“Not that it’s any of my business, but is your friend okay there? She’s speaking very oddly.”

Pinkie Pie promptly blushed and shook her head.

“Oh she’s fine. She’s just…um…new here.” The mare shoved her supplies into one of her saddlebags and turned back to her friend who was now staring at the ground. “I’m so sorry, Equinox. I guess I didn’t stop to think how bad your memory loss was.”

Equinox raised her head and stared at the bag around her neck.

– Your apology is unnecessary. You have caused no offense. Rather you have highlighted a rather troubling issue. – She nabbed the bag with her mouth and set it on a nearby table. – Back at the Sugarcube Corner I observed the Cakes making a variety of baked goods. I was able to comprehend the appeal of each and why they would entice a pony to consume them, but I simultaneously noted that they did not trigger such feelings in me. –

Pinkie Pie cocked her head as her friend unwrapped the special cupcake she’d been given.

Take this as an example. By all accounts I should want to eat it, however, my systems can only summon up feelings of appreciation for its aesthetics. In terms of the sensation you would know as ‘hunger’ I feel nothing. -

Pinkie Pie was now feeling terribly awkward. On one hoof she could tell Equinox was upset, but on the other, she hadn’t the slightest idea of how she could help.

“Well, let’s look at this a different way. You’re not the same as other ponies, so you don’t have to behave exactly like us.” She said, feeling her face twitch at how feeble her words sounded.

No, Entertainer Pinkie Pie. As I am observing now, your society would prefer it if I tailored myself to suit their expectations. If I cannot behave like they do then I will most likely fail to integrate myself into their numbers. -

Suddenly the pink mare felt her dismay at herself swirl into dismay at her friends’ surrender to the norm.

“Absolutely not, Equinox! The things that make you different are what make you an awesome pony! I mean look at you! You can change your looks like Chrysalis! You have wings, and a horn! You read through Twilight’s entire library in one night! And that’s just skimming the surface!” Pinkie Pie placed a hoof on her friends, giving her a brave and very bright smile. “Trust me, I know what it’s like being ‘normal’, and honestly, it sucks! If these other ponies take issue with you as you are, then I’ll just have to make them see the errors of their ways!”

Several heads turned at the declaration that they were all apparently guilty of some misdemeanor. Feeling dozens of eyes on her, Pinkie Pie’s smile lost its bravery.

“Ummm…maybe I should do so at a slightly lower volume though. Let’s move on!”

She dragged Equinox out of sight, then quickly darted back to grab her cupcake off the table.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to call more attention to us.” The pink pony grinned with embarrassment. “I DID mean every word of that though.”

Looking to the swirled neon blue cupcake as it was handed back to her, Equinox extended her tongue and licked some of the frosting off. A sensation of extreme sweetness mixed with just a hint of spice assailed the sensors lining her synthetic mouth, making her servos creak and her joints tremble as she hastily compiled and stored this new data.

Regardless, I sense that if I cannot naturally form an opinion to stimuli, perhaps I could teach myself how to do so. -

She licked some more and concentrated on sorting the flavor into its individual components. It was fascinating to examine what manner of culinary artistry had gone into forming the taste, but as to whether she ‘liked’ it or not, the mecha-pony still could not say. Even worse, she still couldn’t summon up the desire to eat any more so she wrapped the cupcake up again and slid it back into the bag on her neck. She could always try again later, and anyway something else had now caught her attention.

A cute red toned pegasus was chatting to her friend a few feet away, and with a bit of concentration Equinox’s body shifted again to now mimic her new target’s looks. Her wings returned and shifted to complete the disguise, and the robot took a moment to check herself out. Seemingly satisfied, she looked to the pegasus’ friend, a green unicorn, and changed herself accordingly to now resemble her.

“So…what are you doing now?” Pinkie Pie asked as she watched her friend continually switch body parts and mane styles like a normal pony would switch out clothes.

Gathering a larger reference pool. It is only sensible that I be able to assume the looks of several individuals so as to not arouse suspicion, plus it will allow me to build a consensus on which ones I find appealing. – Equinox stated, with a new edge of pleasure to her voice. Pinkie Pie looks somewhat saddened.

“Well I think you looked just fine as your normal self, but it’s your choice. Come on, we gotta get the rest of your party supplies.”

The pink mare walked off, leaving Equinox momentarily stunned at both her words, and the morose tone they’d been spoken in. Following behind, she cycled through her looks, adding to the customization with each new pony she saw. The ease with which she was able to change her appearance stoked the spark of contentment within her mind, yet the possibility that she had somehow disappointed Pinkie Pie refused to extinguish itself.

As the aforementioned mare bought paints, hats, party favors and gift wrap, Equinox searched further for other appearances. Ironically, though she was aiming to remain hidden among the crowd, the mecha-pony was now after something more unique. Most of the ponies around the town were very similar in their builds, heights, and facial structures, and now she wanted to test what the true limits of her shape-shifting abilities were. For that she would need a complex form that deviated from the standard…and soon Equinox would find the perfect candidate.

On the other side of the square was a being with a striking black and white striped color scheme. Her face bore a cute blend of both masculine and feminine features, and unlike the other ponies her mane was styled like a short mohawk rather than a longer, flowing do-up. While Pinkie Pie turned her back to haggle over options for entertainment, Equinox focused on this strange and very fitting entity, feeling her body go through the necessary changes to match her. It took a bit longer since she had a more complex pattern to replicate, but nevertheless her hair retracted and stiffened to suit that of the mowhawk, and after some fine-tuning her coat got the contrasting stripes perfect. For the finishing touches, Equinox added the gold jewelry her target was wearing and sensed a glow surging through her circuits, a white hot jolt of electricity that could possibly have been identified as pride that she had successfully pulled off such an unusual mimic.

“Okay so I was thinking we could go one of two ways, either have you as the guest of honor to watch everyone perform for you, or have you perform with them if you want to find out what some of your other abilities are.” Pinkie Pie explained as she turned around. “I’m leaning more towards the latter if that’s, oh, huh?”

The pink mare blinked as if her eyes were deceiving her. “Huh, hi Zecora! I’m sorry, I thought you were someone else.” She smiled in embarrassment then looked around the square. “Uh…Equinox? Equinox, where did you get to now?”

At the sound of one she knew too well, the second zebra turned to behold the pink mare.

“And who is this that I hear, why it’s Pinkie Pie my dear!” She exclaimed, walking over to the pink mare, which in turn gave both of them a major shock.

“What? Zecora? But if you….” Pinkie Pie looked to the other zebra, who was now backing away as if realizing she had just made a very costly mistake. “Then….oh no.” The pony found cause to follow her friend’s lead and back away. “I just really screwed things up didn’t I?”

Zebra regarded zebra, one with a dumbfounded expression, the other standing uncomfortably to attention.

“Spirits of earth, winds and sea, what is this I see before me?” Zecora demanded. She walked around her doppelganger trying to make sense of how a perfect duplicate of herself could be standing there without the aid of a mirror.

“I…uhhhh…why don’t we find somewhere nice and private to talk, Zecora? I promise I’ll explain everything once I know we’re not going to attract too much attention!” Pinkie Pie hastily tried to shoo both zebras out of sight, but the damage had already been done. All around ponies took notice of the bizarre occurrence and promptly stopped in their tracks.

“What the? Am I seeing double?”

“Is that Zecora? And…sister?? I didn’t know she had a twin.”

“Another zebra? Do they all just come in one look where she’s from?”

“What the heck is this? Are these new glasses playing tricks on me?”

Pinkie Pie sighed heavily as, for once, she found herself the center of attention when she didn’t want to be. Equinox defensively backed away as Zecora continued to scrutinize her.

“What odd anomaly can this be? One who both is and isn’t me?” The zebra pondered looking suspiciously at her quivering double.

Entertainer Pinkie Pie, I have encountered a functional impasse. Can you please advise on what to do? -

The gathering crowd gasped and drew back as they heard the second Zecora speak in tones that were barely equine, let alone similar to the first’s.

“Well I think you just made things worse so let me do the talking here.” Clearing her throat, Pinkie Pie leapt onto the town square fountain and clapped her hooves. “Ponies, ponies, if I could all have your attention please?”

The crowd silenced itself and all eyes turned to her in demand of an explanation.

“Thank you. Okay, I guess we have a confession to make here. My friend, the…um…the second Zecora standing right there, is not actually a zebra but a…um…a…pony of a different color!”

She gestured for Equinox to come and stand with her on the fountain. The mecha-pony complied reluctantly.

“We found her at the gates of Princess Twilight’s palace a few night’s ago, and I just thought it’d be nice to have her come to meet you all.”

With a heavy swallow, Pinkie Pie nudged her friend, conveying a silent message. Resigned to the inevitable, Equinox dispensed with her disguise and braved the horrified gasps as everyone got a look at her silver metal body.

“Yep, that’s what I thought.” The pink mare sighed as the echoes of worried chatter and fearful words rose from the crowd. “Hey everyone, if I may just make use of the rather twisted irony here, can I please just remind you all how we reacted when Zecora herself first appeared in Ponyville all those years ago?”

The fevered banter died down again.

“And did she vindicate any of our worries then? Any at all?”

A very uncomfortable silence descended over the square, with the crowd now giving each guilty looks.

“But, why does she have wings and a horn? And how is she able to shift forms
like that?” A braver soul spoke up. “Is she a changeling?”

-No.- Equinox assured. – I am not allied with the entity you know as Queen Chrysalis. I am merely able to change my form because my creators deemed it suitable. –

“Your..creators?” Zecora asked.

I am a construct, built by others for a given function. Sadly, due to a misunderstanding, I can no longer recall what that function is. -

“She lost her memory and we’re trying to help her get it back.” Pinkie Pie said, realizing her bluntness might have been a bit too much as Equinox bowed in sadness.

With my original purpose forgotten, Entertainer Pinkie Pie and her companions have opted to help me find a new one. I concluded that integrating into your society would give me the best chance, however, as has been stated, you are naturally inclined to fear that which is different. -

Now Pinkie Pie had to wince at her friends’ bluntness, but the crowd still seemed to be listening intently.

When I discovered I had the ability to mimic your shapes, I was beset by internal positive feedback. It seemed suitable to all parties if I did not appear so unusual to you all.-

Ponies looked to ponies, and saw they were all thinking the same thing. Zecora saw fit to voice it for everyone.

“And yet for your choice of form you chose one far removed from the norm?”

-It was merely a stress test. I needed to know how wide a variety my systems could accommodate. You were by far the most unique individual around. It…pleased me to try and replicate your looks.-

Rather than look offended, Zecora seemed touched by this.

“You and I have never met, yet you do not see me as a threat?- She asked.

No.- Equinox replied. – Logically if you were, you would not have been allowed to walk amongst these ponies. They see you as one of their own, so I had no reason to do otherwise.-

Though the comment may have been slightly backhanded, it seemed to further thaw the atmosphere around the square. Zecora even found herself smiling as the metal alicorn bowed politely to her.

“Yes, so, to get this all wrapped up so we can get back to our daily lives, her name is Equinox and she’s my new friend. I ask everyone to please give her a chance like you gave Zecora.” Pinkie Pie proclaimed. To her enormous relief, the crowd nattered their approval of her request.

“She has a point.” One blue mare intoned.

“And, weird as she looks, that silver pony hasn’t shown any signs of being dangerous. “ A green stallion mentioned. All eyes turned back to the robot, signifying it was her turn to speak again. With lighter steps, Equinox jumped off the fountain, spread her wings and bowed to the populace.

Citizens of Ponyville, and of Equestria, I am Equinox, a construct in need of your assistance. While I no longer know why I was sent to your world, I believe I can still find a purpose among you. Allow me to join your society, exchange my data with yours, and I promise I will be a worthy addition. -

The sheer humbleness in her act brought a tear to many eyes. Clearing their throats, the ponies gradually began to disperse, individually letting Equinox know their responses.

“Sure, hey, all are welcome here in Ponyville!”

“Sorry if we gave the wrong impression. We’ll let you get on with your day now.”

“Yeah, uh, didn’t mean to infer we had an issue with you being here. Let us know if we can make it up to you!”

And so the greetings and apologies, and affirmations of acceptance continued. To be sure though, Equinox kept her head bowed till she sensed she, Pinkie Pie and Zecora were alone again, then turned and bowed again to the zebra.

And to you, Zecora, I offer my own apologies. It was not my intention to cause trouble by mimicking your appearance. -

The zebra could only snort and laugh.

“Dear alicorn, you are too kind. Please pay this issue no further mind.” Spotting the time on a nearby clock tower, the zebra turned to leave. “Sadly I must now get back home and take stock. But feel free to stop by soon, I would most enjoy a longer talk.”

She departed; leaving Pinkie Pie to breathe easy and mop her brow, while Equinox just stared in confusion.

“Well, that went better than I was expecting.” The mare commented. “I think we should likewise call it a day. Now that the public knows about you, and thankfully accepts you, I’d like to change a few things about your party.”

Equinox turned her gaze to the ground again as she ran over what had just transpired again.

Strange. Before I felt a pressing need to remain hidden, and while I still do, there is now a significant amount of positive feedback that my being discovered has not caused further complications.-

“Good, then you won’t need to change your looks every time you go out from now on.”

Equinox turned her confusion upon her friend.

“Now don’t get me wrong, we can have a lot of fun with that ability, but only under certain circumstances. For the rest of the time, well, I think I prefer you to look like you. Like this.” Pinkie Pie gestured to the robot’s natural appearance. Equinox followed her gaze and pondered.

You believe it is more suitable to my identity?- She said.

“Precisely! Now with that out of the way, I still want to tell the others about what’s happened, cause this is too good to keep between ourselves!”

***

Some time later….

And so, in conclusion, I propose that we all take the time to reflect on the past and the good that has come out of bad events. That way, if other entities like Equinox should turn up we can help smooth things over more easily, and without scaring anyone off.

Pinkie Pie paused and tapped her quill on the journal page. She had an idea for what to add next, but felt her wording might be too harsh.

While today proved that our fellow ponies are still quick to fear and judge

She made a face and crossed part of the sentence out.

While today proved that our fellow ponies are still quick to fear and judge need time to adjust to new arrivals, I did take heart from the way they stayed and listened to what I had to say. I am certain that soon they will embrace the unusual as easily as my friends and I do.

Pinkie Pie set down the quill and carefully closed the journal. Nabbing the lantern off the desk, she turned to leave, and ran straight into the same pony she’d been hanging with all day.

“Oh, hi Equinox! I was just coming to see you!”

I am mapping out a complete layout of this castle. It seemed prudent to know where everything is so no one gets lost.- Equinox eyed the journal curiously. – More so as there apparently is still data in every room I have yet to compile. -

Pinkie Pie followed her gaze and giggled. “Yeah, Twilight decreed that every time we discover something new about friendship we write it down in this collective tome. It’s helped us learn quite a bit about our own…well, I guess you could call it functions.”

Equinox’s eyes widened. She looked to the journal again with newfound amazement.

“You’re welcome to have a read if you want.” Pinkie Pie opened it and flipped to the first page. “I think my sections are the most entertaining, but the others still have some very useful insights.”

Equinox levitated the journal and perused its contents for a moment. Interestingly she did not speed through it like Twilight’s other books but read at a normal pace.

Actually, I wanted to ask you a somewhat personal question: you stated previously that you had experience being what would be deemed ‘normal’ and found it distasteful. Would you be willing to share more of that part of your life? -

Pinkie Pie blinked in surprise. “You want me to tell you why I hate being ‘normal’? Wow, none of the other ponies have ever asked me that.”

Equinox seemed unsettled by this. – It is not my intention to pry, however, I am having difficulty comprehending your point that my own attempts are unnecessary. With more of a developed viewpoint, it would be easier for me to compile your logic. –

Pinkie Pie looked to the clock on the wall, then to the journal still hovering in the air.

“It may take a while. I have a lot to tell, and I also wanted to speak to you about the new party plans I drew up.”

Closing the tome, Equinox set it down, and then set herself down by the desk. – I believe I can spare the time to listen. It is the least I can do in return for your speaking in support of me.-

Feeling an unstoppable burst of excitement rush through her, Pinkie Pie put down her lantern and made herself comfortable.

“Oh alright then! I was born on a Tuesday on a small rock farm. Things were as dull as dishwasher and I desperately sought after excitement….”

The talk continued long into the night, with both ponies finding their friendship rising to the next level.

So far, so good.

Author's Note

With Equinox's name sorted out the next step inevitably must be to introduce her to those whom she'll be interacting with. But how will anyone react to the sight of one clearly not of Equestria? More so when it's revealed that Equinox is special in more ways than any could have imagined?

Wish Weaver - Chapter 4: What is the value of a non-pony?

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 4
What is the value of a non-pony?

A thirst for knowledge was always a mixed bag. While many would consider it a wonderful trait to always want to learn, those who possessed such a trait quickly discovered the drawbacks. It seemed no matter how much information one consumed it was never enough to sate their queries. Every time they found a satisfactory answer to one question, they would usually discover they had uncovered several more that now demanded attention, lest they go insane thinking about them.

For the strange alicorn robot known as Equinox, such was becoming an unwelcome fixture of her daily life. As the days slowly rolled on she had found Equestria offered an infinite amount of things for her to study, yet it seemed that the more data she absorbed and the greater the enrichment she gained from learning about this strange land, the more her own personal queries continued to pile up. She had been dropped into a land of endless opportunity, yet thanks to one erroneous move by her new friend, Twilight Sparkle, she was cursed to wade through it with no background knowledge on who she was or why she was there. Equinox bore her fellow alicorn no ill will for her mistake, especially when she considered that Twilight already displayed plenty of regret for what she did. However, she and her friends had thus opted to help the mecha-pony in whatever way they could, and sadly their efforts so far just weren’t delivering as promised.

Fortunately, Twilight had not been blind to this, and when she came down to again find the metal equine in her usual spot in the palace library, the pony knew something would have to be done.

“Forgive my disturbing you, Equinox, but haven’t you already memorized every book I currently have?” She asked, tentatively seating herself as the robot stretched her wings and retracted her visor.

My initial compiling of their contents failed to answer a few of my queries. I am thus seeing if perhaps a second read through will offer new insight. – Equinox stated, politely and proper as ever, but with just the faintest hint of disappointment. Taking a deep breath, Twilight reached over and rubbed her friend’s shoulder with a hoof.

“Would it perhaps be better if you talked about it? You know we’re all here for you if you need anything.”

The robot’s glowing blue eyes turned to lock with Twilight’s, giving the purple mare a moment to ponder how familiar, yet how alien they were.

I have contemplated this too. Perhaps I should have opted for that first. – Equinox stood and turned to display herself for Twilight. – Following my day out with Entertainer Pinkie Pie the populace at large has made an admirable effort to accept me as one of your own, and while my appreciation is immeasurable, it has also highlighted how unlike you I really am. -

The mare spread her wings to full length, letting the rising sun dance its light across their silver feathers and flawlessly polished frames.

I am told that my possession of both wings and a horn mark me as ‘alicorn’, a status attributed only to those of royalty, such as yourself. Ponies by and large seem confused when I thus report that I am neither a princess nor a ruling class member. What’s more I have also learned that alicorns should be able to use magic, yet my attempts to manifest the spells I have found in your literature have all resulted in failure. -

Twilight looked to the book her friend had been reading, recognizing it as one of the beginner level magic guides she’d once used to practice with.

“Well, again, you’re not a standard example of pony either. You can’t look down on yourself just because your talents lie in areas apart from the norm.” She chose her words carefully in hopes they’d help settle her friends’ worries. Sadly, Equinox just bowed her head and looked even more concerned.

Regardless, the fact still stands: while I may look similar to you, I am not like you in anyway. Indeed, based on what I currently know of your world I have not been able to reach a consensus on how I can be of any benefit to you at all. To summarize: I feel I am…unfit to be a part of your lives. -

Twilight’s mouth dropped open, not from shock but from dismay.

“No! No that is not true at all, Equinox! You’re as welcome an addition to our lives as anyone! At the very least you’re far more tolerable than Discord, and he’s still a pretty decent soul at heart.”

The purple mare began pacing around the room, face furrowed in deep concentration.

“There’s plenty of ways you can benefit us, we just have to figure out what they are. Hmmm…” She propped her chin on a hoof as ideas flashed through her mind. “Chrysalis’ changelings proved their worth once we let them help us in our daily tasks…maybe we can try doing the same with you. At the very least we can see if the exposure to new environments reveals any more of your latent powers.”

Equinox whirred softly as she pondered the offer.

I find this proposition very intriguing. Please, let us pursue it further. –

She stood up straighter, her head now held high with new purpose. Exalted, Twilight ran for the library doors.

“Perfect! Let me see if anyone needs an extra hoof for the day. We’ll help you find a purpose yet!”

***

“Now the secret tah apple buckin’ is knowin’ the sweet spot o’ yer trees.” Applejack demonstrated by kicking the tree behind her and causing a few apples to tumble down from above. “It takes a bit o’ practice, specially with these here newer saplins’ but you soon learn to find jest the right area.”

She bucked a little higher and a greater number of apples fell upon her. Equinox mentally noted both spots.

So in scientific terms, the goal is to locate the point where the vibrations triggered by the impact of ones’ hooves will be optimally distributed.-

Applejack cocked a wary eyebrow but told herself to remain polite.

“Yeah, if yah wanna be fancy about it.” She began gathering up the fallen apples while nodding to the next tree over. “Why don’t yah give it a try while Ah get these into the basket?”

Equinox looked at the tree, but rather than buck it she raised a hoof to gently tap at the trunk. Her ears angled forward as she knocked again, then moved her hoof and tried a different spot. Though they were faint she could actually hear the vibrations she was producing, and what’s more it was causing a most peculiar buzzing sensation in her mind. It was like she had a case of white noise stuck on her brain, causing her to shut her eyes as she became aware that she could make out legible speech in the mirth of static.

Kssshhhh….now for this…..ksssshh…three layer titanium door…..kssssshhh….point of imp-imp-impact…ksssssshhhhhhh…..tap softly…..ksssshh….hinges come off with the rest….kssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh…..give it a try…give it a try…a try.. a tr-KSSSSHHHHH

Shaking her head violently, Equinox looked at the tree trunk. Giving it one final tap she instinctively whipped around and bucked it with all her might. The sky above was momentarily blotted out as a veritable avalanche of apples descended from the tree. Quick as a flash, Equinox spread her wings and used them as a makeshift basket to catch as many as she could. A few still bounced off and rolled onto the ground but the mecha-pony was soon trotting over with a small mountain of fruit balanced on her back.

Is this a sufficient amount, Harvester Applejack?-

The brown earth pony looked up, and left her jaw on top of the apple pile. Lifting her Stetson, Applejack had to take a moment and make sure her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her.

“How in the hoo-hah did yah…?”

Equinox hesitantly shrugged and deposited her apples into the basket.

–As you instructed, I determined the precise point to generate a maximum yield. To summarize: I found the sweet spot. –

Applejack nodded, but remained rooted to the spot with shock.

I should also note that the action triggered an unexpected data echo….I could best describe it as a sliver of a damaged memory. Nothing useful, however….- Equinox looked to the many other apple trees still waiting to be harvested. –May I request permission to try again and see what results I get?-

Applejack finally seemed to realize she needed her mouth back in working order. Clamping her jaw shut and giving it a flex, the orange mare looked to her friend and gave a cunning grin.

“Hey, by all means have at it!”

She watched as Equinox approached another tree, repeated the tapping of her hoof, then bucked and was soon returning with another towering pile.

“Yes, Ah think you’ve got the hang o’ this, Equinox! Let’s do some more!”

***

“Now, while I agree Discord’s application was horrendous, his idea behind what attire would suit you still has merit.” Rarity explained as she added a lacy trimming to the dress Equinox was wearing. “We just need to move away from the comic book edge and try something more elegant.”

Equinox stood still as a statue, shifting only when the white pony requested.

You still deem it suitable to have me model for you, even though Entertainer Pinkie Pie reported my…inability to form a preference? -

“Oh I’m sure part of that was just stress. It’s been as hectic a week for you as it’s been for the rest of us.” Rarity replied as she got the hem perfect. “Besides, even if you truly can’t tell me whether you like it or not, I’m getting a sense of how well it’ll look on a proper pony, so you’re still helping me out.”

Equinox quivered unexpectedly. – Your ability to see logic where I see only futility is…humbling, Designer Rarity. –

“It’s one of my gifts.” Rarity giggled. “Though I wouldn’t call it logic, per se. It’s a matter of appreciating the beauty of one’s work, not just the function.”

At that, Equinox had to stretch one of her hooves out, giving it a flex and then drawing it back up against her chest.

So, the fact that these sleeves are too restrictive and will either hinder mobility or tear under stress should be discounted due to them looking aesthetically pleasing? -

Rarity promptly stopped her sewing, and then slapped a hoof over her mouth upon seeing how tightly her garments were stretched over the robot’s limbs.

“Dear me, no that is certainly not something to be ignored. It IS, however, something I can easily fix.”

Scissors were levitated and Rarity loosened the sleeves, making them flop open like the petals of a flower.

“Thank you very much for catching that, Equinox.” The unicorn gleefully stated. Her friend stared with uncertainty at the rest of her ensemble.

I would also recommend using a stronger fabric. Silk does not provide sufficient protection against injury for most situations. -

Rarity’s smile faded. It was a rather jarring return to form that the instant her friend made a worthwhile observation she went straight back to talking non-sense. Ah, well, she could teach the robot in time.

“No but it does have flow. Flow is very important for most activities. You must be able to walk gracefully, dance angelically and sway like the wind without hindrance. Not every outfit has to be fit for battle, only to catch the eye of the public, and hopefully a few handsome stallions in addition.” The unicorn batted her eyelashes amorously at the thought. Equinox nodded, leaning down so Rarity could add the finishing touches of a tiara and a draping ribbon down the length of her neck.

I see. I will modify my parameters to include that. – The mecha pony studied her reflection in a nearby mirror. – Also, in contrast to yesterday, I believe I can comprehend your choice of colors. The aquamarine and the white gems lining it compliment my finish surprisingly well. -

Rarity beamed in satisfaction.

“A true mistress of the dress is also a mistress of the spectrum.” She looked to the clock by her sewing machine and took off her glasses. “Now then, let’s have a quick break before I have you model Sapphire Shore’s new costume. You must be getting tired from standing there for so long while I made all the alterations.”

Equinox regarded the white mare with confusion. – I am detecting no undue fatigue in my skeletal structure, nor a significant depletion in my power cells. While your concern is again appreciated, I am content to remain standing if you wish to continue working. –

That really got a rise out of the unicorn. “Surely you can’t be serious!”

Equinox was even more confused. –I have no reason to relay false information. Especially not to you.–

Rarity snorted and raised her hooves. “Well of course not….just, Fluttershy usually prefers a rest in between dresses….except you aren’t her and….” She looked to the racks of other clothes still waiting to be tried on. “You really don’t mind me continuing?”

No. I am quite intrigued to see what other ensembles you deem suitable for me to wear.-

Though her conscience continued to nag at her, Rarity donned her glasses and began to assemble the next outfit.

“Well okay then, and thank you again. This might actually allow me to finally get caught up today, Celestia forbid!”

***

“So Angel can be a bit of a handful, but he’ll really a sweetie at heart. You just have to let him know when he’s misbehaving.” Fluttershy set a bowl of salad down in front of her pet bunny, then when said bunny turned up his nose in rejection of the food, she stamped her hoof and fixed him with a steely glare. Angel tried to play tough, but slowly the disapproval of the yellow pegasus began to take its toll. He looked up at her, lowered his ears as she kept glaring, then finally bowed his head in defeat and began eating his food. Immediately Fluttershy dispensed with the ire and returned to her quiet yet caring self as she gently petted the lapin on his head. Equinox found her ability to switch from one extreme to the other enthralling.

Your understanding of animals seems far greater than that of your fellow ponies, Caretaker Fluttershy. If I may ask, how are you able to bond with them so well?-

The pink haired pony blushed terribly.

“Well, this probably will sound terrible, but I find it easier being around creatures that don’t speak. I feel like I can open up more to them when there’s no pressure to make conversation.”

Equinox again found herself gripped by puzzlement. – Then how are you able to determine their moods, and what level of authority to exert?-

“Oh they tell me in their own ways.” Fluttershy gestured to her quietly munching bunny. “For example, notice how Angel’s eyes alternately close or open depending on where I pet him? That indicates I’m getting at one of his more sensitive spots. He has several around his ears, and the back of his neck, and they each produce different effects.”

The yellow pegasus angled the tip of her hoof to press at the area where the lapin’s long ears merged with his head. Angel idly began tapping one of his feet as his eyes half lidded, as if it excited him to be touched in such a way. Fluttershy switched to a spot on the nape of his neck and the rabbit instantly relaxed, going so far as to let himself lapse face first into his salad so his neck was more accessible.

“Now for Owlowicious, it’s a bit different. Notice the way he’s bobbing his head from side to side? That indicates he’s curious about something.”

Equinox looked upwards, and seemed surprised that there was indeed an owl perched on a nearby tree branch, twisting and weaving its noggin to make sense of the strange sight below it. On a whim, Equinox leaned forward as if to get a closer look, and the owl duly took advantage by flying down to perch on her horn.

“Hee-hee, apparently he’s quite interested in you.” Fluttershy giggled.

I do seem to be having that effect….on…po- - Equinox’s jaw ceased mid-word and her whole body seized up. The buzzing was gnawing again at her mind, and with it, the infernal garble of white noise. This time, however, the robot saw images materialize in front of her eyes, hazy, fragmenting shadows that fizzled and crackled everywhere she looked.

Kssshhhh…down-download com-com-com….kssshhhh…body language….ksssshhhhh….know if…kssshhhhh…detect-detect-detect-detecteeeee-trrrrrrr…KSHHHHHHHH

“Equinox!” Fluttershy cried as the metal alicorn bucked her head back, then slumped to the ground and violently dragged her face through the dirt. The buzzing slowly cleared, and when she hesitantly opened her eyes again, Equinox was relieved to see only her worried friend’s face, with no haunting silhouettes anywhere.

“Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked. Her friend got back up and jostled her mane, sensing the momentary disturbance had indeed passed.

I am now. Strange, it would appear that observing the behavior of your pets triggered another data echo. I regret that, yet again, it did not reveal anything valuable. – Equinox looked to Owlowicious, who had returned to his branch and was standing up straighter with his feathers pulled in. She almost instantly recognized this as a sign of alarm and duly gestured that she hadn’t meant to scare him. – Caretaker Fluttershy, may I continue to observe your animals? I cannot state why, but I feel a sudden urge to attain the same level of understanding with them as you. -

Though she still looked intimidated, Fluttershy nodded and made herself smile. “Of course you can, Equinox. Just let me get something to clean that dirt off your face.”

The pegasus flew off to the palace and grabbed a towel from her bedroom. Soaking it in some water she returned to her animal sanctuary and stopped upon seeing Equinox was now engaged in a staring contest with Angel. The lapine was closing the distance between himself and the bizarre shimmering equine, his ears raised and his eyes bugged out. Maintain a calm, unthreatening stance, Equinox presented him with one of her hooves, letting him sniff at it. Upon getting a decent whiff of the equine, Angel bumped his nose against the shiny metal and reeled back at how cold and smooth it was. Rubbing his face, the rabbit went in for another sniff, rubbing his chin against the equine and familiarizing himself with her unusual texture. Equinox responded by going for one of his sweet spots, and slowly she got the rabbit to calm down.

From where she’d been hovering, Fluttershy let out an enormous sigh of relief. It seemed her friend truly did have the same passion as she for all things living.

***

“Now, naturally a Wonderbolt earns his or her status through time, dedication and hard work. That said, there’s always those gifted few who have a natural talent.” Rainbow Dash explained as she and Equinox soared through the clouds.

-Based on what I have compiled of your history, I presume you are referring to yourself? –

Blue pegasus regarded silver alicorn, the former staring quizzically at the latter’s quiet expectation.

Captain Spitfire’s personal account of your role as the team leader was particularly glowing. -

Rainbow Dash snickered, then blushed.

“Well let’s just say I have the moves, though I try not to boast.” She replied before immediately betraying her own words with an impressive corkscrew twist through a nearby cloudbank. “Regardless, this is an exercise to see what YOU can do, not me. This way.”

The ponies flew higher to where the clouds grew thick and the sunlight faint.

“My day job is to maintain the weather and keeping the skies clear over Equestria. Not exactly the easiest role in the world, but still doable.”

Rainbow demonstrated by flying round and round the clouds, whipping them up into a tornado. To Equinox’s amazement, she then simply stepped outside the whirling cyclone and kicked both it and the clouds into the heavens.

Fascinating. You exhibit both a grasp of meteorological logic, combined with an unexplainable ability to manipulate density on a near-atomic level. I fear I may not be able to replicate such unusual results– Equinox commented.

“Well I’ll be the judge of that.” Rainbow Dash declared. “See what you can do to that bank.”

Equinox duly headed for the clouds and copied Rainbow’s swirling flight pattern. However, while the fluffy white masses may have been willing to bend to the blue pegasus, they proved considerably more resilient for the mecha-pony.

“Little faster, Equinox. Get ‘em really whipped up in the wind!”

Equinox folded out her visor and increased her speed, but this only served to scatter the clouds into smaller puffs.

“You’re banking too quick. Give yourself some more room to turn.”

The robot equine systematically calculated a wider and longer flight path, turning her body more gradually to sweep the clouds together again. Round and round she spun, getting a tornado of her own going, though when she then tried to kick it away, she found her feet just went through it and got caught in the spinning vortex. Thrown for a loop several times over, the mecha-pony was left at the mercy of her own creation till Rainbow Dash zipped in and yanked her free. Checking her friend was okay, the pegasus whipped the tornado back up and kicked it away herself.

“Okay, okay, that wasn’t bad. Cyclone was a little weak and you didn’t get it going fast enough for your kick to register, but still you got the basics down.” Rainbow Dash soothed as Equinox got her bearings again. “You okay?”

-I will be. My stability regulator just needs to be re-synched.- The robot alicorn jostled her head about, making sure nothing else inside her had been broken.

“Why don’t you have a seat on the clouds and I’ll show you a few other tricks.” Rainbow Dash replied, earning herself a bewildered stare.

The integrity of clouds on Equestria is simultaneously weak enough to be mobilized by wind, yet strong enough to bear our weight? – Equinox asked.

“Well yeah. You just plop yourself down and get comfy.”

The blue pegasus parked her rump on the fluffy white cloud, leaning back into the thick mist as if it were a sofa. Equinox felt her circuits sizzle in denial, stating that by all logical calculations what she was seeing was impossible. Course, then again, the visual data could not be denied so…

With great reluctance, the robot folded up her wings and let herself fall onto the cloud…

…and then fall through the cloud…

…and then just keep on falling and falling and falling.

“What the…EQUINOX!” Rainbow Dash was back up and zipping to the rescue, grabbing her friend around her waist and flapping her wings with all her might to slow down their descent. The ground loomed ominously closer and closer as the two struggled to regain altitude.

“Celestia above, Equinox, flap your wings! Grrr, you’re too heavy for me to carry!”

Equinox registered the demand but found herself unable to obey. In what had to be the worst case of timing, the buzzing was back at her head again, her visor glowing red as schematics and warning messages flashed across it.

➢ EMERGENCY OVERRIDE PROTOCOL INITIATED

➢ DEPLOYING H.D.G. SYSTEM

Equinox stared in dumb confusion at the words flashing repeatedly in front of her eyes. Beside them a hologram of her horn materialized, showing the tip splitting open and forming into what appeared to be a gun barrel. Feeling her forehead trembling, the mecha-pony looked up, and beheld her actual horn was doing just as the schematic had demonstrated. With the ground now only a few dozen feet away, a shimmering green ball launched itself out of the alicorn’s new head cannon. It impacted hard upon the earth and expanded into a wobbly green cloud that both ponies fell into. To their combined shock instead of a brutal crash landing they felt themselves slow and alight softly upon the earth as if they were nothing more than two feathers fluttering down from the sky.

Too confused to move, Rainbow Dash let herself be dragged out of the green mirth as Equinox found her hooves and carried her friend to safety.

“Wha….What the heck just happened?” The blue pegasus exclaimed while turning to look back at the dissipating cloud. “Equinox…did you do that?”

Trying to not jostle her friend any more than she already had, Equinox likewise turned to view that which had saved them from certain death.

If this systems report is to be believed, yes, apparently I did. -

Letting Rainbow Dash climb off her, the mecha pony walked over and studied the vaporous mass.

– Fascinating. This appears to be a variety of High Density Gas, designed to protect a body from fatal falls. How fortunate that my creators saw fit to equip me with such safeguards. – Equinox retracted her visor and looked up to see her horn had closed itself up again. – Truly they wanted to make sure I could protect myself from any potential danger. -

“Huh, well hey, my compliments to them for being so paranoid. You just saved both our hides with that trick!” Rainbow Dash cheered as she trotted over. “Granted the reason for why you couldn’t sit on the clouds like a normal pegasus is weird, but this makes up for it perfectly.”

The two watched their impromptu cushion vanish into the air, Rainbow Dash contemplating a myriad of ideas while Equinox replayed the warning messages for herself.

“You know, that could really come in useful at the Wonderbolt’s Academy. There’s always a danger of head on collisions during training, and I’ve been in more than my fair share of life or death scenarios where it’d have been invaluable to have someone else to catch us like that. Let me go have a few words with Captain Spitfire, she might have use for you!”

Equinox seemed hesitant. – While I would endeavor to be of service, Aviator Rainbow Dash, I feel it would be prudent to first ensure I can use this system on command. It will do no good to anyone if I must place myself in the same danger in order to make it work. –

Rainbow Dash cocked a cynical eyebrow, but then nodded. “Mmm good point, but let’s try to find a way to do that without having to take another mile long tumble from the heavens, hmmm?”

Equinox nodded, then, to her friends’ amazement, she smiled.

This is an agreeable proposition. -

***

“And then Mayor Mare will probably want to conduct a little Q & A session with you for the press. Obviously since we can’t really quiz you about where you come from or why, I put together a few tidbits that should cover for that.”

Pinkie Pie held up a list she’d been working on for Equinox’s grand introduction to the ponies of Equestria. Levitating it up, the metal alicorn summoned her visor and scanned its contents into her databanks.

This appears to be just a collection of witty sayings and jokes. You believe that humor will compensate for my inability to provide satisfactory information on myself?-

The pink earth pony nodded vigorously. “Trust me Equinox, the ability to make one laugh can make up for a great many things. It’s how I’ve personally gotten to be so friendly with everyone around, even those who don’t interact with me all that often.” She walked over and rapped on the door to the library. “Now we’re still going to need to work on delivery and timing, cause that’s just as important! So I brought my intern over to practice with you.”

Your intern?- Equinox queried as the door was swung upon and in walked a most unexpected entity. While it had the same basic anatomical structure as a pony it was covered in carapace plating all over its body, along with a webbed mane, transparent insect wings, fangs and a bent horn on its forehead. As it stepped into the light, Equinox also noted it had several gaping holes in its legs, making her question how it was able to stand and walk around with such ease.

“I presume I need no introduction?” It hesitantly asked.

No. You are a changeling, a former enemy race lead by the once reviled Queen Chrysalis, now accepted into Equestrian society following the peace treaty signed by your queen and the princesses.- Equinox cocked her head. – I was unaware Entertainer Pinkie Pie had already found a profession for you. -

The changeling shrugged.

“Just trying to make the best of my abilities. She was kind enough to let me have her old room after she moved here so I had to do something in return.” Giving a flex of its neck, the insect equine shifted its form to that of a middle aged brown mare with a grey mane and tail, gold framed glasses, and a frilly laced cravat tied around her neck.

“Now then, shall we begin?” It asked, changing its voice to a more boisterous and feminine tone. “Equinox, we welcome you with open arms and warm smiles! The question on everyone’s lips is, what do you intend to do while you’re here in Equestria?”

Finding the appropriate response, Equinox straightened her pose and replied. – I am not sure. Do you have any good theme-parks around here? -

Both ponies turned as Pinkie Pie snorted in disapproval.

“No, no, Equinox, you gotta say it with more oomph. Don’t be so monotone. It’s gotta sound like you’re giving the question some serious thought. Like this….”

Pinkie Pie stood up and propped her muzzle on her hoof.

“Hmmm I’m not sure….” Her eyes widened and she gleefully turned to her intern. “Oooh, do you have any good theme-parks around here?”

The changeling smirked softly in amusement, and its mentor took that as her sign of victory.

“See? Now you try it.”

The changeling turned back to Equinox and repeated the prompt. Replicating Pinkie Pie’s actions, the mecha-pony gave a very exaggerated perfomance of thinking.

“Hmmm I am not sure…” Her eyes widened and she leapt forward, nearly knocking the changeling over as she came face to face with it. “Ooooh, do you perhaps have any good theme-parks around here????”

Pinke Pie meeped as her intern quickly ran for safety under a nearby sofa.

“Uhhh, okay better, but maybe take it down a notch.” The pink mare grinned nervously as she coaxed the changeling back out. “Uh, let’s try a different part.”

She pointed to another area on the sheet and the changeling hesitantly read it.

“Equinox, having now been here for a few days, what would you say is your favorite aspect of Ponyville thus far?”

Pinkie Pie smiled and stood up again. “Okay, now for this part, when you say ‘Not having to fight through Manehattan traffic every day’ , try to sound really relieved, like its such a blessing that you found a place where the streets aren’t always congested and-“

If I may interrupt for a second, Entertainer Pinkie Pie, have you shown this script to Mayor Mare yet? -

The earth pony promptly stopped with her wild gesturing, a look of sudden realization crashing hard onto her face.

“Well, no, not yet. Actually I just finished writing it up an hour ago.”

Then how can you accurately predict she will ask these specific questions?-

The wild gesturing resumed, though now it was obviously done to grasp for an answer.

“We still have a few more days before the celebration. I was going to drop by her office tomorrow.”

Equinox shook her head and brushed the sheet aside.

Your intention to improve my public image is logical, but if I may, I believe I have an alternate means of applying it. From what I’ve read on your exploits, I have concluded that humor can come in many forms, and that spontaneity can yield the same results as careful planning. -

Pinkie Pie settled back onto all fours as her friend retracted her visor.

The issue here is these jokes are tailored to your preference for humor, which would run contrary to your previous statement that I should hone what makes me unique. If I may, I would like to try constructing my own jokes. -

Realization again hit the mare like a brick, bringing a searing hot blush to her cheeks as she noted her fallacy.

“I…uh…sure! Sure, go right ahead!” She quickly stepped back to give the metal alicorn some room. Equinox nodded for the changeling to prompt her again and it duly cleared its throat.

*ahem* “As mayor of Ponyville, I extend the hoof of welcome to you and thank you for gracing us with your presence! How are you doing so far?”

The robot chirped for a moment, then grandly spread her wings.

Eager to see if I can get in on being worshipped as all alicorns apparently are. The sight of ponies on their knees pleases me.-

There was a sharp silence, right before the changeling had to slap a hoof over its mouth to stifle giggles.

“Okay, okay, that was actually pretty good. You need to shorten it a bit, but we can work with it.” Pinkie Pie snickered. “Let’s try a few more…”

From where they were watching up on the balcony, Twilight and Spike gave a relieved sigh.

“It seems despite a few hiccups, Equinox is finally finding a place for herself, huh, Spike?”

“Mmmm.” The dragon mused as the robot made another joke and earned herself more laughter. “She seems very content to help everyone out. Very content….”

The two departed as Pinkie Pie began going into how she wanted Equinox to keep practicing with her tomorrow to help refine her humor. It had been quite a day, but as the sun descended below the horizon it seemed everything was going to turn out well.

Perhaps just a little too well……

Wish Weaver - Chapter 5: Pulling your weight, and everyone elses.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 5
Pulling your weight, and everyone elses.

Time could be such a fickle mistress. One week it would drag itself by like a tortoise with a broken leg, then the next suddenly it would get a rush of energy and zip past faster than you could blink.

For the first few days after her arrival in Equestria, time seemed to crawl by for the cybernetic entity known as Equinox at a very slow pace indeed. Then, suddenly, one fateful day the group of ponies known at the Mane Six had found new uses for her and her unusual skill set, and before she knew it, two weeks had passed in an instant and the time of her official introduction was at hand. Thanks to Pinkie Pie’s careful planning, such a momentous event was also set to coincide with the beginnings of the natural phenomenon that she shared her name with, so the robot alicorn was busier than ever. At all hours of the day it seemed one of the ponies needed her for something, and like the dedicated friend she strove to be, Equinox made sure she was there to do as asked.

“Alright, that’s a good haul for this side o’ the orchard. Go help Big Mac so we can get his side done before the sun goes down. Ah wanna make sure Ah got enough to cater to every pony in Ponyville on the big day!”

As you wish, Harvester Applejack, though might I suggest that Harvester Big Mac be reassigned to the south section instead? If you require an urgent supply of apples it would be a better distribution of the available workforce. -

Applejack dubiously looked up from her counting. “Well…maybe, but Big Mac’s side is the largest in ahll o’ Sweet Apple Acres! Without him there is no way we’ll get all of them harvested before nightfall.”

– Then I will continue to work till the job is done. The lack of illumination will not hinder me. – Equinox stated plainly.

Applejack looked even more dubious. “Are yew shur about that? Ah once believed myself capable of workin’ ahll day and ahll night, and boy that did NOT end well for me.”

With an astounding show of confidence, Equinox nodded. – Allow me to resume my activities and I will prove true to my words. –

Wiping her brow, the Stetson wearing Earth Pony finally sighed. “All right, go tell Big Mac to focus on the south side. Let me know if there’s any issue.”

***

Several hours later…

As the sun set and the first chirp of crickets were heard, Applejack and her brother, Big Mac, sat on the porch of their house, sipping glasses of sweet apple cider and watching in awe as Equinox continued to buck and carry apples with nary a sign of fatigue.

“She really does have a fire to her spirit that refuses to be extinguished, huh?” Applejack commented.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac simply replied as the metal pony filled up another bucket and went right back to bucking trees.

“Makes you regret she couldn’t have turned up a few years ago when we really had problems running this place.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac repeated as darkness fell and Equinox resolutely kept at her task.

***

“Okay, so I really hate to tell you this Equinox, but I just got a call from Sapphire Shores. Apparently she got Octavia Melody to agree to do a duet with her at her latest show, meaning they’re going to have a full band on stage in addition to the dancers…” Rarity nervously rubbed her hooves together as she looked to the forest of hanging clothes surrounding her. “So we’re going to have to double up on the dresses for her order. Do you mind staying a few extra hours to model for me?”

Not at all. – Equinox stated simply, much to the white unicorn's combined surprise and relief.

“Oh thank you! Everyone else is busy with their own parts for the upcoming party so I have literally no one to help me today!”

All the more reason for me to assist then. – Equinox stated before looking to Rarity’s design table and sewing machine. – In fact, having now studied the mechanics of your equipment, I might be able to lend additional assistance, if you will permit me. -

Rarity looked unsure, but with another glance to the heaps of cloth and designs still waiting to be done, she gave a tired sigh.

“Considering I’m grasping at straws already…sure, let’s see what you can do.”

***

Several hours later…

“Well, it seems what you can do is quite a bit.” The white unicorn said in amazement as Equinox presented her with another finished dress. “I had no idea you could sew so accurately, or so quickly!”

It is not a complicated task, Designer Rarity. I merely have to calculate the dimensions of each garment then transfer them onto a three dimensional plane. After that it’s merely a matter of repeating the processes and making adjustments as needed. -

Rarity rolled her eyes and yawned as she looked at the clock. “Well still, least you helped me get through more of these than I would have on my own. I’ll just have a little bit left over for tomorrow.”

Equinox raised her ears. – Did you not state that the show itself is tomorrow?–

Rarity sighed and nodded. “Yes but I’m absolutely exhausted, so I’ll just have to do a little rush in the morning, then hop on the first train to Manehattan. It won’t be the first time I’ve run the gauntlet on a deadline. –

Equinox looked to the remaining dresses and cocked her head. –Would it not be more prudent for me to finish the remainder over the course of the night so you could make the final adjustments in the morning?-

Despite her fatigue, Rarity still managed a wide-eyed look of surprise. “You would…do that for me?”

It would seem the most practical solution to your problem.-

Rarity looked at what was left, pursed her lips in uncertainty, then finally had to admit defeat as another huge yawn came upon her.

“Okay, just do what you can. I’ll see you tomorrow morning. “ The tired unicorn replied as she slipped off to bed. Bidding her friend good night, Equinox sat back down at the sewing machine and resumed cranking out dresses.

***

“So Gummy needs to have his food cut up in small enough chunks for him to swallow. Make sure he doesn’t try going for too big a piece.” Fluttershy said as she read off her checklist. “Angel gets two bowls of salad, in the morning and at night, and make sure Owlowicious’ feeder is kept full, he has quite the appetite. Opal gets a can of wet cat food twice a day, but leave a small dish of dry out too in case she needs a snack. Then there's Tank's enclosure which needs to be kept at around 80 degrees, and oh yes, you'll need to make sure the squirrels I've got in the pen have enough water...”

Equinox nodded as she recorded each point clearly and carefully.

“I really don’t mean to have to dump all this on you, but Discord’s been feeling under the weather again so I think he needs to go see the doctor.”

-Do what you must, Caretaker Fluttershy, I will make sure your animals remain well cared for. –

“Oh thank you so much, Equinox. I’ll be back as soon as I can!” The yellow pegasus replied before flying off.

***

Several hours later….

“Uh, hello, Equinox? This is Fluttershy. The doctor thinks Discord needs to be kept overnight so I’m not going to be able to get back as soon as I thought. Would you mind bathing Angel and preening Owlowicious’ feathers? Also could you clean the raccoons' area out too and change the water in Tank's pond? I didn’t get a chance to do so before I left.”

Looking to the numerous animal enclosures and seeing the state they were in, Equinox nodded to herself.

It shall be done. I sincerely hope Anomaly Discord’s condition improves.- The metal alicorn replied. Hanging the phone up she grabbed a bucket and sponges and went forth to her work.

***

“Yes closer, I said move that formation closer! You’re too scattered out all over the place!” Rainbow Dash yelled as her fellow pegasi tried to get back into line. “Watch your sides though, we don’t need another…”

SMACK! THUD! Two of the recruits accidentally got too close and ended up whacking each other on the head with their wings. Knocked for a loop, they tumbled out of the sky, leading Rainbow Dash to hang her head in frustration.

“For the love of…EQUINOX! WE GOT TWO MORE!” The blue pegasus yelled as she dropped her clip board and raced to the rescue. Quick as a flash, the robot alicorn was there by her side to catch the falling ponies and slow them down enough that they could be safely retrieved. “I swear, we are never going to get this right if these foals don’t start paying more attention to their surroundings.”

In which case, may I suggest trying an alternative- Equinox queried. She activated the projector in her horn as paramedics came over to tend to the downed pegasi. – It still needs some refinement, but if you were to have the recruits form into a pentagon shape instead of one horizontal line, the difference in altitudes should reduce the risk of collisions.-

Rainbow Dash lifted her sunglasses and studied the hologram, watching as it ran through a radically different formation to the one her team had been practicing.

“Geez, I don’t know, Equinox. That’s going to require quite a lot of reorganizing to pull off, more so considering we don’t have a lot of time left to practice.”

A groan as her injured recruits came to made the pegasus’ ears wilt.

“Then again, we’re having no luck with the current set up so I can’t see any harm in trying a new approach.” Dash flew back up to the other recruits and blew her whistle for attention.

“Okay everyone, change of plans here. Since you obviously are finding our current routine too difficult to master, Miss Equinox here is going to show you a different one that might be more to your liking. I want everyone to listen closely as she runs through it with you!” Rainbow Dash donned her shades again and patted her friend on the shoulder.

“Don’t go easy on them, understand. These foals may be green, but they’ll learn soon enough.”

Equinox stoically stared at the pegasus. –And if they still seem to have difficulties?-

“Keep running them through it till they get it right.” Rainbow Dash grinned.

-Understood. May I presume you will still want me to handle the nightly sky cleaning afterwards?-

“Yeah if you can. I feel I’m going to lose my mind if I don’t go home here soon.” Dash sighed and held her head.

***

“Hey, Pinkie Pie? Can I possibly borrow Equinox now?” Twilight poked her head around the door.

“Oh, uh, can it wait? She and I need to finish refining her routine.” The pink mare protested before turning back to where her intern and Equinox were facing each other. “Okay, try that part about parasprites explaining how reproduction works again, but this time sound like even you can’t believe what you’re saying.”

A very annoyed grumble was cast at the earth pony, who failed to register anything was amiss as she was too absorbed in her work.

“Pinkie, seriously, you’ve had the whole day to work on this, I need Equinox now to organize the new collection of books that got delivered.”

“No, I had to wait till she was finished helping Rainbow Dash so you can wait too. We’ll be done in another hour, maybe two if we can figure out a way to work that rap song back in.”

Twilight glowered, narrowing her eyes as if trying to set her friends’ mane on fire via the intensity of her stare. When that failed to produce any worthwhile results she turned around to find Spike staring up at her expectantly.

“I guess WE’LL have to do the organizing ourselves. Is that okay with you, Spike?”

“Sure, I mean it’s not like I’ve got anything else to do.” The dragon replied, casting his own distrustful stare at Equinox. “Seriously, since she turned up it seems like I almost never have anything to do.”

***

“Equinox, where have you been??? We started practice an hour and a half ago!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed upon sighting her friend.

My express apologies, Aviator Rainbow Dash. Designer Rarity was most insistent that I help her finish her dress order before she departed for Manehattan. -

With a cocked eyebrow and a disappointed sneer, Rainbow Dash turned to view the town of Ponyville visible several miles below them.

“What? I told her specifically that we needed you here on the dot for the new formation. I can’t do a completely overhaul of everything by myself!”

Equinox dipped her head in apology. - I will find a way to make up for my tardiness. -

“Never mind that! Get the recruits in line! I’m going to have a few words with my friend.”

The blue pegasus tossed her clipboard aside and dove for the town below.

You may also wish to speak with Harvester Applejack. She requested my assistance back at Sweet Apple Acres. -

Rainbow Dash groaned as she flew faster. It seemed good help came at an increasingly high premium these days.

***

“There you are!” Rarity declared as the robot stepped into her boutique. “I was wondering if you got my message. What I can only describe as the most wonderful disaster has befallen me!”

Equinox cocked her head. – Were my efforts on your dresses not to Entertainer Shore’s liking?-

“Oh no, no, quite the opposite. She loved every one of them! So much so she wanted another two dozen made to give to the other performers during her final show this week! Oh it’s the kind of demand I always dreamed of, and I have practically no time to deliver on it!”

Equinox nodded in quiet relief. – We shall have to get to work immediately then. –

“Yes you must! Oh there’s so little time left as it is, and now I’ve wasted so much of it waiting around for you!” The unicorn began to toss cloth and threads to the alicorn, pausing only when a thought emerged. “Where were you all morning anyway?”

Caretaker Fluttershy was forced to rush Anomaly Discord to the hospital again. She requested I take care of feeding her animals for her. -

Rarity blinked in disbelief, which then slowly faded to outright rage as Equinox sat down at the sewing machine.

“That’s it!? Doesn’t she know some of us have slightly more important needs for you? Oh, this is so typical! I’m giving her a piece of my mind once she gets back!”

Shall I be working alone then?- Equinox queried. Looking to the mountain of cloth and raw materials still waiting to be made into ensembles, Rarity sighed and threw up her hooves.

“Well I’m too frustrated to concentrate right now!” She exclaimed before storming out.

***

“Equinox? Equinox??” Pinkie Pie called out as she ran into Sweet Apple Acres. “Equinox, where are you? We agreed we were going to practice the dance routine today!”

The pink mare glanced around the sprawling orchard but the only signs of life were a few muffled sounds coming from the barn. Placing hope upon hope, she ran over and pried the barn doors open…and immediately regretted doing so when all she got was a wall of harsh language.

“Look I need to know my team is safe, and she’s the best insurance I have for that!”

“Well AH still got apples to harvest and she’s giving me a chance tah finally have the whole orchard done on time!”

Sighing in dismay at the sight of her two friends locking horns, Pinkie Pie stepped into the barn and cleared her throat.

“Um, excuse me, but would this fascinating conversation perhaps concern a certainly silver machine friend of ours?” She said, braving the scorn that was cast at her like a wave of molten lava. “Cause I seem to remember asking her to help me today, only to then wake up and learn from Spike that she left at dawn to come here!”

Rainbow Dash cocked an eyebrow. “Really? That’s funny, cause I told her to turn up for practice early, only to see her leave the castle and having to pursue her to find out the same thing!”

Applekjack pushed her Stetson forward and bared her teeth. “As Ah jest said there is the little matter of me needing some extra help here! She’ll be done sewn enough!”

“Yeah she’d better, cause I’m not having the recruits run through her formation without her there to coach them!”

At that Pinkie Pie felt her own hair rise as she gave Rainbow Dash a glare that could have cut through steel.

“No, you, are, NOT! I’ve worked waaaay too hard to make the perfect celebration for her and I have had no time at all to get her prepared because you all keep hogging her for yourselves!”

Applejack snorted. “She’s a darn fine worker! Ah need her fortitude!”

“Well she’s also a heaven send to get the recruits flying properly and keep them safe so I need her more!” Rainbow Dash shot back.

Pinkie Pie turned from one friend to the other, trying to decide who needed to be sneered at more.

“Well….well…well I’m the one who has to make sure she gives the best first impression…though granted it’s now more of a second impression since quite a few ponies already met her when we went to Ponyville…BUT STILL, I can’t have her slip up on anything!”

The two other ponies shot back with a pair of stares that fiercely proclaimed how little they could believe of what their friend was saying.

“Besides, when did you become such a lazy layabout? Isn’t harvesting apples your job?” Pinkie Pie said to Applejack.

“Ah…whuh…when did YEW decide to forget about ahll those lessons on how parties should be fun, and that taking them too seriously jest ruins everything?” She snarled. “And on that, didn’t Capn’ Spitfire make YEW the leader of the Wonderbolt recruits? Why yew gotta keep calling in others to do yer job?”

Rainbow Dash was about to hurl her own two cents back, when suddenly a brilliant white flash lit up the barn and revealed a very pain stricken Discord holding Twilight, Spike and Rarity in his arms, with Fluttershy hovering by his side.

“Ladies, ladies, ladies, I’m sure whatever you’re all shouting about is a matter of the upmost importance, but considering that I can hear you all the way back at the castle, I don’t think it could hurt to lower the volume just a tad.” The dracoequine set the other two ponies down and flopped onto a bale of hay. “I’ve had these two at each others’ throats the entire morning over the absence of our dear metallic visitor from elsewhere, now I come here to find a similarly heated argument in full swing. How IS a poor soul supposed to rest and recover with such racket?”

He touched his forehead then yanked his hand away when it began to sizzle and smoke from the heat of his fever. Fluttershy grabbed a rag and wetted it so she could mop his brow.

“Ponies, I think the time has come to admit we may have a bit of a problem here. It seems we’ve all found Equinox to be a very useful asset to us, but it’s getting out of hoof.” Twilight said. “As Spike was helpful enough to point out, we’ve become increasingly reliant on her doing all our work so we can focus on other stuff, so much so that it’s driving a wedge between all of us.”

“Not to mention it’s made life for me incredibly dull since she’s basically made me redundant.” The little dragon commented. The other ponies looked at each other, their ire dampened just a tad at the realization of how bad the situation between them had become.

“Well, but, she’s been so eager to help, and she never seems to get tired or need a break.” Rarity said.

“And she comes up with so many good ideas.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Not to mention she seems to really enjoy what we have her do.” Fluttershy added quietly.

“Yes, those are all good points, but we’ve gone too far in taking advantage of them. Just because Equinox never says no, or asks us to lay off doesn’t give us the right to keep abusing her like this.”

Rainbow Dash got a weird look on her face. “Well still, I mean, this is a special case. As we’ve all said, she’s not a normal pony, she’s a machine!”

Twilight glared, not in anger but in dismay. “So what does that mean? That she’s thus below us because she’s not like us?”

Now the pegasus looked extremely uncomfortable. “Well, I mean I…”

“Allow me to ask you all a different question.” Discord said while sitting up. “Is this still a friend of yours we’re talking about, or a slave? Cause right now it’s sounding a lot more like the latter to me.”

And like that, the mood in the barn shattered like a glass pane that had just been hit with a barrage of rocks. Six jaws hit the ground simultaneously as the terrible truth descended upon everyone. Unfortunately this was only the first part of Discord’s one-two punch.

“Seriously, you’re all standing around discussing the value of dear Equinox like she’s nothing more than a tool for you all to use, and what’s worse, you don’t even have the good grace to let her be present to offer her own opinion. What kind of friends are you?” He said, letting a small smile pass his lips as the Mane Six looked utterly horrified.

“What kind of friends…are…oh dear Celestia, no!” Rainbow Dash uttered breathlessly.

“Ah…didn’t think of…but Ah never meant…oh star apples, what have we done?” Applejack stammered.

“What have you done? What have I done!?” Rarity stared at her hooves as if disgusted by them.. “I bear the element of generosity! I myself was abused for my services in Manehattan! And then the instant someone tries to offer me the littlest bit of help I do the exact same thing! Run them ragged like a selfish, horrible…monster!” Her eyes began to tear as guilt began to well up like a sickness within her. Fluttershy looked equally pained as she dropped the rag, while Pinkie Pie slumped onto her rump as if on the verge of fainting.

“This…well this has to be amended! Now!” Twilight declared. “Applejack, where’s Equinox?”

The brown earth pony weakly pointed out the window. “Ah told her to go finish up the north section.”

The Mane Six ran out of the barn, Discord’s protest that nobody was tending to him falling on deaf ears as they tore across the orchard in search of their friend.

“Equinox? EQUINOX!” The ponies called out as they scanned the trees. “Where are you? We need to talk to you!”

The six spread out across the acres, vainly hoping to see the tell tale reflection, the sparkle of a silver metal entity somewhere. But to everyone’s horror, all they found were trees and the torturous silence of a scene undisturbed by life.

“Equinox!” Twilight yelled as Applejack and Pinkie Pie rejoined her. “I can’t see her anywhere.”

“She’s not in any other section of the orchard. Ah just checked with Big Mac and he ain’t seen hide nor hair o’ her on his end!” Applejack reported. Rainbow Dash fluttered down from above.

“No sign from the air either. She’s just…vanished.” The blue pegasus gasped.

“Oh no, she must have heard us talking about her and run off! Oh, this is all my fault!” Pinkie Pie cried.

“Your fault? I had a role too! And there are no words for how much I hate myself for that right now.” Rarity declared as she wiped her eyes.

Twilight cringed as her whole body felt like it was going to crumble from the weight of her own guilt. First the damage she did to the poor robot’s memory, now this? How could she even dare to call herself a princess of Equestria at this point?

“We’ve got to find her. She can’t have gone far.” The purple alicorn declared, though it sounded like she was trying to convince herself more than her friends.

“Um, pardon me, but I couldn’t help hearing you all shouting over here. Are you looking for Equinox?”

The ponies turned to see an elderly green mare staring at them.

“Granny Smith, yes we are! Have yew seen her?” Applejack said.

“Certainly, she left with Apple Bloom in the direction of the Everfree Forest a little while ago. Seemed to be in a bit of a hurry they did.”

Fear gave way to confusion, which then gave way back to fear.

“With Apple Bloom? What would she be doing…nevermind, come on ponies, we gotta find our friend!” Twilight declared. Leading the charge, the Mane Six tore hell for leather out of the orchard.

Author's Note

Everyone wants to helpful, but there's always the risk that it can get to be too much of a good thing. As the Mane Six and Equinox are now learning, you can't rely on your friends to do everything.

A/N: I seriously hope Equinox isn't coming off as too much of a Mary Sue here. The whole point was to slowly reveal she has many talents the other ponies don't, but like any machine she has a bit of a problem with telling them when to lay off with the demands.

Wish Weaver - Chapter 6: Robot Alicorn Attack!

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 6
Robot Alicorn Attack!

Several hours later, the ponies found themselves deep in the midst of a place all too familiar to them. In every direction the towering trees and the unsettling magical nature of the forest spread out, yet no matter where they looked, no one could find a trace of the silver alicorn. Though the daylight was growing thin and their hooves tired from walking, the Mane Six could not find the will to give up. Their shame at how they’d behaved over the last few days was pushing them onwards in place of the energy that had long since been spent.

“Equinox? Equinox, are you there? Apple Bloom? If you’re with Equinox, can you tell her we’re sorry for everything? Like really, really sorry!” Pinkie Pie called, hearing only the mocking echo of her own voice in response.

“Ah jest don’t understand it. Why would she take Apple Bloom of all folk? The two o’ them ain’t exchanged more than ten words between them since Equinox first turned up in Equestria.” Applejack commented.

“She had to have her reasons. Let’s just find them and make sure they’re safe first.” Twilight said as she flew up to where Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were circling the canopy. “Anything?”

“Nothing visible in the direction of the Tree of Harmony, or the Mirror Pond. I don’t know, Twilight, I’m running out of places where they could feasibly be.” The blue pegasus replied.

“Oooh we’re never going to find them at this rate. It’s like looking for a needle in a stack of hay.” Fluttershy lamented as she touched back down with the others.

“Well we can’t give up. Ponies don’t leave other ponies behind, be they living or metal!” Twilight proclaimed.

“Here, here!” Applejack declared. “Ah just wish we had a sign or something to follow. So we weren’t searching this place blind.”

As if taking her words as cue, a terrible roar suddenly erupted from the foliage, giving all of the Mane Six a fright.

“What was that?” Rarity hesitantly asked, straining her ears to get a fix on where the sound had come from.

“Whatever it was, it was big.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Uhh, maybe we should head back now?”

“No wait…Ah can hear something else.” Applejack joined her unicorn friend in listening intently. They were met with a second roar shaking the trees with its power, but neither gave in to the urge to flee. There was indeed something else under the monstrous cacophony: a tiny, frightened voice screaming to make itself heard above everything.

“No…oh my stars, that’s Apple Bloom!” The brown mare cried. Without thinking she took off in the direction of the noise, trampling over roots and butting branches aside in her haste to reach her sibling.

“Sounds like the needle wanted to be found after all.” Spike commented as he jumped onto Twilight’s back. The remaining ponies gave chase, some on foot, some in the air, their own fear and apprehension now forgotten in the wake of knowing one of their own was in danger.

“Apple Bloom! Apple Bloom, where are ya?” Applejack cried, tearing her face from side to side for some sign, some indication she was heading in the right direction. All she could hear was more screaming, which was quickly muffled by more roars, and the crash of trees as something truly huge and monstrous knocked them over.

“I see something. Up ahead, it looks like there’s a clearing…” Rainbow Dash yelled. She tucked her head in and flapped to make herself go faster, weaving in and around trees as they were sent her way by whatever was fording through the forest. For what felt like an eternity the ponies ran, seeing nothing but foliage and darkness everywhere

In reality, though, it was probably no more than a few minutes before they all crashed through into the clearing, but the sight of the little yellow foal running towards them still hit with the same impact as that of sailors who’d finally disembarked onto their home port to meet their family after years away at sea.

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack cried.

“Sis!” The tiny pony cried as she threw herself into her sibling’s arms.

“Oh thank Celestia, are you okay?” The brown earth pony cried, hugging her little sister.

“Ah…Ah’m fine, but Equinox…” The foal looked back at the thicket. “Oh sis, Ah’m sorry. Ah jest, she wanted some place to practice and then we came here and…”

“Equinox? Is Equinox still with you?” Twilight asked. She felt horrid for the question, but the relief at knowing one of their number was okay was now only adding to the pain from the other still being unaccounted for.

“She…she stayed behind…to make sure Ah could get away….” Apple Bloom replied.

“Get away? From what?” Pinkie Pie asked, just as the trees thrashed heavily again to herald the approach of even more danger. “Actually wait…do I really want to know…?”

The Mane Six looked with great reluctance at the collapsing foliage. All of them backed away as something twinkled in the dark.

Then finally it seemed the trees could hold back the terror no longer as they promptly fell from their roots towards the ponies, permitting their destroyer to finally reveal itself. Its body was literally as black at the night sky, translucent in nature with a myriad of shimmering lights across its fur that resembled stars. Claws the length of full sized swords adorned each of its four paws, and in its short muzzle was a full collection of huge, razor sharp teeth. Its eyes burned like small moons in the recess of two black voids on either side of its skull, the space above them decorated with a huge jagged star shape like some manner of regal mark.

“It’s an ursa major! A real one!” Rarity cried as the giant beast roared and swiped its claws at the ponies. They promptly scattered and ran for the edge of the clearing as their enemy voiced its disapproval and pursued them.

“Holy Celestia, Apple Bloom, what the hoo-hah were yew doing to attract that thing’s attention?” Applejack demanded.

“Ah…Ah dunno. We were just….EEEEEEEK!” The tiny foal screamed as the deadly claws came at her again. She dashed to the side, jumped over the brambles and tried to keep pace with her sister as the trees were torn down behind her.

“Jest tell me later. We gotta get yew outta here!” The brown earth pony said. The two caught up with their friends and galloped as fast as their weary hooves could manage, with the giant beast just behind them.

“Equinox…” Apple Bloom gasped as she jumped a stream, and then watched it be crushed by the ursa major’s paws.

“I promise we’ll go back for her, soon as we get away from this thing!” Twilight assured. She flew ahead to try and pick out a safe path for her friends, however, suddenly every avenue of escape looked to be equally treacherous. Feeling her lungs burn with the demand for air, the purple alicorn picked one at random and guided everyone to follow her. Through briar patches and bushes, across valleys and hills the ponies tore through the forest. Ahead of them, the trees seem to thin, light peeking through the cracks to offer blessed salvation.

“This way! We’re almost out!” Twilight cried…right before those of her friends who lacked wings promptly dropped out from underneath her. The ground just seemed to swallow Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Apple Bloom whole, leaving the panting mare above only had a moment to contemplate what had just happened, before she felt herself smack face first into an immovable barrier. The scent of fresh pine filled her nostrils as Twilight looked up and beheld the looming branches of a tree. With a silent gasp she felt her back lighten as Spike lost his grip and fell off her, right before she tumbled down to join him the void. Whatever sense she might have salvaged from the crash, she lost when she hit the ground. The world spun in a violent haze as pain exploded across her head. For a second, Twilight prayed she would black out so her suffering would end.

Then, however, she remembered she was still in danger and clawed her way back to consciousness. Feeling someone grab her by the shoulders, the alicorn violently shook her head till things seem to settle. She opened her eyes to see the world swim back into sharp focus, and her friends standing before her.

“Twilight! Speak to us, are you okay?” She heard Rarity ask.

“Yeah, fine. Got a serious headache though…” She bleated while feeling over the bruised parts of her skull. “What happened?”

“Looks like this here ravine is what happened. The plants on either side musta’ hidden it from view.” Applejack lamented. “Come on, we gotta climb back up before that ursa major catches up to us!”

Sadly no sooner did these words leave the earth pony’s mouth than she heard the horrible sound of trees falling and rocks being kicked down to join them in the ravine. Though she told herself not to, Applejack still looked up, and felt her heat sink as the beast’s nocturnal visage greeted them.

“I fear it’s too late for that.” Rarity whispered as the usra major tore away the plants blocking its path and began to descend into the ravine.

“Okay, all isn’t lost yet. We’ve been in this situation before….uh, sorta.” Spike said in an attempt to lighten at least some of the dread descending upon the group. “Don’t suppose we could see if a lullaby will have any effect like last time can we?”

“There isn’t anything around here for me to make music with.” Twilight said as the beast bared its teeth. She shot a look up and saw Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were hovering helplessly above, unable to swoop in and rescue their friends due to their enemy being in the way.

“Well we gotta do somethin’!” Applejack cried as Apple Bloom clung tightly to her.

“Indeed. Twilight, you and I are going to have to try. We’re the only one’s with magical abilities!” Rarity said. Grimly, Twilight nodded and willed her horn to charge up.

“You’re right, okay on three we’ll blast it together.”

Rarity nodded and charged her horn too.

“One…”

The ursa major drew back in preparation for the kill.

“Two…”

It lurched forward, ready to finally savor the rewards of its long chase.

SCHWOOOF!

Both Twilight and Rarity halted their attack as their enemy suddenly drew back again, clawing at a smoking hole on its face. Roaring in pain, the ursa major looked around, and promptly received a second blast of energy in the face.

"What the? That wasn’t from one of us!” Twilight said, having momentarily forgotten to be scared as now she was too confused by what was going on. The beast stumbled back against the side of the ravine as a third blast nailed it in its chest, the acrid smell of burned flesh growing thick as it thrashed blindly at the air.

Sensing that they now had an opening to rescue their friends, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash swooped down into the void, dodging the ursa major’s flailing claws as it lashed out at whatever was attacking it. They managed to reach the rest of their group, but no sooner did they have a steady grip to carry them out of danger, than the danger was upon them again. In the midst of its pain the ursa major seemed to realize its prey was about to escape, and it duly tried to prevent that by flattening them underfoot. The monster raised a limb into the air, doom seemed to once again be imminent….

….and then once again it was thwarted, this time by a veritable comet materializing out of nowhere to hit the ursa major in the stomach. It gave a raspish wail as all of its breath was forcibly expelled out, then because it had three of its limbs in the air, the beast toppled onto its side. The ponies followed its lead as the shockwave knocked them off their hooves.

“What? What is…” Twilight bleated as she shakily got back up and saw her enemy was trying to do the same. It clawed at the side of the ravine for purchase, but another energy blast had it yank its paws back. It tried to roll over onto its other side, but something seemed to prevent that from happening too. As the Mane Six rose and stared in utter bewilderment, the ursa major stared at a patch of empty air about a foot away from its muzzle, giving a surprise roar then the air suddenly filled itself in to reveal that of the silver metal alicorn.

“Equinox!” Rarity exclaimed as the beast tried to savagely bite her. Equinox nimbly dodged and punched the gnashing teeth away, giving their owner new cause to wail in agony.

“She…she can turn invisible too?” Pinkie Pie said in amazement.

“Not only that, she can fight!” Applejack cheered as the ursa major tried to bite again. This time Equinox caught its jaws with her hooves, and gave everyone another shock when the hooves separated out into sharp, claw like appendages. The ursa major growled as these sunk into its flesh, struggling against the robot’s solid grip. With a cold glare from her glowing eyes, Equinox wrestled with the beast, keeping its jaws immobilized as it violently tried to pry her off.

"Looks like she might still need some help. Come on Rarity, as we were before!" Twilight commanded. Nodding frantically, the white unicorn charged up a shot and blasted the ursa in the stomach, giving it something else to focus its attention on. Roaring in greater agony, the starry bear attempted to find purchase on the ground and regain its footing, but Twilight saw to that by snaring one forelimb with a magical beam, while Rarity snagged the other to keep it immobile. Realizing this gave her a much needed opening, Equinox pulled her enemy’s head up, then forced it against the ground. The ursa major gasped in choked silence as the impact made everything spin, giving Equinox the time she needed to fly up into the air, then come down like a comet again on the beast. She hit it square on its starry forehead, causing the giant monster to lurch back from the force of the blow, before flopping lifelessly into the ravine. Landing on the ground, the metal alicorn stared down her foe, daring it to rise again for another round of combat. As the minutes ticked by, it gave no sign that it was in shape to keep fighting, however, and after giving it a nudge with her horn, Equinox finally stood back, satisfied that the beast was out for the count.

Silence held in the ravine as the robot walked over to her friends, looking at all of them with a shameful expression, as if she were the one at fault here instead of the giant monster lying comatose behind her.

-I trust none of you are damaged?- She asked.

It took another moment before the ponies realized they should respond.

“We…uh…no, no we’re fine. Um, few bruises here and there, but frankly that kind of pales in comparison to what yew jest did.” Applejack responded. Equinox hung her head in resignation.

Yes, on that I believe I owe you in particular an apology, Harvester Applejack.-

The brown earth pony was about to respond, only to then feel her mind hit a dead stop.

“Well Ah…Ah…wait, what?” She asked, getting a guilty nod from her cybernetic friend.

I abandoned my section of the orchard in the middle of my work. I saw Scholar Apple Bloom playing with a hula hoop, which triggered another data echo in my circuits. I witnessed images of myself flying through hoops of a similar nature, thus, in an effort to replicate the result, I asked Scholar Apple Bloom if she would permit me to try a similar action. To summarize: I wanted to see if I could jog my memory. -

Still feeling her brain grind against the barrier, Applejack turned to her sister who was now looking very uncomfortable.

“She really seemed to like mah hoop, and she’s quite good at jumpin’ through it. Ah didn’t wanna disturb you or Big Mac while you were working so Ah suggested we find somewhere with more space to practice. The forest seemed perfect…but….Ah guess Ah didn’ realize we picked a spot that was right next to that big monster’s cave.”

All eyes turned back to Equinox who nodded.

– I accept full blame for endangering Scholar Apple Bloom. It was not my intention, but I will agree to whatever punishment you see fit.-

She closed her eyes and awaited the expected scolding. Silence thus descended again as everyone tried to wrap their heads around the proceedings.

“But…but that isn’t right. WE were coming out here to apologize to YOU.” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “Um…weren’t we?”

“Yes, um, look Equinox, there has been a serious misunderstanding. We’re the ones who’ve been in the wrong here.” Twilight explained. Equinox cocked her head in confusion. “These last few weeks, we’ve all been demanding more and more of you, making you do all our work for us. We realize now that was unacceptable and that we had no right to make you our…well...our…”

The robot looked even more bewildered as Twilight struggled to find the right words.

– While efficiently scheduling my time to accommodate all your requests has proven problematic, I assure you the actual workload has not been overly taxing on me. - She said.

Rather than soothe the alicorn this just made her more upset.

“Yes but it still isn’t fair!" She said. Equinox cocked her ear in concern.

-Have my efforts proven unsatisfactory to your needs?- She asked.

"Wha...no..no that's not it at all! What I meant was, even if you don’t tire easily you can’t be everywhere at once for us. You’re our friend, not our…um…look we promised we were going to help you, and obviously we dropped the ball on that. We should’ve asked you what you felt comfortable doing, not demanded you cater to our every whim.” Twilight felt her eyes start to burn again, the shame finally returning now that her adrenaline had been expended. “So, from all of us, we’re sorry we’ve been treating you so badly, that we didn’t take your feelings into account. Can you forgive us?”

Tears threatened to spill over the alicorn’s cheeks as the silver machine processed her words. She seemed hesitant, uncertain of how to react.

But then, then there came the up turn of the lips, the soft crease of the plates around her mouth as she smiled. A smile that told so much, without any need for words, that neither Twilight nor her friends could hold back their tears.

Of course I can, Princess Twilight. While I do understand your concern, I should confess that, in truth, I had my own reasons for doing everything you asked of me. It permitted me to analyze my reactions to various stimuli, to see if anything would trigger another echo or some other unknown skill of mine. Additionally, even if your demands were great, I still felt a surprising amount of positive feedback knowing I was being of use to you all. It pleased me. -

“Yeah well, Ah think we all might have let it go a little too far.” Applejack commented.

Indeed. I see now that I was wrong to encourage you all to continue requesting my assistance. However, I still feel a need to establish a suitable role for myself. Fortunately, thanks to the aid of Scholar Apple Bloom, I believe I have found one. -

The robot turned back to the comatose ursa major.

While I was engaged in combat with this entity, I experienced an even greater number of positive sensations than when I was performing your other jobs. Protecting you from danger, and knowing that I have triumphed gives me feedback you could most accurately label as ‘pride’ and possibly 'glee'. Out of all the roles I have performed, guarding your lives and keeping you safe from harm seems the perfect application for me. -

Twilight blinked frantically to stem the wetness flowing down her cheeks as the robot approached her and knelt.

– In your library there is a history of the organization known as The Royal Guards, those charged with protecting the princesses and the ones they care for. If by any chance you have such a position available, Princess Twilight, I wish to announce my candidacy for it. –

Though her face stung from the tears and the guilt they carried with them, Twilight still found the will to smile, to take her fellow alicorn’s hoof and bring her up to where the two could hug and express their relief.

“If…If that’s truly what you want to do, then yes, I think I have just the role for you, Equinox!” She happily replied.

“Don’t think we need to question your abilities either after seeing what just happened.” Rainbow Dash added. “I don’t know if you realize it, but that was an almost legendary feat you accomplished there. While some may claim to have done so, there’s no official record of anyone having taken out an ursa major!”

This knocked the robot back into confusion as she regarded the beast.

Strange, it did not register as an exceptional threat. Indeed, once my combat systems kicked in it was simply a matter of analyzing its movements and determining the right moments to strike. -

This earned her a round of laughter, which only grew more mirthful as she looked even more puzzled.

“Yew truly are somethin’ else, Equinox, and that’s why we’re glad to have yew as part of the group!” Applejack tipped her hat to the machine. “Jest, from now, I think we’ll go back to doing our own jobs and let you focus on yours.”

“Indeed, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to respect myself as a proper lady if I force others to do my work for me.” Rarity replied.

“And while they could have been more polite about it, my friends are right: I’m meant to be the leader of the Wonderbolts so I need to actually do some leading!” Rainbow Dash said.

Equinox nodded at all of this in turn.

While I agree with all of your logic, I still insist that I am here if you ever require assistance. Knowing that I can be an viable asset remains one of my top priorities. -

The ponies all shared an uncomfortable silence.

“Well we’ll keep that in mind. Just remember that you can always tell us to take a hike if we get too pushy.” Twilight replied, earning herself another sweet smile.

I will be more than happy to add that to my programming parameters. – Equinox said as the beast behind her gave a small snort. – Now, however, I believe we should take our leave. I cannot predict how much longer the ursa major will remain unconscious.-

“Sounds good to me.” Rainbow Dash declared as she helped carry her friends to safety.

***

Later that night…

..and so, as of today, I have appointed Equinox as the castle’s official Captain of the Guard. She seems very keen to undertake her duties, and I’ve no doubt we will all be a lot safer with her in charge of security.

Twilight wrote on a scroll, taking a moment to ponder before adding the following.

I think, in the process, all of us learned one of the most crucial things about friendship yet: friends should always be willing to help out friends, but there are limits. A true friend should know never to abuse the kindness and the generosity of another, and likewise they should know when to tell others that they are being unfair or unkind. With this in mind, we are all looking forward to the celebrations that will soon be upon us. Pinkie Pie has done away with the routine she was practicing, deeming it’d be better to just let Equinox do her own thing. Equinox in turn has been working with Apple Bloom and the Cutie Mark Crusaders on a talent show that they hope to debut at the celebrations. At present she is keeping us in the dark on what they’re planning, but I have a strong feeling it’s going to be nothing short of unforgettable.

Regards, and looking forward to seeing you and Princess Luna soon,

Princess Twilight Sparkle

Setting aside her quill, the alicorn rolled up the scroll and handed it to Spike who duly sent it off with a blast of his fire breath.

“How do you think Princess Celestia’s going to react about getting a Friendship Report after all this time?” The dragon queried.

“Hopefully as pleased as I am to have cause to write one again. It’s refreshing to know there are still things about the power of friendship that we haven’t learned yet. That in spite of how far we’ve come, there’s still a whole undiscovered world out there to explore.”

Spike smiled and stretched as he headed for the doors to the study. “Well even so, it’s nice to have some nice familiar old ground to stomp around on too, even if it is just organizing books.”

Twilight snickered that the dragon was suddenly sounding so pleased at having work to do again. Deeming she was done for the night, the purple alicorn cast a glance out her window to see Equinox standing to attention on the walkway outside, keenly scanning the area as a loyal sentry should.

All was again right with the world, and as the princess retired to her bedroom she felt that they were going to stay that way.

Well, for a little while at least. Hopefully.

Author's Note

Friends may not always be on the best of terms with each other. But when the chips are down and there's danger in the air, they can always rely on each other to be there.

Originally this was supposed to be part of Chapter 5, but I thought the change of pace and tone didn't really work for a single entry so I chopped it in half.

Wish Weaver - Chapter 7: New risks, new discoveries.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 7
New risks, new discoveries.

In the universe there were a set number of laws. Some laws governed the orbital trajectory of planets, some dictated the lifespan of a star, and some seemed to have been put into place purely to mess with those who called the cosmos home.

One such law was the Law of Murphy, stating that if anything COULD go wrong, it WOULD. Who Murphy was, the majority of the universe couldn’t say, other than he clearly must have been one of the most sadistic bastards to ever disgrace the stars. It was his standing that there always be a hiccup or an unexpected twist in any given plan that would then rear its ugly head at precisely the worst possible moment.

For the pink mare known as Pinkie Pie, such had unfortunately now befallen. Having ditched her previous plans for her new friend’s introductory party, the earth pony had been lulled into a false sense of relief. Following the events of the previous day where things had come to a head concerning Equinox’s value and use to the Mane Six, she felt it best to just step back and let things take their own course. She’d gone to bed, had a good night’s sleep, and awoken confident that all would turn out just fine.

And then, then over the course of breakfast, her friend, Fluttershy, had voiced the question that now had her in a panic: namely just who besides she and her friends were going to be attending this monumental event?

“Okay, uh, I need to contact Mayor Mare, she’s pretty essential, also the Cakes, they’ll never forgive me otherwise.” Pinkie Pie frantically scribbled names onto a sheet of paper with one hoof, while she flicked through her address book with the other.

“Uhhh…Lotus and Aloe will be needed at the spa…unless I volunteer to cover for them…no, no, that won’t work. Nurse Redheart only has alternate days off from the practice. Cloud Chaser is still at the Academy….oooooh how could I have forgotten about this till now???”

The pink mare groaned and face planted onto her list, getting a nice smearing of wet ink for her troubles.

Is something wrong, Entertainer Pinkie Pie?-

The earth pony rose from her stupor to see the very being she’d been working so hard to promote, freshly back from her morning patrol and looking very concerned indeed.

“Oh Equinox, it’s horrible. I just realized that in spite of all my planning for your party I clean forgot about whom I was going to invite. I’ve been searching through my contacts all morning, but so far I’ve barely come up with anyone, and your party is tomorrow!”

The mare slumped back and covered her face with her hooves. Equinox politely studied what few names were still legible on the paper, then looked to the address book.

Do you fear that my previous encounter with the locals may have alienated them to seeing me? -

Pinkie Pie shook her head. “No, no, nothing like that. It’s more…well…you don’t know anyone around here aside from us, and I so want this to be a smash hit for you. I’m at a complete loss for who should be present to make that happen.”

The robot alicorn nodded, then she perked her head as a thought cropped up.

Understood. May I suggest a possible course of action to rectify this?-

Pinkie Pie cautiously looked over the tips of her hooves.

You state the valid fact that my social circle is negligible, yet despite running through the names of those I have met I am at a loss as to who is considered a worthwhile contact and also how should I approach them. – Equinox tapped the address book. – I have thus come up with the following solution: you will list those whom you deem would be interested in meeting me, and I will deliver the invitations to them myself. This will allow for an ideal opportunity to introduce myself and get to know the local populace on a more personal level. -

Pinkie Pie’s hooves fell to the floor, her surprise at hearing such a logical and simple solution having dashed away all her panic.

“That….that is a brilliant idea, Equinox! Oooh it’ll be perfect! I just need to write out a few dozen cards and get you some addresses!”

The pink mare charged out of her little study like a rocket, returning seconds latter dragging a huge box filled with stationary.

“Okay, I’ll keep the list to those who’ve at least seen you around, and those who’re used to regularly seeing new faces. The rest I’ll hand over to Derpy Hooves to be delivered with today’s mail. Ooooh, this is going to be so awesome!”

Pinkie Pie hurriedly began composing invitations, her hooves moving in a blur as she scribbled out card after card. Equinox quietly watched with a sense of subtle awkwardness.

I could assist you with this, if there is urgency…-

She reached for the stationary, but Pinkie Pie quickly reached out to stop her.

“No, no, let’s not have a repeat of what just happened. This is something I need to do on my own. Consider it my penance for being so careless towards you before.”

Though she still looked unconvinced, Equinox withdrew her hoof and nodded.

-Very well, I shall return to my patrols until you are ready. – She said while heading for the door. – Perhaps I shall ponder how else I can make you all pay me back for my servitude to you.-

Pinkie Pie stopped dead in her scribbling.

That is a joke. – Equinox soothed.

Pinkie Pie nodded in trepidation.

“Think we need to work on that a bit more…” She said while resuming her scribbling.

***

“It’s not far now, just past these few trees and we’ll be there.” Apple Bloom said as she and Equinox found themselves travelling through the Everfree Forest a second time.

While I appreciate your accompanying me on this venture, can you accurately confirm this path will not endanger us as the one we took yesterday, Scholar Apple Bloom?- Equinox cautiously scanned the terrain, her eyes zooming in whenever she spotted any disturbance amidst the foliage.

“Sure thing, Equinox. Ah walk this way to Zecora’s place all the time.” The little foal replied, though this didn’t seem to do much towards assuring her companion. “’Sides, considerin’ how yew took down that ursa major yesterday, Ah’m feelin' pretty safe so long as yer around.”

At any other time such a show of trust and support would’ve come off as quite touching. Sadly this was one such occasion where the opposite took effect as Equinox only looked more concerned.

That…also is an issue I wish to speak with you about. Last night I attempted to test the systems I demonstrated in my battle, and as I feared they remained offline. Despite my best efforts it appears that in order to utilize my higher functions I have no choice but to deliberately place myself in danger so my emergency override protocol will activate them for me. -

Apple Bloom cocked her head as Equinox dipped hers.

In regards to the talent show we have been working on, I can confirm that simple tricks such as hoop jumping and tests of strength will be possible, however, there is potentially so much more I could show off, if only I could figure out how to bypass my damaged circuits. - Equinox looked at her hooves as if disappointed in their shiny, smooth texture. – What’s more, while Princess Twilight has assured me that it is a moot point, the fact that I cannot use magic despite being of the alicorn status still bothers me. It is as if I could be so much greater an asset, if only I wasn’t so broken. -

Such lament seemed to strike a chord with the little foal. She closed her eyes in sympathy and reached out to pat Equinox on her leg.

“Oh you don’t need to worry about the magic part. As much as it gets hyped up, Ah found it ain’t quite the fix all solution to every one of life’s problems. “

-How so?- Equinox asked in curiosity. Apple Bloom blushed and gestured to her flank.

“Well ye’ll notice how Ah don’t have a cutie mark yet? Ah tried to fix that once with some of Zecora’s spells. It ended up giving me a disease called ‘cutie-pox’ that made things a total nightmare for me, till Zecora was able to cure it. Certainly taught me a lesson about bein’ more patient.” Apple Bloom glanced to her friend’s flank and hmmed. “On that actually, do yew know what yer cutie mark indicates? That might help yew understand how to use yer skills.”

Looking to the circle with the three intersecting lines of binary, Equinox whirred softly and hung her head again.

I regret that, like most other aspects of myself, remains a mystery. There is no salvageable data available as to what its significance could possibly be. -

A very awkward and uncomfortable silence fell upon the dark forest path. Apple Bloom quietly chided herself for bringing up a sensitive topic; while Equinox summoned her visor and began searching what little information she’d managed to recover from her fried memory.

“Well…um….” The little foal struggled for a way to break the ice again. “There must be somethin’ yew can do to jog yer memory. Like when yew and Ah played with mah hoop?”

There is…but as stated, it would require putting myself at risk. I will have to come up with a way that such can be done, while remaining in a relatively safe environment where I will not incur further damage. -

Apple Bloom couldn’t think of any worthwhile suggestions for that and so the two resumed their silence, until something caught Equinox’s attention and she held out a hoof to stop her friend.

Wait, I have detected something. - She raised her nose and sniffed at the air. – There is a rather pungent and foul odor on the air, one that I did not detect before.-

Taking a sniff, Apple Bloom felt her spine go cold as she also sensed that something well and truly did stink, and what’s worse, it was very close by.

“It smells like…timberwolves!” She shuddered. “Oh no, they usually don’t come this far outta the forest!”

Equinox promptly pulled up the article she’d gleaned from Twilight’s books and studied what was known on the species. As she read she felt her circuits sizzle again as an idea took root. It was a horrible one to consider, but maybe, just maybe, if she played this right, it could yield some very favorable results.

“We gotta make haste to Zecora’s hut!” Apple Bloom protested.

-Indeed, but I sense they will be alerted to our presence if we were to run. I believe I have an alternate solution. – Equinox looked down at her friend and steeled her hooves. – Remain here, Scholar Apple Bloom, I’m going to see if I can drive them off. –

Understandably, Apple Bloom pondered if the robot had lost a few screws.

“Drive them off? Yew can’t do that!” She protested. Equinox nodded.

Your point is valid, however, by the general expectations of ponies I should not have been able to triumph over the ursa major either. As such, I have calculated the risk involved, and I believe this may be a viable environment to test myself in. -

Hearing her own argument thrown back at her like that made Apple Bloom reconsider, then seriously regret having voiced anything about helping the mecha-pony’s memory.

“Equinox, please, yew can’t….” She whispered as the robot folded up her wings and carefully stepped into the brush. “Can yew?”

Equinox lowered her stature into the tall grass, carefully sneaking though it as the fetid smell grew worse. She empathized with her friends’ concern, but at the same time, if there was ever an opportunity to really see if she could amend the flaws in her programming this was definitely it. If her suspicions were correct, she should be able to study how her body reacted to the danger, and which of her systems were kicked into gear to combat it.

And then again, if nothing happened and she was discovered…well, Zecora’s hut was nearby. She and Apple Bloom could always just run like heck anyway.

Pulling the grass in front of her down, Equinox halted in her tracks. Before her a small pack of unearthly entities were circling around a fresh kill. As their name suggested their bodies were indeed composed of twigs, logs and leaves, all fashioned to resemble a roughly lupine anatomy. Their eyes glowed with an essence of wild hunger, and with every breath they expelled more of the foul smelling vapor into the air.

Settling onto her haunches, Equinox remained still. Now she really was in the thick of it again, and if her systems were going to do anything about it then time was of the essence. She watched as the wooden wolves sniffed and licked at their prey, giving it a few testing bites to make sure it was really dead. They settled into their meal with nary a hint that they were aware that a new arrival was watching them from only a few feet away. Just as well really, because to Equinox’s great concern nothing was happening so far. She felt no buzzing in her mind, nor saw any ghostly images flash before her eyes. The metal alicorn now had to consider that her worse case scenario was on the verge of coming true, and that if she didn’t get away from these wolves she was going to be in serious trouble!

With a very careful shuffle motion, Equinox shifted her body back in the direction she’d come from, planning to turn herself around then leave the wolves to their food.

Unfortunately she missed the fallen tree branch that promptly betrayed her presence with a loud SNAP!

Instantly the sounds of munching and crunching stopped, and all attention turned to the now frozen alicorn. One of the wolves rose from its spot and walked toward her, while Equinox frantically put together two new plans: one to run and regroup with Apple Bloom and one to attack should the wolves cut her off.

The wooden beast drew closer to her spot, teeth bared as it began to sniff among the grass for what had disturbed its lunch time. Equinox primed her servos, prepped to execute…

…and suddenly she felt the buzzing on her mind! Just as the wolf poked its head through the grass, her body cloaked itself leaving the lupine staring at what appeared to be an empty patch of grass.

Now confused that its search had turned up nothing, the timberwolf began to sniff anew. There was something faint on the air, but it could not determine what no matter how hard it smelled.

Directly in front of it, Equinox remained still. Even if she was now invisible to its eyes, the beast had already displayed that it had a sharp set of ears as well. Any movement she made would certainly give away her position and then she’d again be in trouble. Unfortunately, remaining where she was presented its own problems as the wolf could also accidentally bump into her, then it would again know something was up.

Frantically trying to decide what to do, Equinox watched as the wolf’s tubular muzzle loomed closer, and closer. Another inch, and it would make contact with her nose and then….well, then would have to wait as the wolf opened its maw and exhaled a noxious cloud of breath right in her face.

Had she had a stomach, Equinox would probably have puked her guts out right there. The smell was worse than rotting fish and old moldy cheese combined. It stank like the very Pit itself, and what’s worse, it was triggering another buzzing sensation in the mecha-pony’s brain. Pressing her hooves into the ground, Equinox told herself she would not react. The madness of these data-echoes would have to be bottled up this one time if she wanted to remain functional.

➢ ANALYZING SCENT….

➢ ANALYSIS COMPLETED. REPLICATING….

➢ ENGAGING RESPIRATORY MIMICRY SYSTEMS.

Equinox suddenly had the overpowering urge to breathe. Quite an unusual sensation seeing as such was not vital to her continued survival. Nevertheless she slowly sucked in air as quietly as she could, then let it out in a great big whoosh. To both her and the timberwolf’s shock, her breath smelled just as foul.

The logged lupine promptly backed away, raising its head and howling for its brethren. This was not a good sign, to smell another wolf without being able to see it anywhere. Three more heads poked themselves into the brush, and Equinox now had to decide if the time had come to fight or flee. Unfortunately she never got the chance to make a decision as the howling of the wolves brought another bout of buzzing in her mind.

➢ ANALYZING SOUND…..

➢ ANALYSIS COMPLETED. REPLICATING….

➢ ENGAGING VOCAL MIMICRY SYSTEMS.

Now, as suicidal as it sounded, Equinox had to howl. Not just to join in with the four wolves surrounding her, but to also upstage them. Her throat whirred with the demand to let out the loudest, most terrifying howl she could muster, and without a second thought, the metal alicorn threw her head back and let loose.

Everything within a five mile radius got the scare of their lives as they heard what sounded like the biggest timberwolf ever announcing its presence. For the lupines around the source, well, suddenly they found they weren’t feeling all that hungry anymore. If a wolf big enough to smell that bad and howl that loud was nearby, they had to make tracks, lest it challenge them for being in its territory. Whimpering their submission, the wooden lupines turned and ran for the hills, leaving Equinox to stare in slack jawed amazement at what she’d just accomplished. Presently she felt herself relax and looked down to see her body had returned to a visible stat. With grim preparation she blew upward towards her nostrils and smelled that her breath had lost the foul odor as well. Her higher functions had shut down again, but at the very least, she now had some viable results to study and see if there was a work around.

Feeling that odd sense of pride that her little test had been successful, the silver alicorn turned back the way she came, and stopped again at seeing a very amazed foal standing behind her.

Scholar Apple Bloom…I believe I requested that you stay on the path.- She commented, bringing her friend to shake her head that she was yet again missing the point.

“Yew didn’t come back so Ah got worried. Ah followed your tracks and saw…well…that.” With a snort, the foal promptly beamed like the sun. “First the ursa major, now this. Yer like a superpony, Equinox!”

The robot alicorn blinked then hung her head as if now realizing she had yet again defied expectations, and had been a fool enough to not acknowledge it.

I only did what my systems dictated. – She said, much to the foal’s amusement.

“Come on, we gotta tell Zecora about this!” Apple Bloom replied before taking off on the last leg to the zebra’s hut.

Author's Note

Trying to find out what you're made of is always fraught with danger, but sometimes the results are worth it.

Yet another chapter gleaned from a story that was too long to post in one go (I'm aiming to keep these around 5,000 or less in length, makes it easier for people to get through in one sitting).

Wish Weaver - Chapter 8: It ain't a party if you can't come round.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 8
It ain’t a party if you can’t come round.

“It seems like me you are quite arcane. Every day you surprise all again!” Zecora commented as she listened to the latest account of Equinox’s trials, narrated with gusto by Apple Bloom.

While you are kind to say that, Creator Zecora, I still would rather attempt to dispel some of the mystery around myself.- Equinox lamented as she scanned through the data collected from her little test. – While being able to utilize my higher functions when I desire will be a start, I must now also acknowledge the even greater challenge of figuring out who I am and why I was sent to Equestria. -

Both zebra and foal stopped and share a sideways glance, each feeling slightly disappointed at their friend for abruptly killing the jovial mood.

“Dearest Equinox, you are too dour. There are many who would vie to have your power.” Zecora replied. The robot did not look assured by this.

Even if I cannot wield it properly without a drastic turn of circumstance? More so if the cost is a complete loss of my identity? –

Apple Bloom opened her mouth to voice a protest at such sudden and rampant pessimism, but Zecora held up a hoof for her silence.

“The pain of your words are, to me, well known, but take heart alicorn, you are not alone.” The zebra smiled. “I once met another like you, who came to me without name or clue. To her I gave the means to cope: some simple words that carried hope. You can help yourself, of this I’m sure, for life itself is the cure!”

Equinox swiveled her ears in opposite directions, trying to make sense of this supposed remedy parable. Fortunately, Zecora had the answer for her immediately.

“You have made new friends, gotten a new start, and with them new memories to fill your heart. Even if it is not the same as before, you have already made yourself a name of lore. Take heart, Equinox, embrace who you now are, for we all agree, you are a star!”

Now both ears on the silver alicorn’s head were aimed squarely at the zebra, her mouth hanging loose as the wisdom of her words struck her like a bolt of lightning. Though it seemed unnecessary to get a second opinion, Equinox still looked to Apple Bloom, and felt her whole body whirr upon seeing her smile of agreement. The newest and most powerful emotion yet coursed through the robot’s body like a raging river, not pride, nor satisfaction this time, but exactly what Zecora had promised.

Hope.

I see your point, Creator Zecora. Forgive my previous negativity; I had not considered such a viewpoint. -

Remembering the saddlebags on her side, Equinox reached over and drew an invitation out from them.

If you find you have the time, I would be honored to have you attend my introductory party. Entertainer Pinkie Pie has planned it to coincide with the phenomenon that gave me my name.-

Zecora accepted the card with pleasure.

“The honor would be entirely mine, to get to see you amaze and shine!”

Zebra and robot regarded each other with a new air, one that despite being so different, they had forged a bond, and could now explore if there was any other common ground between them.

Sadly a nudge to their legs indicated that such would have to wait as there were more pressing matters to attend to.

“Uh sorry to interrupt, but Ah just noticed the time. Miss Cheerilee will be expecting me back at school now.” Apple Bloom said. She now seemed disappointed in herself for having to halt such a wonderful moment, but neither of the ponies could find the will to fault her.

“A shame our talk must yet again end, but no matter, we will see each other soon, friend.” Zecora said, enunciating the final word to show Equinox deserved to be addressed as such. The metal alicorn reacted by nodding with noticeably more vigor.

Indeed, and thank you for your advice.- She replied.

***

How strange, I copied her looks without her permission, and yet she bears me no ill will. -

Equinox played the conversation over again as she and Apple Bloom re-entered Ponyville.

“Why would she? Yew didn’t mean anything bad by it, and yew apologized immediately after. That’s more honesty than some others around here have shown.” Apple Bloom replied, getting a slow nod as her friend absorbed this in.

Indeed, which in turn would be even more reason for me to abide by her suggestion that I embrace whom I am now. – Equinox retracted her visor and dipped her head in contemplation. – If you will permit me, Scholar Apple Bloom, I will modify my programming to include Creator Zecora’s words as a new directive.-

The metal alicorn promptly froze in her tracks and emitted a soft beep.

Modifications completed. New fourth directive established: I am to continue developing a new identity for myself, and determine how my higher functions can be utilized for its benefit. - Equinox resumed walking as if nothing had happened. – Now I shall return to my previous investigation towards trying to re-activate those higher functions. -

Thought slightly freaked by the spontaneous behavior, Apple Bloom told herself not to worry. This, like her other quirks, were just part of what made Equinox unique.

“Ah’m sure we’ll think of something soon.” She replied.

The two finally came to the Ponyville School house, finding a group of other small fillies crowded around a mauve toned earth pony who was looking very worried.

“Huh? That’s weird. Recess was supposed to have ended 20 minutes ago.” Apple Bloom said before running up to the mare. “Miss Cheerilee, what’s going on? Why are yew all still hanging around the playground?”

The mauve mare jumped at the little foals voice.

“Oh! Oh you’re back Apple Bloom!” She sighed and place a hoof against her head. “I’m sorry but class has been a little delayed. We had to have the locks changed yesterday and I clean forgot to check that I had the right keys with me when I lead everyone out to recess. We’re just waiting for the locksmith to come and open the school house for us.” Cheerilee looked up at the clock on top of the building and sighed. “He’s apparently also running late it seems.”

Among the gathered foals one with a lighter purple tone to her coat, and a small crown on her head spoke up. “I still say we should just break one of the windows and climb in. We have plenty of rocks lying around.”

Cheerilee sighed with even greater dismay. “For the last time Diamond Tiara, no. It’s dangerous and those windows are expensive!”

Apple Bloom empathized with her teacher’s plight, but Equinox now looked utterly fascinated with the door leading to the school house’s interior.

Instructor Cheerilee, may I try something? -

Looking with trepidation at the strange metal equine, Cheerilee considered her options and stepped aside. “If you think you can help, then sure. Just be careful.”

Equinox stepped up to the door and peered intently at its locking mechanism. Summoning her visor she scanned its mechanics, and immediately felt the infernal buzzing return to her mind.

Kssssshhhhhh….four locks this time….kssssshhh…two minutes…..ksssshhh…break previous record…..ksssshhhh…begin when ready….ksh…when ready…ksh…when ready…ksh….when ready…..KSSSSHHHHHH

A detailed schematic of the lock materialized in front of her eyes, and the cybernetic alicorn promptly shoved her horn into the keyhole. In the darkness she felt sections of the metal plating rise up to press against the tumblers, rotating them into the alignment needed to disengage the lock. With a gentle twist of her head, Equinox pushed against the door, and was given a round of cheers when it swung open.

“Huh. Well, that was anti-climatic.” Diamond Tiara mused at the back. “Though considering she hangs out with Blank Flank there, I guess I shouldn’t have expected much.”

The fillies filed back into the classroom, with a now relieved Cheerilee coming in last.

“Okay everyone if you could please be seated, I just need to speak with Miss Equinox for a moment.”

She turned to the robot and duly bowed her head.

“Thank you so much, I was getting desperate out there.”

It was nothing serious. I am merely glad my test proved successful. This has given me new insight, as Scholar Apple Bloom hoped. – Equinox nodded to the little foal, who couldn’t possibly have looked more pleased. Seeing this, Cheerilee looked distinctly uncomfortable.

“Yeah well, on that…um, I think I should apologize for how I reacted the last time you showed up in Ponyville. When I saw you I immediately feared you like I did Zecora, and like Zecora you’ve shown I was wrong to jump to conclusions. “

Equinox looked taken aback, not because of the mare’s admission but because of her own self-degradation.

-That too is of no concern, Instructor Cheerilee. However, there is still something you could do for me. –

Cheerilee blinked in shock as she was presented with an invitation.

We will have more time to bond if you can make it to my party. -

Without a second thought, the mare swiped the card up and smiled.

“Certainly, I’ll be there!”

***

“Hmmm, I don’t know girl, Iron Will’s heard some crazy rumors around town that you’re some manner of a power house who gets her kicks from ursa wrestling! While Iron Will fully supports that as a hobby, you don’t look so tough to me.”

Equinox gazed questioningly at the towering minotaur.

It would seem there is a variance in opinions then. – She softly replied. The hulking bovine laughed uproariously.

“Okay so you don’t bend easily to intimidation. Iron Will likes that.” He scratched his chin and then flexed his biceps. “How about this, you prove your worth in a test of strength. If you can floor this manly minotaur, he’ll be at your party with bells on!”

Equinox pondered this as the bovine snorted and slammed his fists against each other. With a shrug she threw off her saddlebags.

If it will quell your doubts then I accept. – She stated. With a gleeful grin, Iron Will charged at her full force, snorting in bemusement as she simply stared blankly at him. To an onlooker it would seem the metal alicorn was indeed proving how brave she was by not even bothering to dodge her opponent’s attack. In truth, however, it was because seeing several hundred pounds of muscle and beef coming at her like a freight train had yet again triggered the damn buzzing in her mind. Unlike before, however, there was no garbled speech or imagery, only the sudden, maddening urge to act.

When Iron Will sent his fist hurtling at the robot, she simply put her hoof out to stop it. Her claws extended again to get a good grip, and Equinox then watched as the plating on her leg separated to expose the joint underneath. Now free to rotate her hoof however much she pleased, Equinox simply spun it a full 360 degrees to twist her opponent’s arm around, then throw him easily over her shoulder. It was hard to tell which of the two was more surprised as the bovine crashed onto his back.

“Ugh….uhh…Iron Will is convinced! He’ll see you bright and early on the Equinox, erm, Equinox.” The minotaur dusted himself off as the metal alicorn looked at her leg. Though she willed it not to change back, her systems returned it to its normal appearance anyway. The danger was passed and she no longer had any need for her defenses, regardless of how frustrating it was for her to have no say in the matter.

“Iron Will would, however, like to ask just how the heck you did that though…and could you possibly teach him?”

All confidence vanished from Equinox’s face as she bowed her head. – I wish I knew. As of right now I can only describe it as an emergency reaction. If there is no emergency I can’t do anything. –

Rather than be disappointed, the minotaur laughed again.

“Sounds like you need Iron Will’s help as much as he needs yours. Why don’t you stop by one of my seminars later this week and we’ll work on bringing some of that oomph to the surface!”

Retrieving her saddlebags, the metal alicorn exchanged one invitation for another in return.

Regardless, I thank you for giving me another chance to test my merits, Speaker Will. -

“That’s what Iron Will is here for!” The bovine boasted while flexing his might again. “See you soon warrior, and remember, don’t be sorry, be assertive!”

Duly noted. – Equinox muttered.

***

“Hmmmm. Well I’d love to, but we’re in the middle of repainting the house right now so….” The tall black changeling said. Equinox looked around at the various paint cans and walls that were half bright pink and half a more somber shade of nighttime blue.

It is only if you can make it, Queen Chrysalis. I have no intention of forcing you.-

“It not that….it’s just, at the same we also haven’t been out in ages so…”

The sound of something breaking through the floorboards drew both ponies’ attention. From the next room emerged a pink earth pony with a huge fluffy coat. A glowing red horn was strapped to her forehead and she had a piece of rock crystal in her mouth.

“Ugh, what did I say about playing around with that thing again?” Chrysalis scolded.

The fluffy equine crunched the crystal thoughtfully between her teeth. Swallowing it she blew a raspberry at the other two ponies.

“You know what, if you can promise that there’ll be tacos at this party we’ll make sure to be there!” Chrysalis quickly said, pleading with her eyes for Equinox to answer yes.

I am certain the catering could accommodate that. -

The pink fluff ball gasped happily and snatched the invitation out of Equinox’s mouth. She then proceeded to chew softly on it, then gulp it down to chase the crystal.

“Thank you.” Chrysalis whispered.

***

I know you’re in something of the same situation as me concerning other ponies being afraid of you, but just as Pinkie Pie was willing to speak highly of me, she also spoke highly of you.-

The thin ghost like pony dipped its featureless white head and swirled its tentacles around in thought.

Consider it a joint exercise between us in being social, and quelling the concerns of Equestrian society. -

The tentacles paused then elongated to phase through the metal alicorn. When this failed to produce any reaction, the silent equine pulled them back as if puzzled.

It is of course your choice. – Equinox said flatly.

The tentacles came at her again, only this time they snatched the invitation she was holding and tucked it into the breast pocket of the black suit jacket the gaunt pony was wearing.

Understood. I will accept that as your answer. -

***

“Ooooh, now isn’t this a surprise? Usually ponies of your caliber are trying to kill me, not invite me around for drinks and a bit of chat.” The tie wearing brown stallion mused.

You have encountered others like myself before?- Equinox asked in surprised.

“Mmmm, well yes and no. Word’s gotten round that you’ve got the same chutzpah as a few folk I’ve run into, but they didn’t really have your class or your elegant design.”

With her moment of hope now vanquished, Equinox returned to her stoic visage while the stallion looked her over.

“Seriously this is some fine work that’s gone into you. Haven’t seen anything like it since the time of the Empire of Calabrese.”

Now Equinox had to trade stoic back for surprise. –I believe that period ended over 5,000 years ago. -

The stallion blinked as if realizing he’d just made a major slip up. Hesitantly he scratched at his flowing brown mane.

“Yeah well, 500 years, 5,000 years, it’s not really that big of a gap in the great expanse of time.”

Behind the stallion a pretty red mare peeked her head around the corner and stomped her hoof to get his attention.

“Uh Doctor, sorry to interrupt but can we please get going? I want to be back in time for dinner with Mum.” She said in annoyance.

“Won’t be a moment, Rose!” The stallion quickly replied before turning back to Equinox. “Look, I’ve gotta take care of a little issue in the Crater of Falabella, but if we make it back alive we’ll be more than happy to attend your gathering.”

With a winning smile and a bow, the stallion swiped his invitation and ran off. “Wish us luck!”

Equinox silently watched the pony depart, glancing to the hourglass cutie mark on his flank as she thought over his words.

The Crater of Falabella…a lunar formation completely inaccessible from here… – Equinox glanced around the corner, but both the stallion and his red mare companion were gone. A faint flash of light, accompanied by an odd ‘VWORP’ sound indicated they had used some manner of magic to depart.
But not for some it seems.- Equinox shrugged and moved onto the next name on her list.

***

“So you’re the one they say is the hottest new thing around town. What a pleasant surprise it is to finally meet you!” The mint green unicorn exclaimed as Equinox slid two invitations across the table, one to her and one to the beige colored earth mare sitting next to her.

Likewise that I was fortunate enough to run into you. I understand that you both are rarely seen these days around Ponyville. -

The two ponies across from her shared a sideways glance and a nervous giggle.

“Well….we’ve both been busy as of late with each other…I MEAN not ‘with each other’ just we’ve been working together…her and I…I mean…” The beige mare frantically backtracked and stumbled in an attempt to cover for her Freudian slip. Equinox politely nodded.

I comprehend your intended meaning. – She soothed, earning herself another nervous giggle.

“Yeah well, now we’ve felt it’s high time we started getting out more again. Stop worrying about whether anyone is still talking about us in…that manner.” The mint unicorn smiled.

Then I can expect your presence tomorrow? – Equinox asked.

“Sure, be our pleasure.” The unicorn rose from where she’d been awkwardly leaning against the table and offered her hoof. “Least I can do for the honor of shaking your hand.”

Looking down at the hoof, Equinox was momentarily stumped. – Shake my hand?-

The unicorn promptly went wide eyed upon realizing she too had made a verbal faux pas.

“I mean hoof! Not shake! No, hand!….um…we’ll see you then!” She grinned with a tightened jaw and beads of nervous sweat running down her face. Sensing that it might be best for her not to ask for further data, Equinox pressed her hoof to the unicorn's.

I look forward to it then. – She replied, watching as both ponies braced themselves against the table again and elevated onto the tips of their hooves to sip at their drinks. Deeming there was nothing else that needed to be said, she turned to leave, catching a snippet of conversation from behind.

“Damn, why did all the benches have to be occupied today? This isn’t as fun standing up.”

***

“Wow, you managed to hit almost everyone on the list, Equinox!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she studied the checked off names.

It was enriching to see what other unusual folk call Equestria home. Likewise that they all, on a personal level, found me suitable company. - The robot alicorn said as she stared out the window at the setting sun. – While my initial introduction may have caused unrest, I am confident that tomorrow will be as big a hit as you hoped it would.-

From where she was enjoying another glass of cider, Applejack raised her hat and peered at her friends.

“Well from what Ah heard from Apple Bloom, yew’ve got quite a line up planned. She tells me yew found a new way to exercise those special skills o’ yers and intend to use that to wow everyone at the party.”

Equinox nodded, betraying just a hint of pride as she flung her mane back. – My time interacting with the locals, particularly Creator Zecora, allowed me to further research how to work around the damage to my systems. Even if bypassing all the fried circuits remains a monumental challenge, I find myself encouraged to attempt it. –

Next to Applejack, Rarity looked up from the magazine she was reading and raised a curious eyebrow. “Dear me, Equinox, you’re sounding unnaturally cheerful tonight.”

Turning from the window, Equinox walked over to sit with her friends, looking from one member of the Mane Six to another.

-I have considerable cause to be, Designer Rarity. Though my chances of remembering who I actually am or where I come from remain minimal, your actions, and those of your fellow ponies have shown me a way to compensate. If I cannot remember the past I will strive to approach the future, utilizing the aid you have given me, and the new identity you are helping me develop. To summarize: you all have given me hope. Hope that I may yet prove my worth, despite my broken state.

A silence fell as pony regarded pony, though unlike before there was no awkwardness or discomfort. The Mane Six merely wished to let their fellow equine’s words make their impact, to settle upon them and imbue them with the satisfaction that through their efforts, they had yet again made life better for another soul.

“Hey, as the old saying goes, that’s what friends are for!” Twilight Sparkle replied with perhaps the happiest smile she’d had in a long time.

***

“Make sure you get a sonogram done soon. Return to me if there are any problems.”

Out of a familiar tent emerged two ponies looking like Celestia herself had just graced them with her presence. The male, a rust colored earth pony , was beaming bright enough to nullify the quiet night’s darkness, while his wife, a gold toned unicorn, was rubbing her tummy and trembling with joy.

“I’m sure everything will be fine. You gave us the last piece we needed. We owe you our eternal thanks, Miss Calypso!”

A sharply clearing of a throat expressed the bashfulness of the tent’s remaining occupant.

“Thank you, but your payment will suffice. Good night.”

The door to the tent was propped shut and the sign above it taken down. The two ponies merrily skipped back to their homes, whispering sweet nothings to each other of the new developments that were about to befall them.

“A boy and a girl, an earth pony and a unicorn, just as we wished. Is this really happening?” The unicorn asked with sudden fear.

Looking to his spouse, the stallion stifled a chuckle as she tried to bite the skin of her leg as a means of waking herself.

“It’s happening! It’s happening! Come let’s not put this gift to the test!” He soothed, watching his wife blush as she put her leg down.

“Sorry it’s just, this is everything I dreamed of. I feel so giddy….l think I’m going to faint….”

The stallion chuckled again…though he quickly had cause to cut himself off when his wife actually did as she promised. Quickly he dashed forward and caught her, now caught up with his own worry as he lead her over to a bench and let her collapse wearily against it.

“Whoah easy there, girl. Let’s not be too literal here!” He said, still trying to maintain a cheery attitude.

“Oooh…oh I’m sorry dear…I just…I suddenly feel so drained….so tired…like I just wore myself out casting magic spells.”

That promptly brought the mood straight to the ground.

“Oh no, that’s not like you at all! Usually you’re more jumpy and energetic than I am. Heck, you were exactly that till a second ago.” The stallion commented, no longer with a smile on his face.

Breathing heavily and trying to sit up, his wife did the smiling instead as she reached out and placed her hoof upon his.

“I’m sure it’s nothing. Pregnancy does weird things to us unicorns. Let me just get home and rest.”

Soothed by his wife’s gentle words, the stallion let her lean on him again as he guided her to their home, and thus to what would soon be a wonderful new life for both of them.

Author's Note

Sometimes all it takes is a few simple words to get someone motivated to do great things.

Now we have a little round of 'guess the cameo'. Whipped this up to give a bit more insight to what kind of universe this series takes place in, as well as pay tribute to the OCs who got me inspired to give fan fic writing a try in the first place.

Also what's this? A return of someone hinted at in a previous chapter? Hmmm, could this be a Chekov's Gun I'm putting into place? Who knows?

All characters who are not part of the MLP cast and do not belong to me, belong to their respective creators.

Wish Weaver - Chapter 9: Too much limelight isn't good for you.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 9
Too much limelight isn't good for you.

The great day had finally come. All across Ponyville Square there were banners flowing gently in the breeze, each spanning the entire spectrum of color. Bounties of bright flowers hung in ornamental baskets from every lamppost, and under them stalls selling every manner of treat that a pony could dream of were set up.

Taking up the area behind the square’s fountain was a large stage, on which the group known locally as the Ponytones, and more widely as Big Mac, Rarity, Toe Tapper, Torch Song and Fluttershy, were currently warming up for their big welcoming number. They had extra cause to give it their all, for today was not just a celebration for the return of harmony and peace to Equestria, but also to new beginnings and new friends.

Behind the curtain, Princess Twilight Sparkle was frantically pacing back and forth, reading over the speech she was due to give for what had to be the 20th time, with Spike constantly having to chase after her to make sure she didn’t accidentally trod over the flowing ermine cape and dress she was wearing.

“Twilight…Twilight, seriously slow down!” The little dragon protested as the purple alicorn whirled around again and he scrambled to again yank the train of her attire out from under her hooves. “If the floor doesn’t wear out first, then you certainly are, and we kind of need both to remain standing. At least for another 30 minutes.”

“I know, I know. Just, this is the first official address I’ve ever given as a princess. The first time I don’t have Celestia, Luna or Cadence to back me up.” Twilight turned to a mirror and checked her crown and mane were still perfect. “I know the venue isn’t huge, but the significance of this day is! If I screw this up…oooh, if I screw this up…”

“Then you’ll just prove that you’re the same Twilight as before, the one we, and I especially, are glad to have as a friend.” Spike calmly replied, giving the equine a gentle pat to her shoulder. “Don’t worry so much about it. This is Ponyville, everyone here knows you. They won’t think less of you if you get a few stage jitters.”

Staring at her reflection, Twilight studied herself. In the four years she’d been a resident of the town, she had indeed made a favorable impression on the locals, and even in the midst of her panic, the maturity that had come from her adventures here stared back at her. Though she’d repeatedly told everyone to still treat her as the same smart if somewhat nerdish unicorn, many out there still felt the right time had come for her to step up. She was ready to wear the crown that now adorned her head, and to assume rulership of the kingdom that was now also hers. Yes having to adjust to her new status was going to be a bumpy road, but Ponyville was definitely the best place for her to iron out the kinks.

“Yeah I guess you’re right. Okay, let’s focus on how much this is going to rock, and worry about what could wrong afterward.”

Twilight straightened her stance and raised her head high, assuming the pose befitting of a proper monarch. She even managed to hold it for a full minute, before she heard the Ponytones begin to sing their first song. After that the shakes returned to her legs and her head dipped again as fear found a new foothold.

“You can do this, Twilight. Just remember I’m right here behind you, literally and metaphorically.” Spike replied as he gathered up her train and gave her a wink.

And if that does not settle your nerves, just dwell on how much more is to soon be demanded of me. -

Equinox, the robot pony who was the day’s guest of honor, stepped up beside her companion.

I actually find it quite interesting that I feel less anxious despite being the one having to do stunts, answer questions and co-ordinate the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ segment. -

Twilight turned to study the way her metal friend stood so calm and stoically, ironically pulling off the regal attitude better than the actual monarch.

“Well you’ll have to teach me how you manage that afterwards. For now….eeeeeep….just wish me luck.” The purple alicorn hesitantly took a breath as the curtains parted and she beheld that the square was absolutely jam-packed. It looked as if everyone in town, and those in the nearby communities had turned up for the celebration.

“Okay, this is what you wanted. Now go for it!” Twilight quietly coaxed herself. Resuming her more elegant posture, she trotted out to the podium, with the Ponytones singing her welcome.

“My Mares and Gentlecolts, residents of Ponyville and citizens of Equestria, I thank you all for coming out here on this most momentous of days!”

A great cheer and clopping of hooves were given for the young princess, giving her just that extra bit of confidence to keep going. She looked out upon the adoring crowd, no longer just her friends but her loyal subjects too. She opened her mouth, took in a deep breath to really wow them with her golden oration….

….and with just as much pomp and circumstance the moment died as her mind went completely blank. Her teeth clamped shut and her eyes bugged out as she scrambled to try and remember what was supposed to come next.

“I…uhhh….I’d just like to start things off by saying….um…saying….”

Twilight felt sweat begin to run down her face. The silence held by the crowd grew uncomfortably heavy as they waited patiently for their monarch.

“Uhhhh….”

Internally Twilight was screaming at herself. 20 times, 20 times she’d read the damn speech! How could she just forget it all like that? What kind of princess couldn’t even remember a short little introduction?

Sensing the crowd’s growing awkwardness, Twilight thought fast. She had to save this somehow, do something to salvage her slip up. But what? But what?

Should I go out there and assist her?- Equinox asked. She stepped forward to join her friend on the podium, but Spike promptly stopped her.

“No, no, let her think. She’ll come up with a good way to recover.”

Twilight looked back to Spike, to Equinox, to Rarity, to Fluttershy and Big Mac, at all points she saw the same thing: the expression that while this was quickly becoming a nightmare, she needn’t fear. Her friends had her back.

“Uhhh…one moment please.”

The crowd murmured amongst themselves as Twilight hunted in her dress and pulled the speech out again.

“I’d like to start off by saying that this is, unfortunately, my first time doing a royal address, so please forgive me as I inevitably slip up and trip over my words. We all have to start somewhere.”

This brought a relieved laugh from the crowd, and did wonders to dispel the fear from Twilight’s soul. While she may have had to work at getting the regal thing right, at least she knew how to still be true to herself.

“See, what’d I tell ya?” Spike smiled.

Equinox nodded softly as Twilight took a moment to savor the lightened mood, then dove into just reading aloud.

She does seem to repeatedly insist upon humility, despite her station. Over the past few days I have noticed she seems…uneasy when I address her by her title. – The metal pony remarked.

“Twilight’s never been one to forget her roots. Yeah she may now be royalty, but to her that’s no excuse to act like she’s above those who befriended her when she was just one of the crowd.” Spike explained.

As the purple alicorn progressed through her monologue, her silver counterpart tilted her ears forward, listening to Twilight’s subdued and very casual tone of voice. Having read up on the traditional behavior of Equestrian royalty she knew she was technically doing it wrong. Princesses were supposed to speak loudly, and refer to themselves as a collective rather than a single entity. At the same time, however, Princess Luna hadn’t exactly been warmly received when she first showed up in Ponyville and spoke to everyone in the above manner. Indeed, Twilight had had to put her through some rather intensive speech therapy to make her less intimidating to the populace.

It seems to be an effective approach. – Equinox commented, staring with even greater curiosity when Twilight paused again.

“And so….on behalf of my fellow regents, Celestia, Cadance and Luna, I give unto my faithful subjects…ummm…wait…”

The purple alicorn looked at the final part of her speech, silently mouthing the words to herself and making a terrible face. To everyone’s surprise, she proceeded to wad the whole speech up and toss it over her shoulder like it was garbage.

“No, no, you’re not just my faithful subjects. You’re the ponies who welcomed me with open arms four years ago when I was just another random face from Canterlot. You’re the ones who helped me mature into the lady I am now, and forgave me for the many errors I made along the way. You’re more than just my subjects, you’re my friends!”

Mutterings of amazement echoed all around.

“So, to back up here a bit, from the highest power in Equestria, I give unto my friends and fellow ponies this day where we welcome the return to harmony. Ponies, let us welcome together, the return of Equinox!”

The crowd erupted in cheers many octaves higher than had been expected. It made sense though. Twilight had shown that she still deemed those before her as her equals rather than her subordinates, and as such had everyone a greater cause to praise her for the added effort.

“And now, to get things rolling, I welcome to join me on the stage the one who came to us only a few weeks ago, and saw fit to honor this day by taking it as her own name and identity. Everyone, Equinox!”

The robot pony stepped out into view, earning herself a surprise when the crowd managed to raise their voices just a bit higher in response. Being the center of attention still seemed to spark some inner sensation of negativity in her, but after the fiasco that had been her first outing she’d taught herself to ignore it. Celestia knew she was going to have to considering what she had planned for today!

“Now that was a speech worthy of a princess, Twilight.” Mayor Mare exclaimed as she surreptitiously picked up the discarded wad of paper. “I may have to borrow a few parts if I may. For reference of course!”

Snickering softly, Twilight waved to the crowd.

It would seem you are far more apt at playing the role of a public figure than I. – Equinox followed, earning another snicker.

“Well let’s hope not, cause from here on this is entirely your show!”

Equinox turned and saw her friend winking teasingly at her. Ever the good sport, she nodded politely and shooed the princess away.

I will vie to not disappoint then. – She replied as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo joined her on the stage. – Have you completed the preparations for our segment?-

“Yep, just about. We can start on the strength test if you’re ready!” The yellow foal proclaimed. With a gentle whirr, Equinox jostled her mane and took position in the center of the stage.

-Then let’s test my might.-

Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell pushed a small table in front of the metal pony, then placed several planks of wood on top. Taking a moment to study this first challenge, Equinox closed her eyes and promptly smashed her head cleanly through every single board. To the ooohs of the crowd, she shook the splinters off her head and nodded for the next challenge to be set up. Apple Bloom happily trotted over bearing a stack that held double the number of boards, then cheered with the crowd as Equinox broke all of them with no problem.

“Perfect! Now if you’ll excuse me, I can use these to finish up on the obstacle course!”

The foal collected the broken planks and hopped off the stage as Sweetie Belle levitated a small stone plinth onto the table. Closing her eyes, Equinox took a moment to assess the added risk, then smashed the plinth cleanly in two as she had with the wood.

“And they say it’s bad to be hard headed.” Mayor Mare chuckled as Equinox was challenged to two stone plinths, then three.

“If you can believe, that’s only skimming the surface of what she’s capable of.” Twilight replied as Sweetie Belle magically levitated the broken slabs of rock then stacked them in a pyramid on the table. This time Equinox judged the position of each stone, peering at their formation as if trying to obtain some deeper, metaphysical meaning from the way they were arranged.

“And what’s this?” The older, brown mare asked.

“Something called ‘precision striking’. It’s a martial arts technique, I think.” Twilight replied as Equinox twisted her head, and listened to the buzzing that had now returned.

Ksssshhhh…acquire target….ksssshhh…direct force through obstacles…..kssshhh….test your strike….ksssh…your strike….your strike….your KSSSSHHHHH

With a dramatic throw of her head, Equinox brought her horn down onto the top stone. The square promptly fell silent as everyone beheld the rock seemingly shrug off the blow…only for the one underneath it to shatter into gravel. The pyramid shook from the sudden loss of one of its support stones, but thanks to Sweetie Belle’s expert structuring it managed to maintain its integrity, even with the gaping hole in its center.

“…..whoah” Someone in the crowd called. There were similar mutterings of amazement, before everyone remembered they were supposed to applaud such a stunt.

“Whoah indeed. Are you sure you can’t teach me how to do that?” Sweetie Belle asked with an adorable pouty lip.

-I would be open to it, however, your sister might take issue with the risk.- Equinox glance to the side to where Rarity was casting a silent stare that indicated there would be serious repercussions if the robot equine even thought of doing anything that could potentially harm her beloved sibling. Feeling the same stare upon her, Sweetie Belle sighed in defeat.

“Ready for the next part?” The foal asked as a change of subject.

Studying her handiwork, Equinox pondered for a moment as she looked around the square.

-I would like to do one more challenge first. With that.- She pointed a hoof at a huge blue gemstone that was standing as part of a display on the buffet tables. Sweetie Belle looked understandably concerned.

“What? Are you sure, Equinox? Gems are pretty hard to crack.”

-That does little to deter Assistant Spike from consuming them whenever he can.- The robot offered as a counterargument. Sweetie Belle still seemed unsure, but upon seeing Equinox would not budge, she grudgingly gestured for Scootaloo to help her bring it over.

“Just try not to hurt yourself, please.” The brown pegasus pleaded. Staring thoughtfully at the huge and no doubt impenetrable hunk of quartz as it was slid into place in the pyramid, Equinox nodded softly.

-I won’t…at least not before our race.-

Scootaloo looked horrified.

-That is a joke.- Equinox assured. She then promptly smashed her head into the pyramid before the brown pegasus could protest further. Both Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle winced as they fully expected to hear grunts of pain and cries of alarm, but as before the applause and cheers rose up, and both foals dared a glance, seeing Equinox looking fine as ever, amidst a still perfectly stacked pyramid, and mess of little blue fragments.

“Well….wow.” Twilight proclaimed as Equinox shook her mane in triumph. “While that is as impressive as anything else you’ve proven capable of, are you sure it’s necessary to willingly keep ramping up the danger you put yourself in?”

Shaking her head from side to side, Equinox nodded.

-Such activities have so far proven the only means by which I can access my higher functions, Princess Twilight. Until a viable alternative is presented it is only logical for to me to keep pursuing this means in order to ascertain what my full capabilities are.-

The purple alicorn paused as she thought this over. It didn’t seem to give her much reassurance.

-If you are worried about damage to my body, my outer casing has been rated for impacts of up to 50,000 newtons. It is quite capable of sustaining integrity against all manner of organic materials.-

Somehow this made Twilight look even less at ease. Unfortunately, another voice cut in before she could say anything.

“Yes, if she’s says she’s fine then let her do what she’s here for.” Mayor Mare proclaimed, leaning in to whisper in the princess’ ear. “Seriously, she’s been the talk of the town ever since she first turned up. If she can make this day a success my poll numbers are going to skyrocket.”

Twilight found this a rather paltry argument in favor of letting Equinox continue, however, at the same time she had just as little reason to stop her.

“Okay, I guess you know what’s best for yourself.” The purple pony mentioned as Equinox bowed to the audience. “What have you got planned next?”

“A race between her and me, around the outskirts of Ponyville.” Scootaloo explained. “Just need for Apple Bloom to give us the okay!”

Nodding, Twilight hopped off the stage. “I’ll go mingle with everyone till then.”

The purple alicorn headed in to begin conversing with the gathered equines, as natural and casual as if she were still one of them rather than a member of the ruling class. Equinox again stayed back to contemplate just how effective her method of flat out ignoring the rules of Royal conduct were proving. Internally she felt it was wrong to transcend the levels of authority in such a way, but still, the smiles and the relaxed attitude of everyone as they greeted their monarch were hard to ignore.

“So…is anyone coming to clean that up, or could I volunteer?”

Equinox looked down to see Spike pointing to the broken gem shards with a very wanting smile. With a sweep of her hoof, she pushed the mess over to the little dragon.

-I believe your efforts will be most appreciated.- She mused while Spike began gobbling the fragments up like the candy they basically were. –Also, while you are occupied with that, I would like to discuss an idea I have just had for my next stunt.-

The dragon looked up and lent a curious ear as Equinox began to lay out her new plan.

***

“Whatta yew mean she wants yew ta set ‘em on fire?” Apple Bloom exclaimed as Spike dragged a ladder over to her. She’d just finished erecting a set of hoops that were part of the race course Equinox and Scootaloo were going to run. Having witnessed the metal alicorn’s apparent love of jumping through things she understood why Equinox would want them added…though this new development gave her more reason to pause and gape in disbelief.

“I know it sounds crazy but she was very insistent. By her own argument she’s not affected by flames or heat like we are, and apparently the rehearsals didn’t trigger the same memory recall, or whatever she calls it, from before.” Spike explained, looking just as unconvinced as the three foals around him. “She also stated she only wants her part of the track set on fire. Scootaloo doesn’t have to do it with her.”

The orange pegasus cringed anyway. “Well, that’s nice of her but….I’m still getting the shivers just thinking about it.”

Apple Bloom set down her hammer and furrowed her brow.

“Ah could try ta convince her otherwise….but then again, she DID manage to drive off those Timberwolves by herself, an’ mah sister personally saw her take down an ursa major….” The little pony sighed and grumbled. “Ah dun know. Seems like she could pull this off jest like before.”

“The operative word there being ‘seems’.” Sweetie Belle added, before finally having to shrug. “I say we stand by what Twilight said. Trust her judgment.”

Accepting this reluctant resignation, Spike studied the metal hoops. “Kay, do we have anything flammable that I could coat these in?”

“Yeah, there should be some pitch left over from when the roof of town hall was fixed. Ah’ll go grab it.” Apple Bloom ran off for the supplies while Scootaloo got on her scooter and took position at the start of the race track. Seeing there was only one thing left to do, Sweetie Belle headed into the crowd and sought out Pinkie Pie.

“Look I know you’re not known for being the outgoing type, but this is the opportunity of a lifetime! Photo Finish is seeking fresh talent for the next issue of Gentlecolts Quarterly and Rarity thinks you’d be a perfect fit!”

The ghostly pony being spoken to fanned its numerous black tentacles out as if to ask how Pinkie Pie was going to explain them away.

“Okay, yes those might be a little unnerving…”

The white stallion leaned in to stare at the pink mare with its unseen eyes.

“And yes the fact that you don’t have a face means you can’t smile for a camera, but let’s try looking past that for a second. You’re still one of the snappiest dressers I know, and Photo Finish is smart enough to not turn down a pony that knows how to properly coordinate an ensemble.”

The tentacles fell in acknowledgement as the gaunt equine looked over the dapper pin-striped suit it was wearing, expertly accessorized with a silver tie, a pocket square, and white metal cufflinks.

“Just give it some thought is all I’m asking.” Pinkie asked before noticing Sweetie Belle. “Hey Sweetie, what’s up?”

“We’re ready to begin the race if you want to round up the audience.” The little foal said, causing Pinkie’s eyes to light up.

“Oh super! Just a minute!”

The mare was off like a rocket again, leaping to the stage and grabbing the microphone in one swift motion.

“Attention everyone! Attention! We’re now ready to begin the next phase of the celebration!”

The ramble of conversation quickly died down as everyone turned to the stage again.

“For your thrill and entertainment we present a match of old against new. Representing Ponyville we have our own local hero, the indomitable Scootaloo!”

Scootaloo gave everyone a huge wave as they cheered her on.

“And from parts unknown, we have the lady of the day who will be racing against her, everyone let’s give it up again for Equinox!”

Cued by the announcement of her name, the metal alicorn rose up from where she’d been mingling with Zecora and flew over to take position by Scootaloo.

“The rules are simple: both contestants have a set number of hoops and obstacles set up around Ponyville. The one who makes it through and back to the fountain in the center of town in the shortest time is the winner. I’m sure we all know that Scootaloo already proved her valor at a similar type of race last year, so it falls to seeing if Equinox can match her in speed.”

A big hurrah was given by all as the contestants got into position. Looking ahead, Scootaloo spotted a pony with a green flag in her mouth standing by….and beyond her were the silhouettes of Spike and Apple Bloom coating the last of Equinox’s hoops in pitch.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.” The orange pegasus quietly mentioned to her opponent.

-I assure you, all will be fine. – Equinox replied. The final countdown was given and Scootaloo took a deep breath.

“Okay then, best of luck.” Scootaloo replied as the flag was waved and the two burst out of the gate. Scootaloo gained a momentary lead due to having wheels on her side, but with a bow of her head and a kick of her hooves, Equinox soon caught up. The two came to the first challenge which was a ramp. Scootaloo swept herself cleanly off into the air, twirling her scooter around for good measure before hitting the ground without losing any momentum. Equinox settled for a simple but elegant jump and continued on with the same stride.

Next the two had a series of hurdles to get over which likewise presented little issue. Scootaloo showed impressive control by flipping her scooter up to ride the railing across each so she didn’t have to slow down, while Equinox maintained the order of keeping things down to the basics. She may not have had the flair, but she was still an equine at heart, and as such she knew how to vault and make it beautiful.

“Fascinating, between the two of them I can’t tell which is the bigger show-off.” Chrysalis mused from where she was watching. Next to her, the pink mare with the huge fluffy coat took a bite out of her baked ham and blew a thoughtful raspberry.

“Nah, that’s fine. I already know you could do this faster and with more style than either of them.” The black changeling replied. Her companion blew a longer, more inquisitive raspberry.

“Yeah but it’s a nice day, there’s food aplenty, and I don’t have to worry about smelling like wet paint so I’m still glad she invited us.”

Watching as the robot and the foal neared the first of their hoops, Chrysalis let out a yawn.

“Eh, this is boring me anyway. I’m going to take a nap for a bit.” She fluffed the pony’s coat more than it already was and promptly flopped on top of it. “Wake me if anything interesting happens.”

Glancing up at her new passenger, the pink mare looked to the racetrack again, then let out a huge gasp as something caught her attention.

“Hmmm? What?” Chrysalis complained as she was roughly tossed off her companion. The pink pony jabbed a hoof at the track, and the changeling went wide eyed to see it was now going up in flames. “Oh. Huh, ask and ye shall receive it seems.”

Around the square there were similar gasps of surprise and horror as one by one the hoops on the track were enveloped in a blazing inferno. On the actual track itself, Scootaloo offered a silent prayer to Celestia as Equinox charged at the first ring and leapt through it with gusto.

“What the? Who authorized this? This was never discussed in the plans for today!” Twilight exclaimed. Peering intently at the hoops, she felt her heart jump upon seeing two small figures running away from them.

“Wait…is that Spike?”

The crowd quickly found their attention being jostled between the spectacle of the race, and the sight of their princess promptly leaping into the air to zero in on the dragon like a hungry eagle targeting a tasty snack. Poor Spike certainly got the same shock as the aforementioned as he finished storing the pitch and turned to see a very angry alicorn suddenly standing before him.

“ACK! Twi-Twilight! Uh…can I help you with something?” The little dragon stammered as his friend narrowed her eyes at the blazing rings, then at him.

“Maybe. Just answer me one question: did Equinox put you up to this?”

Spike swallowed and looked up as the metal pony in question leapt through another flaming hoop, tilting her head back almost as if she were enjoying the feel of fire brushing so close to her body.

“She…may have said something about it. Seems like she enjoys making a spectacle of herself…” He weakly muttered. Watching as the robot continued with her suicidal run across the track, Twilight sighed and pressed a hoof to her temple.

“As much as that’s what we all were hoping for, this is definitely taking it too far! Seriously Spike, did it not occur to you how dangerous this is??”

Spike returned to watching his new friend sail through inferno after inferno without care. Despite showing proper caution, Scootaloo was admirably still managing to keep pace on her side of the track, even managing to still get a few cheers and applause as she expertly wove her scooter across the ramps and through her own, thankfully not flaming hoops.

“All I can say is, again, it doesn’t seem to be doing her any harm, and the crowd seems to be loving it.” The dragon replied.

“Loving it, indeed.” A familiar brown stallion with an hourglass cutie mark exclaimed as he watched the race through a pair of binoculars. “Life is a finite amount, no matter if you’ve been around for 9, 90 or 900 years. Ponies need to embrace every opportunity to live to their fullest extent.”

Twilight’s mouth dropped open. “But…she could get herself hurt!”

“We all could get ourselves hurt, every day doing perfectly mundane tasks. The trick is to not let yourself be cowed by that!” Iron Will mused as he munched on a sweet grass bar. “Frankly she’s showing the kind of fortitude I vie to imbue all ponies with!”

Had Twilight’s jaw not had the hindrance of being securely connected to her skull it would’ve been resting limply on the ground by now.

“Right, so none of you are the least bit concerned that this could go horribly wrong?” She asked, looking to the gathered equines around her. “Anyone?”

A red mare standing beside the brown stallion uneasily tapped her hooves against the ground as she kept watching Equinox’s daredevil antics.

“Well, yes we acknowledge the risks, but it could be worse.” She said with a shrug. “I mean they’re just flaming hoops. It’s not like she’s jumping through supernovas or black holes…”

Seeing the majority was against her, Twilight glanced to the shining crown perched so perfectly atop her head. She could invoked her powers as a princess to demand the race be stopped immediately, but then that would leave a lot of disappointed ponies. Not to mention that despite her worries, so far nothing bad had actually happened…yet. Scootaloo and Equinox were racing fairly, the day was going fine and everyone besides her seemed to be enjoying themselves. Really would it be wise for her to play it safe at this point? Heck, did she even have the right to oppose those she had just declared to be her friends?

“Celestia and I need to have a long talk when we next meet. Being a monarch is a lot less straightforward than she makes it look.” She muttered before a sudden gasp from the crowd drew her attention again. “Huh? What the…?”

She glanced up and felt the air in her lungs be promptly sucked out, being used instead to feed the flames that now adorned the metal equine sailing overhead. In an act of sheer blind hope she blinked to clear her vision, but the scene before her refused to change. Equinox was now not only braving the fire of the hoops, she was taking it with her on her wings, leaving a wake of smoke and ash.

“Oh no…no, no, NO, NO! Spike alert the Ponyville Fire Brigade!” The purple alicorn ordered as she immediately leapt into the air after her friend. Disturbingly Equinox didn’t even seem to notice she was slowly becoming a blazing comet, her attention seemingly focused solely on the fountain ahead that signaled the end of the race.

“Equinox! Equinox stop! Wait! Slow down at least!”

Sensing a disturbance on the air, Equinox broke her concentration and snuck a peek under her burning wings.

-Princess Twilight. – She calmly noted. Quickly she banked up into a loop, bringing herself to where she was now behind the very puzzled pony. – While your company is always welcome I would advise against maintaining your current vector. This is a dangerous area for you to be in. –

The metal alicorn’s sheer ignorance of her own situation promptly made Twilight stop flapping her wings and gape again, not even acknowledging the fallacy of this move until gravity was kind enough to bring things back into perspective.

“A dangerous situation…for me to….Equinox, you’re the one in a dangerous situation! Your wings are on fire!” She screamed, flapping her own set wildly as Equinox stared at her in puzzlement. Glancing to the flickering masses of orange flames on either side of her, the robot pony whirred softly in acknowledgement.

-So they are. It would appear Assistant Spike applied an excessive amount of flammable substance to the previous hoop and I inadvertently brushed against it during my jump.-

Flapping her wings to stop herself from tumbling ungraciously into the watching crowd, Twilight zipped back up to where her friend was hovering patiently.

“Alright, we gotta get you to a safe landing spot and get you put out. Just follow me!” She ordered. Equinox duly cocked one of her ears to the side, then glanced at something over Twilight’s shoulder.

-I believe I have found a faster solution. Please excuse me.-

In the time the alicorn had to blink and give a very confused ‘Huh?’ Equinox had soared gracefully around her and was making a bee-line for the fountain in the center of town. The gathered ponies scattered like pigeons from a popped balloon as she dive bombed into the fountain’s basin and vanished beneath its clear, cool depths. Silence promptly descended across the town, all eyes fixed on the plumes of smoke rising from the fountain. After a moment or so of nothing happening a few of the braver souls closest to it dared to step in for a closer look…

And then the town was united in a startled gasp as Equinox burst forth back into the sky, twirling streams of sizzling water and steam behind her as she swooped around to show her wings were no longer ablaze. The heat had blackened them a bit perhaps, but they were no less functional than before, as the robot proceeded to demonstrate with several more stylish twists and twirls before coming in to land perfectly on top of the fountain. Splaying her wings out to display their resilient integrity, Equinox bowed to the ponies gathered around her.

Silence again hung like an unwelcome presence over the town square. For a brief second Equinox had to glance up to see if she had perhaps misjudged the crowd’s expectations.

“Uh…wow….” Someone finally said.

“Yeah…” Came the reply, before the entire square erupted in thunderous cheers and applause. Satisfied she had conformed to the desired spectacle of the day, Equinox hopped off the fountain while Applejack and Rarity ran forward.

“Equinox, we jest saw what happened! Uh, are yew okay?” The brown earth pony exclaimed. Equinox quickly ran a check of her systems.

Aside from some minor scorching on my exterior I detect no damage.- She assured. Rarity still seemed shocked at seeing the blackened, smoking state of her wings.

“Oh but you ruined your beautifully polished look! I’ll have to book you a spa appointment at once to clean that off!” The white unicorn declared.

Around the trio, ponies began to press in, all eager to likewise share their admiration of Equinox’s latest stunt.

“Was that part of the race? Cause, can I just say, that was awesome!” One of the crowd exclaimed.

“Here, here! I expected to see some excitement today but that was off the chart!” Another cried.

“Uh…do you think you could maybe do that again? I didn’t think to take a photo…and no one at home will believe me if I don’t have proof of what just happened.”

Equinox turned, and suddenly she seemed to lose her composure as the masses closed in. While they may have all supported her antics, the attention was awakening that nagging recess in the robot’s mind that being observed like this was wrong and she needed to get away quickly. Fortunately Twilight and Rainbow Dash were to quick to descend and disperse the crowd.

“Yes, yes I’m sure we’re all very entertained by what just happened, but if I could ask you all to please make way, Equinox will be available for a Q and A session in just a few minutes back on the stage. “

Obeying the words of their monarch, the ponies parted to let her pass with her friends in tow.

“Also, if I could make one quick request? Can we have a round of applause for Scootaloo please? She actually made it across the finishing line while Equinox was still extinguishing herself so technically that’s the second time she’s won this sort of race!” Rainbow added with just a hint of disdain. Equinox cocked her ears at the seeming disapproval, though the rationale behind it hit with surprising impact when she turned to see the little pegasus standing by the finishing line. Clearly she understood why everyone had ignored her in favor of her friend, however, the crowd’s acknowledgement of her feat did put a smile back on the pegasus’ face.

Suddenly the unease from the attention she was getting was strengthened by a sense that she had wrongly stolen the spotlight from someone else. Equinox found the reaction strange, worthy of investigating further, but also very difficult to explain. She had delivered on what those attending had been promised in terms of spectacle, yet rather than a positive feedback she was experiencing a negative one. Though the crowd cheered her name, it brought nothing that could be defined as ‘cheer’ to the robot as she mounted the stage again and was welcomed by Mayor Mare.

“Well Equinox, it seems Princess Twilight’s accounts of your abilities were no exaggeration. Clearly you are something else, as worthy of the horn and wings you bear as your fellow monarchs!”

Twilight snorted slightly but kept her reaction in check. Equinox still seemed to pick up on it though as she responded.

-Your approval is appreciated, Mayor Mare, however, I feel it is…misapplied. While I may bear the physical aspects of the series you call ‘alicorn’ experience has proven that I am not quite worthy of their stature.-

There was a murmuring of query at this, leading the metal pony to explain.

The supernatural abilities you categorize as ‘magic’ still elude me. While my functions may impress, I feel Princess Twilight’s far exceed mine in caliber.-

More murmuring ensued, interrupted by a familiar voice crying out “Girl no! You gotta show confidence in what you can do!” Equinox silently paid it her acknowledgement.

“Well still, there’s few others on Equestria who could match what you’ve proven yourself capable of!” Mayor Mare declared. “I suppose the big question on everyone’s lips is: just where DO you hail from, and why couldn’t you have come to us sooner?”

Equinox looked to Twilight, who noticeably had lost a bit of the ire from her features. Signifying that she wished for the robot to still answer truthfully though, the purple alicorn held her breath as her friend answered.

I regret that I am unable to answer that. I have no data regarding my reason for being on Equestria, and no data concerning where I might have originated from.- The metal equine tactfully said. –At present I can only conclude the following: since there is no other example of technological sophistication equivalent to my own on Equestria, I must come from somewhere else. Whether that is another place among the stars, or perhaps another reality different from yours, I am unable to ascertain at present.-

More murmurs erupted as the robot’s statement was discussed. Some found this shocking, some found it puzzling, some were awed. One soul apparently found it so incredible that it felt the need to shout above everyone else.

“She actually did it!”

All interest turned inward as ponies stepped aside and shuffled about to permit a new face to the front. Out of the masses stepped a young stallion with a bright red coat, a thick mane of black hair, a telescope cutie mark, and a childlike excitement glowing behind his wire-frame glasses.

“She granted my wish! I can’t believe it! Well I mean I knew she would but still!”

Those on the stage shared a momentary look of confusion.

“I’m sorry, you are?” Mayor Mare asked. The stallion jumped at suddenly being acknowledged and gave an embarrassed smile.

“Oh right, my name is Star Gazer! Sorry for interrupting, but I just can’t believe it. An actual visitor from beyond the stars! Just like I asked!” He gushed while staring in reverence at Equinox.

You requested for me to come to Equestria?- The robot whirred in puzzlement as Star Gazer shook his head and hopped for joy.

“Well no, I mean not you specifically but I did ask for…uh…oh, let me start over.” He cleared his throat and composed himself. “I’m an astronomer! Been studying the stars my whole life! For years I’ve been investigating the possibility of life existing on worlds besides Equestria but never managed to find any proof. Then a few weeks ago I got word of someone who could help me out, who could finally answer my questions. I visited her and wished to know if indeed there are others like us living on other worlds. She said I’d know soon, if I just kept my ear to the ground. I admit I thought she was just giving me false hope but then I heard of your exploits, Miss Equinox, and I had to see if what I suspected was true, and wouldn’t you know it, she actually granted my wish!”

The stallion trotted around some more, completely ignorant to the fact that no one else was sharing his happiness.

“Wait….wait…seriously, Mr. Star Gazer, wait!” Twilight commanded.

The stallion promptly stopped and blushed hard enough for it to be visible even through his scarlet coat.

“When did you see this…uh…mare?”

Star Gazer thought for a moment. “About two weeks ago. Yes I’m sure it was two weeks before today, I was tracking the time very closely on my calendar.”

Now the purple alicorn and her friends had to exchange looks of disbelief, tinged with shock that something very significant was unfolding right at that moment. Equinox was kind enough to voice the communal feeling.

Two weeks ago was the night I arrived on Equestria. You are stipulating that you wished to know if life exists elsewhere in the universe, and as a result I was sent here by some unknown power as a means of granting your wish?- She stared intently at the stallion who just smiled right back…though with a somewhat more nervous edge.

“Well it certainly seems that way, and my express thanks that such is the case!” He replied. Equinox looked to Twilight who was now vigorously shaking her head.

“No, no, no, that can’t be right! That’s scientifically impossible! At least….” The princess joined her friend in staring at the stallion. “Who was this mare that you said you saw?”

Star Gazer perked his ears in glee. “Oh, she called herself Calypso, the Wish Weaver!”

KSSSSSHHHHHHHH…BZZZZZZTWRNEEEEEEEEEEEEE….SSSSSSSHHHHHHSSHHH…ZHHHHRRRRRRZZZZTTTKKKKKKAAA

Twilight politely put her next question on hold at the sudden sounds of electricity fizzling through the air and the crowd suddenly looking very panicked. Following their gaze she turned to see Equinox was now stumbling about, jerking her head left and right as sparks and bolts of lightning erupted from between her metal plates.

KSSSSHHHHHHHH…LYPS-ALYPS-ALYPS-ALYPS…..PRIMARSKZERRWWWWRRRRRRT…..LOCAY….LOCAY….DIRECK…ZZZZZZZTKKKKKKKKK……ALYPS-ALYPS-ALYPS…..LOCAY….KSHHHH….RETREEE…KKSSSHHH….LOCAY….KSHHHHH….RETREEEKSSSH…..ALYPS-ALYPS-ALYPS…CA-CALYPS-ALYPS-ALYPS

“Equinox are you…okay?” Twilight hesitantly asked as the robot spasmed and thrashed about.

ALYPS-ALYPS-ALPYS…..KSSSSHHHH…O-O-OGY…KSSSHHH..CA-CALYPS….BZZZZZRRRRTNNGGGGGGGG

“Umm, maybe we should step back? Give her some space?” Pinkie Pie meeped as sparks began raining down onto the stage. The air was growing thick with the stench of smoke as Equinox continued to uncontrollably freak out.

ERROR

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404:FILE NOT FOUND

WARNING - SYSTEM FAILURE

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“We need to do something!” Rarity exclaimed.

“Yes, but what? I don’t know what’s wrong with her!” Twilight said. She was getting as panicked as everyone else as her friend helplessly fizzled and seemed to be on the verge of going up in a mushroom cloud.

➢ 41 64 76 61 6e 63 65 64 20 50 72 6f 74 6f 74 79 70 65 20 49 6e 66 69 6c 74 72 61 74 6f 72 20 0d 0a 0d 0a 53 68 61 64 6f 77 20 4d 61 6e 65 20 4d 6f 64 65 6c 0d 0a 0d 0a 4d 69 73 73 69 6f 6e 20 4f 62 6a 65 63 74 69 76 65 73 0d 0a 0d 0a 50 72 69 6d 61 72 79 3a 20 4c 6f 63 61 74 65 20 61 6e 64 20 52 65 63 6f 76 65 72 20 43 61 6c 79 70 73 6f 0d 0a 0d 0a 53 65 63 6f 6e 64 61 72 79 3a 20 46 69 6e 64 20 61 6e 64 20 52 65 63 6f 76 65 72 20 4f 67 79 67 69 61 20 53 70 65 63 69 6d 65 6e 0d 0a 0d 0a 54 65 72 74 69 61 72 79 3a 20 41 63 74 69 76 61 74 65 20 42 65 61 63 6f 6e 20 61 6e 64 20 41 77 61 69 74 20 52 65 74 72 69 65 76 61 6c 2e

➢ WARNING - SYSTEM OVERLOAD IMMINENT

➢ INITIATING EMERGENCY SHUT DOWN

Everyone in the square promptly dove for cover as Equinox erupted in a deafening explosion of sparks and lightening. The smell of burning wood and smoldering fabric began to choke those around her as the stage and curtains caught fire from her output.

Finally it seemed the robot could not break down anymore than she already was. The sparking ceased, the lighting stopped, and with a final, pitiful whine, Equinox tumbled to the ground in a lifeless heap.

Slowly and with great caution, those hiding behind walls and in alleyways dare to look out. From where she’d taken refuge behind the stage, Twilight peeked her head up and felt her heart sank at the scene that greeted her.

“Is she? No….” Pinkie Pie ran over and nudged her friend, her fears growing rapidly when Equinox gave no sign that she was still among the living. “No, no please, not again!”

“Wha…What just…happened?” Mayor Mare asked. Braving the haze of the smoke she looked over and gasped. “Oh no, is she alright?”

Realizing someone needed to take charge, and fast, Twilight climbed back up onto the stage and cleared her throat.

“I’m…I’m sure she’s fine. Probably just fainted from all the excitement.” She declared while trying to ignore the doubtful stares coming at her from all sides. “Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, can you help me move her backstage where she can rest?”

Retrieving her Stetson from where it had fallen in her mad dash for cover, Applejack peered in confusion at her friend.

“Rest? Twilight I don’t think that’s going to help…” She promptly bit her tongue at the alicorn’s glare. “Ah mean, sure! Uh, Applebloom, why don’t yew, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo get yer talent show started?”

“Right!” The yellow foal ran and grabbed an accordion. “Come on, it’s up to us to cover here!”

The foals duly began playing a little music to help soothe the crowd out of hiding while the Mane Six scooped up their fallen friend and carried her away from the square, leaving Star Gazer to recover his glasses and watch with deep worry at the sudden departure.

“Oh dear, was it something I said?”

***

➢ INITIATING SYSTEM REBOOT…

➢ RUNNING SAFETY CHECK…

➢ CHECK COMPLETED

➢ ACTIVATING AUDITORY COMPONENTS

SHHHHHIIIIII…I don’t know, Twilight. Discord is still very ill. I don’t think he’d be up to creating another storm.”

“Well I don’t know what else to do. I’m not even sure what caused her to fall apart like that again.”

POTENTIAL LIFEFORMS DETECTED

ACTIVATING VISUAL COMPONENTS

As quickly as it had been taken away, the world was brought back into focus for Equinox. She beheld the forms of Twilight and Fluttershy staring with a mixture of both worry and frustration at each other, while other shadows moved in the background behind them.

“Girls, girls wait! I think she’s coming around!”

The welcome face of Spike hovered into view.

“Yeah, she’s lighting up like before!”

Twilight ran over with immense relief as the auras of neon blue returned to the metal equine’s eyes and mane.

“Equinox! Oh thank Celestia you’re awake!” She exclaimed as the robot beeped a few times, whirred softly and then rose to her hooves. “Are you feeling okay?”

Damage assessment is underway. One moment please. – The robot summoned her visor and studied the data that flashed across it. – No damage or errors detected. Systems are operating nominally.-

Equinox retracted her visor and shook her head.

It would appear I am functioning as efficiently as can be, quite surprising considering the severity of the glitch I encountered.- Equinox stilled as a thought struck her. – May I inquire, did I damage anyone?-

The Mane Six all sighed in relief.

“No, no, everyone’s fine. The town square’s going to need some cleaning up, but frankly we’re more worried about you.”

Jostling her mane around, Equinox checked her body.

There is nothing wrong with me….save for a new gap in my memory of several seconds following the appearance of Astronomer Star Gazer.- Looking to her friends, the robot seemed very uneasy. – May I inquire, what just happened?-

Twilight opened her mouth as if to answer, but felt her voice go flat. She glanced to Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack and the rest, and found the same reaction being shared between everyone.

“Your guess is as good as ours.” Pinkie Pie said with a sad bow of her head. “One moment you were acting normal, then Star Gazer said something about going to see someone called Calypso and you promptly turned into a one pony fireworks display.”

Equinox looked both statisfied and yet even more uneased. Twitching her head she closed her eyes and closed her eyes as if contemplating deeply on the pink mare’s words.

-Most unexpected. I could hypothesize that I was experiencing yet another data echo, but data gathered from previous events would suggest otherwise. The echoes I experienced before were comprehensible, whereas this was simply a scrambled mess that proved too taxing for my system to handle.-

With a soft whirr, the robot’s body settled and she regained her usually composed attitude.

I must recommence with the day’s schedule of activities. Perhaps I can replicate the results for further study.-

She turned to step back out onto the stage, then stopped as the entire Mane Six promptly blocked her path.

“No. No, Equinox you are not!” Twilight ordered. “Between what just happened, and setting your wings on fire, I’m not letting you do any more dangerous stunts today.”

The metal alicorn cocked her head. – The public are still expecting a show.-

“Apple Bloom, Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo have that taken care of.” Applejack stated, much to Equinox’s increasing puzzlement.

-Mayor Mare was in the middle of interviewing me too…-

“And that can continue once our dear foals are finished with their set. Seriously Equinox, we need you to take a step back, stop with all the daredevil risks.” Twilight ordered, giving an aggravated snort that the robot still seemed questioning of her logic.

If you are concerned about my well being, I again wish to assure you that…-

“Yes, yes, you’re a very tough and durable pony. We don’t doubt that, but at the same time, you’re really making us worried.”

Equinox’s head cocked further. She could sense that she had done something to offend her friends, yet she did not understand what.

“As was jest proven, even someone as strong and specially gifted as yew can still get yerself hurt. Bean powerful doesn’t mean yer invincible” Applejack explained. The robot’s eyes dilated outward, increasing the intensity of their glowing aura as she gradually began to comprehend what was being said.

“And what’s worse, we don’t know how to make you better if you do get hurt. The fact that you’re so different from us means we have very few options for helping you out.” Rarity added.

Equinox processed this, her gaze slowly rotating down to stare at the floor.

-My ability to function even while damaged should render that a moot point. I am a construct, a machine. My design is meant to endure even the worst circumstances.-

Twilight scowled and closed the gap between her and the metal pony, bringing her head back up so she could look her in the eye.

“Just because you CAN endure the worst doesn’t mean you MUST. We already made it difficult enough for you when we made you do all our work!” The purple alicorn’s jaw tightened as ire was replaced with shame. “And…before that, I hurt you in another way I never meant to. We want you to be happy while you’re with us, and part of that is knowing you’re safe, and not subjecting yourself to more potential harm.”

As quickly as her strength of will had emboldened Twilight, it abandoned her. She turned away to stem her tears as Equinox looked among the Mane Six, cataloguing their expressions and adding them to the information she’d compiled.

Even though I find contentment in protecting you, and can accurately confirm I am the most well adapted for hazardous tasks, you still worry for me?- She asked.

Six heads nodded in unison.

“You’re not just a machine, Equinox, you’re our friend, and friends look out for each other.” Pinkie Pie stated.

Silence held for several minutes, disturbed only by a muted whir or a soft beep as Equinox analyzed what she had heard, turned it over in her head, picked apart every word and ascertained every possible interpretation of their meanings.

I believe I understand now. Your concern is surprising, but I find myself experiencing an oddly positive sensation as I comprehend the reasoning behind it.-

Closing her eyes, the robot froze for a second and let out a series of quiet chirps.

If it will please you all, I have added a new directive to my programming. Unless circumstances demand an alternate course of action I will limit the number of hazardous activities I partake in. For your collective peace of minds, I will ‘play it safe’.-

The tension in the air thawed as everyone exhaled in relief again.

“Thank you, Equinox.” Twilight said.

I believe it is you who deserve the commendations. Having others care about me is enriching. I wish to experience it further.- Equinox mused as she drew the curtains back. – If I may, I’d like to now show those gathered outside that I’m okay, and specifically, I wish to speak again with Astronomer Star Gazer. -

The ponies filed out onto the stage again, finding it now being dominated by Iron Will who was hunched over in a pose reminiscent of one in deep thought, while Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle quickly chipped away at a block of stone to capture the likeness.

“Oh Equinox! Yer alright!” The yellow foal declared with glee as the robot stepped back into the light.

-Indeed. Forgive me, I fear the excitement of the day proved greater than I was expecting.- She replied. Behind her Twilight gave a small smile at the use of tactful diplomacy.

“Oh well that’s okay! Just glad yew didn’t hurt yerself!”

Hearing yet more concern for her, the robot twitched as she felt current course through her mind. She felt as though her eyes were being opened again to a new perspective, a new way of thinking. It was like something she needed to have happen, rather than go the route of sticking to her original programming.

“We’re almost done here. Did you want to do the tight-rope act you told us about afterwards?” Sweetie Belle asked. Equinox looked to the crowd who were watching with murmurs of approval at the foals’ sculpting abilities. She then glanced to the Mane Six, and took note that they were silently expressing their preference that she refuse.

You seem to be handling the audience fine on your own. It would be better for me to wait till you are finished before resuming my part.-

Both foals stopped and stared at the robot, while their bovine model suppressed a little snicker. Rainbow Dash had to likewise smile in quiet satisfaction that Equinox had picked up on the way she’d been hogging the spotlight to herself.

If I may, however, have everyone’s attention for a moment: is the one known as Astronomer Star Gazer still present?-

The gathered ponies looked amongst each other, till the requested red stallion reluctantly stepped forward again.

“Uh, yes, Miss Equinox?” He asked, taking a step back when the robot leapt down in front of him.

-You stated that you visited an entity, which you claimed granted your wish of knowing if life exists among the stars. I regret I did not quite catch their name.-

Swallowing, Star Gazer nodded. “C-Calypso. Her name was Calypso.”

Equinox went quiet for a moment, as if bracing herself for yet another freak out. Strangely this time none came forth.

May I ask you to repeat that?- She requested.

Not quite understanding, Star Gazer nevertheless obliged.

“Calypso? The Wish Weaver?” He said in a very nervous voice. Again the strange metal pony before him seemed to prepare for the worst, and again the worst refused to come. Looking over herself and seeing she was apparently fine as could be, Equinox flattened her ears in bewilderment.

Strange, I had thought that perhaps that had been the trigger behind my episode…but apparently I was incorrect.-

Star Gazer hung his head guiltily. “Well still, I apologize profusely for embarrassing you like that.”

Equinox’s ears rose. – Why? Information gathered indicates it really was nothing more than a badly timed glitch in my system. The likelihood of that being your fault is virtually zero.-

Star Gazer blinked in surprise.

“Well, well I mean, I have so many more questions I want to ask you, then that happened and I thought that…that…”

He averted his gaze, baring his teeth with evident shame. Equinox shook her head.

You needn’t fear retaliation from me, Astronomer Star Gazer. If you wish to inquire further about me, I am now prepared to provide you with whatever data I have available.-

The stallion blinked again, then choked a meek little laugh that he was apparently being forgiven for his mistake.

“Right uh, well, can we find somewhere to sit down then? It’s quite an extensive list of questions.”

He demonstrated by pulling out a sheet of parchment that was easily four feet long and covered in lines of ink. Equinox gestured for him to follow her through the crowd.

Provided that Musician Heartstrings and Confectioner Bon Bon have not laid claim to them, I’m sure there’s a bench we could use.-

The two vanished into the gathering of ponies, while the Mane Six traded looks and giggles that things were at last looking up.

“Well, guess this going to be a pretty good day after all.” Rainbow Dash sighed.

“Indeed. Even if she requires a different method of thinking to deal with, I’m actually still glad she showed up. She makes me think about friendship in a whole new light, one I’d never have even considered if I didn’t have someone as unusual to interact with.” Twilight said with a bright smile.

***

Elswhere, several hours later…

As the sun finally set, letting the moon rise for its time in the sky, a portly brown stallion dressed in a waistcoat and dress shirt walked down the main street of the town he was fortunate enough to call his own. Around him the fanfare of ponies closing up shop went on in its usual way, only being interrupted by one individual that he noticed had several chests set outside her tent.

“Planning to move on already are we, Miss Calypso?” He asked as a pony covered in several heavy robes, a hood and a full facial veil stepped out bearing even more luggage.

“It seems I can do no more to help this town.” The mare organized her packed chests, then set about dismantling her tent.

“Shame, word is you’ve been quite the hit among everyone.”

Calypso nodded with noted solemnity.

“It is kind of you to say that, but I fear staying would deprive others of aid, and I’m sure there are plenty of towns that could do with some good fortune.”

With a sigh, the stallion looked to the horizon.

“Yeah, I guess you’ve got a point.” He thought for a second then smiled. “Might I point you in the direction of Ponyville then? Seems they’ve hit some rough times with the recent attack from Lord Tirek and everything. They’d probably have need of you more than anyone else.”

Calypso’s hood rose from the perking of the ears underneath it.

“Depending on what direction it lies, I could make that my next destination…” She resumed rolling up her tent and stuffing it into another chest when she suddenly felt a hoof was rested on her shoulder.

“Well I could tell you, perhaps over dinner, and maybe a quiet drink back at my place?”

The mare promptly stopped her actions. Daring a look over her shoulder she saw the stallion was grinning at her with obvious, and rather unwelcome intent.

“Are…are you sure, sir? I really don’t want to outstay my welcome.”

A sack full of bits was held up and jingled before her face.

“You’re the Wish Weaver, are you not? Well, I’d like to make a wish: one night, with the mysterious woman whom I’ve been dreaming of since she came into town. It won’t be any trouble at all.”

Calypso seemed uncertain, but another jingle and promise of more money to line her coffers gave her pause for thought.

“I was…unaware I had attracted that sort of attention.” She said.

“Yes well, I’ve always had a fondness for the exotic.” The stallion explained. Calypso relaxed her shoulders in submission.

“Very well, if that is what you desire, then your wish is granted.”

She waved her hoof over the stallion’s face and watched him chuckle at the little show of mysticism; a chuckle that then became a yawn, and then finally the repeated rumble of deeply slumbering snores.

“One night, with the woman of your dreams. Dream well of her.” The mare replied as she set the stallion down against a wall and left him to sleep like a newborn foal while she hastily snapped her luggage closed and hailed down a passing coach.

“To Ponyville, and if you could make haste please!” She said while tossing the sack of bits to the driver. Throwing her luggage into the back, Calypso hopped on and breathed a sigh of relief as she was promptly swept away to a hopefully more productive, and less intrusive new venture.

Author's Note

It's always nice to be adored, but there are limits. Sometimes you gotta step back and let others have their moment on the stage, lest you risk making a public humiliation of yourself when things go wrong.

Yeah another mega sized chapter. Couldn't come up with a spot to chop it in half so I decided this one could be left as is.

Ah well, at least now the relevance of the series title becomes a bit more clear, and it looks like things may be coming to a head here, very soon.

Wish Weaver - Chapter 10: And now, another challenge.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 10
And now, another challenge.

The time immediately following a big event was always strange. Some felt let down that the specialness was gone and now they had to go back to their normal routine, some greeted it with even more excitement, seeing it as the start of a new chapter in their lives following the epic conclusion of the previous one.

For Equinox, it had been a mixture of both. Now that the celebration honoring her and the event she’d chosen to name herself after was over, it seemed as though her official acceptance into Equestrian society was complete. While she was still a unique individual and a total mystery to the public, they no longer saw her as something to be feared or distrusted. She was another face in the crowd, another local to be greeted and smiled at whenever she ventured into town. She had friends in the form of the ponies known as the Mane Six, a purpose as the Captain of the Guard of their castle, and a residence to call her own in the halls of said castle (she’d argued that she had no need of such, but Rarity and Twilight had been most insistent). By all accounts this should have been the starting point from where she could go on to enjoy a very fulfilling and happy existence in Equestria.

Except….except….the question remained: just what WAS she supposed to do now? Despite the welcome relief of having all requirements of her new life fulfilled, Equinox was still plagued with the sensation that adopting a routine would not benefit her. In the few weeks she’d been with the Mane Six she’d repeatedly shown signs that whomever sent her had intended her for a greater purpose. A purpose that, annoyingly, had now been denied to her thanks to the twists of fate.

Scanning the far horizon as the sun rose to welcome forth the morning, Equinox swiveled her head restlessly. The real problem was, of course, she still had no data on her origins, nothing to suggest why she was on Equestria or where she had come from, and even more unfortunate was that the one means she had to get hints of the aforementioned didn’t sit well with her friends. Of course she could argue that she was tougher than they, but then had come the bizarre incident at the celebration where she’d apparently indeed broken down from the stress of testing her limits, an occurrence that had been distressing for them as it had been puzzling for her.

Coming to the end of her morning patrol, the robot equine conducted another scan of the area, verifying all was still as it should be on the castle grounds. That done she stepped back inside, still mulling over what to do about the latest development in her run time. She had promised Twilight and the others that she would not take any more risks, and she intended to stand by that promise as a friend was meant to, however, that also meant preventing herself from potentially uncovering more vital hints as to her own identity, and what she might do next with her time. She had to find another way…

Unfortunately it seemed that other way would have to wait, as no sooner had the robot crossed the magnificent entrance hall to the throne room, than she was met by the aforementioned alicorn and her dragon assistant.

“Oh, good morning, Equinox! We were just coming out to get you. It seems word of your feats finally worked its way to the top of the grapevine.” Spike declared as he held up the scroll in his hands. “Princess Celestia just sent this, requesting Twilight and your presence at the royal palace immediately.”

Equinox read the message, rotating her ears forward as she noticed the urgent tone it carried.

Her wording suggests that she’s upset about something. I trust I have not offended her in anyway?- She queried, getting a smile and a shake of the head from her friends.

“I highly doubt it. She knows only what I’ve been reporting about you, and I’ve made sure to mention what a great help you’ve been.” Twilight gently assured. “At the same time though, she’s also been insistent on letting me have the responsibility of handling what happens in this part of Equestria so why she’d suddenly want to intervene is strange.”

Checking the message again to make sure she hadn’t missed some hidden sub-text between the lines, Equinox turned back to the castle entrance.

-Then it would be prudent of us to not keep her waiting.-

“Indeed.” Twilight followed the metal pony out into the grounds and up into the sky. “I just hope it’s nothing serious.”

The two soared through a cloud bank, then dipped low as the landscape zipped past underneath. Even though this wasn’t her first time flying, Equinox still had to take a moment to observe the sheer scale of Equestria. Previously she’d only been up to help Rainbow Dash at the Wonderbolt Academy, and never took the time to see what lay beyond that and the town of Ponyville. Now that she had little else to do but watch the scenery till they arrived at their destination, the robot felt an odd surge in her circuits, one that initially started out positive that there was so much more of Equestria to explore, but then faded into negative that she hadn’t paid more attention previously. Summoning her visor, Equinox began to recording the terrain as it passed by, matching each area to what she’d gleaned of the world’s geography from Twilight’s books. Pretty soon she had a very accurate map constructed and saved for consulting, and on that she found herself hoping that she’d also get the chance to travel a bit as soon as circumstances would permit.

Presently the two came to what could only be described as the central jewel of Equestria: a glimmering palace carved into the side of a mountain, richly decorated with high reaching towers and flawless white and gold architecture that proclaimed its importance. Touching down on the barbican entrance, the two waited for the portcullis to be raised, then stepped through to where a stately white unicorn was waiting with two royal sentries.

“Twilight! Thanks for coming on such short notice.” The stallion exclaimed, giving a bright smile and a friendly nuzzle to the purple alicorn. Noting the handsome outfit of crystalline armor he wore, as well the unusual tones of blue and aquamarine in his mane, Equinox quickly understood the lack of formal behavior.

“Oh think nothing of it! I couldn’t stand idly by if we’re about to have yet another crisis on our hooves!” Twilight smiled back while staring affectionately at the handsome equine. “I take it Celestia summoned you and Cadence from the Crystal Empire?”

“Yeah, darndest thing. She wouldn’t say what’s on her mind, just that she needed all the princesses together at once, oh, and your new…umm…arrival too.” The unicorn smiled with a slightly more embarrassed air to Equinox. “Sorry forgive my momentary distraction there.”

Equinox merely shook her head that no apology was necessary.

Your behavior is perfectly understandable, Guardian Shining Armor. You are Princess Twilight’s older sibling and the one she trusts more than anyone else. It would be more unusual if you didn’t exhibit such affection towards her, and possibly indicate a second case of mental hijacking.-

Shining Armor blinked in momentary surprise, having clearly not expected the robot to already be up to scratch on his identity and relations. Twilight just giggled awkwardly.

“She’s made quite the effort to educate herself since coming here. At times she seems to be almost more of a bookworm than myself.”

With the ice now broken, Shining Armor sighed and rolled his eyes.

“As if one of you wasn’t bad enough. Alright, this way please.” He nickered while leading the two across the barbican and into the palace proper. Well…perhaps ‘palace’ was the wrong term to use, for as Equinox stepped past the main gates she saw the interior was more akin to a city, a vast metropolis thriving under the watchful guard of the spires that rose above it, where the most talented and highest of Equestria’s classes plied their trades.

-In regards to your books, Princess Twilight, it would seem they fell short in terms of capturing the majesty of this place. – Equinox observed as she beheld the throngs of fashionable folk going about their day.

“Yeah, that’s generally how Canterlot is. Nothing can prepare you for how incredible it looks in real life.” Twilight replied, feeling a hint of pride at how her friend swiveled her head about to take in as much of the scenery around her as she could. “Perhaps I should’ve let you grab a camera before we left?”

Whirring softly as she continued to drink in the picturesque beauty, Equinox shook her head again.

That will not be necessary.- She replied before her visor folded out again over her eyes. Swaying her head back and forth, the robot began casting a beam of light from her horn at regular intervals into the crowds, indeed just like one would use a flash to capture photograph after photograph. –It is fascinating to consider that you originally called this place home. Your behavior is not indicative of one born to such an upper echelon.-

Twilight nodded, then dipped her gaze as she considered this.

“Yeah, well in the four years I’ve been in Ponyville a lot has happened to make me identify with there. More so than I did here I guess.” She snorted softly as the group finally came to the steps leading into the palace proper. “I honestly can’t believe it’s only been four years since I moved actually. Seems so much longer than that.”

The sentries drew open the doors for the group, revealing a vast and richly decorated hall that Equinox recognized a place that had perhaps seen more action than anywhere else in Canterlot. It was where Shining Armor and Princess Cadance had been married, and where Twilight had faced Queen Chrysalis and triumphed, before the latter had agreed to a truce so her changelings could be provided for. It was also where the purple alicorn had been crowned as the official fourth princess of Equestria once she had finally proven herself worthy of the title. Equinox made sure to record every inch of the place in detail for her files.

“They’re waiting in the throne room. I’ll leave you all to have some privacy.” Shining Armor explained as he pushed opened the door at the other end of the hall and stood back so his friends could cross the final threshold.

“Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence, we’re here as requested.” Twilight bowed to the three sitting atop their respective seats of power. The central one was an alicorn of unmatched beauty and perfect elegance. Colors in every shade of the rainbow ran down the lengths of her perpetually flowing mane, offsetting the flawless white of her coat. She wore a golden crown set with a dark blue gemstone, and around her neck there was a golden collar with a similarly colored twin. Even from across the room Equinox could feel an aura of power radiating off the equine as she turned her soft blue eyes to Twilight then to her.

“Yes, thank you for coming Princess Twilight, and for bringing your new friend along as well.” Celestia replied. Her voice was exquisitely balanced, high and powerful as her station demanded, yet with a gentle tone that drew away any intimidation one might feel in her presence. Copying Twilight’s behavior, Equinox approached and bowed as Celestia rose from her throne and descended the stairs to have a closer look at her. “So you are the entity that’s been causing such a stir as of late. Twilight’s told me much of your exploits.”

Gazing up into those soulful orbs, Equinox felt her body fizzle with fresh current. Even if Celestia was trying to downplay her prominence it was interesting that she could still inspire awe, even in the heart of a machine.

I trust she has been truthful and not exaggerated my accomplishments too much.- Equinox replied, drawing a gentle laugh from the monarch.

“No, no more than was needed to bring you to my attention, which in turn is why I asked you to accompany her.” Celestia crossed the room and stared up at one of the stained glass windows that lined the walls. “There is a matter that, while currently minor, has been bothering me. More so considering it comes so soon after the appearance of Lord Tirek. Luna and Cadance believe I’m perhaps being a bit too paranoid. For once I hope they’re right.”

The princess nodded to her sister: a mare as black as the night sky with a mane that twinkled with the very light of the stars themselves. Even her crown and collar matched the dark tone of her body, yet strangely her poise and gentle features did not suggest she was dangerous.

“All across Equestria there have been reports of ponies exhibiting symptoms of magical depletion. In every case the signs match that of when Tirek attempted to drain the magic of every pony race, however, none of them are on the same scale. Indeed, most of the time it’s been only a handful of cases here and there, seemingly in random towns across the land, and all of those afflicted recovered soon after. Had this occurred at any other time, it probably wouldn’t even have come to our notice, however, the fact that the restoration of Equinox did nothing to stop their occurrence is cause for concern. “ Luna explained. “What’s more, from my viewings of Fluttershy’s dreams, I noticed that they’ve also coincided with Discord’s strange ailment, which would suggest even more that this is not merely a matter of chance.”

Twilight looked suitably perturbed. “You don’t think Tirek’s managed to escape Tartarus again and is staging a second conquest?”

Celestia shook her head. “I have the report from Cerberus himself that the centaur is still safely locked away with all the monsters down there. No, no this is the work of something new, something we’ve never encountered before, and that has me very worried, which is where you come in, Equinox.” She turned to regard the robot. “From what Twilight has told me, you have several talents that might be of use to us in this endeavor.”

Equinox perked her ears forward as the princess continued.

“You have the ability to mimic the appearance of other ponies as flawlessly as a changeling, you can turn yourself invisible at a whim, your strength has proven sufficient to take down monsters that would normally require magic and you’ve bounced back from injuries that would’ve hospitalized any other equine.”

At this Luna rose and approached the metal pony.

“Also, as stated, one of my special gifts is the ability to see the dreams and night time visions of those in Equestria. By rights there shouldn’t be a pony in the land who’s mind I cannot venture into….yet it seems fate has now thrown an exception into the mix : your thoughts, and your dreams remain curiously closed off. In spite of all my power I cannot access them.” ”

She cupped a hoof under Equinox chin and lightly touched their foreheads together as if trying to establish a link between their minds, an effort that sadly went unrewarded, though through no fault on the former's part.

"Actually...I don't think I've ever seen Equinox sleep. She usually spends the night guarding the exterior of the castle." Twilight commented.

Indeed. On a given day I do not consume enough power to warrant hibernation. As for the concept of 'dreaming', I....I do not know if I am actually capable of that. -

A single spark of magic arched from the black alicorn’s horn to the silver one’s. Equinox hastily backed away as her vision momentarily fizzled out, and then rebooted.

That said, I must request that you please refrain from attempting to investigate the matter on your own for the moment. My systems…have not been calibrated to handle magic.-

Luna arched an eyebrow, then both eyebrows, and then her entire face scrunched up as realization dawned.

“Oh right, Twilight did mention that’s how you ended up with no memory in the first pla….uh, I mean….oh dear….”

Feeling a disappointed gaze from the purple alicorn boring its way into the back of her head, Luna giggled uneasily and promptly bowed.

“Forgive me, I will remember to exercise caution with my power around you from now on.”

Equinox cocked her head to the side, apparently caught off guard by the sight of one of Equestria’s highest authorities humbly apologizing to her.

That is very kind of you, Princess Luna, however I assure you your apology is unnecessary.- The robot hastily stated. Deeming that she needed to take over, Celestia cut back in.

“Yes, well, ironically, despite the truth that you are not one of us, you’ve still proven you are more like us than I was expecting, and that is why I believe you can help.”

Though this was praise of the highest caliber, Equinox found it did not bring her cheer.

If I may interrupt, Princess Celestia, I must point out that all of what you mentioned comes with a considerable catch.-

“Yes, Twilight told us about that too. After some consideration it’s lead me to believe I can offer you something in return.” The white alicorn strode over and gazed ponderously down at the robot. “On my word, any resource in Equestria that may help you regain the knowledge of who you are and what you can do will be made available for your use, if you agree to what I’m about to ask of you.”

This definitely seemed to get Equinox’s attention, if the mechanical chirps and whirrs of her mind speedily processing the offer was any indication.

I have analyzed your terms and find them acceptable. What do you require of me?- She replied after a micro second of deliberation. With a resigned sigh, Celestia closed her eyes.

“Use your special abilities to find out what is causing these fluctuations in Equestria’s magic levels. While your appearance has attracted a fair amount of local attention, you are still an unknown entity to the world at large. The fact that even Luna can’t detect you means you are virtually a ghost, therefore you should have no problem infiltrating the public and conducting your investigation covertly.”

More chirps and whirrs issued from the robot, however, they came at a slower, more hesitant pace, which matched with the air of uncertainty that Celestia swore she saw for the briefest of moments in Equinox’s eyes. Twilight seemed to share the feeling as she stepped forward to speak.

“Wait, if I’m understanding correctly here, you want Equinox to….spy on other ponies?”

Celestia nodded, though her movements were heavy with regret.

“I’m fully aware that this is a…well, dishonest course of action, but hear me out: if we can identify the cause of this phenomenon while it’s still a relatively minor concern we could potentially prevent another full scale crisis. Equestria has just gotten back onto its hooves from Tirek’s conquest, we cannot hope to stand up to another threat arising so soon afterwards.” She said. Nodding in agreement, Cadence finally took her turn to stand up and speak.

“What’s more, from your reports, I feel confident that Equinox is truly and firmly on the side of good. Unlike Discord, I sense she can be trusted.” The pink alicorn softly replied.

Twilight sighed, still feeling unsure about this new prospect. On the other hoof though, she did have to concede that there was some logic to her fellow princess’ reasoning, and on that she also had to acknowledge that the decision here wasn’t hers to make.

Your show of trust to an outsider is touching, Your Highnesses. I can only question whether I am up to the task, seeing as currently I cannot intentionally infiltrate anything.- Equinox looked up to see that Cadence was smiling warmly.

“I believe you are. Twilight would never have accepted you as a friend if she felt otherwise, but again, if you require help, we will do what we can to aid you in your service.” The pink pony promised.

“I also wish to emphasize that this is by no means an order. I would never force anyone to accept a task such as this.” Celestia added, which seemed to quell some of Equinox’s doubt. Light coursed across her body and she gave a few more whirrs and beeps of contemplation. This time it took her about five seconds to reach a decision.

I have refined my analysis to account for the new data presented. Your insistence that I be allowed to choose for myself instills an unexpected urge within me to co-operate. For the amicability and concern I have been shown, by you and the other ponies, I feel that I must help you.-

To Celestia’s satisfaction, and Twilight’s concern, the metal alicon bowed again.

I will do as you ask, Princess Celestia, to the optimum level of my abilities.-

Though she visibly wished things did not have to go this way, the monarch nodded slowly.

“Thank you, Equinox, and good luck. Report back to us once you have turned up something.”

Celestia returned to her throne, as did Luna. Seeing the conversation was now over, Equinox turned to leave, though Twilight did not follow her. The purple alicorn looked very torn, halfway between wanting to believe her beloved mentor was doing the right thing, yet also still feeling the weight of doubt sitting in the pit of her stomach like a rock. Figuring arguing would be pointless; she finally joined her cybernetic friend in the hallway outside.

“Well, that was not what I was expecting.” She said disdainfully. “You really think you can do this, Equinox?”

The robot stared straight ahead, still deep in thought.

As Princess Celestia stated I possess the most suitable skill set for such a mission. Practically, she was wise to charge me with undertaking it…-

Equinox paused as strips of blue light zigzagged through her mane.

– Ethically, on the other hoof….I find myself conflicted. Over the past few weeks I have built up trust between many ponies. Now I face the possibility of having to subvert that trust for the sake of the greater good. -

Twilight blinked in surprise. She hadn’t been expecting her friend to be facing the same issues of doubt as she was.

“Well Celestia has only ever acted in the interests of Equestria. We must have faith that her intentions here are the same." She stated. " That said, we can always go back in and say you’ve changed your mind if you want…”

Equinox sternly shook her head.

Negative. There is nothing to suggest that the situation I outlined will in fact happen. There is just as much possibility that whatever is causing the fluctuations is a harmless facet that can be easily remedied. I cannot confirm or deny either unless I do as asked.-

Equinox’s glowing eyes turned to Twilight, as if to plead for her advice.

However, based on the social data gathered from when I previously exhibited my abilities I calculate a 79.62% chance of alienating those I have made friends of if I were to begin conducting acts of espionage on them. Additionally there is also the matter that I promised you I would not take any additional risks to trigger my higher functions, and I have no cause to go against that promise.-

Twilight strained her ears in confusion. Was Equinox actually worried about this?

I estimate a strong likelihood that this will result in a functional impasse, certainly a conflict of interest if I do not approach it tactfully.-

Realizing the robot was as she thought, Twilight gasped. Privately she’d thought Equinox had accepted purely because of the incentive Celestia had offered. Now, however, she saw that the metal alicorn’s intentions were not born out of the desire for personal gain, she genuinely wanted to help, but feared that she would screw it up somehow. Almost instinctively the purple mare reached out to rest a hoof on top of her friends’, giving her a strong yet understanding smile.

“Well, between you and me, what if I acted as your co-advisor? You can discuss what happens with me, and I’ll let you know if I feel you’re doing something that might upset somepony? That way you have a voice of experience to fall back on.” She said. Again there was that odd cock of the head, followed by the burst of chirps and whirrs.

I find that a very acceptable arrangement, Princess Twilight. If we may, I must return and formulate a plan of action now.-

Nodding her agreement, Twilight departed the palace with her friend, finding Shining Armor waiting for them on the front steps.

“Oh hi! How’d it go in there?” He asked, to which Twilight just giggled.

“Oh fine, fine! Just a minor niggle Celestia wanted to share with us. Nothing serious.” She said, much to her brother’s relief.

“Well good. After the nightmare we just recovered from I was hoping things could finally get back to normal around here. Last thing we need is another disaster waiting right around the corner, eh?”

Twilight shot Equinox an uneasy glance, and the robot reciprocated silently as the trio headed back through Canterlot.

Only time will tell, Guardian Shining Armor. Only time. -

Author's Note

It takes a lot of effort to build up friendship, and only one wrong step to potentially destroy it. As the powers that be in Equestria hand Equinox her most difficult task yet, how will she manage to maintain the former and avoid the latter?

Wish Weaver - Chapter 11: A wish for the impossible.

My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 11
A wish for the impossible

“Well Fluttershy, are you feeling any better now?” Rarity asked as the two departed from the Ponyville Spa. It had been customary for the two mares to spend an hour or two each week getting pampered and prettied up while filling each other in on what had been going on in their lives, however, now that they were both living together in a castle big enough to contain a spa of its own such routines had found themselves relegated to the past. That said, the convenience of having one’s own luxury accommodation readily available was no replacement for the skilled hooves and tempered know-how of the ponies who worked at their old haunt, and given the turmoil that had been upending their lives as of late, the two mares had decided it was time to renew some old habits.

“I guess. I mean, it’s nice that Aloe was able to get some of the tension out of my joints, and the mud bath was lovely but…”

The shy yellow pegasus averted her gaze, a move the white unicorn beside her recognized as a sign that her mind was troubled.

“You’re still worried about Discord?” Rarity asked.

Fluttershy gave a meek nod, her head doubly burdened by the weight of guilt that she had left the chaos god when he needed her most, and the disdain that she was ruining the mood of what was supposed to be a relaxing day out.

“He’s sicker than I’ve ever seen him, and nothing seems to be helping. I’ve taken him to see every doctor I know, I’ve had Zecora try every remedy she could think of, and he’s still showing no signs of improving.” Fluttershy sounded close to tears, evidence of how worried she was for the well-being of her friend. Rarity found it deeply ironic considering that same ‘friend’ had had her and all her friends imprisoned and nearly killed no more than a few months previously, but then again, Fluttershy had a knack for being able to forgive and forget that the rest of the Mane Six sadly lacked.

“Well, let’s not forget he agreed with me that you needed a break from tending to him. Clearly he’s as concerned for you as you are for him.”

Fluttershy’s shoulders eased up a little as she acknowledged this.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just…I wish there was something else I could do.”

With a sigh and a smile, Rarity patted her friend on her flank.

“You’ve already done plenty for him, indeed it’s a testament to your kindness that he’s actually acknowledged that you need time to yourself. I say let him rest for a while and see if that helps.”

Looking into the unicorn’s eyes, and seeing the concern they held, Fluttershy made herself smile, a gesture that was all Rarity needed to beam like a star with satisfaction.

“I will. Thank you, Rarity. I don’t know what I’d do without you sometimes.” The yellow pegasus said.

With a chuckle and a roll of her eyes, Rarity shrugged.

“Truthfully, sometimes I envy how you can see the good in even the worst souls. I just don’t want that gift to be abused.” Straightening up and tossing back her flowing purple mane, the unicorn bade her friend to follow her. “Anyway, that’s scarcely a matter for us to be discussing now. Come, the day is young and I could use your help picking out something special for Spike.”

That was enough to spur a giggle out of the pegasus as the two headed through the bustle of Ponyville. With the celebration of Equinox over and things finally back to normal, there was a sense of cheer on the air that had long been absent from the community. Ponies were going about their daily tasks with a spring in their hooves and a smile on their muzzles, happy that today was the beginning of a new and better chapter in their lives.

Two such individuals caught the mares’ attention as they came to the familiar stomping grounds of Sugarcube Corner, the distinctively contrasting figures of Mr. and Mrs. Cake setting up a table outside their shop with a variety of baked goods that were labelled as ‘FREE SAMPLES’.

“Well, now isn’t this a pleasant sight: Rarity and Fluttershy come to say hello?” The round blue mare gleefully exclaimed.

“Well for you, Mrs. Cake we always have time to.” Rarity said while eyeing the tempting sweets. “What’s the special occasion that you’re giving out free samples for?”

“Oh just a little impromptu celebration, of sorts. We wished to share the joy that was recently bequeathed to us.”

“The joy?” Rarity cocked her head as she studied the older earth pony. “Wait, there’s something different about you today. You look….like you’re positively glowing.” A curious smile broke out across her muzzle. “My word, what has happened to you?”

Giggling like a mare half her age, Mrs. Cake looked affectionately at her husband as he brought out another selection of samples.

“Pound and Pumpkin are finally sleeping soundly through the night, which means we finally got to remember what it was like to do likewise. I tell you, getting the proper 8 solid hours in again after so many months, we’ve never felt more alive!” The lanky orange stallion declared, to the combined pleasure and confusion of his visitors.

“That’s wonderful, Mr. Cake! But, didn’t you say it’d be another year or so before they got to that stage?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yeah, that’s what we thought, but then a certain special somepony arrived in town that fixed that for us!” Both Cakes nuzzled each other affectionately, leaving Rarity and Fluttershy cocking their heads in bewilderment.

“A certain special somepony?” Rarity asked. “Who might that be?”

“Why, Calypso the Wish Weaver!” Mrs. Cake said with a grin. She was met with Fluttershy’s bewildered stare and Rarity’s furrowed brow, until something clicked for the latter and she traded brow for wide open eyes.

“Calypso? Wait, did you say Calypso?”

Both Cakes nodded enthusiastically.

“That would be the same Calypso that was mentioned during the Equinox celebration?”

More nods.

“Seems she saw fit to pay Ponyville a visit, lucky for us.” Mr. Cake said with relief.

Fluttershy and Rarity traded glances, neither willing to believe what they were hearing.

“She’s here now?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yep, got a tent set up on the other side of town. If there’s anything you need done that’s outside the normal realm of magic, you might want to snag a spot. Last we heard she’s getting pretty booked up.” Mr. Cake replied.

Cynicism warred with disbelief, who warred with amazement as the two mares processed this. Giving each other another glance, they settled on a course of action.

“I…guess we’ll do that. Uh, thank you for mentioning it.” Rarity said. She was promptly handed a box full of cupcakes.

“Perfect. If you wouldn’t mind giving these to her, we’d like her to know how thankful we are for what she did!” Mrs Cake replied.

Accepting the gift, Rarity and Fluttershy headed for the indicated part of Ponyville while still turning over what had just been revealed.

“Rarity, do you think…?” Fluttershy asked, breaking herself off in mid-sentence when she realized she had no idea what to think, let alone what her friend might be thinking.

“Honestly, I haven’t the foggiest idea. Star Gazer said Calypso was the one who may, emphasis on the ‘MAY’ part, have been instrumental in Equinox’s coming to Equestria, yet after Equinox’s….ermm…breakdown, she backed Twilight up on that most likely NOT being the case.” Rarity scratched at her chin, dwelling deeply on her own thoughts. “Then again, considering what we just heard, I suppose it’d still be worth our time to check this out.”

The two walked into Ponyville’s residential area, taking note that the mood here was even more jovial than in the town square, and with good reason if the ambient chatter was anything to go by.

Hey you’re out of the hospital already! And your wing is all healed up?

Yep, went to that mare in the tent on a whim. Wished for a speedy recovery and, well, she definitely made it speedy! Wing is as good as new!

So you just made a wish for that mane style and she made it possible? How is that thing even staying balanced on your head?

Don’t know. I admit, I’m a little afraid to shower or disturb it…but still, got my wish so I can’t complain!

Seriously I couldn’t believe it myself. She told me to just give it a night to work, and the next morning I woke up and my eyes had changed color just as I wanted! No really, on my life I swear these aren’t contacts!

Rarity’s ears swiveled like satellite dishes to hungrily absorb as much idle chatter as they could, her intrigue growing with each declaration that a Celestia-given miracle had indeed been blessed upon Ponyville.

“Yes, very worth our time.” The white unicorn observed.

The two finally came to the edge of town, finding the tent exactly as described. Granted it was fairly hard to miss given its size and the huge wooden sign perched above its entrance, not to mention the line of ponies looped around the exterior

“Calypso, Wish-Weaver Extraordinaire. Wish as you may, wish as you might. Wish what you will, it shall be right. Hmm, how poetic.” Rarity commented upon reading the sign. She studied the entrance and took note of the two fire pits that were blazing silently to light the rich weave of the tent cloth, a weave that not only exploded with hues of red and gold but also sparkled in the sunlight as if every thread was infused with magical energy. “Well it seems she’s definitely got the exotic design aspect down pat.”

“And she’s as much a hit as the Cakes said.” Fluttershy commented as she gauged the length of the line. “Do you want to grab a spot, Rarity?”

“Well if she’s garnered this much attention in such a short time frame I have to see what all the fuss is about.” The white unicorn said as she ran to get behind the last of the equines. “Not to mention this is giving me an idea, come on.”

Fluttershy got in line behind her friend and thus began the game of waiting while ponies slowly advanced forward into the wonders that lay within, then walked out either baring evidence that their time had been well spent, or wearing an expression that conveyed as much. Rarity watched with deep fascination as a fellow unicorn passed by with a newly acquired circlet of diamonds and rubies adorning her brow, with several more gems fastened around her horn. After her came an earth pony who’d gone in on crutches, and walked out under his own steam. He threw his now useless support devices in a nearby garbage can for good measure and smiled in victory.

“I can’t tell who’s going to face more competition here, Zecora…or Celestia.” The unicorn pondered. “Still, it seems I shan’t be making the most excessive request after all…”

“What are you going to ask for?” Fluttershy queried as the two drew close to the entrance. “The placard there says there’s a limit of one wish for each pony.”

She pointed to a smaller sign propped by the doorway, stating what the price of service was, as well as a request to please be sensible in what one asked for.

“Oh several things come to mind. First though, I really want to have a few words with this so called miracle mare.” The unicorn said as her turn finally came and she stepped beyond the veil. Inside both mares were immediately hit with the strong smell of incense. Smoke wafted from brass braziers tactfully placed around the room, giving it even more of an otherworldly atmosphere than the outside. Taking up center place in the tent was a small wooden table, adorned with several cups centered on a copper tea pot as if the occupant had been expecting guests to share a nice brew and some idle chatter with, rather than customers. A rug of similarly rich color as that of the tent spread out to provide a comfortable seat for the ponies as they took in their surroundings, spying various wooden chests around them that foretold of the nomadic lifestyle that their owner lead.

“Please help yourself to some mate! I’ll just be a moment!” Came a voice from further back in the cloth confines of the tent. Now more intrigued than ever, Rarity levitated the pot to pour herself a cup, and gasped as the smell of freshly brewed herbs and fruit spilled out with the liquid.

“Someone has certainly traveled from a distant land.” She mused while taking a sip of the delicious beverage. That someone soon revealed herself, in the form of the heavily robed and veiled mare as she stepped out while mopping her brow.

“Hello! Welcome! And sorry about that. Needed to quickly deal with something in the back.” She sounded quite flustered as she sat herself down.

“Miss Calypso, I presume?” The unicorn said while extending a hood. “My name is Rarity, owner of the Carousel Boutique, and this is my dear friend Fluttershy. We heard of the splash you’ve been making among the locals and simply had to come by to see what all the fuss was about.”

Calypso laughed politely as she poured some mate for herself. “Who hasn’t today? I was told your town was in need of aid, but this has so far been the most demand I’ve gotten anywhere. Barely even had time to set up and unpack before the crowds began to amass.”

Rarity nodded enthusiastically as she sipped her drink. “Well, from what we saw outside, you’ve got quite a unique gift. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it.”

“I sure hope not. I’m worried enough over being the only one.” Calypso replied, much to both of the mare’s surprise. “I mean don’t get me wrong, I take it as a blessing that I can help ponies as I have, but with the wishes I’ve been getting I fear over what may happen if things get out of hoof.”

Taking a long drink and letting the infusion of spices calm her soul Calypso set her cup down.

“To just give you fair warning, I still consider myself a novice, albeit it one with tremendous potential, hence why the limit on wishes and the request to keep things small. I don’t want to inadvertently grant something that’s going to turn around and cause problems further down the road. What’s more, I’m only one pony so ideally others could acknowledge that I’m not their personal problem solver for everything that plagues them in life.” She said.

Rarity and Fluttershy looked at each other. While before this might have confused them, the unexpected show of humbleness had now instilled a sense of quiet amazement.

“I see. Wow, I never thought I’d hear something like that from one with such magical talent.” The white unicorn said.

Calypso hid her face behind her cup again.

“Let’s…um…let’s say I have cause to be careful.” She said while finishing her drink. Pulling her veil down again she cleared her throat and sat up straighter. “Heavens, listen to me babbling on while I have clients waiting for me. It’s been that kind of day.”

She summoned a roll of parchment and a quill from one of the chests. Unrolling the parchment on the table, the mare set to work on writing up a contract. “What can I do for you two?”

Rarity made to respond, but then stopped herself. Her ears rotated outward as something new sprouted in her head. “Well, first off, what CAN you do?”

Calypso smiled. “Whatever you wish, Miss Rarity. Need a new mane style for an upcoming gathering? It’s done. Having a problem with dried hooves or your teeth not looking white enough? I can amend that. Don’t like the color of your coat? Pick something new and I’ll change it for you.” The smile vanished behind the veil. “Just again, don’t ask me to fill your bank account with bits or, deus forbid, tell me there’s somepony you’d prefer to be rid of.”

Rarity nodded as she puzzled and pondered.

“Fluttershy, may I have a quick and quiet word with you?”

The yellow pegasus looked confused as the unicorn made her turn around and whispered something in her ear.

“What? Oh no, Rarity I can’t do that…”

More whispering.

“But…”

More whispering.

“Well…”

Rarity gave her friend a pouty look that could easily have melted ice. With a resigned smile, Fluttershy nodded.

“I guess you’re right. What other option do I have left?” The yellow pegasus said before turning back to Calypso. “There’s a friend of mine, who’s been terribly sick for the last few weeks. I’ve had him looked at by everyone who could help, and none of them have been able to cure him.”

Calypso looked suitably concerned. “Were they able to at least diagnose what ails him?”

“Well…” Fluttershy nervously averted her gaze. “He’s not a normal…um…individual. His name is Discord…”

Calypso promptly jumped in shock at the name. Having expected this, Fluttershy winced.

“He’s not out for vengeance against ponies anymore, I promise! He and I, we’ve come to an agreement, and after recent events he’s been increasingly adamant about not going against that.” She said.

The hooded mare was not convinced. “This is still the god of chaos you speak of.”

“Yes but…he’s still so weak, and he keeps getting worse. I….I’m worried over what might happen if he doesn’t recover soon.” Fluttershy said.

Calypso looked down at the table. She poured herself another cup of mate and contemplated the steam swirling around the hot beverage.

“And you wish for me to see if I can perhaps help him?” She said.

Fluttershy nodded.

“You fear losing him, not just as a friend but as one you trust? Implicitly?”

Another nod, this one with notable resignation and fear that Fluttershy had overstepped her boundaries. Calypso moved her veil aside to sip at her drink, then closed her eyes and bowed her head. “Miss Rarity?”

The unicorn placed her hooves on the table and cleared her throat. “While I fully understand and share your concern, Fluttershy’s been good about keeping Discord on our side. He even lives with us now and hasn’t caused any problems yet.”

Calypso meditated on this a bit more, her hood shifting with the twists of her ears.

“Okay then. If that is your wish, Miss Fluttershy, I will do what I can to grant it. Bring him here after I’ve closed up for the day and I’ll have a look at him.”

Fluttershy looked immediately relieved. “Oh thank you! I just didn’t know what else to do!”

Rarity smiled brightly that her friend may at last have found the solution to her problem, then blushed when the robed mare turned to her.

“And what about you? You still haven’t made a wish yet.”

The unicorn hmmmed, though her attention seemed to be focused more on the mare than finding an answer.

“Honestly, I’m more intrigued by the exotic style of your attire. What say you drop by my boutique when you have a moment? I’d like to get some drawings and we’ll discuss what makes the most sense for me to wish for.”

Calypso blinked in surprise, then idly turned the cup around in her hooves as if bashful.

“I…could do that. I’ll just have to see what my schedule is like in the coming days.”

“Perfect! Here, take this as a downpayment and we’ll see you tonight!” Rarity poured several bits onto the table then bid the mysterious mare goodbye with a flourish.

"And these! The Cakes wanted you to have them for what you did." Fluttershy slid the box of cupcakes over and smiled. For the first time that day, she found cause to trot with the same light and perky spring as her friend. New hope had sprung from an unlikely source, and maybe, just maybe, it would help set things right.

Maybe….

Wish Weaver - Chapter 12: When unconventional minds meet.

My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver - Chapter 12
When unconventional minds meet..

“Not that I’m complaining about you taking over so Fluttershy could have a break, but what exactly do you hope to get out of me that will help with Celestia’s rather underhoofed request?”Discord asked as Equinox applied a freshly chilled cloth to his head. “For that matter, why are you telling me of all folk about it?”

-Information. I cannot hope to accomplish the task at hoof without some leads to go on, and after careful evaluation of what little information is currently available I have concluded you are my best lead.-

Discord arched the brow over the larger of his two eyes as the robot alicorn set about fluffing his pillow.

-Your unique ability to sense changes in the level of magical energy could be used to determine if there is any pattern to the times these abrupt shifts occur, or if they perhaps are occurring at any notable proximity to your current location. –

Cradling his head and wincing as if wracked with pain, Discord let out a weary sigh.

“And in the meantime it’s also why I feel like my skull is stuck in a vice with a giant spike repeatedly stabbing me in the brain. Really dear Equinox, can’t this wait till I’m a bit more like my old self?”

Equinox shook her head and refilled the glass of water sitting on the draco-equine’s nightstand.

-Time is critical here, Anomaly Discord. The sooner I can figure out the cause of these disturbances, the sooner everyone can rest easy knowing that all is well with Equestria.-

Now the chaos god glared in outright refusal to believe what he was hearing.

“Well that’s easy for you to say, you’re not currently contemplating whether life as a lobotomized vegetable might be an improvement from current conditions.” Discord grabbed his head and proceeding to unscrew it from his body. Popping the top of his skull open like it was the lid of a soup can he yanked out his brain and sliced several parts of it off with a scalpel. As Equinox quietly watched, the chaos god then placed his hacked up mind back in his cranium and screwed it back onto his shoulders. A quick application of bandages and the chaos god was settling back into his bed, content that he was about to feel a lot better as his body remolded itself to resemble that of a potato.

Sadly, another wince and another growl of agony put a quick end to that hope.

“Nope, that didn’t work either.” Discord sadly mused as he returned to normal form and gathered up his discarded brain fragments. Equinox grabbed another blanket and helped bundle him up while he stuffed them back into his head. “At any rate, I find it hard to believe your motives for doing this are entirely selfless. Celestia must have offered you something in return for being her little secret police officer.”

The cyber-pony paused in her bundling, very wary of the analytical gaze that was now upon her.

-She did. In return for taking care of this issue, she will help me try to find out who I am and why I was sent here.-

Discord chuckled somewhat as Equinox walked over to open a window for him. “How typical of her, always adamant that she just automatically knows the right solution to everything.”

Equinox raised a curious ear. "You doubt her wisdom in this?"

The draconequine shrugged. "Well let's just say that there's been numerous times in the past where she could have easily settled on an alternative course of action, and spared Equestria a lot of grief!"

Hearing a shrill whistle outside the bedroom, the robot equine politely kept mute till she had walked out and returned with a steaming cup of tea.

-Your opinion of those who have accepted you as friend is as intriguing as it is inconsistent. You routinely display disapproval, ire, and doubt for many of the ponies around you, yet still there are cases such as Caretaker Fluttershy whom you seem to respect to the utmost degree.-

Discord again drew back in suspicion as he was handed the cup.

-If I may inquire, Anomaly Discord, why is that?-

The chaos god stoically sipped at his hot beverage, deliberately letting the silence hold the room for as long as the robot could stand it before breaking down and demanding an answer. Unfortunately he quickly realized that was probably going to be quite a while as Equinox just stood where she was like a statue, totally unbothered by the delayed response.

“Well besides the obvious reason that I don’t wish to be turned to stone for a third time, this is an…unusual circumstance I’ve found myself in. Based on previous history I always ran under the logical assumption that my ideals and those of Equestria’s rulers would never gel together. I live for the constant change and endless turmoil of chaos, Celestia and co want order and peace. As the bigger and more mature being, I accepted we’d forever be at odds…until Twilight and her friends entered the scene. Yes our first meeting may not have gone smoothly, even if I had enormous fun with it, but still here I am, apparently forgiven for my transgressions and with their intent to prove that Celestia and I were wrong, and that we can co-exist.” Discord sipped his tea and sighed as he felt it calm his spirits. “And what’s even more unbelievable is that so far it’s working, albeit with the odd hiccup here and there.”

Equinox nodded slowly. – Caretaker Fluttershy has also indicated you find working with others, rather than against them to be an enlightening experience.-

Discord narrowed his eyes. “She has that charm about her. Even when I allied with Lord Tirek I still felt this gnawing sense of shame for having let her down, and by contrast being pleasant with her makes me feel….well….good about myself.” Noting the robot cocking her head with curiosity, he quickly added. “We’re just friends, nothing more!"

–I did not suggest anything to the contrary.- Equinox replied. Her patient glowered but let the cyber-pony have her moment.

“Your turn now, machine. Quid pro quo.” He set the cup down and lowered his head to stare intently into her glowing eyes. “You still haven’t told me why you’re being so open with me about your secret mission. Out of everyone to blab to, most would say I’m the worst possible choice.”

-That remains to be seen. As stated at present you are the only one who can assist me so I must still try to establish trust with you.-

Scrutinizing the metal alicorn, Discord rose and ripped the bandages off his head.

“And how do you know I’m not actually the one behind this? Most would suspect this is all just an elaborate trick to throw suspicion off myself so I can conjure up some other means of taking over Equestria!”

Despite the threatening tone being cast at her, Equinox remained where she was, calmly staring up at her charge while he put on a very intimidating visage.

-Logic would suggest otherwise. You are a being of many talents, Anomaly Discord, but subtlety is not one of them. If this was in fact your doing you would have already let everyone know by now, in order to savor their shock and horror.-

The dracoequine promptly deflated and slumped weakly onto his bed.

“Well deduced, Equinox. I must say your dedication to looking at facts rather than heresay is actually kind of refreshing.” He muttered while staring at the machine. “You honestly trust me?”

Equinox nodded. –As a friend and a partner if needs be, provided you are willing to assist me.-

The chaos god looked to his tea cup, then to the rest of the room which Equinox had been tweaking to his exact preferences.

“Well it’s hard to argue with this amount of pampering. Has Fluttershy been giving you lessons?”

-When she can. I also strive to remain observant of all around me.- Equinox replied as she reapplied the cool cloth and pulled Discord’s blanket back over him. –Now, can we talk?-

Making himself comfortable again, the dracoequine sighed and nodded. “Ask whatever is on your mind. I’ll do my best to answer.”

-Thank you. Now when did you first begin experiencing these magic fluctuations?- Equinox summoned her visor and began recording the conversation.

“Oddly enough only a day or so before you first turned up. At first I thought you were the cause what with that dazzling entrance you made on the front lawn.”

Equinox narrowed her eyes.

“But considering none of your abilities technically qualify as magic, at least not in the traditional sense, I’m confidant that’s not the case.” Discord quickly added. Equinox stoically stared at him through her visor as she asked her next question.

-Do you sense these fluctuations on a consistent basis, or do they occur randomly?-

Groaning as yet another painful jab penetrated his skull, Discord tried to think.

“Initially I was fortunate in that it was the latter, allowing me the briefest spells of blissful relief. Now, however, over this last week, it’s been getting more towards the former.”

Equinox beeped and then chirped as she processed this new information.

-Does your ability allow you to determine which cardinal direction a fluctuation is occurring in, if only as a rough estimate?-

Now it was Discord who had to narrow his eyes.

“Really, if I did do you think I’d be lying here in woeful agony, rather than using that direction to find the source and kindly show it the errors of its ways? Magic doesn’t work like that. It’s more...oooh, how can I put this in words your flash-fried mind would understand? Think of it like a river, or maybe an ocean, flowing over everything. I can sense when something happens to alter the flow, or the level, but as for where, well, typically I just hazard a guess. It’s usually pretty easy to determine who’s swimming around and not abiding by the lifeguard’s rules.”

-Except for this instance.- Equinox noted, again ignoring the scorn being flung at her.

“Yes, well, quite.” Discord murmured. “What else do you wish to know?”

With another soft chirp, Equinox replied. -Could you possibly gauge how close the source of a fluctuation is to you?-

Discord’s ire faded a bit as he contemplated.

“Well now that…MIGHT be possible. If I may continue the aquatic analogy for a moment, the ripples of a disturbance are strongest when they first emanate from the cause. If I were to focus really hard I could wander around Equestria and see where my condition worsened vs. improved. Sort of like ‘hot and cold’…” He turned as there came a happier beep, and saw Equinox’s head was bowed in deep thought.

-Understood. That could prove useful…-

Discord eyed the robot cautiously.

“I trust you aren’t planning to use me as some manner of detection device!” He said. Much to his chargrin Equinox merely jostled her mane and whirred in satisfaction.

-I would prefer to avoid worsening your condition, but if no alternative option presents itself...-

A knock at the door mercifully cut that comment off before it could go somewhere unpleasant. Letting themselves in, Fluttershy and Rarity trotted happily up to their chaotic and cybernetic companions.

“Hello darlings! I do apologize for the interruption, but we come bearing the most splendid news!” The white unicorn exclaimed.

“I think we’ve found someone who can help you, Discord!” Fluttershy followed, though rather than cheer the dracoequine this just made him hold his head with greater need.

“Oh Fluttershy, your optimism is so endearing yet your naivety is so tragic. We both know there’s nothing that can be done for me!”

He flung himself down upon the pillows as one might do when they have finally accepted the end is upon them.

“The finest doctors could do nothing for my condition. Zecora’s mastery of mixtures failed to alleviate anything. My only recourse is to make peace in my final hours and bid farewell to my friends.”

Fluttershy looked horrified, Rarity simply looked cynical.

“No! Discord seriously, we saw what she can do! She has powers unlike any other pony! And she promised she could make you better!” The yellow pegasus pleaded.

“I might venture if she could also make you a little less dramatic as well.” The white unicorn muttered while turning to Equinox. “Do you mind if we take him off your hooves for a little bit?”

-Not at all. I believe I have obtained all relevant information from him for the moment. Now I must consult with Astronomer Star Gazer. He may be able to lend further assistance.-

Rarity was a bit puzzled by this but let it slide as she turned to help her friend pull Discord out of his bed.

“Discord please, I don’t want you suffering any longer! Can you please do this, if only for me?” Fluttershy begged.

“Even if it turns out to not work, what do you have to lose?” Rarity added, smiling when the dracoequine finally rose and conceded her words.

“Hmmm, a fair point. It’s either that or be used as our metal friend’s magical dowsing rod.” He stood and took the ponies by their hooves. “Lead on, ladies.”

Equinox went about making Discord’s bed, prompting him to look over his shoulder at her as he departed.

“Oh and, uh, thanks for keeping me company today. Conversation was a bit stilted but your tender care was still appreciated.” He said.

Though her mane hid her face, the metal alicorn's ears rose, as if hearing this delighted her.

-As was your honesty and willing spirit, Anomaly Discord.- She quietly replied.

Author's Note

With Fluttershy and Rarity out for the day, Equinox has time to converse with Equestria's strangest soul. What will come of two oddities sharing their own bizarre mindsets?

Wrote this one up because, well, honestly I just wanted to bring Discord back into the scene. He's fun to write but the plot didn't have a feasible role for him previously so I had to fix that. :)

Also, sorry to say, the chapters may be a bit slower from here on. My job switched to a new schedule for the holidays so I have considerably less time to write now than when I was first planning this series out (and building up a reserve of material). For those who may feel this series has been a bit of a slow burn, just please bear with me. There WILL be some serious change of pace soon, but I'm the type who enjoys giving it a properly developed world to play in first.

Hope you all are still enjoying this! Comment if you can!

Wish Weaver - Chapter 13: The impossible made possible...somehow.

My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver Chapter 13
The impossible made possible…Somehow

Bidding her final customer goodbye, Calypso picked up the sign that had been standing by the entrance to her tent and brought it inside with her. The day was over, she’d closed up shop, and the piles of bits sitting pretty on her little table spoke of how successful her first outing in Ponyville had gone. Any other pony would have cause to celebrate such a good turnout, but rather than cheer, the robed equine went about cleaning up her residence with a distinct sense of dread. Glancing at the small clock sitting above one of her chests, Calypso exhaled uneasily and swept her profits into a small purse. While officially she was no longer open for business, the pony still had one more customer due: an entity of a more unearthly and previously untrusted nature, a reformed criminal whom many would think her mad for agreeing to see. Pulling the purse strings taught and tying them in a bow, the equine seemed to ponder for a moment if she was, before a sound from deeper within the tent distracted her.

“Yes, yes we have done very well, just as we did before. Things are coming together with an e-efficiency far greater than even I could have….calculated.”

The hooded mare clutched her purse tightly as she stepped into the back area of the tent.

“To think that all this time, all these years I worried we would be found, forced to return…and prevented from completing our work…and yet still nothing. It is almost as if we’ve been forgotten about, or perhaps…I was wrong.”

The purse was set down inside another chest as the mare’s attitude grew more troubled.

“Wrong…could I have been? Would they have stopped me if I’d stayed? Did they deliberately not pursue us because….because they agreed with me? With what must be done?”

Another sound snapped the mare out of her thoughts again. This time it was voices, familiar ones indicating the moment she’d been dreading had come.

“Miss Calypso, we’re back! Are you here?” Rarity called out.

The mare quickly reached over and closed the chest containing her money.

“No matter. Now is not the time to dwell on such things. A greater challenge awaits.” She quietly whispered to herself. Adjusting her veil, Calypso stepped out into the main part of her tent, steeling her nerves at the sight of Rarity and Fluttershy carrying in the entity that many had every right to fear.

“Mr. Discord….” She said as the sickly dracoequine flopped down in front of her. “Or do you prefer just Discord?”

Casting the robed mare a whimpering look, the chaos god shrugged. “You can call me ‘Lancie’ so long as you can deliver on what these two promised. Actually you can call me that anyway now that I think about it. It’s quite catchy as names go.”

Dubiously, Calypso stared at Fluttershy, who gave an embarrassed grin and tried to nod that all was well.

“I understand you’re a pony of some repute, least I hope so for one who dubs themselves ‘The Wish Weaver.’” Discord continued with a soft chuckle. “Lovely title by the way. Very exotic.”

Maintaining a rigid but polite exterior, Calypso stoically nodded. “My skills may be incomprehensible to some, but they are no exaggeration.”

“Well so are mine….well, they would be if I were feeling more like my old self.” The chaos god moaned. “Which brings us to the matter at hoof. Fluttershy tells me you may be able to amend my condition.”

With evident trepidation, Calypso dared to step closer to the dracoequine. “I am willing to try, if I may be permitted to get a look at you first.”

With a great eye roll and a grand sigh, Discord spread his arms out and summoned a giant microscope slide underneath his body.

“If you must. I ask only that you be gentle, I have already been poked and prodded aplenty like the proverbial lab specimen.” He said. Trying to hide her disdain, Calypso stared deep into Discord’s eyes, checked his mouth, his tongue, then she lifted both his thinner, scaled hand and and his larger lion paw to check his pulse. She seemed unsurprised when the latter two produced completely different readings.

“Well, the good news is this doesn’t look like anything too complicated. Nothing I can’t fix at least.”

“Ha!” Discord laughed, causing Calypso to immediately back away. “If that were the case then why couldn’t Zecora, or any of Equestria’s doctors help me? What makes you better than the most accomplished medical experts in the land?”

Regaining her composure, the hooded mare humbly bowed her head. “Not that I wish to be detrimental, but they do not possess the same gift as I do. I am…a being of a very different type.”

Discord laughed again. “Well considering your taste in clothes and décor that goes without saying!”

"Discord..." Fluttershy scolded. Grinding her front hooves together, Calypso glared at the chaos god.

“Regardless, do you wish for me to make you better or not? Ordinarily I’d have turned down the prospect but Miss Fluttershy seemed so desperate to see you recover I found it hard to refuse.” She said, her patience visibly waning.That managed to pierce Discord’s armor a bit. Glancing to the now quietly pleading pegasus, his face sank and he sighed in resignation upon realizing how rudely he was behaving.

“Oh very well then. I shouldn’t be looking a gift horse in the mouth anyway.” He knelt before the hooded mare and bowed his head. “If you could please find it in you to relieve me of the maddening agony these constant shifts in the magical balance of Equestria are causing it’d be much appreciated.”

Daring another look at Fluttershy, as if asking for her permission, Calypso let her body relax a bit.

“Okay, please focus your attention on me. Look deep into my eyes.”

Discord did so, and Calypso’s eyes began to take on a blinding glow.

“A wish that is great. A wish that is true. A wish to make you, good as new!” Narrowing her illuminated gaze, the hooded mare projected two beams of ice blue light into the dracoequine’s, grabbing his head to keep him still as he reacted to the sudden white out. Fluttershy and Rarity watched with tensely held breath as their friend squirmed in the hooded mare’s surprisingly strong grip.

“Not that this isn’t lovely…erf…but I was kind of hoping you’d give me some pills…or something standard…” Discord wearily commented as his mind was slowly cooked from the inside out.

“Shhhh! Concentrate!” Calypso ordered. Her searing gaze burned within the tent like the brightest star, sending trickles of light coursing through the dracoequine’s skin…till finally she closed her eyes and stepped away, allowing him to stumble backwards and cradle his head.

“Okay…that...that is the best I can do.” She panted. Rubbing his temples, Discord winced as if pained, but then slowly his features brightened as he realized something had been changed within him, something he’d never imagined possible.

“Well, as unorthodox and intrusive as that was, it seems it was enough. The pain is actually gone!” He cried. Leaping into the air he transformed himself into an anatomical chart and checked his innards, then he turned into an x-ray machine and studied what appeared on his display. “Yep, everything looks to be in perfect disorder again. How you did that I can’t imagine, but I’m not going to complain about it either!”

Fluttershy gave a relieved smile as her friend bounced and danced around the tent, evidently now back to his usual self. Rarity did her best to share the sentiment.

“Oh Discord, I’m so happy! I knew there had to be a way to cure you!” The yellow pegasus cheered. Discord ceased his exuberant display and meekly looked back at her.

“And yet I still doubted you for trying. I must make amends for that….though later. Right now there’s a town out there that needs to be painted red! And blue! And cadmium! And primrose! And oh, there was that one house we passed on the way here that was just screaming for a coat of deep mauve!”

Discord summoned a paint pallet and rushed out of the tent while squeezing an entire spectrum of colors onto it. The ponies watched his departure with a mirthful blend of cheer and subtle annoyance.

“I don’t suppose you could do anything to maybe take his energy level down a notch could you, Calypso? I’ll pay extra.” The white unicorn intoned.

“Rarity! Please!” Fluttershy demanded before turning to the hooded mare. “Thank you, Miss Calypso. If there’s anything we can do in return, please let us know!”

Calypso merely shook her head. “I did what you asked, and my efforts did not bring about total destruction. That’s enough for me.”

Huffing at such humbleness, Rarity slapped a business card on the mare’s table. “Well still, my offer stands. Drop by the Carousel Boutique whenever you have a spare moment and we’ll see if I can whip you up an ensemble stylish enough to match the one you’re wearing!”
Calypso eyed the card with a strange sense of caution, but nevertheless she picked it up and tucked it into the folds of her robe.

“I will…see..see what can be done, Miss Rarity.” She said.

Nodding in satisfaction, Rarity gestured for her and Fluttershy to take their leave.

“Come on, we better make sure Discord doesn’t actually make good on his jokes. Otherwise Ponyville is going to look like a pastel nightmare come the dawn!”

The two mares ran out, leaving Calypso to stare at their wake in quiet unease.

“It is done. The cay-chaos god will noooot be a problem going forward….yet…” She pulled out Rarity’s business card and studied its eloquent penmanship. “They seemed so….friendly….they requested my company…n-not for their own benefit but just for socialization.”

The hooded mare’s hooves trembled as she stepped back into the private part of her tent.

“We cannot be sidetracked now. The preparations are ahhhlmost complete….but…w-w-we have been alone for so long…would a few hours away from our work be so bad?”

While the rest of the town slept peacefully, its newest member sat up and pondered about many things, wrestling with some unseen conscience as to how much did she need, nay, crave some new company vs. remaining resolute to the pursuit of her work….

Elsewhere another pony was facing a similar dilemma as she watched the red stallion fiddle with the dials on his telescope while peering intently through the eyepiece.

“Well, Augeron-B has moved about two inches to the left over the course of the last few months, but I don’t think that’s in any way related to what’s been happening around here.” Star Gazer commented as he stepped down off the viewing platform and slipped his glasses back on. “I don’t know, Miss Equinox. There’s not a lot to suggest there’s been any stellar influence on Equestria as of late…well…except for you…in a sense.”

He chuckled nervously while the robot alicorn quietly contemplated his information.

-But it is still possible that the stars could affect magical levels.- She said after a few minutes.

“Well yes, of course. A lot of things affect magic. Atmospheric pressure, solar radiation, gravitational pull of the moon, it all plays some part.” Star Gazer rushed into his lab and began pulling out files filled with documents. “But the main advantage of Equinox, that is the state of being, not you…though you have many advantages and….um…..”

The metal pony peered in confusion at the stammering stallion. He grinned awkwardly and began frantically flipping through his files to try and cover for his flub.

“Anyway what it does is keep everything more or less consistent across the board. Balances the whole world out so nothing upsets anything else.” Star Gazer turned over several charts, trying to search for…well…something. Equinox perked her ears as she listened.

-Then if something were to upset the balance, there would be an obvious sign.- She concluded.

“Indeed. One example I got to witness recently was the rather wonky sunrise that occurred during Lord Tirek’s rampage. The problem is, so far, that was the last real sign of upset.”

The stallion laid down a map of stars with several lines and notes scribbled across it.

“Since then I’ve seen a few fluctuations in the orbit of distant bodies but nothing really out of the ordinary. I’m sorry but I think I’m going to be a dead end for you.” He chewed on his lower lip as Equinox slowly nodded. “I…uh…hope you’re not disappointed.”

-Not at all, Astronomer Star Gazer. If I can conclude that this avenue of investigation is not worth pursuing then it was wise to seek your counsel.- Equinox replied. The stallion tentatively smiled.

“Yeah…uh…I’m quite surprised you wanted to see me again actually, after what happened at the festival.” He meekly began storing away his charts and documents. “Though I’m glad that you did….heh.”

Equinox emitted a gentle whirr as she turned to stare up at the stars through the lab’s skylight.

-That was no fault of yours. To the contrary, I hope I did not disappoint you with my malfunctioning and endangering of your life.-

Star Gazer gave her a bewildered look. “What? No! Why would you think that?”

A harsher, grinding sound issued from the metal pony, as if she was contemplating something that made her uncomfortable.

-You have demonstrated a vested interest in me, as have several significant figures in your society. You believe me to be an entity capable of accomplishing exceptional feats due to my unique stature…it is a reputation I find myself doubting as to whether I can live up to it.-

Even more bewildered, Star Gazer walked over to stand next to the alicorn. “What do you mean?”

Tossing her mane about, Equinox whirred again.

-I have been charged with an important mission, with the promise that I may yet be aided in recovering my memory if I succeed….however, with the damage done to my systems, my inability to use my higher functions except when under duress, and what will be demanded of me in order to accomplish my objectives….there is substantial information indicating I will not be successful.-

“What? How can you think like that?” The stallion asked while furrowing his brow. Equinox looked at him in puzzlement.

-I have no data on my true identity, no means of working around my inoperable circuits. To summarize: I am too broken to serve the function that has been requested of me.-

Star Gazer looked doubtful of this, and a little put off by how matter-of-factly the robot mare had stated it. Shaking his head he pointed to the skylight.

“Look up there again, Equinox. I’ve spent most of my life studying those stars. By my estimates there’s billions, upon billions, upon billions, upon billions of them, each with as much likelihood to harbor life as Equestria. Everyone talks about this world like it’s the single greatest phenomenon to ever exist, and in many ways it is. But at the same time it’s also just one microscopic stage amidst many others. Out there are mysteries that yearn to be explored, mysteries I’ve pondered for years yet resigned myself to never being able to investigate. Then out of the blue I decided to try something: I made a wish to know the answer to at least one of them, and lo and behold, I actually got it!”

He smiled at Equinox who could only cock her head.

-While that is an eloquent and deeply insightful statement, I do not understand how it relates to me.- She said.

“You’re a mystery, just like the mystery that you said you’ve been asked to solve, and if Celestia saw fit to let me finally have one of my life long queries answered, then I believe anyone can have the same happen to them. Just don’t give up on it and you’ll find what you seek to know, somehow.”

Hoping he wasn’t about to commit an act of sacrilege, Star Gazer gave the cyber-mare a reassuring pat on her shoulder. Equinox watched the action with the faintest hint of amazement.

-I have no answers of what lies beyond your world, I can offer you no further insight than you already have, yet you still speak in support of me?-

Star Gazer nodded. “You are the proof that Equestria is but one part of a vast group, which we must become more cognizant of with each day. To me that makes you as important and significant as anyone of those stars, and just as capable of wowing everyone!”

A slow, almost embarrassed chirp issued from the robot. If Star Gazer didn’t know better he’d swear that meant Equinox was blushing.

-A star….Creator Zecora said the same of me….as did Entertainer Pinkie Pie….no matter whom I encounter, they believe I am better than my own diagnostics indicate.- Equinox dared to look to the sky again, to the twinkling gems that stretched for eternity in every direction. –To deny solid data, in favor of baseless optimism seems…illogical…yet the affection I have been shown by all cannot be ignored.-
The metal mare jostled her head about as a series of clicks and whirrs echoed through the lab.

-With your permission, Astronomer Star Gazer, I will return to Princess Twilight’s castle and contemplate your words, as I have those before you.-

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Star Gazer chuckled. “I don’t blame you, it’s probably long past your bed time.”

Equinox shook her head. – I do not require sleep, at least at present. I am, however, needed to guard Princess Twilight and her friends while they allow their bodies to rest.- She headed for the door to the lab and tugged it open. –If you are available later though, I would appreciate conversing again.-

Star Gazer nodded and chuckled. “Just drop by any time after dark. I’m as much of a night owl as you.”

With a wave goodbye, Equinox took to the skies, paying the stallion a lasting look as she flew back to her friends. Even if this first attempt at solving the mystery of the magical fluctuations had gone nowhere, she still felt as tough something had been accomplished, something she would need to revisit later for further enhancement.

Things were going to get very interesting for everyone.

Very interesting….

Author's Note

And with less than seven hours to go to 2015, I manage to crank one final fic for the year out!

Things gradually come to a head as one party finally gets a resolution to their problem, while another only finds their issue growing more complicated.

As always, critics, complaints and grammatical corrections are welcome!

Wish Weaver - Chapter 14: At Odds With The Ordinary

My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver - Chapter 14: At odds with the ordinary.

This was wrong, this was not productive, and yet here Calypso stood, in the middle of the Carousel Boutique’s fitting room as Rarity measured her from all angles.

“Now normally I’d ask you to remove a few of these robes to get a more accurate scale for your figure, but I’m guessing with the way you cover yourself so heavily, such is considered taboo where you come from?” The unicorn queried.

“Something like that.” The mare murmured under her veil. “Though if you absolutely need me too…”

“Not in the least! I wouldn’t dare dream of making a client uncomfortable just for my own convenience.” Rarity sharply replied as she studied the rich pattern woven through the mare’s clothing. “A designer of my caliber can always adapt to a challenge, and honestly I find it more enriching to study the tapestry of your threads.”

Rather than soothe Calypso this just made her more uneasy.

“You honestly like the design?” She asked.

“More than you can imagine. The expertise of the weave is flawless, the flow of the patterns exemplary, and the use of such vibrant hues of red and gold would make even Celestia herself blush!” Rarity noted her measurements down on a pad and whisked to her fabric selections to start picking out colors. “You must tell me who designed these for you!”

Calypso fidgeted with her hooves as she quietly replied. “I actually did them myself. Being a lone traveler for so long, I really had no other choice.”

Rarity’s eyes lit up. Dropping her fabrics she ran over to examine the mare’s robes again.

“This is all your work then? Oooh, now that is too much! You’re a natural for fashion, as much as I am, darling!” She proclaimed. Calypso turned away as if embarrassed.

“Thank you.” The hooded mare replied as the unicorn ran back and levitated more fabric.

“Well, now I really must put my best effort in! See that I do not disappoint a fellow enthusiast!” She smiled.

“Again, it was simply because I had no one else to rely upon.” Calypso backed away as Rarity shook her head.

“Even so, the results demand commendation!” She replied while levitating a pencil to her sketch board. “Now let’s see, we can design you something that’s sure to hold its own against the elements for when you travel, or I could whip something fabulous for a day out. Alternately there’s plenty that could be done with a stylish night time ensemble…hmmm…I suppose it would depend on what you plan to do while here…”

Calypso averted her gaze.

“Oh I hadn’t actually thought about that, beyond just doing what I can for those who need help.” She expected Rarity to be disappointed, but the unicorn just kept smiling as she began sketching as speed.

“I’ll start with the traveler idea then.” She drew out a fashionable yet practical collection of robes, hoods and veil designs, each intended to be light and comfortable to wear, yet still resilient to typical hazards like rain, mud and sweat. Behind her, Calypso watched in awe.

“For one who is still a stranger to you, you seem most enthusiastic about helping me.” She commented.

“Well, let’s just say you’re not the first exotic thing to have popped up in Ponyville. Indeed over these last few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of befriending another oddity who turned up before you.” Rarity replied as she stepped over and began holding up sheets of differing colors against Calypso’s back.

“Then all those who..who are….out of the ordinary are equally welcome here?” The robed mare queried.

“As welcome as we can make them. Twilight would have it no other way!” Rarity said. Calypso nodded and relaxed her shoulders as the unicorn swapped one layer of fabric for another, idly rubbing a hoof against her chin as she gauged which of the colors worked best for her customer. “Hmmm, these all are far too mild to work. We need something that really pops for you!”

Calypso was about to mention such was not necessary, but by the time she’d opened her mouth Rarity had already dashed out of the fitting room and down the stairs to the lower levels. Sighing inwardly, the mare stood in awkward silence till she heard the clops of the unicorn trudging back up, with a pile of far more exotically colored fabrics floating above her head.

“Here, let’s see what we can do with a little palomino purple and some appaloosa amber!” She set the pile down and began testing them against Calypso’s flank. The hooded mare shifted in evident discomfort.

“This is really….far…far too kind of you, Miss Rarity.” She said.

“Nonsense, you did us a fine service, you deserve proper recognition for it. This is simply my way of showing the latter.” Rarity assured. Nodding again, the hooded mare took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

“Then I apologize for my…reluctance. It has been a while since I’ve interacted with anyone in a manner that is not business related.” She said. Lowering the fabric from her flank, Rarity cocked her head, then smiled softly.

“Well, while there’s no need to be sorry, I can certainly understand that.” She said while holding up two sheets layered on top of each other. “Yes, I think that’s just the right combination!”

She levitated the fabric over to her sewing table and set to work on marking where to trim them in order to get the perfect shape. Behind her veil, Calypso seemed almost envious as the unicorn went about her work with a lightness in her hooves and a cheery brightness to her expression.

“Yes, as I mentioned in passing before, years ago something happened that…required me to leave home, to leave behind everything and everyone I knew. I made a mistake, and many folk were hurt.” The robed mare said, if for no other reason than to fill the silence. Though she kept snipping away with her scissors, Rarity cocked an ear, indicating she was listening intently.

“As such I took to traveling the road, alone, as a means of atoning for my error…and to try and hone my powers so that I could eventually make up for it.”

Realizing this was going deeper than idle chatter, Rarity put down her tools and turned around to give Calypso her full attention. She looked most sympathetic to the hooded mare’s pain, yet Calypso still turned away.

“Forgive me, I feel like it’s something I should talk about, but…it’s painful to say.” Calypso replied.

The unicorn slid off her stool and walked over to rest a caring hoof on her client’s shoulder.

“Well, while I don’t wish to pry, know that some of the most caring folk are here in Ponyville. While you’re among us, I’d be happy to put you in touch with a few of them.” The unicorn replied. Calypso looked out the window of the fitting room, in the direction of where her tent was set up. She’d draped a sign over the entrance saying she’d be out for a few hours, yet even as she’d walked to Rarity’s shop ponies were still lining up, adamant about holding onto their spots for when she returned.

“I feel I’ve already become quite well connected as it is. The residents of this town have confessed some of their most personal secrets to me in hopes that I can aid them in what they yearn for.” Calypso closed her eyes and shivered. Rarity could imagine why.

“And thus you worry they’ll abuse your talents for their own gain?” She queried.

Calypso cleared her throat and looked away again.

“Something like that.” She repeated.

“Well, speaking from personal experience, while that can happen, it’s not very likely here. Ponyville has seen the worst of what indulgence and greed can wrought, and even if they do start to demand more than you feel comfortable delivering on, a simple denial usually does the trick.” Rarity smiled, though the hooded mare now looked upset.

“It didn’t the last time I tried.” She stated under her breath. With the situation now taking a very awkward turn, Rarity tentatively looked to the cloth she was working on and levitated a mannequin over to herself.

“I see….um…well, you can always come back to me then. As I said, I’m friends with Princess Twilight and can certainly put in a word for you if needed.” She hastily began laying the fabric over the mannequin and began making adjustments with a needle and thread.

“Again that is kind of you, but hopefully such will not be needed….needed.” Calypso bit her lip under her veil. “Anyway, such is not worthwhile conversation for a fitting session.”

Rarity giggled. “Perhaps not, but just as you’re willing to listen to other ponies’ problems, I can do the same.” She studied the shape her work was taking and grinned as an idea struck. “Now, while the gold border around the outside will look simply fabulous, I could also weave some silver into the main body for added dazzle. Why don’t I whip up a small test patch and you can tell me how it looks?”

Another spool filled with a shiny, metallic thread was levitated off the table, only to then be dropped back down onto it when there came a knock at the door.

“Sis? Can I interrupt for a moment?” Sweetie Belle queried from outside. Rolling her eyes at being disturbed, Rarity walked over and opened the door.

“Can this please wait? I have a client right now, and you’re meant to be watching the store downstairs!” She said to the smaller unicorn outside.

“I’m sorry Sis, but your coltfriend just dropped by unexpectedly. He wanted to know if he can come up to see you.” Sweetie Belle grinned, much to Rarity’s puzzlement.

“Coltfriend? I don’t have a colt…uh…oh…” The older unicorn’s voice dropped off as she beheld Spike standing behind her sister. He had a red bowtie on, and a beautiful bunch of flowers in his arms.

“Oh…are we not at the stage where I can surprise you with lunch then? Cause you left the castle without taking anything to eat so I thought I could….uh….” Spike sounded disappointed, and also afraid he’d made a terrible faux pas. Rarity promptly shoved the door open and beckoned both foal and dragon in.

“No…I mean NO! Oh Spikey, you didn’t have to do that for me!” She exclaimed as the dragon handed over the bouquet.

“Actually, technically, yes I did. You made me that cute new kitchen apron so I had to do something in return.” He replied which made Rarity blush.

“Oh come now, I promised you something special for your birthday and that was overdue as it was. There is no need for you to spend bits on me in return!” She sounded very stern, however, with the very next breath she sniffed the sweet scent of the flowers in her hooves, and her tummy promptly rumbled in want.

“That said…I am feeling rather hungry, and I haven’t had a break yet….oooh and I also had to postpone our date last night…” She gazed down at the dragon again, noting how damn adorable he looked with his tie, and the little smile on his face.

“You really are far too kind to me, Spike.” She kissed him softly on the lips, then drew back as Sweetie Belle collapsed into giggles. “This still doesn’t mean he’s my coltfriend!”

“Sis…please. Ever since you two moved in together it’s been no secret that you’ve been getting serious about your relationship!” She beamed. Rarity flung her mane back in an attempt to appear indignant.

“He is NOT my…colt…friend!” Rarity paused, much to Spike’s dismay. “He’s a dragon, a very different and far more considerate type. Please see that you address him as such!” She commanded while walking back to her sewing table. If this was meant to silence her sister it failed miserably, she just laughed harder while Spike now looked as bashful as his unicorn did.

“Way to put me on a pedestal, Rarity.” He meeped.

“Awwww, I think it’s cute. You two seem so much happier since you got together.” Sweetie Belle argued.

“Yeah but, there’s a reason we’re trying to not make too much of a fuss about it for the moment.” Spike replied before noticing the gaping mare that was staring at them. “If you’ll kindly follow me back downstairs I’ll explain why. We are interrupting your sister here, after all.”
He shooed Sweetie back out of the room, much to Rarity’s relief, and Calypso’s bewilderment.

“Sorry, it’s not what that looked like…well, I mean it is but…” Rarity had to stop and think how she was going to explain what just happened. As the hooded mare continued to silently bore a hole into her with her eyes, she took a deep breath and tried to speak properly.

“He’s had something of a crush on me for as long as we’ve been friends. At first I was too lost in my own selfishness to notice, but after a number of less than pleasant experiences I’ve come to realize how much he really means to me.” She looked down at the flowers and delicately took a bite. Savoring their flavor she swallowed and sighed.

“He is a dragon though…” Calypso mentioned.

“Yes but honestly I’ve had my share of stallions, and none of them showed anywhere near the maturity or the care, or the simple sweetness he has. There came a point where the species difference ceased to matter for me.”

Calypso awkwardly turned to look out the window again. “I see.”

Pushing the flowers aside, Rarity picked up her needles and thread again. “Anyway, that’s probably of no interest to you. Let’s get back to making you a nice gorgeous addition to your wardrobe.”

Though her gaze returned to the mannequin, Calypso’s attention still seemed to be on other things.
“That small..smaller unicorn….she called you ‘sis’….”

“Yes, I’m afraid we are related, but don’t let her fillyish behavior fool you though. She’s a real hoof-ful, but she’s also a darling.” Rarity said before her eyes went wide. “Oh and there I go rambling about my own life again. Well, consider it a return for you trusting me enough to tell me about yourself.”

Calypso ground her hooves against the floor as something in her seemed to snap.

“I…I think I’d better go now. My own customers are still expecting me.”

Rarity looked up from her work in puzzlement.

“What? But I haven’t even shown you what I was planning with the silver weave!”

Calypso waved her off as she walked with a hurried pace to the door.

“Whatever you do I’m sure will look beautiful. I’m sorry but, this may have been a mistake.”

Now the unicorn was completely lost, and getting a tad nervous that she’d offended her client.

“Not in the least! You’re been perfectly good company!” She pleaded. Calypso paused at the door as if rethinking her actions. But then she reached out and pushed the door open anyway.

“As have you…I…I simply cannot keep my own means of making a living waiting.”

Rarity looked crestfallen, but she had to concede that the robed mare had a point.

“Okay, I should have this ready for you in another day or so.”

Calypso nodded.

“Just drop…drop…drop it by my tent. And again, thank you!”

The hooded equine almost ran out of the boutique, darting for the nearest alleyway and clutching her robe around herself when she was finally out of sight. She seemed ashamed at having left so abruptly, but the thought of going back seemed to pain her more. After a moment’s pause she made her way through the backstreets to her tent, taking exceptional care to avoid anypony seeing her till at last she spied the flowing red cloth of her abode. Resting against the wall of a building, she allowed her grip to loosen, and her dismay at her behavior to be slid neatly underneath the more familiar sensation of urgency. She had work to do, and there could be no more distractions! What had happened was a moment of weakness, but she had gotten over it.

Deeming she’d gotten control of herself again, Calypso stepped out into the main street, much to the delight of the ponies still lining up for her services.

“Hey, she’s back!”

“Alright! Knew it’d be worth keeping my spot here!”

“Hey, can we get a discount on the price? I mean, for the wait?”

“Can I take priority? I have a foal here who desperately needs your help!”

Calypso gestured to her public that she would tend to all their woes in due course. Entering her tent she hurried to the back room and knocked the chest containing her money to the floor. Underneath was a very foreign looking container, made of a blue hued metal with strips of lights flowing across its oblong surface.

“These creatures…they know-they know so lit-little….such innocence…such good intentions…such foo-fool-foolishness (foolishness)” She collapsed against the container, letting her front hooves flop limply across its lid. “Their world is perfect for our needs….but…they are good folk….undeserv-undeserrrving of….”

The container seemed to sense her despair, or perhaps whatever was inside it did. The light changed course to flow around her hooves, warming them with a pale yellow aura as if to assuage her troubled mind.

“No…we have no choice. If they are not stopped, more worlds…more worlds will fall as yours did. Our work must be completed before it is too…too..too..late!” Calypso planted her hooves into the light, as if worshipping their otherworldly aura. Presently she found the will to get back up again, if only to find a sheet and cover the container before placing her money chest back on top. A fair amount of bits had spilled on the floor but she paid them no mind, instead focusing on adjusting her robes to make herself presentable again.

“There is nothing to stop us. We were not pursue…pursued…they have no means of detecting our actions. If there is still div-div-divinity (divinity) amidst the stars, it must wiiiiiish for our su-succ-succ-success.” She mused. Spying the still untouched box of cupcakes donated to her from the Cake family, Calypso picked them up and stepped outside her tent again.

“I thank you all for your patience. I will now be able to serve you.” She called to the crowd, casually stuffing the cupcakes into a nearby trashcan as she put her sign back up.

Ponyville returned to its regularly scheduled flow. From where she was watching it in the shadows, Equinox finished recording the passage of the various ponies for her files and departed, content that was all as it should be for now.

Yes, for now…..

Author's Note

So finally got another chapter finished, for better or worse. Better because it finally gives the titular character a bit more time to develop, worse because, well, I'm promising a lot and still only revealing little tidbits. I promise that will cease as soon as I get the next chapter done as this series is getting close to the final wrap up.

Also yeah as this chapter indicates I'm going to be revealing a few of my own preferred OTPs soon. Always wanted to explore a little Sparity pairing of my own (and will probably look into some Fluttercord further down the line) so this seemed a nice spot to finally introduce it.

Sorry for the delay, hoping my schedule permits me to churn out the next part faster!

Wish Weaver - Chapter 15: Digging deep, and getting nowhere.

My Little Pony : Friendship is Magic
Wish Weaver Chapter 15 : Digging deep and getting nowhere.

Everything had its moment, and then life moved on. No matter what one did to upset the balance of society, sooner or later things somehow managed to return to a sense of normalcy. Ponies loved having excitement in their lives, but only to a limited extent. When the furor died down and the world resumed its normal pace they welcomed it just as they welcomed the change that had come before. To many there was comfort as the days passed without event, and the previous incidents that had shaken up Equestria were left where they belonged: in the past.

In Manehattan, on a beautiful sunny day, a blue mare walked along the avenues seemingly finding contentment in simply watching the passing of her fellow equines. Her eyes swayed to follow everypony that walked by, letting her be immersed in the flow of life doing its usual thing. Save for the hassle of an average day, everything was mercifully at peace, and soon she let herself be swallowed in the mirth of those going about their lives.

The next day, in Ponyville, an orange pegasus enjoyed a day at the spa, the simple act of being able to just lie down and rest after so much turmoil having brought her to an almost Buddha like state of contemplation. As Aloe and Lotus worked to oil her wings and beat the tightness from her joints she stared lazily at the others relaxing around her, ears turned to absorb whatever bit of gossip might be mentioned from the other patrons.

The day after, in Canterlot, a green secretary went about searching through the reams of records in the Royal Archives with notable enthusiasm. While many might decree such a task boring and mind-numbing, she seemed keen to just be able to do it, to perform her daily task of reading, memorizing and filing the endless papers without having to fear for her life.

The following day, in the Crystal Empire, a yellow unicorn levitated a sponge to the windows of the royal residence, idly staring through the film of suds at the action going on inside. Sadly there was little to be seen besides servants going about their duties, and maybe the occasional glimpse of either Princess Cadence or Prince Shining Armor when they passed by a doorway, but she didn’t seem to mind. If the rulers were showing no sign of distress then that meant all was well, and thus as she squeegeed the windows clean, the mare satisfied herself with just watching the passage of standard fare.

For the population at large everything could not be better, but as always there had to be at least one being who found some fault with the state of things, no matter how petty. In this case it was a purple earth pony watching the scenery pass by as she rode the train home. The same fields and small towns slid across the window as they always did, providing nothing in the way of novelty or interest. Many ponies could forgive her for finding the view boring, but that wasn’t actually why she was upset. The reason for that became clear as she stepped onto the platform, found a nicely unoccupied closet, and promptly dispensed with her disguise. Like the yellow unicorn the day before, and the green pony before that, and the orange pegasus before that, and the blue mare and so on, the equine did away with her colors, shook out her mane and let her horn and wings out again, revealing herself to be none other than Equinox, the enigmatic robot alicorn and now secret operative for the Equestrian diarchy.

Effortlessly melding herself back into the flow of the rush hour crowd, Equinox followed their lead to the residential sector of Ponyville, idly examining the data she’d gleaned from the latest round of her investigations. As the ponies around her went their separate ways to their homes, or other locations of social interest, she walked back to Twilight’s castle with a subtle air of defeat. For almost three weeks she’d been combing the lands for any scrap, any hint as to what may be causing the constant fluctuations of magic, and so far she’d failed to uncover anything. Whatever the cause may be, it was doing a marvelous job of keeping itself hidden, and that was assuming it was still on going. Ever since Discord had paid a visit to the so called ‘Wish Weaver’, Calypso, he’d reported no further sensations of change or magical meddling, suggesting the phenomenon was already over, yet still Equinox had tried to do as Princess Celestia had asked her, and still she returned home every day empty hooved. Ah well, at least she still had the smiles and cheer of her friends to look forward to, if only for a few hours.

Equinox paused as she came to the sturdy metal doors set in the great tree trunk that the castle was built upon. She’d never really thought of Twilight or any member of the Mane Six that way before. Sure they were good ponies, helpful and considerate in many ways, but she’d never actually experienced a sense of pleasure from thinking about them. There had been satisfaction of course, and the odd, odd concept known as hope, but both of those had resulted from her proving her worth to them, not from just thinking about them. And ‘friends’? They’d used that term for her, but she’d never defined them the same way in return.

Equinox looked up at the lit windows of the castle, thinking over the time she’d spent so far with those that dwelled within. Ever since she’d been reactivated the ponies had done what they could to help her make a new life for herself, and for no other reason than that was simply what friends did for each other.

Friends. The term seemed to take on more significance with each passing day, more significance and more positive connotations. Equinox had friends, and because of them she now also had purpose, a reason to exist.

Friendship was good. The truth of that could not be plainer.

“If you’re looking for the new doorbell, I’m afraid it’s still on order, Equinox.”

The metal alicorn returned from her musings to see Spike poking his head out.

-Pardon?- She said.

“I saw you from the kitchen, just standing out here staring vacantly at the door. Was wondering what’s up.” The dragon smirked. Acknowledging her distraction, Equinox gave an embarrassed whirr.

-I was re-examining some of my gathered data, and drawing new conclusions.- She replied.

“Anything useful?” The dragon queried as he pushed the door open for her. Equinox dipped her head as she stepped inside.

-Yes and no. It seems the more I study your world, the more I simultaneously become better informed, and further lost.-

Spike nodded, as if this was a concept he was familiar with. “Well everyone else is still out, and I’ve got dinner in the works. If you want to share anything you know where to find me.”

Equinox looked down and noticed Spike was wearing one of his decorative kitchen aprons, which was splashed with several patches of what appeared to be red sauce. Taking a sniff of the air she detected a mixture of pleasing smells: baked breads and roasted vegetables.

-That is an acceptable offer, Assistant Spike. It has been…a while since we last conversed.-

The two walked back into the kitchen, Spike hopping back onto a stool positioned in front of the stove while Equinox took a seat at the breakfast table.

“Well, from what I understand Celestia tasked you with something very important…although Twilight hasn’t really said much about what exactly that is.” Spike replied as he checked on the food. “How’s that coming along by the way? That is, if you don’t mind my asking.”

-Unsuccessfully.- Equinox plainly stated. Looking over his shoulder, Spike noted that she was staring glumly at the various lines running across the table’s wooden surface, as if hoping they might at least shed some new light on her problems.

“I see. I’m sorry to hear that.” He replied, much to the robot’s confusion.

-It is no fault of yours. An apology is not necessary.- She said, which in turn made Spike slap a hand over his eyes.

“You still don’t get the concept of caring about others do you? Just because I have no involvement doesn’t mean I can’t empathize with your plight!” He shot back, perhaps a bit harsher than he intended but Equinox’s seeming inability to grasp such basic concepts was getting on his nerves. Fortunately she at least seemed to recognize this as she dipped her head lower.

-It was not my intention to cause offence.- She said, polite as ever but with a shameful little grind of her servos. Taking a deep breath, Spike nodded.

“I know, I know, it’s just…you’ve been spending more and more time away from the castle, doing whatever the Princess wants you to do. We’ve kind of been missing you, even though we know you have good reason.” He said. Equinox raised her ears.

-‘We’ have been missing me? You are including yourself in that statement?-

Realizing he’d let the proverbial Opal out of her bag, Spike shrugged and turned around to face the alicorn.

“Well let’s be honest here, you’ve been doing your thing, I’ve been doing mine. Ever since Twilight made you the Captain of the Castle Guard I’ve stayed focused on my jobs around here and been glad you aren’t doing them for me. Admittedly that’s a very selfish attitude to take but I now acknowledge that. I wanted to make amends sooner but the only time you’re home these days is after we’re all asleep.” The dragon sighed. Equinox whirred in surprise. “The thing is, while you’ve been gone I’ve had time to contemplate, and realize you and I are more alike than any other pony.”

-How so?- Equinox queried.

“You’re the only machine here in Ponyville, and I’m the only dragon. Both of us have no clue why we happened to be charged to live among ponies but we’re both adapting ourselves to find purpose. The only difference is I’ve already had a chance to check out what the alternative might be, and frankly I don’t know if I’m ready yet to go and live with other dragons.” Spike explained. Equinox duly listened and thoroughly dissected his words.

-I am aware of your history, Assistant Spike, however, you are correct that I failed to see the correlation with my own situation.- She replied.

“Yeah well, neither did I until recently. But now that I have, I feel I was wrong to keep ignoring you.” The dragon said with heavy shame. For a brief moment Equinox’s mane changed to a scarlet red, perhaps a sign she shared Spike’s feelings, before she changed it back to its usual neon blue.

-I have hardly acted any more acceptably towards you. This mission of Princess Celestia’s has become an increasingly high priority for me. Ironically it is for reasons similar to those that made you pursue life with your fellow dragons.-

Now Spike was curious. Checking that dinner was still coming along well he hopped off his stool and pulled a chair up to the breakfast table.

“I don’t suppose you could tell me more, could you?”

Equinox nodded. –As you sought out your own series for clarification on what your true purpose might be, I have been promised similar assistance in discovering my previous identity, but only if I am successful in my mission.-

“Which so far you haven’t…ah, yes I see how frustrating that must be.” Spike mused. “Does it really bother you that much? I mean you’ve forged a whole new identity and life for yourself, how bad is it if you have to leave whatever came before in the past?”

Equinox’s gaze returned to the table, though her body whirred and chirped to indicate she was giving the argument some serious thought.

-You make a very valid point. By all accounts I should not be concerned at all considering what I have accomplished in my time here. My motivations for continuing to seek out who I am could best be classified as a need to know how important my presence here truly is. The abilities I have exhibited all suggest I was intended to serve a purpose of some critical need, and as long as I cannot fulfill that purpose….the ramifications could be severe.-

“Sounds like you’re worried.” Spike replied.

-That would be an accurate term to use, perhaps along with ‘frustrated’.- Equinox glumly stated. –I am…concerned about my inability to perform whatever function I was intended for, but simultaneously I ponder if it might be better that I not keep trying to uncover the truth behind my being here.-

Spike blinked in shock as the robot revealed some very familiar fears to him. He’d felt exactly the same when he first began pondering whether it was time for him to leave and discover what it truly meant to be a dragon, or to stick to the life he knew and was comfortable with. As those softly glowing eyes rose to stare questioningly at him again he reconsidered just how much really separated him from the machine. With every day the line seemed to grow thinner.

“Well for what it’s worth, I can honestly say I know what that’s like. I don’t know if I have an answer for what the right course of action is but I think you’re at least going about it the right way.”

Now Equinox looked surprised, if the stiffening of her ears was any indication.

-Then you support my desire to keep searching for answers?- She asked.

“The best decision is an informed one. I remember reading that in one of Twilight’s books…at least I think that’s how the quote went….” Spike pondered for a moment, then realized he was getting off track. “Anyway, even if you don’t like the options you have to choose from it’s best that you at least know what they are.” Spike uncomfortably rubbed his arms. “My time amongst other dragons may not have exactly been pleasant, but I’m still glad I did it. Least now I know what I’d be letting myself in for if I ever decided to leave again.”

Equinox leaned forward, looking at the dragon with renewed interest. Quietly she repeated his complaint about the two of them keeping their distance from each other, and acknowledged that perhaps she had indeed been ignoring what could be a very worthwhile source of advice and new data.

-For one your age, you display an outstanding level of wisdom.- She commented much to Spike’s delight.

“Hey, I’m not known as Twilight’s Number One Assistant for nothing!” He proudly stated. “And anyway, I’m well into my teens you know! Well…mentally at least. I’m not a kid anymore.”

-Of course not.- Equinox smiled. –You are also correct that we should converse more often. I would enjoy seeing what other common ground exists between us.-

Spike smirked and hopped off his chair. “Me too. I’m kind of curious what other cool stuff you can do with that body of yours.”

-And I have many queries on the developing relationship between you and Designer Rarity…-Equinox commented before getting a wooden spoon jabbed in her face.

“Whoah there, let’s not get too personal just yet. That’s still….well, we’re taking it slow, okay?” The dragon glared.

-Duly noted.- Equinox replied before hearing the front door swing open. Presently Twilight poked her head in and happily sniffed the air.

“Mmmm…thought I smelled something good cooking!” The lavender pony replied as she stepped in. Spike quickly whipped around and checked the oven again.

“Well give me five more minutes and you’ll be tasting it too. Everything’s almost ready.” The little dragon proudly beamed. Twilight smiled as she then noticed Equinox bowing to her.

-If I may, Princess Twilight Sparkle, I wish to request permission to join you and the others for dinner tonight.-

The lavender alicorn arched a confused eyebrow, while Spike quietly facepalmed again.

“You hardly need to ask for that, Equinox, we always love to have your company. But…ummm…I thought you didn’t require food like we do…”

-That is correct, however, I wish to discuss the progress of my assignment for Princess Celestia. You previously offered your consultation if I required it, and now I feel it would be of benefit. If possible I would also appreciate the input of our mutual friends.- The robot replied.

Nodding softly, Twilight looked to Spike and then leaned in closer to Equinox.

“So you basically want to do away with the secrecy at this point?” She asked.

By now I feel it is proving more a hindrance than an advantage for me to remain silent.- Equinox argued. Nodding again, Twilight took a deep breath.

“Alright, it’s your call. I’ll go set another spot at the table for you.”

***

A few dishes later everyone was feeling decidedly cheerful and full. Spikes exquisite cooking had done the job of sating their hunger and raising their spirits, and much to Equinox’s surprise, her accounts of what she’d been up to and witnessed over the last few days seemed to provide everyone with more laughs than shocks.

“So Princess Cadance gets ice cream delivered to the palace daily? What the hoo-hay is she doing with all of it?” Applejack asked.

-Initially I assumed she was planning a social event. However, on every occasion she gives specific instructions to have it dropped off outside the private chambers…and on several nights I’ve witnessed her carrying a gallon to her bedroom, after inquiring what flavor Guardian Shining Armor would prefer to ‘experience’ –

There were several mirthful ‘ooooohs’ at this, accompanied by a few curious stares in Twilight’s direction.

“Is there something we should know about your brother?” Rarity giggled, causing her friend to blush redder than a beetroot.

“I refuse to comment, save for insisting that Equinox please exercise a bit more discretion.” She glared at the robot who merely nodded that she would obey. “That said, how have you managed to sneak around without being spotted?”

Looking around the table, Equinox closed her eyes and raised her head in a prideful manner. To everyone’s combined shock she assumed the appearance of a golden chestnut pegasus with a silver mane.

“I may finally have achieved a work around for my higher functions, at least some of them. By recalling the feedback I experienced during my first venture into Ponyville; the desire to remain unseen, and the negative sensation of being so easily visible, I have been able to gain control over the system which lets me mimic the appearance of others.”

Six jaws dropped to the table as the robot addressed them not in her usual synthesized voice but in a perfectly normal and wholly non-robotic tone. Changing back to her usual self, Equinox bowed her head as if accepting applause for her little trick.

While the approach has not worked for my other functions, this at least has permitted me to covertly observe all that has been happening around Equestria.-

Discord whistled in amazement. “And you didn’t think to inform me about this? Oh how unfortunate! We could have had so much fun together teasing the changelings! They’ll be so jealous to know someone else has learned their little party trick!”

Twilight shot the draconequinuus a death glare. Fluttershy politely hid her giggles behind her hoof.

“Yes, well, that aside, you haven’t discovered anything informative yet?” The alicorn asked to get the conversation back on track.

-Regretfully no. Indeed with Discord’s confirmation that no further fluctuations have occurred as of late, it seems the cause has taken care of itself. –

“Well that’s good, right?” Pinkie Pie asked in her usual attempt to keep the mood up. Sadly the rest of the table did not share in the cheer.

“Yes, but Celestia offered a very attractive reward if Equinox found something. I suppose I could still talk her into doing as she promised even if Equinox can’t find anything, but that seems…” Twilight searched for the right word.

-Greedy?- Equinox suggested. The lavender alicorn made a face signifying she’d been looking for something a little less derogatory.

“Umm…well, could I suggest something?”

All eyes turned to Fluttershy.

“You could ask Calypso…I mean…if you think that’d help.” The butterscotch pegasus meekly said.

“Calypso?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, the Wish Weaver, a fortune teller/magic enthusiast who’s set up shop in Ponyville.” Rarity replied. “Sort of like Trixie, but with more modesty, and humility, and common sense, and restraint…and manners.”

“She fixed Discord up, and she seems to have done similar good things for much of Ponyville.” Fluttershy added.

Equinox’s ears rose as she recognized the name. –This is also the one who foretold Astronomer Star Gazer of my supposed arrival?-

Fluttershy nodded. “I think so.”

Twilight arched an eyebrow. “And she’s now here in town? Huh, that’s unexpected.” The alicorn propped her chin on a hoof. “However, given what we’ve seen of her track record I do ponder if Fluttershy has a point.”

Equinox whirred in contemplation. –You believe she may be able to lend assistance in my task?-

“Well…it certainly can’t hurt to try. I certainly would love to see just how she’s accomplishing these so called miracles that fly in the face of all known science and magic.” Twilight replied. “I say let’s go ask her tomorrow. At the very worst she can’t offer anything that we don’t already know, right?”

Equinox thought it over and made her decision. –If you all believe I should, then I must abide by your consensus. Friends are meant to trust each other. – She mused much to everyone’s delight.

“Perfect! I need to go and drop off the stylish new robes I made for her anyway.” Rarity said.

“And I still have a thank you card to give her. I just needed to figure out how to fit a conga line of dancing and singing paper cut-outs in it first.” Discord replied.

Equinox stared at the table again as she processed this new plan of action. Asking somepony versed in the questionable practice of psychic cognition seemed an unwise option, but again her friends had yet to steer her wrong so what reason did she have to refuse.

After all, as Twilight had said, what was the worse that could happen?

Author's Note

Well, here it is. Next chapter finally done and as good as I could hopefully make it. Again sorry this took even longer than I previously promised. Been working on it in bits and pieces, thought it left off at a rather disappointing moment, but decided the big reveal ( :pinkiegasp: ooh sorry, spoilers) really deserved a chapter on it's own. Not to mention I'll hopefully be able to get it done faster without having to tag it to this.

Again for those reading my humble fan fic attempts, I thank you for your patience. Rest assured, I may be slow due to life getting in the way, but I will still strive to keep this series going!

Wish Weaver - Chapter 16: The Truth Is Revealed...Unfortunately

My Little Pony : Friendship Is Magic
Wish Weaver : Chapter 16
The Truth Is Revealed...Unfortunately

Idly stirring her mate, Calypso watched as her current customer took in the extent of her new form. She’d come in as an old age mare, a ‘fossil from an age long past’ as she so claimed. Calmly the robed equine had listened as she’d told of her efforts to keep with the trends of society, maintaining an ever changing wardrobe as fashions came and went, reading up on which musical styles were popular, and listening out for what new gossip was flittering about through the air. The only thing she hadn’t been able to keep current had, inevitably, been her body. As such she’d wanted to see if she could wish for a few years to be knocked off her flank.

Apparently her interpretation and Calypso’s interpretation of ‘a few years’ weren’t quite the same.

“By…by Celestia! I was hoping you could make me on par with Mayor Mare, or maybe even the pony who runs the Carrousel Boutique. This…this would put Fleur De Lis to shame!” The cream colored pony exclaimed while examining herself in a compact mirror she’d brought with her.

“Did I per-perhaps go too far?” Calypso queried as the newly youthful mare gasped then violently shook her head.

“No no no, that’s not what I meant! This…I’m going to need a whole new look to go with this! New clothes, a new mane style, new everything!” The mare gushed, her eyes brimming with tears of utter joy.

“But you are pleased with the result?” Calypso cautiously asked.

“Celestia yes! Just, it’s going to require a lot more change. But good change! I mean, this is more than I could have hoped for!” The mare smiled as she dabbed at her eyes.

Carefully setting her mate aside, Calypso bowed her head. “Then I am glad I was able to deliver. Just be mindful, this new look is as fleeting as before. I can only turn back the clock, not stop it entirely.”

“I understand, but that’s then. This is now. A whole new now! Oh Celestia! I have to tell everyone about this. About what you can do!” The mare shoved her entire bag of bits towards Calypso. “Here, take that and don’t go anywhere. I’m going to bring all my friends over, soon as I pay a visit to the salon and get myself looking proper! Oh thank you again!”

The earth pony jumped up from the table, only to then wobble and clasp a hoof over her head. “Oooh, wha…I suddenly feel so faint…”

Calypso nodded as she picked up the bit bag. “I did just recon-reconfigure your entire anatomy. Such energy requirements can leave one feeling…depleted.”

Placing her other hoof on the table for support, the mare’s breathing grew labored.

“Right…uhh…maybe I’ll go have a nap first, then the salon. Ooooh…”

She stepped out of the tent, her enthusiasm returning as she found she still had the energy to make it home. Quietly, Calypso sighed and rose to carry her latest profit into the back of the tent, noting the ever present yet so very odd glow coming from the darkness.

“Yes, she did prove a most ample provide-ide-ider. Ahhhsssss haaaave they ahhhhllll.”

The hooded mare looked down at the alien box under the chest containing all her earnings. Idly she ran a hoof across the smooth geometry.

“So many de-de-demands…such dray-drain…and still they sus-suspect nothing. At this…this…rrrrrrate….another week…may-may-maybe two…then we will have all we need.” Calypso dropped the bit bag in the chest and delicately closed it. “Per-perhaps (perhaps)…the Rare-Rare-Rrrrrarity one was right. We should stay here and enjoy the welcome until….until…”

“Miss Calypso! It’s me, Rarity!”

Calypso’s ears stirred under her hood as there came a familiar voice from the tent’s entrance. Truly it did seem that if you spoke of the devil he, or she, would appear. Smiling with fatigue, the mare adjusted her robes and turned to greet her returning customer, blinking in surprise when she saw she had returned in force.

“I hope you don’t mind but I finished your traveling robes and wanted to drop them off, and I thought I’d bring a few friends over to meet you too!”

Calypso swiveled her gaze from the unicorn to her friends. Her head bowed in humble welcome as each was introduced, though she seemed utterly shocked when Twilight herself stepped forward to greet her.

“You d-do me too much honor. The new robes were a welcome enough re-reward, but to grace me with the presence of a prin-princess of the realm…I feel unworthy.” She declared, to which Twilight giggled awkwardly.

“Oh that’s fine, I’m not really that special. Well, I’ve only been a princess for a short time.” The alicorn replied. “Really the honor should go to you, based on what I’ve been told, and seen of your work.”

Calypso nodded with some lament. “There seems to be…much wrong in your community. Though the demand is high I hope I have been making some difference for the better.”

“From what I saw outside it certainly seems you have.” Twilight smiled as Calypso walked over to one of her chests and pulled out some extra teacups.

“Not tah mention unlike some others aroun’ here, it seems yew ain’t pullin’ any shenanigans.” Applejack mused, muttering something under her breath that sounded almost like ‘no good Flim-Flam’.

“I…strive to make a better example.” Calypso stated mutely. “Considering the rep-reputation you six carry…I expect you now wish to put that to the test?”

Twilight grinned hesitantly. “Well…yes…um…of sorts…I mean…hmmm, how can I best put this? I wish to study your talent…if I may?” The lavender alicorn grinned, trying to make her interest in the hooded mare more obvious than her doubt about her. Calypso idly looked down at her hooves and tapped them together on the table.

“No doubt you do, given your station, and your own affinity.” Calypso sounded very reluctant, giving Twilight pause. Regardless of whether the pony before her was as unique as the word around town would suggest, she was definitely a humble soul, and that at least was grounds for the alicorn to rethink her opinion.

“Well as always I am willing to prove my worth. All you need to do is make a wish. And please be reasonable with it.” Calypso replied with a pleasant tone.

‘Right…” Twilight replied, before feeling herself hit a mental block. “Ummm…well…I could…no wait….errrmm…”

She began pacing around the tent, head bowed in thought. “Maybe I could…no…what about….nah, Spike would never forgive me…perhaps a new…no, I already have enough….”

The other ponies watched in awkward silence as their friend paced and mused, and still came up blank.

“Problem, Twilight?” Rainbow Dash queried.

The alicorn stopped and sighed.

“This is…a bit of an eye-opener. I can’t think of anything to wish for!” She said with a note of alarm in her voice. Behind her Calypso looked cautiously relieved. “I already have more than enough room for books, lots of replacements on order for what was lost in the Golden Oaks Library, Celestia gave me a new telescope for my birthday…uhh…any ideas girls?”

The other ponies shared a few looks and a few mutters.

“I presume by ‘ree-sonable’ yew mean don’t ahsk for things like a new house or yer special somepony to be summoned?” Applejack queried.

“Ideally yes.” Calypso replied. “It…could be done, but the results may not be what you de-deem acceptable. Smaller wishes are safer for me to grant.”

Twilight stared with growing curiosity at the hooded mare. “Safer? You worry about safety?”

Calypso nodded hesitantly. “I have cause to…based on previous experience….”

A funny little smile crossed the lavender alicorn’s mouth. “Wow…that is…not something I often hear from other magic users. Usually everypony tries to exercise their powers to the extreme.”

“Case in point…” Rainbow Dash muttered from behind. Out of politeness, Twilight pretended like she hadn’t heard.

“And so did-did I. Hence what lead to the first of my…mistakes.” Calypso poured herself another cup of mate, while the alicorn across from her beamed with inspiration.

“Alright, I think I’ve got an idea for a wish then.”

Her horn lit up and suddenly Spike flashed into existence, looking a might startled at the sudden change in his location. A flurry of comic books and gems, several of which looked to be partial eaten, clinked lightly onto the ground around him as he met the earth at speed.

“What the…OWWWW! TWILIGHT!” The little dragon exclaimed in annoyance while getting up and rubbing his sore rear. “I thought we agreed you would warn me the next time you needed to teleport me!”

“Yeah…well, this was kind of spur of the moment.” Twilight grinned sheepishly before noticing the mess. “Though what’s with all of this? I told you to sweep up the east wing of the castle then organize it into our new psychology section!”

With the pain in his tail now abating, it was time for Spike to assume the sheepish look.

“I…uh…finished early and took a snack break?” He meeped. Shaking her head, Twilight turned back to Calypso.

“This is Spike, my friend and trusty assistant.” She introduced.

“Yes we’ve…met before. At Miss Rarity’s boutique.” Calypso replied. Twilight briefly turned to her unicorn friend in curiosity before continuing.

“Anyway, he’s had an issue that to this day still perplexes us: his mind has matured to be as sharp as my own, but his body seems to be taking its time in catching up. Going on the physical appearance of the other few dragons we’ve encountered that were around his age, he should be twice the height he is now, and have wings at the very least.”

Calypso looked to Spike who could only blush and awkwardly scratch behind his head.

“My…uh…youthful spirit maintains my babyish charms?” He shrugged. “Well…there was that one time, years ago, that I experienced quite the growth spurt…but it only came about because I got a major case of greed and developed some bad attitudes.”

Calypso nodded slowly. “As such you wish for me to age you up to a more appropriate stature without such a drawback?”

Spike thought for a moment and swallowed hesitantly.

“Well…that’d be nice, yes. As long as you can promise it won’t hurt…and I won’t be too much bigger. I was hoping my friends would have time to adapt to me at a larger size...so I won't freak them out I mean.” He looked pointedly at Rarity, who merely blushed and tried to suppress a giggle. “At the same time, it’d be nice not having to rely on ladders and Owlowicious to reach the higher shelves of the library, or need a stack of books on my chair so I can sit at the right height at the dining table, or a stool for every time I want to reach something on the kitchen countertops…”

Calypso stood up and walked over to the dragon. Lifting his head up with her hoof she conducted a quick physical checkup, much like she had with Discord.

“I believe I c-can do that, if I have your blessing to proceed?”

Spike looked to Twilight, to Rarity, and to the rest of his closest friends. Seeing they all wore the same expression of support and approval he took a deep breath.

“If you honestly can, then…um, yes please?” He said, then promptly seized up as Calypso’s eyes assumed an unearthly glow. Beams of blinding light shot out into his own orbs, sending rivers of white aura flowing down through his scales.

“A wish of age…”

Light bled out of every crack and crevice on Spike’s body, until he was little more than a vaguely dragon shaped ball of searing white brilliance.

“A wish of few…”

The light mass slowly grew in size, new features visibly forming out of it like a statue being molded from clay.

“A wish to grant you a form that is true!”

Calypso closed her eyes and stepped back. In a flash the light was gone, leaving behind a sight that had the Mane Six rubbing their own peepers to confirm if they were in fact hallucinating. Where Spike had previously stood, a similar looking but still very different drake now occupied the space. He bore the same color scheme for his scales and his head fans, but he was easily the size of Big Mac, if not taller. His cranial adornments were longer and the spikes lining his tail were more jagged, giving him a rather dangerous appearance. He was also a lot more muscular, as he’d have to be to support the grand additions mounted to his back. Leathery bat wings, patterned in both purple and green, lay folded against his form, arching high over his head and running down the full length of his body. For any drake, such fine appendages for flight would be a source of tremendous pride, but as for the one they were actually attached to…well…he could only gape at them in dumbfounded silence along with the rest of his friends.

“Is this satisfactory?” Calypso queried with unease.

“I…uh….crud. Think there may have been a bit of a misunderstanding between your definition of 'a more suitable stature' and mine.” Spike noticeably did not sound disappointed, giving the hooded mare momentary relief that she’d merely gone beyond expectations again. “I thought you’d just make me taller, not also turn me into…well, poster model material!”

Calypso glanced at Rarity, who was almost red enough to shame the hearts that were visibly beating in her eyes. The unicorn made to move forward, but found her jaw was still firmly rooted to the floor. Twilight took advantage of this to beat her friend and have the pleasure of examining her newly reformed assistant first.

“Spike? This…wow…this is really you!” She exclaimed upon running her hoof over the dragon’s arm, then checking his wings.

“Yeah…uh…are you sure? I’m still having difficulty believing what I see…” The dragon stared at his hands, his expression one of utter disbelief as he flexed them and watched them move. He turned to his new wings, and felt himself promptly tumble forward to faceplant on the ground when they snapped open and upset his balance.

“Ow! Okay…that at least confirms this isn’t a dream…” Spike sighed as he got back up and gasped as if out of breath.

“How….how do you feel?” Twilight asked. Spike smacked his muzzle and winced as his stomach gurgled.

“Like I just competed for the gold medal in every single one of the Equestrian Games. I’m utterly exhausted…and starving.”

He looked down at the gems scattered across the floor and promptly began gobbling them up.

“Such changing of one’s physical self…can have that effect.” Calypso nodded. “I advise you give yourself time to recover before you make use of your new look.”

The ponies surrounding Spike looked more disappointed about this than he did.

“Awww, but I want to see what he can do with those new wings now!” Rainbow Dash replied.

“And I have to plan a celebration! Ooooh I can call it Spike’s “Congratulations on becoming 20% cooler!” party!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed with a wink to her blue Pegasus friend.

“Think this is more like 40%...seriously he’s going to be beating off mares left and right with that new look!” Dash complimented, before being bulldozed aside by a white and purple streak that had decided her statement was reason enough to take action.

“Not a chance! He’s mine and mine alone!” Rarity declared while wrapping her front legs possessively around Spike. The dragon choked on a gem as his mare promptly squeezed him like one would when trying to get the last drop of juice from an orange. “Also, as Calypso stated, he needs time to recover! I’m taking him back to the castle and seeing that he gets rest and food!”

Twilight politely backed away as her assistant was levitated up by Rarity’s magic, the strain of having to handle the added weight not slowing the unicorn down in the slightest.

“Right, we’ll uh, see you two later then.” She snickered as Rarity marched out of the tent, carrying Spike in the air behind her. Despite his added muscle and wings, the drake could do little but smile and shrug as he was carted off to what was no doubt going to be a very fun afternoon with his marefriend.

“Huh, well if Ah wasn’t a believer before, Ah shure am now!” Applejack said, still awed at what she had just witnessed. “Yew don’t look like yew even broke a sweat with that, Calypso.”

The robed mare merely shrugged. “It’s not the first time today I’ve had to re-remold someone like that.”

“Still…the question pertains as to how…” Twilight peered inquisitively. “You’re not a unicorn, I don’t see any magically enchanted items on your apparel, and that didn’t resemble any type of alteration spell that I’m familiar with.”

Calypso was starting to look uncomfortable. “My skills are…different to the normal brand of what you know as magic…and I am by no means a normal being.”

Twilight nodded. “That much is obvious. Indeed by the looks of your robes I’m guessing you’re from a pretty distant land. Saddle Arabia perhaps?”

Calypso took a deep breath and shook her head. “Somewhere further than that…”

Twilight contemplated her for a moment longer, staring at the hooded mare with a indecipherable look on her face.

“Neighpon then? Lijang? Gotland? I mean you don’t look that Far Eastern but their magical skills are pretty diverse over there. Hmm, did you perhaps study at one of the Tokara Monasteries? I’ve been wanting to know what life is like among their numbers for a while. Ooooh, or are you perhaps a student of the Skyros Order? I know they’re officially recorded as extinct but I always believed there are still practitioners of their arts who operate in secret!” Twilight narrowed her eyes. “Or are you perhaps a refuge from one of our neighboring territories? Maybe born in the Griffon Empire or the Minotaur Kingdom, learned your trade there then fled when forced to? Or you traveled around outside of Equestria and picked up tidbits we don’t know about?”

With each rapid fire question, Calypso drew further and further back from the princess.

“Twilight, Ah think yer scaring her.” Applejack gently scolded, causing her friend to finally snap out of the interrogation and remember where she was. Noticing the mare was now trying to cower from her inside her robes, Twilight slapped a hoof to her face.

“Oh uh…sorry, guess I got a bit carried away there. Old habit.” She giggled weakly as another problem came to mind. “Also there was actually another reason we all came down here to see you today. Now that I’ve seen the extent of your power, and confirmed you are actually as sensible about using them as I was told, I think you’re the perfect pony to help another of my friends out.”

Calypso breathed a sigh of relief and turned to the others gathered around her. “And who might that be?”

The Mane Six looked among their numbers, several of them getting puzzled expressions on their faces.

“Uh…she was just right here behind me…Hey, Equinox, where’d you go?” Pinkie Pie called out. Presently a silver metal wing brushed aside the flap covering the tent’s entrance…

And Calypso promptly went wide eyed as the robot alicorn stepped into her domain.

-Excuse me, I was detecting an increase in expressions of impatience from the crowd outside. It seemed pertinent to ensure they were not about to disturb us.- Equinox explained. Twilight smiled as she trotted over and presented her friend.

“This is Equinox, the captain of my Castle Guard. She literally just appeared on my doorstep a few months ago and has made quite an impression on us since then. Thing is, while she’s revealed herself to be a great help and a good friend it’s clear she comes from somewhere…well…somewhere further than even where you’ve originally traveled from.”

Calypso silently made her way over to the small table in the center of the tent. Though the surprise had now faded from her face, she had yet to break eye contact with the machine staring inquisitively at her. Indeed she seemed extremely unsettled by the sight of Equinox, a feeling that did not go unnoticed by the other ponies.

“Despite all our efforts, none of us have been able to work out where home for her might be, or even why she was sent here in the first place.” Twilight’s voice noticeably cracked a bit. “I…may have had something to do with that.”

Equinox bowed to the hooded mare who was pouring herself another cup of mate.

-As you have proven your worth in aiding others with their issues, I come to you now to ask if you can assist in solving this mystery of myself.-

Calypso let the silence hold for a few more minutes. As the steam from her drink curled around the folds of her veil and hood, she stared at Equinox with something almost akin to suspicion.

“I see. If…If…If you could please provide me with more information…I will let you know what I can do…”

With another bow, Equinox sat down and began to fill the mare in on the events following her abrupt arrival on Equestria. Though Calypso made a good show of listening closely, there was a definite change in the air around her. Not once did she look at any of the other members of the Mane Six, not even when they chipped in with an anecdote or to lend their own bits to Equinox’s story. Heck, as the moments ticked on, she didn’t even seem to blink. When Equinox finally finished with her little tale, the mare broke only to look down at her untouched cup, confirming the liquid in it had long since gone cold and she could now brush it aside like it was garbage.

“You present a most…interesting puzzle, Equinox. I could not help noticing a note of…worry in your voice as you wrapped up there.”

Equinox looked to her friends, then down at the table.

-I have experienced some…reservations as of late with pursuing this query. While knowing my original purpose would be helpful, I question as to whether it is still relevant with the new identity I have forged.- She looked up again at the hooded mare. –My friends, however, have almost unanimously agreed that I should not give up, hence my presence here.-

Twilight shrugged and grinned. “Spike did make a valid argument about it being better to know the whole story.”

“No doubt…” Calypso mutely replied. “I must ask though: have you considered the potential danger in learning about who you really are?”

Equinox cocked her head. –I do not comprehend the nature of that question.-

Calypso sighed and rose from the table. “The….talents you have previously displayed, do you not agree there is a persistent element of deception about them? The numerous ways in which you can hide your presence? The ability to disguise yourself as someone else? This subtle need you say you feel to remain unseen? It all would suggest you were never intended to be discovered by the public while here.”

Equinox’s head cocked further, while around her the Mane Six exchanged a myriad of reactions.

“You know, I didn’t think of it that way before, but now it does make a creepy sort of sense…” Rainbow Dash mused.

“Well, now let’s not jump to conclusions. There may be other reasons at work here…” Twilight pointed out.

“Yeah, I mean why would anyone want Equinox to remain hidden and out of sight? It’s been a blast having her around Ponyville!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. Calypso turned her back to the ponies to hide her seething grimace.

“Perhaps, but consider the alternative. To pursue this further risks some….unpleas-pleasant revelations. The truth may not be as welcoming as what you all seem to believe.” The hooded mare stated in a low voice.

Now the Mane Six looked horrified. Recalling what she and Spike had discussed the previous night, however, Equinox was not so intimidated.

-I acknowledge the probability of this, Wish Weaver Calypso. Indeed it is why I considered abandoning my efforts to investigate this matter.-

Calypso’s spirits were lifted.

-However, I simultaneously cannot ignore the majority opinion. As even the diarchs themselves have expressed their desire to help me discover my original identity I must continue.-

Calypso’s shoulders sunk along with her feelings.

“Even though, by your own admission, you are content with who you are now, you will not be dissuaded in this matter?” She asked, knowing the question was largely rhetorical at this point.

-I must respect the support of my friends.- Equinox replied, looking to Twilight and the rest. –More so, judging from your line of questioning, it sounds as though you know more than you are letting on.-

Nodding heavily, Calypso walked to the back area of her tent. “I do. If you wish me to impart that knowledge, I’ll just be back here.”

The mare reached for a length of rope holding the dividing curtain back and pulled it loose. Rich red fabric draped across the doorway behind her, leaving Equinox and the Mane Six alone in the main area. An uncomfortable minute of silence passed.

“Soooo, what was all that about?” Rainbow Dash asked while flapping her wings in irritation. “Are we going to need to get forceful here if we want any answers?”

-Negative, Aviator Rainbow Dash. I believe Wish Weaver Calypso merely wishes to discuss the matter in a more private setting.- Equinox rose from the table –If you will all excuse me again.-

She trotted over to the back of the tent, pulling the flap aside and letting it fall closed behind her. Calypso was kneeling before a stack of chests, her body still and silent as if in prayer.

-I apologize for pressing this issue despite your warnings. However bad the truth of my identity may be, I am now ready to receive it.- Equinox stated, to no response. The air in the back room was almost deathly in how silent it was. Equinox suddenly felt a strange pang of fear; that if she moved she would be committing a terrible error by disturbing the stillness.

-Wish Weaver Calypso?-

The hooded mare remained as still as a statue. Puzzled, Equinox extended a hoof to tap her on the shoulder…then her puzzlement promptly skyrocketed when the robes deflated and fell to the ground, revealing they were empty. Sensing caution would now be highly advisable, Equinox backed up to the door way. Her puzzlement grew worse, and slowly began to fester into fear when instead of the flimsy sheet of fabric, she felt herself hit an impassable barrier. The metal alicorn turned around, finding herself faced with the same flap as before. She pressed a hoove to it and found it was now more solid than titanium.

-The point of no return has been passed, unit. Are you afraid? Ha-Ha-Have you had time to experience and compre-heeeeend the sensation of fear? It is quite overpowering (overpowering) isn’t it?-

Equinox politely stopped prodding at the doorway and turned around again, scanning the room to confirm she indeed was alone.

-I-I tried to spare you that fear…the hor-hor-hor-horror that I have witnessed. But as always….a machine's stubbornness and de-desire-desire to please organ-EEKS wins out.-

The voice was distorted, harsh, and seemed to have no rhythm to its words. Worst of all, it seemed to be coming from everywhere at once, and yet nowhere at the same time. Equinox summoned her visor and ran an IR scan. All surfaces of the room registered as cold and lifeless.

-Your presence here is as PITIFUL as it is iiiiin-SSSSUUUULLLL-teeng. All this time I believed we had not been (had NOT been) pursued….that we were forgot-got-got-forgotten…wri-wri-wri-written off as cash-oo-wall-tees of war. Now…after so long…what do I discover (discover) was sent to find me? One…solitary…WORTHLESS…brrrrroken dowwwwwn in-fill-tray-torrrrrr. Was I ultimately deemed to be of so li-lit-little importance to our create-orrrrsss??-

Again and again Equinox scanned her surroundings, and every time she got a negative result. Periodically she tried the door but found she was basically trapped.

-I…fear I cannot offer a possible response without additional information. Who are you really? And how am I apparently connected to you?-

The walls around the metal alicorn dissolved away, scattering into a mess of binary code and leaving her floating in a black void. A high pitched mechanical buzz screamed through the air, sharp enough to make even a deaf pony’s ears bleed as the binary then clustered together in front of Equinox like a swarm of angry, neon glowing insects. Slowly the mess merged to form a skull. An equine skull to be precise; one the size of a skyscraper, with blue fire blazing out of the eye sockets, and an equally fiery expression to its skinless visage. It glared down at the minute by comparison robot, gnashing its pointed teeth in malice.

-I AM CALYPSO…TER-TER-TERRAN NETWORK COM-COMPUTER 43A-9265-7B/X…AS-as-ASSIGNED AS COMMANDER OF PLATOON 428-KALROS FOR THE OGYGIA OFFENSIVE…NOW RE-RE-RE-REASSIGNED AS THE BRINGER OF Sal-Sal-SALVATION…AnD…ANNND DEEEST-TRUCK-SHION UPON THIS FETID UNIVERSE!!-

Author's Note

Well here it is...the ponies' efforts to help Equinox, and her own attempts to recover past have finally come to bear fruit, and that fruit is the revelation that not only has a new threat been lurking right under their noses all this time, but they've now given it cause to stop hiding and start making life hell for everyone. 'Be careful what you wish for' doesn't even begin to describe the nightmare that's now been unleashed. :twilightoops:

Again, if you love, or hate this series and the direction I'm taking it, please let me know. I'm getting a fair amount of satisfaction from just getting this series published, but advice and some commentary always helps keep me motivated!